The holidays are a fun and exciting time for kids, especially toddlers and preschoolers. Keeping them involved as the family prepares and gets ready for the holidays can make this time a truly special one for the little people. Here are some fun and simple holiday activities to make this festive time magical and meaningful.
Create Your Own Countdown to Christmas
Use a large holiday-themed calendar and stick on small envelopes filled with candies. Alternatively, you can make your own Advent Calendar and plan fun Advent Calendar activities using the easy instructions given by our resident Sewing Expert, Sarah Tennant.
Christmas Tree Time
Turn shopping for a tree into a fun day out for the family. Most Christmas tree farms have quite a carnival-esque atmosphere with rides, lights and music so be sure to take your toddler along when you pick a tree. Follow this up with an evening for Christmas tree decorating. Let your preschooler hang the unbreakable decorations on the lower branches. And yes, do lift her up to place the star on the top of the tree. That, for my daughter, is the highlight of the evening.
Take a Holiday Walk
A walk around the neighborhood is an inexpensive yet lovely way to take in the festivity that surrounds us. The lights, the music and the decorations are enough to put anyone in a merry mood. Make the holidays even more meaningful by taking an evening walk to drop off some toys or cookies at a shelter or orphanage is a simple way of teaching a toddler to give and share.
Bake Together
I enjoy baking with my toddler for company all through the year and the holidays are no different. I may be a little rushed at this time, but with a bit of planning and preparation can easily keep my preschooler involved in mixing, tasting and decorating. Let your toddler decorate cupcakes or ice sugar cookies and watch them delight in this simple activity.
Make or Personalize Christmas Cards or Ornaments
While I’m really not a craft mom, I enjoy making holiday cards with my daughter. I also let her personalize a few store-bought tree decorations with her handprints and thumbprints. We, then, put these up on the tree in a place of prominence. She really enjoys showing them off to visitors, friends and family. If you are a craft enthusiast, there are simple Christmas tree ornaments and decorations that you can make with your preschooler. Check out Tricia’s easy instructions to make your own paper-cut snowflakes.
The holidays are all about fun and family. Here are some more activities to make the holidays meaningful for your preschooler. So, go ahead and make the holidays magical, memorable and meaningful for your little one.
