Whether you are hosting a Christmas party, a Hanukkah get-together or you simply need ways to keep your kids busy while they are home from school during the holiday break, the following ideas will go a long way to preserving your sanity:
Games: Get into the holiday spirit by modifying traditional kids’ games, such as “Duck, Duck, Goose.” A holiday version could be “Reindeer, Reindeer Rudolph” or “Elf, Elf, Buddy” (Will Ferrell’s name in the movie “Elf”). Another option is to turn “Simon Says” into “Santa Says.” These types of interactive games are great ways for kids to burn off energy before they sit down to a holiday meal. Physical activities also help cure cabin fever if you are stuck indoors for long periods of time due to Old Man Winter.
Contests: If Mother Nature cooperates during your holiday shindig, consider taking the party outdoors for a little bit. You can host sled races, have snowman-building contests or let kids go wild having a massive snowball fight complete with fort building for added entertainment. When the troops start complaining about being wet and cold, head indoors for a holiday movie mini-marathon (think: “The Santa Clause” and “How the Grinch Stole Christmas”) complete with smores and hot chocolate.
Fun with Food: Gather the kids and head to the kitchen for fun with food. However, instead of making traditional Christmas cookies, look for goodies you can transform into decorations for your holiday tree. For example, you can string garlands from chocolate covered pretzels (alternate white and dark chocolate), cranberries and popcorn. Another option is to bake gingerbread men and hang them from the tree with ribbon. Candy canes and popcorn balls also make festive tree ornaments. Just be sure to have enough on hand so that your little helpers can munch on the ingredients while they design their edible projects.