The holidays are a special time, especially for children. As adults, it’s the simple memories that we hold most dear. I don’t remember many of the gifts I received over the years, but I do remember things like hot cocoa by the fire, making snow angels in the yard, decorating the tree with Grandma’s hand-sewn ornaments and laughing with glee at the crumbs on the plate that Santa left behind after his visit.
Here is a list of easy to do and inexpensive things you may wish to add to your family’s holiday traditions. Many of them are old favorites, but they are worth their weight in tinsel and holiday cookies!
Stringing popcorn and cranberries for decorations
Frosting cutout sugar cookies
Taking a winter wonderland hike in the woods during a snowfall
Going to the Christmas program at school
Watching Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer, The Peanuts Christmas Show, A Christmas Carol and The Grinch
Making special edible gifts and handmade cards for teachers
Reading holiday books together as a family
Caroling with neighbors
Having a holiday tea and cookie party for friends
Reading It was the Night Before Christmas on Christmas Eve
Walking through the neighborhood to look at the lights and decorations
Having a candlelit soup and cookies supper before opening presents on Christmas Eve
Ice skating on New Year’s Day
Following animal tracks in the woods while snowshoeing
Writing special thank you cards and drawing pictures to send to friends and relatives after the holidays
Kelly Dupre of Grand Marais is an artist, children’s author, and educator with over 20 years teaching experience with all age groups in a variety of settings. The activities in this once-a-month column are spin-offs and combinations of ideas she has used and learned from teachers, parents, kids, books, and workshops. Only some of the activities has she actually thought of herself!
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