The holiday season is here again. It is a much-awaited time for both parents and children, providing the opportunity for quality family bonding. As the school bells ring for the final time before the break, children eagerly anticipate the joyous days ahead, free from academic responsibilities. While some kids look forward to the excitement of the holidays, others may find themselves dreading the feeling of boredom and ‘holiday blues’ that may come with this period.
Parents, too, experience a mix of emotions during the holiday season. For some, it is a much-anticipated break from the early morning rushes and school routines. On the other hand, some parents approach the holidays with a hint of trepidation, dreading the potential chaos of long days filled with constant yelling and struggles to keep their energetic children.
According to experts, how children spend their holiday largely depends on the environment created by their parents. Some parents may opt to continue the learning journey by hiring home tutors for their kids during the break, which can be beneficial to some extent. However, experts suggest that parents and guardians should also consider incorporating a variety of non-academic activities into their kids’ holiday plans. Engaging in diverse activities during this time can be enriching, fostering creativity, emotional growth, and developing life skills in addition to academic learning.
How do you keep your kids happily engaged and entertained throughout the holiday season?
Without the daily structure of school, it is natural for children to become restless, seeking activities that captivate their imaginations and provide hours of joy. To avoid the dreaded chorus of “I’m bored,” it is essential to have a few exciting activities up your sleeve. We’ve compiled a list of seven fun ways to keep your kids busy and entertained during this holiday season.
Organize a toy cleanup
The holiday is a perfect time to teach your kids the importance of giving back. One great way to do this is by organizing a toy cleanup. Allow your kids to help you sort through their toys and choose the ones they are willing to part with. It is a great opportunity to teach them about the importance of sharing and giving to others who may not be as fortunate as them.
Once you’ve gathered the toys they’re ready to give away, take a trip together to an orphanage or a non-profit organization in your area. This way, your kids can personally experience the joy of giving and see the smiles they bring to other children’s faces. It is a heartwarming experience that will stay with them for a lifetime.
Make Baking Fun
Make this holiday period an unforgettable experience by involving the kids in a baking extravaganza. Baking with your kids isn’t just about making tasty treats; it’s a journey filled with fun, learning, and sweet memories. Baking not only offers an enjoyable sensory experience but also teaches children basic math and science concepts as they measure ingredients and witness the magic of transformation in the oven.
As your kids measure ingredients, they’re also honing their math skills – understanding fractions, counting, and following step-by-step instructions. It is a fantastic way to bond, learn, and treat ourselves to some scrumptious delights this holiday season.
Focus on your kids’ health
With the break from school routines, this is the perfect time to pay more attention to your kids’ health and well-being. Schedule a doctor’s appointment and take your children to the hospital for general health checks. Also, ensure that your kids get enough sleep. Create a bedtime routine that promotes relaxation and ensures they have enough time to recharge their bodies and minds.
Don’t allow them to sit down and watch TV all day, encourage regular exercise and physical activity. Whether it is playing sports, going for family walks, riding bikes, or simply running around in the backyard, engaging in regular physical activity will keep them energetic, improve their mood, and boost their overall health.
Also, pay attention to their eating habits. Ensure they have a balanced diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. You can also use this time to involve your children in meal preparation and teach them about healthy food choices. Make this holiday a time of wellness and empowerment for our kids.
Science Experiments
Science experiments are not only educational but also loads of fun! You can easily find simple and safe experiments that you can do right at home using regular household items. These hands-on experiments are a perfect way to spark your kids’ curiosity and get them excited about exploring the world around them. They’ll learn through play and observation, which is the best way for young minds to absorb new information.
Learn a new skill or language
This holiday period is the perfect opportunity to encourage your kids to learn some new skills or a new language. It is a great way to make the most of their free time and prepare them for the world.
There are so many exciting skills they can explore. From coding, photography, and art, to needlework, playing a musical instrument, public speaking, cooking, and hair styling; the list is endless. You can also encourage them to learn new languages. You can hire a private tutor or download a language app on your phone to make it easier. To make it more fun, you can decide to learn the language along with them.
Board Games and Puzzles
Board games and puzzles never go out of fashion. Whether it’s a classic like Monopoly or a strategic game like chess, there’s something magical about sitting together and embarking on an adventure within the game.
And who can resist the allure of puzzles? There’s a sense of satisfaction in fitting those pieces together and revealing a beautiful picture. Plus, it’s the perfect activity for some relaxed family time. These games and puzzles also promote critical thinking, problem-solving, and teamwork and also teach friendly competition.
Storytelling and book reading
Storytelling and reading books are last on this list but certainly not the least. Reading and telling stories together is an incredible way to bring our family closer and create beautiful memories. Set aside some special time to share stories with each other. You can take turns reading aloud, creating your very own stories, or simply learning history.
As you settle into this holiday period, make sure boredom doesn’t stand a chance. We hope these fun activities will keep your kids engaged, and entertained, and create joyful memories that they’ll cherish for a lifetime. Feel free to add more ideas below, we’d love to get your feedback.
