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Every activity as plain text, for screen readers, printing or slow connections. Nine more have their own page in our Christmas activities guide.
Paper-star garland
About 15 minutes · Crafts · ages 3 and up
What you need
- 2 sheets of paper
- Pencil and crayons
- Scissors and sticky tape
- About 1 metre of string
- Optional star-shaped cookie cutter
Steps
- Draw five stars. Draw five large stars with space between them. Trace around a star-shaped cookie cutter if you have one, or ask a grown-up to draw the outlines.
- Colour first. Colour the stars before cutting them out. Try stripes, dots or a repeating set of colours.
- Cut out. Ask a grown-up to help cut around the five outlines. Gather the scraps into the recycling.
- Tape the backs. Turn the stars face down. Lay the string across their backs with a gap between each star. Tape the string to each back and press firmly.
- Hang together. A grown-up hangs the garland out of reach of little ones and away from heat. Stand back and admire it together.
A part for each age
- Ages 3 to 5. Colour large outlines prepared by a grown-up.
- Ages 6 to 9. Draw or trace your own stars; add patterns and arrange a repeating colour sequence.
- Ages 10 and up. Design equal spacing and a repeating pattern; help younger siblings trace their stars.
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A tiny Christmas corner
About 10 minutes · Crafts · ages 3 and up
What you need
- One low, clear shelf or table corner
- 3–5 decorations already owned
- A small cloth or paper base
Steps
- Choose your spot. Choose one small corner together. A grown-up checks it is clear and safe to decorate.
- Choose a theme. Pick three favourite decorations. Decide on a colour, a tiny winter village or a woodland corner.
- Set the scene. Lay down the cloth or paper. Put the largest decoration towards the back and smaller ones in front.
- Add a personal touch. Draw a small sign, star or snowy paper shape and add it to the scene.
- Name your corner. Give your little Christmas corner a name. Invite someone to look and tell them which detail you made.
A part for each age
- Ages 3 to 5. Choose and place three decorations together.
- Ages 6 to 9. Plan a colour theme and make one extra decoration.
- Ages 10 and up. Sketch a layout, create a miniature backdrop and explain the story of the scene.
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The cosy mug café
About 15 minutes · Food · ages 3 and up
What you need
- Mugs for the family
- Milk or a dairy-free alternative, and drinking chocolate
- Optional age-appropriate toppings
- Paper and pens for a menu
- Spoon and tray
Steps
- Open your café. Choose a café name and draw a simple menu. Ask each person which suitable drink they would like.
- Set the station. Put mugs on a stable table. Set out one or two suitable toppings in little bowls; a grown-up checks ingredients and allergies.
- Prepare the drinks. A grown-up makes the drinks following the label on the drinking chocolate, and lets them cool until they are comfortable to drink.
- Take and serve orders. Children decorate menu cards and choose toppings while the grown-up carries and pours the drinks.
- Enjoy café time. Sit together, share the drinks and choose a funny café review. Help clear the table afterwards.
A part for each age
- Ages 3 to 5. Choose a mug and one topping.
- Ages 6 to 9. Write the menu and help organise orders and topping choices.
- Ages 10 and up. Write prices in pretend money, take orders and organise the menu; do not handle hot liquid.
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Santa’s story snuggle
About 15 minutes · Cosy time · ages 3 and up
What you need
- A Christmas book you love
- Blankets or cushions
- Optional soft toy
Steps
- Pick a story. Choose one story everyone can enjoy. Let a younger reader choose from two options.
- Make room. Settle on the sofa or a low floor cushion with enough space for everyone.
- Choose your parts. Choose a narrator and any repeated phrase or character sound the family can join in with.
- Share the story. Read or play the story. Pause once or twice to spot a picture detail or guess what happens next.
- A little ending. Each person chooses a favourite moment. Put the book somewhere ready for another day.
A part for each age
- Ages 3 to 5. Point to favourite pictures or join repeated words.
- Ages 6 to 9. Read a character part or choose voices.
- Ages 10 and up. Read a character, add gentle sound effects or explain a favourite illustration.
