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Celebrate the Holidays Differently in 2020!

At least we’re all in the same boat, right? Finding a new way to do things for everything including the holidays, has been the name of the 2020 parenting game. If you, like us, are sorely missing our extended families and friends, social gatherings, holiday parties, and many of the events that make it the holidays, follow along as we list some simple ways to make the holidays joy-filled!

Just as we adults may be feeling a little (or a lot) off and missing familiar experiences and loved ones, our young ones will likely have big feelings that are reflections of our own. It’s important to spend time connecting with kids, and addressing those feelings. A great approach is to brainstorm together and draw pictures of what we can do to make the holidays special this year.

Our favorite ideas are simple to put together, maybe a bit silly, but definitely fun:

  1. Holiday Song Karaoke. Queue up everyone’s favorite holiday songs, grab anything for a microphone, and sing your heart out! Level it up with household members acting as judges who give points for dance moves and creativitiy.

  2. Christmas Pajama Party. We know, every night is a pajama ‘party’ for the kiddos. This time, get everyone involved! Pop some popcorn, have a pillow fight and eat all the sleepover food.

  3. Sleep Under the Twinkling Lights of the Christmas Tree. Pull out all the sleeping bags and leave the lights on all night to have sugarplum filled dreams.

  4. Host a kid-friendly cocktail hour with bubbly cider and finger foods. Shirley temple anyone? Dress up, or down, and have fun taking a break from the endless night after night of family dinner.

  5. Feeling crafty? Gather up some card supplies and stamps and make cards for members of the armed forces, for children’s hospitals or a local nursing home.

  6. Show off old and new talents by hosting a family talent show! Talents can include telling jokes, singing songs, showing off artwork, special tricks and beyond. Want to connect with extended family? Set up a Zoom or Facetime and share talents with loved ones!

  7. Science is a blast when you get to do hands on experiments! You can find DIY science experiments for every age/ability online. Have fun and be safe.