The days between Christmas and New Year, often called “Twixmas,” provide a perfect chance to relax and enjoy time together as a family. After the excitement of Christmas Day, it’s a great time to slow down, reconnect, and make some special memories before ringing in the New Year. For our family, which includes my husband Steve and our toddler daughter, these days are a lovely blend of downtime and simple fun. Here are some enjoyable, low-key activities to try with your family during this unique week.
1. Go for a Winter Nature Walk
Getting outside for a walk, even in the cold, can be refreshing and enjoyable for the whole family. Bundle up in cosy coats, scarves, and hats, and head to a local park, woodland, or nature reserve. Toddlers often enjoy the freedom to explore, and a walk provides a lovely change of pace from being indoors.
One of our favourite spots is a nearby woodland trail, where we look for winter wildlife, collect interesting leaves or pinecones, and, if we’re lucky, spot a few robins. Steve and I find that these walks are relaxing, and it’s wonderful to see our daughter’s excitement as she discovers new things in nature. Winter walks are a great way to spend some quiet time together, allowing you to enjoy the season’s beauty without the rush of holiday preparations.
2. Visit a Christmas Light Display or Illuminated Trail
Many towns and cities keep their Christmas light displays up until New Year’s Day, and some even have special illuminated trails at gardens or heritage sites. These light displays can create a magical experience for children, and they’re a fantastic way to continue the festive feeling. Check if any local gardens or parks have illuminated trails that you can visit during the evening.
For our family, seeing Christmas lights has become a bit of a tradition. Our daughter loves pointing out the different colours and shapes, and it’s a simple way to bring a bit of sparkle to these quieter days. Wrap up warmly, grab a hot chocolate, and enjoy a relaxed, enchanting evening walk together.
3. Have a Family Games Day
Christmas to New Year is ideal for setting up a family games day. Choose a mix of board games, card games, and activities that everyone can enjoy. For families with young children, simple games like Snap, Jenga, or a few rounds of hide and seek can keep them entertained.
Steve and I love board games, and we’ve recently introduced some toddler-friendly games that our daughter can participate in, like building blocks and interactive toys that we can all enjoy together. Games day is a great way to spend quality time as a family, share a few laughs, and let go of any leftover holiday stress.
4. Make Leftover Festive Treats Together
With Christmas dinner leftovers aplenty, this is the perfect time to get creative in the kitchen. From bubble and squeak to festive sandwiches and leftover pies, there are so many ways to turn holiday ingredients into something new and delicious. For a family activity, consider baking some easy treats, like cookies or muffins, that your toddler can help with. Little ones enjoy simple tasks like stirring, pouring ingredients, and decorating, making it an interactive, engaging experience.
In our house, we often turn leftover Christmas pudding or cake into trifles or dessert pots, layering them with custard and cream. Our daughter loves helping with decorating – though a good portion of sprinkles and icing end up in her mouth! It’s a great way to use up food and make snack time fun for everyone.
5. Set Up a Cosy Home Cinema Day
Between Christmas and New Year, a cosy day in with family films is a relaxing treat. Pick a selection of favourite films or short animations, prepare some popcorn, and make a cosy spot with blankets and pillows.
Our family home cinema days are always a hit. We set up the living room with comfy cushions and keep hot chocolate on hand. For our toddler, we choose shorter, engaging films or a mix of animated Christmas specials to hold her attention. Watching films together creates a lovely, restful atmosphere, and it’s a great way to unwind after the busy holiday season.
6. Declutter and Organise Together
While it may not sound like the most exciting activity, decluttering and organising can be incredibly satisfying, especially after receiving new gifts for Christmas. Use this time to sort through toys, clothes, and household items, and donate anything that’s no longer needed. For young children, you can make this a positive activity by explaining that they’re helping make room for new toys or passing on items to other children.
Steve and I enjoy this chance to organise a bit before the New Year, and we keep it light and simple to avoid it feeling like a chore. Our daughter even likes helping us “sort” things into boxes or bags, and it’s a good opportunity to gently teach her about sharing and donating.
7. Create a Family Vision Board or Reflect on the Year
The time between Christmas and New Year is perfect for reflecting on the past year and setting intentions for the next one. If you have older children, consider creating a family vision board with magazines, stickers, and colourful pens. Each family member can add pictures or drawings that represent things they’d like to do or achieve in the coming year.
With our daughter being so young, we keep this simple and talk about our favourite memories from the past year – moments like family trips, her first words, and fun days together. Steve and I enjoy this quiet reflection, and it’s a lovely way to connect, celebrate our memories, and focus on what’s truly important.
8. Enjoy a Winter Picnic
If the weather allows, bundle up for a winter picnic at a nearby park or garden. Prepare warm drinks like tea or hot chocolate in thermoses, pack some snacks, and enjoy the crisp winter air. It doesn’t have to be elaborate – even a few warm pastries or sandwiches can make it feel special.
Our family loves these outdoor moments, even in the colder months. We find a bench or lay out a blanket, and it becomes a fun little adventure for our daughter. Being outdoors lifts our spirits, and a winter picnic adds a unique twist to the usual holiday activities.
9. Make a Year-End Scrapbook or Family Album
With so many memories from the year, creating a family scrapbook or photo album is a wonderful way to preserve them. Use the days between Christmas and New Year to print out photos, gather ticket stubs or little mementoes, and assemble them in an album. Older children can help with arranging photos, choosing stickers, or writing captions.
We’ve started a small family album, which has become a cherished keepsake. Our daughter loves flipping through the pages, pointing out familiar faces and places, and it’s a lovely way to reflect on the year while spending quiet time together.
Conclusion
The days between Christmas and New Year offer a unique chance to slow down, enjoy simple pleasures, and make memories that don’t require much planning or preparation. From winter walks and cosy movie days to a bit of decluttering and family scrapbooking, these activities provide meaningful ways to connect and enjoy the holiday spirit. For our family, these days have become a time to recharge and spend quality time together, setting a positive tone for the New Year ahead. Whatever you choose to do, these quiet days can be some of the most memorable, creating a lasting family tradition for the years to come.
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