With all the hustle and bustle of the holidays, it can be easy to forget a very important thing: enjoying them! And, when I am taking kids from one event to the next, I tend to overlook the fact that often it’s the simplest things they enjoy the most. Add cold, rainy weather to the mix, and my kids start craving a little creative play.
To keep them active in ways other than running around with me, I try to be sure to plan a little play time in our busy schedule. Here are a few ways we include active play during the holidays:
- Music. We don’t just sing Christmas carols around here. We dance to them. It’s great exercise and lots of fun!
- The Twelve Days of Christmas. Just singing this song requires a lot of energy, but the most fun way to do it is to act it out! It’s great fun at a party, too. Lords leaping, maids milking and geese laying equals lots of laughing!
- Speaking of acting….let your kids perform their favorite Christmas stories. Kids usually enjoy planning a performance as well as giving it. It will keep them busy (and active) for quite a while.
- Finally, when weather permits, send them outdoors to gather Christmas decor. Right now, our camellias are blooming, and the reddish pink flowers are perfect for the holidays. When we’re having guests, I send the kids out to pick flowers and gather magnolia leaves for arrangements.
How do you keep your kids active (and playful) during the holidays?
For more great play ideas, as well as inspiration for keeping your family active, visit Let’s Play!, a community partnership led by Dr Pepper Snapple Group to getting kids and families active nationwide. (To learn more, visit Let’s Play on their social media pages – Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.)
Disclosure: I am an Official Play Ambassador for Let’s Play and receive compensation as such.