You remember the excited energy of Christmastime that you experienced as a child, right? Maybe you still even feel it – the buzz of activity, the anticipation of Santa, the burst of sheer joy enjoying the time with family and friends. It’s no wonder little ones can hardly contain their energy! And we all know what happens when children overflow with energy, don’t we? It’s a breeding ground for outbursts and poor behavior choices, which can definitely put a damper on your attempts at celebrating. (Or is that just at our house? *wink, wink*)
I find that the act of creating – whether it be crafts, cooking, music, art – can be a great calming effect on kids as well as adults.
Whether you have a young toddler or older kiddo at home, between the excitement and time off from school, try out one of these ideas for celebrating the holiday season with creativity. Even if it doesn’t temper the high energy levels, it will create fun memories and give your child a positive outlet for that energy.
– A festive art project. This one’s super simple and fun. Just cut out strips of construction paper in several colors and various sizes, a star and a “stump” and have your child use a glue stick to make a Christmas tree. As you can see, ours didn’t come out perfectly (not even close), but our 3-year-old was so engaged by picking out the colored strips and independently using the glue stick to create his picture, it doesn’t matter.
We talked about “horizontal” lines, and he actually seemed to catch on to that part of the project. I figure we’ll try again next year and see how he does. You can also use this as a bit of a math project for older kids, creating a pattern with the rows of colors. Or, just let them be creative and go nuts – like our kiddo!
– Have kids personalize the gifts. You can do this a couple of ways. Grab a roll of plain brown or white paper for wrap gifts. Your child can use this as their canvas to share the Christmas spirit with friends and family. They can stamp, finger paint, write messages, or use any number of art supplies. Have your youngin’ personalize further with ribbon, twine, string, greenery, stickers, or whatever they come up with.
You can also do the same project with super inexpensive paper bags!
– “Here we come a-caroling…” You can only get away with singing Christmas songs one time each year – so, embrace it! Practice some songs (especially calm ones like “Silent Night”) at home, and if anyone in your family plays an instrument, have them work on the same carol(s) that you can perform as a family. Use them at your family get-together or start a good old-fashioned caroling session around the neighborhood. You may even get a treat out of your travels!
My family was musical. I still fondly remember practicing our Christmas songs on our respective instruments; we all played piano, but my oboe and my sister’s french horn were perfectly paired for the festive time of year. While I’m out of practice now, my sister and I always try to find a piano to do two-part Christmas songs while everyone else sings or socializes (or, more often than not, laughs at my rusty playing; I don’t mind, it’s fun!).
– Bake some cookies – and decorate them! For a lot of people, baking can be therapeutic. The focus of precisely measuring and going through the steps can take your mind off the hustle and bustle of the season, and you’ll have treats to share with Santa!
But, the really fun part? The decorating. Even if your child doesn’t feel like baking, it’s almost guaranteed that they’ll enjoy smearing frosting and messy decorations all over them. Or, go ahead and try a gingerbread house. Neatness doesn’t matter – creativity does!
– Make a simple craft and deliver it to someone. Take a jar and paint or decoupage it with pictures or little holiday-colored pieces of paper; pop in a tealight. Or make a cheery card. Or create a simple ornament. Or fill a clean, recycled jar with cocoa mix. Or take some of the aforementioned cookies and a hand-decorated paper bag.
Now, here’s the best part: Think of someone who could use a little cheer. A neighbor who lives alone. The residents at a nearby elderly facility. A relative you don’t visit nearly enough. Have your child deliver it and chat for a few minutes (or longer). Make sure you discuss the meaning behind what you’re doing, too.
So, this year, put an emphasis on the “peace” as much as you do the “joy” with some fun, creative, calming activities.
Do you have any activities that help your little ones calm down around this crazy time of year? Or do you embrace the excitement (or is your family naturally chill)? Be sure to share with us in the comments!