16/12/2025

LYFE TUESDAY | DEC 16, 2025

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H OLIDAYS often mean time off and family togetherness, but it does not have to involve faces being glued to screens. Simple, screen-free activities offer a break from devices and help families reconnect. Experts highlight benefits of lowering screen time: better sleep, more face-to-face interaction and less stress. Here are easy holiday ideas that do not need gadgets. Read together or swap books Reading remains one of the simplest and most enriching screen-free activities. Families or friends can pick a book each, then swap or read together quietly. For young adults and teens, sharing a favourite novel builds conversation and empathy, while for adolescents, it is a way for parents to connect with them. Ű BY MARK MATHEN VICTOR

Holiday fun without screens o Simple bonding activities for your family

Play board games or card games Board games and card games bring back old-school fun with classics that still exist such as Monopoly, Scrabble, Uno or chess that engage different ages and stimulate friendly competition. Playing games together builds social bonds, laughter and a sense of teamwork. It also encourages strategic thinking and patience, which are perpetually useful life skills for teens and young adults.

A walk by the beach for a family with young ones offers fresh air, and time to chat or just to bond.

Board games bring laughter and bonding without screens. – PICS FROM FREEPIK

Cook or bake together Holiday cooking or baking, from simple cookies to full meals, gives everyone a shared project. It encourages cooperation and gives a sense of accomplishment. For families, it is a time to connect over shared effort and enjoy the results together. And the food – well, that is the bonus. Go for a walk or outdoor activity A short walk in the neighbourhood or a local park refreshes body and mind. Fresh air and gentle exercise can lift mood, reduce tension and offer a break from usual routines. For older kids or young adults, a stroll or light exercise can be meaningful time to talk, reflect or just unwind. Do arts, crafts or DIY projects Drawing, painting, scrapbooking, building small crafts or home projects can be fun for all ages. Creating

lets people rest their eyes, move around more and engage socially. For families and friends, this means stronger bonds and better mental balance. Also, simple activities such as reading, walking or games do not need special equipment – just time and willingness. Practical “side-tips” that can be applied for the above to be deployed successfully would be having everyone to set aside their devices during the activities. Additionally, as these are usually collaborative or group-based, encourage everyone from all ages to contribute ideas to make the activities inclusive, fun and dynamic. These aside, rotate activities every day. Scrabble might be fun the first day, but having everyone play it several days in a row is the best way to cause everyone to disconnect and opt out.

something tangible, such as a holiday card or a photo album, gives satisfaction and fuels creativity. Many people find hands-on work calming and fulfilling compared to constant screen use. Share stories, memories Gathering to share family stories, childhood memories or future plans can deepen connections. For young adults, hearing older family members’ experiences or siblings talking about their aspirations, builds understanding. Story-sharing helps bridge generational gaps and builds empathy. Do these matter? Excessive screen time is linked with poorer sleep, less physical activity and reduced face-to-face interaction. Choosing screen-free holiday activities

Taking time to read together helps parents bond with their kids.

Xmas event for underprivileged kids enters Malaysia Book of Records NON-PROFIT organisation Grace Community Services (GCS) hosted “The Star of Christmas: No Child Left Behind”, bringing together 500 attendees, including 300 underprivileged, orphaned and homeless children, recognised by the Malaysia Book of Records as the Most Number of Inside the ballroom, the programme unfolded through powerful speeches, cultural performances and uplifting Christmas carols. The children showcased traditional attire, creatively constructed recycled Christmas outfits and group stage performances that reflected vulnerable lives. Music for Life, founded in 2005, continues to recognise underprivileged children through access to music education and creative development, helping them cultivate confidence, discipline and the courage to dream beyond their circumstances.

courage, confidence and creativity. The event also saw the relaunch of two long-standing programmes: Birthright and Music for Life. Established in 1999, Birthright serves as a protected refuge for unwed mothers facing unplanned pregnancies, offering shelter, medical care, emotional counselling and legal support. With its new relocated facility in Petaling Jaya, the initiative now has greater capacity to reach women in crisis and protect

Underprivileged Children in a Christmas Celebration in Malaysia. Children representing various orphanage homes and several refugee shelters across Selangor and Kuala Lumpur arrived at a transformed foyer filled with warmth and festivity. From face painting to balloon sculpting, interactive magic shows, festive photo booths and Santa meet-and-greet sessions, every element was designed to create moments of joy and excitement.

“This celebration was created with one simple conviction that no child should feel forgotten, especially at Christmas. These are children society often overlooks, children who rarely feel seen. Under the light of the Star of Christmas, they are no longer invisible. They are cherished, they are celebrated, and they are reminded that their lives matter,” said CGS CEO Dr Christina Pillai.

GCS founder and chairman Dr Henry Pillai (centre), accompanied by founding partner Jasbeer Pillai (left), receiving the certificate of recognition from The Malaysia Book of Records representative.