The holiday season is full of events and traditions you and your children can participate in together. Many of these fun activities and experiences that can help your child develop and strengthen specific skills. From baking cookies to decorating the house, we have compiled a list of our favorite activities you can enjoy with your toddler while making special memories.
1. Decking the Halls
Parent often shy away from letting their toddlers help decorate the tree. And while your tree may not look as symmetrical as you’d like after, your little ones will love being involved in the process.
Letting your child string ribbon through plastic ornaments will strengthen their fine motor skills. Hanging ornaments, maneuvering lights, and wrapping tinsel around the tree is a great way to further develop their gross motor skills as these tasks require concentration and muscle control.
2. Making Sweet Treats
There’s nothing we love more than eating Christmas cookies while watching classic holiday films. Before cozying up by the fire place, spend some time in the kitchen with your little one getting ready.
Baking cookies is one of the best sensory and hands-on learning activities for kiddos. From rolling the dough and sprinkling flour to mixing and using cookie cutters, kids will experience all sorts of textures and smells in the process. Even measuring ingredients is a cognitive exercise.
3. Driving through a Winter Wonderland
One of the simplest holiday activities your family can do is drive through your town viewing Christmas lights. You can play Christmas tunes and sing carols, and even bring hot chocolate for the ride.
You can ask your children to identify what color lights they see. Or if you happen to drive by houses with inflatables or larger decorations, have them identify the objects they see. You can even practice counting with them by keeping track of how many houses with lights you see.
As busy as the holiday season can be, you’ll never regret slowing down to make the most of the holiday season with your children. We hope you soak up all the magic of Christmas and watch your children grow and learn while making memories. After all, there’s nothing more special than a toddler-led Christmas.
