Can you feel it? That unique, magical quiet of Christmas morning? The tree is twinkling, there’s a faint scent of pine and cinnamon in the air, and for a beautiful moment, the world feels still. The big lead-up is over, the gifts are waiting patiently, and now… the whole day stretches before you, full of potential.
I was thinking, sometimes after the big gift-unwrapping frenzy, there’s this little lull. You look around and think, “Okay, what now?”
Whether you’re savoring a peaceful day all to yourself or your house is buzzing with loved ones, we believe the real magic of Christmas isn’t just in the presents, but in the presence; the moments of connection, joy, and peace we create are something that we will never forget.
So, I’ve put together a big, cozy list of 30 Christmas day activities to fill your day with exactly the kind of joy you’re craving. We’ve split them into two sections: one for a blissful solo retreat, and another for creating family memories that will be talked about for years.
Grab a cup of hot cocoa, get comfy, and let’s find some inspiration!
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30 Christmas day activities
Here I’m gonna share some solo activities and activities you can do with your loved ones!
15 peaceful solo Christmas activities
If you’re spending the day solo, let’s reframe that. This isn’t a day to be alone; it’s a day for you. A sacred pause in the busy year to recharge, reflect, and do exactly what makes your soul happy. No compromises, no schedules. Just pure, unadulterated “you time.”
- Have a cozy movie marathon. This is your main event! Build the perfect nest on the sofa with every blanket and pillow you own. Line up your favorites, be it the classic claymation Rudolph, a string of so-bad-they’re-good Hallmark movies, or an action-packed Die Hard viewing. The remote is all yours!
- Get lost in a new literary world. Remember that book you’ve been meaning to read? Today’s the day. Curl up by the window, maybe with a soft blanket, and let yourself be transported without a single interruption.
- Whip up a fancy solo feast. You deserve a spectacular meal! Pick a recipe that feels a little special, like a creamy risotto, a perfectly seared steak, or a from-scratch pasta dish. Light a candle, play some music, and savor every single bite. You’re your own best dinner date.
- Video call a loved one. Just because you’re physically alone doesn’t mean you have to be lonely. Schedule a video call with family or friends who are far away. Seeing their faces and sharing a virtual toast can fill your heart right up.
- Bake some treats just for you. Fill your kitchen with the smell of warm sugar and spices. Bake a small batch of intricately decorated cookies, a personal-sized pie, or a decadent mug cake. The best part? You get to lick the spoon and eat all the results!
- Go for a quiet walk. Step outside and enjoy the profound peace of Christmas Day. Notice the decorations, listen to the quiet, and breathe in the crisp air. It’s a moving meditation that can center you for the whole day.
- Pour your heart out in a journal. The end of the year is a natural time for reflection. Find a beautiful notebook and write down your favorite memories from the past year, what you’ve learned, and your hopes for the year to come.
- Become a puzzle master. Spread out a 1000-piece puzzle on the table. Put on a festive playlist or a beloved movie in the background and get lost in the satisfying click of each piece finding its home.
- Get crafty with a Christmas project. Try your hand at a simple, satisfying craft. Make a beautiful wreath for your door, string together a garland of dried oranges, or create some elegant paper star ornaments.
- Unplug for a musical sound bath. Seriously, try this! Tuck your phone away in another room for a couple of hours. Put on a curated playlist of classic Christmas albums, from Bing Crosby to Mariah Carey, and just listen. No distractions, just you and the music.
- Spread kindness by volunteering. If you’re feeling social and want to give back, many local shelters and community kitchens need extra hands on Christmas Day. Serving a meal can be an incredibly heartwarming way to connect with your community.
- Indulge in a full spa day. You’ve earned it! Draw a luxuriously warm bath with bubbles or bath bombs. Do a face mask, paint your nails, and slather on that fancy lotion you’ve been saving. Emerge feeling like a new, relaxed person.
- Tidy and spark joy for the New Year. This might sound odd, but a little mindful organizing can feel amazing. Tidy a single drawer, closet, or bookshelf. Boxing up items you no longer need for a future donation can feel incredibly light and freeing.
