December 9, 2021
From hanging decorations to whipping up cookies, there are countless experiences to keep everyone filled with the holly jolly spirit of the season
The holiday season has long been a time to reflect on the good things, connect with friends and family, and celebrate annual traditions. No matter how old you are, there’s something magical about those days leading up to Christmas morning that make even the most Grinch-hearted among us feel like little kids again. We’ve put together this list of fun holiday activities to do as a family for a memorable way to close out the year.
1. Hold a festive photoshoot. Gather the kiddos, furry friends and adults to dress up in your most festive fits for a holiday photo op. Aside from some guaranteed laughs, you can also use the best pictures for next year's holiday cards, or as thank-you cards for gifts this season.
2. Pick out a Christmas tree. While it’s completely acceptable to opt for a faux tree, you simply can't beat the smell of a fresh-cut pine, and taking a day trip to a tree farm creates some lasting memories, too. Cozy up, turn up the holiday jams, pack a thermos of hot cocoa and make a whole day of it. Once you’ve picked a winning tree, gather the family to decorate it with old and new ornaments.
3. Volunteer your time. The holiday season is the perfect time to count your blessings — and to remind the whole family to do the same. Choose from a myriad of centers, from nursing homes to soup kitchens to pet shelters, to start the season off with a grateful heart. Consider virtual options if you or your loved ones belong to a high-risk population.
4. Make a Christmas playlist. A festive playlist that features all your favorites — classics and modern tunes alike — is sure to get the whole family rockin’ around the Christmas tree. Set up your Smart Home Automation system to play on-demand tunes all throughout the month.
5. Have a bake-a-thon. What better way to sweeten up the season than with plenty of sugary delights? Baking cutout cookies, gingerbread men and houses, and other tasty treats on Christmas morning (or the days leading up to it!) fills your home with a delectable aroma and gives the kids something fun to do. You can even host a cookie swap to enjoy a variety of cookies while exchanging batches and recipes with friends or neighbors.
6. Connect with loved ones virtually. Now that we've become accustomed to video calling our friends and family, you can have even the most faraway loved ones join in on the fun. Make sure you have a reliable Wifi connection, so everyone can fully enjoy the festivities.
7. Craft some ornaments. Set up a crafting table to keep little ones entertained while the adults chat around the table and cook up a feast. Cut festive shapes out of felt, and have kids show off their creativity with pompoms, glitter, ribbon and other embellishments. They'll become treasured heirlooms as the years go on.
8. Watch holiday movies. From Elf to Home Alone to It’s a Wonderful Life, there are endless Christmas movies to enjoy with the family. Browse and queue up your favorite flicks by setting up your Contour TV service and your favorite streaming platforms for a festive movie marathon.
9. Marvel at holiday displays. Make some hot cocoa, pack some snacks and hop in the car to take a drive around town in search of the best Christmas light displays for some memorable family bonding. Some cities, towns and individual homes even have light displays that synchronize with music for a truly unforgettable experience.
10. Make and send Christmas cards. The COVID-19 pandemic has truly transformed the traditional social practices of the spirited season. Take special advantage of the 2021 holiday season’s slow return to normalcy and send a personal note to those nearest and dearest to you letting them know you’ve been thinking of them. Kids can also partake with their own crafty cards adorned with personalized creations.
