20+ Memorable Ways To Celebrate Christmas With Family This Year

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Wondering how to celebrate Christmas at home? We’ve got all the fun family holiday tradition ideas for you!

The Holidays can be stressful. Especially if you counted on travelling back home to be with family, or were planning on escaping family pressures and travelling somewhere tropical, and now can’t.

Together we can make gingerbread out of ginger, and plan for an amazing season anyway.

While we can’t guarantee all your relatives will get along, or that your kids won’t ask to watch Peppa Pig’s Christmas for the millionth time. We can guarantee the following ways to celebrate Christmas at home, will give you a good starting point.

Ready to start some new, fun Christmas traditions? Let’s get this sleigh ride started.

Christmas Celebration Ideas & Christmas Activities at Home

There are so many different ways to celebrate Christmas. What are your favorite ways to spend time with family & friends over the holiday season.

We love getting some Christmas themed , making Christmas ornaments, and decorating a gingerbread house while singing along to Christmas music.

1. Create or Renew Family Christmas Traditions

 Gingerbread House Decorating
Family Traditions: Decorating Gingerbread Houses | Photo: Donna | Packed for Life

If you are used to travelling for the holiday season, you may have let family traditions fall to the wayside. Now would be a good time to create or renew some family traditions.

Each family has different ways to celebrate Christmas. How do you want to spend yours?

  • What are your favourite holiday memories as a child?
  • What family traditions did you do each year that you looked forward to?
  • What excites you about the holidays?

I have to admit, there was a time I really didn’t enjoy the holidays. Too much consumerism, and too many expectations.

Once I had my youngest child I realized I wanted to recreate the magic I felt over the holiday season, but without all the pressure.Starting with some festive Christmas activities.

One of my favourite memories as a child was our kid-sized Christmas tree. Every December my brothers and I would look forward to decorating this tree with our hand crafted popcorn and paper garlands, and salt dough stars.

This tree was ours to do with as we pleased. Oh the freedom!

Funny little decorated Christmas tree u0026 palm tree house plant.
Our funny little Christmas Tree | Photo: Packed for Life

Each year my youngest and I make ornaments for our tree. This is one of our favourite traditions. What are your favourite holiday traditions?

If you need a little inspiration, here are some ideas to start your own Family Traditions:

  1. Cut your own tree
  2. Make home made ornaments
  3. Have a favourite Christmas morning breakfast recipe you use
  4. Drink hot chocolate & read The Night Before Christmas in themed pjs
  5. Go Christmas carolling – spread cheer to your neighbours or elders
  6. Adopt a family in need: provide gifts, dinner, treats
  7. Sing, Dance, Act, Joke during a Family Talent Show
  8. Make a playlist and listen to all your fav Christmas songs on repeat
  9. Take a Christmas morning walk around town, or a local park
  10. Bake gingerbread cookies (or favourite holiday treats)
  11. Go sledding at a local hill
  12. Choose your own adventure – let each child pick out a family or learning experience to try
  13. Create a family bucket list and check them off
  14. Decorate Gingerbread houses or have a gingerbread decorating contest
  15. Christmas trivia night
  16. Create a Winter Bucket List to keep active in the cold months
  17. Make some melt in your mouth shortbread cookies

2. Create Christmas Trivia & What if Questions

Decorated Christmas tree beside a chalkboard with the words Christmas Triva.

Look into Holiday celebrations around the world and make a trivia card game out of questions like these, and pull it out during some down time.

  • Do the Amish celebrate Christmas?
  • Do people in Korea celebrate Christmas?
  • What are some reasons to celebrate Christmas?
  • If you could celebrate Christmas any way you want, what would you do?
  • Where is the best place to celebrate Christmas?
  • How do people celebrate Christmas in Germany?

Make a games night out of it and add it to your Christmas traditions each year.

3. Make a Yearly Photo Book

Christmas and New Years is a great time to reflect on the past year and your adventures with family and friends.

Go through your photos and have each family member pick out a few favourite photos of this years travels and events. Even if you stuck close to home you can celebrate the fun you had.

for your year in review. Make it a tradition and pull out the past years books each year.

🎄Make planning your dream Christmas easier with your Happy Holiday Planner

4. Decorate A Travel Themed Christmas Tree

Travel Themed Xmas Ornaments
DIY Travel Themed Ornaments

Decorate your tree in a travel theme.

All those travel trinkets you’ve collected over the years, but haven’t known what to do with, would make perfect ornaments for your tree.

Pull out your souvenir box, get out a glue gun, some string or a paper clip for some easy DIY travel ornaments.

Or print out your favourite travel photos, stick them either in photo ornaments, or small frames, and hang from your tree.

👉 If you aren’t feeling crafty check out my favourite travel themed Christmas ornaments.