- Read the Christmas story. However you feel about faith, reading the original nativity story from the book of Luke in the Bible is a really peaceful, grounding tradition. It connects you to centuries of people who have celebrated this same day.
- End the day with stargazing. If the night is clear, bundle up in your coziest coat, grab a thermos of hot tea or cocoa, and step outside for five minutes of stargazing. It’s a humbling and serene way to end a perfect day of peace.
15 family activities to create cherished memories
Is your home full of energy, laughter, and maybe a little happy chaos? Wonderful! These activities are designed to bring everyone together, from the littlest ones to the young-at-heart grandparents, to create those “remember when…” stories.
- Make pancakes in your PJs. Make a family rule: No one is allowed to get dressed! Collaborate on a big, messy, and delicious pancake or waffle bar with all the toppings. Whipped cream is mandatory!
- Hide gifts with clues. Make opening presents an adventure! Write clever clues that lead each person on a merry chase around the house and yard. The journey is just as fun as the destination.
- Host the first annual family talent show. This is guaranteed to bring down the house. Encourage everyone to perform. Whether it’s a rehearsed song, a silly dance, a magic trick, or a dramatic reading, it doesn’t matter. Applaud like they’re on Broadway!
- Start a board game tournament. Dust off the classics like Monopoly or Scrabble, or try a new cooperative game. Keep a running scoreboard on the whiteboard for some friendly, competitive fun.
- Build a cozy blanket fort. This is non-negotiable for maximum coziness. Drag out every blanket, pillow, and chair you can find. String up some fairy lights inside. This fort becomes your family’s cozy headquarters for the rest of the day.
- Unleash your inner artist with a cookie decorating contest. Set up a decorating station with plain cookies, bowls of colorful icing, and every sprinkle imaginable. Vote on silly categories like “Most Creative,” “Biggest Mess,” or “Best Use of Red Hots.”
- Gather ’round for family story time. Ask the grandparents or older relatives to share their favorite Christmas memories from when they were kids. It’s a beautiful way to connect generations and preserve your family’s history.
- Transform your living room into a karaoke lounge. Love to sing? Find a Christmas karaoke playlist on YouTube and pass the mic! Whether you’re a superstar or gloriously tone-deaf, singing “Jingle Bell Rock” at the top of your lungs is what family fun is all about.
- Play outside in the snow. If you have snow, go sledding, build a snowman family, or have a friendly snowball fight. If you don’t, a brisk family walk around the neighborhood to see the lights is the perfect antidote to a day indoors.
- Work together on a giant puzzle. Set up a card table in a common area with a challenging puzzle. Family members can drift in and out, adding a piece or two as they pass by. It’s a silent, collaborative project that brings a quiet sense of accomplishment.
- Create “thankful” ornaments for the tree. Grab some blank ornaments and permanent markers. Have everyone write down one thing they were truly thankful for this year. Hanging these on the tree is a beautiful, meaningful tradition to start.
- Watch old family videos. If you are old enough to have experienced DVDs and videotapes, then this one is for you! Dig out the old DVDs or find those digital files from Christmases past. The laughter over old hairstyles and baby voices is a gift in itself.
- Commence the great gingerbread house challenge. Divide into teams and see who can build the most architecturally sound, or most creatively chaotic, gingerbread masterpiece. Candy is both a building material and a fuel.
- Christmas service together. Getting everyone dressed and out the door might be a mission, but I promise it’s worth it. Singing “Silent Night” together in a candlelit church with your family by your side? That’s the real magic. It makes the day feel so much bigger than just the presents under the tree. (and this is the real meaning of Christmas at the end)
- Share a “gratitude” toast at dinner. During your Christmas meal, take a moment to go around the table. Have each person share one thing they were grateful for this year. It’s a simple practice that grounds the celebration in what truly matters.
Wrap up
So there you have it, a whole little menu of ideas to sprinkle some extra magic into your December 25th. Whether your perfect day looks like the peace of a good book and a warm blanket or a living room full of laughter during a chaotic talent show, I hope this list has inspired you.
No matter which path you choose, the goal is the same: to fill your heart with the unique joy of the season. May your day be wrapped in coziness and filled with the very best kind of Christmas day activities.
Related: 25 days of Christmas self care
