4: Making the Most of Christmas Break with Your Kids




4:  Making the Most of Christmas Break with Your Kids

Hey dads, let’s talk about something that sneaks up on us every year—Christmas break. The kids are off school in a week (if you’re on our school system’s schedule), and they’re pumped for two weeks of freedom. But here’s the thing: those two weeks can fly by with all the Christmas and New Year’s craziness, leaving little time for those simple, meaningful moments that stick with them forever.

I’m not talking Disney World-level memories here. I’m talking about the quiet, cozy kind—the ones where you’re sipping hot chocolate by the Christmas tree or playing a board game together. Those are the memories I treasure most from my childhood.

Between family gatherings, work, church, and everything else on the calendar, it’s easy to forget to make intentional space for just your family. But trust me, finding that time—just you and your kids—is so worth it. So here’s my list of 10 easy, simple, low-cost ways to make memories during Christmas break:

1. Hot Chocolate & Movie Night

Pick a holiday classic, make some hot chocolate, and cuddle up together. Bonus points for popcorn and fuzzy blankets.

2. Build a Blanket Fort

Turn the living room into a magical hideout. Add Christmas lights for a festive touch and hang out in there telling stories or reading books.

3. Baking Cookies Together

Let the kids go wild decorating cookies, even if half the frosting ends up on the counter. It’s messy, but it’s fun—and delicious.

4. DIY Ornaments

Grab some cheap craft supplies and make your own ornaments. Each year, you’ll be reminded of the fun you had.

5. Go for a Christmas Light Walk/Drive

Bundle up and walk through the neighborhood to check out the lights, or pile in the car with some hot cider and explore other decorated areas.

6. Family Game Night

Dust off a favorite board game or card game and spend an evening playing together. It’s simple and always a hit.

7. Snow Day Fun

If you’ve got snow, get outside! Build a snowman, have a snowball fight, or go sledding. No snow? Have a picnic inside by the tree.

8. Write Thank-You Notes Together

Take time as a family to write thank-you notes for gifts. It’s a great way to teach gratitude and reflect on the thoughtfulness of others.

9. Make a Family Playlist

Spend an afternoon making a holiday playlist together with everyone’s favorite songs, then crank it up for an impromptu dance party.

10. Capture the Year

Look through family photos or videos from the past year and reminisce. Maybe even print a few and make a scrapbook or photo album.

Remember, it’s not about the perfection of these moments—it’s the connection that makes them memories. So carve out that time, and let’s make this Christmas break one your kids will look back on with a smile.

What do you think? Got any favorite traditions to add?

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