Christmas is a magical time for kids. Santa, snow, treats, and presents! Don’t get too caught up in the MHS (Mom Holiday Stress) and remember to have a “Fun Old-fashioned Family Christmas.” Here are 25 things to do with your kids this December to embrace the holiday magic!
- Make Christmas cookies. I love to make Christmas trees. Decorate them with green frosting, and then let the kids go crazy with all the sprinkles, candies, etc. like they are trimming the tree!
- Visit Santa. Whether you go to a Breakfast with Santa or to the Stanford Mall, make sure to see Santa with your kids this season.
- Dance to Christmas tunes. Turn up the Christmas music and have a dance party! Everyone loves the classics and can sing along!
- Build a snowman. If you aren’t seeing snow this season, not to worry. Build a marshmallow (yummy!) or cotton ball snowman.
- Volunteer or shop for a child in need. Remember the real reasons for the season. Teaching your kids how to volunteer and give to those in need is a beautiful gift you can give them.
- Deliver treats to neighbors. Cookies, brownies, ornaments, you name it! Wrap up something special for your sweet neighbors. Let your kids enjoy the gift-giving.
- Check out some local Christmas lights. Go for an evening drive, and enjoy all the beautiful lights in your neighborhood.
- Go to a Holiday Show. Take your kids to see The Nutcracker or A Christmas Carol- make memories sharing these classic stories.
- Make a gingerbread house. We always save this one for when the Grandparents arrive! Buy these early, as Safeway sold out mid-December last year!
- Ice skate. Take a drive up to SF and ice skate at the Ferry Building or in Union Square. Magical!
- Wrap presents. My kids make a mess with the wrapping paper and ribbons, but who cares. Let them take part in the activity for a few presents.
- Watch a holiday movie. Curl up and watch a new holiday movie or one you loved when you were a kid.
- Write and send a letter to Santa. Here is an adorable template for a letter!
- Go to your local ceramic paint shop. Paint something just for fun, for the grandparents, or for your nanny. These crafts make the perfect gifts from your kids, and they are so proud of their work!
- Attend a local Tree Lighting. They have these all over the Peninsula, and they are usually fun nights with Christmas songs, treats and even Santa appearances.
- Read Christmas stories. Stay tuned for our favorite Christmas books list.
- Make an advent wreath. Use real candles or toilet paper rolls with construction paper candles. This is great hands on way to explain the Christmas season.
- Make holiday scented candles. There are tons of recipes online. It’s super easy and fun for the kids to assist. (Make mini candles and deliver these to your neighbors or teachers!)
- Decorate the tree. Share stories of previous Christmases with each special ornament.
- Drink hot chocolate. Starbucks makes a kid’s hot chocolate. It is perfect for a special mommy and me date!
- Make an ornament. These are wonderful keepsakes that you can then cherish each year as you trim your tree.
- Make Christmas crafts. Spend an afternoon making crafts: a Santa with a cotton ball beard, Rudolf with a popsicle antlers, hand prints crafts and more. Pinterest, my friends… you can create anything!
- Make luminaries. We did this on Christmas Eve when I was a kid- paper bags, sand, and candles. Super easy, and very beautiful! I used to believe the lights would lead Santa to our house!
- Put up Christmas lights. Let your kids help you decorate outside even if they are just running around the yard. They love to feel included and see the big reveal!
- Wear Christmas Pjs. Whether you all match, like we do on Christmas Eve, or if you just pick out a cute new pair at Target for your child. Kids feel extra special in holiday jammies.
