Whether you’re somewhere where the weather is getting frosty, or simply enjoying some chilly (60 degree!) temps in Miami like all of us at Peekaboo HQ, we’ve all spent an inordinate amount of time at home this year, which means being cooped up has taken its toll. We love a good dose of the holidays to help fight those end of 2020 blues.

And as much as we may want to kill each other at times - this year has taught us, it really is all about the little things. No matter what holiday your family celebrates, there are lots of festive activities you can do at home together to create lasting memories. Here are some of our favorite activities you can try with your family to fill the air with cheerful holiday spirit. 

1. Write your Own Holiday Stories

There are countless holiday stories out there to tell, from Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer to the Dr. Seuss classic, How the Grinch Stole Christmas. After reading a few of these timeless stories with the kids, put their creativity to the test by having them write their own holiday stories. If you and your family make this an annual tradition, you can retell your favorite stories each year to relive the holiday memories. We LOVE this idea. 

2. Make It Mini 

Whether you celebrate Christmas and have already decked your tree, or you celebrated Hanukkah, we all know kids love anything that's miniature-sized! We love to ramp up the holiday cheer by creating mini versions of holiday decor -   a smaller, tabletop Christmas tree for the kids to decorate themselves or mini menorahs they can light themselves.

3. Put on a Playlist of Your Favorite Holiday Songs

Nothing says Christmas time like your favorite holiday songs playing while you sip on some hot chocolate (or, ahem, other holiday beverage of choice...no judgement zone here!) with your family. A festive holiday playlist can include an assortment of classic carols and newer songs that are sure to put everyone in a jolly holiday mood. Regardless of whether you’re putting up decorations or simply trying to get everyone hyped for the holidays, putting on a playlist of Christmas songs is the best way to do the trick. Our personal Christmas playlist includes some of our favorite tunes like Mariah Carey’s “All I Want for Christmas is You” and “Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!” by Frank Sinatra. 

4. Gather Around for a Holiday TV/Movie Marathon

One of our favorite easy, relaxing ways to bring the spirit of the holidays to your family is to host a holiday TV/movie marathon! Since our screen time rules have gone out the window this year, holiday-themed movies and tv shows are a great way to pass the time while you wait for the holidays to come around. Scratch the popcorn and go for big ol’ Peekaboo ice cream sundaes as you gather around for some of our all-time holiday favorites - Home Alone, The Nightmare Before Christmas, The Muppet Christmas Carol (a hit with younger kids), and of course, a favorite of kids everywhere, Elf. For some post-bedtime holiday fun, we love to watch the holiday episodes of our favorite TV shows like The Office, Friends, or Seinfeld!

5. Plan a Holiday Crafting Day

Our favorite part about Holiday arts and crafts is that it is a fun and creative activity no matter what your age! You can take this time to work on holiday cards for friends and family or you can let your kids flex their creative muscles by having them make their own ornaments and Christmas decorations. Cutout paper snowflakes are a personal favorite here in Miami, since we don’t have real snow! 

5. Prepare Your Favorite Holiday Treats

Of course, our favorite way to celebrate the holidays is with sweet treats. Family baking is always a fan favorite - we love to make gingerbread cookies with a side of milkshakes (don’t forget to sneak in some veggies by adding Peekaboo Ice Cream)! Whatever your favorite treats are, sharing them with your family is sure to create those warm and fuzzy feelings. 

6. Write Letters to Santa Together

It seems like the art of writing letters is quickly becoming a thing of the past, but the timeless tradition of writing letters to Santa is still a vital part of Christmas for a lot of families. Take some time to sit down with your little ones and handwrite letters to Santa Claus. Receiving a return letter from Santa is a surefire way to keep your kids believing in the magic of Christmas.

Pro-tip: You can write a response from Santa and address it to your kids for them to open up on Christmas day with the rest of their presents! ;) 

Wishing you all a happy holiday season with your family, no matter where or how you celebrate!