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Star biscuit bakery
About 35 minutes · Food · ages 3 and up
What you need
- Dough for about 24 biscuits: 200g softened unsalted butter, 200g caster sugar, 1 egg, ½ tsp vanilla, 400g plain flour, plus extra for dusting
- Bowl, spoon, rolling pin and star cutter
- Baking trays, parchment and cooling rack
Steps
- Prepare together. Wash hands. A grown-up checks allergies first: these biscuits have egg, wheat and milk. A grown-up heats the oven to 180°C (160°C fan, gas 4) and lines the trays. Lay out the weighed ingredients. Nobody eats the raw dough.
- Make dough. Cream butter and sugar, mix in egg and vanilla, then flour. A grown-up helps combine the dough.
- Roll and cut. Roll on a lightly floured surface and stamp similar-sized stars. Re-roll spare dough.
- Bake with help. A grown-up puts the biscuits in the oven for 10 to 12 minutes, until just golden at the edges, and takes them out. Children stay away from hot trays.
- Cool and decorate. Let biscuits cool completely before decorating. Share them and label any saved biscuits with their ingredients.
A part for each age
- Ages 3 to 5. Cut shapes from dough prepared by a grown-up.
- Ages 6 to 9. Measure ingredients with help and compare different biscuit shapes.
- Ages 10 and up. Weigh ingredients, compare cutter sizes and write a gift label; a grown-up still manages the oven.
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A card to make someone smile
About 15 minutes · Kindness · ages 3 and up
What you need
- A4 paper or folded card
- Crayons or pens
- Optional scrap paper and glue stick
Steps
- Choose a person. Think of someone who would enjoy a Christmas card. Say what you like about them.
- Fold the card. Fold a sheet in half and decide which side is the front.
- Make the picture. Draw a festive scene or stick on simple paper shapes. Leave space for a greeting.
- Add your words. Write a personal message inside or tell a grown-up exactly what to write.
- Deliver thoughtfully. Sign the card and agree how to give it to the person. An adult handles any address or delivery arrangements.
A part for each age
- Ages 3 to 5. Draw a picture; a grown-up writes your message.
- Ages 6 to 9. Design a folded card and write a personal Christmas message.
- Ages 10 and up. Create a layered paper design or write a short original rhyme for the recipient.
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The wrapping workshop
About 15 minutes · Crafts · ages 3 and up
What you need
- A real gift to wrap or an empty practice box
- Wrapping paper or reused clean paper
- Tape, scissors and gift label
- Pens or crayons
Steps
- Choose and measure. Choose a gift with a grown-up. Place it on paper and check the paper can fold around it.
- Decorate the paper. Add your own patterns if using plain paper. Cut the paper with help, leaving enough overlap.
- Wrap the middle. Bring the long sides around the gift and tape the overlap. Hold the gift steady together.
- Fold the ends. Fold each short end into flaps, press the folds and tape them closed. Ask for help with awkward shapes.
- Make the label. Write who the gift is for and add a little drawing. Put the wrapped present somewhere agreed.
A part for each age
- Ages 3 to 5. Decorate paper and press ready-cut pieces of tape.
- Ages 6 to 9. Measure and fold paper, wrap an awkward shape and make a gift label.
- Ages 10 and up. Measure the paper, work out neat end folds and help a younger wrapper with the tape.
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The twiggy little tree
About 20 minutes · Crafts · ages 3 and up
What you need
- A small clean fallen twig
- Broad stable pot
- Modelling clay or reusable adhesive
- Light paper ornaments
- Short hanging loops
Steps
- Choose a branch. Choose a small clean twig with no sharp ends, or use a cardboard branch.
- Build the base. A grown-up presses a firm lump of modelling clay into a broad pot and pushes the twig into it. Add support until it stands firmly.
- Check before decorating. The adult gives the pot a gentle stability check on the table. If it wobbles, use a smaller twig or a wider base.
- Make tiny decorations. Draw and cut lightweight paper stars or circles with help. Add short loops.
- Dress your tree. Spread decorations over the branches without weighing one side down. Place the tree where it will not be knocked over.
A part for each age
- Ages 3 to 5. Decorate a branch already fixed by a grown-up.
- Ages 6 to 9. Plan the base and make a set of lightweight ornaments.
