Holidays and Family Activities in December

Published by Hristina Mladenovska on

Tis the season – for good times with family and friends. Part of what makes December so great is the abundance of reasons to gather and enjoy each other’s company. Holidays and family activities in December bring lots of planning, shopping, hosting and errands. So don’t forget to slow down occasionally and tend to yourself from time to time.

Spreading awareness

Safe Toys and Gifts Month

When out buying gifts for holidays in December, consider the age and skill level of the person for whom you’re buying. This is especially important if they’re under 3 years of age.

National Drunk and Drugged Driving Prevention Month

Lots of parties to attend and most serve alcohol. Bring along a designated driver or download an Uber/Lyft/Local taxi app on your phone. More options exist than ever, so no excuses. Stay safe when celebrating holidays and family activities in December.

National Identity Theft Prevention and Awareness Month

Here are some safety tips when shopping online this holiday season and all year long.

Read a New Book Month

Dedicate one night of your holiday celebration, or gift, to books. Encourage your kids to set aside a half hour every day to read and enjoy this quiet, screen-free time.

National Handwashing Awareness Week (first week)

Click here for instructions on how to properly wash your hands, and your kids’ hands, to help prevent illness.

National Influenza Vaccination Week* (typically first week)

If you haven’t already, get your kids vaccinated. Pediatricians recommend vaccines to prevent the flu in children older than six months of age.

Human Rights Week (second week)

Click here for ways to recognize human rights for all of us this week.

Dec 1: Rosa Parks Day

She refused to give up her seat and changed the world. Learn more here.

Dec 1: World AIDS Day

2: Special Education Day

4:  Wildlife Conservation Day

Get outside with the kids and bring along a scavenger hunt list. The first one who spots specific birds, squirrels, insects, and other wild creatures gets to make hot cocoa for everyone else!

Dec 4: Coats & Toys for Kids Day* (first Saturday)

Call your local homeless shelters or places of worship. Donate gently used coats and toys to children in need.

Dec 5: International Volunteer Day

This is a great day to volunteer on behalf of your favorite cause. Include the kids to teach empathy, community and philanthropy.

7: National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day

10: Human Rights Day

18: National Wreaths Across America Day* (third Saturday)

Is there a national cemetery near you? Donate a wreath to be displayed on a veteran’s grave. You can also visit to see this beautiful sight in person.

All about good food

Click on some links below for healthy/fun recipes the whole family will enjoy!

Tomato and Winter Squash Month

National Pear Month

December 1: Eat a Red Apple Day

8: National Brownie Day

12:  Gingerbread House Day

14: Roast Chestnuts Day

18: Bake Cookies Day

24:  National Egg Nog Day

27: National Fruitcake Day

30: Bacon Day (…no one really needs a link to know how to enjoy bacon, right?)

Holidays in December

  • December 1-5: Last nights of Chanukah 2021
  • 24: Christmas Eve
  • 25: Christmas Day
  • 31: New Year’s Eve
  • Kwanzaa (December 26–January 1)

Fun for the whole family

Sign Up for Summer Camp Month

Click here to be the first to get information about KidzToPros’ popular summer camp programs. Summer will be here before you know it!

Art and Architecture Month

Take advantage of some extra time this month. Visit a local art gallery or museum. Learn about artists who make their living in your hometown and support them if you can. Take your children on a driving tour to see beautiful homes and buildings in your area. If you go at night, enjoy the Christmas lights!

Learn a Foreign Language Month

December 3: Make a Gift Day

No matter which holidays in December you celebrate, make a gift yourself. This can be an arts and crafts project, poem, or heartfelt essay. Homemade gifts are the ones treasured for years to come.

5: National Communicate With Your Kids Day

7:  Letter Writing Day

8: National Christmas Tree Day

If you haven’t already, make sure you get out and buy that Christmas tree. Don’t forget the wreath and mistletoe, too.

December 9: Christmas Card Day

Teach your children this annual tradition of reaching out with love to family and friends. Include a funny or heartfelt newsletter wrapping up the events of the past year. Kids also learn how to properly address an envelope and place the stamp!

17: National Ugly Christmas Sweater Day (third Friday)

Buy an ugly sweater or make your own. Consider a neighborhood parade or party to show them off.

19: Holly Day

Get out the supplies and create memorable holly-inspired decorations on this special day.

December 20: Go Caroling Day

A favorite holiday tradition when groups walk together, singing Christmas carols. This is also a lovely way to visit people who are alone during holidays in December. Click here for tips and music to share.

21: First Day of Winter/Winter Solstice (date varies)

The shortest day of the year doesn’t have to get you down. Click here for wonderful ways to celebrate the winter season ahead.

December 21: Don’t Make Your Bed Day (first day of Winter)

We won’t tell the kids if you don’t.

23: Festivus

A fun “alternative” holiday, started by a popular television show, that gives people another reason to celebrate. Air those grievances!

Commemorate one or all of these holidays and special days in December. We wish happy memory-making to all of you.

Categories: Parenting Tips

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