Unwrap the Joy: Last-Minute Christmas Activities for Kids with Easy Set-Up

LAST-MINUTE CHRISTMAS MAGIC FOR LITTLE ONES

It’s officially that time of year—the holiday chaos is in full swing, the kids are buzzing with excitement, and somehow, Christmas is only a few days away. If you’re feeling like you should be doing something festive but also don’t have the energy for an elaborate craft that requires twelve specialty supplies and an art degree, I’ve got you. These last-minute Christmas activities are quick to set up, low on mess, and big on holiday cheer.

No Pinterest-level planning required—just grab what you already have at home, set it up in minutes, and soak up those magical childhood moments!

1. Dot Marker Christmas Tree Station

A Christmas craft that doesn’t require you to hover, supervise, or clean up an explosion of glitter? Say no more.

What You Need:

• A roll of paper (or just tape some sheets together)
• Dot markers (or stickers, crayons—whatever’s on hand)

How to Set It Up:

1. Roll out the paper and sketch a few simple Christmas trees (artistic skills not required).
2. Hand your child dot markers and let them go wild decorating their trees.

That’s it. Maximum engagement, minimum effort.

2. Color Me Christmas Lights

This one sneaks in some learning—color matching, letters, numbers—but in a way that feels like fun.

What You Need:

• A free printable Christmas lights template (download one online or doodle your own)
• Stickers (colored dots, letter stickers, or number stickers work great)

How to Set It Up:

1. Print or draw a simple string of Christmas lights.
2. Label the bulbs with colors, letters, or numbers.
3. Give your child matching stickers to place on the right bulbs.

It’s festive, it’s easy, and best of all—it buys you five minutes to sip that coffee while it’s still warm.

3. Elf Bites – Sweet and Simple

Think of these as holiday-themed chocolatey bites of joy. Also, they double as a fine motor activity (because unwrapping Hershey Kisses is basically toddler-level occupational therapy).

What You Need:

• Pretzel squares or twists
• Hershey Kisses (any kind)
• M&M’s (holiday colors if you’re feeling fancy)

How to Make Them:

1. Preheat oven to 200°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Lay out pretzels, top each with a Hershey Kiss, and pop them in the oven for 3-4 minutes (just enough to get soft, not fully melted).
3. Press an M&M onto each Kiss, flattening it slightly.
4. Let them cool and try not to eat them all before the kids get a chance.

4. Grinch Kabobs – A Healthy Twist

A festive snack that doesn’t involve a sugar rush? Yes, it’s possible.

What You Need:

• Toothpicks
• Green grapes
• Banana slices
• Strawberries
• Mini marshmallows

How to Assemble:

1. Thread a grape onto a toothpick (Grinch’s head).
2. Add a banana slice (his collar).
3. Top with a strawberry (his Santa hat).
4. Finish with a mini marshmallow (because even the Grinch needs a fluffy Santa pompom).

Eat, enjoy, and pretend this cancels out all the cookies.

5. Reindeer Chow – Mix and Munch

It’s like Puppy Chow, but festive. Also, kids love anything they get to shake in a bag.

What You Need:

• 9 cups Chex cereal
• 1 cup chocolate chips
• ½ cup peanut butter
• ¼ cup butter
• 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
• Red and green M&M’s

How to Make It:

1. Melt the chocolate chips, peanut butter, and butter in the microwave (30-second intervals, stirring between).
2. Pour the mixture over the Chex cereal and gently stir to coat.
3. Transfer to a large zip-top bag with powdered sugar, seal, and shake like your holiday sanity depends on it.
4. Add M&M’s, toss to mix, and enjoy.

Bonus: Package it up in little bags for an easy homemade holiday gift.

Creating Christmas Magic (Without the Stress)

Listen, the holidays don’t have to be elaborate to be magical. Kids don’t need a 24-step gingerbread house or hand-sewn advent calendar to feel the Christmas spirit. They just need you—present, engaged, and willing to make a little mess with them.

So pick an activity, set it up in under five minutes, and soak in those giggles and sticky fingers. Because at the end of the day, that’s what they’ll remember—not the perfectly curated holiday scene, but the fun you had together.

Here’s to a Christmas full of simple joys and warm memories. And maybe just enough holiday magic to get you through bedtime without another request for snacks!

Dot Markers

Paper Roll

Painter’s Tape

Chart Markers

Dot Stickers