- Ages 10 and up. Make a coordinated ornament set and test how placement changes the balance.
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Thank-you delivery
About 10 minutes · Kindness · ages 3 and up
What you need
- Paper and pens or a parent-held recording device
Steps
- Remember a kindness. Think of one person who helped you recently. Name the specific thing they did.
- Choose your message. Choose a drawing, written note or short voice message.
- Make it personal. Say what happened and why it helped. A grown-up can write down a younger child’s words.
- Practise or decorate. Read the message once, record a short take or decorate the note.
- Share with help. Give it to the person or ask a grown-up to send it. Enjoy having noticed their kindness.
A part for each age
- Ages 3 to 5. Draw what you appreciated and dictate a thank-you.
- Ages 6 to 9. Write or record a specific personal thank-you.
- Ages 10 and up. Write a short thoughtful message with a specific example rather than a generic thank-you.
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Christmas table names
About 15 minutes · Crafts · ages 3 and up
What you need
- One small rectangle of card per guest
- Pens or crayons
- Optional paper shapes
Steps
- List your guests. Decide who the place cards are for and check how each name is spelled.
- Fold the stands. Fold each card in half so it can stand like a small tent.
- Add the names. Write one clear name on the front; a grown-up can write for younger children.
- Personalise. Draw a tiny favourite thing for that person or add a festive border.
- Set the table. Place the cards at the table and let everyone spot the detail made for them.
A part for each age
- Ages 3 to 5. Decorate cards with names added by a grown-up.
- Ages 6 to 9. Write the names and draw a small personalised detail for each guest.
- Ages 10 and up. Design matching lettering and organise a seating plan agreed with the grown-up.
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Secret kindness mission
About 10 minutes · Kindness · ages 3 and up
What you need
- Nothing extra; optional mission card
Steps
- Pick a person. Think about who could use a little help today.
- Choose a small mission. Choose a suitable job: tidy books, bring a blanket or lay napkins on the table.
- Check your plan. Ask a grown-up whether the job is helpful and safe to do now.
- Do the kind thing. Work together quietly; younger children can do a small part.
- Share the feeling. Talk about what made the job thoughtful. A thank-you is lovely, but it does not need a prize.
A part for each age
- Ages 3 to 5. Choose a small helpful job with a grown-up.
- Ages 6 to 9. Plan a thoughtful task and carry it out with permission.
- Ages 10 and up. Notice a useful job without being told, then check permission before doing it.
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You choose our family time
About 10 minutes · Cosy time · ages 3 and up
What you need
- A timer if useful
- Materials for the child’s chosen familiar activity
Steps
- Choose whose turn. Choose one family member to lead today. Agree that everyone will get a turn another time.
- Choose together. Offer two or three activities that fit your space and time. Let the leader pick.
- Agree the time. Choose ten minutes, twenty minutes or another realistic length.
- Give your attention. Put distractions aside and join the chosen game. Let the leader explain what they would like.
- Finish kindly. Give a little warning before the end and say one thing you enjoyed together.
A part for each age
- Ages 3 to 5. Choose between two familiar activities.
- Ages 6 to 9. Plan and explain a family game; agree how long it lasts.
- Ages 10 and up. Plan and explain a game with rules that work for everyone, including younger siblings.
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Winter rainbow hunt
About 15 minutes · Games · ages 3 and up
What you need
- Festive spotting checklist
- Pencil or crayons
- Outdoor clothes if going outside
Steps
- Choose your hunt. Pick an indoor area or a short grown-up-led outdoor route.
- Make the list. Choose six festive things such as a star, red decoration, green leaves, wreath, lights and a winter bird picture.
- Spot and mark. Point to each find and tick or colour its picture. Leave outdoor items where they are.
- Add a challenge. Older hunters describe a find without naming it or add a clue for another player.
- Show your favourite. Draw or describe one favourite find when you finish.
A part for each age
- Ages 3 to 5. Match pictures and tick off three discoveries.
- Ages 6 to 9. Write clues or add extra observations for everyone to find.
- Ages 10 and up. Write descriptive clues and design an extra row of harder finds for the same route.
