There’s no time of the year quite like the week after Christmas. Most people seem to spend this unusual week in one of two ways: either traveling or wandering around their home in pajamas, losing track of what day it is, and subsisting mainly on cookies. Both options are delightful in their own ways.
If you plan to enjoy the latter option this year, here are a few ways you can make the most of it.
Line Up Entertainment
Make a list of movies you’ve been wanting to watch with your family or books you’ve been desiring to read. Stock up your video library and bookshelf (or add these requests to your wishlist for Santa) so that you’ve got all you need to relax and enjoy the week. This might also be a great time to listen to a new audiobook as a family; “The Chronicles of Narnia” is a sure winner.
Tackle a Puzzle
This is a great week to work on a puzzle as a family. Clear the dining room table and spread out a challenging and festive jigsaw puzzle. Put the plate of leftover cookies next to the puzzle to entice repeat visitors. Can you finish the entire thing before the new year?
Play Games
Similarly, enjoy those classic board games that have been collecting dust, try a new one you might have received for Christmas, or simply pull out a deck of cards and enjoy a fun game night with your loved ones. Further, get some fresh air by playing outside; tennis, pickleball, kickball, and tag are easy and fun options the whole family can enjoy.
Encourage Unplugging
It would be a shame if this week were lost to digital devices. If it’s not already a practice in your home, create a central repository to house phones and digital devices while you enjoy more real-life experiences and activities at home.
Barbara Danza
writer
Barbara Danza is a contributing editor covering family and lifestyle topics. Her articles focus on homeschooling, family travel, entrepreneurship, and personal development. She contributes children’s book reviews to the weekly booklist and is the editor of “Just For Kids,” the newspaper’s print-only page for children. Her website is Barbara-Danza.com
