Last Updated on December 25, 2025 by ellen
The week after Christmas can feel a little strange. The decorations are still up, the treats are still around, but the big excitement is over. Kids are wired and tired at the same time. Parents are running on leftover coffee and good intentions. This is what many families call the post-Christmas slump.
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Fun Things to Do With Kids During the Post-Christmas Slump
The good news is you don’t need big plans or more spending to get through it. A few simple, low-pressure activities can help everyone reset, reconnect, and actually enjoy this slower stretch of time.
Here are some easy, fun things to do with kids during the post-Christmas slump.
Reset With Low-Key Fun, Not Big Plans
After weeks of parties, outings, and late nights, kids often do best with activities that feel relaxed. Think cozy instead of exciting.
Build a blanket fort in the living room and declare it a “no-rush zone.” Read books inside, tell stories, or just lie there and talk. You can even eat snacks in the fort. Something about a fort instantly makes an ordinary afternoon feel special without adding more chaos.
Another easy reset activity is a family movie afternoon. Not a big movie night with popcorn explosions and candy overload. Just a quiet afternoon movie with blankets and pajamas. Let kids vote on the movie so they feel involved.
Make the Most of New Toys
Right after Christmas, kids often have new toys everywhere, yet they’re somehow bored. This usually happens because there are too many choices.
Try a toy rotation even if you’ve never done one before. Put most of the new toys away and let kids choose two or three to play with for the day. The next day, switch them out. It keeps things fresh and cuts down on overwhelm.
You can also turn toys into simple challenges. Build the tallest tower. Create a pretend store. Make up a story using three random toys. Giving a loose goal helps kids engage longer without needing constant direction.
Get Outside for Short Bursts
Winter weather can make outside play tricky, but even ten minutes can help burn off energy.
Bundle up and go for a short walk to look at leftover holiday lights. Let kids point out their favorites or make up stories about who lives in each house. If there’s snow, keep it simple. Make snow angels, stomp around, or collect “treasures” like pinecones and interesting sticks.
The key is not staying out too long. Short outdoor time often works better than ambitious plans that end in cold, cranky kids.
Use What You Already Have
Post-Christmas is the perfect time to reuse what’s lying around.
Empty boxes can become cars, houses, or robots. Wrapping paper scraps can turn into collages, crowns, or paper chains. Gift bags can be used for a homemade ring toss or a pretend mail game.
Kids don’t need Pinterest-level crafts. They need permission to make a mess and be creative. Put down an old sheet or newspaper and let them go.
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Create a Simple Family Challenge
Kids love having something to work toward, especially after the structure of school and holidays disappears.
Try a one-week family challenge. It can be as simple as “everyone helps pick up for ten minutes a day” or “we read together every afternoon.” You can even do a fun one like telling one joke a day or trying a new snack together.
Keep it light. The goal isn’t improvement or productivity. It’s giving everyone a shared focus.
Let Boredom Do Its Job
This one is hard, but important. You don’t have to fill every moment.
Boredom often comes right before creativity. If kids complain they have nothing to do, resist jumping in immediately. Give them a little space. Many times they’ll find something on their own once they realize the answer isn’t another activity suggestion.
You can say something simple like, “It’s okay to be bored for a bit.” That reassurance goes a long way.
End the Day With Connection
The post-Christmas slump can leave everyone feeling off, even if the day wasn’t bad.
End the day with a small connection ritual. Share one funny moment from the day. Read a chapter of a book together. Sit on the couch and talk about what you’re looking forward to next.
These small moments help kids feel grounded and help parents remember that this quieter season has its own kind of magic.
The days after Christmas don’t have to be exciting to be meaningful. With simple activities, fewer expectations, and a little patience, this in-between time can become a calm, happy reset for the whole family.
Ellen is a mom of a 25-year-old son and 30-year-old daughter. She is Grandma to one adorable toddler. In what little spare time she has, she loves to read, watch movies, and check out the latest toys and games.