Ideas on Spending Quality Time as a Family

With all the rush, rush, rush leading up to the holiday season, I tend to feel like the the end of December and beginning of January is my time to decompress. I look forward to doing very little, and spending as much time as I can in my pyjamas.

That said, I have to remember that kids are on school break, and have been working hard all term, looking forward to spending time as a family at the holidays. I want my daughters to enjoy their school breaks, and have warm memories spent as a family to look back on.

I’ve compiled a list of low-key things we can do with our families over the break. Low-key meaning: we don’t need makeup, much advance planning, or to beat any crowds. Hope you find this helpful:

Indoor Activities

• Draw, play dough, or other artsy craft. Your home is probably covered in glitter, so now is as good a time as any.
• Work on a puzzle. Doesn’t require much talking, or thinking, and definitely doesn’t require pants.
• Bake treats together. Or make treats together. You’ll want snacks for the movie anyway, right?
• Did someone say movie? And treats? Cuddle up on the couch and watch a few family faves.
• Have a fort building contest! Each person makes his/her own. Kids may not notice you sleeping in yours.
• Work on your family tree. Kids can draw & write names while you regale them with stories.
• Have a scavenger hunt! Bonus: throw on a few items that are truly lost in the hopes they turn up.
  
  

Outdoor Activities

• Go skating. This requires a bit of effort, especially if your skates aren’t sharp, but is so much fun!
• Have snow? Awesome. Build a snowman together or a whole snow family! Make snow angels.
• Go to the park. Play structures are just as fun when kids are outfitted in snowsuits and mitts.
• Play soccer baseball. You’ll laugh out loud trying to score and run in winter boots.
• Go for a nature hike. The world is beautiful, especially when covered in a blanket of snow.
• Go for a walk at night and vote on which house has the best holiday decor!
• Snowball fight! Enough said.
  

Hope my little lazy list inspires you! Have anything to add?

Photo Credit: Getty Images

Natalie Rea

Mom to two amazing daughters - a feisty teen in middle school, and an ambitious young adult in university. Originally from Montréal's West Island, I now explore the beautiful trails of Hamilton, Ontario. Proud Canadian, vegetarian, dog-adopter, & bleeding-heart liberal. I smile a lot because I have Resting Bitch Face.