​​​​​​​​All year long, we’re bombarded with advertising messages telling us to buy, buy, buy. ​This ​consumerist mania hits its high point, of course, during the winter holiday season, when even the best-behaved child’s thoughts turn to toys and candy. Add in perks like time off work and school, and it’s easy for the entire family to look forward to the holidays for the many material “goodies” they bring.

In the midst of all that, it’s easy to forget one of the best parts of the holidays: special time with family and friends. So, if you’re lamenting the loss of the spirit of the season, why not try something new to bring joy back into the ​holidays? Here are a few fun ​suggestions:

Day 1: The Holiday Hat Game

The Idea

At your next family gathering, ask everyone to write down a favorite holiday memory on a slip of paper and then put the slips in a hat. Pass the hat around and each person pull out a memory slip and try to guess who wrote it.

Variation

Write down a series of questions on separate slips of paper. These could range from the silly to the serious. For example:

• What was your favorite present of all time?
• How many candy canes could a reindeer eat?
• What's your least favorite holiday food?

Then write the answers to the questions on another set of slips of paper. Mix up the pieces of paper and have everyone try to match the right answers to the questions. Give a silly prize to the person who matches the most right answers.

Why

Collectively recalling memories brings people closer together and reminds them of happy and meaningful shared experiences and feelings. It also puts the focus of the holidays back on what's important – people, not presents.

Working together to match holiday memories to the people who wrote them down (or matching questions to answers) helps boost communication and teamwork.

Prep

All you need is paper and pencils or pens! A silly prize is optional.

Day 2: Family Holiday History—on Film

The Idea

Get the video camera and have your children tell you about the holiday traditions you celebrate. Let them teach you about the history and what the traditions mean.

If you have older children, have them do some research about holiday traditions online. Challenge them to “teach you something you didn’t already know” about the holidays. Don’t let them off the hook too easily; ask questions and be interested!

If you keep it going year after year, it will be fun to look back on previous years’ videos to see how the kids (and the family) have grown and changed!

Variation

Instead of making videos of your children talking about holiday traditions, film them as they describe one of their favorite memories from the past year, tell a joke or explain what they are thankful for this year.

Why

Thinking and talking about traditions helps kids to understand they are an important part of something that is established and secure. Positive memories and childhood experiences give kids something they can aspire to replicate when they have their own family.

Researching topics and communicating them on video are good brain-building exercises that help kids learn. If this tradition is maintained each year, you will have established a valuable library of family memories on video, something you will cherish forever.

Prep

You’ll need a phone with video capabilities or a video camera as well as Internet access for research.

Day 3: Kids Cuisine

The Idea

If your children are old enough to be left alone in the kitchen, have them cook a holiday meal for the whole family. They can plan a menu, pick out ingredients and make a shopping list you all can take to the store in order to get what you need.

If your kids are younger, you can help them do all of these things with the understanding that they are “the boss” for this meal.

Tell them the only limit on what they can do is their own imaginations. But be ready to end up with ice cream and cookies for the main course!

Variation

Put each family member in charge of one dish and have the whole family work in the kitchen together. It may be crowded and it will probably get messy, but just go with it! Listen to holiday music and talk while you work. Not every dish will turn out just right or be as good as if you made it yourself, but that’s okay!

Why

Giving kids a sense of responsibility helps them to mature. Putting them in charge of preparing a meal or a dish forces them to plan, problem-solve and prioritize. They also can take pride in the end result, and will feel a sense of accomplishment when they hear your compliments on a delicious job well done!

Prep

Start this activity a few days ahead of when you want to enjoy your holiday meal so your kids have time to plan and make a grocery list, and you all have time to go to the store.

Day 4: Lighted Scavenger Hunt

The Idea

Spend an evening driving around the neighborhood looking at Christmas lights. Give everyone in the family a list of items they must spot before going home, items like a Santa Claus, a house with all blue lights, a Christmas tree, a menorah, etc.

Come home to hot chocolate and take a vote on everyone’s favorite light display. Later, drop a note in the mailbox of the winning home to let those neighbors know how much you enjoyed their decorations.

Variation

For a daytime or walking version of this activity, change the setting to your local downtown or the nearest big city. If your family is large enough, split into two teams and use cameras to do a photo scavenger hunt. If your kids are older, make a list of abstract items to look for, like something that depicts warmth, joy, wonder, tradition, or kindness.

Why

Having a common goal (in this case, completing the list) helps parents and children work together and communicate. Doing things together “just for fun” sends a message to all family members that you value spending time with them.

Prep

Make your list beforehand. It’s a good idea to scout the neighborhood first so you’re not driving around till the sun comes up to find your items! Have hot chocolate (or other snacks) ready for when you return. Find a holiday card and envelope for the “winning” house.

