Creative Christmas Activities for Kids

Of course, opening presents and playing with new toys and gadgets is exciting and will keep kids rather busy, and hopefully for a while, right, moms? However, when going to dinner at Grandma's or while in the car on a long trip -if those presents and toys are stuck at home or in the trunk- what shall entertain the children?

Undoubtedly, parents scrounge for ideas regularly, as to how to easily educate and entertain little ones, but doing so for times when the entire family is together or for a long road trip, can be a tedious task in itself.

To the rescue are a few creative ideas for Christmas activities for kids. If movies are not on your list, or you are searching for something a bit more interactive, Christmas activities may just be your answer!

These activities can most certainly be used year-round, and not just for holiday travels and get-togethers.

Instead of board games or tag, try something a bit more creative, like:

Christmas (or anything else) Bingo! Make up a few boards, using terms related to Christmas (or another theme). Use candy pieces, or anything else that may be nearby, to cover the squares. Have someone (one of the older kids, perhaps) "call" a word. Play bingo as normal from there!

"I-Spy" Create a list (make one for each child) of things in your surroundings (whether in the car or a house), such as "steering wheel" or "Christmas tree". Have the children search for and cross of the items, as quickly as possible. The first one done wins!

Count the... Have the kids count how many houses you pass (while on the road) that have lights and decorations, how many Christmas bows they find in the house, how many times people say "Merry Christmas", or whatever else. It will peek the child's interest in paying attention to the small things, but also keep him/her entertained!

Trivia and Quizzes You can easily find trivia games online, or make your own. There are countless options for topics and questions. Here are a couple of suggestions:

1. Christmas movies or characters
2. Christmas songs
3. The North Pole
4. Christmas desserts
5. History of Christmas (what Christmas is and why it is a special day, etc.)
6. Name the Reindeer

Santa Says Similar to Simon Says, have one child be "Santa", and the rest of the kids be "elves". Have Santa give a direction, like "Santa says spin around" or "Santa says rub your belly". The elves are to follow direction, and are only to stop when Santa says "Santa says stop". To make it interesting, Santa may say "stop" at any time, but -again- the elves are only to stop when Santa says "Santa says stop".

Other (paper) games that can be easily made or found online (to print out and use):

1. Mazes
2. Matching Games
3. Puzzles
4. Coloring
5. Crossword Puzzles
6. Christmas Sudoku

Crafts can become quite messy, but typically entertain a bit longer than games, and can be more educational than a movie. Below are a few ideas of crafts to do on (or for) Christmas, and some can be done either in the car or in the house!

Advent Calendar for Next Year If your family celebrates and follows Advent, having the children make a calendar for next year may be a wonderful new tradition! The following year, when that calendar is used, the kids will most definitely feel a sense of accomplishment!

Christmas Cards for the Family Kids can make their own Christmas cards for relatives, neighbors, people at the toll booth, or anyone with whom they would like to spread cheer! Let the children pass them out as they please, as this helps children learn about giving.

Christmas Story or Poem Have the children create their own Christmas storybook or poem. Here are some suggestion ideas:

1. "What is Christmas?" The religious story of the first Christmas, in the eye's of the child.
2. "My Favorite Christmas Tradition"
3. "Why I Love Christmas"
4. "My Favorite Christmas Memory"
5. An acrostic, using a Christmas word, like "Christmas" or "Presents".

Make Snowflakes Just as you may have done as a child, making snowflakes the old fashioned way is fun and easy! Take a piece of paper, and fold it as many times as desired. Then, cut shapes into the paper. Unfold the paper to unveil snowflakes (or a multitude of other designs)!

If possible, keep a small box or trunk in the back of the car, full of craft tools, activity or coloring books, and games. That way, there is always something to do while on a road trip.

The same can be done for going to a friend or family member's house; take along a small bag or box full of fun activities for kids.

Merry Christmas!