Christmas comes at a time when we are getting nostalgic about the year-end.'Tis the season - to be jolly, to have family around, get into the spirit of things and get involved in some good, old-fashioned family fun. Here area some ideas.
#1 Creative gift wrapping
There are all those Christmas gifts that are eagerly anticipated, but how are you wrapping them? It's an excellent opportunity to let the kids get creative.
Get some wrapping paper or better yet, challenge them to a game of wrapping with everyday materials.
Use newspaper creatively - paint it, tie ribbons around it, or sprinkle glitter over it. Or use brown paper bags, pieces of cloth, dried flowers and leaves, scarves, socks and more to wrap creatively.
Using everyday items will let kids see this all in a new light. It will stimulate their imagination and let them get creative. Remember, it does not matter if the gift wrap is lopsided or crooked. It's the thought that counts.
Source: upcyclemystuff.com
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#2 Make your own greeting cards
How about handmade Christmas and New Year cards? Get some wooden stamps you can use the Christmas themes or just any of the others your little one likes - and get creative.
Let your child choose their colours and stamps as they create cards and gift tags to go with the presents. It will be great fun for all. And the best thing is that there will be no two alike.
#3 Thoughtful homemade gifts
Want to give thoughtful homemade gifts?
Kids can be encouraged to make a jar with IOU notes. Just make small slips of paper and even if your little one cannot write, stamp some symbols or words on it.
They can all look the same, or they can have a color code. Red can mean time to clear up the toys, while yellow maybe setting the table. It will teach kids the value of being responsible and the real value of gifts.
Another idea is to make simple button and paper clip bookmarks by passing a clip through the back of buttons and straightening the clip again. Or make some cookies with your child's help. Our mom & me baking sessions with Simran Oberoi of Ovenderful should give you inspiration for sweet & savoury cookies! You can get the kids to help you with the baking and packing the cookies in jars to gift.
Pic courtesy: Susanne Marnie Duke
#4 X-Mas decorations anyone?
Cut stars from cardboard and let kids wrap them in silver foil. Put up shining silver stars in your windows or on the Christmas tree, A set of 5 can even make a great gift for neighbors, aunts and uncles and grandparents.
Let them help you decorate a tree. It does not have to be a traditional conical tree, but any tree and every tree deserves to be decorated. After all, they give us the oxygen we breathe.
So make a tree outside your home pretty and make it a teachable moment as you have fun with eco-friendly, homemade decorations.
If you try one or more of these, do share pictures with us. Tag us using #PlayWithShumee and we'll feature you. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!!