Holiday Fun That’s Not About Food:
Ideas for Families with Feeding Tubes
Medically Reviewed by Laura Cancel, RD, LD, CN, Enteral Feeding Specialist
Family holiday fun often centers around meals, but special traditions do not have to involve food. Families with feeding tubes can focus on fun things to do that can spark creativity, learn new things, and feel close to others – while still enjoying the spirit of the season.
Decorating Together
Stringing lights, hanging ornaments, or making paper snowflakes builds teamwork and fine motor skills while making things fun and adding some holiday magic.
Holiday Crafts
DIY projects like ornaments, wreaths, or cards help imagination grow, build hand-eye coordination, and make something special your family can enjoy year after year.
Music and Storytime
Singing carols or reading festive books helps build language skills, memory, and self-expression. Acting out a story as a play can boost confidence and is a fun way for your family to talk, listen and learn together.
Community Giving
Making cards, donating toys, or volunteering promotes empathy, responsibility, and the value of kindness. Giving back helps people understand and care about how others feel.
Exploring Light Displays
Going to see holiday lights provides sensory stimulation, builds observation skills, and creates family bonding moments.
Memory Making
Taking photos in matching pajamas, recording video greetings, or keeping a scrapbook promotes storytelling and reflection, helping family traditions grow stronger each year.
Unique Family Traditions
Movie marathons, puzzles, or board games offer fun ways to practice problem-solving, teamwork, and critical thinking while making the season uniquely yours.
By focusing on activities that spark creativity and learning, families with feeding tubes can create holiday traditions that are just as rich and meaningful as food-centered celebrations.
✨ We would love to know—what’s your family’s favorite holiday tradition?
