Malta Development Blog

The holidays are a special time to be with loved ones. But after the presents have all been unwrapped, it may feel like there’s nothing else to do but sit around the house and watch the kids (both young and old) play with their new toys.

However, for most, time spent together with extended family is limited. Make the most of this bonding moment by taking advantage of the time you have and doing something as a family!

Here is a list of 4 things to do together after the holiday events have started to cool their jets:

1. Watch a holiday movie

It’s not too late to watch a holiday family favorite. Or, if you’re feeling adventurous, check out what’s currently playing in theatres.  Most movie theatres are open on holidays because they know people enjoy watching movies on their days off. In addition, many family films purposefully make their debut on Christmas Day.

2. Play a family game

Adults may not remember this as much as they did when they were kids, but, for a child, getting the whole family involved in a round of games or two can mean the world. Consider breaking out a board game, like Clue or Monopoly, where the whole family can be involved.

Also, there are currently a lot of apps designed to put a modern spin on old classics.

One of our current favorites is Heads Up! – a version of charades played directly on a smart phone. The user holds their phone, screen outwards, on their forehead so the audience can see the word that appears on the phone screen. The audience must then describe the word to the person holding the phone without directly saying it. If the person holding the phone to their forehead gets the word right based on their descriptions, the team moves on to the next word. However, if the team spends too long describing the word, time will run out. And the best part? The phone visually records the entire guessing session! This means you can watch the heat of the game after and laugh at everyone’s expressions.

You can download Heads Up! in your prospective app stores.

3. Repurpose your gift wrap

After unwrapping presents, there can be mountains of giftwrap left behind. Instead of throwing it out or saving it for next year, you can salvage the pieces that aren’t too holiday-reminiscent and repurpose them into things that you can use all year round! Grab the family together and make a family crafting project out of it.

Here is a great list by Martha Stewart of 17 ways to repurpose your left over giftwrap: 17 Leftover Wrap Ideas

4. Start a family journal

This is a great way to reflect on the funny happenings of the time together. Take a few minutes to get everyone to sit down and write down their favorite memory of the holiday (so far). When everyone has finished, pack up the journal and save it for next year. In the future, you’ll be able to read back on these funny memories and see how much everyone has changed!

Do you have any after gift-opening traditions? Share with us below! We’d love to include your traditions here too!