Connecting with Loved Ones During the Holidays
Holidays are all about connection and spending time with loved ones. There’s nothing like embracing the holiday spirit during the month of December to end the year. Remember to put the focus on spending time with family and friends and making memories that last. We have some ideas to spark connection and communication with your loved ones this year. It’s time to bond and feel the joy of the season!
Key Takeaways:
- The holidays are a time to reset and be present with loved ones, family, and friends.
- Engage in holiday activities like hikes and bonfires with family this year.
- Discover ideas for winter and holiday crafts to do with your kids and the whole family.
Table of Contents:
- Holidays are About Connection
- Ideas for Holiday Activities with Loved Ones
- Get in the Spirit with QOL
Holidays are About Connection
The holiday season is one of the most joyous times of the year, and for good reason. The holidays bring family and friends together, especially those we might not see as often during the rest of the year.
It’s important to be present during gatherings and events with loved ones and really take in the moment. Try to remember to put your phone away while spending time with those important to you. Listen intently, communicate openly, and make stronger connections this year.
Some people don’t always enjoy spending time with relatives or family during the holidays but remember to be thankful for the moments you have and that there are people in your life who care and want to spend time with you! Keeping this thought in mind can help to mitigate stress with those we may disagree with, and to overall maintain perspective of being grateful for those in our lives. Maybe even learn something new about family and friends this season.
Be present, be open, and enjoy your holidays with loved ones to the fullest this year!
Ideas for Holiday Activities with Loved Ones
We have some ideas for you to make the holidays with loved ones even brighter. We’ve compiled a list of activities you can do with family and friends to strengthen bonds and bring out the joy of the season.
Have a Bonfire
A bonfire is a classic wintertime activity whether you do it during the daytime or night. It’s cozy and joyous to snuggle up around the fire with blankets, hot cocoa, and maybe even roast some s’mores. You can play music and tell stories and soak in this time to connect with loved ones around the fire.
Go for a Hike
There’s nothing like a crisp wintertime hike to take in the beauty of the season. Whether you travel to a hiking destination or hit a nearby trail or road, this is a great activity to engage in with loved ones. If you have dogs, it’s an excellent way to make them part of the holiday bonding too! Plus, this is the perfect way to get some exercise in while also connecting, especially before or after a big holiday meal!
Attend Local Holiday Events
Many towns and cities will put on holiday events throughout the season. Whether it’s something like a craft or wreathmaking workshop at your local library, a holiday market in town, a performance of the nutcracker or other holiday classic, a winter concert, holiday light shows, or more, there’s likely something that everyone can enjoy. Hit the town with family and friends and get in the holiday spirit!
Make Gingerbread Houses
Making gingerbread houses is such a fun and festive activity to enjoy the holidays. Whether you’re making them with your kids or having a night in with friends, this is an easy way to connect and enjoy each other’s company while also being creative.
Go Look at the Holiday Lights
Whether you’re going for a drive in your neighborhood to scope out who has decorated to the max for the holidays, or if you're hitting a professional light show, nothing gets you in the holiday spirit like taking in all the pretty lights!
Have a Holiday Movie Night
Make some hot cocoa and popcorn and settle in for the evening in your cozy holiday pajamas with family, friends, and your kids, and pick out a few holiday classics. Holiday movies are an absolute must this time of year, and there’s no better way to create connection than sharing your favorite movies with loved ones!
Decorate & Get Festive
It’s time to throw on the holiday tunes and break out the decorations. Even if you have decorated already, maybe you have a few last-minute ones you want to put up or something crafty you want to get to. Why not get family and friends involved to make decorating more festive and use it as a time to connect? QOL created a Spotify holiday playlist that would be perfect background music to get you in the spirit with loved ones—go ahead and sing along!
Make a Holiday Recipe Together
Baking and cooking are the ultimate ways to bond, especially during the holidays. Go ahead and select a recipe that everyone will enjoy, and make it with your kids, family, or friends. You could make something savory like mushroom soup or spinach quiche. Or you could bake holiday cookies or pies. Whatever you decide on, use the time as a bonding experience and soak in all the memories. And then you can keep the bonding going as you all enjoy your creation together!
Get in the Spirit with QOL
Quality of Life wants to help you get in the holiday spirit this year, which is why we’re putting the emphasis on connecting with family, friends, and loved ones. We hope these ideas spark joy and cheer this holiday season and you’re able to create new and meaningful memories.
Remember, meaningful relationships and connections can lead to better wellness. So, let’s make it a healthy and happy holiday!
