Holiday Activities During COVID
Our family is sticking to the theme of keeping the holidays small and intimate, so there’s a little pressure to get creative with the little ones of the family. I figured I would round up some activities and games to give you some ideas! I wanted to keep the listed activities things that children of all ages can enjoy, it might just take a little more adult help for some than others.
A classic that never gets old: Gingerbread houses. You might choose to buy the kit, or you can use graham crackers for a quick substitute; as long as you have some candy and icing.
Pine Cone Bird Feeder: If you live in an area that has pine cones laying around the neighborhood, you can put some peanut butter around it and then roll it in bird seeds; and it’s safer than feeding them stale bread.
Decorate the front door like a present
Homemade ornaments: There are a couple of techniques; You can get one of those clear bulbs from your local craft store and fill them with sparkly craft materials, or make salt dough ones! Here's a recipe: https://www.yummytoddlerfood.com/activities/the-best-salt-dough-ornaments/
If there is snow outside; encourage your little one to make a snowman or snowangels, the heavy work and deep pressure input can help with your childs sensory regulation!
This time of year is a great time to give back to the community and teach children about helping those in need. They can help choose some gently used toys or stuffed animals to donate to a shelter.
Send holiday hards to soldiers overseas
Advent Calendar: giving them something to look forward to days before christmas (typically started at the beginning of December but it doesn't hurt to start now).
Make paper snowflakes. Depending on the childs age, and their scissor skills, parents can help with folding/cutting, or they can participate in coloring them with crayons.
Have them help with baking cookies, or stamp the shapes if you’re doing rolled sugar cookies.
Letter to santa; working on handwriting and sentence structure.
Make Play Dough! Here’s a quick recipehttps://www.diynatural.com/homemade-playdough-recipe/
Youtube read aloud christmas books
Ice Skating with the family
Make a wreath, here are some ideas: https://www.countryliving.com/diy-crafts/how-to/g1056/diy-wreath-ideas/
Elf on the Shelf
Holiday Craft Ideas: https://www.personalcreations.com/blog/christmas-crafts-for-kids
Candy Cane Hunt
Holiday Charades or Pictionary with holiday movie titles, songs or themes
Holiday Bean Toss: https://www.positivelysplendid.com/ornament-bean-bag-toss-game/
I hope you have such a Happy Holiday season with your loved ones, whether its in person or over Zoom. Hope you enjoy this at home!
