Family Activities to Explore This Holiday Season

If your family is like most, you have a set routine for Christmas. Relatives come over, you have a big meal, you open gifts, and maybe you watch some basketball. While having a routine is great and can keep traditions going for years to come, they can also become a bit boring.

The good news is, there’s plenty of things you can do to spice up the Christmas season for your family this year. What’s more, you don’t have to spend any money (besides maybe buying some gas) for many of these activities! These activities are sure to create amazing memories that your kids will remember for the rest of their lives.

1. Go Light-Seeing

Depending on where you live, there may be multiple places for you and your family to see Christmas lights. Some neighborhoods coordinate and put up lights together for tourists to come see. Even some racetracks and sporting arenas display Christmas light shows for you to admire. If you can brave the cold, botanical gardens and similar attractions may have Christmas decorations that are well worth a walk!

If there aren’t too many places around you to go light-seeing, consider doing it yourself! Lights and decorations don’t have to cost an arm and a leg. In fact, you can find much of what you need at dollar stores and thrift shops. You and your family can decorate your home for others to admire this holiday season!

2. Give Back to the Community

While you and your family may enjoy spending time together, eating a delicious meal and opening gifts, it’s always important to remember that not everyone is so lucky. Homeless shelters are often packed during this time of year, and soup kitchens are always in need of volunteers.

Those who live in retirement homes often spend the holiday without their family. You can make Christmas less lonely by visiting a local retirement home and go caroling or just spending time with those who live there. Even shoveling snow from your neighbor’s driveway is a great way to give back and get into the spirit of the holiday!

3. Disconnect to Connect

Yes, it’s a cliche, but it’s important to disconnect from electronics and spend time with your family this year. If you can, turn off your phone and any other way you may be contacted by work or other distractions. Focus on the here and now. We promise, in 20 years your kids won’t remember what gifts they got, but they will remember spending quality time with you.

If you are getting your kids a gaming console this year, be sure to get a game you can all play together! Sports games tournaments are a great way to connect with your family, and games like Rock Band let everyone play at the same time to work toward a common goal.

These are just a few great ideas to start new traditions that are unique to your family and build lasting memories. If you loved ones who won’t be able to make it to your celebrations, a Christmas gift basket is a perfect way to show them you’re thinking of them. Explore our full line of gourmet gift baskets to find the perfect