The holiday season is here, and with it comes new opportunities to make memories with family and loved ones. The good news is that you don’t have to travel to ignite the holiday magic – meaningful moments can be found in the warmth and comfort of your own home. Here are some unique ideas of how to curate holiday joy – and maybe even start a new tradition to enjoy for years to come.
Start the Countdown with an Advent Calendar
Advent calendars help build the anticipation for Christmas Day – and these days, there’s an advent calendar for nearly every age and interest. From food and beverage calendars to toys and trinkets, advent calendars are sure to bring joy to every member of the family. For a classic chocolate advent calendar, check out options from Williams Sonoma or Trader Joe’s. Looking for a calendar for a kid (or a kid at heart)? Check out Anthrolopologie’s Puzzle Calendar or a Lego Minifigure advent calendar.
Host a Cookie Swap
A holiday cookie swap is a fun and delicious way to try out different treats, share recipes, and enjoy some fellowship with loved ones. Cookie swaps can be as simple or complex as you’d like – for a simple gathering, ask friends to bring their favorite cookie or treat along with a recipe card or digital link. To elevate the experience, consider pairing snacks and beverages with the cookies, such as this Christmas Cookie and Wine Pairing Guide, which includes mouth watering pairings like cranberry orange cookies and rosé prosecco.
Holiday Movie Night Bingo
We all love a cozy holiday movie night, complete with popcorn, hot chocolate, and a sparkling tree. Level-up your movie night by creating a bingo game using a printable bingo card generator. Choose a classic holiday movie to create your bingo options, such as famous movie moments or quotes (“bye buddy, hope you find your dad!”). Not in the mood to create a bingo card? Etsy offers many ready-to-print options, like this Hallmark Christmas Movie Bingo set.
Eat Around the World
Looking for a little travel adventure this holiday season? Or perhaps you’ve grown tired of the traditional baked ham and stuffing? Consider hosting a global holiday dinner and give your tastebuds a culinary tour. Select a few countries or regions to highlight, and curate each course around that region. For instance, consider appetizers like Mexican tamales or Italian arancini, a main course of French boeuf bourguignon, and an adventurous dessert like Korean bingsu or Mediterranean baklava. If you assign countries or regions to different people, have them explain some of the cultural and culinary history behind each dish.
Whether you’re looking to start a new holiday tradition, or searching for a fun and unique option for a holiday gathering, we hope these ideas help ignite special moments with family and friends.
