How to Enjoy the Holiday Season (25+ Ideas)

* This post may contain affiliate links or sponsored content. *

Each year seems to fly by faster and faster. Although the “day to day” can seem to take forever, at the end of the year, I find myself wondering where the time has gone. One of the most important things I’ve learned is to intentionally slow down and savor the holiday season with my family.

In the early years of homeschooling, I felt this overwhelming need to keep schooling nonstop. I didn’t want to “waste” any time. But as time passed, I began to take on a different approach to the homeschooling process. Teachable moments can be found everywhere (and often not in a textbook, gasp!).

I found a rhythm that works for us, one that prioritizes balance and joy—especially during the holiday season. Together times can be so meaningful and they’re what our kids will look back on once they’ve grown, not how many exams they took during the month of December!

One strategy that has made a huge difference is taking extended time off during Thanksgiving and Christmas. We take a full week off for Thanksgiving and three weeks at Christmas. This shift has allowed us to fully embrace the holiday season without feeling rushed or exhausted. Instead of looking back and wondering where the time went, we’re making the most of it.

The holiday season brings so many delightful interruptions to our usual routine: festive parties, family gatherings, holiday TV specials, baking, crafting, and meaningful service projects such as Operation Christmas Child. By stepping back from our schoolwork, we can fully immerse ourselves in these moments without the stress of juggling too much at once.

A family decorates a Christmas tree, bringing warmth and joy to the holiday season.

Over the years, we’ve developed wonderful family Christmas traditions. Whether it’s snuggling up with hot chocolate and a favorite holiday movie or teaming up with homeschool friends for a service project, these moments remind me why I chose to take more time off during the holiday season. It’s about creating memories, cherishing time together, and soaking in the beauty of the season.

Here are some family-friendly ideas to help you make the most of the holiday season:

1. Create Holiday-Themed Crafts

Make ornaments for the tree using salt dough, felt, or recycled materials.
Decorate gingerbread houses or make paper snowflakes to hang around the house.
Host a family crafting night where everyone can create something festive.

2. Bake and Share Treats

Spend a day baking cookies, pies, or other festive treats.
Let kids decorate sugar cookies or cupcakes.
Package your baked goods in festive bags and deliver them to neighbors, friends, or local first responders as a kind gesture.

A close-up of gingerbread cookies being decorated with colorful sprinkles on a baking tray.

3. Host a Family Movie Marathon

Pick a night to watch your favorite holiday movies together.
Create a cozy atmosphere with blankets, pillows, and hot chocolate.
Make it special by having themed snacks like popcorn with red and green sprinkles.

4. Participate in Acts of Kindness

Volunteer at a local shelter or food pantry.
Write holiday cards for nursing home residents or military service members.
Create blessing bags with small essentials for people in need.

5. Explore Local Holiday Events

Attend a tree-lighting ceremony, holiday parade, or live nativity scene.
Visit a Christmas market or take a drive to see neighborhood light displays.
Check out ice skating rinks or seasonal festivals in your area.

6. Enjoy Nature’s Beauty

Take a family hike or walk in a local park and enjoy the winter scenery.
Build a snowman or have a snowball fight if you live in a snowy area.
Go on a winter scavenger hunt, looking for things like pinecones, animal tracks, or icicles.

7. Start or Continue Family Traditions

Read a holiday-themed book together every night leading up to Christmas.
Set up an advent calendar with fun activities or small treats each day.
Create a family scrapbook with photos, memories, and handwritten notes from the season.

8. Plan a Special Giving Activity

Adopt a family in need through a local charity and shop for their holiday wish list.
Let your kids pick out toys to donate to a local toy drive.
Donate warm clothes or blankets to shelters during the cold months.

9. Get Creative in the Kitchen

Make homemade hot chocolate or festive punch.
Try a new recipe as a family, like holiday-shaped pancakes or a themed dinner night.
Host a mini cookie exchange among family members.

10. Take a Tech Break for Family Time

Turn off the devices and have a game night with board games or card games.
Work on a holiday-themed puzzle together.
Write letters to Santa or create a holiday wish list as a family.

Here are some more ways to enjoy the holiday season!

As December rolls through, take time to enjoy this holiday season in whatever fashion works for your family!