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Unforgettable 12 Days of Christmas Activities for Families

The holiday season is a time for family, love, and joy. The month of December and the Christmas season are a perfect time to create memories that will last a lifetime. We’ve got fun, family-friendly holiday activities for the 12 days of Christmas that will make your holiday season truly special.

What’s Inside:

Christmas Crafts for Families
Festive Games for Family Bonding
Baking and Decorating Christmas Cookies
Traditions to Pass Down Through Generations
Holiday Movie Nights for Cozy Gatherings
Festive Snowy Outdoor Adventures
Acts of Kindness and Giving Back
DIY Christmas Decorations

From creative Christmas crafts and games to traditions and giving back, there is something for everyone. These 12 days of Christmas activities are designed to bring the holiday spirit into your home and create lasting memories for your family.

And the best part? These activities are all about having fun, bonding, and spending quality time together.

So, get ready to embrace the magic of the holiday season. Let’s dive into our unforgettable 12 days of Christmas activities for families.

Christmas Crafts for Families

Give your family’s creative side a chance to shine this holiday season with some fun Christmas crafts. Whether you’re looking for a way to decorate your home or simply want to spend some quality time together, these family-friendly holiday activities are sure to bring joy and excitement to your household.

DIY Ornaments

One of the most popular Christmas crafts for families is creating DIY ornaments. All you need are some plain ornaments, paint, and an imagination. You can create unique designs and add your family’s personal touch to your Christmas tree. The kids will love seeing their own creations hanging on the tree every year!

Festive Wreaths

Add some holiday cheer to your front door with a festive wreath. You can create a wreath using materials like pinecones, ribbons, and ornaments. Get creative and let your family’s personalities shine through in the design.

Decorative Gift Wrap

Make your holiday gifts extra special with some decorative gift wrap created by your family. Use plain wrapping paper and add your own unique designs using paint, markers, or stamps. Your loved ones will appreciate the extra effort and thought put into their gifts.

DIY Stockings

Create your own personalized stockings for your family members to hang by the fireplace. You can use felt, fabric, or even old sweaters to make them. Get creative with the designs and add your family members’ names or initials for an extra special touch.

DIY Ornaments
Festive Wreaths
Decorative Gift Wrap
DIY Stockings

Crafting with your kids is one of the most enjoyable family-friendly holiday activities! It’s a great way to bond and create lasting memories so get your festive crafting supplies out and get started on your Christmas crafts!

Festive Games for Family Bonding

Playing crazy festive games together is one of our favorite fun Christmas activities for families!

What better way to bond as a family? And if your family is competitive like ours, game night is a must! Here are some ideas for family-friendly Christmas games:

Christmas Movie Charades

Put a fun twist on the classic game of charades by acting out scenes from the beloved movie A Christmas Carol. It’s A Wonderful Life, Home Alone, Christmas Vacation, or Elf would also be great holiday movie choices for this game! Split into teams and see who can guess the most correct answers.

Christmas Scavenger Hunt

Create a list of holiday-themed items and hide them around the house or neighborhood. Give each family member a list and see who can find all the items first.

Pin the Nose on Rudolph

A holiday take on the classic party game, Pin the Tail on the Donkey. Blindfolded players take turns trying to pin the nose on Rudolph.

Candy Cane Hunt

Similar to an Easter egg hunt, hide candy canes around the house or outside and see who can find the most.

Christmas Trivia

Our family loves a good game of trivia! Test your knowledge of Christmas movies, songs, and traditions with a family-friendly trivia game. Create your own questions or find a Christmas trivia printable online.

Christmas Movie Charades
Christmas Scavenger Hunt
Pin the Nose on Rudolph
Candy Cane Hunt
Christmas Trivia

These games are sure to provide hours of entertainment for the whole family. Don’t forget to snap some photos and capture the memories!

Baking and Decorating Christmas Cookies

It’s time to put on your aprons and treat your taste buds! Holiday baking is perfect for creating memories and spending quality time with your loved ones in the kitchen.

a mom baking christmas cookies with her three happy children, boys,

Easy Recipes to Try

Classic sugar cookies with red and green sprinkles
White chocolate candy cane bark
Gingerbread cookies with royal icing
Snowball cookies coated in powdered sugar
Hello Dollies

We have a few holiday favorites we do each year and sometimes will add a new recipe into the mix. Make sure everyone who wants to be part of baking day has a say in which goodies will be baked!

