9 Ways to Get in the Holiday Spirit When Christmas Doesn’t Feel the Same

Remember when Christmas was pure magic? Counting down the days until Santa came, decorating cookies with your family, and binge-watching holiday movies? Now, things may feel different as life gets busier, but the magic’s still there—you just need to find it in new ways. Whether you're spending the holidays with friends, family, or your little ones, here are 9 fun ways to spark that holiday spirit, no matter how different Christmas feels these days.

1. Drive Around and Look At Christmas Lights

Christmas lights can instantly lift your mood! Pack the kids in the car, grab some hot cocoa, and take a drive to find the best holiday light displays in your area. Bonus: Let the kids vote on which house had the best lights! It’s an easy, budget-friendly way to spend quality time together and get into the festive spirit.

2. Host a Christmas Cookie Night

Who doesn’t love decorating cookies? Get your family or friends together (kids included!) for a cookie night. Pick out fun holiday-themed cookie cutters and let the kids go wild with icing and sprinkles. Don’t worry if the cookies turn out messy—it’s all part of the fun. At the end of the night, everyone leaves with a plate full of delicious treats and some sweet memories.

3. Do Christmas Crafts with Friends (and Kids!)

Crafting is a fun way to bond and keep little hands busy. Set up a simple craft station at home for you and your kids—or invite some friends over for a DIY night. You can make homemade ornaments, holiday cards, or even paper snowflakes to decorate the house. Not super crafty? No problem—just search for simple ideas online that are easy for all ages to enjoy.

4. Watch Classic Christmas Movies

If your kids are old enough, introduce them to the holiday movies you grew up loving. Snuggle up on the couch with blankets, popcorn, and your favorite Christmas classics like Home Alone, The Grinch, or Elf. If the kids are younger, switch to animated holiday specials like The Polar Express or A Charlie Brown Christmas. Watching these movies together is a simple way to create new family traditions while revisiting your favorite ones. You can even impersonate your favorite movie scenes with Santa! Like this family below showing their best Home Alone faces.

5. Have a DIY Hot Chocolate Bar

Turn an ordinary night into something special by setting up a hot chocolate bar for the family. Kids will love customizing their cups with marshmallows, whipped cream, peppermint sticks, and chocolate syrup. It’s a cozy, laid-back way to enjoy a winter evening, whether you’re hosting friends or just having some family time.

7. Go Ice Skating

Get outside and enjoy some winter fun by heading to a local ice rink. Ice skating is a perfect family activity that brings everyone together—whether you’re gracefully gliding or clinging to the railing. If your little ones are just learning, hold their hands and cheer them on as they wobble around the rink. It’s all about the experience, the laughs, and the holiday atmosphere.

8. Have a Christmas Song Karaoke Night

Karaoke is a fun way to let loose, and Christmas songs make it even better! You and your friends—or your kids—can take turns belting out holiday classics like “Jingle Bell Rock” or Mariah Carey’s “All I Want for Christmas Is You.” If you’ve got little ones, let them sing along to their favorite Christmas tunes. No one cares if you hit the notes—it’s all about having fun!

9. Rediscover the Magic with Santa!

Sometimes, bringing back the Christmas magic means embracing those childhood traditions! Take your kids to visit Santa for photos, or go with a group of friends! Even if you’re not a kid anymore, joining in on this tradition can remind you of the wonder and joy that Santa brings. Plus, it’s a great chance to snap some sweet family photos and make new memories together. After all, the magic of Christmas is still alive—you just need to find it again, whether through the eyes of your little ones, or a group of close friends. Book your reservation for photos with Santa here!