9 Alternative Ways to Celebrate Christmas (That Still Embrace the Holiday Spirit)
Every family celebrates the holidays in their own special way, but sometimes it’s fun to add your own special touch and put a new twist to the festivities. If you’re looking for unique ways to celebrate Christmas this year, try these fun, non-traditional ideas that’ll keep you and yours in the holiday spirit.
1. Give Time, Not Gifts
Start a new tradition this year that celebrates the generous spirit of the holidays by donating your time to a worthy cause. Gather your family or a group of friends together and give back to the community.
Try volunteering at your local food bank, or seek out volunteer opportunities near you. This non-traditional Christmas gift idea can make the holidays a happier time. Not only will you spread holiday cheer to those you serve, but volunteering your time together is a great way to bond with those you love most.
2. Save a Tree, Decorate Something Else
Rather than cutting down a fir tree this Christmas, why not leave it to grow for another year? Cut down on holiday waste and swap out your typical tree with some non-traditional Christmas decorating ideas. With a spark of imagination, you can easily turn a blank wall, a spare ladder, or even a coat rack into a glowing tribute to the holiday season. Just don’t forget to place your presents at its feet!
3. Try Out a New Skill
The holidays are a great time to relax and enjoy new experiences. This holiday season, maybe you’d like to explore your artistic side. For a unique way to celebrate Christmas this year, you might try out a paint night with friends and family. Not only is it a great way to spend time with loved ones and learn a new skill, but in the end, you’ll have a ready-made gift for someone special!
Here are a few other ideas for non-traditional activities:
- Sign-up for a holiday cooking class
- Throw a Christmas crafting party – Our At-Home Paint Kits are perfect for this!
- Take a cider- or cocktail-making class
4. Try Out a Non-Traditional Christmas Dinner Menu
Let’s face it, Christmas dinner and Thanksgiving feasts have way too much in common. So, why not try out a few alternative options? Add some spice and variety by celebrating with food from a different culture. Or, put out a poll of everyone’s favorite everyday dish and experience something new. Seeking out non-traditional ideas for Christmas dinner can help make your holiday celebration deliciously tasty and something everyone is sure to remember.
5. Host a Friendsmas Party
If you don’t live close to family members, a great non-traditional Christmas party idea is to host a Friendsmas Party. You can pick a Christmas party theme to make it even more festive — ugly sweaters are always a hit — and have everyone make an easy recipe to contribute to the holiday meal. Add a few fun holiday cocktails to the menu, and you might just have an evening that will make you renounce traditional Christmas dinners altogether.
6. Get Active for the Holidays
It’s no secret that the holidays can often lend to some unwanted weight gain. This year, flip the script and make the opposite true. Get outside for a fun, lighthearted Santa Run, hike, camping trip, or bike ride, and burn off some yuletide calories.
7. Exchange Gifts with Laughter
Skip the stress and financial burden of shopping for presents that your giftees may or may not need, and instead, host an event full of holiday games and cheer. After all, it’s not the price tag that matters most during the holidays. It’s the beautiful people and memories made with those you hold dear that truly make Christmas special.
8. Have a Gift Scavenger Hunt
Spice up Christmas Eve or Christmas morning with a holiday gift scavenger hunt. Hide your gifts around the house and write up some fun clues that will lead them all around your home (and even outside, if you don’t live somewhere too cold!). If you have small kids, you can draw up a treasure map where ‘X’ marks the spot for a memorable gift-giving tradition.
9. Host a Private Holiday Party at Painting with a Twist
Are you ready to breathe new life into the holidays and reconnect with the magic of the season? Why not book a Painting with a Twist Private Event at your nearest studio, and enjoy a Christmas evening of painting, sipping, and joy? All you have to do is grab your drinks of choice, rally up your attendees, and show up ready to have an amazing, unconventional time! Book today!