Come Christmas it's easy to get caught up in the shopping hype. This year, think past the typical and plan an original, well thought out holiday. Your kids are obviously going to ask for toys and whatever popular craze is flooding advertisements. But you can steer the holiday into being about more than just gifts. You can think about your children's interests to come up with some fun activities that focus on the experience more than material items. Stumped as to where to begin? Well, I have solved that problem. Here are some Memorable Christmas Activities for Kids that the whole family will enjoy. Also be sure to check out our Easy Christmas Crafts for Tweens.
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Why it's important to do fun Christmas activities with your family
A memorable Christmas doesn't have to be expensive. Too often holidays become overwhelming with the cost of gifts, decorations and food. Take all the superficial hype away this year and plan a close family holiday that will build memories, not debt.
Now I am not saying that family activities are to take the place of gifts, but I am suggesting these activities are meant to deepen the holiday season. Many kids would be greatly disappointed if parents decided to ditch the gifts altogether. These Christmas activities for kids are simply a way to make the holiday more memorable, and to leave a lasting impression that few presents could ever achieve.
Memorable kids Christmas activities
Here are some basic holiday activities that can be enjoyed among the family:
Christmas decorating
We usually decorate our house on Thanksgiving weekend, but whenever you decide to bring out the decorations, get everyone involved. Many hands make light work.
My kids have always enjoyed decorating a kids tree. This is just a small tree that they get to completely deck out however they want. They will usually use homemade ornaments.
If you have younger kids, a felt Christmas tree is just the thing! It is a fun and safe way for little ones to decorate a tree while building fine motor, sensory, and color recognition skills.
Holiday crafting
Is there a more fan way to celebrate the season than by making some adorable holiday crafts? We have done some over the years that are fun and easy for kids to do such as this Candle Holder Craft and this cute Christmas Paper Chain.
But what if you are not the crafty type? No problem mama, I got you covered. Try this beaded Christmas ornament kit. If you are looking for something a little different, try this holiday rock painting kit.
Christmas baking
Now this one of my favorite Christmas traditions! In the past we have made Christmas Tree Cinnamon Rolls and Peppermint Bark Bell Cookies. If your family loves baking, consider hosting a Christmas cookie exchange. We hosted one last year for my kids' friends and it was a big hit. We served hot cocoa and watched Christmas movies while we nibbled on cookies.
Christmas caroling
A few years ago I organized a neighborhood caroling outing. This simply involved making copies of song lyrics, sending evites and walking around the neighborhood. The kids had a wonderful time singing and we even picked up some new carolers on the route as kids would hear us singing and come out to join us. This remains one of our favorite holiday memories.
Ice skating
Many places set up temporary outdoor rinks around the holidays. These are the perfect places to make some holiday memories. Even if you are not a great skater, it is fun to bundle up, hold hands and get on the ice. Bring some hot cocoa to keep warm if visiting an outdoor rink. If you and your kids skate a lot, a skate bag like this one will come in handy.
Planning Christmas activities
Some unexpected holiday activities can be planned for older kids who find they have grown out of making crafts and going Christmas caroling. Teens often decide they are too old for the family activities and would rather spend time with their friends. Plan the events in advance and ask them when would be best so they can feel as though they are not being forced into it.
Let them help decide what activities to do this year. If they are not interested in crafts let that be an activity for the younger children while the older work on something more to their interest. Ask them to pick out the holiday music of their choice, for example. Watching Christmas movies is an activity that can be enjoyed by everyone. Inexpensive baking and cooking for the holiday are also great ways to include all members of the family.
Quality family time for the holidays
The easiest way to have an enjoyable holiday is to be as care free as possible. Stress can greatly reduce the the potential for fun in any situation. Accept that things will go wrong and get the stress out of the way before the holiday activities begin.
It's not so much the activities that make the most memorable experiences as it is the attitude of your family while they are enjoying the activities. The most dull moments can be made memorable if everyone involved has a positive attitude and is willing to enjoy the time spent together.
Sarah
My kids love painting rocks, never thought of doing it for a Christmas activity! On a side note thanks for the ice skating reminder! I've been meaning to take my kids ice skating, but keep forgetting. Definitely need to make it a priority on our bucket list!