5 Great Ways to Keep the Kids Entertained this Christmas
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Christmas isn't just about the presents[/caption] Christmas is a time for family, and when the kids’ school holidays begin, the time has come to plan some festive activities to do together. There are plenty of goings-on that really capture the spirit of the season, many of which can be done as a family to leave you all feeling rather Christmassy. To give you some inspiration, we’ve decided to share five of our favourite seasonal activities that will keep your children entertained this Christmas. Read on to find out more.
Deck the halls
A great way to kick off the Christmas holidays is to bring down the box of decorations from the loft and spend some time decking the halls together. You could also take a family day trip to buy some new tinsel and baubles, while taking in the fancy lights and carolling that can be found in many town centres. Hobbycraft have a whole range of kids’ craft kits that will provide hours of fascination, with some adorable handmade decorations being the end result. Just ensure that any cutting with scissors is handled by an adult! [caption id="attachment_1712" align="aligncenter" width="550"]
Enjoy some family time putting the tree and decorations up together[/caption]
Plan a magical day out
© Bailiwick Studios - licence It might be a bit nippier than in the summer, but winter is a great time to explore the great outdoors as a family. With frost on the trees, ponds and rivers iced over, and maybe even a hint of snow, the Great British countryside turns into a winter wonderland for you and your children to enjoy. The National Trust put on a variety of festive days out, and a visit to one of their sites can also double up as a visit to a Christmas market or Santa’s grotto. Remember to wrap up warm though. [caption id="attachment_1716" align="aligncenter" width="550"]
Who doesn't love a visit to see Father Christmas[/caption]
Enjoy a cracking Christmas dinner
Christmas dinner is all about eating delicious food, but you can also make it fun. Handing out some Christmas crackers around the table is sure to get everyone excited, especially when there are some party hats and prizes on the line. Invest in some that are child-friendly, such as these vintage snowflake crackers from Alliance Online, and the kids can have fun comparing the toys and puzzles they find inside each one. [caption id="attachment_1714" align="aligncenter" width="550"]
Who doesn't love 'Cracker Time' before Christmas Dinner[/caption]
Head to the cinema
If there is one thing that Hollywood knows how to do well, it’s putting together a Christmas film that all of the family can enjoy. There are usually some special Christmas releases each December, but it is worth checking the listings to see if there are any timeless classics showing, like Miracle on 34th Street or Home Alone. This way, you can share a piece of your childhood with the kids, while enjoying a spot of nostalgia yourself. [caption id="attachment_1713" align="aligncenter" width="400"]
What would be your first choice, Miracle on 34th Street or Home Alone?[/caption]
Keep your fingers crossed for snow
There is nothing quite as magical for a child as a real white Christmas. If there is even a hint of snow, you need to be ready to drop everything and grab the sled so you can all enjoy this rare occasion. The best way to be prepared is to download a good weather app for your phone, like this one from the Met Office. Armed with their relatively accurate five-day forecast, you will be ready to go should the snow begin to fall. [caption id="attachment_1717" align="aligncenter" width="575"]
Get your hats, scarves, gloves and sledges ready just in case[/caption] So take our advice and line up some of these great ideas for Christmas activities this year. Not only will you get to spend some quality time together as a family, but you’ll have a blast too.