It’s Christmastime! While some families have had their Christmas morning traditions set in stone for generations, you may want to create some of your very own that are unique to your family and align with your and your kids’ interests. Maybe you love waking up in the middle of the night to leave clues that Santa arrived with his gifts, but perhaps that’s not quite your speed.
Do not fear! We have some ideas to make Christmas morning fun for all and about more than just ripping open wrapping paper and playing with presents.
Cook An Elaborate Christmas Breakfast As A Family
Sure, it can be nice to cook a whole pancake breakfast for your little ones, but it might be fun to get everyone involved! Someone can be in charge of eggs, another bacon, another biscuits, and before you know it, you’ll have a finished meal and a lot of family members feeling pretty accomplished (not to mention hungry).
If you want to take it to the next level, add some themed goodies to the menu, like these green Christmas tree deviled eggs, red and green M&M pancakes, or try our delicious Christmas Monster Cookies Recipe.
Make New Ornaments For The Tree
Using Christmas morning as a chance to craft new ornaments for your family’s tree is a great way to be a little creative, contribute to something for the whole family, and have some quick, easy fun!
Here’s a tip: Write the date on the back of each one along with the name of the person who made it. After a few years, you’ll have so many adorably homemade keepsakes to bring out every year.
Check out our simple Christmas Tree Popsicle Stick Ornaments, a simple and great way to get younger children involved in ornament creation.
Organize A Christmas Scavenger Hunt
If your family wants to get up and go on Christmas morning, a scavenger hunt to look for presents is a great idea. Maybe there’s a clue under the tree instead of their gifts!
This may not be for everyone, but if it’s up your alley, you can get creative every year with hiding places for clues and maybe even smaller gift clues along the way. It’s also a good way to get the kids running and expending some energy while you sit and have some coffee. A win-win!
Read A Christmas Story
You can find one online or read a classic like Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas! If you have older kids, get everyone involved. We’re talking different character voices, sound effects, and even acting out the action!
Reading a story in the morning is a great way to get everyone in the holiday spirit and connect as a family before the day becomes about ripping apart wrapping paper and playing with new toys.
We compiled a list of eight Christmas books to read with your children that your kids might love.
Watch A Classic Christmas Movie
Is there anything better than curling up on the couch (in matching pajamas, if you want!) with some hot cocoa and a classic Christmas movie? Whether you’re an Elf family or A Christmas Story is more your vibe, everyone loves a holiday movie.
The key with the Christmas morning movie is to gather every blanket in the house and every pillow, too, and get as cozy as possible.
Belt It Out With Some Christmas Karaoke
You can get fancy with a karaoke machine, but you only need some YouTube lyric videos, enabled captions, and a hairbrush as a microphone. Everyone can pick a Christmas song (or any song!) to sing or you can sing carols as a group!
If you want your kids to roll their eyes, make them witness the parent version of “Baby, It’s Cold Outside.” It works every time.
Take A Family Photo In Front Of Your Tree
Taking a family photo in front of your tree every Christmas morning is a great idea, especially if you have matching pajamas and new ornaments every year.
You’ll be able to see everyone grow and change, and your tree will be filled with new ornaments as each year passes.
Open Homemade Cards
Presents are a big part of Christmas morning, and gifts are all well and good, but there’s something extra special about a handwritten card. Bonus points if it’s hand-drawn too.
Start a tradition of writing a special note to each family member on Christmas and exchanging cards. Just an extra way to spread some love during the holidays!
Make Gingerbread Houses
The best thing about making gingerbread houses on Christmas morning is that your Christmas dessert for later that day is sorted.
The second best thing about making gingerbread houses on Christmas morning is eating candy and frosting for breakfast while you work. It’s Christmas!! We can do what we want.
Complete A Christmas Puzzle
If you’re looking for a low-key activity to ease you into the chaos of Christmas morning, why not take some time to solve a puzzle as a family! You can pick out a new holiday-themed jigsaw every year and spend your coffee and hot cocoa time putting it together.
It’s a great way to relax and spend some quality time together before you lose all your children to their new toys.
Volunteer Or Donate To Charity
If you have the means, giving back on Christmas morning is a great idea. Make it a family affair! Maybe everyone gets a budget and comes ready with the organization they want to donate to.
Or maybe each person puts in a little bit of money, and you agree on a single charity to give to. Donating your time by volunteering at a food pantry or a soup kitchen is also a fantastic way to participate in your community and spread holiday cheer! The holidays are hard for many, and sharing what you have with those who need it most is a great way to spend your Christmas morning!
We even wrote a story on 8 Ways To Encourage Giving In Your Kids This Holiday Season.
Have fun and enjoy your new (and old) traditions this holiday season.