This weekend, my girlfriends and I were talking about holiday traditions and lamenting the fact that “family time” over the holidays often involves each member of the household hidden away in different rooms on their devices.

We all decided we needed a new holiday tradition but had a hard time coming up with any good ideas. So I thought I’d reach out to you, my loyal readers to ask, what do you do in your house or with your family to spend meaningful time together over the holidays?

We’re only looking for answers that are an outing or activity–something we can do as a family that doesn’t involve screens (so not things like wearing the same Christmas pajamas, ugly sweaters or watching White Christmas on Christmas Eve).

Here were some of the ideas we bandied around:

• Gingerbread house decorating contest
• Family drive to see Christmas lights
• Going to see a holiday concert or play
• Playing indoor golf, bowling, laser tag or pool
• Carolling around the neighbourhood

Sadly, while we think these would be fun, some are expensive for a family of four or six and there is a good chance our adult-grown children would groan and protest at things like carolling, so anything that is affordable and passes the Bah Humbug metre is a bonus.  

Help us rediscover the joy of the holidays with our families and share your ideas by leaving a comment.

Read more about two of my favourite holiday traditions (although the first one is very unique to our family—you won’t want to adopt it!)

• Pass down a holiday tradition
• Open a door a day (today is December 1—time to start your advent calendars!)