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Your Christmas Eve moment
About 15 minutes · Cosy time · ages 3 and up
What you need
- One chosen story, song or family ritual
- Optional blanket and comfortably warm drink
Steps
- Choose your moment. Agree one small Christmas Eve ritual that fits your family’s traditions.
- Prepare together. Gather the book or cushions, or choose a safe place to look at the lights.
- Make time. Pick a short time when everyone can join without rushing.
- Enjoy it. Share the story, song or quiet moment. There is no need to add extra presents or tasks.
- End gently. Wish one another a happy Christmas and move into the family’s usual bedtime routine.
A part for each age
- Ages 10 and up. Lead a short reading or explain a tradition you would like to keep.
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Reindeer freeze dance
About 10 minutes · Games · ages 3 and up
What you need
- Clear space or chairs for seated movement
- Parent-controlled music or clapping
Steps
- Choose your space. Move breakable things aside. Decide whether to stand or join in seated.
- Choose a signal. A grown-up starts and stops a short tune, or claps a rhythm.
- Move like reindeer. Try gentle hoof taps, antler arms or small steps while the sound continues.
- Freeze together. When the sound stops, hold a comfortable silly pose. Nobody is out if they wobble.
- Swap the leader. Take turns choosing one movement, then finish with a slow stretch.
A part for each age
- Ages 3 to 5. Join in with a partner and use fewer rounds.
- Ages 6 to 9. Lead a round or invent an extra challenge.
- Ages 10 and up. Create a sequence of different reindeer moves and lead the stop/start signals.
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Soft snowball target game
About 15 minutes · Games · ages 3 and up
What you need
- 3–6 rolled clean socks
- Basket and paper cups or empty lightweight boxes
- Paper score labels
- Tape for a floor line
Steps
- Build the targets. Set a basket or stack of paper cups against a clear background. Give each target a simple score if wanted.
- Roll your snowballs. Roll the socks into soft balls. Check there is nothing hard inside.
- Choose distances. Put a close throwing line for little players and another farther back for anyone who wants it.
- Take turns. Throw three soft snowballs at the targets. Retrieve them only after the thrower has finished.
- Change the challenge. Try a smaller target or a team total. Finish by rebuilding the targets together.
A part for each age
- Ages 3 to 5. Use a large nearby basket.
- Ages 6 to 9. Set up targets with different scores and take turns keeping score.
- Ages 10 and up. Design a score system and work out a fair mixed-age team challenge.
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Build a toy sleigh
About 20 minutes · Crafts · ages 3 and up
What you need
- One small cardboard box per team
- Scrap card for runners
- Tape and crayons
- A small toy passenger
Steps
- Choose a passenger. Choose a small toy and check it fits inside the box.
- Decorate the body. Colour the box or cover it with scrap paper. Leave an opening for the toy.
- Make runners. An adult helps cut two broad card strips. Curl the front ends around a pencil, then remove the pencil.
- Attach and test. Tape one runner under each side of the box. Put the toy in and check the sleigh stands without tipping.
- Plan a delivery. Choose a pretend parcel and make a short journey across a clear floor.
A part for each age
- Ages 3 to 5. Decorate a box while a grown-up attaches the runners.
- Ages 6 to 9. Design runners and test which small toy the sleigh can carry.
- Ages 10 and up. Design sturdier runners and compare how the loaded and empty sleigh balance.
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Fold-and-pass funny snowmen
About 15 minutes · Crafts · ages 3 and up
What you need
- One sheet of paper per player
- Pencils or crayons
Steps
- Fold three sections. Fold each sheet into three horizontal sections, then open it. Each player starts with a sheet.
- Draw the head. Draw the head and hat in the top section. Leave two small neck joining marks just below the fold.
- Fold and pass. Fold the head out of sight, leaving the joining marks visible. Pass the sheet to the left.
- Draw and pass again. Draw torso and arms in the middle section, using the marks. Leave two joining marks below the next fold; hide the drawing and pass left again.
- Finish and reveal. Draw the bottom section, then open the whole sheet together. Give your surprise snowman a funny name.
A part for each age
- Ages 3 to 5. Draw with a partner or use two large sections.
- Ages 6 to 9. Use three hidden sections and invent a name and story at the reveal.
- Ages 10 and up. Use hidden surprise details and invent a short story about the finished character.