5. Throw A Themed Holiday – Christmas Celebrations at Home

Colorful candles lit for Diwali

Whether you are celebrating Christmas, Noel, Yuletide, Hanukkah, or New Years Eve, travel theme it up.

Pick a destination, maybe the one you were planning on going to and recreate it in your home. Change up your home decorations. Research some recipes and cook up authentic meals at home. Branch out from turkey and stuffing.

Does your destination theme have any unique holiday traditions you could try ? Get creative, or try out one of the ideas below.

Diwali – Festival of Lights

Diwali, the Hindu festival from India that celebrates the triumph of light over dark, good over evil. Light candles, or lanterns and make sweets like gulab jamun which are delicious fried balls soaked in rose-water syrup or barfi, flavoured squares made of condensed milk and sugar.

St. Nicholas Day, Netherlands

Small kids boot filled with Christmas treats.

Legend has it that Sinterklaas, comes to Holland by steam boat, all the way from Spain. Once in Holland he rides a white horse to deliver toys to good children.

Children leave traditional clogs, (or regular shoes) by the fireplace or door and shoes filled with hay or carrots for Sinterklaas’ white horse in hopes small gifts will be left in place.

Tu B’shevat – Jewish New Year for Trees

Tu B’shevat, known as the Jewish New Year for the Trees is celebrated by on the 15th day of the month of Shevat. Depending on the Hebrew calendar this usually falls in either January or February.

Its purpose has been adopted as an ecological holiday, a reminder of our connection to the earth, and our role in caring for it.

Jewish people will often plant trees ( or pay for trees to be planted). Fruit, or food is eaten from the Seven Species abundant in Israel; wheat, barley, grapes, figs, pomegranates, olives and dates (or honey).

ALTERNATIVE WAYS TO SPEND CHRISTMAS WITH FAMILY

Children sitting on a hay ride at Christmas farm.

6. Give Back To Your Community

The holiday season isn’t always the easiest for people. Finding ways to give back to your community can be rewarding, and help teach your children to consider and support others.

Donate your time or money. There are many organizations doing amazing things out there that could use money or volunteers year round.

What are you and your kids passionate about? Maybe it’s animal rescue, or saving the whales. Maybe you want to support refugee organizations or artists coalitions. Make a donation on behalf of your family as part of their gift.

Or maybe you prefer more hands on volunteering. Here are a few ideas:

  • Bake some treats and deliver a baked goods care package to health care workers, fire fighters, the elderly or people who are homeless in your community
  • Cook meals, and hand them out
  • Create care packages of essential toiletries, snacks, socks and a few dollars and drop them off to a shelter
  • Donate lightly used winter clothes, jackets to shelters

🎄 Make delicious food with 40+ Kid-Friendly Holiday Recipes From Around The World

Celebrate Christmas With A Family Scavenger Hunt

Scavenger hunts are fun for the whole family and “kids” of all ages can join. Even the grumpy adults who want to duck out of the fun.

Choose your holiday. Drive, walk, bike around town or your neighbourhood in teams, or as individuals. Invite family members or friends. Check off as many as possible.

For extra incentive, come up with a couple of small inexpensive holiday themed prizes for the winners.

⭐️ Grab your free kids printable Christmas scavenger hunts here

7. Photo / Selfie Scavenger Hunt

Grab a camera or cell phone and head out on the town. The goal of the Photo / Selfie Scavenger Hunt is to take photos with as many items on the list as possible, within a certain time frame. An hour is a good length of time.

Make a time and place to meet back up. Have a photo show and tell. The team who has checked off the most items wins.

Pick a holiday themed prize; baked goods, peppermint hot chocolate, or a small gift would all be great choices. Or choose categories of prizes; the most creative photo, the most festive etc. to expand the fun.

8. Christmas Movie Scavenger Hunt

Tie your Christmas Movie Scavenger Hunt in with your movie marathon, and you’ll be ahead.

It would be fun to challenge another family to the game.

Give all players a deadline. The month of December would work well. Everytime you watch a Christmas themed movie check it off from the list. The team who has watched the most Christmas movies wins.

Or if you are familiar with the movie, create a list of things, scenes or phrases you have to check off while watching the movie.

Pro Tip: Google is your friend here if you need a short cut.

“You’ll Shoot Your Eye Out Kid.”

“The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear.”

Bonus points if you get the Holiday movies those two quotes are from. No cheating. Let me know in the comments below.

9. Christmas Riddles Scavenger Hunt

Extend present time, by having your kids figure out riddles to find their present(s). Most kids love searching out the clues, and answering the riddle. A fun idea for teens, or children of reading age.

Check out these cute printable riddles.

10. Have A Travel Or Christmas Movie Marathon with Global Snacks

Box of international snacks with holiday themed Universal Yums Box.

If you were planning on travelling somewhere exciting over the holiday season, and are now stuck at home, you may (or may not) have lots of time on your hands.

