1- Build a snowman- As soon as the first snow falls and it becomes sticky enough, it is so fun to get outside and build a snowman (even if it looks a bit more like a snowblob!)
2- Go sledding/ tobogganning- I live in the flat country, but having grown up in the hills my favourite winter and Christmas break memories are of sledding down the hill with my siblings. But, I live where there aren't many hills, so we improvise and I pull my two little ones around in their sled (which is actually a calf sled- best sled ever as it is super durable!) This is so much fun for my kids and is great exercise for me!
3- Build a gingerbread house- This is a bit messy with toddlers, and quite honestly half the candy gets ate before we are finished, but it is fun to build a special project with my little one that we only do at Christmas (we don't buy into a gingerbread house for every season!)
4- Watch Christmas Movies and Shows- Our favourite are The Grinch Who Stole Christmas (the original version- sorry not a big fan of the Jim Carey version although I do love the music on that one!), Thomas the Train Christmas DVD( my daughter loves this and we actually watch it throughout the year!).
5- Check out local Christmas Lights- I love driving around with my kids looking at everyone's lights and Christmas displays. This is made even better with Christmas music playing on the stereo!
6- Pick a charity and make a Christmas gift donation- I love being able to give to those less fortunate during the holiday season. It is important for me to teach my kids that there are others in the world who may not be as fortunate as them and it is important to share and help others. This year my charity of choice is our local women's shelter.
7- Go visit Santa- I love looking through pictures and seeing the classic Santa pics- be it the happy or screaming scared kid! Luckily my kids haven't been scared of the jolly old man just yet and we have ended up with some pretty cute (in my completely biased opinion) pictures.
8- Decorate the tree together- Growing up decorating the tree was always a family affair. Now that I have my own home I am trying to keep this tradition. Having a just about 3 year old and a 1 year old means that my tree has only non breakable ornaments and some sections are particularly heavy with ornaments but I love letting my little helpers be a part of the excitement. Ideally my tree would be up mid November but with two crazy climbers I am waiting until a bit later this year.
9- Donate toys and clothing that has been outgrown to a local charity store.- As much as I would like to say Christmas isn't a bit commercialized it is, and knowing that Christmas usually brings more toys and clothing to our house I like to try and benefit others by getting rid of my gently used clothing and toys that my kids have outgrown and have the added benefit of more space in my house. I choose to donate our things to a local charitable store that resells the goods and uses the money to help those in need. I like the feeling of cleaning out my house and helping others at the same time.
10- Christmas Baking- Nothing makes me more excited for Christmas than getting my freezer stocked full with Christmas baking to give away to friends and family (and to enjoy for myself!) My favourites to make are caramels, homemade turtles, and peanut butter cups (these are all a bit easier to make without the kids). With my kids I love making peanut butter chocolate chip cookies and decorating sugar cookies (although this one is a bit of a mess making activity!)
Hope you all have a wonderful Christmas season surrounded by friends and family!
No comments:
Post a Comment