Most of us have spent a lot of time indoors this year, so we’ve come up with some festive activities for children to do at home or outdoors.
This year, young people at The Children’s Trust have a busy calendar of Christmas activities. Keren Holding, Leisure and Activities Co-ordinator, The Children's Trust, said: “Enabling the children and young people to access leisure, and be able to be out and about, is so important for their mental health. But we can do things indoor and out!
“When children get out and about they gain confidence, and when we’re able to do activities it shows them that they can still access things and have fun, which they especially enjoy with other people in their family.”
This year, young people at The Children's Trust will enjoy a special Winter Market, watch pantomime and Christmas films, and enjoy visits from ponies, reindeer, a therapy dog, and even Santa Claus! On-site, there will be a festive light tunnel and ice rink, and trips out include Glow 2021 at RHS Garden Wisely and Christmas at Kew Gardens.
“As well as bringing the children lots of fun after a brain injury, activities like these help children with their therapy goals, confidence and to know that life has not stopped,” said Keren.
Check out our list of 10 fun festive things to do:
1 Christmas crafts
There are lots of craft kits to choose from in supermarkets, shops and online, and whether it’s making a paperchain or a wreath, children can have fun while improving their fine motor skills and concentration. A fun messy play activity is making salt dough, simply using plain flour, salt and water. Once you have the right consistency, make the dough into Christmas decorations then bake or air dry before painting, then varnishing with PVA glue mixed with a bit of water.
2 Check out the Christmas lights
Many cab companies are embracing the festive season with tours around big cities to look at the Christmas lights. In London, families are booking 2-3 hour tours in iconic black taxis, but there is also a DIY option. Check out which areas near you have the best Christmas lights by searching online, then plan a family trip in the car with snacks, blankets and Christmas music playing. Think ahead on where you can stop and park if you want to see some of the lights on foot.
3 A sensory Christmas afternoon
Plan a session of sensory activities at home involving touch, taste, smell, sound and sight. Share the aromas of Christmas by wafting scents under your child’s nose - these could include cinnamon sticks, ginger and orange peel, which can also be sampled for taste. For exploring different textures, hand around festive objects such as tinsel, pine cones and wrapping paper. Stimulating different senses can provide children with emotional benefits, as well as giving them the opportunity to communicate their preferences. At The Children's Trust, young people have a Christmas sing and sign session, and you may be able to register for something similar online.
4 Geocaching
Many of us have discovered new local places to walk in 2021, some just a few minutes from home! Geocaching is also on the rise with mobile phones (GPS-enabled) helping us to explore areas, find hidden treasures, and log our part in this real-world, outdoor treasure-hunting game. Find out why people love geocaching.
5 Watching movies
Lot of drive-through cinemas have popped up across the country this year and with availability running through to January. If you’re staying in, turn the living room into a homely cinema – curtains closed, lights off, snacks and drinks and warm blankets and cushions.
6 Christmas cooking
Enjoy making some Christmas recipes such as gingerbread or simple cookies that you can ice. The Children’s Trust’s Step-by-step Cookbook has tick-off boxes for every ingredient and piece of equipment needed for each recipe, then breaks each recipe down into simple steps so it is easy for children to follow. Check out the cheesecake recipe, and add some winter berries and grated chocolate on top to make it more festive!
7 Digital theatre
Use your homemade cinema to showcase online pantomimes and shows. There are online options specifically for kids (including pantomime) on Stream.TV. As well as YouTube, Netflix and Disney+, Stage2view is a streaming platform where you can rent various on-demand productions from the West End, such as the musicals 42nd Street, The Wind in the Willows and Hetty Feather.
8 Christmas afternoon tea
If your family is unable to get out to cafes and restaurants this season, why not create your own at home? You can find lots of Christmas-themed bakes at local bakeries and supermarkets, from snowmen meringues to Christmas tree cookies. Get some festive treats, napkins and crackers, put on some Christmas music and enjoy!
9 Christmas games
This year young people at The Children’s Trust set up a festive football match. Grab your Santa hat and put a new twist on games like bowling or skittles, or enjoy a festive dance competition!
10 A Christmas campfire
If it’s not too cold outside then wrap up warm for a Christmas feast with carols and Christmas songs. You could use a firepit, BBQ or camping stove to help a child toast marshmallows, and enjoy a mug of hot chocolate.
