The build-up to Christmas is often just as special as the day itself, and it’s always been that way. After all, it’s a season of familiar traditions, last-minute plans, and little moments that somehow always end up being the most memorable, but if you’re looking to make this year feel just a bit more fun, the good news is you don’t need to overhaul everything or spend a fortune.

Sometimes, it’s the simplest ideas that make the biggest difference – the kinds of things that get people laughing, talking, and actually enjoying themselves rather than rushing through the day. With that in mind, keep reading to find out more.

Add A Little Extra To Old Traditions 

Most families already have their Christmas rituals, such as decorating the tree, baking something sweet, opening presents, or falling asleep in front of the TV after dinner… But even the most loved traditions can feel a little routine after a while, but the good news is that a small tweak can make them feel new again.

If you always decorate the tree the same way, try switching things up with a different theme or new decorations, for example, and if Christmas lunch usually follows the same plan every year, try changing the setting a little – even something as simple as eating at a different table or lighting candles can make it feel fresh. The key is to keep the comfort of tradition but add just enough novelty to make people smile.

Turn Gift Giving Into A Game 

Opening presents is lovely, but it can be over in a flash, so turning it into a game stretches out the moment and makes it feel more like an event. One easy way to do this is to make a rule that gifts can only be opened after answering a question, telling a story, or sharing a funny memory; it gives everyone a chance to slow down, and it adds some laughter to the mix.

Another idea is to do a light-hearted present swap game for smaller items. It’s fun, fast, and gets people talking. If your group loves humour, funny Secret Santa gifts are perfect for this – they’re often inexpensive but full of personality, and they make the atmosphere more playful without losing the festive spirit.

Make A Playlist 

Music sets the tone for any gathering, and yet it’s often treated as an afterthought, so this year, why not take a little time to build a playlist that keeps the mood up without repeating the same three songs?

Mix the classics with some lesser-known tracks, or even throw in a few non-Christmas favourites if that fits your crowd. The goal is to keep the energy light, familiar, and fun, and a playlist that works with the day – something mellow for lunch, more upbeat for the evening – can completely change how the day feels.

Plan One Surprise

Surprises don’t need to be big to be effective, and something as simple as a hidden gift, a small game no one knows about, or an unannounced activity can make people feel like the day has a little spark to it.

You could hide tiny treats around the house like a mini treasure hunt, or announce a festive quiz halfway through the afternoon, or if you’re feeling more creative, wrap up a mystery gift that can be passed around the group and opened at the end of the night. The point is, surprises add a bit of unpredictability to the day, which often makes it more memorable.

Make Sure You Relax 

Christmas can be full of plans, but it’s also a time to slow down, so making sure there’s time for relaxed moments can make the day feel less rushed and more enjoyable.

It might mean leaving some time after lunch to just sit with a drink, listen to music, or watch something together, or it could mean planning a short winter walk before dinner, and so on. The point is to enjoy the day rather than trying to cram everything in at once. When people have time to actually talk, laugh, or just relax together, the fun tends to follow naturally.

Bring Games Into The Mix 

Board games and party games aren’t just for kids, and a well-timed game can bring everyone together and give the day structure without feeling forced. Think about the group you’re with and choose something that actually fits – a silly game works well for families who love to laugh, a bit of competition can keep a group of adults entertained after dinner, and if you’re short on space or energy, guessing games or trivia can work just as well.

Make Food And Drink Easy

Big feasts are great, but they can also be stressful, and if you want to make Christmas feel more fun, simplify what’s on the table. Instead of one person spending all day in the kitchen, spread the cooking around and let people bring a dish, or create a menu that’s easy to prepare ahead of time. The less pressure there is on the meal, the more relaxed everyone will feel.

The same goes for drinks. Set up a small drinks station so guests can help themselves, or make one signature cocktail for the day. A bit of prep the day before can save a lot of stress later.

Make It About People 

It’s easy to get caught up in making Christmas look perfect – the tree, the decorations, the food, the timing… But the best moments almost always come from the people you’re with, not the plans you make.

Let things go a little, and if something doesn’t work out exactly as planned, it’s not the end of the world. A wonky dessert or a forgotten side dish often ends up being a running joke that gets retold for years.

Final Thoughts 

Making Christmas more fun isn’t about making it bigger, it’s about making it feel more alive, and small tweaks to traditions, playful surprises, lighthearted games, or a few carefully chosen Secret Santa gifts can completely change the tone of the day. The focus should always be on enjoying the people you’re with, and when the pressure to make everything perfect fades away, that’s usually when the best memories are made.