*Disclaimer: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase - at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting my blog.
🎄 What We’re Using This Christmas (Amazon Favorites)
Here are a few things we’re loving and actually using this Christmas season:
🎄Kids’ Christmas Activity Book (Amazon)🎄Christmas Playdough Kit (Amazon)🎄Christmas Book Set (Amazon)🎄Easy Gingerbread House Kit (Amazon)🎄Washable Christmas Stampers (Amazon)🎄Christmas Fun Game (Amazon)🎄Kids’ Christmas Craft Set (Amazon) If you’re anything like me, the holiday season brings a mix of excitement, joy, and…well, a little bit of chaos. Between gifts, gatherings, decorating, and keeping up with homeschooling or routines, sometimes the screens start creeping in more than we’d like—especially for the kids.
And if I’m being honest, even I notice myself scrolling more during December. Screens are convenient, comforting, and easy. But at the same time, I also want my family to look back on these holidays and remember the moments we shared together—not YouTube videos, TikTok loops, or endless game apps.
That’s exactly why I put together this list of 20 screen-free Christmas activities for the whole family. These are simple, meaningful, low-prep ideas you can do at home with kids of all ages. Whether you’re trying to cut back on screen time, create more connection, or just bring more calm into your holiday routine…you’ll find something here that truly helps.
Let’s make this Christmas feel magical in all the ways that matter most. ❤️🎄
1. Make a Christmas Family Bucket List
Before the season gets too busy, sit down together and write a list of things everyone wants to do.
Kids love being part of the planning, and it helps you stay intentional so the weeks don’t fly by unnoticed.
Ideas to include:
This activity alone brings a sense of excitement—and zero screens needed.
2. Have a Christmas Read-Aloud Night
Pick a holiday book (or a stack!) and make it cozy: blankets, Christmas lights, snuggles, cookies.
Reading aloud builds memories and gives children the comfort of routine without technology.
Some family favorites include:
You don’t have to do anything fancy. Just being together and reading is enough.
3. Bake a Simple Christmas Treat Together
Kids don’t care if the recipe is complicated—they just want to help.
Choose something easy like:
Cooking together builds connection and teaches life skills.
4. Create DIY Christmas Ornaments
This is one of my favorite traditions because every year, when we open our ornament box, it feels like reliving my kids’ childhoods again.
Ideas:
It doesn’t have to be Pinterest-perfect. You’re making memories, not masterpieces.
5. Go on a Christmas Light Scavenger Hunt
Take a walk or drive through your neighborhood and look for items like:
Print a simple checklist, grab hot cocoa in travel cups, and let the kids check things off as they find them.
6. Create a Family Kindness Countdown
Instead of an advent calendar with candy or tiny toys, make a kindness countdown.
Examples:
Kids learn compassion, and the whole family feels good doing it.
7. Build a Christmas Fort for Movie-Free Family Time
Instead of a Christmas movie, build a cozy Christmas-themed fort and hang out inside it.
Play Christmas trivia, read books, tell stories, or simply relax together.
This becomes a magical little hideaway they’ll beg to recreate every year.
8. Host a Family Ornament Hide-and-Seek
This one is so underrated and SO fun.
Hide ornaments (or jingle bells) around the house.
Let everyone take turns hiding and finding.
You’ll be shocked at how entertaining this is for both little ones and big kids.
9. Have a Christmas Craft Afternoon
Lay out supplies you already have—paper, glue, crayons, ribbons—and let the kids create. No need for perfect templates.
Ideas to try:
Simple crafts = screen-free quiet time.
10. Make Christmas Playdough or Sensory Bins
You can use store-bought playdough or make your own with cinnamon or peppermint scent.
Add:
-
Cookie cutters
-
Small bells
-
Beads
-
Little holiday trinkets
If you have younger kids, this is a long-lasting, magical sensory experience they’ll love.
11. Have a Wrapping Paper Race
Give each child a role: wrapper, ribbon cutter, label writer.