Find a few destination themed movies and have a movie marathon. Even better if they combine the holidays & places you’d like to visit. Be sure to pull out some tasty snacks to nosh on during the movie.

Or make a movie bucket list of all the family favourites, and see if you can watch them all in December.

We loved our Universal Yums Christmas Snack Box, with Christmas themed snacks from around the world.

You can check out our complete review & unboxing here.

11. Enjoy 24 Advent Activities

Homemade fabric, advent calendar in fornt of Christmas tree.
Christmas Advent Calendar | Photo: Donna | Packed for Life

Advent activities can add to the excitement leading up to Christmas Day. It is also an easy way for kids to track the inevitable question asked a million times a day “How many days until Christmas Mom?”

Create a DIY advent calendar filled with 24 fun family activities for the month of December. Activities could be themed, or easy things your family can fit into your busy schedule.

Advent Calendar Noel
Advent Calendars are fun!

Here are 25 ideas to put in your advent calendar:

  1. Play a family board game
  2. Make popcorn and watch a holiday movie
  3. Write a letter to Santa
  4. Build a snowman
  5. Make shortbread cookies (and deliver them to someone special)
  6. 24 Acts of kindness
  7. Make ornaments
  8. Go sledding
  9. Write a holiday poem
  10. Donate toys or books to a local hospital or charity
  11. Take supplies to an animal shelter
  12. Make up a holiday story
  13. Tell Christmas jokes
  14. Donate food to a food bank
  15. Write and mail a letter to an elder
  16. Get in Holiday themed pj’s and drive around to see the lights
  17. Make paper snowflakes
  18. Print and colour christmas colouring pages
  19. Write and hang a wish on your tree
  20. Read your favourite Christmas book
  21. Have a marshmallow fight
  22. Take photos in front of Christmas decorations and make a holiday Photo book.
  23. Have a red and green themed dinner
  24. Tell one thing you are thankful for to each family member
  25. Make a Christmas tree, snowman, candy cane or Santa out of lego

Here are some great DIY advent calendars ideas:

If you aren’t feeling particularly crafty, ready made, handcrafted advent calendars are a fun idea:

Felt Advent Calendar
Felt Advent Calendar by Ivy Handmade Designs
Wooden advent calendar beside little Christmas tree.
Ornament Advent Calendar by Lightpaper

12. Create a Winter Bucket List

Brainstorm a winter bucket list with your family. Choose some family favourites and pick some new to you activities. Maybe they will become your new family favourites. You can make an:

  • Outdoor Family Fun Bucket List
  • Winter Travel Bucket List
  • Self-Care Bucket List
  • Cozy Winter Bucket List
  • Bucket List – At Home
  • Christmas Bucket List

So many ideas.

Or grab a copy of our done-for-you Winter Fun Bucket List here:

13. Take a Christmas Walk

Winter Walk Ornament
Walking in a winter wonderland | Photo: Donna / Packed for Life

There is something magical about Christmas morning walkabouts, especially in the snow. Wander the neighbourhood, or choose your favourite park.

After all the treats and early morning activity, it’s a great way to connect with your family, and nature before the big feast. Or talk a walk after dark to see the the neighbourhood lights.

14. Holiday Light Tour

House Christmas Lights
Take a Holiday Lights Tour
Photo: “HannamariaH via canva.com”

For many years, a holiday light tour was a tradition in our house. Do you have a special holiday tradition with lights?

Every December we would get in our pj’s, buckle in the car, and head down to Candy Cane Lane. This one particular street was so well known for it’s lights and decorations, there would be cars lined up and down the road for blocks.

Take it to another level by blasting carols, bringing some snacks for the road, then heading back to the house for some hot cocoa (with marshmallows & candy canes of course).

15. Visit Your Local Ski Hill

If you live close to a ski hill, consider a day trip, or renting a chalet for the weekend somewhere local. It may not be the Swiss Alps, but you can still get your skiing / snowboarding fix, and save some money for your next dream vacation.

16. Create a Museum Experience At Home

A lot of vacations involve a trip to a museum, or an educational experience. If your plans were deferred, try out a virtual visit with your kids. Choose a couple they are most interested in, and make it an at-home virtual field trip.

These museums etc. offer Free Virtual Tours:

These are just a few options, as many places now offer virtual tours and experiences online.

17. Create A Hallway Art Or Photo Gallery

If you have the travel bug but are staying put this winter, due to choice or circumstance, try putting up an art or photo gallery in your hallway. Our family always uses for all our photo projects.

Choose some of your favourite travel photos, then find or make some funky frames and put your pics on the walls. Invite your family or friends over, to listen to some of your favorite tales of previous adventures.

If you are feeling a little artsy, have a family art day. Go free form or choose your favourite artists and recreate their masterpieces. Hang your works of art on the walls for all to see.

So many options for a photo gallery.