If you’re baking with little ones easy bar cookie recipes like Hello Dollies are easy for tiny chefs to help with. And they are scrumptious!

The decorating part is just as fun as the baking! Here are some tips to make your cookies look extra special:

Use different colored frosting to create intricate designs
Add sprinkles, candies, and other decorations for a festive touch
Use cookie cutters to create different shapes and sizes
Let your imagination run wild and try out new decorating techniques

After all the hard work is done, make sure to taste-test your creations and share your cookies with family, friends, and neighbors. This is a sweet way to spread holiday cheer and show your loved ones how much you care.

Traditions to Pass Down Through Generations

Christmas traditions are a wonderful way to bring families together and create cherished memories. Here are some ideas for starting your own traditions:

Christmas Eve Box

Create a special box filled with new pajamas, a classic holiday book, and some delicious treats to open and enjoy on Christmas Eve. This tradition is perfect for cozying up with your loved ones before bedtime.

The Gift of Giving

Teach your children the importance of giving back during the holiday season by volunteering at a local charity together. Another idea is to donate gifts to children who are less fortunate. This tradition helps to instill a sense of generosity and gratitude in your family.

Ornament Exchange

Start an ornament exchange tradition where each family member picks out a special ornament for someone else in the family. This is a great way to add to your family’s collection of holiday decorations and share in the joy of gift-giving.

The Christmas Pickle

This quirky tradition involves hiding a pickle ornament somewhere on the Christmas tree, and the first person to find it gets a special prize or privilege. This fun tradition is perfect for adding some extra excitement and competition to your holiday celebrations.

Christmas Eve Box
The Gift of Giving
Ornament Exchange
The Christmas Pickle

Remember, the most important thing about traditions is that they bring joy and love to your family. So, whether you’re starting a new tradition or continuing an old one, make sure it’s something that everybody enjoys and looks forward to each year.

Holiday Movie Nights for Cozy Gatherings

One of our favorite family-friendly holiday activities is organizing movie nights for cozy gatherings. Whether you opt for a classic Christmas film, a comedy, or a heartwarming animation, a family movie night is always a winner.

Grab the blankets and pillows, and get ready to snuggle up together while watching your favorite movies. Don’t forget the snacks and drinks! Some popcorn and hot cocoa can make movie night even more memorable and magical.

Classic Christmas Films

It’s a Wonderful Life
A Christmas Carol
Miracle on 34th Street
Home Alone
Elf

Heartwarming Animations

The Polar Express
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer
Frosty the Snowman
How the Grinch Stole Christmas
Arthur Christmas

Create a cozy atmosphere in your living room by dimming the lights and light some candles to create a more magical ambiance.

Make sure to take turns choosing the movie and let everyone have a say in the selection. This way, everyone can enjoy their favorite film and take turns discovering new ones.

Movie nights are a fantastic way to unwind, relax, and bond as a family. So gather your loved ones, pick your favorite film, and enjoy a cozy night in during the holiday season.

Festive Snowy Outdoor Adventures

Looking for some family-friendly holiday activities that involve the great outdoors? Here are some fun ideas for things to do in the snow!

girl playing in the snow next to her little snowman, 12 days of christmas activity ideas for families

Building Snowmen

What’s more classic than building a snowman in your yard? Gather your family, don some cozy hats and mittens, and work together to create your very own Frosty. Don’t forget to snap a photo to capture the memory!

Sledding or Tobagganing

Sledding is another classic winter activity that’s perfect for families. Grab your sleds (or even some big pieces of cardboard!) and head to your local hill for some exhilarating fun.

Snowshoeing

If you’re looking for a low-impact way to enjoy the outdoors, why not try snowshoeing? Strap on some snowshoes and explore your local parks and trails. Don’t forget to pack some hot cocoa to enjoy along the way!

Ice Skating

Lace up your skates and hit the local rink for a fun-filled afternoon of ice skating. If outdoor rinks aren’t available in your area, consider looking for indoor skating options.

