December brings with it excitement and hope for families – the promise of a new year, the (sometimes) cold days, friends and relatives who visit for the holidays. The end of the year is a whirlwind of events and activities, and we can think of no better time to slow down and celebrate with these Christmas activities for kids.

Whether you’re craft-crazed, foodies, or the second coming of the Von Trapps, these family Christmas ideas will catch you up on togetherness for the whole year.

Crafty Christmas activities for kids

These Christmas craft ideas for kids has a double bonus: They’ll amp up the holiday cheer once you use them to decorate the home.

Paper Plate Christmas Crafts

The humble paper plate can get some serious mileage at Christmas time. Our favourite Christmas craft activity is the angel, which you can make using paper plates, white paper, fevicol, glitter, and coloured pencils or crayons. Add green paint to your list of supplies and the kids can make their very own paper plate Christmas trees, which they can decorate with “streamers” using the Fevicol and glitter.

Snowflakes

You can spend hours making paper snowflakes — the possibilities are endless, especially if you believe that art should imitate life and no two should look the same. This activity involves heavy use of scissors and is best for older kids (with supervision). The younger ones can help you draw the snowflake pattern while you take care of the nips and tucks to bring it to life. Take a long wool string and make a paper snowflake garland that you can hang from the ceiling or the windowsill.

Foodie Christmas activities for kids

OK, maybe you’re not a foodie. Maybe you just have a sweet tooth the size of the apple you skip in favour of cake. Either way, these Christmas activities for kids will give families plenty of quality time in the making — and plenty to nibble on together after.

No-Bake Triple Chocolate Brownies

The best part about no-bake recipes is how easy they are to make. Since there’s no danger of a hot stove or oven, kids can put on their little chef’s hats and help you make this delicious treat. You can use digestive biscuits instead of graham crackers for the same results. We can bet you’ll be fighting over who gets to lick the bowl.

Date Truffles

We get it – a sugar and chocolate overdose for the kids may not be what you’re looking for. You can make date truffles instead for a healthy alternative that’s pretty delicious. If the macadamia nuts the recipe calls for are hard to find, you can use hazelnuts or almonds instead. You can take care of the blender duties, then hand the mix over to kids to make the truffle balls and roll them in the coating of their choice.

Mulled Apple Juice

With just 5 ingredients, you can make a delicious, spiced apple drink that kids will love. All you need is fresh apple juice, orange peel, cinnamon sticks, clove, and some honey (or sugar) for a warm drink that’s perfect for cold December evenings. You can add star anise and nutmeg for a little extra flavor.

Mulled Wine

Fun isn’t just for kids. Use some good wine instead of apple juice for the grown-up version of this winter drink. Just remember to drink this after you’re done with the arts and crafts portion of the day: Wine and scissors don’t always mix well.

Musical Christmas activities for kids

Christmas caroling might seem passe, but the truth is it’s one of the most fun Christmas activities for kids. Whether you have the voice of an angel or a crow, the point is you’re angels or crows together.

Holiday Tunes

There are so many Christmas songs the kids will love to sing. You have plenty of options to choose from even if you want to stay away from hymns and religious tunes. They may already know the usual suspects like Santa Claus is Coming to Town, and Jingle Bells, but you can introduce them to Frosty the Snowman, Donde Esta Santa Claus? and Let It Snow (we wish!) for a musical day.

Happy holidays!