Seven Ways to Connect with Family This Festive Season
The festive season is a precious time for togetherness. Beyond gifts and feasts, it’s about building lasting memories and strengthening bonds.
Here are seven wonderful ways to ensure quality time with your loved ones, mixing activities with meaningful visits.
Family feast
Instead of one person shouldering all the cooking, organise a grand festive potluck. Assign different family units specific dishes: appetisers, main courses, desserts, or drinks.
This shares the load, encourages culinary creativity, and ensures a diverse, delicious spread. It also sparks conversation as everyone praises each other’s contributions and shares recipes.
The shared effort naturally brings everyone closer.
Digital detox & board game bonanza
In an age dominated by screens, dedicate an evening to a digital detox. Gather a collection of classic board games, card games, or even charades. Split into teams, bring out some snacks, and let the laughter flow.
This activity encourages face-to-face interaction and creates an environment where true connection can thrive without the constant distraction of phones or tablets.
Day at grandpa’s/grandma’s house
Make a special day dedicated to visiting grandparents or elderly relatives. This isn’t just a quick stop; plan to spend several hours.
Offer to help with chores, listen to their stories (they have so many!), or simply enjoy their company. Bring photos or old home videos to spark nostalgic conversations.
This honours their wisdom and history, and bridges generational gaps, making them feel cherished and integral to the family’s festivities.
Volunteering together
Embrace the spirit of giving by volunteering as a family. Whether it’s serving meals at a local shelter or working together for a common good is incredibly bonding.
It teaches children empathy and the importance of helping others, transforming the holiday season into a time of selfless contribution and shared purpose.
House hopping
Organise a mini-tour of relatives’ homes. Instead of everyone gathering at one central location, plan shorter, focused visits to different aunts, uncles, or cousins.
Each home can offer a unique festive treat or activity. Perhaps pizza night at one, decorating at another, or a quick gift exchange. This ensures everyone feels included and seen, and it’s a dynamic way to connect with the broader family network.
Creative craft & decorating session
Unleash your family’s artistic side with a dedicated craft and decorating session. Make personalised greeting cards, or even bake and decorate festive cookies together. Play holiday music, provide all the materials, and let everyone create something unique.
This activity is particularly great for engaging younger children, fostering teamwork, and creating tangible mementoes of your time together.
Outdoor adventure & nature walk
Escape the indoors and enjoy a festive outdoor adventure. Depending on your location, this could be a brisk walk in a local park or a hike on a scenic trail. Being in nature offers a refreshing change of pace and encourages conversation. It also provides a beautiful backdrop for candid family moments and shared exploration.
This festive season, make intentional choices to foster connection. Whether through shared meals, games, acts of service, or special visits, these moments are the true gifts that will last long after the decorations are put away.
