Christmas Traditions that Will Get the Family Off the Couch
Whether you’re religious or not, Christmas is “the most wonderful time of the year” to get the family together. Not only is Christmas Day a holiday, but many people also get other vacation time on top of that. There are also lots of things to catch up on, and new memories to make as you celebrate Christmas and ring in the new year. It can truly be a festive and memorable time of year.
I know that for my family and I, Christmas has always been something to look forward to. There are so many traditions that we love to share and delicious treats to make together. However, one thing that is always hard is the ‘holiday weight’ that people tend to gain. It can be hard to be with family for a few weeks without eating too many goodies and spending perhaps a bit too much time on the couch, watching Christmas movies and other reminiscent shows.
However, Christmas can also be a very active time, perhaps even one where you lose some weight. There are quite a few traditions, which if done often enough, can help you work off calories from the Christmas cookies you indulged on. Here are some of my favorites.
1. Sledding
If you really think about it, sledding is quite a workout. I remember going sledding as a kid and getting quite exhausted from the whole adventure. My family and I would drive out to a golf course that had quite the hill. My mother would drop my siblings and I off at the top of the hill and watch as we rode down the hill over and over. Every time we went down the hill, though, meant that we also had to walk back up it. It was a steep hill, which was great for the sledding, but not so great for the hike back up. It was always worth it, even though the hike up the hill took longer than the ride down. At the end of the day, my mother would drive down to a road near the bottom of the hill and pick us up. It saved us one last trip of climbing up the treacherous, snowy hill full of sledding children.
Looking back on this Christmas tradition, I can’t help but think of what a workout it was. Hiking up the snowy hill was like a higher-intensity stair climbing workout. And, if you go with kids, you often end up hiking up the snow-covered hill pulling a child in a sled behind you, increasing the intensity of the workout even more.
If there’s no snow near you, try ice blocking. Freeze a rope in a block of ice, with the rope sticking out on opposite sides as handles. Take the ice block to a hill. Put a towel on it, sit down, grab the rope handles, and get a push down the hill. It’s a genius alternative to sledding.
2. Ice Skating
There’s always a few in the family who just despise ice skating, but it can also be a great tradition, and something that will inspire family members to get off the couch. Ice skating, if done long enough, can burn quite a few calories. It’s also a great activity to help increase your balance.
Additionally, what better Christmas activity is there? It gives you a perfect excuse to dress up in your hat and mittens and face the cold air, inside or outside. Maybe you can even find a cool location, similar to the skating rink in New York City, and take a family photo every time you go back.
3. Snowball Fight
Snowball fights are quite the endurance testers. There are snowballs to make, throw, and hide from. Chances are you’ll also have to build a fort to shelter you from potential snowballs. It’s a definite war, but a fun and wondrous one. You’ll get a considerable arm workout from the snowball throwing, and you’ll probably get a nice cardio workout as well from all of the running and ducking.
If you live in a location with no white wonderland of snow, perhaps it’s warm enough to have a water fight. If necessary, you can even warm up the water before you fill your water guns or balloons. You can also try having a flour fight. Fill socks with flour and have a blast throwing the makeshift flour bombs at your family members. After the fight, everyone will be covered in white dusts of flour as if they were covered in snow.
4. Walk to See Christmas Lights
Sledding, ice skating, and snowball fights can be a bit extreme, especially if you have a competitive family. That’s why, last of all, we suggest going to see some Christmas lights. However, the trick is to go walking to see them. Don’t hop in a car or on a hay wagon.
Just walk out the front door and stroll through your neighborhood with your family. It can be quite lovely to simply be with the family, strolling through the streets, admiring the Christmas decorations and having quality conversations. It’s quite a nice activity for any night during the holidays, especially after a big hearty meal.
What are some of your favorite Christmas traditions? Are any of them more active than others? Try doing more active traditions this year, and inspire your family to be healthy. It’s often easier to be healthy and active when you have good company, and not peer pressure to act otherwise.
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays from Live Infinitely. We hope that you and your families may have a safe and festive holiday season. For your indoor exercise needs, take a look at our store and find products that can help better your fitness lifestyle, during any time of year.
About the Author
Lauren Kutschke is a freelance content writer and social media manager. She loves to hike, ski and spend time with her husband and dog. Lauren has a passion for photography and is currently learning German.
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