The holiday season is upon us, and whether you’re celebrating Christmas or not, it’s a great opportunity for families to come together, bond, and reflect on the great memories made over the year.
We've put together five cosy family activity ideas to help you start your own traditions while the kids are away from nursery or school.
Baking together
Who doesn’t love a sweet treat? It’s even sweeter when you’re the one who made it! Fill your home with delicious smells by baking with your little one.
Baking together is a fantastic way to encourage your child to try new things, while also providing a fun opportunity for language learning.
As you bake together, chat with your little one throughout the process, introducing new words and helping them practice following instructions. You can even make up a fun rhyme together while you’re at it!
A great bonus of baking together is the sensory experience—like kneading dough and whipping cream. It’s a fantastic way to introduce new textures and activities, all while supporting your little one’s brain development.
There are many great recipes you can use on our website like these pancakes, and more over on the BBC Food website here.
Family keepsakes
Why not let your creativity flow and get crafty with your little one? The end of the year is the perfect time to reflect on all the memories you've shared together.
You could create a family tree using paper and pictures, or put together a scrapbook-style family album, highlighting memorable moments from the year. Your child can join in by adding stickers or doodles to the pages.
Chat through the pictures together and let your little one share their favourite moments. It’s a great opportunity celebrate their achievements from the past year, whether it’s riding a bike for the first time or starting preschool
Talking about the past helps your child develop more complex language skills as they describe their experiences in detail. You can encourage this by asking questions like "What?", "When?", and "Where?"
Family film nights
What better time for a movie marathon than during the chilly winter months—whether you're snuggled up on the couch or under a cosy blanket fort.
Movies can introduce your child to new worlds and perspectives, sparking their imagination.
The shared experience of watching new films together or introducing your little one to your old favourites is a great way to bond. It also opens the door for discussions on important themes and gives your child the chance to express their likes, dislikes, and opinions.
There are many great films and shows to watch with your little one on the BBC iPlayer website.
Winter walks
It can be a challenge to leave the house during the cold winter months, but with the streets beautifully lit up this time of year, a winter walk with your little one can be a truly joyful experience.
The dazzling light displays, markets, and fairs offer a sensory treat for the whole family.
Speech and language therapist Janet Cooper tells us that “by engaging the five senses in language learning, you create an immersive experience that goes beyond just memorising vocabulary and grammar rules.”
Talk to your little ones about what’s happening around them during the walk—point out things together and ask how they’re feeling. New words are easier for them to remember when they’re connected to real experiences.
Spending time outside during the dark days of December can also lift your mood and help beat the winter blues. Braving the cold for some fresh air, even if it’s just a short walk in the park, can boost serotonin levels for both you and your child, crucial for keeping your mood up.
Games night
If you’re looking for something to do during an evening indoors and aren’t in the mood for a movie, organise a family game night.
Games can create learning opportunities for your child, from encouraging face-to-face interactions to teaching teamwork and problem-solving skills - all while you’re having fun together.
You could do simple puzzles, or use building blocks together – this can help boost both their fine and gross motor skills as well as hand-eye coordination.
If you want to try something new, you could set up an ‘obstacle course’ for your little one with things you have lying around the house. Spread out cushions and pretend the floor is lava or turn the cushions into hurdles to get over.
Another idea is to line up some laundry baskets and take turns tossing balls or rolled-up socks into them, adjusting the distance as you go.
Get creative with it and include a leaderboard with prizes if you’re feeling competitive!
So, whether you’re celebrating or not this winter, there are plenty of ways to spend some quality time with your family and create meaningful memories together.
