# 1 – Gingerbread Houses
Making gingerbread houses together is a great way to not only allow your child to showcase their holiday creativity, but it’s also a great way to spend some quality time together during the holidays. Most grocery stores carry pre-made gingerbread house kits around the holidays, but feel free to get crafty and make yours from scratch! Your child will certainly feel accomplished, and you both get to enjoy a sweet treat.
# 2 – Holiday Movie Night
Gathering together and watching a holiday classic is a perfect way to get your family in the holiday spirit. Grab a snack, gather around the fire, and put on your pajamas – You can pick a familiar holiday favorite or try out a new film! Family movie nights not only create traditions, but they also create amazing memories for your child surrounding the holiday season. A few famous favorites include The Polar Express, How the Grinch Stole Christmas, Frosty the Snowman, Home Alone, and Charlie Brown Christmas.
# 3 – Ornament Making
Ornament making is a great way to incorporate an exciting tradition into your home – Each year your child will be able to hang his or her creation on the tree or around the house! Just go to your local craft store and pick up some clear ornaments, acrylic paint, and a few paintbrushes. You can also purchase some fun materials like pom-poms, popsicle sticks, ribbons, and pipe cleaners if you want to get extra crafty with your ornament design!
#4 – Advent Calendar
Advent calendars are an exciting way to get your child into the spirit and celebrate the days leading up to the holidays. You can pick up one from Walmart or other local retailers, or you can make your own with presents like fuzzy socks, ornaments, books, gloves, and more!
#5 – Paper Snowflakes
Making paper snowflakes is another great craft that allows your child to showcase their inner creativity. For this holiday activity, all you need is white paper, a few folds, and some scissors! When you are done, stick your new festive creations on your windows, doors, refrigerator, or Christmas tree as decorations.
#6 – Write Santa a Letter
No holiday is complete without writing a letter to Santa Claus. Have your child write their wishes into a letter, and mail it to the North Pole’s mailing address. Go online to the North Pole Post Office’s official website, and your child may even get a written reply from Santa himself!
#8 – Roast Marshmallows
Roasting marshmallows is another simple yet delicious holiday treat that is sure to make some fun and great memories. Grab a skewer, stick your marshmallow on the end, and roast away! If you want to go the extra mile, pick up chocolate and graham crackers at the store for tasty s’mores.
#7 – Decorate Cookies
Helping your child bake and decorate cookies is a great way to entertain your child while allowing them to showcase their holiday spirit! Purchase your child or children's favorite flavor of cookie dough and bake away. You can also pick up cookie-decorating kits around the holidays -- These kits should include everything you need from the cookies themselves to icing, sprinkles, and other fun edible decorations. Bake and decorate as a fun snack for your family, or set the cookies out on Christmas Eve for your special visitor to enjoy!