Let's bring it back to basics.... The holiday's are stressful enough. There's, what gifts to buy, the party's, the dinners, the decorating, then wrapping and the in laws coming to stay for 2 weeks. As much as we love it; it all can feel a bit overwhelming.... so let's keep it simple and remember the most important reason for the season it to make memories....
Here are a few ideas to help you enjoy the season and not stress over the season.....
Christmas Tree Farms
I love experiences over gifts any day... This is what you will cherish most, as time goes on. One of my favorite holiday activities is chopping my very own Christmas Tree down. Find a local Christmas tree farm near you and make a day out of it. Grab a coffee or some hot chocolate and stroll through the tree farm to find the perfect one for you.
This tradition of chopping down a Christmas tree is not just about the tree itself; it is about the journey, the laughter, and the warmth of being together during this special time of year. It’s a truly fun outing that you and your loved ones will look forward to year after year, creating memories that will last a lifetime.
Gingerbread House Decorating
We've all let the kids make Gingerbread houses. However, perhaps it’s time for the adults to join in on the fun and engage in a little friendly competition!
Consider making it a contest. This not only adds an element of fun but also encourages everyone to think outside the box and push the boundaries of the traditional gingerbread house.
Think about adding festive music to the background and a few tasty holiday treats to snack on. This could turn into a cherished annual tradition. So, gather your supplies, unleash your imagination, and prepare to indulge in the joy of building and decorating Gingerbread houses together, as both kids and adults revel in the sweet spirit of the season!
Games
Everyone loves to play games....even the most curmudgeons of people let their guards down and join in for an amazing time.
I've gathered lots of ideas over the years and work to make them my own or what at least what works for the situation best and here are a few fun games to try for groups.
Being that I prefer experiences over gifts, let's talk The White Elephant Game. This game traditionally is when each person brings a gift, ranging in a similar dollar amount and you pick and exchange or fight over gifts accordingly. I added a little twist to this and have surprised my family with buying all the gifts to play this game. It can be a bit challenging to find enough gift options to work for anyone but certainly makes for a fun time especially when everyone gets a surprise extra gift they weren't expecting and has fun playing a game.
This next game is designed for those who are fast and clever: the Christmas Song Scrabble. The main challenge is to unscramble the letters to identify each song on the list. First one to finish wins. And of course you can add a prize for the winner or just play for fun. You can also always change this up each year with a refresh of different songs, Christmas-related words, or even Christmas foods etc.
Have you ever considered offering an experience for your kids instead of giving gifts? One of the next games I am planning is a group Scavenger Hunt. Where you give clues that lead them to the next clue, continuing until they reach the final answer to reveal a surprise experience. There are tons of group experiences that would create great memories. Horse back riding, a dinner cruise, or a cooking class just to name a few.
These are just a few ideas to enjoy the season!
Send me a message to tell me experiences that you've done with your family!
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