15 Unique Ways to Create Lasting Memories This December
Helloooo December! The holidays can be so overwhelming; am I right? Ask any of our 65+ generation and they’ll say the Christmas tree went up Christmas Eve and that was the holiday season. Meanwhile, we’ve been seeing holiday retail displays since November 1st. I'm craving a simpler, more connected holiday season. Anyone else with me?
From festive movie marathons to stargazing nights, here are 15 unique, simple, and low cost ways to make the most special memories this holiday season.
1. Festive Movie Marathon
Choose your favorite holiday classics, make some popcorn or hot chocolate, grab all those cozy throw blankets, and snuggle up for a heartwarming movie night with your favourite humans.
2. Holiday Lights Tour
Take a stroll or drive through the neighborhood on a holiday lights tour (if driving, play Christmas music) and soak in the festive spirit.
3. Winter Picnic
Pack a backpack with warm blankets, thermos of hot chocolate, and seasonal treats (think Nanaimo bars, shortbread cookies, gingerbread) and head to a snowy park or a quiet beach for a winter picnic.
4. DIY Ornament Workshop
Gather friends or family for a DIY ornament-making session. Get creative with various materials to craft personalized ornaments, each holding a unique memory or theme.
5. Holiday Cookie Challenge
Turn your kitchen into a festive battleground by challenging friends or family to a holiday cookie competition. Each person creates their favourite cookie for a taste test showdown. Put on some cheerful music and enjoy tasting each other's delicious creations.
6. Random Acts of Kindness Day
Dedicate a day to spreading joy through random acts of kindness. Whether it's leaving surprise notes, repurposing something into a thoughtful gifts, or volunteering together, the impact of these acts are sure to create core memories.
7. Escape to Nature Retreat
Give the gift of relaxation. Book at an Inn or a secluded cabin in a natural setting. Escape the hustle and bustle of daily life, reconnecting with nature and each other.
8. Host a Virtual Reunion
If distance separates loved ones, organize a virtual gathering. Play games, share stories, and make it feel festive with virtual decorations. It's a unique way to stay connected and create special memories.
9. Memory Jar Tradition
Start a memory jar tradition for the month. Each day, write down a positive memory or something you're grateful for, collecting the notes in a jar to reflect on later. It's a heartwarming way to capture the essence of December.
10. Campfire Sing-A-Long
Bundle up, grab your favorite tunes, and let the warmth of a crackling campfire and the laughter of loved ones create memories that will be cherished for years to come. Don’t forget the s’mores bar (our family favourites: chocolate, marshmallows, graham crackers, Nutella, and peanut butter).
11. Winter Adventure Day
Plan a day of winter adventures such as: ice skating, snowshoeing, sledding, or try a new winter sport.
12. Letters to Future Selves
Take a reflective moment to write letters to each other, expressing highlights from the year and hopes for the future. Seal the letters and open them together in the coming years, witnessing the growth of your shared journey.
13. Stargazing Night
Bundle up and head to a location away from city lights for a night of stargazing. Whether you bring a telescope or simply enjoy the celestial beauty with the naked eye, it's nature at its best.
14. Create a Family Recipe Book
Compile family recipes into a personalized cookbook. Share stories behind each dish, creating a treasured keepsake that not only celebrates the art of cooking but also the memories shared in the kitchen and around the table.
15. Personalized Book Exchange
Exchange books with loved ones, but with a twist. Write a heartfelt note inside, sharing why you chose that particular book and what it means to you.
In the hustle and bustle of December, take the time to savor these unique experiences that go beyond the traditional holiday festivities. Each of these activities offers a chance to create cherished memories with your loved ones, making this December a truly special and meaningful month. Embrace the magic, warmth, and joy of the season as you embark on these unforgettable adventures together. Happy memory-making!
