Emmanuel Ochayi
As the most wonderful time of the year approaches, Christmas and New Year bring endless opportunities to create lasting memories with loved ones. While the season is filled with traditions like tree decorating and gift exchanges, there are countless ways to make these holidays truly special.
Whether you prefer family bonding or community involvement, these fun activities ensure your celebrations are meaningful and enjoyable.
Join our WhatsApp Channel1. Celebrate with Tree Lighting Events
Tree lighting ceremonies are a fantastic way to kick off the Christmas season. These events, whether at a local park or on TV, capture the festive spirit with music, decorations, and holiday treats. Watching the Rockefeller Center tree lighting has become a holiday staple for many families, offering a perfect blend of tradition and excitement.
2. Host a Gift Swap with Friends
Christmas is the season of giving, and hosting a gift exchange adds a fun twist to the tradition. A white elephant swap can bring laughter and surprises, especially when the gifts are themed or have a price limit. It’s a creative way to share joy without breaking the bank.
3. Sing Christmas Karaoke
Bring out your inner performer with a Christmas karaoke session. Gather friends and family to sing favourite holiday songs and even turn it into a competitive game. Skipping certain words in the lyrics can add a fun challenge, making the event memorable.
4. Visit a Senior Living Facility
For many seniors, the holidays can be lonely. A visit to a local senior living facility can brighten their day and bring a sense of connection. Sharing stories, singing carols, or simply spending time together can spread holiday cheer to those who need it most.
5. Create Unique Holiday Crafts
Unleash your creativity with holiday crafts like wreath-making or creating festive table decorations. Involving the kids in these activities adds an element of fun while giving your home a personalised holiday touch. These crafts can double as gifts for friends and family.
6. Organize a Christmas Trivia Night
Test everyone’s knowledge with a Christmas trivia game. Whether it’s fun facts about holiday traditions or questions about Christmas movies, trivia can bring people together in a friendly competition. Offering small prizes like candy canes or hot cocoa adds an extra layer of excitement.
7. Explore Holiday Markets
Holiday markets are ideal for finding unique gifts and supporting local businesses. These markets are not only a place to shop but also an experience filled with festive decorations, delicious treats, and a strong sense of community spirit.
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8. Try New Holiday Treats
Move beyond the usual cookies and explore other holiday desserts like yule logs or traditional puddings. Experimenting with different recipes can be a fun family activity, and the delicious results can be shared during holiday gatherings.
9. Spend Time Outdoors
Whether you’re building a snowman or going ice skating, outdoor activities add excitement to the holidays. These moments are perfect for creating cherished family memories while enjoying the beauty of the season.
10. Attend a Christmas Service
For many, attending a Christmas service is a meaningful way to connect with the spirit of the season. Even if it’s not a family tradition, visiting a nearby church for a special service can be a heartwarming experience.
11. Play Games by the Tree
Board games or puzzles by the Christmas tree create a cozy and interactive holiday experience. The soft glow of the lights sets a magical scene for bonding and laughter with loved ones.
12. Gift Someone Unexpected
Christmas is the perfect time to show appreciation to those you might not typically gift. Whether it’s a teacher, neighbour, or coworker, a heartfelt gift can make someone feel valued and loved.
Christmas and New Year are perfect opportunities to embrace joy, connection, and tradition. By incorporating these activities into your celebrations, you can make the season unforgettable for yourself and your loved ones. Whether through festive crafts, community involvement, or cherished family traditions, there’s no shortage of ways to make the holidays meaningful.
Emmanuel Ochayi is a journalist. He is a graduate of the University of Lagos, School of first choice and the nations pride. Emmanuel is keen on exploring writing angles in different areas, including Business, climate change, politics, Education, and others.
