60 Meaningful Ideas For Enjoying the Week Before Christmas
60 thoughtful ideas for enjoying the week before Christmas, slowing down, savoring the season, and focusing on what matters most.
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Get over 60 ideas for enjoying the week before Christmas in simple and meaningful ways. Set aside what does not truly need to be done and spend these days savoring traditions, quiet moments, and Christmas activities that nourish the heart and home.
60+ Ideas For Enjoying the Week Before Christmas
The week before Christmas is one of the most meaningful parts of the season. These are the days to slow down, release unnecessary pressure, and focus on simple joys that make Christmas feel special. The ideas below are meant to help you enjoy the days leading up to Christmas in ways that feel peaceful, intentional, and doable.
If this week tends to be a week of hurry and checking off your to-do list, take a step back, get away from the hustle and bustle of Christmas preparations, and focus on enjoying the beauty and fun of this season. This list is meant to give you lots of options to enjoy and not another list of things to get done.
Simple Ways To Slow Down the Week Before Christmas
- Light candles and enjoy the soft glow they bring to a room.
- Take an evening drive to admire Christmas lights in your neighborhood.
- Make a mug of hot cocoa and enjoy it by the tree.
- Write a heartfelt note to a friend or loved one.
- Watch a favorite Christmas movie.
- Read the Christmas story from the Bible.
- Make a food gift for a friend. Haystack Cookies are so easy to make, and everyone loves them.
- Create a playlist of your favorite Christmas music.
- Take a walk in the crisp winter air.
- Visit a local holiday market.
Meaningful Things To Do the Week Before Christmas
- Host a casual Christmas get-together with close friends.
- Simplify your to-do list by focusing on what truly matters.
- Wrap gifts while listening to Christmas carols.
- Share a meal with someone who may be feeling lonely.
- Declutter and donate items to a local charity.
- Make a small handcrafted Christmas project. 6 Beautiful DIYs to Craft a Handmade Home has lovely and relaxing ideas to try.
- Write down three things you are grateful for this season.
- Take a quiet moment to pray or reflect.
- Take photos of your decorated home to remember the season.
- Plan an impromptu game night with family or friends. Have you played Uzzle yet?
Cozy Ideas for Enjoying the Days Before Christmas
- Bake a loaf of bread or a batch of holiday muffins. See 6 Scrumptious Quick Breads You Will Love.
- Volunteer at a local soup kitchen or shelter.
- Add fresh greenery to your home for a natural Christmas scent. See how to keep real Christmas greens fresh longer during this final week.
- Plan a no-tech evening to unplug and rest.
- Make homemade gift tags using scraps of wrapping paper.
- Enjoy a cozy breakfast by the fireplace.
- Treat yourself to a manicure or a simple self-care moment.
- Read a Christmas-themed novel or short story. The Real Christmas Story shares what the first Christmas was truly like.
- Set up a wrapping station to keep gift wrap tidy and easy to use.
- Write a short Christmas blessing or prayer for your family.
Easy and Enjoyable Christmas Week Traditions
- Take a family photo by the Christmas tree.
- Read the Christmas cards that have arrived this season.
- Surprise someone with a thoughtful and unexpected gift.
- Listen to Christmas music throughout the day.
- Make an early New Year’s resolution that feels kind and realistic.
- Host a casual holiday brunch at home.
- Look through old Christmas photos and share favorite memories.
- Try a new holiday recipe. 20 Holiday Recipes You Will Want To Make Again And Again has wonderful ideas to enjoy this week.
- Feed the birds by hanging a simple seed ornament outside. Peanut butter pinecones are easy and fun to make.
- Take a bubble bath by candlelight and unwind.
Simple Moments That Make Christmas Feel Special
- Plan a mini escape to a nearby town decorated for Christmas.
- Read a Christmas book to a child. The Best Christmas Pageant Ever is a favorite to read aloud and enjoy together.
- Sing Christmas carols, even if it is just around the house.
- Give yourself permission to let go of perfection.
- Make a simmer pot to fill your home with festive scents. Christmas Simmer Pot is easy to adapt, and 12 Ways To Make Your Home Smell Like Christmas offers more ideas.
- Reflect on the year and set gentle intentions for the next.
- Sip mulled cider while reading a magazine. Christmas Mulled Cider Worth Sipping All Day Long is perfect for this time of year.
- Dance to Christmas music in the kitchen or living room.
- Bring in fresh greens and place them in a basket or container.
- Send a Christmas card to someone you have lost touch with.
Quiet and Reflective Ways To Enjoy the Week Before Christmas
- Visit a nativity scene or attend a Christmas service.
- Make a gratitude chain by writing notes of thanks on strips of paper. Do this with a child you love.
- Diffuse Christmas scents throughout your home.
- Enjoy a quiet moment watching the snow fall.
- Drink a mug of real hot chocolate and savor it slowly.
- Watch a classic Christmas movie from your childhood. Our family favorite is It’s A Wonderful Life.
- Create a holiday photo book online using your favorite pictures from the season.
- Read about Christmas traditions from around the world.
- Hang a festive wreath somewhere unexpected.
- Eat a meal while watching a favorite Christmas movie.
Gentle Ways To Close Out the Christmas Season
- Make a list of what you love most about Christmas.
- Organize favorite holiday recipes into a binder or folder for next year.
- Enjoy an outdoor fire pit and roast marshmallows. Pinecone fire starters are easy to make and fun to use.
- Share a favorite Christmas memory with family or friends.
- Make a simple blessing jar and add notes throughout the week.
- Sit by the tree with all the lights off except for the tree lights.
- Plan one fun outing to enjoy after Christmas.
- Relax and enjoy the quiet moments; they truly are the heart of the season.
Frequently Asked Questions
Focus on slowing down, simplifying plans, and choosing a few meaningful activities that bring peace and joy to your home.
This is the best thing you can do: let go of what does not need to be perfect, reduce your to-do list, and create space for rest, reflection, and time with people you love.
Candles, music, favorite recipes, quiet moments, and simple traditions often matter more than big plans.
I hope these ideas encourage you to slow down and truly enjoy the beautiful week before Christmas.
Merry Christmas, friends!
Enjoying your raw apple bunt cake. Thanks for the recipe. Merry Christmas.
I’m so glad you like it! Raw Apple cake is a family favorite.
thank you Yvonne! I saved this to refer to. Merry Christmas!