The holiday season is a great time for families to bond, have fun, and try new activities together. Here are some easy and enjoyable holiday ideas that also support learning and development:
1.Holiday Scavenger Hunt
Create a simple scavenger hunt around the house or yard. Add sensory clues like finding soft textures or colorful items to encourage sensory play and motor skills. Can also alternate with fine or gross motor skills activities to make it an active scavenger hunt.
2.DIY Decorations & Wrapping Paper
Create decorations or custom wrapping paper with paper, glue, glitter, crayons, or stickers. It’s a fun way to boost creativity, fine motor skills, and family bonding.
3.Baking Together
Bake simple holiday treats like cookies or gingerbread houses – plenty of pre-made packs out there too! Involve everyone in measuring, mixing, and decorating to work on fine motor skills and communication.
4.Nature Walks or Park Outings
Head outdoors for a walk or a trip to the park. It’s a great way to get some physical activity and enjoy nature together.
5.Holiday Movie Marathon
Pick a few holiday classics and have a cozy movie day. Create a calm, relaxed environment to help children unwind and enjoy family time.
6.Acts of Kindness Advent Calendar
Create an Advent Calendar and include activities like “Donate a toy,” “Bake cookies for a neighbor,” or “Write a thank-you note.” Discuss how each act helps others and the joy of giving.
7.Dance Party
Put on some holiday music and have a family dance-off or sing carols together and use bells and homemade shakers as instruments. This is fun for gross motor skills, coordination, and energy release.
8.Storytelling or Skits
Create a holiday-themed story, skit or puppet show. This encourages creativity, speech, and social interaction.
9.Building with Blocks or LEGO
Work together to build holiday structures. This helps with problem-solving, fine motor skills, and teamwork.
10.Water Play
If it’s warm, set up a water play area. Water play is relaxing and great for sensory processing.
11.Sensory Bins
Create a holiday-themed sensory bin with rice, cinnamon sticks, or fake snow. This is a fun way to engage the senses.
12.Family Yoga or Stretching
Do simple stretches or yoga poses together, inspired by holiday themes. This helps with relaxation, balance, and flexibility.
These activities are simple, fun, and help develop important skills like coordination, creativity, and social interaction.
Enjoy the holidays and make the most of your family time!
Other potential ideas:
- Build a Christmas Village
Developmental Skills: Construction, planning, and teamwork.
Ideas:
Use blocks, cardboard, or recycled materials to create a mini holiday town.
Decorate it with cotton for snow, string lights, or figurines.
- Write a Letter to Santa
Helps with: Writing, creativity, and emotional expression.
Ideas:
Help kids dictate or write their wishes and goals.
Include questions for Santa to encourage curiosity and engagement.
- Acts of Kindness Advent Calendar
Create an Advent Calendar and include activities like “Donate a toy,” “Bake cookies for a neighbor,” or “Write a thank-you note.” Discuss how each act helps others and the joy of giving.
Helps with: Emotional intelligence, empathy, and social awareness.
Ideas:
Include activities like “Donate a toy,” “Bake cookies for a neighbour,” or “Write a thank-you note.” Discuss how each act helps others and the joy of giving.
