HOME-LIFE

10 Simple Ways to Bring Your Family Closer This Christmas

Presence is the greatest gift of all!

The final days before Christmas always seem to move a little faster. There are meals to plan, gifts to wrap, people to see, and homes to prepare. And yet, woven into all the busyness is a quiet invitation to slow down, look around the room, and cherish the people God has placed in your life.

This Christmas, we hope you’ll embrace small, meaningful moments that bring your family closer, spark heartfelt conversation, nourish your bodies and spirits, and remind you what this season is really about: Emmanuel—God with us.

Here are 10 simple, soul-nourishing ways to create connection and closeness with the people you love.

10 Ways to Bring Your Family Closer This Christmas

1. Create a Phone-Free Hour of Togetherness

Choose one hour—morning or evening—and invite everyone to set their phones aside.

Light a candle, turn on soft Christmas music, and let the room breathe again.

During this hour, simply be together.

Play a board game, sit around the fireplace, sip hot cocoa, or share stories from the week. You’ll be surprised how much deeper your conversations become without the constant pull of notifications.

2. Start the Day With a Family Gratitude Moment

Gather for a few minutes—around the tree, the breakfast table, or even in pajamas on the couch—and have everyone share:

something they’re grateful for
something they’re looking forward to
one way God has been faithful this year

It’s a grounding practice that sets the tone for peace, joy, and presence throughout the day.

3. Share Faith-Filled Conversation Starters

Use these simple prompts to open up meaningful, heartwarming conversations:

“What’s your favorite Christmas memory?”
“Where did you feel God’s presence this year?”
“What are you praying for in the new year?”
“What do you want our family to keep doing or start doing?"
“Who in your life needs some extra love or encouragement right now?”

These questions can turn an ordinary moment into one of connection and comfort.

4. Cook or Bake Something Together

There’s something sacred about sharing a kitchen—hands working, spices warming, laughter filling the air. Choose a recipe everyone can help with:

Let the process be slow and joyful. Cooking together creates memories that last long after the dishes are gone.

5. Create Intentional Christmas Traditions

Traditions don’t have to be elaborate. Sometimes the smallest rituals become the most treasured.

Try one of these:

reading the Nativity story together
taking a nighttime walk to see lights
writing letters to Jesus expressing gratitude and hopes
making a “year in review” family photo slideshow

Consistency builds closeness and gives your family something to look forward to year after year.

6. Revisit a Nostalgic Activity From Childhood

Let this Christmas weekend include something that reminds everyone of simpler times:

pop popcorn and watch a classic Christmas movie
pull out old board games
decorate sugar cookies
make paper snowflakes
look through photo albums

These small gestures stir up warmth and togetherness, reminding everyone that home is not just a place, it’s a feeling.

7. Do One Small Act of Service as a Family

Serving others softens hearts and strengthens bonds.

Choose something simple and meaningful:

deliver a warm meal to someone in need
write Christmas cards to neighbors or friends
donate pantry staples to a local charity
bring hot chocolate to outdoor workers
pray intentionally for a family facing a hard season

When families serve together, compassion becomes contagious.

8. Share a Quiet Moment of Reflection

Set aside a few minutes to read Scripture together or sit in silence by the tree.

Isaiah 9:6, Luke 2, or a favorite Psalm can become an anchor for the heart—reminding everyone of the hope, peace, and love God pours out so generously.

Let this moment be gentle and unhurried.