Creative Activities to Do with Your Children on Christmas
Dec 20, 2024By Nisha Baheti
Okay, let's be real. Winter can feel long. The days are shorter, the weather's unpredictable, and cabin fever can hit hard. But what if we told you there's a way to combat the winter blues and create some magical family memories at the same time? Enter: the family book club!
We know what you're thinking: "Book club? With kids? Sounds like a recipe for disaster." Trust us and hear it out. A family book club can be an incredibly rewarding experience for everyone involved.
Why Start a Family Book Club Now?
Winter is practically begging us to start a book club. There's something incredibly cozy about curling up with a good book when it's cold outside. Plus, let's be honest - we're all spending more time indoors anyway, so why not make it awesome? Think of it as creating your own little literary cafe, minus the overpriced coffee and with 100% more comfy blankets.
Benefits of a Family Book Club:
- Encourages Reading: Kids are more likely to read when they know they’ll discuss the book with family.
- Enhances Communication: Sharing thoughts about characters and plots helps improve communication skills.
- Strengthens Bonds: Reading together creates shared experiences that can lead to deeper connections.
Choose a Time and Place
Decide on a meeting time that works for everyone—perhaps Sunday afternoons or Friday evenings. Create a cozy corner k at home with comfortable seating, warm blankets, and good lighting. You could even rotate locations among family members’ rooms for added fun!
Select Your Books
Choosing the right books is important for keeping everyone engaged. Here are some fantastic winter-themed book recommendations that cater to various ages:
For Younger Kids:
- "The Snowy Day" by Ezra Jack Keats: This classic picture book captures the magic of snow days through the eyes of a young boy.
- "Bear Snores On" by Karma Wilson: A delightful tale about hibernating bears and their friends that’s perfect for younger readers.
For Middle-Grade Readers:
- "The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe" by C.S. Lewis: A timeless fantasy adventure set in the magical land of Narnia, filled with winter wonder.
- "The Secret Garden" by Frances Hodgson Burnett: This enchanting story about friendship and transformation is perfect for sparking discussions about nature and growth.
For Teens:
- "The Hate U Give" by Angie Thomas: A powerful contemporary novel that tackles important social issues while being relatable to young adults.
- "One of Us Is Lying" by Karen M. McManus: A thrilling mystery that keeps readers guessing until the last page—perfect for engaging discussions!
For Adults:
- "A Man Called Ove" by Fredrik Backman: A heartwarming story about an old curmudgeon whose life changes when new neighbors move in.
- "The Night Circus" by Erin Morgenstern: A beautifully written fantasy novel filled with magic, romance, and competition.
Establish Guidelines
Set some basic ground rules for your book club meetings. Encourage everyone to read the chosen book before the meeting and come prepared with thoughts or questions. Keep it light-hearted—this is all about having fun!
Making It Fun: Engaging Activities
Themed Snacks:
Food makes everything better! Prepare snacks that tie into your book theme or setting. For example, if you’re reading "The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe," whip up some Turkish delight or hot cocoa inspired by Narnia’s snowy landscape.
Book Discussions:
Encourage open discussions during your meetings. Ask questions like:
- What was your favorite part of the book?
- Who was your favorite character, and why?
- Did anything surprise you?
These questions can help spark lively conversations and allow everyone to share their perspectives.
Creative Activities:
Get creative with activities related to your book! Here are some ideas:
- Character Dress-Up: Have everyone come dressed as their favorite character from the book.
- Art Projects: Create artwork inspired by scenes or themes from the story—this could be drawing, painting, or even crafting.
- Book Trailers: Encourage older kids and teens to create short video trailers for the books they read. It’s a fun way to summarize the story creatively!
Field Trips:
If possible, plan field trips related to your reading material! For example, if you’re reading about nature or gardens, visit a local botanical garden or park. If you’re diving into historical fiction, check out museums or historical sites in your area.
Keeping It Going
Once you’ve established your family book club, keep the momentum going! Rotate who picks the next book so everyone feels included in the decision-making process.
Conclusion
Starting a family book club, this winter is an excellent way to bond over stories while fostering a love for reading in your children. With cozy settings, engaging discussions, themed snacks, and creative activities, you can make each meeting memorable and fun! So, gather your family around, pick out some great books, and embark on this literary adventure together.
Happy reading!