Winter Hiking

For families who love to hike, winter can be a beautiful time to explore the great outdoors. Be sure to dress warmly and wear appropriate footwear for icy conditions. And don’t forget to bring a thermos of hot tea or cocoa to enjoy at the top of the trail.

Acts of Kindness and Giving Back

One of the best ways to get into the holiday spirit is to engage in acts of kindness and giving back as a family. Not only do these activities promote empathy and generosity in children, but they also help strengthen family bonds by working together towards a common goal.

Volunteer at a Local Charity

Find a local charity or non-profit organization and see if they need volunteers during the holiday season. This is a great opportunity to spend time together as a family while giving back to your community. You could help with serving meals at a homeless shelter, collecting donations for a toy drive, or participating in a fundraiser.

Donate Toys or Clothing to a Shelter

Go through your closets and toy bins and gather items that your family no longer needs or uses. Donate them to a local shelter or charity that helps families in need. This is a great way to teach kids about the importance of reducing waste and giving to those less fortunate.

Adopt a Family in Need

Contact a local non-profit organization to see if they offer an adopt-a-family program during the holiday season. Your family could shop for gifts and food for a family in need, providing them with a holiday experience they wouldn’t otherwise have. This is a great way to experience the joy of giving as a family.

Create Care Packages for the Elderly

Many elderly people live alone and may feel isolated during the holiday season. Create care packages with items such as warm socks, blankets, and homemade treats, and deliver them to a local senior center or retirement home. This act of kindness will undoubtedly bring a smile to someone’s face and make everyone involved feel good.

There are many ways to give back during the holidays. Not only will you make a positive impact on your community, but you’ll learn the true meaning of the holiday season.

3 pairs of feet in christmas socks warming in front of a fire text overlay family activities for the 12 days of christmas just our view from here

DIY Christmas Decorations

One of the most enjoyable ways to embrace the holiday season is by making your own Christmas decorations. Not only is it a budget-friendly way to add some festive cheer to your home, but it’s also a fun activity that the whole family can join in on!

1. Paper Snowflakes

All you need is some white paper, scissors, and a creative mind to create beautiful paper snowflakes. You can hang them on your Christmas tree, tape them to your windows, or use them as table decorations. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different patterns and designs!

2. Pinecone Ornaments

Collect some pinecones from your backyard and transform them into cute ornaments that can be hung on your Christmas tree. You can paint them in different colors or add some glitter for a festive touch.

3. Handmade Wreaths

Create your own wreath by using materials such as pine branches, ribbons, and ornaments. You can get creative and personalize it to match your home decor. It’s a great way to add some Christmas spirit to your front door!

4. Festive Christmas Mason Jars

A simple and fun craft that the kids will love is creating their own snow globes or Mason jar luminaries. All you need is a mason jar, some fake snow, small figurines or ornaments, and some glue. For the luminaries, put fairy lights or battery-operated tea light candles inside the jar. These add a festive touch to any room in your home!

5. Christmas Cards

Instead of purchasing generic Christmas cards, take the time to create your own. Use colored paper, markers, and stickers to make your own unique design. It’s a thoughtful way to spread some holiday cheer with loved ones.

These DIY Christmas decorations are just a few examples of the many holiday activities for families to enjoy together. Get creative, have fun, and make your home look merry and bright!

MAKE MEMORIES WITH FAMILY CHRISTMAS ACTIVITIES

We hope these 12 days of Christmas activities for families will help you create unforgettable memories and bring the holiday spirit into your home. Whether you choose to engage in Christmas crafts and games, embrace outdoor adventures in the snow, or simply enjoy cozy movie nights with your loved ones, there’s something for everyone in this list of family-friendly holiday activities.

Remember that these activities are not just about having fun; they also provide valuable opportunities to strengthen family bonds, teach children the importance of giving back, and pass down meaningful traditions.

So pick and choose from our list to create your unique family traditions and enjoy the magic of Christmas together. From all of us at Just Our View From Here, we wish you a very happy holiday season filled with love, joy, and unforgettable family moments.

Until next time, K.

Kelly Blakely is the founder and creative force behind Just Our View From Here. As a first-time mom over 40, she brings a fresh perspective to parenting and family life on her blog. Kelly also explores a wide range of lifestyle topics in her writing, including fashion, beauty, self-care, and well-being.