The holiday season is nearly upon us, and although Christmas 2020 might not be what you’re used to, there’s no reason it still can’t be a magical time for you and your family. If you’re a parent with young children, you might be wondering how you can entertain the kids at home this year, especially if you would usually take them to see Santa Claus or other festive events that might not be going ahead this December. Well, here are five things you can do at home with your children this Christmas to keep them feeling jolly.
1. Make Christmas Cards
It’s easy to go and buy a pack of cards each year to send out to family and friends, but a homemade Christmas card is all the more special. Not only does it add a personal touch, but it’s also a brilliant festive activity you can do with your kids at home. They will love getting creative and take pride in the cards they have made and sent out.
2. Give to Charity
Although kids get excited about the present’s they will be receiving at this time of year, it’s also important that they are taught about others who aren’t as fortunate. Christmas time can be a great opportunity to teach your kids about charity and helping others. Organizations such as the Red Cross run holiday giving schemes during the festive period, so your children can choose what they want to donate, and as a family, you can do a good deed together.
3. Write Letters to Santa
This is such a lovely activity to do with younger children at Christmas. They will get excited about what they will find under the tree come Christmas morning, and it can be very sweet to read back their letters! It’s also a great way to encourage them to behave this winter; otherwise, they will find themselves on Santa’s ‘naughty list’! Look at buying some festive stationery they can use, or decorate the envelopes with them to make the process even more fun.
4. Create a Winter Wonderland at Home
If you usually took your kids to big events outdoors during the holiday season, they might be disappointed to find these things won’t be happening this year, as many have been canceled. To avoid them feeling too deflated about this, consider creating a winter wonderland at home. You could hang up more lights and decorations than you usually would, or even turn your garden into Santa’s Grotto. Not only will your kids get into the Christmas spirit, but you will, too!
5. Read Classic Festive Tales to Each Other
While there are always plenty of movies and TV shows that are festive favorites during the holidays, if you want to try and reconnect as a family and reduce screen-time at home, choose to read to each other instead. Find some classic festive tales like ‘A Christmas Carol’ or ‘The Snowman,’ snuggle down with some hot chocolate on the couch, and take turns to read to each other once a night or once a week. It will be a different kind of holiday season for a lot of people this year, but there are plenty of things you can do together at home to keep both kids and adults happy this Christmas.
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Meg is an author at Cinnamon Hollow. She writes on a variety of topics sharing tips and ideas for daily life.