Christmas is a magical time of the year, filled with joy, laughter, and quality time with loved ones. However, for parents, the Christmas school holidays can be a daunting period, especially when it comes to keeping kids engaged and entertained. With the usual routine of school and extracurricular activities on hold, it's essential to find ways to keep your little ones active, creative, and stimulated.
In this article, we'll explore five ways to keep kids engaged during the Christmas 2020 school holidays. From fun crafts and outdoor activities to cooking and volunteering, we've got you covered. So, let's dive in and make this Christmas break an unforgettable one for your kids!
1. Get Creative with Christmas Crafts
Christmas is the perfect time to get creative with your kids. There are countless fun and easy crafts that can be made using materials you likely have at home. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
- Paper Snowflakes: Create beautiful snowflakes using paper, scissors, and a bit of glue.
- Handprint Reindeer: Use paint or markers to create adorable reindeer on paper or ceramic ornaments.
- Popcorn Garland: Thread popcorn and cranberries onto a string to create a colorful and edible garland.
- Christmas Cards: Help your kids create personalized Christmas cards for family and friends using glue, scissors, and their imagination.
2. Get Active with Outdoor Games and Activities
Christmas is a great time to get outside and enjoy the fresh air with your kids. Here are a few outdoor games and activities to keep them engaged:
- Scavenger Hunt: Create a list of items to find around the neighborhood or backyard, such as holly leaves, pinecones, or festive decorations.
- Snowball Fight: If you live in a snowy area, grab some snow and have a friendly snowball fight.
- Christmas Lights Walk: Take a walk around your neighborhood to admire the festive lights and decorations.
- Outdoor Obstacle Course: Set up an obstacle course using items like hula hoops, cones, and pool noodles.
3. Cook Up Some Christmas Magic
Cooking with your kids is a great way to spend quality time together and create delicious treats. Here are a few Christmas-themed recipes to try:
- Sugar Cookies: Make classic sugar cookies using a simple recipe and decorate with festive sprinkles.
- Gingerbread Men: Create adorable gingerbread men using a pre-made mix or from scratch.
- Hot Chocolate: Make a batch of hot chocolate using milk, cocoa powder, and marshmallows.
- Christmas Tree Brownies: Create a Christmas tree-shaped brownie using a simple recipe and decorate with icing and sprinkles.
4. Give Back with Christmas Volunteering
Teaching your kids the importance of giving back during Christmas is a valuable lesson. Here are a few ways to volunteer with your kids:
- Visit a Local Nursing Home: Many nursing homes have Christmas parties or events that welcome visitors.
- Animal Shelter: Help care for animals at a local shelter, such as walking dogs or playing with cats.
- Food Bank: Help sort and package food donations at a local food bank.
- Toy Drive: Organize a toy drive and collect donations for a local charity.
5. Create a Christmas Movie Marathon
Sometimes, the best way to keep kids engaged is to have a relaxing day at home. Create a Christmas movie marathon using classic films like:
- "Elf"
- "Home Alone"
- "A Christmas Story"
- "Polar Express"
- "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer"
Make some popcorn, snuggle up under blankets, and enjoy a festive movie marathon with your kids.
Gallery of Christmas Activities for Kids
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some fun Christmas crafts for kids?
+Some fun Christmas crafts for kids include making paper snowflakes, handprint reindeer, and popcorn garlands.
How can I keep my kids active during the Christmas holidays?
+You can keep your kids active during the Christmas holidays by engaging them in outdoor games and activities, such as scavenger hunts, snowball fights, and Christmas lights walks.
What are some Christmas-themed recipes that kids can help with?
+Some Christmas-themed recipes that kids can help with include making sugar cookies, gingerbread men, and hot chocolate.
We hope these ideas help you keep your kids engaged and entertained during the Christmas 2020 school holidays. Remember to have fun and make the most of this special time with your family!