Holiday Brain Boosters and Family Fun

by dustbunny

1. Measure together in the kitchen.
2. Listen to books on tape like a Christmas Carol, Polar Express, etc.
3. Read The Night Before Christmas, Big Hungry Bear's Merry Christmas book, Santa's Stuck, I-SPY Christmas version, etc.
4. Count together by using construction paper to make a tree and hang / count 25 ornaments; make a mantle and count / hang stockings. Do anything creative like this to boost number-chatting. Other countables: snowflakes, candy canes, stars, etc.
5. Put together pie-fractions.Make a construction paper pie. Glue a circle onto a cardboard "crust." THEN, cut it up an have kids make a whole.
6. Have your child memorize a Christmas verse or poem. Memorize it together for fun, not drilling.
7. Wrap gifts! Have your child practice wrapping. Use softer tissue paper, tape and a small box.
8. Set the table for fun. Make a template and have your kids match the items to the settings.
9. Polish brassing and fading items. See my non-toxic polish page for more.
10. Learn holiday traditions from around the world and pick one to try together for fun. Check out these sites for ideas on traditions and lessons. 
11. Learn how to say Merry Christmas in other languages.  Learn a new one each day!
12.  Look up words from carols to get a bit more background. Pick words like yuletide or french hens.
13. Make Christmas cards, ornaments and decorations with recycled materials.
14. Act out a carol or holiday skit. There are many to choose from! Example:  Dashing through the snow..in a one horse oopen sleigh...etc.
15. Draw a winter scene. Cut out collage pictures from holiday catalogs of things people do  or see in the winter. Easy things to find are sleds, fireplaces, hot cocoa, etc.
16. Make a paper mache tree, grinch, star, or snowman.
17.  Let your child give you a dictation. Take a wintery image from anywhere and have your child tell you a story about the image. You write it down and  paste the story below or on the back of the picture.
18. Collect books for a book drive, coats or other goodies to donate. You can even collect a few dog treats, food and toys to take to the humane society. Call ahead.
19. Tell stories!  Instead of reading, tell a family holiday story OR retell a book, show, movie plot- anything in your own words. Kids listen intently on every word you say! Even fairy tales, fables or classics can be condensed and retold.
20. Sit quietly together and listen to carols, classical music and or other relaxing tunes. Snuggle up and drink cocoa...CHILL!