9 Fun & Festive Ways to Get Your Kids in the Holiday Spirit
7 minute read
It’s the most wonderful time of the year! From sparkling twinkly lights and cheery holiday music…to beautifully wrapped presents and festive fireplaces… There’s something magical about the holiday season.
As your kids await the jingle, jingle of Chris Kringle…here are 9 perfect activities to get your baby, toddlers, and older kiddos in the holiday spirit!
Whether it’s making their first gingerbread house…Venturing out into the great outdoors after the first snow of the season…Or cozying up with a blanket and a good puzzle in front of the fire…
These fun activities are sure to keep your kiddos boredom at bay this holiday season!
Bake Holiday Cookies
The smell of sweet sugar filling the air… Colorful sprinkles scattered around the kitchen… The look of pure joy on your little one’s face as they bite into a warm gingerbread man…
There’s nothing better than whipping up a batch of homemade holiday cookies. Yum!
Whether it’s cut-out-reindeer and candy canes or a gingerbread house…kids of all ages will love participating in this fun holiday tradition. Your child will love mixing the ingredients, rolling out the dough, and watching with anticipation as the cookies bake in the warm oven.
And then comes the best part…decorating! Let your little ones shake on the sprinkles, spread colorful icing, and plop on their favorite candies.
Even 1 year olds can get involved! Bring out your toddler tower and let your little one help pour the flour, mix the batter, and roll the dough into balls.
Yes…it might get a little messy. But that’s all part of the fun!
Once your cookies are all baked — wrap a few up and deliver them to your neighbor, coworkers, or mailman to spread some holiday cheer. You can even host a cookie swap party to celebrate the sweet treats of the season (and discover some delicious new cookies!).
Read Fun Holiday Books
Photo of Christmas Train
A great way to get your kiddos into the holiday spirit is to read fun holiday books! Make bedtime extra special with some of your favorite holiday classics… Cozy up with a warm blanket in front of the fire and learn about the history of Hanukkah…
Reading books with your little ones is such a great way to help them learn about holiday traditions, discover how to share comfort and cheer with others, and experience a winter wonderland filled with special animal friends.
Here are some of our favorite holiday books to share with your children this holiday season:
- Christmas Train
- Lit for Little Hands: A Christmas Carol
- 12 Little Elves Visit California
- Snoozapalooza
You can even bring your kiddos favorite holiday stories to life with your Toniebox! Encounter mystical trolls and a hilarious snowman named Olaf with Tonies Disney Frozen. Or enjoy a Christmas classic — plus other timeless stories! — with the Tonies A Christmas Carol and Tales.
Make a Holiday Craft
The perfect holiday craft is such a great way to spend time indoors during the winter season. Your kids will love using their imagination to create their own holiday decorations and gifts for their siblings, teachers, parents, and other loved ones.
Turn simple popsicle sticks into curious snowmen…transform a mason jar into a custom snow globe…use simple materials around your house — felt, tissue paper or construction paper — to make your own menorah, custom holiday cards, or whimsical tree ornaments… The options are endless!
Even the simplest holiday crafts can become timeless keepsakes that you and your little ones will cherish for years to come.
Look at Holiday Lights in the Neighborhood
Driving around to look at holiday lights is a wonderful tradition many families enjoy during the holiday season.
Which decorated house in the neighborhood will be your little one’s favorite? The one with a giant Santa in his sleigh overflowing with presents…Or will the glowing angels and inflatable snowman catch their eye?
There’s only one way to find out!
Plan a fun drive around the neighborhood to take in the festive atmosphere! Make the outing extra special by playing holiday music, bundling up under blankets, and sipping on cups of hot cocoa or nibbling warm cookies.
Your kids will be mesmerized by the twinkling lights and magical holiday displays. They may be so relaxed by the end of the trip, they’ll be ready for bedtime by the time you’re home!
Dance to Holiday Music
Grab your dancing shoes and get ready for a rockin’ time around the Christmas tree! Whether it’s Christmas Eve and you’re excited to see what Santa brings…or you’re in the mood for an impromptu dance party… There’s nothing better than turning on your favorite holiday station and busting out your best dance moves!
Singing along to favorites like Jingle Bell Rock…Twirling to the classical music of A Charlie Brown Christmas… Jamming out to your favorite holiday playlist on Spotify…
Singing and dancing with your kiddos is such a fun holiday tradition — plus it’s great for their motor skills, memory, and is a wonderful form of self expression!
