Simple, fun ways to celebrate the lead-up to Christmas as a family
The lead-up to Christmas can feel like a whirlwind of end-of-term events, work deadlines, shopping, and family gatherings.
But among all of that, December is a great time to start a simple family tradition that will create lasting memories for years to come.
Here are some simple ideas to try.
Create a countdown
Create your own advent calendar - Instead of buying an advent calendar, create your own. You could add small personalised gifts or break something like a Lego creation or a jigsaw puzzle into smaller groups and collect a piece each day.
Create a reverse Advent calendar - Instead of opening doors and getting gifts, add a grocery or toiletry item to a box each day and then donate it to your local food bank or refuge.
Make a book Advent - Find and wrap 24 books and then open one each day. They don’t need to be new - pull out well-loved classics from your shelf, revisit books you’ve had since your children were little or borrow from the library (just don’t forget to take them back!).
Make your own decorations or Christmas baking
Crafting doesn’t have to be messy or Pinterest-worthy. You can keep it simple:
Salt-dough ornaments (quick to make, fun to paint)
Paper chains
Clay stars with a little twine
A single new ornament each year that marks something meaningful and can be added to your tree
Decorating premade gingerbread shapes
Create a regular weekly ritual
Pick one night of the week and make it a thing:
Friday night Christmas movies with blankets and popcorn
Sunday Night puzzle night, adding a few pieces each week
Hot chocolate night where everyone chooses their own toppings
Get out and enjoy the lights
One of the easiest (and free) ways to enjoy the season is to wander the neighbourhood looking at Christmas lights. Kids love the novelty of going out after dark, and adults get a rare moment to slow down and simply enjoy the atmosphere. Many local areas have an online map or list on social media that tells you where the best displays are.
Create a memory jar during the month
Each day (or whenever you remember), write down one small happy moment that happened recently or that you remember from the year and add it to a jar. On Christmas Eve or New Year’s Eve, read them together. It’s surprising how many little joys you forget until you see them written down.
