In the wake of the senseless shootings at Sandy Hook Elementary School, many parents are reevaluating their priorities. With Christmas just a few days away, there’s been a shift from chaotic to calm.
Whereas a week ago many parents were rushing around like decapitated chickens trying to hunt down a mountain of material items to place under the tree, today, those same parents are realizing that life’s greatest gift isn’t something that can be wrapped in pretty paper. Rather, moms and dads around the world are slowing down and savoring every minute with their kids.
If the incomprehensible loss of life in Connecticut has inspired you to keep the holidays simple, the following activities will further help you keep the focus on family time:
Photo Display: Gather the kids and go through all of the photos you snapped in 2012. While you reminisce about the good times shared throughout the year, select a few of your favorite images and adhere them to red and green paper. Then, place the pictures in inexpensive silver frames to create a personalized holiday display.
Christmas Collage: Instead of creating a sloppy pile of greeting cards sent by loved ones during the holiday season, have your kids pick out the ones with the prettiest images to create a Christmas collage. Cut-out the photos and glue them to large pieces of cardstock. Next, add some touching quotes from the cards, and then have your kids embellish the collage with ribbons, sequins, gems, buttons, stickers, bows, ribbon or silk flowers before hanging the completed craft on your wall.
Christmas Crackers: Rather than spending cash on these kid-friendly Christmas novelties, consider making your own at home. All you need are a few empty rolls of toilet paper, ribbon, candy, some small toys and wrapping paper. To make the Christmas crackers, simply place a few treats into the empty toilet paper roll, and then cover with wrapping paper leaving about 6 inches of extra paper at both ends. Next, gather the ends and secure with ribbon. You can then place the crackers on the tree as decorations or have your kids hand them out to friends and family to open on Christmas. While these crackers won´t make the traditional popping sound when they are opened, they’re still a simple and fun way to make the season bright.