Day 5: Sentence-at-a-Time Story

The Idea

Create a story about the holidays one sentence at a time. Have everyone sit in a circle and start with a sentence about your favorite holiday memory. Then, have each member of the family take turns chiming in with the next line of the story. The goal is to build a story that is the most fun, unbelievable holiday memory ever.

Variation

Try creating a holiday story one word at a time! Or retell a famous holiday story like Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, the story of Jesus’s birth, or the plot of your favorite holiday movie, one sentence at a time.

Why

This is another activity that builds teamwork and camaraderie. Everyone participates equally and plays a part in rebuilding a shared memory.

Prep

None needed!

Day 6: Build a Snowman Competition!

The Idea

When was the last time you built a snowman? When was the last time you built two or even three? Divide family members into teams and set a time limit to build your frozen friends. When time is up, decide which team has the best-looking snowman!

For bonus fun, knock off the snowman’s head and take pictures of family members standing behind it with their heads in place of his!

Variation

No snow? Get creative! Use sidewalk chalk to draw your snowmen, or scale it down with Play-Doh, mashed potatoes, pillows, or even mud!

Why

Being outside and active is important to everyone’s physical and mental health. Doing activities as a family makes it fun!

Prep

Be ready to adjust for weather conditions. If snow isn’t available, buy supplies like Play-Doh or chalk for an indoor version.

Day 7: Family Movie Night!

The Idea

Boys Town just celebrated its 100th anniversary, and as we reflected on our century of service, we were reminded of how much we have grown and changed. We love to look back at the 1930s, when the movie classic Boys Town was released. Watch that movie this holiday season — it's a great story, and you’ll enjoy it while spending quality time together.

Variation

Watch any family-friendly holiday movie. Try one your family hasn’t seen before. Afterward, talk about the themes and lessons it presented.

Why

Any time you set aside for being together as a family is time well spent. Even something as simple as a movie night reinforces connection and empathy.

Prep

Pop some popcorn or prepare a special treat to make the night even more enjoyable. Wearing holiday pajamas might not be a bad idea either!

Day 8: Build a Turkey out of Legos

The Idea

Have your kids “make” a holiday meal — turkey, stuffing, and all — using only Lego blocks! They can build the silverware and plates too. When they’re finished, have the whole family sit down to enjoy a very silly meal!

Variation

If you don’t have Legos or your child is too small, use Play-Doh instead.

Why

Building and forming shapes helps children hone their motor skills, dexterity, and focus. Plus, conversation flows more easily when everyone is engaged in an activity.

Prep

You’ll need plenty of Legos or Play-Doh, and maybe a real meal afterward!

Day 9: Learn About Other Holiday Traditions

The Idea

Traditions for many holidays are celebrated in December. Make a list and have each family member choose one to research. Then share what you learned with everyone. Holidays could include Kwanzaa, Hanukkah, Hogmanay, Bodhi Day, Christmas, and Nikolausabend.

Variation

Research how your own holiday is observed in other countries and cultures, and compare those traditions to your family’s.

Why

Learning about other people and their cultures builds global awareness, empathy, and acceptance.

Prep

Check out library books beforehand or make sure your Internet is working.

Day 10: Find the Holiday Alarm!

The Idea

If you have a smartphone with customized ringtones, pick a holiday tune, set it as your alarm, and hide your phone somewhere in the house. Then have your kids try to find it before the alarm goes off!

Afterward, sing the tune together and repeat the activity until everyone has had a turn.

Variation

Play holiday music and have everyone guess the tune after hearing only the first few notes. Sing the song together or look up the lyrics online.

Why

Music and singing during the holidays are important! Listening to music supports brain development, memory, and emotional expression.

Prep

You’ll need a smartphone or a holiday playlist.

Day 11: The Holiday Time Capsule

The Idea

Get a box and have the whole family choose items to put in it — newspapers, clothing, photos, notes, anything that represents your family and the current time. Seal it with a “Do not open until...” label and put it somewhere safe.

This works especially well with young children; by the time they’re older, they can open it and create new ones!

Variation

Look through old photos together, especially those taken during holidays. Talk about what you remember.

Why

Reviewing old memories builds security, continuity, and family identity. Creating a time capsule helps children think about long-term goals and perspectives.

Prep

Use a durable box or plastic storage container.

Day 12: Wrap Race

The Idea

Divide your kids (and other family members) into teams. Give each team a roll of toilet paper and three minutes to “wrap” an adult. Take pictures and judge who did the best job!

Variation

Wrap household items in holiday paper and guess what’s inside by holding or shaking the package.

Why

Fun games relieve stress, encourage teamwork, and spark creativity.

Prep

Purchase toilet paper or wrapping paper ahead of time.