10 Tips for Entertaining Children During The Holidays

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Even though the holiday season is a special time for families, there are moments when you need to get the kids out from under your feet and keep them entertained for a while. When your children are off of school and home for the holidays, boredom often creeps in quickly, leaving you to be the entertainment committee when you need to devote time to holiday preparations. Instead of everyone going nuts, you can utilize one or more of these tips to keeps your kids busy and occupied so you can finish wrapping presents, cooking your special Christmas dishes, or just enjoy a glass of wine in peace and quiet.

1. Cooking

Kids enjoy taking on the grown-up task of cooking or baking. Even if they're not old enough to use the stove top or oven, children will enjoy kitchen activities such as rolling out cookie dough and cutting out shapes. In addition to helping to prepare cookie dough, kids also enjoy making pretend cookies with playdough. Give them holiday-themed cookie cutters and a glob of playdough, and let them begin to create.

2. Create A Holiday Chain Story

When you have kids of varying ages it can be tricky to find one activity that everyone can enjoy. But older kids can help younger kids as they all work together to create a holiday chain story. One child starts with the opening sentence of the story, then each child contributes a sentence to build upon it. The oldest child can do the writing and everyone will enjoy reading and hearing the story.

3. Holiday Dance Party

Let your kids invite the neighbor kids over for a fun, holiday dance party. Have them gather their favorite CDs, set out a few snacks and allow them to have fun dancing with their friends. The bonus is that an afternoon of dancing will tire them out, so you might get some quiet time in the evening, too.

4. Scavenger Hunt

Searching for clues puts kids in to the center of their own mystery and what's not fun about that? Hide clues around the house that lead your kids to find a puzzle or craft that will keep them busy for a while, after they finish their scavenger hunt.

5. Send Them Outdoors

Unless the weather outside is frightful, there's no reason why the kids can't go outdoors for a while. A good run outside with friends or while playing sports gets rid of boredom and gets the kids away from video games and the television. Bundle them up, get out the bicycles or other favorite sports equipment and let the fresh air do the rest.

6. Pretend Snow

Gray, dreary weather isn't much fun for anyone, including kids. Being stuck in the house due to bad weather can lead to boredom and getting on each other's nerves. Many craft stores sell fake snow or you can use cotton balls instead. Fill up a big tub and let your kids enjoy the "snow".

7. A Christmas Village

A great imagination, some blocks, paper towel tubes and cardboard boxes are all your children need to create their own Christmas village beneath the Christmas tree. Your kids will be busy for hours, creating their village, and then playing with it.

8. Library Adventure

Cold, winter days are often perfect for snuggling up with a good book. Take a trip to the local library so your kids can stock up on some favorite books for free. Give each child their own library tote bag so carrying the books home becomes almost as special as selecting them.

9. Game Day

Instead of video games, break out the old board games and get your kids involved in an afternoon of game-playing fun. A variety of board games for kids of all ages allows your kids to play together or with friends.

10. Put On A Play

Tap into their creative nature by asking your kids to put on a holiday play. Give them time to create a story and set up some makeshift props. If you really want to get the kids excited, let them use adult-sized clothing for their costumes. Record the play, if possible, so they can enjoy watching it afterwards. Working hard for a printer cartridge supplier in Manchester, James has specified his knowledge in the HP toner area.