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Dear Margar-etiquette,
With the December holidays coming up, my family and close friends are already asking what we should do with all that time together. We range from toddlers to grandparents, homebodies to extroverts, and everyone seems to want something different. What are some fun, low-stress activities we can plan that keep everyone happy—and keep us from staring at our phones the whole time?
Chief Family Organizer
Finding Joy Together: Simple Ways to Make the Most of the Holiday Break
The December break is one of the rare times of year when families and friends can slow down, gather close, and actually enjoy one another. But with multiple generations, differing interests, and fluctuating energy levels, even the sweetest get-togethers can start to feel like event planning.
The good news? You don’t need elaborate itineraries or jam-packed schedules to create meaningful moments. Here are a few ideas that work for all ages, attention spans, and personalities:
1. Choose Activities That Fit the Mood, Not a Master Plan
Instead of planning a rigid schedule, think in categories: one cozy activity, one creative one, one active one, and one “out and about” option.
- Cozy: holiday movie night, puzzles, cookie baking, or reading aloud
- Creative: ornament decorating, gingerbread building, or a “make your own hot cocoa mix” station
- Active: neighborhood lights walk, backyard games, or a family-friendly hike
- Outings: local holiday market, ice skating, or visiting a nearby attraction you never make time for
This way, everyone can choose what fits their energy that day.
2. Rotate Hosts (Or Activities) to Keep Things Fair
Let each person pick an activity for one day or evening. This takes the pressure off one planner and ensures the week represents everyone—not just the loudest or most enthusiastic voices.
3. Make Space for Tradition and Spontaneity
It’s okay to revisit favorite traditions—matching pajamas, candlelight services, game nights—but also leave room for the unexpected. Some of the best memories happen on a whim:
- A last-minute baking competition
- A “who can find the funniest holiday decoration?” scavenger hunt
- Impromptu karaoke (holiday classics optional)
4. Try a No-Phones Hour
Not a punishment—just a reset. Pick an hour where everyone sets their devices aside. You’ll be amazed how quickly conversation picks up when no one is half-scrolling.
5. Create Shared Experiences Instead of Perfect Ones
The goal isn’t to produce Instagram-ready moments. It’s to be together—laughing, connecting, making memories that don’t require perfection. If the gingerbread house collapses, call it “abstract.” If Grandpa cheats at cards, laugh and keep playing.
6. Build in Quiet Time
A crowded house can be joyful—and also exhausting. Let people recharge guilt-free. Holiday harmony is much easier when everyone respects that not all fun looks the same.
A Final Thought
Togetherness doesn’t require a packed schedule. A few thoughtful options, plenty of flexibility, and a shared sense of humor go a long way in creating a December break that feels warm, connected, and genuinely enjoyable.
Warmest wishes and happy memory-making,
Margar-etiquette
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