1 week Ago By Stephne Carstens
The weeks leading up to Christmas can be mind-bending. Between shopping, decorating and planning festive activities, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Managing this chaos doesn’t have to come at the expense of quality time with your kids.
Incorporating free or low-cost activities into your Christmas plans can create memorable experiences without adding to the stress or overspending. Here are some ideas to help you enjoy the holiday season together. Transform the countdown to Christmas into a family activity.
Fill the calendar with simple, fun activities you can do together. Ideas might include making holiday crafts, watching a favourite Christmas movie, or going for a nature walk to collect pine cones for decorations. Holding your own sports day or making a slide with a piece of plastic and the hose.
Having a plan can build excitement and ensures you’re spending time together. Invite your children to participate in holiday preparations. Whether it’s decorating the tree, making homemade ornaments, or wrapping gifts, these tasks can become fun family times.
Set aside time to bake together, where kids can help mix, roll and decorate. Get along to the Warkworth Santa Parade, a family fun day followed by Carols in the Park on Saturday, December 7, from 2pm. Keep an eye out for other family-friendly activities too.
Pull out board games, card games or puzzles that everyone can enjoy. You can even create your own holiday-themed trivia game or scavenger hunt around the house. Plan outdoor activities that allow you to enjoy summer.
Go for a weekly walk, visit local parks such as Tawharanui, Te Arai or Goat Island. Get to the beach, build a sandcastle, check out the rock pools and play in the waves. Gather some supplies like paper, scissors, glue and any recyclable materials from places like the Less Waste shop in Snells Beach.
Get creative by making holiday ornaments, garlands, or even homemade cards for friends and family. Host a movie marathon featuring holiday classics. Make homemade popcorn and enjoy your family favourites.
Adding fun, free or low-cost activities to your pre-Christmas plans is a great way to manage the holiday chaos while spending quality time with your kids, creating fun memories, rather than getting caught up in the hectic time of year..
