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How is it already Christmas? The Advent season has flown by (heck, the entire year has flown by!), but there is still plenty of time to sneak in activities, food, and traditions. Sure, the days are few, but making memories takes very little time, so I wanted to compile this list of 18 last-minute Christmas activities with you!
(Don’t have time or don’t have your grandkids with you before Christmas? Don’t worry – you have done plenty! I just wanted to offer these to anyone looking for extra things to do.)
1. Christmas movie marathon
I am a sucker for Christmas movies (and can watch them year-round, hehe), so you bet I try to sneak in as many as I can with my grandbabies! Christmas movies are the perfect way to get into (or continue) the holiday spirit, so grab the grands, pop some popcorn, and settle in for a festive movie night.
2. Cookie baking extravaganza
Those cookies for Santa are not going to bake themselves… 😛 Give Santa a few options via a cookie-baking extravaganza! Whether it’s gingerbread, sugar cookies, or something chocolatey, your kitchen’s about to become the sweetest place on earth (and you’re about to make the sweetest memories ever)!
3. Homemade stocking stuffers
Homemade gifts are the best gifts, which we can start teaching our grandbabies while they are still young. A great way to demonstrate this is by creating homemade stocking stuffers, like simple handmade ornaments or even some of those cookies you just finished making. 😉
4. DIY Christmas cards
You may not have time to mail them before the big day, but that shouldn’t stop you from breaking out the glitter and crafting supplies! Even if you don’t mail them, you can hand them to neighbors, your pastor, and other family members on Christmas Day.
5. Caroling around the neighborhood
You and your grandkids are probably shouting “No!” at your screen, but I am just throwing it out there!
6. Christmas light tour
Bundle up and walk or drive to see the neighborhood Christmas lights. It’s like a magical winter wonderland out there – enjoy every minute! Oh, and don’t forget the hot chocolate. Speaking of hot chocolate…
7. Hot chocolate night
…Why not stay warm with a designated hot chocolate night? (This would be perfect for Christmas Eve!) Set out marshmallows, whipped cream, and candy canes for a warm and comforting DIY treat.
8. Decorate gingerbread houses
If you haven’t yet, there is still time to decorate and display gingerbread houses. Would you like to take it up a notch? Why not make it a friendly competition with categories like “Most Colorful,” “Most Original,” and “Most Festive”?
9. Create a Nativity scene
Whether with a traditional set or a homemade version, setting up the Nativity scene can be a special time to bond and share the Christmas story.
10. Letters to Santa
The little ones sent their letters to Santa weeks ago, but why not draft one for him to read when he stops by Christmas night? Help your grandkids write a note that thanks him for coming and wishes him safe travels.
11. Christmas Eve box
I have mentioned this before, but it deserves to be shared again, as it makes for such a fun and memorable tradition! On Christmas Eve, you can gift your grands a special box complete with new pajamas to wear, treats, a book, and/or anything else you would like to add.
12. Snowflake crafting session
Cut out paper snowflakes with your grandkids and decorate the windows for a quick and easy craft that doubles as festive decor!
13. Make reindeer food
Hey, Santa isn’t the only one who gets hungry during his trip! After your cookie-baking marathon, mix oats and glitter to sprinkle outside for Rudolph to snack on while Santa delivers his gifts.
14. “Jingle Bell” walk
On Christmas Eve, take a stroll around your neighborhood with jingle bells. Why? The twinkling sounds add to the festive atmosphere, and it’s a fun way to burn off some of that pre-Santa excitement. (Psst… This one can even be paired with your Christmas light walk.)
15. Make blessing bags
Christmas is a time of year when we show our loved ones we care, but what about less fortunate people? Introduce your grands to the joys of giving by compiling blessing bags you can distribute as needed!
16. DIY Christmas wreath
Gather some evergreens, ribbons, and ornaments and craft your own wreaths for a lovely way to get creative and bring a piece of nature inside. Need I mention the grandkids will be proud to see their handiwork hanging on the door?
17. Virtual Christmas visit
Set up a virtual Christmas visit if you can’t be with someone special this year. Have a meal together over a video call, open presents, or just chat and enjoy each other’s company.
18. Holiday window painting
One more easy and festive way to decorate your home this Christmas (while making memories with the grands) is by getting some washable window paints and letting the grandkids turn your windows into a festive display. They can paint snowflakes, Santa, reindeer, or whatever holiday scenes they imagine, making for a fun and creative way to decorate and have some fun.
Conclusion
See? There is still plenty of time to make more memories before Christmas! The only question is: Which will you do first?! 🙂 Whichever it is, have fun – oh, and let’s talk again soon!
