The 25 Most Quintessential Christmas Activities

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We've spent weeks — okay, months — counting down the days until we can start celebrating Christmas. And now the time has arrived! Make the most of your December with our list of can't-miss holiday activities.

1Mail a letter to Santa.
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Because kids aren't the only ones wishing for some Christmas magic.

Learn more at USPS's Letters to Santa program.

2Hang mistletoe in every doorway.
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Forget the fact that it looks pretty! We'll take any excuse we can to cover our loved ones in kisses — even if it embarasses the kids.

3Video chat with an out-of-town friend or relative.
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Take a few minutes to wish a faraway friend or family member a very merry Christmas.

4Find a fun way to display your holiday cards.
Burcu Avsar
Say goodbye to holiday paper clutter by displaying the season's greetings in a creative way.

5Make your own holiday tree trimmings.
Victoria Pearson
Put your family's own touch on your Christmas tree by crafting decorations together.

6Go sledding or ice-skating.
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What better way to spend Christmas afternoon?

7Decorate a gingerbread house.
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Bonus points if you can make it with a country-style design!

8Host a cookie-baking party.
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Nothing beats the scent of freshly baked Christmas cookies wafting out of your oven! Check out our favorite Christmas cookie recipes to get started.

9Make a DIY gift for a past or present teacher.
Courtesy of Nest of Posies
These holiday-scented potpourri jars are the perfect gift for a teacher that wishes Christmas would last all year.

Get the tutorial at Nest of Posies.

10Sip on homemade hot cocoa.
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The season wouldn't be complete without a steaming mug of hot cocoa in your hand. Upgrade your hot chocolate with our 16 festive twists on the classic cold weather drink.

11Roast marshmallows in the fireplace for homemade s'mores.
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S'mores aren't just for campfires! Take advantage of being stuck indoors on a snowy day by getting a fire going.

12Deliver homemade holiday treats to someone unexpected.
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Whether it's the cashier at your local Kroger or Walmart, they're sure to love a delivery of Christmas treats. Check out our best ideas for homemade food gifts.

13Make a playlist of your favorite holiday tunes.
There's a reason you just can't seem to get that catchy Christmas song out of your head. A playlist keeps you favorite tunes at the ready no matter when you feel like getting in the holiday mood. Find out what your favorite Christmas song says about your holiday decorating style.

14Watch a holiday favorite.
Everett
It's a Wonderful Life, Home Alone, Miracle on 34th Street, Love Actually— there are so many classic Christmas movies, so little time.

15Write a holiday greeting to someone in the armed forces.
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Remind those who can't be with their families during the holidays that someone is thinking of them.

Learn how to get involved at the Red Cross.

16Visit a tree-lighting ceremony.
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There's no better way to kick off the holidays than by attending a small town tree-lighting ceremony.

17Surprise the neighbors with Christmas carols.
The Spokesman Review Holiday Archive
Download free sheet music, round up a ground up friends, bundle up, and hit the streets!

18Donate a toy to a local drive.
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Donate something — whether it's money to a favorite charity, or toys, coats, and food to a local drive, it's what the season of giving is all about.

19Read a holiday classic before bed.
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Break out your childhood copy of 'Twas the Night Before Christmas and gather around the fireplace with the family.

20Serve a meal at a local homeless shelter.
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Because giving back to your community is the greatest way to celebrate the holidays.

21Cut paper snowflakes to hang in your bedroom window.
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When the weather outside is frightful, make your home that much more delightful.

22Pull out sleeping bags and have a family slumber party under the tree.
Max Kim-Bee
Because nothing is more magical than staring up at the twinkling lights of your Christmas tree, snuggled inside a sleeping bag.

23Check out a local production of "The Nutcracker."
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Even though you've seen it dozens of times before, the Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy always makes you feel like a kid again.

24Open one small gift on Christmas Eve.
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Wrap up matching Christmas PJs for your family, and let them open the gifts on Christmas Eve so they'll look extra festive in the morning.

25Take a family drive to see the neighborhood holiday decorations.
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Pile in the car, and go on a nighttime tour of your town, decked out in holiday lights and decorations.

26Christmas Bucket List
Dana Tepper
Download or pin a complete checklist of our 25 essential Christmas activities.

From: Country Living US


By Country Living Staff

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