How to Feel More Festive
So the holidays are here but you’re not feeling very festive. That’s okay! It happens! Whether it be a disappointing Christmas of the past or feeling consistently frazzled during the gifting, traveling, balancing, or even...
10 Things to do With Your Kids During Winter Break
Winter break is here and we have a special gift for you! Ever since school started in August, your little ones have been counting down the days to Winter Break. But that’s not always the same for adults! It can be challenging to entertain your kiddos during a 1-2 week break. Our gift to you is this list of 10 things to do with your kids during this holiday break from school. Take a look and have a fun time entertaining your mini-me’s.
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Host a Holiday-Themed Movie Night
You’re about to become the cool parent (to your kids’ friends AND their parents). Invite a few of your kids’ friends over for a fun afternoon or evening of watching a holiday movie. Provide snacks or have them help you make a homemade pizza. Pro tip: double check on food restrictions with other parents. All in all, you can go as big or as small as you want and the kids will be distracted for 2-3 hours!
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Make Holiday Cards or Tree Ornaments
The possibilities are truly endless on this one and most require very few supplies. Grab paper, crayons, colored pencils, stickers, and whatever else you’re willing to work with. Depending on your kid's skill level, you could print out instructions for them to make their own ornaments, or help your little ones make hand prints. Like we said, the options are endless!
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Build a Fort
Let the kids loose in the living room with pillows and blankets. Turn the fort into an overnight sleepout spot or set it up in view of the tv for a family movie night. Pro tip: put away breakables to really let the kids have fun with it.
Put on a Play
Get your creative juices flowing with your kiddos this year. Write a script, sew costumes, or just do a little improv. The rules are simple, one child is in charge and gets to direct. The others must go along with it. You will need to have a day like this for each child (most likely) or you can do smaller plays all in one day for everyone. The one in charge gets to direct, assign roles, and help with costumes. Then you get to watch the finished product!
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Play + Learn Card Games
You’d be amazed at how much fun you can have with a single pack of playing cards. Little ones can learn Crazy 8’s or Old Maid. Teach older kids how to play classic games you grew up playing or discover new games to master.
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Daily Quiet Time
This may be your new favorite activity, but you do have to plan for it! Check out several story books from the library, try out audio books, or invest in puzzle books specifically for the holiday. The trick here is getting kids onboard to reading, listening to stories, or working their brains in other quiet ways. You can also use quiet time to talk about what they read, heard, or did too. Talking about these quiet activities is almost as important as doing them. Pro tip: add extra incentives for any kids that struggle with reading or sitting still, like going out to eat or an hour of video games.
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Go Sledding
If you’re lucky enough to have snow, it’s time to look for a nearby hill for HOURS of entertainment. Grab your tube, saucer, or sled for hours of shooting down the snow and walking back up again. Sledding is fun for all ages, but toddlers should ride with a parent. Remember, it may seem like a lot of work to get them all bundled up, but the reward will be worth it when they’re entertained for a long time.
Make a Time Capsule
Time capsules are a fun way to record the present and remember the past. Plus, they’re easy to make. Your kids will love making predictions about their lives! You can really spruce it up with party items (such as confetti) and throw in art projects, photos, books, or other keepsakes. If you need more ideas, turn to the internet and have a ball.
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Look at Christmas Lights
Most communities have a site where you can look up where to find the best Christmas lights, so now’s the time to pile your kids into the car and take a drive. Hunt for the best houses or drive through local light events. No matter what you’ll all have fun and can have snacks in the car to go all out.
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Volunteer Together
This is an activity you can do all year round, but the holidays are a great time to teach your kiddos about giving back. Soup kitchens and food banks in particular are often looking for extra help during the Christmas season. If your kids are under the age of 16, you may need special permission for them to come. Check to see if your local mall needs gift wrappers, or find other volunteer opportunities that are more age appropriate for your family.
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Winter break is going to be a blast, we can tell! We know the days blur together during Winter Break but you’ll be good to go with these activities in your toolbelt! What else do you like to do with your kids during Winter Break? Let us know in the comments so we can add your genius to our list.
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xoxo
Kortni + Team
- Tags: KJ Everyday
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