Eight in 10 parents say they are looking for ways to spend the holidays away from screens this year. That figure comes from the 2026 Michaels State of the Holiday Season Report, a national survey of 2,502 US adults conducted by Morning Consult in October. It signals a clear shift: more families want screen-free holiday activities that feel personal, cost little and bring everyone to the same table.
The good news is that unplugging does not require a big budget or a perfectly planned schedule. Below are 20 simple ideas, grouped by type, plus the survey findings behind the trend and practical tips for making a screen-free plan stick in a busy December.
Key Takeaways
- 80% of parents are looking for screen-free, hands-on holiday activities, according to the 2026 Michaels report.
- 61% of all adults surveyed want screen-free activities, and 65% want a less commercial holiday season.
- 78% of people who celebrate say a $25 handmade gift means as much as or more than a $100 store-bought one.
- Gen Z is on board too: 73% are looking for screen-free, hands-on activities to do at home.
- The 20 ideas below cover crafts, kitchen projects, games, outdoor traditions and handmade gifts.
Why Screen-Free Holiday Activities Are Trending in 2026
The Michaels report, released on October 21, found that screen fatigue is strongest among parents. More than half of parents (56%) say they are worn out by the time they spend on screens, and half plan to do more screen-free activities than they did last year.
It is not only parents. Gen Z, the first generation to grow up with smartphones, is close behind. Nearly three-quarters (73%) are looking for screen-free, hands-on activities to do at home, and 46% plan to do more than last year. Many are setting their own rules too: 69% of Gen Z and 72% of Millennials plan to set screen-free rules or try to unplug informally during the holidays.
Meaning over stuff
The survey also points to a wider mood. More than half of adults (54%) say their household already has more stuff than it needs. Among people who celebrate, spending time with family and friends is the top source of holiday joy (48%), while receiving gifts ranks near the bottom (18%). And 66% say hands-on activities make the season more meaningful.
The trend is even reaching holiday TV. Hallmark's original movie Holiday Unplugged, about a family that puts down its screens and crafts together, premieres on November 7 on Hallmark Channel.
So what does a screen-free holiday actually look like? Start with the easiest category of all: making things.
Screen-Free Holiday Activities for Families: Crafts
1. Paper snowflakes
All you need is paper and scissors. Fold, cut and unfold, then tape the results to windows. It works for small children and adults alike, and no two snowflakes come out the same.
2. Homemade ornaments
Salt dough, felt, pipe cleaners or air-dry clay all make easy ornaments. Write the year on the back so they become keepsakes. If you are planning your tree, our real Christmas tree 2026 guide has tips on choosing and caring for one.
3. Popcorn and cranberry garland
Threading popcorn and cranberries onto string is a slow, calming activity that keeps hands busy during a conversation or holiday music.
4. A family holiday journal
Give everyone a page to write or draw about the year. A scrapbook or junk journal with ticket stubs, photos and notes becomes something you can look back on every December.
5. Handmade cards
Stamps, stickers and markers turn plain card stock into personal greetings. Mailing them to grandparents or friends adds an extra reason to finish them.
Crafts are a great start, but for many families the kitchen is where traditions really happen.
Kitchen Traditions Without a Screen
6. Cookie decorating night
Bake simple sugar cookies, set out icing and sprinkles, and let everyone decorate. Nobody needs to be good at it, which is part of the fun.
7. A gingerbread house build
Kits make it easy, but graham crackers and frosting work just as well. Turn it into a friendly contest with categories like "most creative" or "most likely to collapse."
8. A family recipe swap
Ask an older relative to teach a family recipe in person. Write it down by hand on a recipe card so it can be passed on.
9. A hot cocoa bar
Set out mugs, cocoa and toppings like marshmallows and crushed peppermint. If you prefer to keep it simple, our Starbucks holiday menu guide can inspire flavors to recreate at home.
Games and Indoor Fun
10. Board game tournament
Pick three or four games, keep a scoreboard on paper and award a silly prize at the end. It works for mixed ages if you include one simple game for younger players.
11. Jigsaw puzzle on the table
Leave a big puzzle out for the whole holiday week. People drift in and out, and it becomes a natural place to talk.
12. Charades or Pictionary
Classic party games need no equipment beyond paper and pens, and they get everyone laughing quickly.
13. Read-aloud evenings
Choose a holiday book and read a chapter each night. Older children can take turns reading to younger ones.
14. A family talent show
Songs, magic tricks, jokes or a short play: give everyone a few days to prepare and set a date for the big show.
Indoor ideas cover cold nights. But some of the best holiday memories happen outside.
Outdoor and Community Traditions
15. A holiday lights walk
Bundle up and walk the neighborhood to see the lights. Bring a thermos of cocoa and vote on the best house. For more decor ideas to try at home, see our Christmas decor trends 2026 guide.