Make your dance party extra fun by twirling scarves, long ribbons, or putting on fun holiday costumes! You can even grab some music instruments to play along — think jingle bells, maracas, tambourines, rattles, kazoos…
Enjoy the Winter Weather
Just because the temperature is starting to drop…doesn’t mean that you can’t get out and enjoy the winter weather!
Bundle up your little one in a cozy hat, warm socks, and a snuggly coat and head outside for a winter stroll. The cool fresh air will be so refreshing — especially if you’ve been homebound for a few days! — and you kiddo will love exploring the winter world around them.
Older children will enjoy moving their bodies and working up a sweat! Give them a scooter or bike and they’ll be off having a blast even if it’s cold and gray.
Getting outside is also great to help calm a fussy baby! Whether you’re carrying them in a baby carrier or keeping them cozy under a heavy blanket on their stroller… A walk may be just the thing to help settle your little one.
And if you’re navigating freezing temperatures and snow… Consider transforming your stroller into a “snowmobile!”
We love how the Cybex Priam Skis attach to their Priam Stroller to help you navigate snowy conditions with ease. When paired with a winter footmuff — basically a little sleeping bag for your baby! — your little one will stay nice and warm while you’re out and about.
Decorate for the Holidays
Decorating your home for the holidays doesn’t have to be stressful…it can even be a fun activity that the whole family can enjoy!
Maybe you create a festive wreath with your kiddos to brighten up your front door… Or cut out custom snowflakes to transform your front window into a winter wonderland…
But even if you don’t have time to custom-make your holiday decorations… Hanging stockings on the mantle together, decorating your Christmas tree, and posting holiday cards on your refrigerator are easy ways to bring a little festive cheer into your home even during a busy season.
Remember to keep fragile items and ornaments up high and out of reach of curious toddlers! Put out a few holiday pillows and stuffed animals to keep your little ones entertained and in the holiday spirit.
Cozy up with a Puzzle
Photo of HABA My First ABC Clutching Puzzle
When you’re needing an indoor activity where your little ones can entertain themselves…Clear off your kitchen table or make space on the floor for some puzzle time fun!
Puzzles are an amazing activity to keep your little ones busy for minutes, hours…even days longer than you expected. Especially when it’s too cold to go outside and play.
Playing with puzzles is a great way to encourage independent play — giving you a much needed break to prepare dinner, start a load of laundry, or simply rest and read a book for a few minutes.
And puzzles are great for kids of all ages! Babies as young as 6 months old that can sit and grasp will love knob puzzles with fun, contrasting colors and shapes.
But puzzles are great for toddlers developing their fine motor skills, problem solving skills, and recognition of shapes and colors. Puzzles can also help children foster children’s attention spans!
Play with Winter Themed Toys
Photo of TenderLeaf Toys Polar Animals
Whether it’s 70 degrees and sunny where you live…or the first layer of snow has already fallen… Playing with winter themed toys is a great way to teach your children about this special time of year.
Pull out your stuffed Santa Claus, reindeers, snowmen, and elf hats! Chances are the toys that you kept from your childhood will be beloved by your little ones too!
If your child is an animal lover, they’ll enjoy learning about animals that come out to play in the snow — like the adventurous snow tiger, fluffy gray wolf, or adorable polar bear.
And these wooden polar animal figurines featuring an orca, narwhal, snow hare, arctic fox, and more, are perfect for pretend play in the North and South pole…whichever is your little one’s favorite!
Final Thoughts About Keeping Your Kids Busy This Holiday Season
When it’s cold outside and your little ones start getting a little antsy… Be sure to reference this list of simple activities that will delight and entertain your kiddos for hours!
With these fun holiday activities, your kids will enjoy the cold winter months and spring will be here before you know it!
And if you need more fun activities, interactive games, books and engaging educational toys to keep boredom at bay… Stop by the Babies in Bloom Boutique or shop online to pick out everything you need for a cozy, delightful holiday season with your little ones.
Boutique Website: https://babies-in-bloom.myshopify.com/
Boutique Address: 127 Main Street, Vista, CA 92084
Boutique Hours: Monday – Saturday: 9 am – 4 pm (We are closed on Sunday!)
