Festive street lighting marks the arrival of the most magical day of the year: Christmas! It’s now that time of year when we share our best wishes for the next year surrounded by our families.
Christmas is a holiday full of love, innocence and wonder held dear by children and adults alike. In order to enjoy this time of year with your kids and to make this Christmas season special, take a look at these activities for you to do together, giving you the perfect excuse to feel like a kid again.
1-Crafts: Hang an original Christmas decoration made by your child
Decorate the family room with Christmas tree garland
It’s so easy! All you need is card stock in the color of your choosing, rulers, scissors, markers and pencils. In three easy steps, you will be able to hang this very special garland anywhere in your home.
One: First, fold the card stock horizontally several times, and when it is folded, use a pencil and ruler to draw half of a Christmas tree vertically (to make a symmetrical shape). The outline should line up to the folded edge of the card stock.
Two: Once you have finished the drawing, the next step is to cut along the lines of the drawing, being careful with the scissors during this step. It is always preferable for children to use kid’s scissors with a rounded tip to prevent any accidents.
Three: Finally, when it is all cut, unfold the card stock and watch your tree become tons of trees! Then, feel free to color and decorate the trees using markers, glitter or fabrics.
Send unique Christmas greetings with postcards made by your child
Technology has led to a decrease in the use of Christmas cards for spreading Christmas cheer. Bring back that tradition by designing decorative cards with your kids! You will have a great time together all while helping your children develop their creativity. To make these Christmas cards, you will need: White card stock, colored card stock, a black marker, glue, stapler, gold ribbon and cellophane.
One: Make the background of the card with white card stock; your design will look like a gift tag. Cut out a rectangle, cut the top corners and make a hole in the center of the top part where you can thread the gold ribbon.
Two: Cut some circles to look like Christmas tree ornaments. You can mix colors and add glitter. Pay attention to the size so they fit inside the card.
Three: Write your greeting on the bottom using the black marker and glue the circles at the desired height. To make sure the circles are properly adhered, press them gently. Finally, cut a piece of gold ribbon, thread it through the hole and use the stapler to secure it.
Now you have your cards and tree to decorate your house and Celebrate Christmas in a fun, unique way!
2-Turn your child into a true Chef
A sweet afternoon with cinnamon cookies
Ingredients: 2 cups of flour, ½ teaspoon of baking powder, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, ¼ teaspoon of salt, ½ cup of butter, ¾ cup of sugar, 1 egg and for the icing: ¼ cup of sugar, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon and 1 egg white.
Step one: Using an electric mixer at high speed, beat together the flour with the baking powder, cinnamon, salt, butter, sugar and egg in a large bowl until it is smooth and spongy. Once the dough is ready, divide it into several pieces, cover each piece with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for two hours. That will make it easier to knead it and shape it as you like.
Step two: Preheat the oven to 350ºF and spray the tray with non-stick spray. While the oven is heating, prepare the counter to make the cookies. Lightly dust the counter with flour and roll out a piece to a thickness of 3 mm. Use star, tree or other cookie cutters to make the desired shape!
Step three: Place all the cookies on the tray, leaving 2 cm between each. Brush the surface with egg white and sprinkle a little cinnamon and sugar. Leave them in the oven for 10 minutes while you make some hot chocolate.
Enjoy your fun and healthy snack made by you!
3-Live the Christmas spirit with your favorite holiday movies
Movies are important tools for children as they can teach values like friendship, love and solidarity. Make a fun evening of watching movies as a family. Everyone picks a favorite holiday movie and together you can share in the Christmas spirit. If you don’t know what to choose, here are some suggestions:
-Miracle on 34th Street (1994): A movie full of hope that teaches the peculiar history of Santa Claus.
-Polar Express: Travel to the North Pole with this marvelous film. You will find yourself believing in magic and the power of dreams again.
-Walt Disney’s Mickey’s Christmas Carol: An adaptation of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol with an excellent cast: Mickey and all of his friends!
-Arthur Christmas: One child out of 600 million is left without a present. Dive into this adventure and watch as Santa Claus saves Christmas.