Your Ultimate Guide to Christmas Day: Fun Activities & What to Wear
Christmas Day is almost here! Whether you're hosting a big family gathering or heading to someone else's celebration, we've got you covered with the best activities to enjoy and outfit inspiration to look effortlessly chic while staying comfortable in the Australian summer heat.
Fun Activities for an Unforgettable Christmas Day
Morning Traditions to Start the Day Right
1. Christmas Morning Breakfast Spread
Begin your day with a festive breakfast feast. Set up a beautiful spread with fresh pastries, seasonal fruit, smoked salmon, scrambled eggs, and champagne (or sparkling juice for the kids). Use your best tableware and add fresh flowers or eucalyptus for that special touch.
2. Present Opening Ceremony
Create a memorable gift exchange by taking turns opening presents. Let the youngest family member play Santa and distribute gifts, or draw names from a hat to determine the order. Don't forget to have someone designated as the photographer to capture those priceless reactions!
3. Christmas Pyjama Brunch
Stay in your festive sleepwear until midday! It's cosy, relaxed, and makes for adorable family photos. Plus, it gives you more time before getting dressed up for the main event.
Outdoor Fun: Embrace the Aussie Summer
4. Beach Christmas Celebration
Nothing says Australian Christmas like spending time at the beach! Pack a picnic hamper with cold meats, salads, and fresh fruit. Bring beach cricket, frisbees, and boogie boards for entertainment. The combination of sunshine, sand, and surf creates magical Christmas memories.
5. Backyard Cricket Tournament
A quintessential Aussie Christmas tradition! Set up stumps in the backyard, divide into teams, and let the friendly competition begin. Create silly rules like 'one hand, one bounce' or 'hit it over the fence and you're out' to keep things interesting.
6. Pool Party Extravaganza
Transform your pool into the party centrepiece. Organise pool volleyball, diving competitions, or simply float around on inflatables with a cold drink. Set up a poolside bar and snack station for easy access to refreshments.
7. Garden Games Afternoon
Set up lawn games like bocce, croquet, giant Jenga, or cornhole. These low-key activities are perfect for all ages and allow for conversation while playing.
Indoor Entertainment
8. Christmas Movie Marathon
Create a cosy cinema experience with air conditioning on full blast! Queue up classics like Love Actually, The Holiday, Elf, or Home Alone. Provide popcorn, lollies, and festive treats for the full experience.
9. Board Game Championship
Host a family board game tournament with classics like Monopoly, Scrabble, Trivial Pursuit, or Cards Against Humanity for the adults. Keep a running scoreboard and award a trophy to the overall champion.
10. Christmas Karaoke Session
Belt out festive favourites and classic hits! Set up a karaoke machine or use a smartphone app. Award prizes for best performance, most enthusiastic singer, and funniest rendition.
11. Cooking and Baking Together
Make meal preparation a group activity. Assign different dishes to family members and work together in the kitchen. It's a wonderful way to share recipes, learn new skills, and create memories.
12. Christmas Craft Station
Set up a crafting area for kids (and creative adults!) with supplies for making decorations, cards, or ornaments. It keeps little ones entertained while adults prepare the feast.
Relaxation and Connection
13. Family Photo Session
Set up a festive backdrop with Christmas decorations, fairy lights, or a beautiful outdoor setting. Take formal family portraits and silly candid shots. These become treasured memories for years to come.
14. Memory Sharing Circle
Gather everyone together after the meal to share favourite Christmas memories, funny stories, or what you're grateful for this year. It's a beautiful way to connect emotionally and reflect on your blessings.
15. Sunset Drinks and Nibbles
As the day winds down, set up a relaxed drinks station with wine, beer, cocktails, and mocktails. Serve light nibbles like cheese, crackers, and leftover treats while watching the sunset together.
What to Wear for Family Christmas Gatherings
Now that you've planned your activities, let's talk about what to wear! The key is finding the perfect balance between looking polished and feeling comfortable enough to enjoy all those fun activities.
The Australian Christmas Dress Code Decoded
Australian Christmas gatherings are typically smart-casual with a festive twist. You want to look put-together but not overdressed, and most importantly, you need to stay cool in the summer heat while being ready for air-conditioned interiors.
Perfect Outfit Formulas for Christmas Day
The Effortless Dress Option
The Look: A beautiful mini or midi dress is your best friend for Christmas Day.
Style Tips:
- Opt for festive colours like red, green, gold, or classic white and cream
- Square neck or V-neck styles are flattering and keep you cool
- Short sleeves or sleeveless designs work best for outdoor activities
- Mini or midi lengths allow for easy movement during games and activities
- Choose prints like florals, stripes, or subtle festive patterns
Complete the Look: Pair with strappy sandals or wedges, delicate jewellery, and a crossbody bag. Bring a light cardigan or denim jacket for air-conditioned spaces.
