Help for the Holidays

With the holidays coming... do you feel overwhelmed and at a loss for what to do with your kids at home? You're not the only one. :) Whether you homeschool or send your children out of the home for school, the holidays can be overwhelming. You are tired and want to rest. Your children are bored and want attention. But that doesn't have to create conflict in your home. Here are some ideas for how to make your home a happy and meaninfully memory-making place during the holidays.

1. Find REST in enjoying your kids. Remind yourself of what you love about them (yes, there are things that may be difficult). If needed, write down a list of 5 things you love about each child. Find a way to steal a quick cuddle (or if they're older, a pat on the back or a quick look that says "I see you"). Remind them you love them and sit back and observe. Too often our lives are too busy to just sit and think and remember.
   

2. Purposefully Plan Activities. This takes a little effort, but if you do it, then the rest of your holidays can run more smoothly. Plan some fun activities you both enjoy together. Remember it's no accident you are their parent. Whether you enjoy going to a game reserve, spending time painting or crafting, watching movies, having a dance party, writing/acting out a story, going for a hike, playing a sport, building a blanket fort, creating puppets and putting on a puppet show, doing a big puzzle together, go on a scavenger hunt, etc. Choose a couple activities for each week that you can purposefully plan, put on your calendar, and do together.
   

3. Create holiday traditions. Maybe you grew up with fun family holiday traditions so it's easy to just keep them going, but if you didn't (or even if you did), create new ones with your family. Traditions bring shared memories and bring unity in families. Even something silly like always getting a toothbrush in your Christmas stocking can create family unity. What are your favourite traditions? What are some things you want your kids to pass on to their kids? What things do you want them to remember from your holidays together? Make a list, choose a couple and then figure out how to practically stick with it. Our family has the following traditions: decorate the house/tree for Christmas, make sweet manger scenes, watch some Christmas movies, make Christmas cookies, make a Christmas ornament each year for the tree, we read a Christmas advent, and yes... everyone gets a new toothbrush in their Christmas stocking.
   

4. Find fun resources that encourage learning and creativity. It's good when kids are bored, because then their creativitiy can kick in. But sometimes it helps to have some resources at hand that help encourage that creativity. Give them cardboard boxes with a bunch of recycled and crafting materials (maybe even give them a challenge of something to make: robot, car, jewelry box, etc.), put paint and paper out on the table, have a lego building day, go for a nature walk and collect flowers and leaves to dry and press and create with, give them wool and maybe teach them how to finger knit, and so much more!
   

5. Read together. Whether you read a book out loud, listen to an audiobook (or 2 or 3), or have a "reading time" and everyone reads their own book.... having a set time of the day for reading is an awesome way to create memories, boost their learning, and encourage a love for reading. Some of our favourite books we've read together: Chronicles of Narnia series, Wingfeather Saga series, Green Ember series, How to Train Your Dragon series, etc. Sometimes we'll put an audiobook on in the background while cooking, playing with legos, or drawing.
   

6. Bake/Cook together. Yes it is messy. Yes it requires planning and work. But teaching your child to cook a favourite meal, a family traditional dish, or baking Christmas treats together, are all great ways of making memories, teaching your child, and filling those long holiday hours with purpose. What are some of your favourite meals/treats? Share that with your child.
   

7. Sensational Sensory Play. Sensory play can be for all ages. Give them "free play" time with water, playdough, beans/rice, slime, kinetic sand, etc. Create your own fun sensory play materials or buy fun ones from a local small business. ;)
   

8. Spend time with friends. With no school, you can plan play-dates and time with friends and family you wouldn't normally be able to enjoy. Go to a park with friends, have them over, plan a game night or movie night, etc. Find friends that will be an encouragement and refreshment to both you and your children.
   

9. Plan a Game Night. Game nights are fun and you can oraganise it for all ages. Whether you're playing duck-duck-goose with a bunch of 2 year olds, or Settlers of Catan with teens, or Jenga with the whole family, or 30 seconds with your friends, games are a great way to make memories and enjoy time together. Choose some of your children's favourites and then play them together.
   

10. Family Movie Night. Plan a night when you watch a favourite movie together. You don't have to go to the theatre. Make some popcorn, choose some favourite sweets/treats, put some mattresses on the floor in front of the TV or Computer, and then enjoy watching it together. Maybe save a new movie to stream for a special movie night and create some fun anticipation.
    

I could list so many more activities and I'm sure you could too. We all love the holidays. But it can be stressful and hard if you don't have a plan. My encouragement in all of this is, even if you are not naturally a person who makes plans, do so and see how it will make family time together more smooth and meaningful, even with young children. As parents, it can be hard work, but the rewards of creating these special memories are worth every effort.

You can check out our resources for holiday fun on our website. Here is a FREE Scavenger Hunt download for you to enjoy.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!!