How to Survive the Holiday Break With Your Kids
December 22, 2015I really do love my kids. But after two weeks of being indoors with them, we both welcome the new school year. I am always on the hunt for inexpensive things to do to keep my kids occupied during this season. Here are some of my favorites:
Your Local Public Library: My kids actually found it fascinating that way back when “mom roamed with the dinosaurs,” I had to go to the library to do a report. I have them go through the process of looking up a book and then actually look for the book. They thought this was fun. I also have them pick out books they will read during the break.
Looking at Christmas Lights: We hop in the car and go to the neighbors’ place, where Christmas decorations is like an Olympic event. It is amazing to look at some of the Christmas decorations and the kids really enjoy it.
Christmas Tree Lightings: Please note: If the thought of crowds drives you nuts, disregard this one. The Christmas Tree Lighting is typically accompanied by other events as well such as plays and caroling.
Getting Crafty: Contact local stores like Home Depot, Lowe’s and Michael’s for free classes to help get your kids’ creative juices flowing and for you to have a few minutes to yourself.
Talent Shows: This one came from my friend and colleague, Cynthia. I have to admit I was a little skeptical, but telling them to create a talent show and present it to you was a great activity and kept them occupied for at least an hour.
Cooking Together: I love to bake. Every Thanksgiving, we make turkey chocolate chip cookies and we bake fun stuff that we can decorate like cookies and cakes. I will get different color sprinkles, candy decorations, fun cookie cutter shapes, and decorator icing. Get creative and make pizzas in the shape of Christmas trees with the pepperoni as the ornaments. It’s inexpensive, fun and delicious.
Movies/TV Shows: No matter how much I try, I need time to do other things and the TV is the best way to keep them occupied. I try to find movies based on books that will encourage them to read. (I will get the books during our library trip). Anne of Green Gables (the one that starred Megan Follows) was one of my favorites and much to my surprise, my girls loved it to the point where they are making their way through the entire book series.
I choose shows on educational channels such as the National Geographic Channel and I tell them that they have to tell me three things they learned from the show and/or draw me a picture. If you do not have cable or Netflix, go online or on YouTube. You can find a lot of educational shows there.
Restaurants where kids eat for free: I don’t know about all of you but there are days when I just do not feel like cooking. If that is you too, you can search for restaurants where your kids can eat for free on websites like MyKidsEatFree.com. The kids will see the trip as an adventure and it is one less meal to cook!
How about you? What have you done or plan to do to keep your kids busy during the holidays? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.