The holidays are such a magical time—twinkling lights, cozy moments, and family traditions in full swing. But let’s be honest, as much as we cherish the idea of endless togetherness, reality often comes with a side of “Mom, I’m bored!” or “What can we do now?” The kids are often buzzing with energy while we’re juggling the festivities and our work. Sound familiar?
To save you from that Christmas break creativity slump, I’ve pulled together a cheerful lineup of activities that will spark joy, keep the little ones busy, and (dare I say it?) maybe even buy you a peaceful moment or two. These ideas are all about creating fun, meaningful moments for kids of all ages, whether you’re crafting together, baking delicious treats, or setting them up with independent play that fosters creativity.
So grab your holiday playlist, pour a mug of something warm, and let’s dive in!
For Toddlers (Ages 1-4)
1. Handprint Reindeer Cards
Grab some paper, paint, and markers to create adorable holiday cards using your toddler’s handprints. Their little hands become reindeer bodies, and they can add stickers or draw decorations with your help. Perfect for sending to grandparents!
2. Jingle Bell Scavenger Hunt
Hide jingle bells (or other small holiday trinkets) around the house for your toddler to find. Give them a small basket to collect their treasures, and let them jingle all the way.
3. Mini Cookie Decorating
Bake tiny sugar cookies (or buy plain ones), and set up a toddler-friendly decorating station with sprinkles, frosting, and edible glitter. Be prepared for a little mess—it’s half the fun!
4. Sensory Snow Play
Create “snow” by mixing baking soda and water (or use store-bought instant snow). Let your toddler scoop, mold, and play in their very own snow-filled sensory bin—no mittens required!
For Middle Kids (Ages 5-9)
1. Holiday-Themed Bingo
Print out holiday Bingo cards (think Santa, snowflakes, candy canes) and play as a family. Winner gets to pick the next holiday movie or enjoy a small treat!
2. Build a Gingerbread Village
Skip the kits—use graham crackers, frosting, and candy to let your kids design their own unique gingerbread houses. Add marshmallow snowmen for extra flair!
3. DIY Christmas Crackers
Show them how to make festive party crackers using toilet paper rolls, tissue paper, and small surprises like stickers or jokes. They’ll love pulling them apart with siblings or friends!
4. Snowball Toss Game
Use white socks rolled into “snowballs” and set up a fun tossing game. Aim for baskets, buckets, or even a snowman cutout with a target hole. Indoors or out, it’s a hit!
For Tweens and Teens (Ages 10 and Up)
1. Holiday Movie & Snack Bar
Let your teen take charge of setting up a cozy movie night. They can create a snack bar with popcorn, hot chocolate, and DIY candy mix-ins, then curate a festive movie playlist for the family.
2. Christmas Candle Making
With a little guidance, teens can craft their own candles using holiday-scented wax (think cinnamon or peppermint) and cute containers. Perfect for gifts or their own room!
3. Ornament Design Challenge
Set up an ornament-making station with supplies like clear baubles, paint pens, glitter, and ribbon. Challenge your teen to create unique designs—bonus points for the most creative!
4. Holiday Chore Swap
Add a fun twist to chores by creating a “chore swap jar.” Write down holiday-related tasks (e.g., wrapping gifts, setting the table), and let your teen draw one at random to do for the day.
With these activities, the kids will be entertained, the house will be filled with creativity and laughter, and you might even find a few moments to sip your cocoa in peace. Happy holidays from my family to yours!
