Hey mama, it’s that time of year again!
The air is getting cooler and crisper, the days shorter, darker, and our online feeds slowly filling up with all the Christmas inspiration. Yes, the festive period is upon us! Preparing our homes and hearts for the Christmas season can be such a meaningful and joyful time and in this post I’ll be sharing a few creative and unique ways to make this festive period extra special for you and your family, as I try to do the same for mine!
I hope you’ll find some inspiration that you can personalise!
1. Create a “gratitude and prayer garland”
This year, we are getting hands on with our decorating, and having fun expressing thankfulness by making prayer garlands. Transform a simple decoration into a daily practice of gratitude and prayer by cutting out paper strips in festive colors and encourage each family member to write down something that they are thankful for or a prayer intention every day. Then, link the strips together to form a garland. Each link represents a moment of gratitude or a heartfelt prayer. By Christmas, you’ll have a beautiful, meaningful decoration that wraps your home in love and thankfulness. Hang it somewhere where everyone can see, and maybe even make a tradition of reading them all aloud on Christmas Eve.
2. Host a nativity play at home
We love a good role play in our house, and my boys get excited at any chance to build houses, forts, and play pretend. At this time of year, you could turn your living room into a stage for a homemade Nativity play! Get your children involved in making simple costumes and props. Let them choose their roles—perhaps one of your children wants to be a shepherd, another an angel, and another might want to narrate the story. Rehearse together and perform it for family and friends. This activity not only brings the Christmas story to life for everyone but also creates a cherished family tradition. Plus, it’s a wonderful way to remind everyone of the true meaning of Christmas in a fun and engaging way.
3. Set Up a “Christmas kindness countdown”
I love that the festive season encourages us to not only enjoy with our families, but to think of ways that we can serve others. In our home, we have been focusing on service, and ways to make someone feel loved. The boys are more excited about the toys that they will receive for Christmas so this activity is perfect. Instead of the usual Advent calendar, you can create a “Christmas Kindness Countdown” where each day involves a small act of kindness. You then write down different activities on slips of paper and place them in numbered envelopes or boxes. Activities can include things like making a card for a neighbour, donating gently used toys to charity, baking cookies for locals and church members, or even calling a relative to spread some cheer. This helps instill a spirit of giving, and compassion in our children and shows them that Christmas is about spreading love and joy to others.
4. Start a Christmas book tradition
If you love books, and your children do this could be the perfect time to build a collection of Christmas-themed books that you only bring out during the festive season. Each evening, you could gather around the tree or in a cosy space to read a different story. You can include classics along with stories that highlight the nativity. This tradition fosters a love of reading, creates cozy family moments, and helps children connect with the stories and values of Christmas. Over the years, these books will become cherished parts of your family’s holiday heritage. We are book lovers so this will be perfect for us to introduce!
Some of the books that we’ll be reading:
5. Create a “journey to Bethlehem” display
Dedicate a space in your home to a “Journey to Bethlehem” display that evolves throughout Advent. I saw this stunning nativity display in Home Sense last year and I am still kicking myself for not getting it. It was so beautiful and I wanted to use it as part of our festive decorations to help point the kids hearts to our wonderful Saviour. So you could start with a bare stable and gradually add figures of Mary, Joseph, and the shepherds moving closer to the stable each day. Incorporate readings from the Bible and reflections on each character’s journey and faith. This daily routine helps reinforce the nativity story deep into our hearts and makes the anticipation of Christmas more meaningful as our children witness the progression of the journey to the birth of Jesus.
6. Host a Christmas craft night
Children love crafts, and it is such a great and easy way to spend time having fun together. Set aside one evening a week for a family Christmas craft night. Gather materials to make ornaments, wreaths, and other decorations. Listen to Christmas music, sip on hot chocolate, grab some snacks and let the creativity flow! These homemade crafts can be used to decorate your home or given as heartfelt gifts to friends and family. This tradition not only beautifies your home but also provides a wonderful opportunity for family bonding and creates lasting memories.
7. Set up a giving jar
Place a large jar in a central location in your home and label it the “Giving Jar.” Throughout the holiday season, encourage family members to contribute spare change or small bills. At the end of the season, decide together which charity or family in need you’ll donate the collected money to. This simple act teaches children about generosity and the importance of helping others, in line with the Kindness Countdown.
8. Plan a “Silent Night” evening
I saw this idea and loved it! We’ll definitely be looking to add this to our Christmas tradition. Choose one evening to turn off all electronic devices and enjoy a “Silent Night” together. Light candles, play soft Christmas music, and spend the evening in quiet activities like reading Christmas stories, doing puzzles, or simply talking. This can be a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of the season which is filled with socialising and shopping, and provides a chance to reconnect and unwind with loved ones. Equally, joining a carols night
9. Create Personalised Christmas cards
Instead of buying pre-made cards, gather your family to create personalised Christmas cards for friends and relatives. Use craft supplies like stamps, stickers, and glitter to make each card unique. Include a heartfelt message or a family update inside. This activity allows for creativity and thoughtfulness, and recipients will surely appreciate the time and effort put into each card.
Another meaningful practice is to focus on the importance of presence over perfection. It’s easy to become overwhelmed by the desire to create the perfect Christmas experience for your family. But remember, the most cherished memories often come from simple moments spent together. For example, instead of stressing over a perfectly decorated home, involve your children in the decorating process. Embrace the imperfections and enjoy the laughter and creativity that come with it. Or, set aside time for a family evening of board games or baking cookies, without worrying about the mess. By prioritising presence, we can give our hearts the chance to breathe, and just enjoy the gift and blessings that we have.
I hope these ideas inspire you!
Are there any that you would do? or share what you currently do with your family at Christmas time, I’d love to know.
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