I might be jumping the gun a little bit on sharing holiday at-home family activities but by golly, it’s the first week of November and if I don’t start planning then the next couple of months will be gone before I even get a chance to enjoy them! This holiday season is going to look a little different than normal since a lot of our local activities and events have been canceled.

I’m bummed but I don’t want to miss out on any of the holiday fun, so I created a list of great and easy holiday at-home family activities based on your lovely suggestions and things that my family loves to do. Everything might be turned on its head this year but gosh dang it, we will have holiday cheer!! So turn up Bing Crosby and let’s get this show on the road!

1. Sleep under the Christmas tree

Have everyone pull out a sleeping bag, air mattress, or blanket on the couch for a fun way to enjoy your Christmas tree lights in a special way.

2. Watch Christmas movies!

Hallmark, ABC, and Lifetime always have Christmas Countdowns full of Christmas classics, cheesy Christmas romances, and just some good movies. Click the links to see the schedules and find out when your favorite movies are airing. Pencil them in for a movie and popcorn night!

3. Read Holiday books

During December, we read a Christmas, Hanukkah, or Kwanzaa book a night. The kids love to pick out the book and I love getting to choose a book to buy each year for our collection.

4. Matching Pajamas

Click on the links to check out Old Navy and Target! They always have great deals on their pajamas!

5. Make treats

This is a great time of year to bust out Grandma’s recipe book or finally try the delicious treat you saved to Pinterest. Our favorites: sugar cookies, pumpkin pie, 7 layer bars, and thin mint brownies.

6. Dance party

Don’t let the stress of the holidays build up! Having a dance party is one of my personal favorite ways to relieve stress and shake out holiday anxiety. Spotify has amazing Christmas and Hanukkah playlists and even some Thanksgiving playlists. Definitely check those out!

7. Build gingerbread houses

Depending on how adventurous you’re feeling you can make your own gingerbread or you can purchase a kit at the store. It’s always a little messy but my kids really love to eat the icing and kind of decorate the house, so we do it. HA!

8. Cocoa parties

A hot chocolate taste testing evening?! Sign me up, definitely a fun and simple activity for the whole family.

9. Christmas Tree Mini Sessions

Book a session with me to capture the magic of Christmas. We have a great time taking beautiful photos of your kids around your tree. Or you can come and take pictures around the tree in my studio! Book your session here!

10. Cookie decorating party

Invite some close friends or family members over and decorate some cookies. Just remember to send some home with your guests or you might end up with LOTS of leftovers.

11. Holiday crafts

Hobby Lobby sells pre-cut activity sets so you don’t have to create your own!

12. Christmas lights drive

Covid safe and cozy from the cold! Google which neighborhoods in your area have the best Christmas lights and go check them out! This is a big family favorite for us!

13. Make a red and green countdown paper chain

It’s fun to make and kids love tearing off a ring every day. It’s simple and a cute decoration for your home.

14. Make holiday cards for friends and family

Send messages to family members that you’re missing or wish you were seeing during the holiday season. It’s a great way to spread some love.

15. Celebrate Winter Solstice

Have a fancy family dinner party to celebrate the shortest day of the year! Everyone in our family wears fancy clothes and we dine by candlelight. It’s one of my favorite family traditions. This year it’s Monday, December 21st so mark your calendars!

16. Roast marshmallows

Is there anything better than roasting marshmallows and sitting around a fire? If you don’t have a fire, check out these alternative ways to roast marshmallows indoors!

I hope some of these holiday at-home family activities stand out to you and you are able to do them with your family. Let me know which holiday at-home family activities are your favorites. I can’t wait to start celebrating the holidays with you!