Plan Fun Activities for Family and Friends for the Holidays

Its so easy to get caught up in the preparations for the holidays. Shopping, baking, cooking, wrapping, cleaning, and chauffeuring the kids everywhere they need to go. As you make your list of things to do, be sure to include some fun activities that include your friends, family members, co-workers and neighbors. After all, fellowship and companionship is a big part of the holiday season, so make sure you spend some quality fun time with those who mean the most to you.

Christmas caroling is a fun way to not only include people you already know, but a great way to break the ice and meet new neighbors and people. Print up some lyrics, grab a portable stereo with Christmas music, and tour your neighborhood singing Christmas carols. It doesnt matter that youre not the best singer. People of all ages will enjoy this old tradition carried into the modern holiday season. If you dont feel comfortable caroling in neighborhoods or at houses youre unfamiliar with, consider having a mobile caroling bus that goes to the homes of those you know to carol. Take a bucket of candy canes or Christmas candy to pass out to the homeowner as you leave. You might also consider caroling on behalf of a favorite charitable organization. Construct a secure donation bucket or box that clearly shows the name and address of the organization youre helping. Some people might not be comfortable donating to you personally, and thats okay. Hand them some preprinted slips of paper with the organizations name, address and phone number along with a short statement on what they do, and encourage them to donate directly.

Ice skating is another great activity to do with friends and family. Not only does it promote getting some exercise, but its a great way to spend time outside enjoying the crispness of the winter air if you live in the right climate. If you dont, most towns have local skating rinks. Check their schedule in advance and send out invitations to several family members or friends and make an afternoon of it.

Consider encouraging your friends and family join you on a volunteer excursion to help out at a local nursing home or homeless shelter this holiday season. You can sing Christmas carols with the nursing home residents, or help dish out hot bowls of soup and pass out blankets for those in need. If you know of a family in need this holiday season, perhaps your friends and family could put together a holiday gift basket and fill a laundry basket full of food, baked goods, and small Christmas treats and gifts for the children of the family. Its a great way to teach children the importance of giving back to their community and helping those that are less fortunate then themselves.

Remember the reason for the season, and spend some time with your friends and family, and maybe even help out others in the process. Have a great holiday!

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