While the holidays are an exciting and magical time, sometimes we feel pressure that in order to make fun and lasting memories we need to go out and do things with our children. But in fact, some of the most meaningful memories are made at home. Here are some easy and heartwarming ways to enjoy your days off at home with your children.
1. Create a Festive Atmosphere
Social media is buzzing with influencers clamoring to sell you their best Amazon decor pieces, but decorations your kids remember and enjoy the most are the ones you pull out year after year. “Oh here is the Santa pitcher! And the old Santa mugs!” Ornaments hold memories and are best enjoyed for years. One of the best ways to make holiday magic for your kids is to hold onto special things for years to come.
Twinkle lights that start before the day gets dark, Christmas scents from candles or diffusers (this is a favorite holiday essential oil blend), and a playlist with gentle holiday music can make the atmosphere festive and magical.
2. Bake a Simple Treat Together
The holidays are the time for baked treats, and children love to help. Here are 50+ Christmas treats ideas to make with your kids, and some tips on baking with children so the time is enjoyable for all:
- Select a few simple recipes your child to choose from. Preselecting helps you avoid getting stuck making chocolate filled croissants from scratch, but also gives your child the fun of choosing what to make.
- Read the recipe from start to finish before you begin.
- Reinforce safety rules, such as washing hands before beginning, and asking permission before using the oven or stove.
- Embrace the mess. The memories and learned skills for your child are worth it!
- Choose larger bowls. This can prevent spills when younger children are stirring.
- Assign specific tasks. Measuring dry goods and letting a child pour them into the bowl is a way to help a young child feel involved but doesn’t compromise on the result.
- Have your child participate in cleanup, either as you go or at the end.
3. Read Holiday and Winter-Themed Books
Ezra Jack Keat’s The Snowy Day, Jan Brett’s The Mitten, and Susan Jeffer’s illustrations for Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening are all beautifully illustrated and delightful wintery children’s books. Start a collection of wintery and holiday books you pull out year after year and keep these books easily accessible in a basket for the season.
4. Start a Holiday Home Tradition
Traditions don’t have to be big. A few ideas:
- Hot chocolate Fridays
- A holiday movie marathon — or simply, re-watching classics like the 1966 How The Grinch Stole Christmas!
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A family pajama day
These small rituals become treasured memories year after year.
5. Have a “Travel the World” Night From Home
Talk about how families around the world celebrate winter holidays. You can listen to music from different cultures, learn simple greetings, or try a special snack. It’s a fun, engaging way to build curiosity and cultural awareness.
Remember that the holidays do not have to be hectic. Some of the best moments happen in the quiet–watching the snow fall, having a slow Saturday morning in pjs, snuggling under the blanket looking at a book. Kids remember the feeling of warmth and connection more than anything else.
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