This time of year can be expensive and chaotic, so we don’t need loads of costly and complicated things to do with the kids on top, do we? We want to make it magical for them, we want to keep them busy (my daughter used to get so over excited when she was younger, I had to distract her!) and we want to keep it as easy as possible. Which is why today I’m talking about easy activities for kids this Christmas.
My kids are 15 and 12 now, so I’m sharing with you some suggestions of things we’ve done over the years and activities that they still enjoy doing now. I hope it gives you a few ideas.
Writing Santa Letters
My children did this every year, from as soon as they could write, and it was a favourite tradition. It also ensured they wrote down and chose their gift from Santa nice and early in the season!
It was always an event, and they then went to the post-box with me to post it.
Here in the UK, the address you need is:
Santa/Father Christmas
Santa’s Grotto
Reindeerland
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There’s some free printable paper on the blog, perfect for Dear Santa letters.
Christmas Films
You cannot go wrong with this one.
It’s probably the easiest of all Christmas activities, isn’t it? But it’s also one of our favourites.
We usually kick off with National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation, we end with Home Alone on Christmas Eve and in between we always have to watch Elf, Muppet Christmas, The Grinch, Fred Claus, The Santa Clause, The Christmas Chronicles and so many more!
Wreath/Table Decoration Making
This one can be as simple as you’d like to make it, and with younger children, I’d recommend simple!
There are plenty of workshops around at this time of year, maybe at National Trusts or schools, or you could have a go at home.
We did this when the kids were very small, and made a lovely table centrepiece. We just had a basket, an oasis block and a handful of holly and greenery, and they absolutely loved doing it.
Build a Gingerbread House
A classic.
The talented amongst you might do this one all from scratch, but I usually get us a kit in the run up to Christmas and then the kids have fun putting it together and decorating it. Then eating it, of course!
Putting Decorations Up
Surely this one’s on everyone’s list? But does everyone get the kids involved? I have friends that don’t!
The kids have always loved doing this with us, and as they get older, they do more and more of the work.
Even if you like things to look a certain way. they can help popping things into place in the house, or if need be, re-decorate the tree when they’ve gone to bed!
Christmas Crafts
This one can be anything, but if it’s Christmas-themed, the kids will love it.
You could print off festive colouring pages, make paper chains, cut out ‘snowflakes’ or make a handprint Christmas tree.
We still have the handprint tree they made when they were small, it’s a cute memento.
Playing Games
You might have Christmassy games to play, but even if you’re just going for Cluedo and Yahtzee, this one can still be Christmas’ed up.
Get some festive music playing, line up Christmas snacks, and then any game is a Christmas game.
Meeting Santa
This one can be costly, or it can be free, and there are plenty of options in between.
Whilst this one’s no longer on our list, we’ve had so many Santa meets over the years and it was always a must-do. I miss it!
A Festive Walk
Yes, I know, it’s a walk! I love to walk, though the kids aren’t always as enthused. But, offer them a festive walk and they’re more invested.
A festive walk will involve hot chocolates, and ideally lights and trails.
We make the most of our National Trust membership at this time of year, as many of them have light trails, fairs, Santa meets and beautifully decorated houses, so are great places for a festive walk.
I hope this has given you a few ideas, or reminded you of things you’ve done before and enjoyed. It’s reminded me of a few things, so I have more ideas for the month now.
What easy activities do you love doing with your children?