Celebrate the most wonderful time of the year with these holiday activities.
Make a Holiday Playlist
Make a holiday playlist before starting any Christmas activities.
Look at Christmas Lights
Take a drive or walk around the block to admire your neighbors' Christmas lights.
Credit:Rebekah Molloy
Craft an Annual Ornament
Craft an ornamentto remember this Christmas.
Make it a tradition to create an ornament with your loved ones each Christmas.
Annie Schlechter
4.
Credit:Annie Schlechter
Decorate a Tree
Putting up the treemarks the start of the Christmas season.
Host a Christmas Movie Marathon
Invite friends over to watch yourfavorite holiday movies.
Set up a projector and create a cozy spot in your living room to create a movie theater experience.
Credit:Nathan Kirkman
double-check to have plenty of hot chocolate and baked goods ready to graze on throughout the movie marathon.
Go to a Holiday Market
Christmas isn’t complete without a trip to your local holiday market or festival.
Shop for handmade ornaments, try any Christmas-themed games, and eat plenty of delectable holiday treats.
Credit:Kelsey Hansen
Or make an iced holiday drink as a midday pick-me-up.
Trypeppermint dessertsorparty appetizerseveryone will love.
Thrift Vintage Ornaments
Vintage Christmas decoris more popular than ever.
Credit:Ball & Albanese
This year, go thrifting for retro ornaments instead of buying new ones.
Swap out a classic holiday party for awhite elephant gift exchangethis year.
The bigger the group and sillier the gift, the better.
Credit:Jason Donnelly
Stick to a classic recipe, or add festive flavors like peppermint or hazelnut.
Try Ice Skating
Ice skating is another staple holiday activity.
Look for a local outdoor skating rink for an extra special outing.
Decorate Your Home
Whether you decorate before or after Thanksgiving, go all out this year withChristmas decor.
Read a Winter Book
Pick a holiday-themed book to read on cold winter nights.
If you feel ambitious, consider making multiple houses to create a smallgingerbread villageto display throughout the season.
Send Homemade Cards
There’s something special about receiving homemade cards and gifts.
Plus, they’re fun to make.
Spend an afternoon crafting customized cards to send to your loved ones near and far.
Reach out to local organizations to learn what types of gifts or items are needed.
Nathan Kirkman
18.
Craft a Garland
Make your own garlandfor your tree, mantel, or door frame.
Craft garlands using paper rings, homemade yarn tassels, and pom-poms for a playful, eclectic look.
Shop for Loved Ones
Take a day to shop for or make gifts for your friends and family.
If you’re stumped on what to get them, try baking their favorite yummy treats.
Get Creative with Gift Wrapping
Rethink how you decorate your gifts this year.
Wrap boxes in old newspapers for a vintage look, or use kraft paper and draw your own designs.
CraftDIY gift tags and bowsto top off the presents.
If you like bright colors, try using pink Christmas decorations.
If you’re a fan of patterns and prints, put amaximalist twist on Christmas decor.
Go Caroling
Caroling is a classic Christmas tradition.
Go Sledding
Channel your inner child and go sledding for a nostalgic snow day.
If you’re sore afterward, reward yourself with a cup of hot chocolate and a warm bath.
Buy Holiday Pajamas
Buy a pair of festive pajamas to wear on Christmas Eve.
Even better, get your whole family matching sets.
Then, on Christmas morning, take a picture of your group and re-create the photo every year.
For a fun twist, pick a theme for everyone to follow, like pocket-sized presents or homemade gifts.
Kelsey Hansen
26.
Decorate Christmas Cookies
Decorate delicious Christmas cookies with colorful frosting, sprinkles, and candy.
Wear an Ugly Christmas Sweater
The holidays are nearly the only time you’re encouraged to wear something ugly.
Complete a Christmas Puzzle
Puzzles are an inherently cozy activity.
Keep a holiday puzzle on hand to pass the time during cold winter days.
Make Paper Snowflakes
Turn your home into a winter wonderland by filling it withhomemade paper snowflakes.
Hang them from your ceiling or tree, or tape them to windows for a frosty effect.
While you’re at it, purchase additional tickets to gift to friends and family.
Document the Season
Make it a point to document your favorite activities and memories during the busy holiday season.
Visit or Call Loved Ones
The sweetest holiday memories are often spent with those we love.
Take time to spend with loved ones you don’t get to see or talk to often.
If you live far away, schedule a phone date with them.
Consider crocheting, painting, or pottery.
Or, if you’re not the artsy punch in, try puzzles, cooking, or reading.
Instead, plan a day trip for yourself or with friends.
Visit a small town and try their shops and restaurants.
(Bonus points if you complete any of these Christmas bucket list activities on your trip.)
Build a Snowman
There isn’t a whole song dedicated to a magical snowman for no reason.
This winter, put on your snow pants and boots and build a snowman in your yard.
Re-create Old Holiday Photos
Gather friends and family to re-create a childhood family photo.
see to it to bring the host a gift and acrowd-pleasing appetizerto share.
Try a New Soup Recipe
Cold nights call for warm soup.
Put atwist on classic chicken noodle soupwith ourMarry Me Chicken SouporBuffalo Chicken Souprecipes.
Ball & Albanese
39.
Hang Stockings
Hang your stockings in unexpected waysthis Christmas.
Group them all to one side of your mantel, or hang them on hooks on a banister.
To add a personal touch, craft DIY letters, tassels, and pom-poms to hang on your stockings.
Dress Up Your Pet
Don’t forget about your furry friends when dressing up for the holidays.
Dress your pet in a Christmas sweater or a headband with antlers.
check that to get a photo!
Make a Simmer Pot
Fill your home with warm and inviting smells bymaking a simmer pot.
Bring the water to a boil, then let it simmer on low for 2-3 hours.
Make a fire outside or use your wood-burning fireplace to roast marshmallows this Christmas season.
Make it a tradition to read the story each year in anticipation of the coming morning.
Make Reindeer Food
Gift the reindeer a yummy treat while Santa eats his milk and cookies.
The crackle of the vinyl record adds to the nostalgic Christmas atmosphere.
Jason Donnelly
46.
Make a Christmas Brunch
Instead of going all-out for Christmas dinner, make abrunch spreadinstead.
Include an assortment of pastries, fruit, butters, and jams.
Serve on a wood serving board for easy cleanup.
Visit a Christmas Tree Farm
Take an afternoon to visit a Christmas tree farm.
Bring a cup of cocoa or cider to keep you warm while you browse.
Try a New Christmas Drink
If you’re typically a hot cocoa person, try aglass of eggnogthis Christmas.
Or, mix up a funholiday cocktail.
Deliver Food to Neighbors
Consider sharing some of your holiday dishes with neighbors.
Gift a casserole,homemade bread, or a batch of cookies as a way to spread Christmas cheer.
