5 Low-Effort Ways to Spend More Time Together This Holiday Season

Play a Nostalgic Board Game

Sometimes family time during the holidays involves the extended family, like aunts, uncles, cousins, and grandparents. This can mean that holiday fun with immediate family falls to the wayside.

So, Colette Jane Fehr, LMFT, relationship and communication expert and author of the forthcoming book The Cost of Quiet, recommends carving out a few moments for your immediate family by putting down those devices and playing the old-fashioned way. “For families, old-school activities can bring everyone back into the present. These simple, low-tech moments get people off their digital devices and into interacting, laughing, and being together. Work on a thousand-piece puzzle over the week. Play charades or board games like SORRY or Headbands.”

Even just a quick game or two can be a fun break from all of those holiday commitments.

Get Moving Together

Between parties, shopping, work, and all those errands, it can be hard to carve out an hour for movement or to see friends. So, why not multitask and do both? Rebecca Stewart, ISSA Elite certified personal trainer, strength and conditioning specialist, and sports nutrition expert, recommends taking a workout class together. “If you’re already planning to move your body, invite someone to join you. A walk after work, a Saturday morning class, or a ‘let’s just stretch and chat’ moment in your living room. It doesn’t have to be a whole event. Sometimes, sweating, laughing, and reminding each other you’re alive and you’re here for each other is enough.”

If you want to mix things up, consider trying a class you’ve never done before—whether it’s something fun like dance or an intense challenge like bootcamp. If you’re really in the mood for something different, hit up your local ice skating rink. 

Go Holiday Shopping

Sometimes the gift can be spending a few hours together. “Errands feel different when you’re holding a peppermint latte and laughing with a friend,” notes Stewart. “Chat about ‘Who really decided what a lumberjack’s beard candle should smell like?’ while you check things off your list. Gift shopping doesn’t have to feel stressful and lonely; let someone share that space with you.”

Remember, you don’t have to go to the mall. Consider hitting up a holiday market or local craft fair instead of a big-box store. “You don’t even have to buy anything! Walk, wander, smell the kettle corn, drink some hot cocoa, and feel the magic of outdoor twinkly lights with someone who makes your world feel softer.”

Even easier: set up an online shopping date where you click “add to cart” on all the gifts on your list while sipping on hot cocoa (or a hot toddy) and listening to holiday music.

Try Co-working

Escaping from work can be a big challenge in December. Don’t fight it and make time for a co-working session instead. Stewart suggests sitting at the same table with your laptops, planners, or to-do lists. “You don’t even need to talk the whole time. Having someone there while you work or strategize makes everything feel easier, and studies show that body doubling can boost productivity by providing accountability and companionship. I particularly like combining this with a coffee date. We enjoy a quick catch-up, chat about what we’re working on that day, and then get down to business. It’s a win-win!”

You can do this at someone’s home, a coffee shop, or even an actual co-working space.

Plan a Walk-and-Talk Session

Do you have loved ones who live too far away to see this holiday season? Try scheduling a walk-and-talk session to reconnect. “Bundle up, put your earbuds in, and take someone with you on your mid-day or evening walk. It’s simple, grounding, and doesn’t require meeting up in person,” says Stewart. “Hearing a familiar voice while your feet find a bilateral rhythm can be incredibly grounding, plus you get the added benefit and mood boost of exercise.”