Christmas Break Activities for Families

Christmas break can be a time of fun and relaxation if you plan it right. Planning your activities ahead of time can help decrease stress while allowing you to be able to participate in activities that you enjoy. Sometimes we all just need a break from our usual routine.

One of the benefits of homeschooling is schedule flexibility. Depending on your state, there maybe attendance requirements and you may even have certain testing requirements. But during holiday time, you schedule to break earlier than others. As a mother who works from home some of the time and homeschools, I am grateful for these early break times. It allows us to do activities as a family before the crowds and also allows us more time to do activities. I still feel like there is more I want us to participate in, but we fit a lot in. And sometimes we want to just relax. Ultimate relaxation is definitely planned during our holidays.

Here are some of the activities we plan to participate in during Christmas break.

Actually take a break

It can be some easy to continue to do everything even during break time. I have to remind myself that all the same tasks and chores will be present after the holidays. Why not live in the present and enjoy the moments without thinking about what can be done in a few days? We work hard and study hard. We need to get away from those tasks for awhile and rejuvenate. I also am intention about what social media, emails, phone messages I answer during break time as well.

Check out Christmas lights

This is a favorite of everyone in my family. We enjoy driving around and checking out light displays. In previous years, we have visited our city’s lights display that could be walked or driven through. We also enjoy seeing lights in the neighborhood to see what people come up with. It is always fun to see the creativity of the people who live around you. This year someone has a Grinch display with him stealing lights off of the house. That has been our favorite so far. My husband liked it because he said they didn’t even have to finish going up on their roof.

Go to a local sporting event

Sports can be enjoyed on the television; however there is nothing like being able to attend a game in person. Cheering on a local team with other fans creates a time of excitement like no other. This year we will attend a local hockey game. Hockey is a great winter sport. It really puts you in the mood of a winter break. Since we recently went ice skating, I thought we would enjoy and respect the work the players have to put into the game.

Bake some cookies

My toddler has really taken to baking. She enjoys putting together the ingredients, mixing, measuring, putting the creation on the cookie sheet or in the baking apparatus. She likes to decorate what she has made as well. During the holiday break, we really get into baking and make something more than once a week. This allows us to try different recipes. It also allows us to become even better at baking.

Visit with family and friends

Getting together with family and friends is a major highlight of Christmas break. You visit with your family throughout the year, but it is usually in shorter duration. During the break, time spent with family can be lengthened and savored. You can take your time. You can plan more activities. There is not the rush to return to work. You don’t have projects looming over you as much as you would during a regular work week. The break allows you to take a deep breath, enjoy those around you, and create memories.

Have a movie day

A movie day allows our family to check out Christmas movies of the season as well as watch movies that we have been interested in. We usually spend this day in our pajamas with our favorite snacks, a fire, and a pillow pallet. It is one of my favorite days because I enjoy movies and I enjoy family time. It combines two of my favorite things. Last year, we also binged watched some shows on Netflix. We are excited to see the new episodes of Lost in Space that were just recently released.

Play all types of games

Another family activity that we enjoy is playing games together. We enjoy all sorts of games; word games, puzzle games, board games, matching games, nerf battle games, outdoor games. During the Christmas break, we are able to play all sorts of games throughout the day. These times are great for problem solving and family fun.

Put a puzzle together

We recently started doing this more during break times. We pick out a new puzzle that is massive and put it together on a card table. We work on it during movie times and in between other activities. Sometimes someone will sit and work alone. Sometimes we will sit and put it together at the same time. When people stop by to visit, they participate as well. We may add putting together some sort of huge Lego design because we have contemplated that before. I just have to get it before the actual holiday rush starts next year.

What activities are you looking forward to this Christmas? Will you be doing any of our family’s favorite activities with your family members this year? The holidays create such anticipation and expectations in the hearts of you and your family. Take time to enjoy the time together and make memories that you can reflect on for years to come.

Be you, be focused, be well! Find Your Flourish! |Shanna|

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