Let’s be honest: opening presents only takes up an hour or two on Christmas morning. With museums, stores, and other things to do closed on the holiday, the rest of the day can slide into a dull slump or lengthy streaming binge.
Luckily, from tackling a craft project to volunteering in your community, there are many ways to keep up the festive energy on Christmas Day and make it a holiday worth remembering.
Create new traditions with these Christmas Day activities:
Put on a Nativity Play
You don’t have to leave the house to catch a theatrical performance on Christmas. Instead of going to the theater, put on a nativity play in the comfort of your living room. Assign roles to your loved ones, DIY props, costumes, and set decorations, and enjoy the festive bonding experience.
Swap Cookies
Host a Christmas cookie swap party and prepare for an epic sugar rush. Start by setting up a decorative table and instructing guests to bring a big batch of homemade cookies. Arrange the treats on your dessert table and give everyone a tin to fill with as many cookies as they can fit.
Wear Matching Pajamas
Christmas is the perfect excuse to stay in your pajamas all day—especially if they’re themed. Matching family loungewear will keep you warm and comfortable during your at-home festivities. Gift everyone their PJ sets the night before on Christmas Eve so they can wake up in a cheerful mood.
Mix Up Festive Cocktails
Pretend to be a bartender for the day and mix up some Christmas cocktails. There are many delicious ways to put a seasonal spin on your favorite adult beverages. Consider inviting friends and asking them to bring a signature drink creation to make it a full-blown party.
See a Movie
Shake up your holiday routine by going to the movies on Christmas Day. There’s always something fun and family-friendly to watch. Don a festive outfit, load up on snacks, and settle in for a show on the big screen.
Take a Family Portrait
There’s no better time to take updated portraits than when the family gets together on Christmas. Tell everyone to wear coordinated colors and find a seasonal backdrop for group photos. You’ll cherish the family photos and can create a new tradition of retaking them every Christmas.
Go to a Ski Resort
This Christmas, carve out some time to hit the slopes. Head to the closest mountain resort and prepare for a thrilling day of snowy shenanigans. If you prefer to stay inside, curl up by the fire with a book while everyone else tries skiing or snowboarding.
Drive Around and Look at Christmas Lights
Once the sun sets, hit the streets to admire the holiday decorations. Research local parks or outdoor areas hosting drive-through Christmas light displays. For a more budget-friendly option, drive around your neighborhood instead of attending a paid event.
Host a Game Night
Gather your closest loved ones for a festive game night celebration. Playing creative group activities is a surefire way to get into the holiday spirit. Trivia, charades, and scavenger hunts are fun and engaging for all ages.
Sing Carols
Revisit old traditions and assemble a group to go caroling in your area. While this classic Christmas activity has largely fallen out of popularity, it’s a charming way to spread cheer. Don’t be afraid to sing carols even if you aren’t the best at it—your neighbors will love sharing in the joy regardless.
Walk in Nature
Are you feeling cooped up in the house? Stretch your legs and get some fresh air with a brisk Christmas walk. Try going without headphones to enjoy your surroundings and wish everyone you pass on the street a happy holiday.
Make Thank You Cards
Tap into your creative side with a DIY thank-you card project. Christmas is a great time to gather your craft materials and get a jumpstart on writing notes.
Find inspiration for your thank-you cards online, and watch the magic come alive as you recreate them. Making the cards from scratch is a thoughtful touch that brightens anyone’s day.
Do a Good Deed
Give back this Christmas by doing a good deed for someone else. Directly impact your local community by volunteering in a soup kitchen or assembling care packages of everyday essentials. If you’re limited on time or resources, it can be as simple as checking in on an elderly neighbor.
Have Brunch
Brunch is an excellent way to kick off Christmas Day. Consider hosting family or friends this year for a mid-morning holiday feast. If you prefer to leave the cooking to someone else, see what local restaurants in your area are hosting brunch on Christmas.
Video Call Someone
There’s no place like home for the holidays, but life can sometimes get in the way of seeing loved ones. Video-call your long-distance friend or family member to include them in your Christmas festivities. Talking to and seeing them, even over a screen, will make it feel like you’re celebrating together.
Find the perfect gift for him
Don’t stress if you’re short on time and out of gift ideas for the special guy in your life. These practical presents are man-approved.
14 Last-Minute Christmas Gifts for Men That He’ll Love
Whip up a delicious last-minute Christmas feast
Who says you have to spend the entire holiday stuck in the kitchen? These simple recipes are perfect when you’re short on time.
13 Last-Minute Holiday Recipes Ready in Under an Hour
Elise Armitage is an entrepreneur and founder of What The Fab, a travel + lifestyle blog based in California. At the beginning of 2019, Elise left her corporate job at Google to chase her dreams: being an entrepreneur and helping women find fabulous in the everyday. Since then, she’s launched her SEO course Six-Figure SEO, where she teaches bloggers how to create a passive revenue stream from their website using SEO. Featured in publications like Forbes, Elle, HerMoney, and Real Simple, Elise is a firm believer that you can be of both substance and style.
