Family Skate Date
During the holiday season, many towns open an outdoor ice rink. Or perhaps you live near a ski hill. Pick a date and mark the calendar to get the kids outdoors for some exercise and inexpensive family fun. Before you go, bundle the family up in layers. Skates often can be rented on location for a minimal charge. Pack wholesome snacks and a canister of hot chocolate to keep your crew energized.
Light Night Walk
Lights are a common feature of almost every religious group’s holiday traditions, so it’s no wonder so many houses are aglow during the holiday season. Why not make a family event of viewing the decorations? Pick a time, such as the last weekend before your holiday, for a new family ritual: the light-night walk. Children will be enchanted by the magical atmosphere of being out after dark. Walk your block or your whole town — whatever your little ones can handle. The point is to enjoy some time together.
Feed the Birds
Children love wildlife. How about giving the birds a holiday treat, while creating a family-time activity? Strings of whole, unsalted peanuts on raffia or sliced fruit tied to ornament hangers make excellent outdoor decorations. For an afternoon project, gather net onion or lemon bags, raffia and sunflower seeds. Cut net bags into generous squares for small hands to work with. Fill with a few teaspoons of sunflower seeds. Fold up and tie the bundles of seeds with raffia. Select a tree within view of your house and use wire ornament hangers to attach. For extra fun, get a bird book from the library. See how many kinds of birds your kids can identify.
Give Together
The holidays are a great time to teach children about the joy of helping others. From donating change to the Salvation Army to volunteering at your local food bank, let your kids join in and take part. Many communities, churches or malls feature “Giving-Tree” events. Make an afternoon of it, and let your children select an “ornament” wish to fulfill. Then, together, find the desired item or an appropriate gift for the age-range indicated. Encourage your kids to open their own piggy banks to contribute.
Holiday Movie Party
When the weather turns cold, a cozy living room can become your family’s haven. One afternoon, forget the shopping and have every member gather their favourite comforter or blanket. Pop the popcorn and snuggle in for some holiday movies. For some family-friendly favourites beyond "It’s a Wonderful Life," try:
- "A Christmas Story"
- "Miracle on 34th Street"
- "Elf"
- "Christmas Vacation"