Turn wrapping gifts into teamwork instead of a chore.
Play Christmas music and let them be part of the magic.
12. Create a Family Christmas Playlist (Screen-Free Mode!)
Use voice commands with your smart speaker to add songs without touching a screen.
Let everyone pick five songs—instant family playlist.
13. Do a Christmas STEM Challenge
Kids LOVE challenges.
Ideas:
-
Build the tallest marshmallow tower
-
Create a candy cane bridge
-
Stack cups to make a Christmas tree tower
It’s fun, hands-on, and educational.
14. Make a Family Christmas Photo Booth
Use props you already have—Santa hats, scarves, ornaments—and take silly photos using a regular camera or your phone on timer mode (no scrolling!).
It’s a screen-free activity until the moment you take the photo.
15. Have a Christmas Puzzle Afternoon
Puzzles are such an underrated way to connect as a family.
Choose one with:
-
A cozy fireplace scene
-
Santa’s workshop
-
Winter animals
It’s calming and gives your kids a break from overstimulation.
16. Hold a Christmas Charades Tournament
Write holiday themes on scraps of paper:
-
Reindeer
-
Christmas tree
-
Wrapping gifts
-
Caroling
-
Gingerbread man
No materials needed—just laughter.
17. Create Christmas Nature Art
Take the kids on a nature walk and gather items like pinecones, sticks, leaves, or rocks.
Turn them into:
-
Nature trees
-
Stick stars
-
Pinecone ornaments
-
Rock snowmen
It’s creative, grounding, and free.
18. Have a Hot Cocoa Tasting Party
Make different versions:
-
Peppermint
-
Salted caramel
-
White chocolate
-
Cinnamon spice
Let the kids rate each one.
It’s simple but feels like a “big event.”
19. Do a Family Game Night—Christmas Edition
Choose games with a holiday twist:
These games are fun for all ages—and great for bonding.
20. Start a Christmas Gratitude Tradition
Gratitude helps kids (and us!) slow down and notice what matters.
Options:
-
Create a gratitude tree on the wall
-
Use slips of paper and fill a jar
-
Go around the table each night and share one thing you’re thankful for
This tradition grounds your home in peace.
Why Screen-Free Activities Matter (Especially at Christmas)
If your family struggles with screen time—especially during the holidays—you’re not alone.
Screens are easy, and December is overwhelming.
But here’s the truth:
Kids don’t remember the screens—they remember the moments.
These activities bring:
✨ More family connection
✨ Less overstimulation
✨ More calm
✨ More presence
✨ More joy
✨ And fewer arguments or meltdowns
The more I focus on simple, meaningful, screen-free traditions, the more peace I feel as a mom—and the more connected my kids feel, too.
Final Thoughts: A Christmas That Truly Feels Like Christmas
You don’t need complicated plans or expensive outings to make the holidays meaningful.
Sometimes, the best moments happen when you simply slow down, gather close, and spend time together.
These screen-free Christmas activities are not just “things to do”—they’re opportunities for bonding, laughing, learning, and creating memories that will stick with your kids long after the season ends.
If you try even one of these ideas, your holiday will feel a little more magical.
And if you try several?
You may just start some new traditions your family will treasure for years.
If you want even more simple Christmas activities, homeschool printables, or learning ideas to make the season magical, make sure to explore my other posts.
Your support helps me keep creating helpful content for your home and homeschool.
✨ Have a screen-free Christmas tradition you love? Or are you planning to try one from this list? Leave a comment—I’d love to hear from you!
🎁 Explore More Christmas Favorites!
Related Posts You Might Enjoy:
Thank you for reading my blog! Stay tuned for more tips, resources, and printable materials to help make your homeschooling experience enjoyable and effective. Check out my store for a variety of educational products and printables to assist you on your homeschooling journey.
Nancy at Cleverly Kindred ❤️
Comments
Post a Comment