Feeling a little grinch-y? Need a boost of holiday spirit? Here are 26 ideas -- from A to Z -- to help you find your ho ho ho:
Here's our ABC holiday bucket list:
Attend a holiday event. See a complete list of local holiday events in our Macaroni Kid Holiday Guide!
Bake! Baking Christmas cookies as a family is a fun -- and delicious -- tradition for many families. Here are four recipes we love.
Carol around the neighborhood as a family or with friends -- sing it loud for all to hear!
Decorate your house with crafts made by your family. Here's one idea.
Elves are hanging out at many of our homes throughout December. It's not too late to start the tradition! Want to try something a little different? Check out this idea for a Kindness Elf!
Family movie night! Make popcorn and hot cocoa and cuddle up to watch a Christmas classic, like one of these.
Gift-giving feels amazing. Find unique gifts and support local artisans, crafters, and businesses by visiting holiday markets. Find a list of some great ones HERE.
Hanukkah is Dec. 22-30. Teach your kids to play Dreidel!
Inspire kindness this holiday season by participating in a random act of kindness such as donating toys or warm clothes to those in need.
Jot down your Christmas lists. What do your kids want this year?
Keep the holiday spirit up by baking these easy cookies for a loved one!
Light displays are amazing this time of year. Go for a drive around town to find your favorites. Find a list of lights and luminaria events HERE.
Make memories by being present and agreeing to turn off electronics for a family day sometime this month.
Naughty or nice? Nice, of course! Visit Santa and tell him how nice you've been this year. Use our Holiday Guide to find out where Santa will be!
Ornaments! Pull out your favorites to decorate your tree, or make some new ones, like these made from pasta (what else?)
Presents! These don't necessarily have to be more toys! Here is a list of 10 non-toy gift ideas.
Question your kids about the real meaning behind the holiday and be an example to them about how to celebrate the season.
Read! What a great time of year to snuggle up with a book! Incorporate books and reading into your holiday countdown with this idea.
Shows! See the one of the many productions of the Nutcracker, listen to the Tucson Girls or Boys Chorus make beautiful music, or laugh at a holiday family improv or puppet show. Find a list of family-friendly holiday shows HERE.
Traditions. The holidays are all about family traditions. Talk with your kids about what their favorites are, and what new ones they'd like to start.
Unwrap those presents! But please wait until at least dawn to wake up the house.
Volunteer. Serve a meal, ring a bell, sort donations. The volunteer opportunities this time of year are many. Want to volunteer with the children? Sign up for a Family Volunteer Day at the Community Food Bank (like the one on December 14).
Winterhaven! Tucson's favorite, free holiday tradition celebrates its 70th year. Winterhaven runs nightly December 14-29.
Xtra cookie before bed! Because it's fun to say yes sometimes.
Yule log time! A Yule log is a large log traditionally burned on Christmas Eve. Don't have a fireplace? How about making a Yule log cake? Delicious!
Zzzzz. Better catch those Zs so Santa will come!
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Michelle Waters is the publisher of Macaroni Kid Orleans - Genesee, N.Y.
