If the idea of hosting all your relatives and in-laws over the holidays already has you feeling maxed out, you’re not alone.
I used to get overwhelmed trying to entertain big groups with ages ranging from 2 to 92. But over the years, I’ve collected some super fun traditions that unite all generations.
My friend and I were chatting about ideas to keep kids and adults happy (and off their devices!). Whether you’ll have guests for a day or a whole week, try adding a few memorable activities…
1. Craft Ornaments for Lasting Memories
First, get those little fingers busy creating ornaments for your or their mini-kid tree. We have craft stations ready with supplies to design unique decorations. Seeing their homemade treasures dangling proudly always makes me smile. You can find ornament kits and materials at Dollar Tree and other craft stores for affordable prices.
2. D-I-Y Gingerbread Houses
Speaking of smiles, wait till you see their glee attacking gingerbread houses with loads of candy! We use graham crackers and sugary “cement” to assemble the houses, then let imaginations run wild.
3. Take in the Twinkling Lights Together
Bundling up for a Christmas lights tour and belting out carols remains a yearly highlight! We bring fresh-baked cookies (which you can also bake together) to munch while admiring over-the-top displays.
4. Put Away the Video Games, Pull Out the Board Games
Set up some festive board and card games with young and old gathered around the table competing together. Christmas Trivia, anyone? You add to the cheer with holiday versions of classics like Bingo, Charades, Uno, and more.
5. Attend a Christmas Eve Service
Make attending a local Christmas Eve service part of your tradition. Christmas carols, dimmed lights, Christmas trees, and decorations gave our family a glimpse of unity and peace. Going with my family to our midnight service is one of my favorite childhood memories growing up!
6. Plan a Christmas Movie Marathon
Of course, Christmas movie night is always a staple.(Check out the new “Journey to Bethlehem” movie on p. 24). We make several different kinds of popcorn the afternoon before the movie night. It sets the tone for the evening. The following is a family favorite.
Cinnamon Roll Popcorn
This quick and easy meal is kid friendly and continues to be enjoyed by both adults and children. This tasty dish will bring out the cowboy or cowgirl in anyone! Prep time is 20 minutes and only takes 30 minutes to bake.
Ingredients
Eight (8) cups of popped popcorn
1 cup brown sugar
½ cup butter
¼ cup white corn syrup
1 Tab cinnamon
1 Tab vanilla extract
½ tsp baking powder
1 cup chopped pecans (optional)
Preheat oven to 325ºF. Grease or use parchment paper on a cookie sheet. Place popcorn into a large container. Combine brown sugar, butter, and corn syrup in a saucepan and boil, stirring occasionally.
Remove from the heat and cool while stirring for 2 minutes. Add the cinnamon, vanilla, and baking powder into the butter mixture, pour over the popcorn, and toss it to coat. Add the nuts into the mixture and spread the popcorn on a single layer onto the cookie sheet.
Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, then cool before breaking apart. Serve in a large bowl with lots of napkins.
I could go on, but you get the picture! Laughter, joy, togetherness—these are the ingredients for a holiday that feels merry and bright.
