8 Non-Food Related Holiday Activities That Are A HIT!

The holiday season calls for lots of festivity and celebrations. Most times, these revolve around sweets: gingerbread houses, cookie decorations, holiday dessert parties. While it’s fun to partake in some of these activities, it’s important to have a variety of holiday projects in your toolbox so there’s a balance.

It’s not all about the sweets. Whether you choose to host a party or simply have a family night in, offering a chance to come together and spend time with your loved ones without the abundance of sweets is an opportunity to introduce these parties as more of the “norm.” For those with dietary restrictions, diabetes, or stress over all the sugar-filled events, this is a stress-free event for everyone. That’s what the holidays should be about!

8 Non-Food Holiday Activities

1. Wreath Decorating

   Have everyone bring their own wreath and supply the decor. Common decor include: ribbons, pinecones, ornaments, red berry stems and flowers.

2. Tea Making & Tasting

   This one I absolutely adore! Simply order a make your own tea sampler, like this one from amazon and have everyone pick their own type to make and name. With small tasting cups, everyone can try each other’s creations.

3. Volunteering

   There are many ways to give back over the holiday season. It’s fun to go as a group! Some ideas include:

   1. Soup Kitchen - Spend some time at your local soup kitchen volunteering.

   2. Toys for Tots - Run by the Marines, Toys for Tots is well known. You can pick and gather toys to donate.

   3. Collect School Supplies - We tend to think of doing this at the start of the school year but why not make sure kids are set for after winter break as well

   4. Operation Christmas Child - This nationwide charity asks you to fill up a shoebox and donate for delivery.

   5. Humane Society - You can volunteer at an animal shelter to support the Humane Society.

   6. Shop with the Salvation Army - Every year in the weeks leading up to Christmas, the Salvation Army works with thousands of families in communities across the U.S. to help provide Christmas to those who otherwise wouldn't have one. You can work as one of “Santa’s Elves”

4. Make & Decorate A Candle

   There are many options to this activity. I personally recommend finding a candle type and themed kit you are interested in. Amazon had many and here’s a great option for beginner candle makers.

5. Scavenger Hunt

   Plan a holiday scavenger hunt around the house, or in town! There are variations, but if you’re looking for something a little less prep than the typical clue-type hunt, you can provide each team with a list of items they need to find and photograph (or video) for points. The team with the most points wins!

6. Make A Homemade Snow Globe

7. Holiday Lights Tour

   Get the group and go for an evening stroll looking at all the different holiday lights in the neighborhood. Make sure to check the weather and have a rain or snow date as a backup.

8. Make & Send Holiday Cheer Cards

   Many people are lonely over the holidays, and receiving a holiday card and warm wishes really goes a long way. Some Ideas include:

   1. Bring Smiles to Seniors

   2. Nursing Home Card Project

   3. Send A Smile Today (Cards for cancer patients) 

   4. Send A Smile 4 Kids (Cards for kids in the hospital)

Remember, there are many ways to come together and enjoy each other’s company. The importance is gathering with your loved ones and appreciating some quality time.