The holidays are all about spending quality time with loved ones and creating memories you’ll cherish for years to come. While the season often comes with its share of hustle and bustle, it’s also the perfect opportunity to slow down, unplug, and focus on what really matters—family. Here are ten ideas to make the holidays extra special for everyone, from toddlers to grandparents.

1. Have a Holiday Craft Night

Nothing brings people together like a bit of creativity! Set up a craft night where everyone can make something festive. It could be decorating ornaments, crafting paper snowflakes, or even a DIY wreath-making project. Use supplies you have around the house, like old wrapping paper, buttons, or ribbons, to keep things budget-friendly.

If you have younger kids, keep it simple—handprint art or edible crafts (like decorating cookies) are always a hit. To make it extra fun, turn on holiday music and make it a family tradition to hang up your creations each year.

2. Host a Family Bake-Off

Who doesn’t love a little friendly competition, especially when it comes with delicious treats? Have each family member or team make their favorite holiday dessert—think cookies, pies, or gingerbread houses. Once everything is ready, do a taste test and vote for your favorites.

You can keep things lighthearted by handing out awards like “Most Creative” or “Best Presentation.” Remember, it’s less about perfection and more about sharing laughs (and sugar highs!) together.

3. Plan a Pajama Movie Marathon

Pick a cozy evening to snuggle up in your favorite pajamas, grab plenty of blankets, and binge-watch holiday classics as a family. Load up on hot chocolate, popcorn, and candy canes for the ultimate movie-night snacks.

Some great options to add to your lineup include Home Alone, Elf, The Grinch, and The Polar Express. Don’t forget to include everyone’s favorites—even grandparents will love reliving the nostalgia of older holiday films.

For an added bonus, build a blanket fort to transform the living room into a magical little movie theater!

4. Create a New Family Tradition

Traditions are what make the holidays feel truly special, but you don’t have to stick to the same routine year after year. Why not create something new? It could be as simple as writing letters to each family member about what you love and appreciate about them, or something more interactive, like a holiday scavenger hunt.

If your family enjoys giving back, consider starting a tradition of volunteering at a local food bank or adopting a family in need through a gift donation program. It’s a meaningful way to bring joy to others while bonding as a family.

5. Have a Family Game Night

Games are an awesome way to get everyone laughing and engaged. Pull out classic board games like Monopoly, Candy Land, or Scrabble. Or, you can try holiday-themed games like charades, where all the clues are about holiday movies or songs.

For something more active, do a “Guess the Gift” game where you wrap random objects (like a roll of toilet paper or an old shoe) and see who can guess what’s inside! Adding prizes like candy or small gifts makes it even more exciting.

6. Go All Out With Decorations

Transform your home into a winter wonderland! Instead of just putting up the usual tree and lights, make decorating a full-family event. Have each person decorate their own corner of the house and then come together to admire everyone’s work. You can also work together to create outdoor decorations using natural items like pinecones and branches.

Don’t forget about fun touches like hanging stockings for pets or stringing colorful lights in unexpected places, like bedrooms or hallways. The key is to include everyone in the process so the house feels like it belongs to everyone.

7. Take a Holiday Lights Tour

Bundle up, hop in the car (or walk if it’s nearby), and spend an evening exploring your neighborhood’s holiday lights. Many towns and cities have houses that go all-out, complete with synchronized music and extravagant displays.

If you’re up for a little adventure, pack some hot chocolate in thermoses and map out a few destinations ahead of time. You can even vote on your favorite display to make it a little competition. It’s a simple but magical way to soak in the holiday cheer.

8. Make a Memory Time Capsule

Take a few moments during the holiday season to reflect on the past year as a family. Gather mementos—like photos, small trinkets, or written notes—and place them in a decorative box or jar. Have everyone write a letter about their favorite moments from the holidays or hopes for the upcoming year.

Seal it all up and store it somewhere safe, then make it a tradition to read everything together next holiday season. It’s a meaningful way to capture the spirit of the season and create memories that you’ll cherish for years.

9. Cook a Meal as a Family

Instead of one person taking on the task of cooking Christmas dinner (or managing a big holiday meal), turn it into a group effort. Assign different dishes or tasks to each family member, and create a festive playlist to keep the energy fun and lively. Alternatively, you could just make cookies together, too!

If you have younger kids, involve them in simpler tasks like mixing ingredients or setting the table with fun, seasonal decorations. Food tastes even better when everyone helps create it together, and the teamwork can make the experience extra rewarding.

10. Focus on Gratitude

The holidays are about more than just gifts and sweets—they’re a time to appreciate the people around us. Set aside a quiet moment to go around the dinner table and have each person share something they’re grateful for.

You can also create a “gratitude tree” by cutting out paper ornaments and writing notes on them about things or people you’re thankful for. Hang them as a reminder of what really matters.

For families with younger members, consider reading a holiday story or book emphasizing kindness and gratitude to help set the tone.

Cherish the Season Together

The holidays don’t have to be perfect or extravagant to be memorable—what makes them special is the time you spend together. Whether you’re creating something new, revisiting old traditions, or simply sharing a laugh over a game or movie, the goal is to connect and enjoy the magic of the season as a family.

Remember to take lots of pictures, be present in the moment, and savor each little memory you’re making. Years from now, it won’t be the gifts or decorations you remember—it’ll be the time spent with the people you love most.

Here’s to a holiday season filled with love, laughter, and lots of family moments you’ll never forget!