These activities will help your family have the most magical Christmas yet.
School is out and the office is closed.
But eventually, the kids will start to get restless.
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Visit a Christmas Tree Farm
The best way to signal the start of the holiday season?
A trip to the Christmas tree farm, of course.
Plus, we’ve got some of the nation’sbest Christmas tree farmsright here in the South.
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Hang an Advent Calendar
Count down the days to Christmas with a creative advent calendar.
Fromheirloom advent calendarsto calendars designed for the whole family, there are endless opportunities for holiday fun.
Write a Letter to Santa
This is one Christmas tradition that just never gets old.
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Penning a letter to Santa is one way to pass on the tradition of letter-writing to your kids.
Go Sledding
If there’s snow, you’ll find us sledding this holiday season.
This activity offers timeless funjust throw the sled in the trunk and find a snow-covered hill to soar down.
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Be sure to bundle up in hats, scarves, coats, and mittens!
Visit Santa
Chances are you still have a complete album of all your childhood photos with Santa.
Plus, it makes for a stellar photo-op to look back on for years to come.
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No matter when your tree goes up, decorating is a fun activity for the holidays!
Dedicate a morning to adorning your tree with all the string lights and family heirloom ornaments.
But last-minute holiday shopping doesn’t have to be stressful!
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Bake Christmas Cookies
Nothing will brighten your day like aChristmas cookie-baking marathon.
Your kids will adore this seasonal task, and all that baking will leave your house smelling oh-so-sweet.
Decorate the Fireplace Mantel
A little bit of tinsel here, a little bit of garland there.
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Be sure to get the kids involved in the process!
Paired with warmgingersnaps, the festive combo simply can’t be beat.
Serve with alcohol or keep it spirit-free for a drink that the whole family can enjoy.
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Drive through marvelous displays of holiday lights or wander around atown festival.
Don’t have a local display?
Drive around the neighborhood and tour your neighbors' lovely holiday decorations.
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Will you bemaking snickerdoodlesor shortbread?
There’s no better time to connect and bond with your family.
Tell stories, share jokes, sip on cocoa, and sing songs to celebrate the season.
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Choose an activity that’s kid-friendly, gather the supplies, and get to crafting.
Try making your own ornaments, garlands, paper snowflakes, snow globes, or advent calendars.
Grownups can try one of oureasy homemade Christmas decorations.
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Hang Stockings
Hanging the stockings on the fireplace mantle is one of our all-time favorite Christmas traditions.
Now, just get looking for the perfectstocking stuffers.
Just don’t forget a stocking for the dog!
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Whether you enjoy karaoke or gathering around the piano, holiday music can be a fun activity for everyone.
Hang these paper snowflakes in your windows to show off the special seasonal artwork.
Divide your family into two teams and alternate humming your favorite holiday tunes.
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This is a great after-dinner activity for the whole family.
The winning team gets first dibs on hot cocoa.
Host a Themed Potluck Dinner
Bring your family and friends together for a big potluck-style dinner.
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Crafting DIY wreaths is a fun activity for kids and adults alike.
Make Christmas Cocktails
When the kids have fallen asleep, the adults deserve a treat.
Make thesespirited holiday cocktailsfor an adults-only partyjust be sure to have some hot chocolate stocked for the kids.
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Craft DIY Ornaments
Spruce up your Christmas tree with some homemade decor.
DIY Christmas ornaments are a great craft for kids and a thoughtful gift for grandparents.
Save the one-of-a-kind creations to hang for years to come.
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An ugly Christmas sweater party is a great way to gather friends and family in good spirits.
Still in search of the perfect Christmas sweater?
Check out some ofour top seasonal picks.
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For the adults, feel free to add a shot of Peppermint Schnapps.
Read a Christmas Book
You’re never too old for a bit of Christmas magic.
Read up on all of ourmust-read Christmas books.
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On Christmas morning, the kids will most definitely jump out of bed, anxious to open their presents.
But there’s no better way to start the festivities than with a special family breakfast.
Our classicChristmas morning cinnamon rollshould tide them over for… well… five minutes or so.
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Spend Time Volunteering
This holiday season, devote a day to giving back.
Make this a tradition that your kids will cherish and continue for years to come.
Decorate Sugar Cookies
These cute-as-can-be sugar cookie designs will be the star of the holiday cookie swap.
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This edible artwork is as fun to make as it is to eat.
Looking for design inspiration?
Take alesson from a pro.
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Take a Christmas Road Trip
Pack your bags and load up the car.
It’s time for a family Christmas road trip.
May we recommend a road trip throughGeorgia’s small towns?
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Go Caroling
Go door-to-door this Christmas and spread seasonal cheer with your favorite holiday tunes.
Your neighbors will applaud your family chorusand remember, the more the merrier.
Caroling is even better when you bring friends in on the fun.
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Of course, there are themodern classics, like Elf, but try selecting a few vintage Christmas movies.
They’ll become just as nostalgic for your kids as they are for you.
Track Santa
Where in the world is he now?
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UseNORAD’s online trackerto help your kids follow Santa’s every move across the globe this December.
Tracking starts each year on December 1st.
Make Homemade Candy
On a drab winter morning, turn your kitchen into a candy factory!
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From pulled taffy topecan pralines, we’re seriously nostalgic for these homemade Southern candy recipes.
Break out the board games, and get a friendly bout of competition going on at the coffee table.
A silly, candid shot can be just as charming as a posed one.
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Wrap Gifts
Turn gift wrapping into a family activity.
Put on some lively Christmas music and break out all the wrapping paper and ribbons.
Hold a competition to see who can come up with the most extravagant bows and embellishments.
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Tap into your creative side and get the whole family involved with decorating.
You have our permission to go over the top.
A family ice skating trip is one of our favorite holiday traditions.
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After a few hours of skating, treat yourself to a mug of hot cocoa or cider.
Do a Holiday Sewing Project
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Long December days are ideal times for crafting projects.
Make Place Cards
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Nothing fancies up a holiday table like place cards.
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Tie them up with a pretty ribbon, and you’re halfway to holiday decor.
Marvel at your neighbors' displays and see all of the many lights twinkling in the darkness.
It’s a cozy way to end a day during a holiday vacation.
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Spend some time with your family this season putting together the perfect festive playlist.
Have everyone call out their favorites and add them to the playlist.
Then, once you’re done, have a listening party and really get into the Christmas season.
Credit: Photo: Hector Sanchez
Go on a Christmas Scavenger Hunt
Gather the family and go on a Christmas scavenger hunt!
There’s nothing quite like sitting around the table with loved ones proclaiming “Oo I got one!”
It’s a wonderful way to slow down during the busy season.
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Turn it into tradition by taking your crew out to pick the puzzle of the year.
Make a trip to the pet store to check out lots of accessories for your pet.
Consider picking up some holiday-themed treats too to stuff in their stocking on Christmas Day.
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