The most wonderful time of the year is just around the corner, and people all over the world are gearing up to celebrate the official Christmas holiday in style. Whether you're a fan of traditional festivities or prefer to mix things up with modern twists, there are countless ways to make the most of this magical season. In this article, we'll explore seven unique and exciting ways to celebrate Christmas 2016.
The spirit of Christmas is all about spreading joy, kindness, and warmth to those around you. With the holiday season fast approaching, many people are looking for innovative ways to celebrate this special time of year. From family gatherings to festive decorations, and from volunteering to gift-giving, there are countless ways to make the most of the Christmas season.
As the world prepares to celebrate the official Christmas holiday, it's essential to remember the true meaning behind this joyous occasion. Christmas is a time for reflection, gratitude, and celebration with loved ones. Whether you're a Christian, atheist, or follow a different faith, the festive season offers a chance to come together, share love, and spread happiness.
1. Host a Christmas Eve Dinner Party
Hosting a Christmas Eve dinner party is an excellent way to kick off the holiday celebrations. Invite your closest friends and family over for a festive feast, complete with all the trimmings. You can choose a traditional menu featuring roasted turkey, mashed potatoes, and green beans, or get creative with modern twists on classic dishes.
To add an extra layer of excitement to your dinner party, consider sending out invitations well in advance, complete with a dress code, playlist, and menu sneak peek. You can also plan some fun games and activities, such as Secret Santa, White Elephant, or Christmas caroling.
Plan Ahead
To ensure a stress-free and enjoyable Christmas Eve dinner party, be sure to plan ahead. Here are some tips to get you started:
- Create a guest list and send out invitations 2-3 weeks in advance.
- Plan your menu and make a shopping list to avoid last-minute trips to the store.
- Set the table with festive decorations, including candles, flowers, and a centerpiece.
- Prepare some fun games and activities to keep your guests entertained.
2. Volunteer at a Local Soup Kitchen
The holiday season is the perfect time to give back to your community and make a positive impact on those in need. Volunteering at a local soup kitchen is an excellent way to spread kindness and warmth to those who need it most. Not only will you be helping to feed the hungry, but you'll also be contributing to a sense of community and connection.
To get started, research local soup kitchens in your area and reach out to see how you can get involved. Many organizations offer volunteer opportunities on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, so be sure to plan ahead and reserve your spot.
Make it a Family Affair
Volunteering at a local soup kitchen is a great way to teach your children about the importance of giving back and helping others. Consider making it a family affair by bringing your kids along to help out. Not only will they learn valuable lessons about kindness and compassion, but they'll also have a fun and rewarding experience.
3. Create a Festive Holiday Playlist
There's nothing quite like the sound of festive holiday music to get you in the mood for Christmas. Creating a festive holiday playlist is an excellent way to set the tone for your celebrations and get everyone in the holiday spirit.
To get started, gather your favorite holiday tunes and create a playlist that's sure to get everyone singing along. You can include classic Christmas carols, modern twists on holiday favorites, and even some fun and quirky tunes to keep things interesting.
Add Some Fun and Quirky Tracks
To add some personality to your holiday playlist, consider including some fun and quirky tracks. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
- "All I Want for Christmas is You" by Mariah Carey
- "Last Christmas" by Wham!
- "Wonderful Christmastime" by Paul McCartney
- "Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays" by *NSYNC
4. Go on a Holiday Lights Tour
One of the most magical things about the holiday season is the festive lights and decorations that adorn homes and streets. Going on a holiday lights tour is an excellent way to get into the holiday spirit and enjoy the magic of the season.
To get started, gather some friends and family and set out on a tour of your neighborhood or local town. You can drive around and check out the lights, or even take a walking tour to get a closer look.
Make it a Competition
To add some fun and excitement to your holiday lights tour, consider making it a competition. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
- See who can spot the most creative or elaborate lights display.
- Take photos and create a festive holiday album.
- Vote on your favorite lights display and award a prize for the winner.
5. Make a Gingerbread House
Making a gingerbread house is a classic holiday activity that's fun for the whole family. Not only will you create a delicious and festive treat, but you'll also have a fun and memorable experience.
To get started, gather your ingredients and follow a simple recipe to make the gingerbread dough. Then, use icing and candies to decorate your house and make it festive.
Get Creative with Decorations
To make your gingerbread house truly special, consider getting creative with decorations. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
- Use icing to create festive designs and patterns.
- Add candies and sprinkles to make your house colorful and fun.
- Create a festive holiday scene with gumdrops, candy canes, and other edible decorations.
6. Attend a Holiday Concert or Show
Attending a holiday concert or show is an excellent way to get into the holiday spirit and enjoy some festive entertainment. From classic Christmas carols to modern holiday productions, there's something for everyone to enjoy.
To get started, research local holiday concerts and shows in your area and purchase tickets in advance. You can also consider attending a holiday market or craft fair to find unique gifts and decorations.
Make it a Special Night Out
To make your holiday concert or show a special night out, consider adding some extra touches. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
- Plan a pre-show dinner at a local restaurant.
- Wear festive attire to get into the holiday spirit.
- Bring along some hot cocoa or other festive treats to enjoy during the show.
7. Have a Hot Cocoa and Movie Marathon
Finally, having a hot cocoa and movie marathon is an excellent way to celebrate the holiday season in style. Gather some friends and family, make some delicious hot cocoa, and settle in for a festive film fest.
To get started, choose some of your favorite holiday movies and plan a marathon viewing session. You can also consider adding some festive snacks and decorations to make the evening even more special.
Make it a Cozy Night In
To make your hot cocoa and movie marathon a cozy night in, consider adding some extra touches. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
- Wear festive pajamas to get into the holiday spirit.
- Set up a cozy movie-watching area with blankets and pillows.
- Bring along some festive treats, such as popcorn or cookies, to snack on during the movies.
We hope these seven ways to celebrate the official Christmas holiday in 2016 have given you some inspiration for making the most of this magical season. Whether you're a fan of traditional festivities or prefer to mix things up with modern twists, there's something for everyone to enjoy. So go ahead, get creative, and make this holiday season one to remember!
What is the most popular Christmas activity?
+According to a recent survey, the most popular Christmas activity is decorating the house and yard with lights and decorations.
How can I make my Christmas party more festive?
+To make your Christmas party more festive, consider adding some holiday decorations, playing festive music, and serving holiday-themed food and drinks.
What is the best way to get into the holiday spirit?
+The best way to get into the holiday spirit is to focus on the things that bring you joy and make the holiday season special to you, such as spending time with loved ones, decorating the house, and engaging in festive activities.