[redwitch]

It may not be a fun thing, but it may be one of their best memories. Call around and see if a shelter, an organization, a group could use a family of volunteers for a day. Agree to do whatever is needed, whether hosing out garbage cans to rocking a baby. If nothing else, make goodie bags for those in need — include socks, a pack of cigarettes, a gift card to McDonalds. Find out where the homeless hang out and pass them out. Get some hot chocolate when done. Gather up books gathering dust, box them up and take to the Merchant Marines or hospital. Have a sick neighbor? Get the family to spend half a day running errands, etc. for that neighbor.

Have a scavenger hunt that will take them all over TV. See who can visit the most pools via golf cart in X amount of hours (no excessive speed allowed). Make some crafty things. Either exchange them with each other at a mini family party or take to the squares and just randomly pass them out, wishing the recipients a Merry Christmas.

For teens, almost any amusement park will win over any other form of entertainment (except a concert).