For many people, the holidays truly are the most wonderful time of the year, especially if you have little ones at home. There’s something magical about witnessing the wonder and excitement in children this time of year. From trimming the tree and baking cookies, to visiting Santa and watching their faces light up on Christmas morning, children add an undeniable element of joy to the holiday season.
In spite of the holiday hustle and bustle that often ensues, here are a few low-key, but fun, family activities you can enjoy. They’re guaranteed to create some lasting memories with your child.
- There are so many wonderful holiday crafts that you and your children can enjoy making together. We love this personalized ornament! Wouldn’t it make a lovely addition to your tree, or the perfect gift for Grandma and Grandpa? This one is great, too!
- As most parents know, sticking to a holiday budget can be tricky. But with a little creativity, there are plenty of simple things you can do to save time and money this time of year. One of our favorite ideas? Homemade wrapping paper!
- So you found out the hard way that making a gingerbread house with your toddler is not as easy as it seems. Keep life simple with these candy cookie trees. They’re not only delicious, but they’re also easy for little hands to decorate.
- Columbus has so much to offer when it comes to holiday events the whole family can enjoy. Nearly every community around the city hosts celebrations complete with light shows, hot chocolate and visits from Santa. This year Franklin Park Conservatory is offering several wonderful events that include everything from exploring winter holidays around the world to breakfast with Santa. (And speaking of Santa, here’s his phone number!) “Zoo Lights” at the Columbus Zoo is another fantastic family event. Your kids will love strolling through the zoo (at night) to see their favorite animals amidst thousands of colorful lights.
- For many families, the holidays are rich with tradition. Once children come along, it’s not only important to pass down special family traditions, but you should be creating new ones as well. You may decide to buy new jammies for Christmas morning, or check out holiday books for bedtime reading. You might even sing Christmas carols at a nearby senior center. Whatever tradition you decide to celebrate with your children, you can be sure they will look forward to it year after year. We personally love this sweet idea.
Take a little time this year to truly enjoy the holidays with your little ones. Try to see the season through their eyes—full of wonder and abounding joy!
Sprout Early Education Center 