If your Christmas season is anything like mine, the calendar is filling up fast with all kinds of holiday activities. And while most of this is a good thing, it can also add a layer of stress that makes it easy to lose sight of what really matters this time of year.

Kids feel that stress too—often without realizing it. They get so swept up in the excitement that they forget to rest, and let’s be honest, they’re probably eating a lot more sugar than usual. While that’s all part of growing up, we can help them out by getting the whole family moving and spending time outdoors whenever the weather cooperates. Today’s newsletter has a few quick and easy suggestions to help keep everyone happy and healthy this holiday season!

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Looking for simple and festive ways to get your family outside this holiday season? Here are some of my favorite Christmas-themed activities that blend fresh air, fun, and just a little bit of holiday magic.

This one never gets old. Before heading out for an evening walk, have everyone agree on a few items to look for in your neighbors’ holiday decorations. Think Disney characters, nativity scenes, giant candy canes, snowmen, or anything quirky your neighborhood is known for.
Bundle up, grab some hot chocolate for the road, and see if you can spot them all. Kids especially love checking items off a list—it turns a simple walk into an adventure.

During the day, send the kids outside to gather simple natural treasures: pine needles, twigs, evergreen clippings, small branches, berries, or stones.
Back inside, use what they found to create:

It’s a great way to spark creativity while giving kids a purpose for spending time outdoors.

Winter can be tough on local birds, and your backyard can become their favorite holiday stop. Set up simple feeders or make edible ornaments using seeds, apples, peanut butter, or suet.
It’s a fun hands-on project and a gentle reminder that the holidays are also about caring for the world around us.

Turn a regular geocaching outing into a full-blown “Elf Treasure Hunt.”
Tell kids they’re searching for hidden elf caches around town, and watch the excitement kick in. It’s active, it’s outdoors, and it adds a sense of Christmas mystery and playfulness.

Pick a clear evening, pile on the layers, and head outside with a blanket, hot cocoa, and a favorite Christmas book. Reading under the stars—whether it’s The Polar Express, How the Grinch Stole Christmas, or a family classic—feels like its own little holiday tradition.

Keep the energy up with some quick, simple games that work in most weather:

These games are easy to set up, fun for a range of ages, and perfect for burning off some holiday sugar.

And above all else, enjoy these wonderful times with your family!!