Halloween is over so it is officially Christmas season right? So in a small effort to thwart the mass buying of trinkets, gifts, and other items which will probably be laid on a shelf (or closet) and forgotten; I have developed a list of ways to celebrate the season without taking out a small loan or stressing yourself trying to find that elusive " perfect" gift.
Part 1
- Have a bunch of kids on your list? Take them ( and older siblings , and parents) to Chuck E. Cheese. Use online coupons and it can cost you less than $10 per person.
- Have a basement or family room in your house? Invite all your friends for a party. Have Merry Christmas Charlie Brown showing in the family room, while the adults can watch an adult Christmas movie in the living room. Have simple crafts for the kids, lots of yummy Christmas goodies, play Christmas charades, sing carols. The idea is to make memories, spend quality time with people, give the gift of yourself. Of course it is vital to take LOTS of pictures. If you are really into this, create a small collage or photo album for each family that attended. I promise they will treasure that night for a long time.
-If you are really adventurous invite your nieces/ nephews/ grand kids, etc for an all night sleepover. ( This would also double as a present for their parents!) If you have a fireplace let them roast marshmallows. Make some Rice Krispie Treats , or brownies together. Buy some sugar cookie dough and let the kids go to town decorating with sprinkles. icing, cookie cutters etc. Have a pillow fight in the bedroom. ( Suggestion- move all breakable items to another room first). Take turns reading Christmas stories aloud. About an hour before you are ready to crash, stick an old black and white Christmas movie. They should fall asleep in short order.
-Take your immediate family to a homeless shelter that includes kids and throw a Christmas party for them. Find simple ideas for Christmas crafts and help them make them. Teach the kids a few Christmas carols. Play some fun Christmas games and talk about the meaning behind a lot of Christmas symbols and traditions. ( Check out The ADVENTure of Christmas by Lisa Whelchel for some great ideas). Bring some homemade popcorn balls or chocolate covered pretzels to give out to the kids.
- Practice some old fashioned Christmas carols and go caroling through your neighborhood. Don't like being outside? Try caroling at a nursing home instead.
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1 comment:
I was just wondering today what to do about the "too many toys" situation & my kids just might go for Chuck E. Cheese instead. Thanks for the idea. I'll start floating the idea to DH, what other things we want to do this season.
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