The holidays can be a blast – but once the decorations are down and it’s time to get back to work, it’s nice to keep a piece of that magic all year-round.
Here are a few simple ideas that the whole family is sure to enjoy (and yes, even your emotionally distant teenagers and opiniated relatives will appreciate these).
1) DIY Crafts
A craft night is a great way to bring an artsy vibe to your space. You could paint your own mugs, make paper flowers, create friendship bracelets – the possibilities are endless! If you feel like the family would benefit from a creative activity, this is a great place to start.
Make it easy: Start with one theme per week (example: “warm drinks & mugs”) so no one gets overwhelmed by the sheer amount of options.
2) Themed Dinners
A delicious feast can really liven things up!
Make it a priority to get together and enjoy a nice meal. Whether it’s “breakfast for dinner” or taco night, make mealtime worth celebrating. After all, Thanksgiving doesn’t have to be the only dinnertime tradition.
3) Baking Competitions
Pick one recipe (cookies, brownies, banana bread) and let the teams add their own twist: extra cinnamon, orange zest, chocolate drizzle. You can judge based on categories like taste, creativity, and presentation. At the end of the day, everyone wins when the kitchen smells like a fresh bakery!
Cleanup hack: Line counters with parchment or plastic before things get messy.
4) Board Game Sessions
Nothing beats a good old-fashioned game night with the family!
Having a few board games at your disposal can turn an average hangout into hours of fun. Test your skills at trivia or stumble around with brain twisters – no matter what you choose, it’s a fantastic opportunity for some healthy competition. Plus, it’s sure to get the more introverted members of your family out of their comfort zone.
Mix it up with a few genres:
- Strategy games (for the thinkers)
- Co-op games (good for teamwork)
- Fast-paced party games (easy rules, big laughs)
- Puzzles (a shared project you can leave out all week)
House rules to keep it light:
- First-time players can get one “do-over”.
- Have a designated party leader each week to teach everyone the rules, set a timer, and keep score.
5) Movie Nights
Movie nights are classic for a reason. They let you experience something new and give the family something to chat about long after the credits roll. Similarly, having a TV show you can tune into on a weekly basis sets new traditions and provides another activity to look forward to every now and then.
Make it cozy: Dim the lights, pile on blankets, and try a “no phones” rule so everyone can be present for the film.
6) Music Hour: Dance, Jam, or Karaoke
Queue a family playlist where everyone adds two songs. Dance it out, compete in a lip-sync battle, or bring out some instruments for a low-stakes jam sesh.
Warm-up game: Freeze dance. It works for all ages and burns off that cabin fever.
Tips for Setting the Scene…
- Comfort: Close windows and pull chairs closer together.
- Lighting: Lamps and string lights beat overheads for instant warmth.
- Placement: Keep a basket by the couch with games, blankets, and snacks.
And if you notice rooms that never quite feel warm or insulated enough, it might be your windows and doors trying to tell you something. Better insulation and high-performance glass can reduce drafts, minimize outside noise, and keep your space comfortable well into the new year.
Let the Good Times Roll!
The best activities are the ones where everyone can join in. Pick one idea, put it on the calendar, and try it this week – you’ll be surprised at how quickly you can build some new traditions.
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