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Christmas sock-puppet theatre
About 20 minutes · Crafts · ages 3 and up
What you need
- A clean spare sock
- Fabric or felt scraps
- Card for a mouth insert if wanted
- Fabric glue suitable for chosen materials
- Optional yarn and pipe cleaners handled by a grown-up
Steps
- Meet your puppet. Put a hand in the sock and find a comfortable mouth position. Decide on an elf, reindeer or snowman.
- Plan the face. Lay out large fabric eyes, nose and other details before attaching anything.
- Attach the features. Remove the sock from the hand. A grown-up helps attach features with the chosen fabric glue, following its label.
- Let it set. Leave the puppet until the glue has set fully. Avoid adding loose small parts or exposed wire ends.
- Put on a show. Give the puppet a name and practise opening its mouth. Perform a short Christmas conversation together.
A part for each age
- Ages 3 to 5. Choose fabric features for a grown-up to attach.
- Ages 6 to 9. Design a character, add details and write a short puppet scene.
- Ages 10 and up. Design a character voice and a two-puppet scene; help a younger child perform one line.
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Christmas tree stretches
About 10 minutes · Games · ages 3 and up
What you need
- Comfortable clear floor space or stable chairs
Steps
- Get comfortable. Stand with space around you or sit on a stable chair. Move only as far as feels comfortable.
- Grow a tree. Reach arms gently upward like branches, then bring them down. Keep both feet supported.
- Make a star. Open arms wide and make a comfortable star shape. Take one slow breath.
- Become a snowball. Bring arms around yourself in a gentle hug, then open them again.
- Link your routine. Repeat tree, star and snowball in a slow order. Finish relaxed; anyone can skip a movement.
A part for each age
- Ages 3 to 5. Copy two easy seated or standing movements.
- Ages 6 to 9. Link several comfortable poses into a short routine and lead the family.
- Ages 10 and up. Create and lead a short sequence of familiar comfortable shapes, including seated versions.
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What has the elf taken?
About 10 minutes · Games · ages 3 and up
What you need
- 3–12 safe Christmas objects or picture cards
- Tray or clear table
- Cloth or sheet of paper
Steps
- Set the tray. Choose three objects for younger players or five to start with older players. Name them together.
- Have a look. Give everyone a little time to study the tray.
- Hide or remove. Cover the tray. Take one object away, or keep everything covered and try to name it all.
- Remember together. Name or draw what is missing or what was on the tray. Reveal it and try again.
- Try a spoken chain. For a harder round each player repeats the growing list and adds a Christmas item. Work towards twelve together.
A part for each age
- Ages 3 to 5. Start with three objects and hide one.
- Ages 6 to 9. Use more objects, remember the whole tray or build a twelve-item spoken Christmas list.
- Ages 10 and up. Use twelve items or remember their order; take turns designing a fair challenge.
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A gloriously silly family photo
About 10 minutes · Cosy time · ages 3 and up
What you need
- Christmas jumpers or safe dress-up props
- Parent-held camera or paper for drawing
Steps
- Choose the scene. Agree a silly idea: surprised reindeer, a tangled gift team or a family of snowmen.
- Dress the part. Use jumpers, hats or paper props. Everyone can choose how much to join in.
- Arrange the picture. Find a clear comfortable spot. Keep faces free and make room for anyone seated.
- Take a few turns. A grown-up takes the photo or helps with a timer. Try two or three poses.
- Pick a favourite. Choose a favourite together. Keep it in the family unless everyone agrees to share it.
A part for each age
- Ages 3 to 5. Choose a funny face or hold a prop.
- Ages 6 to 9. Plan a scene, set the camera timer with a grown-up and direct the group.
- Ages 10 and up. Sketch a scene and direct the framing or timer with grown-up help.
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The living-room concert
About 15 minutes · Cosy time · ages 3 and up
What you need
- Paper tickets and a simple running order
- Chairs or cushions
- Chosen song or other short act
- Optional parent-controlled audio
Steps
- Open the theatre. Make tickets and arrange a few audience seats.
- Choose small acts. Pick a song, joke, puppet scene or family dance. One short act per person is enough.
