Winter Break begins with a short school day on December 23 and runs through the start of the New Year.
Anticipating that housebound feeling? Bored? Running out of things to do with the kids? Are you sad that the holidays won’t be the same as in years past?
Here are some ideas on how to make this season a little brighter, how to make memories you probably never would have made otherwise (‘cause you would be too busy attending parties, carting the kids to after school sports and events, stressing out over planning big family gatherings…).
Enjoy some of these activities with your family, they are sure to keep the phones and devices at bay, create lots of conversation and bonding time, and make memories to last a lifetime. With each topic, I’ve included some links you might find helpful.
Drive-In Theatres
Some of the drive-in theaters are featuring holiday movies into January. Put on your pj’s, grab some blankets and snacks, and head to the Drive-In!
Sugar Cookies
Make your own or purchase a roll of premade sugar cookie dough from the grocery store. Use holiday cookie cutters and have fun decorating them with icing and toppings. Here is a link to recipes for the dough and icing if you’d like to make it all from scratch!
Dog Treats
Let’s not forget all the dogs that have found wonderful homes this year. Making homemade treats for your dog, or for a friend’s, is so much fun! Pop some in a mason jar, add a ribbon, and deliver to the doorstep of your favorite pups.
Finger Knitting
Use left-over yarn to make homemade gifts—bracelets and belts or make a long strand and use it as a garland on your tree. The kids will be occupied for hours!
How About the Birds
Make a garland of popcorn and cranberries to hang on a tree outside the window. Take a walk and gather pinecones – spread with peanut butter and roll them in birdseed. Hang and watch the birds have a feast!
Holiday Light Tour
Once the sun has set, make some popcorn or grab some snacks and pile the kids into the car. Put on some holiday music and head out to see the holiday lights! Put on some holiday music and head out to see the holiday lights! The Bedford Rotary has a map of decorated homes in town and you could revisit Suzanne & Co’s special Holiday House Tour Front Steps Edition.
Luminaria
Bedford’s tradition of luminaria lining roadways, driveways, and paths on Christmas Eve is a win-win: There’s the town-wide glow, and the funds raised through the purchase of luminary kits benefit Bedford’s school libraries through the Bedford Minuteman Company’s Foundation. Kits are available at Chip-in Farm.
Make Your Own Holiday Wrapping Paper
A roll of butcher paper, crayons, colored pencils, and markers are all that’s needed to create your own personal wrapping paper. This is fun for the kids and adults! A large roll of white craft/butcher paper (over 100’) is less than $15. 40lb-50lb paper thickness is recommended but please double-check the item description to make sure it is appropriate for wrapping gifts. Add some ribbon, bows, stickers…and now the wrapping is as special as the gift you are giving. I guarantee my mom would save any gift wrapping her grandchildren made!
Paint-by-Number
Convert photos into paint by number canvases and once again the kids will be busy for hours creating a homemade gift. There are dozens and dozens of sites and apps that offer all sorts of ways to transform your photo into a paint-by-number but I’ve included one example here
Christmas Caroling
Gather your household, bundle up and spread holiday cheer with some Christmas caroling. Maybe visit some neighbors who have been alone/shut-in for a very long time or just enjoy bringing smiles to all who want to hear your angelic voices! The kids can carry battery-operated candles, your phone can provide the background music and you will all be in the holiday spirit before long!
Laura Bullock is a member of The Bedford Citizen’s Board of Directors.
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