Simple Holiday Activities We do as a Family

As a mama, I am responsible for the “magic” of Christmas. Some people are so very good at this- and while I like to make the holidays special I am not super over the top. Time and resources are limited, but I am choosing to enjoy the things we do do to their fullest. I thought I would share a few simple Holiday Activities to do as a family.

Decorating the Tree

Ok- so this is nothing new, but my kids LOVE this tradition. If you like to have your tree just so, then perhaps a “kids tree” in another room is in order. Or you might put up a mini tree in their room. It’s fun to put on Christmas music, and deck the tree. It doesn’t really matter the time of day, just have fun being creative and sharing memories.

Bake Cookies

This is something that I have had less motivation for since having to go gluten free 2 years ago- but I do it for the kids 😉 They love it. Sometimes it can be difficult with little ones, because they are so eager to “help” and fight over who pours the baking powder, and who stirs this and that… but- it can be fun, I promise !! If you don’t like to eat it, take a plate to some neighbours and spread a little cheer.

Work on a Christmas Puzzle

This is a tradition carried over from Matt’s childhood. We keep a puzzle out upstairs in the loft over the holidays, and anyone is free to work on it when they have time. It’s a slow, fun activity. 

Embrace the Outdoors

This can look different depending on where you live. Here in Alberta we often have plenty of snow, occasional chinooks and beautiful sunny days. So, I like to go our for a winter walk, skate on the lake or a nearby rink- or if we have the time, go cross country skiing- which takes a little more effort. 

Take a Drive to Look at Lights! (hot chocolate not mandatory but delicious)

This is a really simple one- especially if you need a little quiet. Night drives are one of my favorite things, as long as I don’t have to do the driving 😉

Play a Game

I am talking about the old fashioned kind… a board game, a card game! Some of our family’s favorites are: Dutch Blitz, Phase 10, Rummy O, Yahtzee, Settler’s of Cattan, Crib, Scrabble, Speed Scrabble, Monopoly.

For playing with little ones games like Connect 4, Go Fish, Old Maid or Snakes and Ladders, Trouble, Uno are fun too.

I hope you have a great holiday season. I know I am looking forward to taking some time off school, and soaking up some downtown at home. I would love to hear of some of your family traditions or activities in the comments below!

-Miss Ash