The holiday season presents a wonderful and often under-appreciated opportunity: quality time with the family. So put away your phones, turn off the TV, and set aside anything else that can be a distraction to take advantage of the holidays and make fun, lasting memories with the people that you love!
If the weather outside is frightful…
- Have a snowball fight! The perfect snowball is an art that should be passed on to younger generations.
- Build a snowman or snow creature. If Bill Watterson has taught us anything with Calvin and Hobbes, it’s that there is no wrong way to build with snow.
- If you live in a warmer climate and snow isn’t in the forecast, turn your house into a winter wonderland with paper snowflakes!
If staying indoors is delightful, try…
- Building a gingerbread house. Stores now offer kits, which can take some of the work out of the cooking process. If you want to make your own gingerbread, it’s a great opportunity to teach your kids about recipes, measuring, and the role math plays in making sure the end result tastes delicious [Tips HERE]!
- Having a movie marathon where each family member gets to choose their own favorite holiday movie. You can spread this activity out over several days.
- Making homemade ornaments or holiday decorations with your kids. Be sure to display them proudly in your home or on your tree!
- Playing a game. There a few better ways to connect with your family than an engaging and rousing family game. Some of our favorites (that can also be educational) include:
- Uno
- The Game of Life
- Monopoly
- Oh Snap! (think Jenga, but without falling blocks of wood)
- Dominoes
- Battleship
If your family is getting cabin fever…
- Go for a drive to see the holiday decorations around town. Hopefully you’ll find a house that goes all out with decorations and lights!
- Go see a local concert. Many towns offer concerts and presentations of classics like “The Nutcracker” for a low cost.
- Ask your kids to help you pick out a few gifts to donate to local charities, hospitals, or Toys for Tots. Tis’ the season for giving!
If you want to indulge everyone’s sweet tooth…
- Create a hot chocolate buffet. Kids and adults alike can add their choice of toppings that you’ve set out: different size marshmallows, peppermint sticks, a dash of cinnamon, a dab of peanut butter (mix well), mint leaves, a spoon of ice cream, whipped cream…the only limitation is your level of guilt! #CheatWeek.
- Bake cookies with the family. Each person can have a different job, and any leftover cookies can be gifted to neighbors and friends.
The holidays can be stressful, but at Revolution Math, we feel it’s the perfect opportunity to enjoy time with your kiddos. They have a rare break from school, you may be able to take a day (or two) off, and it truly is the most special time of year to show them just how much they mean to you.
Amidst the shopping, decorating, cooking, organizing, and scheduling, don’t forget to take a moment to appreciate what truly matters in your life.
If you have holiday traditions of your own, please share in the comments!
