Looking to start some simple yet heartwarming Christmas traditions with your children? These kid-friendly indoor and outdoor activities for all ages will help your family bond over the
Make Gingerbread Houses
Making houses out of gingerbread seems to have stemmed from Hansel and Gretel, the German fairytale published in 1812 by the Brothers Grimm. So crafting gingerbread houses is one old-fashioned activity to try with your kids, and the possibilities are endless.
Go on a Holiday Lights Tour
There’s bound to be a Clark Griswold wanna-be in your neck of the woods! Pile the kids in the car, put on some Christmas Songs and drive around to homes or neighbourhoods known for their over-the-top Christmas lights displays.
Make Wreaths (Real or Paper Ones)
Everybody loves a festive wreath! Take the kids outside for a quick winter walk to gather evergreen branches and pinecones, trim some from the bottom of your Christmas tree, or just buy some at the store. Attach your greens to a foam or wire ring (a bent metal coat hanger works well) and allow the kids to decorate it with ornaments and bows. Or make this preschooler-friendly paper wreath featuring tracings of your child’s cute little hands.
Make Popcorn and Cranberry Garlands
Have some leftover popcorn from your movie night? Upcycle it! Make some homemade garlands for your family’s Christmas tree, doorways, or mantle. All you need is a needle and some thread or fishing line. Try using fresh cranberries, too. Younger kids can count out the berries or popcorn to make a cool alternating pattern, and parents or older kids can do the threading.
Bake Christmas Cookies
Peanut-butter blossoms! Spritz cookies! Gingerbread men! There are just too many tasty holiday cookies to choose from. Younger kids can add pre-measured ingredients, stir the bowl, and decorate cooled cookies. Older kids can pitch in with almost any steps, with your guidance.
Have a Christmas Movie Night
For kids old enough for some extended screen-time, spending an afternoon or evening watching Christmas movies is a must! (You could also spread out your movie marathon over the course of a week.) Let each family member choose their favorite holiday flick to watch with the family.
Attend a Christmas Concert
If your family really isn’t musical, leave the fa la la-ing up to someone else. Check out the events calendar at your child’s school or in the local newspaper for free or inexpensive holiday concerts, Christmas pageants, and other performances open to the public. Most schools and churches have something entertaining to offer, and it’s great to support the local arts.
