Home for the Holidays? 6 Fun Family Activities for a Healthy Holiday

The holidays are here, and it’s the perfect time to enjoy some good old-fashioned family fun! Whether you’re staying cozy at home or gathering with loved ones, there are plenty of ways to make this season special.

If you’re home for the holidays, try some of these fun and creative activities to stay engaged, create lasting memories, and enjoy a healthy, heartwarming holiday right in the comfort of your own home. From baking festive treats to playing classic board games, there’s something for everyone to enjoy!

1. Bake Some Homemade Goodies

It just isn’t the holiday season without some comforting homemade treats to share with family and friends! This year, you can enjoy the festivities while staying on track with your healthy eating goals. Grab your apron, preheat the oven, and whip up some delicious baked goods that fit perfectly into your Nutrisystem plan.

Got a sweet tooth? Indulge guilt-free with these healthy and easy holiday cookie recipes that are sure to satisfy your cravings without derailing your progress.

Prefer something more savory to balance out the sweetness? These healthy bread recipes are hearty, flavorful, and perfect for holiday meals or as a gift for loved ones.

Our seasonal recipes are so good, even the pickiest eaters in the family will be asking for seconds! So, roll up your sleeves and get creative in the kitchen this holiday season—your taste buds and your health plan will thank you!

2. Have a Christmas Movie Marathon and Game Night

If you’re staying in with your family, why not make the most of the holiday with some classic holiday movies and board games? These timeless holiday activities are perfect for bringing everyone together and creating cherished memories.

Cozy up on the couch with your loved ones, roll the dice on your favorite board games, or laugh along to holiday comedies that everyone can enjoy. And no family movie marathon or game night is complete without delicious snacks!

Looking for healthier options to keep your holiday treats guilt-free? The Leaf has you covered with plenty of creative and nutritious ideas. Check out these festive treats that are healthy and easy to make and make your holiday night in even more special!

3. Build a Gingerbread House

Gingerbread is a timeless holiday classic that brings warmth and joy to the season. Whether it’s the spicy-sweet aroma or the fun of decorating, it’s a treat we all love. If you’re staying home this holiday season, why not try building a homemade gingerbread house with your family? It’s a great bonding activity that’s perfect for all ages, and many stores offer convenient gingerbread house kits that are simple to assemble. Let your creativity shine by personalizing your house with sugar-free candies, colorful holiday sprinkles, or even some homemade icing details.

And if you’re craving more gingerbread goodness, why stop at houses? Explore these healthy, festive recipes that bring the beloved gingerbread flavor to life in new and exciting ways:

• Instant Pot Gingerbread Cheesecake: Creamy, spicy and full of seasonal cheer, this dessert is a showstopper that’s surprisingly easy to make with your Instant Pot.
• Healthy Gingerbread Freezer Fudge: A quick and delicious treat that’s perfect for snacking or sharing with guests.
• No-Bake Coconut Gingerbread Cookie Bites: Packed with festive flavor and no oven required! These bites are perfect for a quick, healthy holiday treat.
• Whole Wheat Gingerbread Bundt Cake: A wholesome twist on a holiday favorite, this bundt cake is as delicious as it is beautiful.

Celebrate the season with these cozy and festive gingerbread ideas that are sure to make your holidays even sweeter!

4. Play in the Snow

If you’re lucky enough to enjoy a white Christmas where you live, take full advantage of the winter wonderland and make some unforgettable holiday memories! Get outside and enjoy fun winter activities with your family and friends.

Get the kiddos out of the house and build a snowman with a carrot nose and stick arms, make snow angels in the freshly fallen snow, or even have a snowball fight. You could also go sledding down a nearby hill or take a peaceful walk to admire the sparkling snow-covered trees. Just don’t forget to bundle up with cozy hats, scarves and gloves to stay warm while you embrace the chilly magic of the season!

5. Try Some Holiday Crafts

The internet is filled with creative holiday crafts that you can make with the family, offering a great way to bond and get into the festive spirit. A quick online search will provide loads of inspiration, with tutorials and step-by-step guides to help you every step of the way.

From homemade Christmas tree ornaments and decorations to personalized holiday gifts and heartfelt cards, there is no shortage of ideas to try, no matter your skill level. Whether it’s glitter-covered pinecones, hand-painted ornaments or DIY gift wrap, these crafts allow everyone in the family to get involved.

As your kids get older, these handmade treasures will become cherished keepsakes, reminding you of all those joyful moments spent creating together. So, grab some craft supplies, turn on some holiday music or a Christmas movie, and get ready to make this season extra special!

6. Sing Christmas Carols or Read a Book by the Fire

Ahh, Christmas music. It just isn’t the holidays without the classic songs we all know and love filling the air. From “Jingle Bells” to “Silent Night,” these timeless tunes bring a special kind of joy to the season. Gather your family around the fire, grab some hot cocoa, and sing your favorite songs together—it’s the perfect way to create lasting memories.

Not a fan of singing? No worries! Curl up with some holiday books for a cozy storytime or turn up the music and have a festive family dance party instead. Whatever holiday activities you choose, let the spirit of the season bring you closer together!