Christmas is the perfect time to sprinkle a little magic into your home—and what’s more magical than teaching your kids about the joy of giving? If you’re looking for a heartwarming tradition that’s as meaningful as it is fun, I’ve got ideas that will spread holiday cheer and help your family connect with the true spirit of the season.
From giving to crafting, this blog post has everything you need to make your Christmas magical, memorable, and full of togetherness.
The “Santa’s Giving Bag” Tradition
Here’s a sweet twist on holiday giving: Ask your kids to fill a bag with toys and clothes they no longer need and leave it under the tree for Santa to pick up on Christmas Eve. The story? Santa’s elves will repair and rehome these items for other kids who need a little extra magic.
Why it works:
• Teaches Empathy: Kids love the idea of helping Santa spread joy to others.
• Declutters Your Home: Let’s be honest, you’ll appreciate the extra space before new gifts arrive!
• Builds Excitement: Your kids will eagerly watch the bag disappear, knowing their old toys are on a journey to make another child’s Christmas special.
Make it even more magical by leaving a small note from Santa thanking them for their generosity.
An Advent Calendar Full of Activities
Want to keep the Christmas magic alive all December long? Create an Advent Calendar of Activities! Instead of chocolates or tiny toys, fill each day with festive activities that bring your family closer together.
Here are some ideas to include:
1. Write holiday cards for neighbors or loved ones.
2. Make hot cocoa and read a Christmas story by the tree.
3. Bake cookies and deliver them to someone who could use a little holiday cheer.
4. Go on a Christmas lights scavenger hunt.
5. Craft homemade ornaments for family and friends.
6. Host a family movie night with popcorn and a classic Christmas film.
7. Decorate gingerbread houses together.
8. Make paper snowflakes to hang in the windows.
9. Sing Christmas carols and record a video to share with relatives.
10. Create handmade wrapping paper with stamps and paint.
You don’t need to plan everything from scratch—We’ve created a printable Advent Calendar of Activities packed with creative, family-friendly ideas to make your December stress-free and full of fun.
Here are more simple, budget-friendly ways to create lasting memories with your kids this Christmas:
1. Start a Christmas Eve Box Tradition
Fill a small box with cozy items like festive socks, a holiday-themed book, and a packet of hot chocolate. Let your kids open it on Christmas Eve to kick off the celebrations!
2. Transform Your Living Room into a Christmas Wonderland
Create a magical morning setup with paper snowflakes hanging from the ceiling, faux snow sprinkled around the tree, and even powdered sugar boot prints leading out the door to show Santa’s visit.
3. Plan a Christmas Scavenger Hunt
Hide small holiday-themed items like candy canes, ornaments, or little notes around the house. It’s an exciting activity that keeps the kids entertained (and gives you a chance to sneak a break).
4. Have a Cookie Decorating Party
Forget the mess—this one’s about fun! Let your kids go wild with frosting, sprinkles, and their creativity.
5. DIY Holiday Decorations
Spend an afternoon making homemade decorations together:
• Handprint ornaments using salt dough or air-dry clay.
• Paper chains to add a festive touch to any room.
• Personalized stockings with fabric markers or glitter glue.
6. Give the Gift of Experience
Instead of focusing only on physical gifts, plan experiences you can enjoy together, like a family outing to see holiday lights, a baking day, or even tickets to a kid-friendly Christmas show.
The Magic of Giving and Togetherness
Whether your kids are packing up toys for Santa, decorating cookies, or laughing during a scavenger hunt, the message is clear: Christmas is about connection, kindness, and making memories together.
By weaving these little traditions into your holiday season, you’re giving your kids something even better than presents under the tree—you’re teaching them the joy of giving, the beauty of gratitude, and the warmth of family.
So grab a bag, print out that Advent Calendar, and let the holiday magic begin!
P.S. Need a head start? The printable Advent Calendar of Activities is waiting for you in our shop. Let’s make this Christmas one to remember!
