For most people, typical holiday plans will experience major adjustments this year. Public health and safety guidelines have curtailed holiday traditions like visiting extended family and attending Christmas markets. 
Fortunately, there are plenty of safe and unique holiday activities to do with the family to ensure everyone gets into the spirit this year.
Holiday Movie Marathon
Choose a night to snuggle up and binge the family’s favorite holiday films. There’s nothing that puts everyone in the holiday spirit quite like a Christmas movie. Make the viewing party extra jolly with festive pajamas and treats like hot cocoa, peppermint patties, and, of course, popcorn.
RELATED: The Ultimate List of Christmas Movies
Elf on the Shelf
Elf on the Shelf is a fun tradition that is sure to kick everyone into festive gear! The idea is that Santa sends one of his helpers to your home to confirm if your children belong on the nice list this year. The tradition encourages good behavior leading up to the holidays and is an entertaining way to involve the whole family.
Parents and older siblings set up the elf to meddle around the house with silly notes and props to get their children excited. You can purchase the trademark Elf on the Shelf or select a holiday-themed toy to do the job.
RELATED: Best Elf Movies on Netflix
HOST A FAMILY GAME NIGHT
For fun-loving families, a great way to keep the excitement up is to host a game night. There are lots of family-friendly games to choose from—charades, pictionary, pass it on, card games, and board games. To up the ante, prepare prizes and a customized trophy or plaque for the winner(s). Playing games together is a good way to bond and have fun safely in the middle of a pandemic. Everyone may even enjoy it so much that game nights may become a regular thing.
Give Back To Your Community
Incorporate giving back into your holiday traditions this year. Giving back to the community is an excellent way to teach your children the true meaning of the holidays—spreading joy and cheer.
Communicate the importance of giving back with your kids over the holiday season. Practice your selflessness and compassion as a family by sifting through toys to donate. A handful of great charities accept toy donations in addition to the standard clothing donations.
RELATED: Ways to Give Back as a Family This Holiday Season
DIY Crafts and Tree Decorating
It’s not the holidays without some festive décor! Assembling crafts and taking up DIY tree decorations are unique holiday activities to do with the family that will make your home look like a winter wonderland. You can try these kid-friendly projects to start your festive decorating:
- Popsicle-stick snowmen – All you need is popsicle sticks, cotton balls, and googly eyes. The rest of the snowmen’s attire is up to your family’s creative discretion.
- DIY snowflakes – Spruce up your home with some DIY snowflakes. You can use classic computer paper or utilize extra coffee filters to cut out these decorative flakes.
- Handprinted cardinals – Cardinals’ red coats make them hard to miss in the wintertime. Replicate these beautiful birds with some construction paper and kid-safe paint. Level up your decorating game by finding spots to place them throughout your Christmas tree.
