The last month of the year is upon us, and December is the perfect time for fun family activities. From Christmas cookies to decking the halls and more, here are 30 family activities that are all about family bonding during the holidays.

Pexels via Pixabay

1. Hang your advent calendar and start the Christmas countdown. Here are a few creative Advent calendars your family will love.

2. It wouldn’t be the holiday season without baking. How about baking a pie? From razzpleberry to vegan chocolate, we’ve got your pie recipes.

3. Get creative with your Elf on the Shelf. Here are over 35 fun ways to set up your Christmas elf.

4. Start a new tradition where you play a Christmas game each day. Here are 21 games to entertain your family.

5. Giving Tuesday. Encourage your kiddos to gather spare change around the house and then decide, as a family, to give it to a local nonprofit organization.

perfectdaysphotography via Pixabay

6. Have a holiday book night. Grab seasonal books, make hot cocoa and pop popcorn for a family night in. Here are a few of our favorite holiday books for kids.

7. Get ready to cook for the holidays using everyone’s favorite kitchen appliance–the InstantPot. From appetizers to desserts, here are all the holiday recipes you’ll need.

8. Get artsy and crafty with these 11 holiday-inspired paper crafts.

9. Take a road trip or long drive exploring back roads and listen to our favorite Christmas songs and albums in the car.

10. Get out the pens and paper and write holiday greetings on Dec. 7, National Letter Writing Day. Write to Santa, grandparents or create your own holiday cards.

Leah Singer

11. Make and decorate a gingerbread house on National Gingerbread House Day on Dec. 12. Here are a few gingerbread-making tips and tricks to keep the holiday cheer simple and fun.

12. Decorate your Christmas tree with handmade ornaments. Here are 21 easy ornament crafts you can make at home.

13. Play winter games. From I Spy, Winter Edition to paper snowflakes and paint by number, here are 35 free and easy winter activities to do anytime.

14. Hanukkah begins the night of Dec. 22. Celebrate the Festival of Lights by spinning the dreidel and making potato latkes.

15. National Ugly Sweater Day is Dec. 20. Host an ugly Christmas sweater party for kids and parents in honor of the day. Need some ugly inspiration? We’ve got you covered with these hideous sweaters.

Leah Singer

16. Bake Christmas cookies and give cookie trays to friends and neighbors. Or host a cookie exchange. Here are 52 cookie recipes that will make mouths water.

17. Deck your halls for the holidays. Twinkle lights and garlands make great ways to decorate. Here are 18 holiday garlands and 20 DIY wreaths you can make with kids.

18. Take the kids to see a local production of “The Nutcracker.”

19. Visit your city’s neighborhood holiday light displays. Bundle up and bring along some hot chocolate for added spirit.

20. Get out the holiday favorites like “Frosty the Snowman,” “Home Alone” and “Elf” for family movie night.

Leah Singer

21. Celebrate Hanukkah by making your own menorah. Here are three easy menorahs you can make at home.

22. Make snack time a winter wonderland with these super cute snowman snacks.

23. Take the family outside the house for a photo session. Capture a few memories with Santa, in the snow or in a pine tree farm.

24. Adopt a family and raise money or donate toys to them.

25. Start a fancy new tradition with attending a holiday tea.

DarenMehl via Pixabay

26. Have a fire and tell a family story in honor of the winter solstice, the longest night of the year, on Dec. 21.

27. If you live in a snowy area, get outside and go sledding, build a snowman and make snow angels.

28. Make a Christmas song playlist and have a family dance party.

29. Get ready to light candles and celebrate Kwanzaa, which starts Dec. 26.

30. Host a kid-friendly New Year’s Eve party. Here are a few creative ideas for a fun bash to ring in the new year.

—Leah R. Singer

 

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Feature photo: Cottonbro via Pexels 

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