Seeding Your Family Calendar With Fun

Plant possibilities into your calendar now so that the year can bloom with wonderful memory-making activities

A file photo of a family skating. (AboutLife/Shutterstock)

With a new year upon us, our family calendar is like a blank slate full of possibilities. It’s true that you reap what you sow, so why not plant seeds that you’ll look forward to harvesting all year long?

Here are six enjoyable seeds to consider planting on this year’s family calendar.

Theme Nights

Especially in the winter months when the nights are long and the weather entices you to stay inside your cozy home, a few fun theme nights scheduled on the calendar can give the whole family something fun to look forward to. Some examples might be board game night, movie night, cuisine night (in which you cook and enjoy together a meal from a certain region or a specific variety of food such as tacos or pasta), Lego night, or craft night.

Use your imagination and come up with fun nights you can enjoy together with your family. Intentional time focused on a singular activity and devoid of digital devices and other distractions makes lasting memories and deepened connections.

Parent Date Nights

It can be challenging for parents to find time to do simple things, such as holding an uninterrupted conversation or eating a hot meal. The solution? Date nights.

The only way to make sure date nights happen is to schedule them. Designate at least one each month, make the dinner reservations, book the activity, alert the babysitter, and commit to time for just Mom and Dad on the regular throughout the year. The entire family will benefit.

Celebrations

What will you be celebrating this year? Plan ahead and feel prepared and excited to commemorate the happy occasions in store for your family this year. Put parties, weddings, and other celebratory events on your calendar.

Simple Treats

Scatter fun and easy delights that the family can look forward to on your calendar. An ice cream outing, pizza for dinner, a family trip to the bookstore, an afternoon of ice skating or bowling, a picnic in the park—be intentional about seeding the calendar with fun and joy.

Local Calendar Events

Consult your local events calendars for things you don’t want to miss. Sporting events, theater shows, festivals, museum exhibits, and activities in your town or city can all be noted on your calendar so that you don’t miss out.

Vacation

Of course, the ultimate calendar event is a family vacation. If you plan to travel this year, mark it down on your family calendar as soon as possible to maximize the enjoyment of looking forward to your adventures.

Sharing a well-seeded calendar is in itself a bonding experience and one that centers on family togetherness. It may seem like an easy thing to overlook, but take the time to make the most of your family calendar and see what kind of a year you'll create for your family.