10 Unique Things to Do Over the Holidays

December 5, 2024

It’s that special time of year, again! Soon, school will be out for the holiday break, giving kids a moment to recharge and relish in the spirit of the season. It’s a time to bake cookies, play some winter activities, and gather with those we love... while making memories that will last a lifetime! To make your long-awaited winter break a li‘l more exciting, your Li’l Woodzeez friends have listed 10 unique holiday activities for kids and grownups.

1. Trade sweets with a cookie swap

A cookie swap is a cookie lover’s dream come true! Not only do you get to share cookies with friends and family, but you get to go home with a bunch of new cookies to devour – and learn to bake yourself. For this activity, bake a tasty batch of cookies with your child. Then, have some guests over to trade cookies and enjoy a holiday get-together. With a cookie swap, you get a bunch of different cookies for the cost of making only one batch!

2. Get creative with a paint and sip (kids’ edition)

Paint and sip parties are very popular – and for good reason! It’s a fun and relaxing way for everyone to make art. For your at-home, family-friendly edition of a paint and sip, choose a piece that is easy enough for everyone to try. You can also look for one that has a quick tutorial that your guests can watch at the start of the night! Or choose to leave it up to them – everyone can paint whatever they want! Set the scene with a paint-safe tablecloth, a set of acrylic paints, brushes of different sizes, water cups, and aprons. And away you go! As for the drinks, serve something fun and festive like sparkling apple juice, eggnog, or hot chocolate.

3. Go exploring with a holiday scavenger hunt

Kids’ scavenger hunts are a great way to mix up your routine while getting li’l ones active and engaged! Simply write a list of things to find on your next walk around the neighborhood, out in the woods, or around the house, then have your kiddo find each item and check them off your list. Personalize as much as you want! For inspiration, check out our fall scavenger hunt for kids.

4. Make homemade ugly sweaters

Got any sweaters you’re thinking of donating? Transform them into fun, DIY holiday sweaters! Gather Christmas ornaments, bows, bells, pom poms, tinsel garlands, googly eyes, and other li’l knick knacks to create a homemade sweater you can show off to all your friends and family. You can use hot glue (with adult supervision) or stitches, or double-sided tape for a temporary holiday sweater. Why not get your kiddo to design yours?

5. Take a snapshot with a holiday time capsule

Time capsules are a fun and unique way to preserve memories. They also let kids express themselves! To make one, fill a shoebox with family memorabilia, such as instant photos, handwritten letters to your future selves, and a family portrait drawn by your child. You can also sit down together and write about what you are grateful for, what you’ve accomplished this year, and what you predict will happen next. Open it next year – or in 5 years, or 10 – and look back on how you’ve grown together!

6. Host a crafting circle

Holiday crafts are a staple activity for many families. They’re a great way to unplug and bond over special, homemade art! Simply pick a holiday craft for kids such as making wreaths, decorating pinecones, or making snow globes, then pick a time that works for you. Everyone must have the same crafting supplies and make the same craft. This way, you can help each other out and be amazed at everyone’s personal touches. For a super simple, no-stress approach, check your local craft store for kids’ craft kits!

7. Go on a candy cane hunt

Surprise li’l ones with a candy cane hunt! This is a great family activity for a cold day inside. A candy cane hunt is just like an Easter egg hunt, only with candy canes, instead! All you need to do is hide a dozen or so mini candy canes around the house and have your kiddo find them. If you want a little more spice, modify the game into a scavenger hunt, with clues for each cane’s location! When the game is over, you can also ask your child to re-make the hunt for you and hear them giggle as you do the searching.

8. Catch up with 12 days of virtual calls

Do you have family and friends that live far away? Make a pledge to call one of them on each day of your holiday break! Grab a calendar and create a schedule with your child, making sure that each person is available at those times. When it’s time for a call, consider dressing up in Santa hats, singing songs, or doing a show-and-tell! This sweet and heartwarming activity will not only put a smile on everyone’s faces but teach your kiddo the importance of keeping in touch.

9. Tickle your tastebuds with a global cuisine night

Host a holiday potluck with a twist! With this holiday activity, everyone brings a dish from a different culture. Think Panettone from Italy, gungo peas from Jamaica, tamales from Mexico – all sorts of holiday dishes from around the world! For an extra serving of learning, ask every guest to bring a little recipe card that explains the origins of their dish, as well. The Curlicue Pigs adore this winter activity!

10. Participate in a Toy or Turkey Drive

Go the extra mile by delivering to those in need! Some churches and organizations deliver frozen turkeys, holidays meals, or kids’ toys right to people’s doorsteps. So rather than making a simple donation, you can sign up to drive around town and spread joy to those less fortunate. This is a wonderful way to spend an afternoon as a family, and an amazing way to teach kids the impact that charities have on real people in your community!

Go ahead and make memories! With just a little planning, ideas like these can make your holiday break all the more special. For more out-of-the-box fun, don’t miss our top 8 activities for spring break, our holiday game of I Spy, and a heartwarming story about the Woofington family.