Kristin Otero, OTR/L, MSOT Kristin Otero, OTR/L, MSOT

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!


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