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As your kids grow into the “older kid” phase (think ages 5-12+), the holidays evolve from simple wonder to creative adventures and laughter-filled bonding. If you’re searching for “Christmas activities for older kids” or “how to make the holidays special with kids”, you’re in the right place! At Tin Lizzie’s, we’re building on our matching family pajama series with festive ideas that blend our Santa baby red striped PJs with hands-on fun. From DIY Christmas ornaments for kids to epic family game night ideas, we’ll feature our porcelain ornament making kit, clay cookie ornament kit, Santa’s Workshop puzzle, and more-plus a sip of peppermint hot chocolate to keep things cozy. Let’s turn ordinary evenings into magical traditions!
1. Get Crafty with DIY Christmas Ornaments for Kids: Porcelain Painting Kit (Ages 8+)
On of the best “Christmas activities for the older kids” is creating keepsakes they’ll proudly hand for years. Our porcelain ornament making kit for ages 8+ lets them paint, bake, and display custom treasures-think shimmering stars, snowflakes, or personalized initials on glossy white porcelain blanks. With non-toxic paints, baking instructions, and hanging ribbons included, it’s a mess-free way to spark creativity and fine motor skills.
Memory Maker: Gather in your matching Christmas pajamas on a chilly evening, paint while sharing “what I wish for this holiday” stories, then bake together. These become annual heirlooms, perfect for parents Googling “DIY Christmas ornaments for kids” to make traditions feel personal.

2. Bake Up Sweet Memories: Make and Paint Clay Cookie Ornament Kit (Ages 5+)
For slightly younger older kids, our make and paint clay cookie ornament kit (ages 5+) is a deliciously fun twist on “how to make the holidays special with kids.” They mold soft clay into cookie shapes (snowflakes, stars, or stockings), paint with vibrant holiday colors, and bake to harden-resulting in glossy ornaments that smell faintly of vanilla. It’s an ideal intro to crafting without the kitchen chaos.
Pro Tip: Tie it to a “holiday baking night” in PJs-let kids “decorate” their ornaments like real cookies, then sip on our French Broad peppermint hot chocolate mix for that festive peppermint kick. This rich, dark chocolate blend with refreshing peppermint kick. This rich, dark chocolate blend with refreshing peppermint oil warms up game nights or craft sessions, making it a top “best holiday games for families” add-on.
3. Puzzle Power: Santa’s Workshop 50-Piece Puzzle (Ages 5+)
Puzzles are a low-key win for “Christmas activities for older kids” who love a challenge without screens. Our Santa’s Workshop 50-piece puzzle for ages 5+ depicts a bustling elf-filled toy factory, with chunky, durable pieces that build problem-solving skills and holiday excitement. At 12×9 inches, it’s perfect for table-top teamwork.
Family Fun Idea: Assemble it over a weekend in your red-striped matching PJs, adding a story element-like “What toy would you make for Santa?”—to extend the magic. It’s a staple for “holiday traditions for families” searches, blending quiet focus with shared “aha!’ moments.

4. Level Up Family Game Night: Engaging Games for All Ages
Nothing says “how to make the holidays special with kids” like a roaring family game night—cozy in matching pajamas, fueled by French Broad peppermint hot chocolate. For younger older kids (ages 6-8), try Itz (a fast-paced action game full of laughs and quick reflexes) or Buildzi, the nerve-racking block-stacking builder where players race to tower highest without toppling. For tweens and up (ages 8+), dive into Trio, the charming card game of hunting three-of-a-kind sets for speedy wins, or Jungo, a strategic hand-builder where you can’t rearrange cards, forcing clever plays and hilarious “oops” moments. Round it out with the Honeycombs tile game, a matching strategy set where players connect hexagonal tiles for points—great for 5+ and endless replay.
Game Night Twist: Theme it “Santa’s Challenge”—losers fetch the hot cocoa refills! These picks dominate “family game night ideas” and “best holiday games for families” searches, creating bonds that outlast the holidays.
Why Tin Lizzie’s for Your Holiday Magic?
Our Products—from DIY ornament kits to quick-play games are chosen for quality, safety, and spark of joy. All while pairing seamlessly with our matching family PJs. Add a tin of French Broad peppermint hot chocolate for the ultimate cozy vibe, and you’ve got “Christmas activities for older kids” that feel effortless and enchanting.
Ready to Make Holidays Unforgettable?
This season, turn “how to make the holidays special with kids” into reality with Tin Lizzie’s lineup. From painted ornaments to stacked towers of laughter, shop now and craft traditions they’ll talk about for years!
Snap your family’s game night or craft session in PJs and tag us with #TinLizziesHolidayMagic for a feature!
Older kids bring big energy to the holidays—channel it into DIY Christmas ornaments for kids, puzzling adventures, and unbeatable family game night ideas. What’s your favorite way to make the season sparkle? Share in the comments below!
September 16th, 2025
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