Six family friendly mindful activities to try this Christmas
Christmas is a wonderful time to connect with your family, but it can also feel like everyone is moving in different directions. Practicing mindfulness together as a family can help you slow down and bond. These activities are simple, fun, and meaningful, making them perfect to get families on board with.
1. Create a gratitude jar
Gratitude is a key part of mindfulness, and a gratitude jar is a great way to practice it together. From today until Christmas, have everyone in the family write down one thing they’re thankful for on a piece of paper. It could be as small as enjoying a cup of hot chocolate or as big as spending time with loved ones. On Christmas morning (or another special time), read the notes together and reflect on all the happy memories you’ve shared.
2. Make festive crafts
Crafting is fun — and it’s also an opportunity to focus on the present moment. Gather your family to create handmade ornaments, cards, or festive decorations, and encourage everyone to pay attention to the colours, textures, and shapes they’re working with. Remind everyone that perfection isn’t the goal — enjoying the process and spending time together is.
3. Practice family mindfulness meditation
Even just 5 to 10 minutes of meditation can help your family take a pause. Sit together in a quiet space, close your eyes, and focus on your breathing. For younger kids, turn it into a game by asking them to imagine their breath is like a balloon filling up and then slowly deflating. This practice helps everyone pause, relax, and reset.
4. Watch a Christmas film together
Relaxing to watch a film as a family is a great way to connect, and Christmas offers the perfect opportunity to find a film everyone can enjoy. Get some festive sweet treats to enjoy while you watch – make sure you share!
5.Give mindfully as a family
Make Christmas more mindful by focusing on meaningful ways to give back to your community. Consider donating toys, food or clothes to a charity, or supporting a cause close to your heart. Talk as a family about why giving is important and reflect on how your actions can bring joy to others. This shared experience can be a powerful way to connect.
6. Go on a mindful walk
Bundle up and take a family walk to enjoy the season’s beauty. As you stroll, point out the sights, sounds, and smells around you — the glow of Christmas lights, the crunch of snow or leaves underfoot, or the smell of pine trees. Encourage everyone to notice something they might normally overlook. This simple activity can help your family feel more connected to each other and the world around you.
