13 Chill Christmas Fun Family Activities

The holiday break is not only a time to celebrate Christmas and New Year's, but it's also a time to enjoy quality time with your family. Here are some simple suggestions for fun family bonding.

(The Scheet Family of Katy)

KATY MAGAZINE | DECEMBER 2018

by Jennifer Lynn Greenway and Ariana Pezeshki

1. plan a Family Game Night Challenge

Christmas Break is the perfect time to pull out some old favorites such as Uno and Jenga, and have a game night with the family. There are also many newer games to that are sure to provide hours of laughter - like "Don't Step In It" and "Pie Face"! Family gatherings is the perfect time to form teams and play for prizes such a loser has to do the dishes!

2. family Indoor Camp-out

Take fort-building to a new level with the family indoor camp-out. Set up the tent in the living room for an adventure adding extra fun items such as lights and baubles. Gather the whole family inside with an iPad for Christmas movies, hot cocoa or snuggle up with your favorite holiday book to read to the kids like "Twas The Night Before Christmas."

3. read a Book Together By The Fire Take story time to the next level with a blanket, matching Christmas pj's for the whole family, hot chocolate and gather to snuggle up together by the fire. Children love to be read to and Christmas break offers a lot of time to start a new tradition such as reading A Christmas Carol together as a family.

4.christmas Caroling with Neighbors

"Away in a Manger" and "We Wish You a Merry Christmas" are favorite holiday songs at Christmas. Organize a Christmas caroling group in the neighborhood. Look for singers along with people who would like to play instruments. Most communities have either a Facebook page or connect on the Nextdoor Neighborhood app to gather a group together. Jump on the internet and start planning and bring the joy of caroling to your neighbors.

5. ice Skate at Discovery Green

Christmas is the only time that Houstonians get the opportunity to ice skate outdoors whether it is 30 degrees outside or 70. Discovery Green transforms their park into a winter wonderland with outdoor ice skating until January 27. All proceeds from ticket sales goes back into discovery green to fund free events throughout the year.

6. roast S'mores by the Outdoor Fire Pit

In Texas, the closest we get to an outdoor fire is the backyard fire pit, but this is no reason for Texans to loose out on traditions such as roasting s'mores by the fire. For a modern twist, add Oreos or sprinkles, or make a completely new snack like s'mores rice crispy treats, the kids will love it.

7. drive Around Looking at Christmas Lights

Driving around looking at holiday lights is a timeless family activity, but with everything bigger in Texas - Katyites take it to the next level with sprawling light shows set to music and moving blow-up displays like Frosty the Snowman, Santa, and Rudolph. Put on your Christmas jammies grab a thermos of apple cider for the family and head over to the Katy Pin Oak neighborhood for a Texas size Christmas lights show, or Pecan Grove in Richmond where the neighborhood has an annual light display contest.

8. hAVE A Family songfest

K Pop Karaoke is Katy's new karaoke spot, is the perfect family-friendly spot to unwind and have fun. Thousands of songs, clean comfortable rooms, food and drinks, and unforgettable fun. Pop Karaoke rents private room karaoke suites for $15+ an hour for your entire group. After working up a sweat and appetite, Hoodak, a Korean favorite located next door, will deliver food for you to fill up!

9. Bake Goodies for NEIGHBORS and friends

Baking is must during the Holiday season, whether it is a pie or cookies. Kids love to bake and they are the perfect helper for measuring and stirring the ingredients. If baking at home isn't an option, Katy Cake Supplies offers baking classes in Katy.

10. Volunteer together

There are many ways to give back during the holiday season. One off the most overlooked is spending time at a retirement home. Many of the elderly have little to no family available to spend time with them during the holiday season. Donating your time with the elderly talking and playing games will them will put a smile on their faces that will warm your heart. For more opportunities to volunteer in Katy as a family, click here.

11. BUild a Gingerbread House

Gingerbread house building is a holiday family favorite that began in Germany in the 16th century. Get the whole family involved for the "Best Gingerbread House Contest". Split the family into two teams, boys VS girls, or parents VS kids! The holiday spirit will unleash your competitive side to make the best looking and tasting Ginger Bread house around! After the winner is crowned, the prize is a sugary, ginger treat!

12. have a Family Movie Marathon

Spend the day curled up on the couch in your favorite Christmas pjs and festive holiday popcorn topped with red and green M&M's (you can tell the kids their Elf left reindeer droppings on)! Gather round and put on classic holiday movies your family loves to watch every year. Whether it be "Home Alone", "Miracle on 34th Street" or maybe "Elf" is more your families speed, the memories made with the family will last a lifetime, and hopefully turn into tradition.

13. head to Mary Jo Peckham Park

Mary Jo Peckham Park is a great Katy spot for a full day of outdoor fun. Fish in the lake, or play miniature golf while enjoying a winter picnic lunch under a covered patio. There are also many great locations to take holiday family photos as well.

What are your family holiday traditions? Email us here!

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