No matter who plays with the little ones, this is really a time to create long-lasting memories with them. Which is clearly why you're working so hard. So here are a few fun ideas to do together – to create and teach about all the holidays – and create some playful moments throughout the chaos.
- Say hello to Salvation Army Santas that you pass.
- Decorate a faux wreath -- buy from crafts store and have kids accessorize.
- Turn your guest room into a Winter Wonderland with handmade paper snowflakes.
- Have a holiday movie marathon – each night one person in the family shares a favorite flick.
- Have a dinner picnic under the Christmas tree.
- Host a Hot Chocolate Taste Test. Try peppermint, eggnog and dark chocolate recipes and have people choose their favorites.
- Make reindeer sugar cookies adding chocolate-covered pretzel antlers, and brown and red M&Ms for eyes and nose.
- "Elf" friends by leaving bags of cookies and treats on their doorstep – ringing the doorbell and running away.
- Create homemade wrapping paper out of brown paper bags, stamps and markers.
- Make your own Christmas village out of paper houses and crafting supplies.
- Give each child a "treasure hunt" in which they have to each find one present using a number of clues found in wrapped boxes.
- Make a special holiday treat for your animals. Verify they can eat the ingredients with the vet.
- Make yummy reindeer treats with mini pretzel rods or candy canes.
- Send special "thank you for your service" holiday cards to the troops.
- Create a photo collage or calendar of the past year. Let kids pick out their favorite pictures.
- Make noisemakers out of empty water bottles and rocks for New Years Eve.
- On New Year's Eve, stream London's festivities and celebrate the new year early so kids don't miss their bedtime.
- Create New Year's hats out of construction paper and streamers.
- Go through photo albums and talk about how each child has changed and grown each year. Ask what they want to accomplish this next year.
- Create a 2013 Family Time Capsule.
- Make a New Years Resolution Tree where each person writes a goal (or two) for 2014 – for all to see.
- Host a kid-friendly NYE party with a countdown to noon.
- Place 20-30 balloons in a tarp (or unopened garbage bag) and tack to the ceiling. During your NYE countdown, release the balloons, blow streamers and throw confetti.