16. Caroling or a sing-along
Whether you go door to door or simply sing around the piano, music is one of the oldest screen-free traditions there is.
17. A local craft workshop
Many craft stores and community centers run holiday workshops. Michaels, for example, says it will host in-store events from November 1, including ornament making and cookie decorating for kids.
18. Volunteering together
Helping at a food drive or writing cards for neighbors gives the season a sense of purpose and is a good way to involve children.
Handmade Gifts: The Most Personal Screen-Free Holiday Activity
Handmade gifts are having a moment. The Michaels survey found that 61% of people are likely to give a handmade or DIY gift this season, and 60% say personal sentiment matters more than price when choosing a gift.
19. Knitted or crocheted gifts
A simple scarf, hat or small crochet toy is a great beginner project. Starting in November gives you plenty of time to finish before the holidays.
20. Personalized photo gifts and jars
Frame a favorite printed photo, fill a jar with homemade cookie mix or write a "reasons we love you" list. These gifts cost little and are hard to forget.
Screen-Free Holiday Activities by Age Group
Not every idea suits every age. Here is a quick way to match activities to the people in your home:
- Preschoolers: Sticker cards, salt dough ornaments, simple cookie decorating and lights walks. Keep projects short and expect glitter everywhere.
- School-age children: Paper snowflakes, gingerbread houses, board game tournaments and read-aloud evenings. Give them a job, such as scorekeeper or head decorator.
- Teens: Baking challenges, a talent show they can host, crochet or knitting projects and volunteering. Let them pick, and they are far more likely to join.
- Adults and grandparents: Recipe swaps, holiday journals, jigsaw puzzles and handmade cards. These also work well for mixed-age groups.
A good rule for mixed ages is to pair an older helper with a younger one. Teens can read the recipe while little ones stir, and grandparents can share the story behind an old family ornament while everyone hangs it together.
The décor divide between generations
The Michaels report also found a generational split in holiday style, which can turn decorating into a fun family project. Among people who celebrate, Millennials (36%) and Gen Z (34%) are nearly six times as likely as Baby Boomers (6%) to embrace playful, maximalist or moody, glamorous holiday looks. Classic and natural styles stay popular across generations. Younger adults also start earlier, with about a third of Millennials and Gen Z decorating before November, compared with 11% of Boomers.
One way to use that split is to let each generation design one corner of the house. Grandparents might take the mantel with a classic look, while teens get a bold, colorful tree in their room. It gives everyone a creative role and makes for good conversation when guests arrive.
How to Make Screen-Free Holiday Plans Stick
Good intentions can fade by mid-December. These simple steps help:
- Start early. The Michaels survey found that 60% of people who celebrate expect December to be stressful. More than a third start buying gifts before November, and 29% start crafting before November. An early start spreads the workload.
- Set a screen-free window, not a ban. One evening a week or a phone basket during dinner is easier to keep than a full ban.
- Put supplies where people can see them. A craft box on the table invites people to join in.
- Use the extra evening hour. Darker evenings after the end of daylight saving time, explained in our daylight saving time guide, are a natural cue for indoor projects.
- Plan the gathering around an activity. If you are hosting, our Thanksgiving hosting essentials can free up time for a game or craft after the meal.
FAQ: Screen-Free Holiday Activities for Families
What are easy screen-free holiday activities for families?
Paper snowflakes, cookie decorating, board games, jigsaw puzzles, holiday lights walks and handmade ornaments are all easy, low-cost options.
How many parents want screen-free holiday activities?
According to the 2026 Michaels State of the Holiday Season Report, 80% of parents are seeking screen-free, hands-on holiday activities.
Are handmade gifts popular this year?
Yes. The same report found 61% are likely to give a handmade or DIY gift, and 78% of people who celebrate say a $25 handmade gift means as much as or more than a $100 store-bought one.
How can I get teenagers to join screen-free activities?
Let them choose an activity, such as a game, a baking challenge or a gift project. The survey suggests many young people are open to it, with 73% of Gen Z looking for screen-free activities.
When should I start holiday crafts?
Starting in early November gives you time for bigger projects like knitted gifts and helps reduce December stress.
Shop the picks
Planning a game night or a craft afternoon? A few basics from our Shop cover the supplies.
- Monopoly Classic Board Game: A familiar family board game for an unplugged evening at the table. Check price on Amazon
- Sharpie Fine Tip Permanent Markers (12): Handy for homemade cards, gift tags and craft labels. Check price on Amazon
- Scotch Magic Tape, 3 Rolls: Useful for wrapping handmade gifts and paper crafts. Check price on Amazon
See more ideas on our Shop page.
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Sources
Editor at Trend Ranker covering US trends, tech, travel and deals. We research from primary sources (official sites, press releases, data) and update posts when facts change. Editorial policy