Happy Thanksgiving Eve!! This week's episode of Secret Mom Hacks is all about crafting a screen-free, memory-filled holiday season. If you're ready to make this Thanksgiving, Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Las Posadas, etc. one for the books—without the intrusion of screens—then grab a cup of cocoa, cozy up, and let's dive into some simple ideas that will have your family bonding, laughing, and creating lifelong memories. [Tune-in HERE!]

Gathering with grateful hearts!

Fist off...whether you're hosting a bustling feast, traveling to be with loved ones, or enjoying a quiet day, I wish you all the gratitude and warm blessings from Tennessee. And remember, if you're planning on joining the hoards of shoppers tomorrow for Black Friday or Cyber Monday, do yourself a favor and check out my previous episode on cyber scams. Trust me, nobody wants to be the victim of holiday shopping shenanigans!

Why go screen-free?

Our screens—from social media to streaming services—are constantly competing for our attention. While they’re fun, they often distract us from what truly matters: connecting with our loved ones. So, what better time to unplug than during the holidays? What if you could deeply connect with your kids? Sharing stories, cooking together, and creating beautiful crafts.

Thanksgiving traditions

Kick off your Thanksgiving with activities that truly embrace what the holiday is all about—gratitude and togetherness.

  1. Gratitude jar or tree: Simple, yet powerful. Setup a jar or construct a gratitude tree and have everyone write down what they’re thankful for. Read them out loud during dinner for a dose of heartwarming vibes. It's an eye-opener to see what little ones and family members cherish most.
  2. Cooking together: Make meal prep a family affair! Whether it's crafting fun dishes like turkey-shaped cookies or letting the kids stir the mashed potatoes, getting everyone involved turns cooking from a chore into a beautiful bonding experience. Who cares if there’s a bit of flour on the floor? That’s part of the fun!
  3. Storytelling: Post-dinner, gather in the living room and take turns sharing your favorite Thanksgiving memories or family stories. It’s a fantastic way to ignite connection and even bring some family history into the mix.
  4. Family walks: Work off that turkey by heading outside for a family walk. If your town has a turkey trot, even better! Hit the neighborhood for a stroll, and enjoy the crisp fall air while continuing those meaningful dinner conversations.

Screen-free Christmas magic

Now let's move on to Christmas, the season of glitter, joy, and yes—more opportunities to avoid screens!

  1. DIY ornaments: Gather basic craft supplies like clear ornaments, paint, glitter, and ribbons. Let creativity run free as you make personalized ornaments. It's a splendid way to involve even the tiniest hands in holiday decorating.
  2. Christmas caroling: Whether you brave the cold to carol around the neighborhood or bring the caroling indoors with a family music night, nothing says Christmas like belting out “Silent Night” with your loved ones.
  3. Holiday-themed games: Pull out a Christmas-themed puzzle or indulge in some festive board games. This screen-free entertainment fosters teamwork, strategy, and a bit of healthy competition.
  4. Light scavenger hunt: Create a list of holiday decorations to spot and head out, either walking or driving around the neighborhood. This activity marries the magic of holiday lights with family bonding and turns it into a repeatable outing throughout December.

Setting up for screen-free success

Shifting to a screen-free holiday experience does take a bit of planning, but it’s 100% doable. Here's how:

  • Set clear expectations: Have a conversation with the family about specific times or activities that will be screen-free. When everyone is on board, it reduces complaints and conflicts.
  • Get kids involved: Let them contribute to planning and choosing activities. This way, they feel a sense of ownership and are more excited to participate.
  • Balance tech-free and tech-inclusive traditions: Mix things up with both screen-free and tech-friendly activities. After a day of crafting or playing games, enjoy a family movie night or listen to holiday music while baking cookies.

The key is to create a happy medium that fosters real-world connections without completely ditching the tech elements that also bring joy to your holiday season.

The takeaway

At the end of the day, unplugging even just a bit can do wonders for family connections. It’s about being present, making memories that last, and crafting those simple, yet profound moments of joy.

My challenge to you: Try at least one screen-free activity this holiday season. Whether it’s a family walk after Thanksgiving dinner or a fun game night, unplug and see how beautiful it feels to connect.

I’d love to hear about your experiences! Share your stories over on social media and tag me at @SecretMomHacks—you get a shout-out in a future episode!

🦃 Happy Thanksgiving!! 🦃

With gratitude,
-Krista-

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