The holidays and Christmas time are fast approaching, and this year we have so much to be grateful for since we have far less restrictions on seeing our friends and family. We encourage everyone to take advantage of these beautiful opportunities available to us by being near your close circle this holiday season.
We have some ideas on what you can do to get in the holiday spirit and build positive and happy memories that will last a lifetime.
A lot of us get caught up in the mundanity of everyday life; we pass our family members on the stairs, and we forget to put our devices down and be present. This year, do something fun with your family! Take the kids and go for a drive scouting out the best Christmas lights, or if it’s available, take the family skating or play in the snow. Go for a winter walk on the trail and see what kind of wildlife you can find. Cozy up by the fire and play charades, and have a laugh.
Involve the kids and head to your local garden centre with the whole family to pick out the best Christmas tree! One thing we love about this activity is the smell and feelings that fresh Christmas trees bring. The kids won’t forget this awesome holiday activity. We have fresh cut Christmas trees here at Royal City Nursery, but wherever you end up getting your tree, make a day of it. Go for a winter drive afterwards, pick up some cups of hot chocolate and head home to set up your perfect find.
Decorating your Christmas tree can be a magical experience for children. They can be involved in setting the tone and feeling for the holiday while they look for their favourite ornaments to hang among your collection. If you are really ambitious, take the kids shopping for an ornament that they love, or even better, set aside an afternoon to get crafty and make ornaments with them.
Make a bowl of eggnog to spark the holiday mood while the family decorates the tree! We recommend two bowls, one for the kids and one for the adults…you know what we mean.
Having a family game night can be a wonderful experience where every family member can laugh and participate. This is especially true around the holidays when everyone gathers, so why not make it extra special by adding some poignant memories.
Gather up the family in their best holiday garb and set up your tripod, or bring in a professional to take some gorgeous shots of your crew to send out for the holidays. This is especially effective when there is snow outside!
Most families can name at least a few go-to movies that they watch around the holiday season. Cozy up by the fire, add in the aforementioned bowls of egg nog, find your warmest blankets, and see how many holiday movies you can tick off the list. For an extra challenge, vote on a new one to screen and see if it resurfaces in next year’s lineup.
We love this one because it is a chance for the family to get creative with some friendly competition. We know some kitchens can be cramped for space, so split the family into two and create time slots or allot days that each team can bake their cookies. See who’s cookies have the best taste, the best decorations, and the best creativity. Better yet, spread the joy and make extra and drop off portions to friends and family in your neighborhood.
We can’t always be around our family during the holidays, so schedule a group video call with a family member or friend who you cannot see at this time. Reach out to someone who you don’t get to see often or someone you know who lives alone and invite them to game night or movie night with your crew. Better yet, invite them to your holiday party or feast.
The holidays are a perfect chance to teach your kids the power of a kind gesture. Have them gather up their old toys and donate them to kids in need. Bring a hot meal to a homeless person, or bring the older kids to a soup kitchen to volunteer. Walk around your building or neighborhood and drop off some of the holiday cookies you made to your neighbours.
Whether you are spending quality time with your family, spreading some baked goods joy, or paying it forward with kindness, be with the people you love this year. Bring your family into Royal City Nursery this holiday season for any of your Christmas needs.
