Wondering how you’re going to keep the kids busy and entertained this holiday season, minus the screens? Even though the holidays might look somewhat different this year, there are still many ways to get into the Christmas spirit, have fun and create some new memories together. Here are a few holiday activities for the whole family to enjoy this year.
Create Gingerbread Houses
If you haven’t hopped on the gingerbread house train yet, now is the perfect time to do so! This is one of the best ways to get the kids off the couch, away from their screens and excited to make something that they can feel proud of. You can either get a premade kit at your local grocery store or pick up the ingredients on your own to create your own unique display. The kids can get as creative as they want, choosing their favourite candy to decorate, and then, of course, enjoy some snacking once it’s all done. This is a fun tradition to do each year and a great way to spend some quality time with the whole family in the kitchen.
Go On a Holiday Lights Tour
No matter where you live, there’s always amazing decorations and light displays that will light up the dark winter nights. Make some hot chocolate, put it in travel mugs, and get the family bundled in the car for a holiday tour around your neighbourhood. If there’s a cute village or town nearby that’s renowned for their holiday décor, make a pit stop there to enjoy the displays and holiday spirit.
A Decorating Party
Some of the best memories we have as kids are hanging up ornaments and helping our parents pick out the perfect Christmas tree. If you haven’t done it in the past, this year, get the kids involved. Take them to the Christmas tree farm to pick out the best tree. Then, when it’s time to decorate, put on some classic holiday music, make some apple cider, and get them to help arrange the ornaments, garland, bows, and lights. Decorating the tree and home is all part of the magic of the holiday season.
Crafts and DIY Ornaments
If your kids love crafts, making ornaments is a fun holiday activity for the whole family to join in on. You can create little gingerbread men, painted pinecones, clay ornaments, clothespin reindeer, paper ornaments, and so much more. A quick search online will give you plenty of ideas. Having homemade ornaments from the whole family will also create some heartfelt memories that you get to hang up each year.
Bake Holiday Treats Together
There’s nothing as good as baking up holiday treats and filling the home with delicious aromas of baked goods. It’s also a good opportunity to teach the kids some helpful life skills. When you’re done, you can even bundle some of the treats and drop off to the neighbours to show the kids that the holidays are about giving too.
Pinecone Bird Feeder
Pinecone bird feeders are always a hit with the family and they’re easy to make. When the kids are outside, get them to hunt for a few pinecones. Then all they need to do is attach a string to later hang in a tree, smear peanut butter over the cones, and roll them in birdseed. Then wait and watch as birds and squirrels flock to it for a tasty winter treat.
Have a Holiday Movie Night
No holiday season is complete without a night filled with new and classic Christmas movies. Fire up the popcorn, get into your comfy “Christmas themed” PJs, and pick out a few good movies that the whole family will enjoy.
Make a Snow Family
When the snow piles up, remind your kids of what it was like without technology by getting out to roll around in the snow. Make snowmen, a snow family, snow forts or show them how to make snow angels.
Go Tobogganing
Remember how exciting it was to zip down hills on a sled as a kid? It was the epitome of fun during the holiday season. This year, get a sled and show your family how much fun it can be. Then top it off with some hot chocolate and baked goods to warm up afterwards.
If you’re looking for your dream home this holiday season, discover quality built homes from Valecraft Homes with properties all across the Ottawa region. Get in touch with us to learn more.
