As a parent with young children, holiday parties can be stressful. Before you even attend the party, you’re busy running around getting everyone ready, trying to blow dry your hair, baking a dessert and begging your kids to put their coats on. Here are five activities to keep the little ones busy during holiday parties so that you can enjoy your holiday as well.
Arts & Crafts
Nothing beats holiday arts and crafts! Cover the kids’ table with kraft paper and leave out crayons, markers, construction paper, pom-poms, pipe cleaners and legos – anything to keep them busy, for more than five minutes. We recommend staying away from the mess of paint though. You could also place some of their fav snacks here, so they’re not running to you every five minutes to tell you they’re hungry. A place for them to get creative, enjoy some yummy food and play together!
Talent Show
This was a big one as a kid. It can be done in teams or singles, for those who have been dying to share their latest magic trick or tell a funny joke. Have the kids break off and practice something they love or enjoy. Set a time when everyone will sit down to watch (be sure to grab a drink) and enjoy! It’s great to see the kiddies work together to choreograph a dance and support one another.
Gingerbread Decorating
A family fav! Decorating gingerbread houses and gingerbread people is fun for all ages and a great way to keep them busy during holiday parties. Watch their little creative minds come to life! A friendly little decorating competition is fun too – don’t forget a prize!
Movie Theatre
Find a kid-friendly holiday movie that everyone will enjoy and throw it on! Fill the area with lots of cozy blankets, TONS of pillows and their fav snacks.
Get Them Outside
If there are older kids to supervise or the parents work on a rotating schedule, get those kiddies outside! There is so much for them to do. Build a snowman, go tobogganing, have a (safe) snowball fight or build a fort. The fresh air will do them well and will most likely tire them out.
As we’ve all probably experienced, the holidays never run as smoothly as we’d like them to. We hope these ideas will keep your little ones entertained, so you can enjoy one festive drink without any interruptions.
To your Balanced health,
The Balanced Company