- Plan the order. Write the running order and choose a host. A younger child can welcome the audience.
- Perform together. Give each act its moment. If using music, a grown-up controls the track and volume.
- Take a bow. Finish with a family bow and applause. Keep the tickets as a memory if you like.
A part for each age
- Ages 3 to 5. Join a chorus or do one movement.
- Ages 6 to 9. Create tickets and a running order, rehearse an act or host the show.
- Ages 10 and up. Host the show, prepare transitions and help younger performers rehearse.
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Christmas joke night
About 10 minutes · Games · ages 3 and up
What you need
- The jokes below, or your own
- Optional paper microphone
Steps
- Choose your jokes. Pick two jokes each from the list, or make up your own.
- Practise the pause. Say the question, pause for a guess, then give the punchline.
- Open joke night. Choose a host and let everyone have a turn, with a partner if wanted.
- Applaud the groans. Enjoy the silly answers. Give a round of applause rather than rating people.
- Make one together. Choose a Christmas object and invent a new joke as a family.
Jokes to start you off
- Why did the snowman carry a notebook? He did not want his bright ideas to melt away.
- Why did the elf put a cushion in the sleigh? The journey needed a soft landing.
- What did the paper star say to the sticky tape? Thanks for sticking with me.
- Why was the Christmas card such a good listener? It always opened up.
- Why did the reindeer bring a pencil? To draw up a flight plan.
- What did the tiny Christmas tree order at the café? A very small cup of fir.
- Why did the present join the band? It had excellent wrapping skills.
- Why did the paper chain invite everyone over? It liked making connections.
A part for each age
- Ages 3 to 5. Repeat a short joke with help or show a funny picture.
- Ages 6 to 9. Host the joke night and invent some new punchlines.
- Ages 10 and up. Write a new joke or host a playful question-and-answer round.
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Christmas film night
About 20 minutes · Cosy time · ages 3 and up
What you need
- A film or short programme the household may watch
- Blankets and cushions
- Optional comfortably warm drink
Steps
- Choose together. A grown-up offers two suitable films or short programmes the family can access.
- Make a cosy cinema. Arrange cushions and agree a comfortable sound level.
- Prepare a snack. An adult prepares drinks and suitable snacks. Keep the setup simple.
- Watch together. Settle down, with pauses when needed. Nobody has to finish a long film.
- Share one favourite. At the end choose a favourite scene, character or funny sound.
A part for each age
- Ages 3 to 5. Choose a short festive film or episode.
- Ages 6 to 9. Help choose a film everyone can enjoy and make a little cinema ticket.
- Ages 10 and up. Make cinema tickets and introduce the chosen film without spoiling the ending.
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Santa’s imaginary delivery map
About 20 minutes · Crafts · ages 3 and up
What you need
- Large paper
- Pencils and crayons
- Optional ruler
Steps
- Choose your world. Choose an imaginary island, village or place inspired by familiar landmarks.
- Look from above. Draw a bird’s-eye outline and add three or more places Santa will visit.
- Connect the stops. Add paths, a bridge or a route between the places. Mark a sleigh landing spot.
- Make it readable. Give the map a title and add symbols or a little key.
- Tell the journey. Trace Santa’s trip with a finger and tell the family what happens at each stop.
A part for each age
- Ages 3 to 5. Draw big landmarks while an older sibling adds the route.
- Ages 6 to 9. Add a map key, bridges and a route visiting each stop.
- Ages 10 and up. Add a scale idea, numbered deliveries and a route that visits every stop without doubling back.
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A biscuit decorating studio
About 15 minutes · Food · ages 3 and up
What you need
- One or two suitable cooled biscuits per person
- A little ready-made icing suitable for everyone
- Spoon or child-friendly spreading tool
- Optional soft age-appropriate decoration
Steps
- Choose the biscuits. A grown-up checks the biscuit and icing ingredients and gives each person a plate.
- Plan the pattern. Choose a star, stripes or a festive face. Keep the design simple enough to make.
- Spread a little icing. Use a spoon or spreading tool to add a thin layer or a few dots.
- Add your design. Make the pattern with icing or suitable soft decorations. Leave it to set if the product needs it.
