making christmas day special

10 Ideas for Making Christmas Day Special

It’s one of the days that kids look forward to all year round – Christmas Day! And not just because of all the gifts, but because there’s just something magical in the air for a child on Christmas day that’s hard to explain. I can remember it well, and you probably can too.

But if we’re not careful, Christmas day holds the potential to simply come and go without any lasting memories made or life-shaping moments taking place. However, with just a little thought and intentionality, this year could become super impactful on the hearts of your children. Here are 10 ideas for making Christmas day extra special this year.

1. Create a new tradition.

Don’t be afraid to try something new with your family this year for Christmas. It might just stick.

Christmas day is the perfect day for both carrying on traditions of the past, as well as starting new ones for the future. Don’t be afraid to try something new with your family this year for Christmas. It might just stick.

2. Sing carols together as a family.

Whether you go caroling in the neighborhood with some friends, or simply sing some songs together around the Christmas tree, take time to remind your kids through music what the true meaning of the season is all about.

3. Make the day about someone else outside your family.

Consider inviting people over for Christmas day who may not have family nearby, single parents, or widows and shut-ins. Or maybe find a family in need that you can be generous to, or help serve food at a local shelter. Whatever you do, make Christmas day about more than just your immediate family.

4. Watch a holiday classic together as a family.

In addition to some football, why not introduce your kids to a classic movie like It’s a Wonderful Life, A Charlie Brown Christmas, or maybe a more recent classic, Elf.

5. Put some mistletoe to good use.

There’s something both powerful and memorable when kids see mom and dad showing love and affection to one another. And Christmas day is a perfect time to create such memories.

6. Ask grandparents to share their favorite childhood Christmas memories.

Times were different back then, and it’s often good for our children to hear firsthand the stories of Christmases long ago. There’s much value that can be gleaned from a different time, place, and perspective.

7. Break out the photo albums.

You know, all those photos that you’ve taken over the last 10 years, but never had any of them printed? Bring out the laptop, and start clicking through all those memories from previous Christmas days. Guaranteed smiles and laughter will follow.

8. Surprise a neighbor with a gift.

Maybe take them a homemade treat or simply a card signed by each member of your family. Christmas day is a perfect time to show what it means to be a good neighbor.

9. Make paper snowflakes.

Paper snowflakes don’t have to be a thing of the past. They are just as cool now as they were when we were kids. Have a competition, simply make them for fun, or give them to each other as gifts. Ending with an indoor paper snowball fight would be something your kids would never forget.

10. Cuddle, relax, and enjoy some hot cocoa.

Make sure to take some time on Christmas day to simply refresh and enjoy down time together as a family. These are moments that your children are sure to remember.