Invite friends and family to participate and do it as a fundraiser. Sell the works to raise money for a family in need, or for your favourite charity.

18. Write a Christmas Wish List or Letter to Santa

There is something magical about writing a letter to Santa. Make a special time of it. Make some special Christmas treats, pull out your favourite pencil crayons or pens and write up a storm.

Two letter to Santa Templates, one fill in the blanks, with cute reindeer and candy cane images. Free. Grab a copy here

Grab your Santa Claus Letter templates here, or click on the image above.

19. Celebrate Locally

Celebrating locally can be a fantastic way to get in the holiday spirit. Are there any festivities happening in your hometown?

Keep an eye out for Christmas Markets, craft fairs, or window / light decorating competitions.

I like ice skating in the winter time, particularly in outdoor rinks. See if there are any outdoor themed activities being offered this year, such as sleigh rides, ice skating, or tree lighting ceremonies.

Add a few family favourites to your calendar so you won’t miss out.

20. Get Your Craft On

To me, the holidays are synonymous with crafting, whether my own or other peoples.

Get creative with some Christmas or holiday themed crafts. Choose an online course, or free DIY tutorial, then gather round the childers and make an afternoon of it.

Looking for some ideas, try wreath making, salt dough tree ornaments, or an advent calendar. Creating some homemade gifts for grandparents also is a nice touch, and something much appreciated.

My motto: crafting, not just for kids.

DIY ideas:

21. Plan Your Next Vacation

While it may seem a bit premature, there’s never a wrong time to begin planning your next trip.

While the key may be flexibility for the next couple of years, you can still keep the dream alive.

Make a vision board. Dream wildly and write down all your ideas. Do some research. Encorporate your kids ideas. Write out a plan for how you will save money for travel.

Consider a vacation closer to home. A road trip or a camping trip to a National Park you’ve always wanted to see, but never managed to get to.

Happy Planning!

Celebrating Your Holiday Season At Home, Can Be Fantastic.

No really!

Ok, so your home holiday may not be as tropical or winter like. It may be more familiar, and less wild. But, celebrating can be fun and memorable with these unique ways to celebrate Christmas & the holiday season.

Take a chance and try something new. You never know. You may end up with some new family traditions, or hilarious memories you end up reliving each year.

Do you have any unique or special ways your family celebrates Christmas at home? Any tips to share? Let us know in the comments below, or connect with us on social media.

We’d love to hear from you!

Unique Ways To Celebrate Christmas (When You Can’t Travel)


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34 Comments

  1. This a great post! We can’t travel to family at Christmas because I’ll be in my third trimester of pregnancy and because of COVID, family cannot travel to us. I will be referring back to your post closer to Christmas to review your ideas!

  2. These are all great ideas! We are not able to travel this year because I got laid off from my job like many others. So we are planning on making this holiday season a little extra special. I bookmarked this post so I am able to come back to it when we need some festive entertainment ideas!

    1. Hi Heather,

      It has been a hard year for so many. I am sorry to hear you were laid off. An extra special holiday season sounds like a perfect way to bring a little magic back.

  3. OmG! I deff took a screenshot of the 25 ideas to put in your advent calendar!!! They were awesome and might help bring the christmas spirit back to life!❤️

  4. I love all the things you mentioned here Donna we don’t know how to spend our christmas yet but I think we are staying put this year. This post made me think if me and my family can visit Ohio for Christmas celebration before Christmas. I love the idea of making arts from our previous travels. You are giving me a wonderful idea to think about!

    1. Hi April, there is so much unknown this year, a lot of people are wondering the same thing. Hope you get to celebrate Christmas in a way that works for your family at home or in Ohio.

  5. No excuses to find a way to celebrate this year, as you have covered them all. And then some. Love this, I am excited for the holidays more so than ever this year. I already have my Halloween decor up!

        1. We tried that one year too, but then I didn’t like the idea of wasting all the wrapping paper. We now have a box of Christmas books we put out, and my daughter chooses one each night to read.

  6. Such brilliant and cute ideas! We did the 24 fun things advent calendar last year, and loved it! Will definitely write some of these down for this year, getting so excited for the Christmas season this year!

    1. So magical! Especially as I live in the far North of Canada and only get about 5 hours of light around the winter solstice. The Christmas lights brighten my mood, and cut all the darkness.

    2. I love the idea of a travel themed Christmas tree or travel movie marathon! Do you have any suggestions of great travel movies? Eat, pray, love is one I love!

      1. I don’t have travel specific movies, but I do have a couple set in countries that are fun, and will inspire a desire to travel; Amelie (Paris), Jiro Dreams of Sushi, about a sushi master in Japan with a Michelin star restaurant in a Tokoyo Subway, fascinating and he was 85 at the time of filming. Mama Mia (because Greece and Abba, and it’s my daughters fav at the moment).

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