- Share and tidy. Enjoy your biscuit or set aside one for someone else with its ingredients noted.
A part for each age
- Ages 3 to 5. Decorate a biscuit with a simple pattern.
- Ages 6 to 9. Plan a set of designs and help portion the icing.
- Ages 10 and up. Design a matching set and help portion the icing so everyone has enough.
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An indoor winter picnic
About 20 minutes · Cosy time · ages 3 and up
What you need
- Blanket
- Usual suitable snack foods
- Napkins and cups
- Optional toy guest
Steps
- Choose the picnic spot. Lay a blanket on a clear floor space with room to sit comfortably.
- Plan a little menu. Choose a few suitable snacks the family was going to have, with a Christmas name if wanted.
- Set it out. Help put down napkins, plates and a place for an invited toy.
- Picnic together. Sit and eat together. Ask each person for a funny or favourite moment from the day.
- Pack away. Share the clearing up and put the blanket back.
A part for each age
- Ages 3 to 5. Choose a toy guest and help lay out napkins.
- Ages 6 to 9. Plan the snack menu with a grown-up and organise the picnic.
- Ages 10 and up. Plan the menu with a grown-up and make a little picnic invitation or seating plan.
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The runaway Christmas story
About 15 minutes · Cosy time · ages 3 and up
What you need
- Nothing extra
- Optional paper to record the story
Steps
- Start the story. Begin with “A tiny reindeer knocked on our door…”
- Pass it round. Each person adds one sentence, word or sound. A partner can help younger storytellers.
- Remember a detail. Bring back a character or object someone else mentioned.
- Find an ending. After a few rounds, decide together how the adventure ends.
- Name your tale. Give the story a title. Draw a favourite moment or ask an adult to note the story down.
A part for each age
- Ages 3 to 5. Add a word, sound or picture with help.
- Ages 6 to 9. Add a sentence, remember earlier details and build a funny ending.
- Ages 10 and up. Keep track of the plot and help create a callback or satisfying twist at the end.
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A wish for our family
About 10 minutes · Cosy time · ages 3 and up
What you need
- A paper star or a piece of card
- Pens or crayons
- Short loop for hanging
Steps
- Choose a family wish. Think of one thing you would enjoy doing together next year.
- Draw or write it. Put the wish on a paper star. A grown-up can write down a younger child’s words.
- Make room for everyone. Listen to each wish without promising that all of them will happen.
- Hang the stars. A grown-up helps hang them on the tree or a display branch.
- Choose a first step. Pick one small realistic thing the family could plan towards a wish.
A part for each age
- Ages 3 to 5. Draw your wish or tell it to a grown-up.
- Ages 6 to 9. Write the wish and suggest one small step towards making it happen.
- Ages 10 and up. Suggest a practical first step and help capture everyone’s ideas fairly.
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Santa’s little clue hunt
About 10 minutes · Games · ages 3 and up
What you need
- One clue card or picture
- A small optional gift, note or treat
Steps
- Get ready for the hunt. A grown-up hides one small surprise and makes a picture clue. Agree where you may look, stay together, and wait for your clue.
- Choose the clue. Pick a picture clue or a short spoken clue suitable for the youngest player.
- Listen together. Read or play the clue. Repeat it if wanted; offer a hint rather than a time limit.
- Search safely. Look only in the agreed area without climbing or opening appliances.
- Find and share. Enjoy the surprise. A kind note or a choice of family game works as well as a treat.
A part for each age
- Ages 3 to 5. Use a picture clue for one familiar hiding place.
- Ages 6 to 9. Solve a two-step clue a grown-up writes for you.
- Ages 10 and up. Solve a riddle with a second hint, or write a clue for someone else with a grown-up’s OK.
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Reindeer chow snack mix
About 15 minutes · Food · ages 3 and up
What you need
- Two or three parent-approved snack ingredients
- Mixing bowl and spoon
- Small serving bowls
Steps
- Choose your mix. A grown-up checks ingredients, allergies and textures for everyone. Choose two or three suitable ingredients.
- Measure a little. Put small portions of each chosen ingredient in separate bowls.
- Mix your chow. Tip the suitable ingredients into the mixing bowl and stir gently.
