Host a Tree-Trimming Party
Nothing gets friends and family into the holiday spirit like an old-fashioned tree-trimming party, complete with ornaments brought by your guests or made by the kids.
Make Your Own Holiday Candy
You don't have to be a modern-day Betty Crocker to enjoy the old-fashioned tradition of making your own Christmas candy. Plus, the baker gets to sample the treats. It's a win-win and totally fun!
Visit Christmas Lights in the Neighborhood
Everyone knows which neighbors have the good lights every year and which ones don't. Get into the spirit by taking the family on a walk through town and checking out this year's contenders for best light setup. Who knows, maybe your house will make the list.
Deliver Presents in Person
Sure, it's easy to just click and order online, but delivering a present in person is a great way to connect with friends and get them into the holiday spirit, too.
Spread Holiday Cheer to Sick Kids
In the olden days (aka when you were a kid), the holiday season meant volunteers spreading cheer to sick children who were unable to be home for the holidays. So, grab some books or put on your Santa hat, and help those little ones celebrate, too.
Go Christmas Caroling
Even if you don't have the best voice in the neighborhood, you'll have a blast with family and friends as you go door to door singing "The Little Drummer Boy" to your heart's content. Who knows? You might even get a Christmas cookie or two as a tip.
Build a Gingerbread House
Kids love to build gingerbread houses. It's a super simple, low-tech way to get into the holiday spirit and pass time on a chilly winter day. Plus, let's face it, you eat more than you build. That's the best kind of project there is.
Make Gifts
When it comes to giving gifts, it really is the thought that counts, right? And there's nothing more thoughtful than making a gift. If it was good enough for your ancestors, it's good enough for you.
Host a Gift Exchange Party
Stick to the agreed-upon dollar amount and you'll ensure the fun factor is high with a simple, old-fashioned gift exchange party with extended family, at work or around the neighborhood.
Take Part in Winter Sports
Since the beginning of time, Christmas enthusiasts have gotten into the spirit by taking part in winter sports. So, if you've got a frozen lake nearby, or a manmade one in the middle of town, get your coat on and get out there. Breathing cool, crisp air will remind you that the holidays are coming.
Go See 'The Nutcracker'
One generation after the next has enjoyed "The Nutcracker" ballet during the holiday season. And if your family hasn't seen it yet, now is a great time to start your own classic family tradition.
Catch a Holiday Show
Whether your town is tiny or a bustling metropolis, somebody in your town is probably putting on a holiday show. Go check it out. It might be the same show they've been doing for decades, but it'll put some magic into your holiday season—and you can never have enough of that.
Go for a Sleigh Ride
Before Santa delivered presents through Amazon, he delivered them on a sled. You can still take a sleigh ride. Santa may not show up, but it'll definitely deliver on fun.
Leave Cookies for Santa
Your kids might be over Santa, but it's fun to keep traditions alive. So, it might be hokey to leave cookies for Santa, but it will also be fun. Plus, you totally get to eat them when no one's looking. Or, even if they are.
Use an Advent Calendar
Nothing gets the family into the holiday spirit like counting down the days until Christmas. Whether your advent calendar is made of gingerbread, paper or candles, there are a million ways to make an advent calendar and they'll all add a little magic to your holiday season.
Make Your Own Holiday Decorations
There's no need to go crazy and buy a ton of holiday decorations. Your grandparents didn't! Just use what you've got and make the rest. You never know what you can create with what you've got in the house.
Send Homemade Holiday Cards
Holiday cards are a great way to connect with those near and far, so why not make yours yourself? You can use what you've got in the house and spare yourself the ridiculous cost.
Cook for the Holidays
Having a house that smells like all of those traditional holiday foods your family has loved for generations will certainly add a ton of magic to your holiday season. Get out your favorite recipes and whip up some cozy dishes. Your house will feel and smell so festive!
Be Grateful
Whether you're religious or not, the holiday season feels a bit more magical when you connect with something outside of yourself and reflect on all the things you're grateful for this holiday season.
Enjoy the Weather!
Even if you've got to dig out your driveway, enjoy the magic of winter. There's nothing like it!
