17 Incredibly Fun Ways to Celebrate Christmas
Christmas, my favorite time of the year! Why? Because it’s when the entire world pauses to celebrate the birth of our Saviour! Even non-Christians celebrate Christmas! It’s like the whole world can’t help but celebrate the greatest gift we’ve ever received, Jesus!
Speaking of celebrating, we’ve put together a list of incredibly fun things you can do to celebrate Christmas with your family! Having grown up in Hong Kong, I remember (and still today) most of my Hong Kong friends did nothing for Christmas…except study. It always burdened my heart that they were missing out on such a meaningful time of the year. Maybe your Christmases haven’t been special in the past and you’re wanting to brighten up your Christmas celebration this year. Or maybe you’re on the other side of the spectrum, celebrating Christmas with all the carols, cookies, and lights!
Whatever your Christmases have looked like before, I pray that these ideas below bring joy and warmth to your family this Christmas!
1. Set Up a Christmas Tree.
You probably have your Christmas tree up already! (I do!) But if you don’t, it’s not too late! Christmas trees can be purchased at your local stationary store (most stores are selling a small, pre-decorated tree) or Ikea. Or if you’d prefer not to have a tree, your kids can create a fun Christmas tree out of popsicle sticks.
2. Make an Ornament.
This one is one of my favorite ideas! I remember making an ornament when I was a youth that I still have today.
You don’t need super fancy craft supplies! Just gather some string, glue, and popsicle sticks, all of which can be found at your local stationary store.
Easy Popsicle Stick Ornaments
3. Play Christmas Music Around Your House.
This one will set a magical atmosphere in your home almost more than any of the other ideas on this list!
Here’s a few links to great Christian Christmas Music:
For the family:
Christmas Playlist
Relaxing Christmas Music
Hillsong Christmas Music
For the kids:
Bethel Kids Christmas Music
Kids Christmas Playlist
Christmas Music with Motions
Preschool Christmas Music
4. Make Christmas Cookies.
This is a fun activity, especially for kids! Children love to be involved in the dessert making process, even if all they do is hold your hand while you’re stirring the dessert!
Here’s two simple recipes, one doesn’t even need an oven!
Delicious Christmas Cut Out Cookies
No Bake Christmas Cookies
Tip: Make any of your favorite desserts become a Christmas specialty by adding some red and green or Christmas sprinkles!!
5. Read the Christmas Story.
I remember Christmases where my family sat by the Christmas tree and each member took turns reading different parts of the Christmas story from the Bible. This cemented in my heart at a young age what the real purpose of Christmas is. It’s not Santa Clause, it’s not the gifts, it’s Jesus.
You can read the Christmas story straight from the Bible (Matthew 1–2 and Luke 1–2) or from the Bible App for Kids.
Tip: Have your kids “act out” the story using random clothes around the house for props and costumes!
6. Watch a Christmas Movie.
There are some very well-done Christmas movies that have become my personal favourites! I have listed them below. Currently cinemas are closed due to Covid-19. So why not make homemade hot chocolate, snuggle up on the coach, and enjoy a great movie at home!
(The movies listed below that are available on Amazon can easily be rented or purchased and watched immediately. No need to have previously set up an Amazon prime account to rent/purchase a movie from Amazon.)
Superbook The First Christmas Available for free on Youtube
Veggietales Merry Larry and The True Light of Christmas Available for free on Youtube
The Star Available on Amazon
The Nativity Story Available on Amazon
The Grinch Available on Amazon
Mickey’s Twice Upon a Christmas Available on Amazon
7. Sing Christmas Carols.
You can sing your favorite Christmas songs in karaoke or acapella style! Add a live instrument if one of your family members knows how to play.
Here’s a few karaoke style Christmas songs:
Silent Night
Jingle Bells
We Wish You a Merry Christmas
8. Donate Money to Bless Another Family/Child.
Christmas isn’t just about receiving presents, it’s about GIVING! It all started on the first Christmas when God gave us the gift of Jesus.
Raising money to bless another family/child at Christmas is a great way to develop a giving, generous culture in your family.
You could encourage your kid(s) to set aside a certain percentage of their allowance or give your kid(s) extra tasks they can do around the house in order to “raise” money to donate. The donation doesn’t have to be massive, even $50 or $100HKD can be enough to make a special Christmas donation.
Here’s a few great places to make donation to:
Faith Family Christian Church (or your local church)
One Hope (Helps send God’s Word to all children in every language.)
Viva (Helps release children from poverty and abuse worldwide.)
10. Make a Gingerbread House.
Fun, easy gingerbread house sets can be purchased at Ikea or you could make an easy gingerbread house using paper and tape!
11. Make a Christmas Craft.
The options for a Christmas craft are endless! Here’s a few easy ones just for starters:
Free Christmas coloring pages
Christmas Wreath Craft for Kids
More Christmas Craft Ideas
12. Visit Christmas Displays.
This is one of my all time favorite things to do!! It’s free, fun, and a great opportunity to capture some family pictures. Just remember to wear your masks and you’re good to go!
The Best Christmas Displays In Hong Kong For 2020
13. Go Christmas Shopping.
Giving presents is a wonderful way to celebrate Christmas!
I remember as a little girl my parents would take me Christmas shopping and I loved picking out and purchasing little gifts for my family. They weren’t even expensive gifts(around $10-20)!
Great places to find reasonably priced gifts for the whole family:
– Ikea
– Your local grocery store (Who doesn’t enjoy opening their favorite drink/snack on Christmas!)
– ToysRus
14. Wrap a Christmas Present.
So you’ve purchased the gifts, now wrap them! Bows, wrapping paper, bags, tissue, ribbon…what fun!
15. Write a Christmas Card.
This is a perfect gift for family/friends that you’re not able to visit in person this year. You can purchase Christmas cards or DIY your own cards with paper, stickers, and colorful pens!
16. Make a “Merry Christmas” Video for Your Loved Ones.
This could be a special treat to send to family far away on Christmas Day! You could sing a Christmas song, share a scripture, or pray for your loved ones in the video.
17. Play a Christmas Game.
Christmas games create the perfect opportunity for non-screen bonding time and getting young kids’ energy out!
Christmas Charades
Christmas Dance Freeze
Snowman Bingo
What’s in Santa’s Hat
Written by Jael Fong from Faith Family Church.