Great Ideas for the Holiday Season

There are so many ways to make the holiday season special for yourself and loved ones. Find ideas to prep and get organized, and make some great memories that last a lifetime.

There is a lot going on throughout the holiday season. What matters is the people you’re with and what it means to you. Get inspired!

No-Spend Christmas Activities

• Have a Christmas movie marathon & pajama day.
• Create a holiday playlist.
• Have a holiday-themed drawing competition.
• Go for a walk to see Christmas lights.
• Have a holiday karaoke night at home.
• Bake something using ingredients you already own.
• Draw Christmas cards for friends and family.
• Play Christmas charades.
• Read Christmas stories together.
• Have a festive board game night with a game you already have.
• Create a 2027 bucket list.
• Look through old Christmas photos and pick your favorite ones.
• Have a Christmas-themed trivia night at home.
• Learn the lyrics to your favorite Christmas songs.
• Write letters to your future selves.
• Make a list of your favorite Christmas memories.
• Rearrange a room to create a cozy Christmas corner.
• Write down things you’re grateful for this year.
• Have a Christmas talent show.
• Make paper snowflakes and ornaments.
• Watch old family videos.
• Have a no-phones evening by the Christmas tree.
• Make a playlist of songs from your childhood Christmases.
• Share your favorite moments from the year.

Holiday Prep Tips

• Split your to-do list into non-negotiable essentials vs. nice-to-haves, and tackle the essentials first.
• Set a firm deadline for getting the gifts so that you’re not scrambling at the last minute.
• Spread planning tasks across your daily schedule with reminders, rather than facing one giant to-do list.
• Delegate tasks to family members you can rely on.
• Schedule planning hours or evenings with cozy routines and activities, like your favorite music or TV shows.
• Team up with friends to plan, wrap gifts, or tackle other prep together.
• Don’t let unrealistic expectations make you feel like you’re not doing enough.
• When all is said and done, the conversations, quality time, and joyful moments together are what truly matters over the holidays.

Get the Printable

Get the Holiday Prep Tips printable here.

Easy Ways to Feel More Connected This Season

• Make plans to visit your family over the holidays.
• Send a quick message to a friend.
• Host a potluck dinner and ask everyone to bring a dish that means something to them.
• Send a care package to a friend or family member.
• Go for coffee with a coworker.
• Meet up for brunch with friends.
• Volunteer for a local charity with a friend.
• Invite a neighbor over for hot cocoa or tea.
• Organize a cookie exchange party.
• Shop at a local holiday market and chat with the vendors.
• Attend a community event like a craft fair or holiday concert.
• Thank someone who made a difference in your year.
• Go for a walk with a friend to see the holiday lights.
• Write and mail handwritten holiday cards.
• Call a grandparent or older relative and chat about the holidays.
• Schedule a video call with a friend who lives in another city or country.

Get the Printable

Get the Easy Ways to Feel More Connected This Season printable here.

Mini Glow-Up Ideas Before the Holidays

• Get a fresh haircut or try a new hairstyle.
• Try a hydrating sheet mask in the evening.
• Put together a couple go-to outfits for the holidays.
• Try a deep-conditioning hair mask.
• Exfoliate your lips and keep a good lip balm on the go with you.
• Apply hand cream often if you live in a cold area.
• Try a body scrub and seasonally scented body lotion.
• Go for a short walk outside daily or as often as you can.
• Declutter your closet to make room for holiday outfits & any clothes you might get as gifts.
• Find a signature fragrance for the holidays.
• Start a gratitude journal to bring a smile to your face.
• Have a manicure & pedicure or have a spa night at home.
• Declutter and organize your purse and restock on essentials (e.g., lip balm).
• Try a new workout class or at-home fitness routine.
• Take a few minutes to stretch in the mornings & evenings.
• Refresh your wardrobe with a few new basics.
• Get some new regular or festive pajamas.
• Sleep, hydrate, and don’t skip the self-care basics.
• Create a playlist that will put you in a good mood whenever you listen to it.
• Get one small thing for yourself every week that makes you feel good.