9 ways Alexa brings more fun to the Christmas festive season

Family dinner conversation getting politically heated? Quick, say, "Alexa, change the subject!"—a lighthearted way to shift the conversation and make the family chuckle. Then entertain the kids after dinner by placing a call to Old Saint Nick with “Alexa, Call Santa” (parental consent required).

Set up a special holiday routine in your Alexa app to make hosting that much easier. Tailor the routine to your hosting needs and ask Alexa to turn on your favorite holiday music and movies, change the lights' colors, turn on your tree lights and more with one simple request.

Invite far-away family and friends to be part of your traditions by connecting with them via Drop In on your Echo Show. Maybe a grandma reads to Florida kids—and the kids at heart—a bedtime holiday story all the way from New York while the enjoys a little hot cocoa together before bed. Its a meaningful way to make someone part of your family's holiday memories and traditions. Pro tip: Create a personalized holiday greeting card with Alexa Skill Blueprints that you can send virtually to family near and far.

Break the stress and holiday hustle with some fun. Ask Alexa for some holiday trivia next time your family needs a little break, and see who the takes the trophy for Holiday Champion. Then settle in with a classic holiday movie, like Jack Frost or It’s a Wonderful Life with your Prime membership or FreeTime Unlimited subscription.

With a Ring Video Doorbell and Echo or Fire TV devices, you can simply ask Alexa to see who is at the front door and with select devices, you can let them know to come in and head to the kitchen for drinks and snacks.

There is nothing worse than waking up with a house full of relatives with no milk for your much-needed coffee. Add missing ingredients to your shopping list in real time and check your app while in the store.

Alexa can’t thaw a turkey by herself just yet but she can help with turkey preparation. Just say, “Alexa, give me a turkey recipe” to get step by step directions.

Amazon Music is the source for hundreds of Christmas playlists and stations, in addition to new Amazon Original songs from artists including John Legend, Ellie Goulding and more, only on Amazon Music. To fill your house with holiday cheer, just say, “Alexa, play Christmas music,” in the Amazon Music mobile app for iOS and Android, and on all Alexa-enabled devices.

Totally exhausted from the delicious food and socializing but don’t want to miss out on shopping?