Fun things to do during the holidays

Fun things to do during the holidays

The kids are off from school and you likely have plans for the days right around Christmas but what about just before and just after? Taking the time to slow down a bit and fit in some fun can make all the difference between a stressful and a sparkling holiday season.

Here are 12 fun things to do during the holidays.

1. Find Christmas lights. It might seem that fewer and fewer houses go all out anymore but there are still magical displays to be found. Some areas also offer professional drive-thru light shows for a modest fee per vehicle. Check online and ask your friends on Facebook for suggestions for your immediate area.
2. Learn a new game. You may need to buy a new game or do some online research for ideas but learning a new game can bring a lot of laughter and bonding time.
3. Cook or bake something new. Gather in the kitchen to try a new recipe, whether it is a full dinner or a delicious treat. Choose something that every member of the family can be a part of so everyone is involved.
4. Binge watch a family show or movie series. Now is the time to finally watch every installment of Star Wars or your favorite family-friendly sitcom. Plan and prepare snacks ahead of time, snuggle in, and fire up Netflix or the DVD player.
5. Volunteer as a family. It may seem like helping out with serving a dinner or organizing donations may not be any fun but there is something about giving of yourself that changes your perspective. Not only will the organization you help benefit but your family will become closer through giving of yourselves.
6. Stage a friendly competition. Whether it’s a tournament of your favorite games or a tag football game, friendly competition can generate a lot of laughter and build memories.
7. Build a gingerbread house. Christmas may be nearly over but the fun of building a gingerbread house knows no day. If you shop for a kit right after Christmas, you should be able to get one very cheaply – although it may not actually be edible afterward.
8. Try a foreign cuisine. Venture outside the typical holiday week fare and find a country’s cuisine you can order. Try several dishes that sound interesting and expand your family’s palate horizons.
9. Go on an old-fashioned treasure hunt or scavenger hunt. To save yourself time in making one up, check online for local options that are already established around town or lists that would work in your home.
10. Find something a short drive away you’ve never experienced. Check for ideas online at sites like Groupon.com or search “things to do in”, with your city and surrounding areas added. You may find a hidden gem you never knew existed.
11. Read a book together. Choose a longer book everyone would enjoy and read the story together. Check your local library for options or even look online for full copies you can read from a device.
12. Play an adventure game together. Games that require problem-solving and take a while to play can be fun as a family. Take turns operating the controls and commit to agreeing on choices for what to do before you do them. Two examples are the various Legend of Zelda games or Mario Brothers games.