Creating Christmas magic for kids

The memories of your childhood Christmases stay with you throughout your life. The smells, sights and sounds instantly bring you back to that special place. Christmas is about doing things together and creating memories. Here are some ideas to make this Christmas magical for your children.

Children in charge day

My children get a day in charge every year for their activity calendar. They get to decide what we are going to do, what we are going to eat and so on. They love being in charge even though they are not making any big decisions.

Let the kids make some magic for others

Find out if there is something you could do locally to help others and get the kids involved. I think it is important for the kids to see how lucky they are, and help someone in need. Maybe they can donate some toys or do a bake sale for charity.

Have a naughty Santa that visits every night

See my description of our little naughty Santa.

Game night

Bring out all the non digital games. It is amazing how much fun they can be once the kids get used to the idea of not pressing buttons. Try solving a jigsaw puzzle. I had forgotten how satisfying it can be.

Winter picnic in the forest

Go for a walk in a forest. It would be extra magical at night. Bring flashlights and a picnic basket. If it is allowed where you live you could even light e a fire and toast some marshmallows.

Christmas stocking

Hang your stocking up the night before Christmas and have it magically filled when you wake up.All these small traditions your kids will remember until one day they have kids and make their stockings.

The night before Christmas box

...they get a box with a Christmas pajamas, a Christmas movie, popcorn, hot chocolate and so on. It gives them something to do while you are busy making all the finishing touches on everything.

Visit a Christmas market in the evening

Don't eat dinner before you go. Try all the special things the market has to offer: mulled wine, hot dogs, churros, waffles and so on. It is a great way to find that last special gift for someone you might have forgotten.

Baking

It is not Christmas for me without baking. It is important to make the activity age appropriate though. The younger kids don't have a long attention span. Make the baking as time consuming or easy as the kids will allow - and don't be surprised if you are left "picking up the pieces"