The Christmas season is a magical time for families, and with a 10-year-old, you’re at the sweet spot where they’re still filled with wonder and excitement. To make this season extra special, here’s a bucket list filled with festive activities to bring joy, laughter, and meaningful memories to your home.
1. Decorate a Gingerbread House
Kids love building things, and decorating a gingerbread house is the perfect mix of creativity and fun. You can either buy a kit or bake your own pieces for a more hands-on approach. Let your child’s imagination run wild as they design their edible masterpiece.
Pro Tip: Turn it into a friendly family competition by seeing who can create the most festive or wacky gingerbread house!
2. Have a Christmas Movie Marathon
Pick a few classic Christmas movies, make popcorn, and snuggle up with blankets for a cozy family movie night. Some great choices for 10-year-olds include Home Alone, The Polar Express, and Elf.
Bucket List Twist: Add a hot chocolate bar with whipped cream, marshmallows, and sprinkles for an extra special touch.
3. Write Letters to Santa
Even at 10, kids still enjoy the tradition of writing to Santa. Encourage them to share their Christmas wishes, but also include a section for what they’re thankful for this year.
Faith-Based Option: Use this opportunity to write a prayer of gratitude together or discuss the gifts they could give to Jesus by being kind and giving to others.
4. Go Caroling or Host a Mini Concert
Whether you gather a group of friends to go caroling or hold a small family concert at home, singing Christmas songs is a delightful way to spread holiday cheer.
Interactive Idea: Create a homemade karaoke night with holiday songs and have your child invite a few friends to join the fun.
5. Explore Christmas Lights Displays
Pile into the car, play some holiday tunes, and drive around to see the best light displays in your area. Some neighborhoods even have synchronized shows set to music!
Add a Game: Turn it into a scavenger hunt—can your child spot Santa, a nativity scene, or a snowman? Try out our Christmas Light Scavenger Hunt with Jokes.
6. Make Homemade Ornaments
Crafting ornaments together is not only fun but also creates keepsakes to treasure for years to come. Simple ideas include decorating plain ball ornaments with paint pens or creating salt dough ornaments.
Tip: Let your child make an ornament to gift to a grandparent or teacher.
7. Volunteer Together
Teach your child the true spirit of Christmas by giving back to the community. Consider volunteering at a local food bank, making holiday cards for nursing home residents, or participating in a toy drive.
Discussion Opportunity: Talk about how giving to others reflects God’s love during this season.
8. Host a Christmas Cookie Bake-Off
Spend a day baking and decorating Christmas cookies together. Choose a variety of shapes, colors, and sprinkles to make it exciting.
Family Fun: Share your cookies with neighbors, church friends, or even your mail carrier to spread the joy.
9. Have a “Christmas Campout” Under the Tree
Set up sleeping bags or blankets around your Christmas tree for a magical night. Read Christmas stories, sip on hot cocoa, and enjoy the twinkling lights before falling asleep.
10. Create a Christmas Eve Box
Prepare a special box to open on Christmas Eve. Fill it with cozy pajamas, a Christmas book, and a treat for your child.
Extra Touch: Add a family devotional or prayer activity to center the evening around the true meaning of Christmas.
11. Attend a Candlelight Service
Many churches host beautiful Christmas Eve candlelight services. This can be a meaningful way to pause and reflect on the season’s spiritual significance together as a family.
12. Have a Snow Day (Even Without Snow!)
If you live in a snowy area, enjoy sledding, snowball fights, or building a snowman. If you don’t, recreate the experience with fake snow, indoor snowball fights, or even a winter-themed movie.
13. Create a Family Gratitude Tree
Set up a small tree or a poster where each family member writes what they’re thankful for on paper ornaments. Add to it daily leading up to Christmas.
Faith Connection: Use this as an opportunity to discuss the blessings God has provided throughout the year.
14. Read the Christmas Story Together
Take time as a family to read the nativity story from the Bible (Luke 2:1–20). Talk about its significance and what the birth of Jesus means for your family.
Fun Addition: Act it out together as a family with costumes or puppets.
15. Plan a Christmas Day Treasure Hunt
On Christmas morning, create a scavenger hunt for your child to find their gifts. Leave clues around the house for them to follow—this adds excitement to the unwrapping tradition.
Conclusion
This Christmas, focus on creating traditions that bring your family closer together and reflect the joy of the season. Whether it’s through acts of kindness, creative crafts, or simple moments of togetherness, these activities are sure to make Christmas magical for you and your 10-year-old.
Let’s make this holiday season one to remember!
Do you have a favorite Christmas activity from this list? Share it in the comments!