You’ll notice that often the activities that surround Christmas occur every year. Let’s examine different activities and possibly find a few you can use or adapt for your own fun as well as add to your family traditions.
Steps
1. Carol.
Caroling can be done in one location, such as a shopping center or nursing home, or by people moving from house to house. It is a fun way to share the holiday spirit. Find a group of people willing to sing Christmas carols with you and try this activity.
NOTE: You’ll want to practice and possibly hand out song sheets so everyone is comfortable performing.
2. Tree search.
Finding the perfect tree can be an activity for the entire family. First, choose the type of tree you want, determine the area you have and then find the perfect tree. If you’re planning on a real tree, be sure to take note of the safety issues and adhere to those.
3. Snow.
Snow play can lend itself to many activities. Try one from the list below or substitute other things you enjoy doing outdoors in the cold.
- Build snowman
- Ice skating
- Sledding
- Snow art
- Snow ball fight
- Snowboarding
4. Party.
Whether you are hosting or attending a party, people tend to be more cordial and happy this time of year. Try attending or hosting a party you normally wouldn’t. If you plan on doing a children’s party, be sure to take ages and abilities into account. Enjoy yourself!
5. Shop.
Before starting your shopping trip, determine if it is for ideas or you plan to purchase gifts. Always have a list for purchases and a budget with you. This will stop you from spending money because “it’s cute” or “I’m sure he’ll like this”.
6. BINGO.
Download an Enrichment Project card, find one online or make your own. What kinds of Christmas prizes can you give to the winners? Or will your game be themed with Christmas at all?
7. Paper.
With a quick search online, you’ll find Christmas word finds, crosswords, scrambles and other paper games. In addition, color sheets are great fun for kids. Look through what you find or download one or more of the Play Fun supplements that go with this badge program. Keep a few available for when your family visits during the holiday or enjoy a few on your own.
8. Adjust.
Adjust your favorite game to make it a Christmas game. Replace playing pieces, cards, or other parts of traditional board games. You can find some ideas online. You can also make your own games. Check out what others have done and see if inspiration strikes.
9. Write.
Letting people know you appreciate a gift is becoming a lost tradition. Writing a thank you card is a practice in gratitude. Is this an activity you want to encourage in your own family?
10. Add.
What activities do you do that aren’t listed here? Add them to this short list of possible activities and encourage family and friends to participate with you in one or more.
Supplements
SUPP_ Christmas Activities_2in_12up_larajla
- Avery 2” round label printable, 12 up
SUPP_ Christmas Activities_Checklist_larajla
- Badge checklist
SUPP_Instruct Fun_List_Words_Christmas_larajla
- Word List for Christmas
SUPP_Play Fun_BINGO_Christmas Pictures_larajla
- BINGO with letters replaced with Christmas clip art
SUPP_Play Fun_BINGO_Santa_larajla
- SANTA (Christmas-themed BINGO)
SUPP_Puzzle Fun_WORD_Father Christmas_larajla
- Make Words: Father Christmas
SUPP_Puzzle Fun_WORD_Feliz Navidad_larajla
- Make Words: Feliz Navidad
SUPP_Puzzle Fun_WORD_Happy Hannukah_larajla
- Make Words: Happy Hannukah
SUPP_Puzzle Fun_WORD_Happy Holidays_larajla
- Make Words: Happy Holidays
SUPP_Puzzle Fun_WORD_Let It Snow_larajla
- Make Words: Let It Snow
SUPP_Puzzle Fun_WORD_Merry Christmas_larajla
- Make Words: Merry Christmas
SUPP_Puzzle Fun_WORD_Rudolph_larajla
- Make Words: Rudolph
SUPP_Puzzle Fun_WORD_Seasons Greetings_larajla
- Make Words: Seasons Greetings
SUPP_Puzzle Fun_WORD_Snowman Wishes_larajla
- Make Words: Snowman Wishes
SUPP_Puzzle Fun_WORD_Tis the Season_larajla
- Make Words: Tis the Season
Sites to Explore
- www.shutterfly.com/ideas/christmas-party-games
- www.playpartyplan.com/christmas-games
- www.thespruce.com/fun-holiday-activities-your-teen-will-love-2608968
- www.netmums.com/activities/christmas/top-christmas-songs
- www.momswhothink.com/christmas/christmas-party-games.html
- www.momswhothink.com/christmas/25-days-of-christmas.html
- adrielbooker.com/family-advent-activities-christmas-countdown-fun
- www.familyeducation.com/fun/christmas-activities-traditions/12-days-fun-cheap-christmas-activities-families
- www.kidactivities.net/category/Holidays-Christmas-Games-and-Miscellaneous.aspx
- bestlifeonline.com/christmas-eve-games
- www.pinterest.com/reallyrachel/christmas-activities-and-ideas
Get the infographic here > larajla blog post
Get the PDFs of the badge program / supplements here > Full badge PDFs