December is a month full of joy but it can be stressful. Often it can be so busy that you can forget to enjoy the holidays. This year give yourself a break to relax and enjoy the holidays with your family. Here are a few ideas to help you connect as a family during this busy season.
Enjoy the Holiday Lights:
I love driving around and discovering all the light displays in our neighborhood. Make it special for you and your family. Put on your pajamas and bring a blanket. Let your kids pack their favorite stuffed animal. Pack snacks of mini-marshmallows and apple slices or hot chocolate and coffee. Drive around and discover new things. We usually google maps a route but their are days we get in the car and explore without a destination. Play holiday music and enjoy each other.
Cookie Decorating Bake-Off:
Make cut out cookies before or as a family. When they are cooled give everyone lots of sprinkles and frosting. Be creative. Step out of your comfort zone. This doesn’t have to be gifts you give to the neighbors. It is a fun time to be silly and see who can create something special. At the end present each kid with an award: Silliest, Most Colorful, etc. Here are some great cookie recipes to try.
Donate or Volunteer:
Depending on the age of your children the holidays can be a great time to volunteer at a soup kitchen. My kids are a little to young but we always donate toys this time of year. Our community center has a tree that you pick an ornament and purchase a gift for a child. My children are able to think about what that specific child would like and it really connects them to why we are doing this.
Make a Meal or Holiday Gift for a Neighbor:
This is a great way to give a gift without spending a lot of money. If your child likes to cook let them make a meal or a treat. Maybe coupons to help with yard work in the spring. If you have an artist let them create drawings to share. The ideas are endless for how your child can give this season. Easy crafts are always great to share.
Puzzle Night:
The nights are shorter and we find ourselves in the house a lot more. I love doing puzzle nights. This is a great way for kids of all ages to work together. We search the house for puzzle and work together to complete them. I love that it creates a team effort. We end up enjoying our time together and have some great conversations.
Do you have ways you connect as a family during December?
Great, lovely family 🙂