The holidays are here! As a working mom, you may be juggling a hectic schedule with the desire to make special memories with your kids. Whether you’re on a tight budget or looking for activities suitable for any climate, we’ve got you covered. Here are ten fun and engaging activities to enjoy with your kids during the holiday season.
#1 Holiday Baking Extravaganza
Baking has always been a big part of the holiday season. There’s almost nothing better than the smell of freshly baked cookies floating throughout the house during the holidays. Create lasting memories by spending quality time in the kitchen with your kids baking cookies, pies and even gingerbread houses. Don’t forget about decorating your mouth-watering, baked delights with your children. Baking is a great way to let your kids’ creativity run wild with colorful icing, sprinkles and holiday-shaped cookie cutters. Let’s not forget to mention that the delicious treats are perfect for gifting!
#2 Movie Marathon
Create a cozy indoor cinema with your little ones. Pick a selection of your favorite holiday movies, make some popcorn, and enjoy a marathon in your living room. Classic favorites like Home Alone, The Santa Clause and The Christmas Chronicles are the perfect way to get you and your family into the holiday spirit. I would also be a good idea to add in animated gems like Frozen or Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas as a way to keep everyone entertained. Check out Hallmark’s 2023 Christmas movie line-up.
#3 Winter Wonderland Crafts
Get your creative juices flowing with DIY holiday crafts. Gather your supplies and let your children make handmade ornaments, cards and wreaths. With so many options of colored paper, glitter and other craft items out there, everyone is only limited by their imagination. To save even more time, pre-made kits from craft stores can help to focus the kids and take the stress of trying to figure out what everyone is going to make. Personalized decorations will always add a special touch to your home. Here are 40 Holiday craft ideas that promise to busy and bedazzle even the tiniest artist.
#4 Neighborhood Scavenger Hunt
Organize a neighborhood scavenger hunt while taking in all the best holiday decorations. Create a list of festive items like twinkling lights, inflatable Santa’s or reindeer displays and let your kids lead the way. It’s a great way to explore the neighborhood while spreading some holiday cheer and enjoying all the wonderful decorations right outside your door.
#5 Virtual Visits
If your budget or time is limited, consider arranging virtual visits with friends, family or even Santa. The holidays are about being able to connect with your loved ones. Regardless of whether they are across the country or across the street, virtual visits are a way to stay connected when visiting in-person is not possible regardless of the reason. Keep in mind, there are many services which offer virtual Santa chats, allowing your kids to share their wish lists and experience the magic of the season.
#6 Have Story Time by the Fireplace or Other Cozy Location
The telling of stories has always been a bonding experience, not only for entertainment but for conveying lessons and history. There are so many great holiday-themed books out there which can help to get the family into the holiday sprit. Cozy up by the fireplace or with a pile of pillows and your favorite blankets to take a journey in your imagination with a great story. Better yet, encourage your children to tell their own stories complete with holiday adventures.
#7 Outdoor Adventures
If you have the opportunity to take advantage of and enjoy the winter weather with your family, grab everyone’s hats, coats and gloves! There are many ways of having fun and making some holiday memories. Some simple ways of having family fun can be by going ice skating, finding a hill and sledding or by building a snowman. Even a simple walk through a snowy park or having a snow ball fight can be a magical experience for you and your kids. Whatever you decide to do, get have some hot chocolate ready to heat yourselves back up!
#8 Family Game Night
Some of the best times with family can be when everyone gathers around the table for game night. Board games, card games, and puzzles are not only entertaining but also an excellent opportunity for bonding and laughter. Keep in mind to give everyone have a chance at picking a game to play. Game night is also a great way to get everyone to unplug from technology and spend quality time with one another.
#9 Holiday Lights Tour
Embark on a tour around your town to see all the festive lights and decorations people have put up. Load up the car, put on some holiday tunes and explore neighborhoods known for their extravagant decorations. It’s a low-cost adventure that’s sure to spark your family’s holiday spirit. In addition to the decorations your neighbors put up, many parks and other organization will put up drive through light displays which are synced to music. In many cases, the cost of admission goes to charity. What a better way to show your kids what the holidays are all about.
#10 Indoor Picnic
When it’s too cold to dine outside, an indoor picnic in your living room can be just want you need. Let your little ones help assemble sandwiches, fruit skewers and any other favorite foods. Lay out a blanket, have your prepared holiday feast and let to good time flow. Add a great cup of hot cocoa to make the picnic that much more special. Check out Taste of Home’s Christmas recipes that are perfect to make with your little helpers.
Always remember, the most important thing about holidays is spending quality time with your children, regardless of your budget or the weather outside. Whether they admit it or not, you are the one with whom they want to spend time. Activities like baking, family game nights and looking at holiday lights will not only help to create lasting memories but also foster a sense of togetherness. These activities will help to create holiday cheer that your kids will treasure for years to come. So, embrace the holiday season and enjoy every moment with your loved ones!
Have any other holiday activities you or your family loving to do? Have any tips or variations of the ones mention above? Please share with us! We’d love to hear from your about ways you spend your quality time with your kids and loved ones.
