One of the reasons most of us love the Christmas season is the ritual of it all: we know exactly what we’ll be eating, what presents we can expect under the tree from each relative and which of our siblings will get way too competitive when we get out the board games on Boxing Day.
Which is why adding an element of surprise to Christmas is fun and playful – but also shakes up those traditions we love so much. Better yet, the surprise itself can kick off a new tradition for years to come.
Christmas surprises don’t need to be huge or expensive (although we will love you even more than we already do if you finally get us that pet French bulldog puppy this Christmas, mum!) – they can be silly, quirky, personalised or come straight from the heart.
Here are some of the fun ways to add a special twist to your family Christmas to make it even more memorable.
Embrace the White Elephant gift exchange
There’s a rather fun tradition some go in for across the pond which takes Secret Santa gifting to the next level: the White Elephant party, where everyone gifts quirky, funny, affordable gifts (there’s usually an upper price limit, like £10 or £20). The twist? You can steal gifts from one another if you fancy someone else’s. This turns the whole gift-giving part of the day into a game, and is ideal for friend groups or families with lots of extended relatives, who would like to do a gift exchange but can’t feasibly buy stuff for 20 family members.
Get your craft on
You don’t need to be “crafty” to let the DIY spirit overtake you this Christmas. From decorating a gingerbread house to making your own baubles (paper snowflakes or turning old light bulbs into glitter baubles are two fun and easy ideas), there are lots of fun family activities you can do together that are as much about the memories and the family time as they are about the finished product. If you do happen to secretly be Kirstie Allsopp, then take your craft talent to the next level and give everyone handmade Christmas presents – at once heartfelt, unique, cash-saving and sustainable. Everything we want in our Christmas then.
Turn Christmas Eve into a PJ party
We love the idea of a Christmas Eve sleepover next to the Christmas tree – and it’s the perfect way to keep an eye and ear out for the arrival of Father Christmas. This is a must-try with a house full of kids.
Surprise them with a special Christmas card
In our age of digital everything, we shouldn’t underestimate how special it feels to get a written card at Christmas. Add a surprise twist by sticking in your favourite photo of the two of you together during the year (yes, an actual printed photo), or take the Christmas voucher gift idea to the next level and give someone you love a Christmas scratch card. Note: if this is a card for new parents, promise them a night of babysitting – and give them a date so they know you’ll deliver. They will love you forever.
Surprise a loved one with a trip out somewhere: it could be The Nutcracker, a Christmas illumination display, an ice-skating trip or an interactive panto that gets you all shouting at the stage. It could just be the start of your new favourite winter tradition.
Surprise someone with a delicious delivery
Can’t be with a loved one this Christmas due to work or family commitments? Bring Christmas to them – surprise them with a special delivery hamper filled with all of their favourite treats, and make sure they open it over Skype so you can see their excitement firsthand.
Make the bauble the present
Are you celebrating a new baby in the family this Christmas? Or perhaps this is the year your partner decided to go vegan (again). Capture whatever the memories and moments of the year are with a bauble as a gift for your loved one so they have a lovely memento of this Christmas for years to come.