It may seem as though it should be inconceivable during this time of year, what with all the personal and oft times spiritual significance of the holidays, but too often we get consumed with shopping and planning that we forget to be present with our family this time of year. Here are some ways to help us remember to live in the moment and simply ENJOY our time together.
1. Have a pj party in front of the TV and watch Polar Express.
2. String together some popcorn and cranberries for a garland.
3. Take a walk in the woods after a good snow.
4. Go sledding.
5. Take a drive to see the neighborhood lights.
6. Read a good seasonal children’s book every night.
7. Listen to an audio book together.
8. Bake cookies.
9. Make handmade gifts for extended family.
10. Write letters of gratitude together and remember all you have to be thankful for.
11. Grab a candle and take a moonlit walk in the neighborhood.
12. Listen to Christmas carolers sing live or on the radio.
13. Visit your local zoo for zoolights.
14. Put a blanket on the floor and play a board game.
15. Visit a food bank or homeless shelter to make donations or volunteer.
16. Go on a horse drawn carriage ride.
17. Pull out a card table and put together a winter puzzle.
18. Make a snowman.
19. Use watercolors and paintbrushes to paint the snow.
20. Have a hot cocoa party.
21. Go to the library for story time.
22. Go see a toy train exhibit.
23. Do some holiday Mad Libs together.
24. Make a gingerbread house.
25. Gather ingredients for homemade potpourri or a strewing table.
26. Sit by a fire in your backyard.
27. Make a yule log.
28. Feed the birds.
29. Visit an art museum and have everyone sketch their favorite winter landcape.
30. Make homemade ornaments.
31. Make paper snowflakes or paper chains.
32. Make coloring activity baskets to take to the children’s hospital.
33. Have a week of candlelit dinners.
34. Make a snow fort using snow brickers.
35. Paint some pine cones for the tree.
