We are nearing the end of the year and the Christmas holiday is just around the corner. There are a lot of activities that go on during this particular holiday season that it can often be overwhelming. However, one that that is always in the mind of every parent, no matter how busy their schedule is, is generating happy memories for their children. For children, on the other hand, it is all about the simple gifts and spending time with their loved ones that means most to them.
On that note, below is a roundup of some of the things you could do this holiday to make it memorable for your kids:
Gifts
Kids look forward to gifts during Christmas. It should not be the highlight of the season but it sure feels good to give presents as well as receive them.
Parents should realize that children are not so keen on material things. Taking the time to go out and play with them in the snow, watching their favorite cartoons with them and preparing their favorite food recipes are some of the things they will cherish. These are the things they will cherish even when they are older.
Additionally, you could make it interesting by involving your younger kids in picking the presents; they could help mum pick an awesome present for dad or vice versa. Better yet, instead of buying presents, they could make some.
Encourage your kids to volunteer for charity. It is the best way for them to do good for society.
Start a new tradition
Most families will have a tradition for holiday festivities. It could be high time to start a new family tradition with your kids. To make it more exciting, let them pick out an activity they would want to do every Christmas. It could be something as simple as visiting grandma’s, watching the town’s Christmas tree lighting, or making a snowman.
Allow them to help out
Holiday festivities come with their fair share of tasks to be done. Parents often take over and assume all responsibilities but it’s important to let our kids help out here and there.
This goes for children of all ages. Some simple activities they can do include putting up decorations, wrapping up presents, and decorating cookies among other tasks. If they are too young, to handle major tasks, they could hold down the tape as you wrap presents as well as hand daddy the small decorations to put on the tree.
Remember they are kids
Whatever you choose to engage in this holiday, keep your kids in mind.
It would be absurd to host a formal Christmas party at your home and expect your two-year-old to be on his best behavior. Pick activities that are fun and involve them. If you must go for activities that are demanding, try to keep them to a minimum. Children have a short concentration span and tagging them along may get them frustrated.
In between the dinner parties, schedule some down time for them or allow them to go upstairs and watch their favorite Christmas movie.
Michael Coovert says
This is such a great piece and is so true. I know I certainly remember what my parents did with me to create memories when I was a kid, not what they gave me. Memories last a lifetime; toys don’t.
John Smith says
I always valued hand-made Christmas cards that my grandmother made for me by copying cartoon characters that I loved! They were just on typewriter paper she folded a couple times, but they were very special!