How to Encourage Screen-Free Activities During the Holidays

One of the best things about the holiday season is spending quality time with loved ones. However, it’s not always easy to connect when screens are constant distractions. This year, why not ditch the screens and make memories face-to-face? Getting everyone to put their phones, tablets, and computers away isn’t always easy, but with the right activities on deck, electronics are a much less tempting distraction. Here are a few engaging and screen-free activities that can make your holidays truly special.

Dazzling Diamond Painting

Create a Christmas diamond painting as a family. If you’re not familiar with this activity, you might be wondering, “What is diamond painting?” It’s a visually stunning craft that is therapeutic and an ideal screen-free activity. Not feeling the Christmas vibe? Try a nature diamond painting instead and create a beautiful landscape scene. No matter what design you choose, each “diamond” you place on the canvas contributes to a shimmering mosaic, and everyone can enjoy working together creating art. The rhythmic act of placing these tiny gems is quite meditative, too. It provides a unique opportunity for everyone to unwind and escape from the digital world.

Rediscovering the Joys of Classic Board Games

While it’s easy to get lost in the allure of video games, never underestimate the charm of classic board games. Consider the strategic depths of Chess, the wordplay of Scrabble or the financial wheeling and dealing of Monopoly. These games offer an engaging blend of fun and challenge, fostering laughter, camaraderie and healthy competition among family members of all ages. So dust off those old board games and host a game night this holiday season.

Unleashing Creativity with DIY Holiday Decorations

Creating DIY holiday decorations is an excellent way to bond with the special people in your life while embracing the festive spirit. From handmade ornaments to wreaths and centerpieces, there are countless holiday projects from which to choose. Plan specific times to gather and decorate your home or make gifts for the other special people in your life. No matter what crafts you complete, you’ll have a blast making memories that will last a lifetime.

Baking Delicious Holiday Treats

Entice the young and the young at heart to ditch the screens and join you in the kitchen. Cooking with family — especially kids — is a great way to create lasting memories and pass along valuable life skills. Turn your kitchen into a canvas for creativity as you decorate cookies, cakes and pies. It creates a delightful treat for your senses, making your holiday season truly delicious.

Storytelling by the Fireside

Storytelling isn’t just about sharing stories. It’s about creating a warm, cozy atmosphere and strengthening familial bonds. The act of storytelling nurtures creativity, empathy and an appreciation for the art of the spoken word — an ancient tradition that’s too often forgotten in today’s digital age. This tradition not only brings loved ones closer but also nurtures vital skills and values that enrich our lives.

Make a Winter Fairy Garden

Putting together a winter fairy garden during the holidays is a magical way of steering kids away from screens and connecting them with the wonders of nature. It’s also an avenue for imparting valuable lessons on responsibility and nurturing as they care for their little garden. Explore the process of choosing holiday-themed plants like poinsettias or Christmas cacti and then teach them how to care for their new garden. This mini-garden is a living, growing testament to your family’s green thumb and can become a fun holiday tradition.

Creating Personal Holiday Greetings

As the holiday season draws near, making your own cards is a wonderful way to take a break from screens and add a personal touch to your celebrations. Gather the essentials: blank cards or cardstock, colorful markers, festive stickers, stamps, ribbons, and any other decorations that resonate with your holiday spirit.

Involve the whole family in this creative endeavor. Gather around the table, play some festive tunes and let everyone’s imagination run free. Whether your designs are traditional or unique, the process is a chance to bond and create something truly special together. Encourage kids to add their personal touches and enjoy the sense of pride that comes with sharing their handmade cards with friends and family.

Christmas Caroling

Reviving the tradition of caroling is a heartwarming endeavor that has the power to infuse your neighborhood with the spirit of music and togetherness. By taking the initiative to organize a caroling group, you can fill the air with beautiful melodies and share the gift of holiday joy with your community. This heartfelt tradition transcends the act of singing. It’s an amazing tool for forging bonds, fostering a sense of community and spreading the warmth of holiday cheer to brighten hearts and homes during the festive season.

Escaping into the World of Books

Foster a love for reading as a family by creating a holiday reading list where everyone suggests genres and titles they’d like to explore. Enhance this tradition by scheduling “book club” meetings during the holiday season to discuss the selected books. These gatherings encourage family bonding, spark engaging conversations about the stories and make reading a delightful shared experience while enriching your holiday season with the magic of books.

Exploring Global Holiday Traditions

Exploring holiday traditions from around the world is a journey that expands horizons and enriches cultural understanding. When you immerse yourself in the customs of diverse cultures, you gain valuable insights into their unique histories and values.

Incorporating diverse traditions into your own holiday celebrations adds depth and authenticity to your festivities and fosters empathy and understanding. It allows you to step into the shoes of others, embracing their beliefs and practices, and it’s a great way to raise culturally sensitive kids. This cross-cultural exchange infuses celebrations with new elements — from trying traditional recipes to adopting customs — and creates a tapestry of experiences that can be passed down through generations.

Closing Thoughts

Maintaining balance and encouraging screen-free holiday activities are crucial aspects of embracing the true spirit of the season. In our digitally connected world, it’s easy for screens to become a constant presence, diverting our attention from the heartfelt moments that define the holidays.

By going beyond the digital distractions and immersing yourselves in creative, traditional, and family-oriented pursuits, you and your family can create lasting memories and strengthen your bonds this holiday season. These enjoyable activities serve as the building blocks of cherished traditions that will define your holidays for generations.