The holidays—a time for twinkling lights, cozy gatherings, and, let’s be honest, a bit of chaos too. While there’s nothing wrong with the traditional turkey dinners and gift exchanges, sometimes you need to shake things up to make the season feel truly magical. Whether you’re looking to revive old traditions with a twist or create brand-new ones, we’ve got you covered.
From DIY escape rooms to progressive dinners, here are some creative ways to celebrate the holidays with your loved ones this year.
1. Host a DIY Escape Room Night
If your family loves puzzles and a bit of a challenge, a DIY escape room at home can be a hit. Craft a story—maybe Santa’s been kidnapped or the New Year won’t start unless you solve the clues. Set up different rooms or areas with puzzles, locks, and hidden clues using everyday items.
How to Do It:
- Choose a Theme: Holiday heist, saving Santa, or even a winter wonderland mystery.
- Craft Puzzles: Riddles, cyphers, and hidden messages can be made with things like locked boxes, UV pens, or jigsaw puzzles.
- Time Limit: Make it 30-60 minutes for that extra adrenaline rush.
Pro Tip: Divide into teams and add a little friendly competition—losers do the dishes!
2. Progressive Dinner Party—Holiday Edition
Why stick to one place when you can enjoy a new dish at every stop? A progressive dinner takes you from house to house, with each location serving a different course. It’s a fantastic way to involve everyone and add a bit of adventure to your evening.
How to Do It:
- Plan the Route: Choose homes that are close to each other to keep things convenient.
- Divide the Courses: One house for appetizers, another for mains, and a final stop for dessert and drinks.
- Themes: Add a twist with international holiday dishes—think Italian for appetizers, Mexican for mains, and French for dessert.
Pro Tip: End the night with a bonfire and hot cocoa to keep the festive spirit alive.
3. Secret Santa with a Twist: The ‘Thrift’ Edition
Secret Santa is a classic, but let’s admit it, it can get a bit stale. This year, add a twist—set a $10 limit and make it thrift store-only gifts. You’ll be amazed at how creative and hilarious the presents can get.
How to Do It:
- Set the Rules: Everyone draws a name but must buy the gift from a thrift store or make it themselves.
- Add Themes: Ugly decor, retro items, or something useful-but-weird.
- Gift Swap Game: Turn it into a white elephant game with stealing rounds to keep things lively.
Pro Tip: Have a prize for the funniest or most unexpected gift to encourage creativity.
4. Holiday Movie Marathon—Drive-In Style
If you’re tired of watching “Home Alone” from the couch every year, take your movie marathon outside. A backyard drive-in movie night complete with blankets, hot chocolate, and a projector is a fresh way to bring everyone together.
How to Do It:
- Set the Scene: Hang a white sheet for a screen, line up lawn chairs, and light some fairy lights.
- Snack Stations: Hot cocoa bar, popcorn, and a few holiday-themed treats.
- Movie Line-Up: Classics like Elf, The Polar Express, and Die Hard (yes, it’s a Christmas movie).
Pro Tip: Hand out bingo cards with holiday movie clichés—like “Santa appears” or “magical snowfall”—for a bit of extra fun.
5. Virtual Bake-Off Challenge
If distance is keeping your family apart, a virtual bake-off can bring you back together. Choose a recipe everyone has to make—like gingerbread cookies or yule logs—and set up a video call to bake and judge each other’s creations.
How to Do It:
- Send Out Kits: Ship out the same ingredients or a spice mix to all participants.
- Theme It: Ugly sweater cakes or holiday movie-inspired desserts.
- Judging Categories: Presentation, creativity, and taste (self-scored, of course).
Pro Tip: Turn it into a charity event by asking each participant to donate based on their ranking.
6. Memory Jar Tradition
Holiday memories deserve more than Instagram stories. A memory jar is a simple yet meaningful way to capture those little moments that make the season special. Leave a jar with slips of paper and pens somewhere visible for family and friends to jot down their favorite moments throughout the holiday.
How to Do It:
- Decorate the Jar: Make it festive with ribbons, stickers, or even fairy lights.
- Memory Prompts: Funny moments, things you’re grateful for, or surprise gifts.
- Reading Time: Open and read them together on New Year’s Eve or next Christmas.
Pro Tip: Turn it into a yearly tradition and look back at past years for a heartwarming holiday ritual.
7. Holiday Scavenger Hunt for All Ages
Scavenger hunts aren’t just for kids. Create one that sends everyone around the house or neighborhood, solving riddles and collecting little treats or clues.
How to Do It:
- Craft Clues: Rhyming riddles or holiday movie references make it extra fun.
- Hidden Surprises: Little ornaments, candies, or clues leading to a bigger prize.
- Team Play: Pair up kids and adults for a bit of teamwork.
Pro Tip: Make a photo scavenger hunt—like “find a house with blue lights” or “take a selfie with a snowman.”
8. Friendsmas Potluck with a Global Twist
Not everyone can make it home for the holidays, and that’s where Friendsmas comes in. Instead of the usual turkey and stuffing, ask each friend to bring a dish from a different country. It’s a delicious way to celebrate diverse traditions and keep things interesting.
How to Do It:
- Theme Your Decor: Flags, trivia cards, or music from the countries represented.
- Secret Recipe Swap: Everyone brings their recipe on a card to share.
- Cultural Twist: Have each person share a holiday tradition from the dish’s country.
Pro Tip: Create a world map with pins for each dish’s origin to make it feel like a global feast.
9. Charity Before Cheer
There’s something incredibly fulfilling about giving back during the holidays. Make it a tradition to volunteer or donate as a family before diving into presents and parties.
How to Do It:
- Adopt a Family: Buy and wrap gifts for a local family in need.
- Food Bank Challenge: Spend an afternoon collecting or donating canned goods.
- Holiday Cards for Seniors: Craft and deliver handmade cards to nursing homes.
Pro Tip: Turn it into a reverse advent calendar—each day, add an item to a donation box until Christmas Eve.
10. Annual Awards Night (with a Holiday Twist)
End the year with a laugh by hosting a mock awards night. Hand out funny, personalized awards to friends and family—like “Best Holiday Sweater,” “Worst Secret Santa Gift,” or “Most Likely to Burn the Turkey.
How to Do It:
- DIY Trophies: Use old ornaments or mason jars as trophies.
- Categories: Mix sincere ones like “Most Helpful” with silly ones for a good balance.
- Dress Code: Ugly sweaters or full-on formal wear—go big or go home.
Pro Tip: Make it a red carpet event with a backdrop and “paparazzi” photos.
The holidays don’t have to be a rinse-and-repeat of the same old traditions. With a little creativity, you can make them feel fresh, meaningful, and memorable for everyone. So why not try something new this year? After all, the best gift you can give is the gift of unforgettable memories. ❤️
