'Tis the Season for Family Fun
Why not get the whole family involved in the festive spirit this holiday season? Create sparkling decorations and easy-to-make homemade treats that kids will love. Learn how you can bring some holiday cheer to those who are less fortunate than you, and find out what healthy activities will inspire your family to get some fresh air and exercise.
Create Your Own Decorations
Kick off the festive fun by adding a personal touch to your holiday cards, decorations, or table setting. Kids love an art project. Finger-painted decorations will brighten up any room. Or, you can take inspiration from the outdoors and use fallen pinecones or pressed leaves to make place cards for the table.
Decorate your Christmas tree or wreath with sustainable materials like reused ribbon or strung popped-corn. Create your own holiday greeting cards by using simple supplies like colored paper, glitter, and glue.
Go the Extra Mile for Your Tree
Capture the essence of the holiday spirit and make tree hunting a fun-filled family day out. Cut-your-own Christmas tree farms offer the opportunity to search for, hand-pick, and cut down a fresh tree. Don't settle for one right next to the front gate; head to the far end of the lot for extra exercise. Many farms have a picnic area and provide hayrides, so consider packing a lunch and dress appropriately.
Cook Together, Eat Together
There’s nothing like a delicious holiday meal to celebrate the festive season. Get the whole family involved in planning the menu and preparing the food. Kids can even lend a hand in baking their favorite treats like handprint sugar cookies, a homemade gingerbread house, or festive cupcakes.
Get Outside, Get Moving
Burn off those extra holiday calories by taking a walk or planning a family-friendly game of basketball or touch football. If you live in colder climates, plan an outdoor activity like sledding, building a snowman, or shoveling the sidewalk together. It’s a great way to get into the holiday spirit while increasing your heart rate and working up a sweat.
Help Those in Need
Teach your children the true meaning of the holiday spirit by volunteering with them at a local charity. Whether you’re contributing your time, money, or presents, there are plenty of volunteer opportunities available. Help deliver food to the homeless, bring toys to a local children’s hospital, or donate to your favorite cause.
Play a Game, Reduce Stress
Exercise your brain, and plan some quality time with your family over a board game or jigsaw puzzle. Dreidel is a favorite during Hanukkah, and a Secret Santa gift exchange is guaranteed to add excitement to Christmas Day. Playing and laughing is proven to reduce stress, explains the Mayo Clinic, and will help to bring family and friends closer together.
Reflect and Resolve
It’s a great time to reflect on the year gone by. Talk to your loved ones about the ups and downs over the year, and make some healthy New Year’s resolutions together. Quit smoking, start a weight-loss program, or make a promise to spend more quality time with family and friends.
More Healthy Holiday Ideas
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