The Chic Separates Approach
The Look: A stylish top paired with tailored shorts, a midi skirt, or trousers gives you versatility and comfort.
Top Options:
- Silk or satin camisoles in jewel tones
- Puff sleeve blouses in white or pastels
- Fitted tees with statement sleeves
- Broderie anglaise or lace details for a feminine touch
Bottom Options:
- High-waisted linen shorts in neutral tones
- Flowing midi skirts in festive prints
- Wide-leg trousers in breathable fabrics
- Tailored bermuda shorts for a polished casual look
The Jumpsuit Solution
The Look: A well-fitted jumpsuit is the ultimate one-and-done outfit that looks effortlessly chic.
Style Tips:
- Choose lightweight fabrics that drape beautifully
- Look for styles with defined waists to create shape
- Wide-leg or culotte styles keep you cool
- Opt for festive colours or subtle prints
Colour Palette Inspiration
Classic Christmas: Red, green, gold, and white never go out of style. A red mini dress or green silk top instantly says 'festive' without being costume-y.
Modern Neutrals: Cream, beige, tan, and soft whites create an elegant, sophisticated look perfect for contemporary celebrations.
Jewel Tones: Emerald, ruby, sapphire, and amethyst add richness and luxury to your Christmas outfit.
Pastels & Florals: Soft pinks, blues, and floral prints embrace the summer season while staying festive.
Accessories to Elevate Your Look
Jewellery
- Statement earrings in gold or festive colours
- Delicate layered necklaces
- Stacked bracelets or a statement cuff
- Cocktail rings for a touch of glamour
Footwear
- Strappy sandals for outdoor gatherings
- Block heel mules for comfort and style
- Wedges for garden parties
- Embellished slides for casual beach celebrations
- White sneakers for ultra-casual family days
Bags
- Woven crossbody bags for daytime
- Structured mini bags for evening
- Clutches in metallic or festive colours
- Straw totes for beach Christmas celebrations
Outfit Ideas by Activity
Beach Christmas
Wear a breezy mini dress over your swimsuit, paired with slides and a straw tote. Bring a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses. Keep jewellery minimal and waterproof.
Backyard BBQ & Games
Choose comfortable shorts or a casual midi dress with sneakers or flat sandals. You want freedom of movement for cricket and lawn games while still looking put-together.
Formal Family Lunch
Opt for a sophisticated midi dress or jumpsuit with heeled sandals. Add statement jewellery and a structured bag. This works perfectly for restaurant bookings or upscale home gatherings.
Pool Party Christmas
Wear a stylish cover-up dress that transitions from poolside to dining table. Choose quick-dry fabrics and pair with waterproof sandals. Keep a spare outfit handy for post-swim.
Practical Tips for All-Day Comfort
Layer Smart
Australian Christmas means moving between hot outdoor spaces and air-conditioned interiors. Bring a light cardigan, kimono, or denim jacket you can easily add or remove.
Consider Your Activities
If you're playing cricket or swimming, choose outfits that allow movement or can work as cover-ups. If you're mostly sitting and eating, you can opt for more structured pieces.
Sun Protection
Don't forget sunscreen, a hat for outdoor activities, and sunglasses. These are essential accessories for any Australian Christmas celebration.
Comfort is Key
You'll be wearing your outfit for hours, often in heat. Choose pieces that don't restrict movement, won't wrinkle easily, and make you feel confident and comfortable.
What to Avoid
- Heavy, dark fabrics that absorb heat
- Overly tight or restrictive clothing
- Sky-high heels you can't walk in (especially on grass or sand)
- Anything too formal or costume-like
- White if you're prone to food spills (Christmas lunch can get messy!)
- Brand new shoes that haven't been broken in
Putting It All Together
The perfect Christmas Day combines meaningful activities with loved ones and an outfit that makes you feel confident and comfortable. Whether you're diving into the pool, competing in backyard cricket, or sitting down for a formal feast, the key is choosing versatile pieces that work for your specific celebration.
Remember, Christmas is about connection, joy, and creating memories—not about having the perfect outfit or executing flawless activities. Choose what feels right for your family, embrace the chaos and laughter, and most importantly, be present in the moment.
Your Christmas Day Checklist
Activities:
- Plan 3-5 activities that suit your family's energy and interests
- Mix active outdoor fun with relaxing indoor moments
- Prepare any supplies needed (games, craft materials, etc.)
- Assign roles so everyone contributes
- Build in downtime for rest and spontaneity
From all of us at Marigold Collections, we wish you a beautiful Christmas filled with love, laughter, and unforgettable moments. However you choose to celebrate, make it magical!
What are your favourite Christmas Day activities? Share your traditions in the comments below!
