Winter can create cabin fever for kids, not to mention rowdy moods. Instead of letting everyone build up with holiday stress, here are three fun family activities that start by getting dressed in the morning.
The first step is to find matching family pajamas, slippers and/or bathrobes. You can order them online at stores like crazyforbargains.com or amazon.ca. You can also try a local pajama shop.
Creating the perfect portrait
The first activity is to create the perfect portrait for holiday cards or invitations. Start by placing the matching pajamas in everyone’s room the night before the family photo. This way, nobody knows that they will match when they wake up.
In the morning, wake everyone up for breakfast a bit before their alarm clocks would normally go off. As your family gathers around the table in their matching pajamas, they’ll get a good laugh and wonder what you are up to. Once everyone has eaten, they’ll be in a great mood and ready to sit still for a fun family photo. Because everyone is matching and fed, you have the perfect moment for a fun family photo that is fit for a fabulous holiday greeting card.
Now build decorations for your holiday
Whether it’s Hanukkah, Christmas or Kwanza, crafting with your family creates a bond that can last a lifetime. One popular craft for your family is to stuff Mason jars with potpourri, cool marbles, decorative stones or tissue paper and the photo from the morning to freshen your rooms and remind you of the fun you had.
Another could be baking and decorating themed dessert for dinner that night. However, the one craft that lasts a lifetime are decorations for the holidays.
If you celebrate Christmas, have everyone decorate plain and clear ornaments with paint. One other fun option is to stuff the insides of the ornaments with tissue paper, trinkets and then paint a design on the outside. You can also create fun animal shapes out of them with a glue gun. Once the glue has set, let your kids paint them.
For Hanukkah, creating menorahs or dreidels is always fun. If you do a menorah, give everyone a different piece of it to decorate. You can also have everyone create their own based on their favorite family trip or memory. If you choose dreidels, have everyone paint one for someone else in the family. The theme can be what they like most about that person.
Crafting with your family after your photo can help build a bond. Every year when you unpack the decorations, you’ll remember creating them and everyone will smile.
Cocoa and a movie
After a day of crafting, cooking and taking family photos, relaxing with a movie and hot cocoa is perfect. This is also the perfect time to give everyone the matching slippers and robes. Your family will have a new tradition of movies with matching clothing and a fun way to spend a weekend evening before bed.
By starting your day with something as simple as matching pajamas, you can help to build a bond with your family, create memories and photos that everyone will love while having a great time. You’d never think that something so simple could do so much. Once you’ve tried it, you may find yourself buying a new pair of pajamas for a new family tradition each year.
Melissa is a mom that loves helping people find great deals online while providing her kids with fun and educational activities.
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