A Messy Weekend Revival: How We Reignited Joy, Laughter & Connection in Our Family
“There is a certain happiness in being silly and ridiculous.”
-Unknown
Lately, our home felt off. We were all overly rushed, schedules commanded our weeks, and the joy we once shared seemed to have fizzled out. I found myself wondering: Why are we all so grumpy, and where did that spark of joy go?
Then, during a Sunday sermon, my pastor shared a delightfully odd tradition: once a year, their family hosts a “spaghetti feed,” dumping spaghetti and meatballs right onto the table, eating with their hands—no utensils allowed—just for pure, unfiltered fun. That image stuck with me. What our family needed wasn’t another chore or plan—it was permission to be wild and together again!
So, we declared a Messy Weekend. Time at home with no agenda—just joy, silliness, and being together. It didn’t look like perfection; it looked like laughter, smiles and a whole lot of unexpected craziness.
Our Messy, Magical Activities
Paintball Chaos
I armed the boys with biodegradable paintballs (on clearance at Michaels!), strapped them into goggles, and told them to go wild. The uncontrollable giggles echoed through the yard as they ducked, squealed, and painted each other in color. Then—a cold-water hose-down challenge, just to test their "cold plunge" endurance—like mom and dad do — but funnier.
2. Spaghetti Feed—Messy Edition
We laid out a disposable tablecloth, piled spaghetti and meatballs directly in the center—and no plates or utensils in sight. Just us, paper towels, parmesan, and hands—chaotic, hilarious… and somehow reconnecting. Also hilarious was how our 7-year-old promptly excused himself to eat at another table—repulsed by our barbaric eating and requesting a proper plate and utensils. You do you, kiddo. The rest of of thoroughly enjoyed channeling our inner pigs! (Thanks for the inspo, Pastor Chris!)
3. Cheeto Toss + Whipped Cream Shower Caps
We donned shower caps coated in whipped cream, then lobbed Cheeto puffs at each other's heads—trying to get them to stick. The laughter? Priceless! The flavor profile created by cheese puffs melding into whipped cream was nausea-inducing to my husband and I. But to the boys? An epic stroke of culinary genius!
4. Sloppy Pudding Pictionary
Another disposable spread! We swapped markers for chocolate pudding and fingers —and suddenly Pictionary became the funniest, messiest game night we’ve ever had. Every round was filled with laughter, smudged drawings, and plenty of finger-licking “rewards” after each turn. Sweet, silly, and unforgettable!
Why Laughter Matters
We weren’t just making a mess—we were making memories. Research shows that families who laugh together feel more connected, less stressed, and even healthier overall. Shared giggles release feel-good chemicals in the brain, boost immunity, and strengthen bonds. In other words—being silly is good for the soul and the body.
The Moral of the Story?
We all need more joy, laughter, and connection—and sometimes less schedule, less perfection, and more mess.
Consider giving yourself permission for a messy weekend. Turn off the calendar. Make the messiest meal imaginable, play absurd games, get sticky, laugh loud—and most importantly, be together. Because it’s in those unexpected, playful moments that memories—and genuine connection—are made.
Let yourself be wild. Let your kids, spouse, neighbor—anyone—be wild. Try one of these ideas, or dream up your own. Your soul will thank you for it—and so will your family. Go make some memories, my friends!
Hi, I’m Chrissy Horner!
I’m passionate about helping women curate the healthiest, most joy-filled versions of themselves. Follow Rooted & Refining for healthy recipes, workout suggestions, faith-filled mindset tips, and simple ways to bring more fun into your everyday life. Sign up today!
