5 Free + Fun Holiday Family Time Ideas
In this season two things feel more scarce:
Time + Money
And if you'd like some help finding more time this season, press play on my "Simplify Your Season" workshop.
I share 3 strategies you can do TODAY so you feel LESS stressed later. Plus, you'll get my Holiday Hustle Guide so you can easily plan your season ahead.
So on that note...
I thought I'd share 5 fun + free ideas you can do this season with your family that doesn't break the bank.
🎄 Make Your Own Fun 🎄
This might surprise you but for a hot minute, I was making and selling my own play-dough.
I am not a crafty person by nature, but when we homeschooled our two boys for 4 years, I definitely had to flex some new creativity muscles.
One of our favorite things to do was make our own play-dough together.
This recipe is super easy and there are lots of ways to incorporate a little holiday flavor.
Add-ins: Essential oils, glitter, food dye, and spices (cinnamon + nutmeg are my faves)
Play items: Flour rollers, cookie cutters, mini-trees, sticks, play-dough stamps, glass beads.
Pro Tip: If you're going to use food dye, be sure to add it to the hot water first and then mix into the dry ingredients. Less likely to dye your hands.
🎄 Evening Strolls 🎄
The weather is finally cooling off here in Texas and with the time change, it's getting darker a lot sooner.
We love going for evening walks with our pup, Scout, and now there's an added bonus of seeing all the pretty Christmas lights.
You could go for a little stroll after dinner and maybe even heat up some hot cocoa for a fun after-dinner treat.
Pro Tip: Simplify your bedtime routine and have your kids put on their pajamas for the walk so they can roll right into bed once you get home.
🎄 Family Movie Nights 🎄
During covid we started a much-loved tradition of Friday movie nights. We order take-out and pick a movie (we can mostly agree on).
This time of year is my favorite because we watch ALL the Christmas movies!
You could make it extra special and add a little popcorn + mix in some M&M's. You'll thank me later.
Pro Tip: Make your Christmas movie play-list ahead of time to cut down on the scrolling and squabbling.
🎄 Kids Run The Show 🎄
I don't know about your kids, but mine are such hams. They love any excuse to share a song they're learning, bust out some dance moves, or recreate their favorite Bluey show.
So have a little fun with this and encourage your kids to put on a holiday show. You could invite friends to get in on the fun too!
This can be as simple or as elaborate as they want. Costumes, multiple acts, and props are always encouraged in our home.
The real intention is to foster their creativity and independence.
Pro Tip: Children delight in showing off all their hard work, so make a plan to share their performance with your family and friends.
🎄 Fireside Readings 🎄
In Austin, we maybe have 20 really cold days out of the whole year. But whether it's 70 degrees or 40 degrees outside, we use our fireplace a lot in the winter months.
One of my absolute favorite things is lighting the fire, have all of us pile onto the couch, burrow under all the furry blankets, and get lost in our books.
We love to read as a family, and this just makes for such a cozy afternoon that we can spend together as a family. Scout is a big fan too.
Pro Tip: Light a candle, turn on some Christmas music, or bake some yummy cookies. Adding a few little things to the ambience will make it feel extra special.
The holidays don't have to be a drain on your time and money, there are so many ways to invite connection and creativity this season. You get to choose your own adventure.
Wishing you a blessed season!
Melina
Melina is the founder of Melina Kane Coaching, a Professional Home Organizing Business in Texas (servicing Austin, Cedar Park, Round Rock, Georgetown, and Pflugerville). She loves creating effortless systems that support your everyday life. She’s an Enneagram 2 + recovering perfectionist whose never met a stranger, so come say Hi! on Instagram @cultivateyourlegacy.
