Our Favourite Festive Season Activities: Creating Memories with My Little One
Meet Dina, mother to a 2-year-old boy and member of our fantastic Parent Panel; a diverse community of Bright Horizons parents sharing their experiences of raising happy, thriving and confident children.
The festive season has always been special with activities centred around family and crafts. But as a parent, it’s become even more magical to experience it through my little one’s eyes. Each year, we look forward to traditions and activities that make the holiday season feel fun. Whether it's the cosy atmosphere of the house, the twinkling lights, or cooking food, these moments become treasured memories that we love to recall. Here are some of our favourite activities that truly bring the holiday spirit to life.
1. Decorating the Christmas Tree
The moment we bring out the Christmas tree is when the festive season truly begins in our home. This year I had my little one help decorate (last year he was a bit young!) and he loved it! We took our time unpacking decorations, with many with a special sentiment. He loved watching the lights go on too.
The soft glow of the tree lights at the end of the decorating process is always a magical moment. As we linked the tree lights to the Alexa, our son was able to turn them on and off himself which he absolutely has enjoyed doing this year.
2. Crafting Homemade Ornaments
One of the activities we enjoy most is making homemade ornaments. We had a craft-making workshop we went to this year. This was a wonderful way to engage creativity and craftsmanship while also spending quality time together. We experimented with a variety of materials —salt dough, felt, glitter, and even acrylic baubles. Each year, we create a new set of ornaments that reflects our changing interests and growth as a family.
My son loves the process of mixing the dough or cutting out shapes, while I handle the baking and painting (though I often end up with a “helping” hand when it comes to the final touches!). Not only do these ornaments become cherished keepsakes, but the tradition of making them together has become a part of our holiday routine. Every year when we hang them on the tree, we’re reminded of the fun we had crafting them.
3. Baking Festive Treats
Baking is another highlight of our festive season. The kitchen is where the scent of holiday spices—cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger—fills the air, and where flour, sugar, and butter seem to magically come together to create treats we can share. My son loves helping out with the mixing, rolling dough, and, of course, the fun of decorating cookies.
Our favourite baking tradition is making gingerbread cookies. It’s an activity we are still perfecting, from shaping the dough into gingerbread men to icing them with creative designs. It’s a hands-on, sometimes messy, but always a delightful experience. And, naturally, we make plenty of extras so we can share them with friends and family.
If gingerbread isn't on the agenda, we also love to bake simple fairy cakes. No matter what, the joy of baking together—and, let’s be honest, sampling the results is the best part.
4. Reading Holiday Stories
As the days get shorter and colder, there’s nothing better than curling up with a good book. Within my Christmas pack in my son’s stocking, I put three festive books. Our collection of holiday stories grows every year, but some classics, like The Polar Express, How the Grinch Stole Christmas, and A Christmas Carol, always find their way into our reading rotation. The magical tales, filled with themes of kindness, generosity, and the wonder of the season.
We often read these books by the soft glow of the Christmas tree, sipping hot milk and mulled wine for Mummy. Sometimes we act out parts of the stories, which adds a layer of fun and laughter. Whether it's snuggling on the couch or enjoying a reading nook with festive decorations, this simple activity creates the perfect atmosphere for bonding. The excitement of listening to these stories together always makes me feel like we’re part of something timeless.
5. Watching Christmas Classics
There’s something so special about watching holiday movies together as a family. My child and I have our go-to Christmas classics, and every year, we look forward to rewatching them. Home Alone, Elf, The Muppet Christmas Carol, and The Snowman are all favourites in our house. The laughter that fills the room as we watch these beloved films is one of the things I look forward to most during the season.
What makes this time even more enjoyable is the rituals we’ve developed around movie nights. We make popcorn, set up blankets and pillows on the living room floor, and sometimes even dress in our holiday pyjamas. Watching the same scenes year after year brings a comforting sense of tradition, and I love seeing my child’s reactions, whether it’s excitement over a funny moment or tenderness over a heartfelt scene.
Conclusion: Building Memories Together
The festive season is more than just a time of celebration for us; it’s an opportunity to create lasting memories. From decorating the tree to sharing stories and spending time with family, the activities we do together are more than just traditions—they’re moments that help shape the foundation of our family’s holiday spirit.
As the years pass, the magic of these activities only grows. I know that long after the holiday decorations come down and the cookies are eaten, these shared experiences will remain a cherished part of our holiday memories. And I’m already looking forward to the next festive season, ready to create even more memories with my child.
