31 Simple Ways to Make Christmas Memorable + Free Printable
There is something sweet about thinking ahead to Christmas.
Maybe it begins with a Christmas-in-July movie, a handwritten list tucked into a planner, or the simple hope that this year's holiday season might feel a little slower, warmer, and more meaningful.
To help you gather those ideas in one place, I've updated this list of 31 simple ways to make Christmas memorable, along with a new printable checklist and memory planner you can save for the season ahead.
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How to Use This Christmas Checklist
This isn't meant to become one more thing on your holiday to-do list. Think of it more like a gentle invitation.
Choose a few ideas that fit your season, your people, and your home. Add them to the calendar, save a recipe or two, and let the rest simply be lovely possibilities.
Christmas does not have to be perfect to be memorable. Often, it's the simple things we return to year after year.
31 Simple Ways to Make Christmas Memorable
From cozy kitchen traditions to quiet moments of reflection, here are simple ways to make Christmas feel meaningful, warm, and memorable this year.
- Write a Christmas letter.
- Make a Christmas wreath using gathered greens.
- Watch your favorite childhood Christmas movie.
- Donate to a local toy drive.
- Donate holiday food to a local food bank.
- Read the biblical Christmas story.
- Read inspirational thoughts or devotions for Advent.
- Roast marshmallows and make s'mores-even in the microwave.
- Decorate a gingerbread house.
- Make a Homemade Hot Cocoa Mix for the season. And make an extra one to gift.
- Organize a socially distanced neighborhood Christmas Cookie Swap.
- Go sledding, ice skating, or on a winter hike.
- Read a Christmas book.
- Research your family tree and share it with those you love.
- Bake a vintage family recipe (Here are some retro Christmas ideas).
- DIY a new Christmas ornament for your tree.
- Print copies of family photos and hang them on the tree.
- Create your own garland out of popcorn, fruit, or nuts.
- Dry apples and oranges in your oven for natural decorations.
- Cut out paper snowflakes to hang in your window.
- Send someone a virtual coffee or mocha card.
- Take a Christmas lights drive in your town.
- Make wassail and share the story of its origins.
- Simmer apples, oranges, cinnamon sticks, and cloves in water while trimming the Christmas tree.
- Have a Christmas carol sing-a-long with family, friends, and neighbors.
- Host a simple Christmas Afternoon Tea for a small group or family.
- String lights on your front door, balcony, or patio to bring holiday cheer to the neighborhood and yourself.
- Make Christmas candy.
- Bake Christmas cookies popular in other countries.
- Celebrate the 12 Days of Christmas (Dec. 25 - Jan. 5).
- Light a candle and pray for the new year.
Free Christmas Printable Checklist
I've also made a simple printable checklist and memory planner to help you choose what matters most this Christmas.
More Christmas Ideas
If you're gathering recipes, traditions, and simple celebrations for the season, here are a few more Christmas favorites to save.
Take a widow or widower to lunch or dinner.
Buy a poinsettia for a neighbor
Shovel or snow blow an elderly neighbor walk or driveway
Take the garbage can back for an elderly neighbor
Help carry a neighbor’s groceries
I love this! Thank you for adding fantastic ideas.