Amidst the holiday festivities, it’s easy to let physical activity slip to the bottom of the priority list. Keeping active doesn’t have to be a chore; it can become one of the season’s highlights. However, incorporating fun, family-friendly workouts into your holiday traditions is a great way to bond, stay healthy, and create lasting memories. We’ve compiled some creative and enjoyable ways to keep the whole family moving this holiday season:
1. Winter Walks and Scavenger Hunts
Take advantage of the crisp winter air by organizing family walks. Add a twist by turning them into scavenger hunts! Create a list of holiday-themed items to spot, like wreaths, decorated houses, or pinecones. This activity keeps everyone engaged and is suitable for all ages. Bring a hot cocoa thermos to enjoy as a reward at the end of your walk.
2. Holiday Dance Party
Turn up the holiday tunes and host a family dance-off. Create a playlist of festive hits and let everyone show off their best moves. Dancing is a fantastic way to burn calories while having fun, and it’s an activity even the youngest family members can enjoy. Incorporate freeze dance into the mix—pause the music and see who can stop moving quickly!
3. Active Holiday Games
Consider modifying games like charades, twister, or musical chairs with holiday themes to make them more festive. For example, act out holiday movie characters during charades or use holiday songs for musical chairs. Create a holiday obstacle course with activities like crawling under the dining table, jumping over wrapped boxes, or racing with candy canes balanced on spoons.
4. Snow Adventures (or Indoor Alternatives)
If you’re in a snowy climate, sledding, building snowmen, or having a snowball fight are excellent ways to stay active outdoors. For those without snow, indoor snowball fights using rolled-up socks or lightweight foam balls can be just as entertaining. End your snow day with some family stretches to warm up and relax.
5. Festive Yoga or Stretching Sessions
Unwind from holiday stress with some family yoga or stretching. Set up a cozy space with mats and holiday decorations, and follow along with a festive yoga video. Choose poses that even kids can enjoy, like “reindeer pose” or “snowflake stretch.” Incorporate storytelling into the session—each pose can represent a part of a holiday story, like Santa’s sleigh or a Christmas tree.
6. Baking Burn-Off
Change holiday baking into a mini workout. Challenge family members to squats while waiting for cookies to bake, or make it a rule to do jumping jacks every time the oven timer beeps. It’s a fun way to sneak in exercise during downtime.
7. Family Sports Night
Bring the family together for a friendly sports game. Whether it’s a round of backyard soccer, basketball in the driveway, or even a makeshift volleyball game using a balloon indoors, staying active as a team builds camaraderie. To keep the holiday spirit alive, use festive props like candy cane-striped “batons” or jingle bell wristbands.
8. Virtual Fitness Fun
Organize a virtual workout session if family members can’t gather in person. Choose a simple routine everyone can do, like stretching or bodyweight exercises, and connect via video call. It keeps everyone close, no matter the distance.
9. Wrap-It-Up Relay
Before wrapping gifts, host a relay race to “deliver” the presents around the house. Use empty boxes as props and see who can deliver the most quickly. It’s a great way to turn a household task into a cardio workout. The benefits of staying active during the holidays not only help burn off extra calories, reduce stress, improve mood, and enhance family bonding. By making workouts enjoyable and inclusive, you’ll create a holiday tradition that everyone looks forward to year after year.
Jennifer M Williams | Editor-in-Chief
