The holiday season, a time of joy, togetherness, and celebration, often brings with it a whirlwind of activities and obligations. Amidst the hustle and bustle, it’s easy to lose sight of the true essence of the holiday season and skip right over creating lasting memories or fostering meaningful connections with our loved ones.
One way Randy & I infuse intentionality into our holiday celebrations and create cherished traditions is by planning our own “12 Dates of Christmas.” (Did you know that Jordan’s VP / Creative Director is married to the Senior Brand Strategist?) It started when we were newlyweds 26 years ago and we have continued this tradition with our kids. This fun concept involves scheduling twelve special outings or activities throughout the holiday season, dedicated to quality time with the family. Let’s explore some inspiring ideas and delve into the importance of cultivating these moments of togetherness.
The Magic of Shared Experiences
The “12 Dates of Christmas” is more than just a series of activities; it’s an opportunity to weave a tapestry of memories that will be treasured for years to come. By intentionally setting aside time for shared experiences, you create a space for connection, laughter, and the strengthening of family bonds.
Inspiring Ideas for Your 12 Dates
The beauty of this tradition lies in its flexibility and adaptability. You can tailor the activities to suit your family’s interests, age groups, budget, and preferences. Here are some ideas to spark your imagination:
Deck the Halls
Put on your favorite holiday playlist/movie and set out decorating the house for the holidays. Order a pizza and eat it while you admire the twinkling lights because who has energy to cook after all that?
Holiday Movie Marathon
Snuggle up in cozy blankets, sip hot cocoa, and immerse yourselves in the magic of classic Christmas films.
Christmas Cookie Decorating
Unleash your creativity and decorate festive cookies with colorful frosting, sprinkles, and candies.
Oh Come All Ye Playful Game Night
Gather extra friends around the table for an evening of laughter and friendly competition with board games, card games, or charades.
Twinkling Lights Tour
Bundle up in your PJs, grab some hot chocolate, and embark on a family drive to admire the dazzling holiday light displays.
Festive Performance
Attend a local holiday show, recital, or concert to soak in the spirit of the season through music and the performing arts.
Gingerbread House Building
Construct a whimsical gingerbread house adorned with icing, candy, and festive decorations.
Holiday Baking Extravaganza
Spend an afternoon baking your favorite holiday treats, such as cookies, pies, or cakes, to share with loved ones.
Volunteering together
Spread holiday cheer by volunteering as a family at a local soup kitchen, shelter, or charitable organization.
Crafting Memories
Engage in a creative activity together, such as making ornaments, decorating holiday cards, or crafting personalized gifts.
Grab, Wrap & Gab
Spend an afternoon shopping for extended family and friends. Grab the good stuff! Later that night, gather around the fireplace or Christmas tree and wrap presents together while you reminisce about holidays past, make plans for the new year, or debate if Die Hard is actually a Christmas movie.
Outdoor Adventure
Embrace the winter wonderland by going ice skating or if we’re really lucky enough for some snow, enjoy sledding, building a snowman, or having a snowball fight.
Downtown in December
Take advantage of all the wonderful opportunities for free holiday activities in Downtown OKC or in your city, you might even get more than one date out of these!
Gratitude Reflection
Take time to express gratitude for the blessings in your life and share what you appreciate about each other.
Holiday Photoshoot
Capture your family’s memories with a silly, festive photoshoot – Christmas PJs, ugly sweaters, awkward family photos? Throw in a few sweet poses but the point is to have fun!
Marshmallow Roast
Light a bonfire and stay warm and cozy while enjoying a sweet treat.
The Gift of Togetherness
The “12 Dates of Christmas” is a gift that keeps on giving. By prioritizing quality time and shared experiences, you create a sense of anticipation, excitement, and connection that enriches the holiday season. These moments of togetherness foster a sense of belonging, strengthen family bonds, and create lasting memories that will be cherished for a lifetime. And by incorporating activities that promote gratitude, generosity, and reflection, you can cultivate a sense of purpose and connection to the true spirit of the season.
Infusing Meaning into the Holidays
Beyond the fun and festivities, being intentional about creating your own unique family traditions provides an opportunity to infuse deeper meaning into your holiday celebrations. It doesn’t have to be “12 Dates of Christmas”. Even if you adopt only a few special moments, prioritizing togetherness and making your celebrations more intentional allows you to create a legacy of love and connection that will be passed down for generations to come.
Embrace the joy of creating your own holiday revelry!