Written by KidApprovedBC 22/12/17
Christmas feels jammed into the first few days of winter break this year, and it’s leaving lots of us to wonder… what are we going to DO with the rest of the time?!?!?! There are endless festive activities around Metro Vancouver, but even kids can get holiday burnout. Here’s the Kid Approved list of un-Christmas activities for break.
Throw a Pyjama Party
This is one of my kids’ favourite holiday treats, and we do it over Winter Break and to kick off Spring Break. Each child invites one or two school friends, specifying that they must wear pjs, bring a favourite stuffy and a cozy blanket. Obviously a blanket fort ensues and the kids spend a few hours happily playing imaginative games, Twister, and watching a classic movie like Mary Poppins. Serve breakfast for lunch (for a good hack on this, pick up some yummy pastries from a local bakery). Take a walk around the neighbourhood in pajamas for added hilarity.
Find a Wooded Wonderland
The holidays are full of stimulation, sugar and lack of routine. It’s enough to trigger a tantrum in the most even-keeled child, and can be a downright nightmare for parents whose kids struggle with sensory sensitivity or fall on the autism spectrum. For a welcome reset, head to an urban wilderness for some forest therapy. Wander, climb, yell and jump through any of these parks with your wild child.
Go Skating!
Ok, technically might be considered “festive” but it is such a great way to work off Christmas excess. Most arenas add Winter Wonderland public skates over the break – click here for more info. Or head to Tsawwassen Springs for Skating on the Fairways, an outdoor and truly Canadian experience.
Garden Together
The ground may be frozen, but a trip to a local garden store will turn up lots of inspiration for indoor planting. And come the January doldrums, you will be thrilled to have some extra green in the house. Try an indoor version of of these ideas. Think a fairy garden in a single pot, a succulent planter, a kitchen window garden full of herbs or even experiment with air plants.
Create a Wall Mural
Buy a long roll of drawing paper and bust out the new art supplies. For littles, keep it washable. Older children can manage charcoals and pastels. Cover one wall in your home with the paper – pro-tip – don’t pick a freshly painted wall! Start sketching, painting, fingerpainting or colouring. For ideas, read a new book together and draw “What happened next?” Or look at some family vacation photos and draw favorite memories.
Wishing everyone a very happy holiday break!