The holiday season comes with glitter, wrapping paper, and endless to-do lists. As for parents of younger children, the pressure to make every moment a little magical is an added task. We want our kids to remember the warmth and the joy, not just the mountain of toys that usually ends up forgotten by mid-January.
If you feel like you're caught in some sort of cycle of buying plastic gadgets that lose their charm in five minutes, it may be time to shift toward creativity. Younger children, like toddlers, elementary-aged kids really thrive on sensory experiences and simple, shared moments. They don't need high-tech spectacles; they need a cardboard box, some finger paint, and your undivided attention. So, here are a few creative ideas to get you started.
There is something special about a kitchen covered in flour. Baking is one of the classic holiday staples, and for young children, the process is far more important than the product. Rather than attempting to make beautiful gingerbread houses, let them be in the lead.
Allow the kids to have a decoration station where they can decorate the cookies with different shapes and icing. This will also help them develop fine motor skills and let their imagination run wild. As you are busy preparing the kitchen and possibly scouting around online for gift ideas for teens to take care of the older siblings on your gift list, your little ones are kept busy creating their own masterpieces. This could also be a moment when you see sibling harmony as the older kids help out the younger ones.
According to child development experts at Zero to Three, play-based activities like this are essential for cognitive growth. So, don't worry about the spilled sprinkles on the floor.
Depending on where you live, the weather might be too frightful for long outdoor play sessions. You can, however, bring the essence of winter indoors with a DIY indoor snow sensory bin.
You can also create a safe and non-toxic substitute for actual snow using just hair conditioner and soda. The texture is cold, moldable, and smells great. Add some small plastic animals and frozen treasures inside the bin for the kids to discover. This type of play is very soothing for young children who may be overwhelmed by the decorations, the music, and the flashing lights of the season.
Most kids are familiar with the traditional Advent calendar, where they receive a treat, a little chocolate or toy, every day. It's a wonderful tradition, but a reverse advent calendar can impart a beautiful philanthropic lesson to the kids.
Find a box that can be filled and, each day as the holiday approaches, pick an item from your home to donate, such as food, toys, and new socks. At the end of the month, go to the food bank/shelter and deliver your box full of kindness. For a four-year-old, seeing the box fill up every day gives him an opportunity to visualize how little acts of kindness can make a big difference.
Who says that you need to go to a camp to go camping? One of the most cost-effective holidays that can give maximum returns is the living room fort. Creating a winter wonderland-like ambiance is easy if you use blankets, clothespins, and fairy lights.
Use the evening to read stories about the holiday, flashlight in hand, with cups of hot cocoa to make the experience even more memorable. Sleeping in a tent made out of bed sheets creates a sense of adventure and excitement for young children, but also allows you to take a break from the hectic pace of the month and be with the people you love.
Instead of purchasing a box of matching items, you might spend an afternoon creating Time Capsule ornaments. You could use a clear plastic ornament and fill it with items that represent your child's year, such as a drawing, a lock of hair, or a piece of paper that includes a list of their favorites.
Another popular concept is the salt-dough handprint. It is a simple recipe of flour, salt, and water, which allows for a permanent keepsake of the small size of the child's hands. This is the decoration that you actually look forward to digging out of the attic year after year.
At the end of the day, your kids aren't going to remember how much you spent on their presents or if the house was perfectly decorated. They will remember the way the house smelled of cinnamon, the silly songs you sang in the car, and the fact that you sat on the floor and played with them.
The holiday season is a marathon, not a sprint. By focusing on these creative, low-pressure activities, you will not only lower your own blood pressure but also create something memorable for your tiny ones.
What's your favorite easy holiday tradition? Let us know.
