Family Christmas Activities For 2009
Kids' Christmas Crafts, Games, Songs and Activities
Nov 14, 2009
The key to making the Christmas season flow smoothly is to plan family fun now; try to huddle in November to avoid a chaotic December. A family meeting helps get things underway.
To set the mood, try a round table approach and ask each family member to jot down two or three words or adjectives that describe the meaning of the season for them (if there are young ones, have them say what they mean). Hopefully, words like peace, love, joy and giving will fill the air, but keep a sense of humor too for the jokesters in the family. The real words one family bandied about to describe the season included togetherness, family and friends, cozy, loving, sharing, beautiful and bright.
Bring a calendar to the family meeting, along with a list of activities, crafts, games and events the family has done over the years. Discuss family responsibilities for the next six weeks, and then move quickly to the fun.
Ask questions about the list. Does the family want to participate in a certain event again this year? If so, do they want to do anything differently? If so, what date looks good? Who'll be in charge? If no one, or only one of the family wants to participate, cross off the event for this year.
Christmas Kitchen Activities
Bake and decorate cookies. Decide what kind to make; if friends will be invited to help and who gets to eat them (perfect time to suggest donating some to a local food bank).
Host a progressive Christmas party with other families: Have appetizers at one home, chili or soup at another and dessert at a third. More than three families can participate to divvy up the food responsibilities. Try a White Elephant theme, people will appreciate it this year. Have each person wrap a gift that they have around the house, no fair buying anything. Remember, one person's trash is another one's treasure.
Christmas Crafts for the Family
Make Christmas cards. Let the kids make them on the computer, or print postage stamps that bear the family likeness (or the family dog's likeness).
Fashion tree ornaments with wrapping paper, pine cones, berries and other found items.
Christmas Songs
Go Christmas caroling. This can be a fun evening activity for a friend and family gathering. Try to get at least 8 to 10 people to participate. Print the words to a few songs and pass out the song sheets before leaving the house. Call a few neighbors ahead to let them know the family will show up on their doorstep for a few minutes. Serve hot chocolate and cookies upon return.
Attend a church service or cultural event. Check out the listings at the local high school or college that might include a play, instrumental concert or artwork. Call a local hotel and ask if the hotel has decorated for the holidays; go see their displays. Plan a family meal afterwards.
Christmas Shopping
Shop at the swap meet: A fun, inexpensive way to get the brood out of the house for a few hours and get some exercise.
Go to the farmer's market or grocery store and have the kids pick out one item they've never tasted before. At home, prepare the food together.
Participate in local events such as the Christmas tree lighting in town; a parade; a special choral presentation. Often, there are items offered for sale; let the kids pick out a special Christmas memento from the event.
Outdoor Activities
Jump in the car for a family day trip or an evening out to see the lights. Go sledding or go to the beach, it's another excuse to get outside and burn off energy. In the evening, drive around local neighborhoods to look at Christmas lights and the decorated houses.
Volunteering is a meaningful activity to take part in. Go for "hands on" work or buy toys and clothes for a needy family.
The key to making long-lasting Christmas memories is planning ahead, with the entire family involved. Make a list of unique family activities and events. Encourage each family member to participate and embrace the meaning of the season.
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