- Give it a name. Invent a reindeer café name and draw a little menu card.
- Serve seated. Serve small portions and sit together to eat. Keep food away from pets and outdoor wildlife.
A part for each age
- Ages 3 to 5. Choose between two suitable ingredients and stir.
- Ages 6 to 9. Plan a mix, measure portions and design a little snack label.
- Ages 10 and up. Design a mix and compare simple proportions; choose suitable ingredients for a younger sibling’s separate serving.
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Our family Christmas dance
About 20 minutes · Games · ages 3 and up
What you need
- Clear floor space or chairs
- Music a grown-up chooses, or a clapping rhythm
Steps
- Pick a rhythm. Choose a short piece of suitable music or clap a steady beat.
- Invent two moves. Each person suggests an easy move: antler arms, a star reach or gentle side steps.
- Build the sequence. Choose four moves and put them in an order everyone can follow.
- Practise together. Repeat slowly, with seated or smaller movements for anyone who wants them.
- Perform your dance. Give the routine a name and perform it for the family, or save it for the living-room concert.
A part for each age
- Ages 3 to 5. Repeat two simple moves or join in seated.
- Ages 6 to 9. Create a longer sequence and help teach it.
- Ages 10 and up. Build an eight-count sequence and teach it, so the youngest can follow it too.
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Turn a grown-up into a Christmas tree
About 15 minutes · Cosy time · ages 3 and up
What you need
- A willing grown-up wearing a jumper
- Large light paper decorations
- Clothes pegs or attachment method agreed by the grown-up
Steps
- Ask your tree. Ask a grown-up if they would like to become the family Christmas tree. They can say no or choose another role.
- Make the ornaments. Draw and cut large light paper shapes together.
- Choose safe places. The grown-up chooses where decorations may attach to the jumper, below the face and away from anything that restricts movement.
- Decorate together. The adult helps attach the paper shapes. Leave arms, face and neck completely free.
- Pose and reset. Strike a funny tree pose, then remove everything together. Drawing a decorated grown-up is another option.
A part for each age
- Ages 3 to 5. Choose paper ornaments for a grown-up to attach.
- Ages 6 to 9. Design a coordinated set of decorations and direct a funny scene.
- Ages 10 and up. Design matching ornaments and direct a funny scene with the grown-up’s agreement.
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Folded-paper tree baubles
About 20 minutes · Crafts · ages 3 and up
What you need
- 3 matching circles of card per bauble
- Pencil, crayons and glue stick
- Short hanging loop
- Scissors with grown-up help
Steps
- Prepare the circles. Trace three equal circles and ask a grown-up to help cut them out.
- Decorate both sides. Add simple patterns to both faces and let any wet colour dry.
- Fold in half. Fold each circle exactly in half and press the crease.
- Join the halves. Glue one half of the first circle to one half of the second. Add the third, place the hanging loop along the centre, then glue the remaining halves together.
- Dry and hang. Let the joins dry fully. A grown-up checks the loop is held and hangs the bauble.
A part for each age
- Ages 3 to 5. Decorate pre-cut shapes and help press them together.
- Ages 6 to 9. Measure matching circles and plan a patterned bauble.
- Ages 10 and up. Try a four-circle bauble or plan a symmetrical pattern across the folded shapes.
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Christmas cinema: your family favourite
About 60 minutes · Cosy time · ages 3 and up
What you need
- A family-favourite film or festive episode you can watch at home
- Paper tickets
- Optional snack and blankets
Steps
- Choose a favourite. Choose a film or festive episode everyone can watch. If it is long, plan a break in the middle.
- Share cinema jobs. Choose a ticket maker, usher and person who gives a short welcome.
- Prepare your seats. Set out cushions and a simple suitable snack with a grown-up.
- Enjoy the screening. Watch together with breaks as needed; younger viewers can choose a shorter session.
- Make a memory ticket. Write or draw your favourite moment on the back of your ticket.
A part for each age
- Ages 3 to 5. Choose a short festive episode.
- Ages 6 to 9. Help plan the screening and introduce the film.
- Ages 10 and up. Make a tiny programme and introduce the film with an original spoiler-free summary.
Like this? Make your family’s Advent calendar in Famoo.
