Hey there, super moms! The holiday season is rolling in, and while juggling work and family can be a bit hectic, we can make this Christmas extra special for our loved ones.
With four UNIQUE children in the home and limited financial and mental resources, I was always dreaming up ways to make the season merry and bright.
Some of my ideas were huge hits, and some were duds.
But even the not-so-great ideas were opportunities for laughter and memories.
Join me for a read-along, and together, let's explore some friendly and creative ideas that will empower you to fully embrace the joy of the season. These ideas are packed with festive holiday fun, guaranteed to bring smiles to your family's faces and warm your hearts.
Craft & Create: Family Ornament Extravaganza! Ignite your creative spirit with a festive family ornament-making night! Head over to the local craft store to stock up on plain ornaments, vibrant paints, and glitter galore. Let each family member unleash their artistic flair, and presto – you'll soon have a tree adorned with personalized masterpieces that tell your unique family story.
In the days before Google, I would eagerly flip through craft books in search of imaginative ornament ideas. Once we settled on one or two concepts, the creative process would kick into high gear.
Our approach was to create multiples of the same ornament each year. These handmade ornaments quickly evolved into a cherished family tradition, doubling as heartfelt gifts for grandparents, friends, and neighbors. To sweeten the gesture, we often paired them with a
plate of delicious homemade candies and cookies. The joy of crafting and giving, blended into a warm holiday tradition.
Here are directions (and photos) of afew favorites from our crafty collection:
Cozy Movie Night In: Snuggles, Snacks, and a Festive Flick! Declare a holiday movie marathon night! Pile on the blankets, grab the popcorn, and let each family member pick their ultimate holiday movie. It's an easy-peasy way to create a snug and joy-filled evening that everyone will remember.
Some of the Honnold Family Favorites:
Sound of Music (I don't know why this was considered a Christmas Classic in our home...but it was...maybe. it was the only time I could convince the kiddos to watch with me.)
Little Drummer Boy (yes the claymation one from years gone by)
The Grinch Who Stole Christmas (the original)
Die Hard (yes, it is a Christmas movie)
Elf
And of course the classics: Miracle on 34th Street & It's a Wonderful Life.
Jingle Bites: A Cozy Christmas Cookie Decorating Night! Embark on a decorating adventure with your family (and why not invite a few friends for some extra fun)! Sprinkle love and laughter around as you all gather at the table, armed with sugar cookies just waiting for a delightful dose of delicious icing.
Roll out the dough. You can opt for the quick and easy Pillsbury sugar cookies for a fuss-free alternative.
Cut out festive shapes.
Pop them in the oven.
Spread out the plastic tablecloth.
Whip up your favorite icing recipe.
then kick off the night by turning on some holiday classics and decorate away.
Gather 'round, let the creativity flow, and savor the sweetness of shared moments this holiday season!
Embrace the Gift of Time: Unwrap the Joy of Presence, Not Just Presents! This year, consider giving the extraordinary gift of experiences. Instead of the usual gift exchange, let each family member take charge of a unique Theme Night. They become the maestro of the evening, orchestrating everything from the menu to activities for a night filled with laughter and memories. These Theme Nights not only added a delightful twist to family gatherings but also created unforgettable moments.
The Honnold Family has had a blast with Theme Nights, including:
Magic Night:
Menu: Hamburgers, french fries, popcorn, and cookies.
Activity: Each family member wowed the crowd with their own magic trick.
English Tea Party:
Menu: Scones, curdled cream, tea, and poppers.
Dress code: Everyone dolled up for this extravagant experience.
Personality Assessment Night with a Twist:
Menu: Pizza.
Activity: Various FREE online personality tests.
Twist: After taking each assessment, someone else guessed your answers, leading to fantastic conversations and insights.
Ornament Decorating:
Menu: A favorite family casserole.
Activity: Ceramic ornaments from the craft store, paints, and Christmas music.
Why not sprinkle some creativity into your celebrations and let each family member host a night of their own?"
Advent Immersion Experience! Create a Silent Night for the whole family. As the holiday season twinkles around you, take a moment to bask in the glow of the tree lights and settle in with your loved ones. Don't miss out on this serene opportunity to unwind, especially with the little ones.
Here's a Honnold magical idea: gather 24 Christmas-themed storybooks, wrap them up like precious gifts, and place them in a charming basket or, in my case, an old doll cradle. Each night, let the excitement build as one of the kids unwraps a book, transporting the family into the enchanting world of holiday tales. It's a nightly ritual of warmth, joy, and the magic of the season.
Consider adding a dash of wonder to your nights and let the Advent Immersion Experience become a cherished tradition. It's a perfect blend of coziness, storytelling, and festive magic that the whole family will treasure.
In Closing
My beloved mom-friend, in the midst of the hurry and hustle, you can sprinkle some extra magic and create festive holiday fun for the family! With these friendly and festive ideas, you're sure to create a Christmas that's filled with love, laughter, and precious moments.
Remember, it's not about the perfection of the plans
but the joy in the journey.
If the holiday season has you searching for your joy or wondering how to craft meaningful memories for your family, I'm here to spark some ideas with you. Let's dive into a brainstorming session and discover what would truly work wonders for you and your loved ones.
I'd love to hear which one of these Heartwarming Christmas Ideas you want to incorporate into your Festive Holiday Fun for 2023?
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