1. Start a Special Christmas Countdown
The anticipation of Christmas is half the fun for children, and creating a personalised countdown can make each day leading up to Christmas extra exciting. Here are some ideas:
- Advent Calendar Fun: Make or buy an advent calendar filled with small treats, toys, or notes with activities to do together.
- Christmas Book Countdown: Wrap 24 Christmas-themed books and let your child unwrap one each night for a special bedtime story.
- Kindness Calendar: Each day, encourage your child to do a small act of kindness, such as helping a sibling or making a card for a neighbour.
2. Get Crafty with DIY Decorations
Children love to see their creations displayed proudly, and making Christmas decorations is a wonderful way to spend time together.
- Handmade Ornaments: Use salt dough or craft paper to create personalised ornaments for the tree. Let your child paint or decorate them with glitter.
- Paper Chains and Garlands: Simple strips of coloured paper can be turned into festive garlands, perfect for draping around the house.
- Christmas Collage: Gather magazines, stickers, and glitter glue for a holiday collage session. Display the masterpiece as part of your Christmas decor.
3. Create a Christmas Eve Box Tradition
A Christmas Eve box is a delightful way to build excitement for the big day. Include items such as:
- A cosy pair of Christmas pyjamas.
- A holiday-themed book or movie.
- A small toy or puzzle.
- A treat like hot chocolate mix and marshmallows.
This simple tradition creates a magical prelude to Christmas morning.
4. Bake and Decorate Festive Treats
Baking is a sensory-rich activity that kids of all ages enjoy. From the smell of cookies baking to the fun of decorating, it’s an activity that brings the family together.
- Christmas Cookies: Use cookie cutters to make festive shapes and let your little ones decorate with icing and sprinkles.
- Gingerbread Houses: For older children, assembling and decorating a gingerbread house can be a creative and rewarding project.
- Reindeer Snacks: Make simple and fun snacks like chocolate-dipped pretzels shaped like reindeer.
5. Make the Christmas Tree Extra Special
Letting your child be involved in decorating the tree adds to the magic. Make it a family event with music, stories, and perhaps a new ornament for them to hang each year. For an added touch, consider:
- A Tree Lighting Ceremony: Turn off all the lights and let your child press a button to light up the tree for the first time.
- Homemade Tree Topper: Create a star or angel together as the crowning piece of the tree.
6. Explore the Magic of Giving
Christmas is not just about receiving; it’s also a wonderful opportunity to teach children the joy of giving. Involve them in:
- Choosing Gifts: Let them pick out small gifts for siblings, grandparents, or friends.
- Making Handmade Cards: Create heartfelt cards to share with family or donate to a local charity.
- Acts of Kindness: Encourage your child to donate old toys or clothes to those in need, fostering the true spirit of Christmas.
7. Plan a Family Christmas Movie Night
Snuggle up in your pyjamas, make a big bowl of popcorn, and enjoy some classic Christmas movies as a family. Consider films like The Polar Express, Elf, or Home Alone for timeless festive fun. Add an extra touch by creating “movie tickets” for your kids to redeem at the door.
8. Write a Letter to Santa
Capture the excitement of Christmas by helping your little ones write a letter to Santa. Encourage them to:
- Share what they love about Christmas.
- Mention something kind they’ve done this year.
- Write down their wishes for Christmas Day.
Mail the letter together or leave it out for Santa to “collect.”
9. Go on a Christmas Lights Adventure
Bundle up the family and explore the beautifully lit streets of Perth. Look for:
- Community light displays.
- Local Christmas markets.
- Your own neighbourhood’s best-decorated homes.
Take a thermos of hot chocolate along for the ride, and don’t forget to sing a few carols along the way!
10. Capture the Moments
Finally, don’t forget to document the joy! Take photos or videos of these special activities, but also make a point to be present and enjoy the moments without the lens. A scrapbook or digital photo book can help you and your children relive these cherished memories for years to come.
This Christmas, focus on the joy of togetherness and the simple magic that lights up a child’s world. Whether it’s baking cookies, crafting decorations, or watching the glow of the Christmas tree, the time you spend with your little ones will become the memories they treasure forever. At Cherished Cherubs, we’re here to support your family so you can focus on creating these precious moments. From all of us, we wish you a truly magical and memorable Christmas! 🎄
Get in touch today to discover our Christmas babysitting services and make this holiday season your most stress-free and enjoyable one yet!