Things To Enjoy at Home This December and December is almost here – and you know what that means: time to bring out the fairy lights, cozy blankets, and all the Christmassy fun. I don’t know about you, but the moment the calendar flips to December, I suddenly feel like it’s finally “allowed” to go full-on festive.
Even if the weather outside is freezing or grey, inside can be warm, joyful, and full of togetherness. That’s why I’ve put together a list of 25 simple, at-home activities to keep your family feeling festive all month long. Think of it as a little daily menu of joy – one for every day leading up to Christmas.
And don’t worry, none of these ideas require you to be super crafty, spend loads of money, or have endless free time. They’re just easy, fun, and full of that magical December feeling.
1. Create a Family December Bucket List
Start the month by sitting together and writing down all the festive things you’d love to do before Christmas. Kids will come up with hilarious ideas (watching Home Alone five times in a row might top the list), but once everyone contributes, you’ll have a family-made plan for Things To Enjoy at Home This December.
2. Build a Mini Christmas Scene in a Jar or Box
Take a clear glass jar, lantern, or box and turn it into a tiny winter wonderland. Add fairy lights, fake snow, and little figurines. When the lights twinkle at night, it feels like a magical storybook world. Children love gazing into it and inventing their own Christmas tales.
3. Feed the Winter Birds
Things To Enjoy at Home This December, Cold weather makes food hard to find for little garden birds. Help them out by making simple bird feeders with seeds, apples, or peanut butter. Hang them outside and then watch from the window as robins, sparrows, and other visitors come for a snack.
4. Have a Christmas Story Night
Pile up on the sofa with blankets and read seasonal books together. Young kids might enjoy The Jolly Christmas Postman, while older ones can handle classics like The Box of Delights. For adults, a cozy winter read (like Nigel Slater’s The Christmas Chronicles) sets the mood perfectly.
5. Go on a Neighborhood Light Walk
Take a stroll after dark to admire the Christmas lights in your area. Some families go all out, and it’s fun to see the creativity. Pop on hats and scarves, take a flask of hot chocolate, and enjoy the sparkle.
6. Decorate a Mini Tree for Each Room
Who says you can only have one Christmas tree? Small potted evergreens or tiny artificial trees can be decorated with mini ornaments and lights. Kids can take charge of decorating their own little tree for their room or the kitchen.
7. Bake Something Sweet and Festive
Things To Enjoy at Home This December, Christmas baking doesn’t have to mean heavy fruit cake. Cookies shaped like stars, gingerbread people, or chocolate brownies dusted with icing sugar will do the trick. The smell of cinnamon, sugar, and baking fills the whole house with holiday cheer.
8. Make Edible Treats for Gifts
Instead of rushing to buy everything, try gifting homemade goodies. A jar of chutney, chocolate bark, or spiced biscuits wrapped with ribbon can feel more personal (and delicious).
9. Count Down with Your Own Advent Idea
Advent doesn’t need to be shop-bought. You can make a DIY countdown using envelopes, jars, or slips of paper with daily activities written on them. Lighting an advent candle each evening is another simple but meaningful ritual.
10. Decorate a Gingerbread House
This is messy but so much fun! You can grab a kit or bake the pieces yourself. The end result might look a little chaotic, but kids won’t care – it’s about the joy of sticking icing everywhere and sneaking sweets.
11. Handmake Christmas Cards
Instead of buying cards, why not craft some? Even simple designs with stickers or glitter can look special. If kids make them, grandparents will treasure them forever.
12. Support Local Shops and Makers
Choose a day to do some Christmas shopping with independent sellers – either in your local town or online. It feels good knowing your gifts are supporting small businesses.
13. String a Popcorn Garland
Popcorn isn’t just for eating! Thread popcorn with a needle and string to make a rustic decoration. You can make one for the tree and another mixed with cranberries or raisins to hang outside for the birds.
14. Cut Out Paper Snowflakes
Grab some paper and scissors, fold, snip, and open to reveal unique snowflake designs. Stick them to your windows for a homemade snowy look – no matter what the weather is outside.
15. Make Luxury Hot Chocolate
Go beyond cocoa powder and try melting real chocolate into warm milk and cream. Top with whipped cream, marshmallows, or even crushed candy canes. Perfect after a chilly walk.
16. Clear Out Toys for Charity
Before new gifts arrive, encourage kids to pick a few toys they’ve outgrown to donate. It teaches generosity and helps make space for the presents that Santa might bring.
17. Craft Homemade Ornaments
From salt dough stars to painted baubles, there are endless options. Even simple paper chains add color and fun to the tree. Kids love seeing their own creations hanging alongside the usual decorations.
18. Have a Living Room Picnic with a Christmas Movie
Spread a blanket on the floor, serve easy finger foods, and put on a festive film. Whether it’s Elf, The Grinch, or an old classic, this one always creates special family memories and is one of the important Things To Enjoy at Home This December
19. Make DIY Gift Tags
Cut up last year’s Christmas cards into small shapes, punch a hole, and add string or ribbon. You’ll have creative, recycled tags for wrapping – and kids love helping cut and decorate them.
20. Candlelit Dinner with Christmas Tunes
One evening, switch off the main lights, put candles on the table, and play soft Christmas music. Even a simple meal feels magical when the whole family shares it by candlelight.
21. Try Making Your Own Christmas Crackers
Crackers are a big part of Christmas dinner, but you can actually make them yourself. Add small sweets, handwritten jokes, or even tiny toys inside. Pulling a cracker you made yourself feels extra fun.
22. Create Scented Orange Pomanders
Stick cloves into whole oranges in fun patterns, then place them around the house. They look beautiful and fill the room with that spicy, Christmassy smell.
23. Host a Cookie Decorating Challenge
Bake or buy plain cookies, set out icing and sprinkles, and let everyone design their own. Award silly prizes like “Most Sparkly” or “Funniest Santa Face.”
24. Gather Around for Christmas Coloring
Print some free coloring pages or buy a festive coloring book. Add Christmas music in the background and mugs of hot chocolate – it’s calm, creative, and good for all ages.
25. Watch a Classic Christmas Show or Movie Together
Instead of only new releases, revisit some older Christmas TV or films. Maybe something you loved as a child – it’s a lovely way to pass traditions down and share your nostalgia with your kids.
Conclusion
December doesn’t have to be about rushing around or spending a fortune. Some of the best memories come from the small, simple traditions you create together at home – baking cookies, reading stories, lighting candles, or sipping hot chocolate.
Try a few of these ideas this month and see which ones stick as future family traditions. Who knows – your kids might be talking about them fondly when they’re adults too
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