The week before Christmas has its own quiet magic. Assuming you've put the rush of holiday shopping behind you!
The gatherings haven’t yet begun and the world seems to slow down just a bit. It's a perfect time to savor simple moments and connect.
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Whether you celebrate with a full house, gather virtually, or keep things small and intimate this year, here are some heartfelt ways to build connection during the days leading up to Christmas.
1. Cook Something Together (Note: Keep It Simple)
Holiday cooking doesn’t need to be elaborate—or stressful—to bring people closer. Choose one or two easy recipes everyone can help make:
• Cookie Decorating Night
Bake sugar cookies or gingerbread shapes and set out frosting and toppings. Kids and adults alike get creative, and the activity sparks conversation and laughter without any pressure to “get it right.”
• A Family Soup or Chili Night
Have each person choose a vegetable, spice, or mix-in to create a collaborative family recipe. It'll be a fun - and hopefully tasty - meal that warms the house and the heart.
• Breakfast-for-Dinner
Pancakes shaped like angels or stars, waffles with whipped cream and holiday sprinkles, or French toast and hot cocoa!
Food is a backdrop for connection: hands busy, minds relaxed, stories flowing.
Cloud B Twilight Turtle Nightlight
2. Create a Holiday Movie Ritual
Everyone has a favorite holiday movie, and the week before Christmas is the perfect time watch together. Instead of arguing over what to watch, try this:
- Write movie titles on slips of paper
- Put them in a bowl
- Draw one each night til you've watched them all!
For more fun, add extras – like fuzzy pajamas, fancy hot chocolate, or singing a few carols before pressing play.
3. Share Stories From Holidays Past
Storytelling is one of the most powerful ways to strengthen family bonds. Try:
• Holiday Nostalgia: Each person shares a favorite holiday memory, a funny mishap, or a moment that meant something to them.
• Photo Time Capsules: Pull out old albums or scroll through digital photos, share and laugh together.
• Ask-a-Grandparent Night: If you have older relatives nearby or on video chat, ask them to tell stories about what the holidays were like when they were young.
PlanToys Grand Victorian Dollhouse
4. Craft Something Together
Hands-on activities bring people together in a relaxed, meaningful way. You don’t need fancy supplies or a full-blown craft station—just a few materials and a willingness to experiment.
Ideas to try:
- DIY ornaments using paper, twine, or collected nature items
- Simple wreath-making
- Homemade gift tags or wrapping paper
- A shared scrapbook page or family memory book
- Homemade centerpieces or table décor for the big day
Creative projects give families space to talk, collaborate, and enjoy quietly being in each other’s company.
5. Take a Winter Walk (or Drive) to See Holiday Lights
Fresh air and twinkling lights go a long way in creating that sense of wonder we all crave this time of year. Bundle up and head out to explore the neighborhood—or hop in the car with a thermos of hot cocoa and holiday music.
Pro tip: Make it a scavenger hunt. Look for…
- A house with all-white lights
- A blow-up Santa
- A themed yard display
- A tree lit in blue
- A window candle
- Create your own list...
It turns an ordinary walk into an adventure and gives everyone a reason to look around together.
woodandhearts Jungle Gym Playset
6. Do a Screen-Free Hour Together
Screens are great, but uninterrupted time—even just 60 minutes—can feel like a gift in itself during the holidays.
Ideas for a screen-free hour:
- Play a board game or card game
- Work on a holiday puzzle
- Share a snack and just talk
- Read aloud as a family (kids love this, but adults secretly do too!)
- Write holiday notes to loved ones you won’t see in person
7. Start a Mini Tradition
Traditions don’t have to be big to be meaningful. In fact, it’s usually the tiny rituals that stick.
A few simple ideas if you don't do them already:
- Toast to the “Night before Christmas Eve” with sparkling cider
- Write a gratitude list together
- Take some cookies to your neighbor
- Leave a note for Santa (even if the kids are older, it’s still fun!)
- Engage together in an act of charity—donate toys or volunteer to serve a hot meal to those in need
Loog Guitars for Kids
8. Celebrate Quiet Moments, Too
Connection doesn’t always involve activities and conversation. Sometimes it’s sharing a blanket on the couch, sipping tea together, listening to music, or sitting by the tree while the lights glow softly.
The week before Christmas is a rare window of calm—we get to savor the joy of simply being near the people we love.
A Final Thought
As magical as the holidays can be, they can also be overwhelming. The most meaningful connections often come from the simplest moments.
You don’t need elaborate plans or picture-perfect scenes—just presence, warmth, and a willingness to slow down. Take a slow, deep breath and enjoy the pause.