It’s the most wonderful time of the year! Or so they say – but for some parents – this time of year welcomes unwanted stress and uncertainty. Your mind is in overdrive with worry, and you are unsure of how you will manage to pull off a ‘good’ Christmas for the family.
But the truth is – you don’t have to spend a fortune to make it a Christmas to remember!
Why not try cheap and cheerful Christmas activities to see you and the family build memories that will last a lifetime.
If you need some inspiration to get the cogs working or would like to add a new Christmas tradition to the family home – then we’ve got you covered!
Christmas crafts
To get you and the kids into the Christmas spirit, it’s time to roll up your sleeves and get crafty! Painting a picture for Santa or a Christmas style picture is fun but simple for the children. If you have babies or smaller children, why not paint their little feet, and create a reindeer or Christmas tree, just add the suitable decoration. You could even make your Christmas cards using this technique or turn it into a keepsake and add the footprint to a canvas – this could be displayed in your home or given as a gift to a family member. Your choices are endless! Oh and you can purchase paints and craft items for less than £1 – Christmas crafting providing fun for all without damaging your bank balance.
Christmas lights
You can never have too many sparkling lights at Christmas, right? Whether your tree is covered from head to toe, or you love to make the outdoors as bright as the inside – you might not be the only ones. Your neighbours may have their very own grotto of lights and you can make this into a family fun activity. Get you and the kids wrapped up, warm and snuggly and stroll around your neighbours’ homes who have gone all out this Christmas. Not only is this a healthier activity (of somewhat) but you can do this for free!
Visit Santa
No Christmas is complete without a visit to Father Christmas! Although, this may come at a cost, it’s one that is definitely worth doing. The build up alone is exciting and not to mention seeing the kids faces beam full of excitement. Make a day of it and head out with the family. Take along snacks from home so you aren’t making unnecessary, costly purchases. Meeting Santa is the perfect activity to get you and the kids Christmas ready.
Letter to Santa
If you can’t meet Santa this year, you can still bring the element of Father Christmas to the kids. Let the children write a letter to the bearded man and have them soak up the magic. You can buy Christmas themed paper to give it a little twist and if you have any crafts left over, add glitter, stickers or whatever the kids desire, to make it a fun, memorable activity. Some places provide a letterbox which is specifically for ‘Letters to Santa.’ This is a lovely way to keep the magic alive and you can go as a family and see off the letters they have written.
Christmas films
Who doesn’t love a PJ day in front of the tv with lots of Christmas films? Again, this is another cheap activity for all but will still provide plenty smiles and giggles. Each family member could choose their favourite Christmas film and you can spend the day watching them, one after another. Why not add a couple of sweet treats in the mix, I mean, you can’t watch a film without a snack, right? Get out the blankets and the cosies and sit back and relax and snuggle in for the day.
Christmas baking
Now what’s Christmas without the smell of gingerbread and cinnamon wafting through the home? Whether it’s gingerbread men, Christmas themed cupcakes or fruity mine pies, the end result will be sure to see happy little faces – I mean – who doesn’t love a sweet treat or two?!
Tagged in Christmas children Family activities