November 18, 2009 
By Jacqueline Bodnar
The holidays are once again upon us! This time of year opens the door for families to spend some quality time together. There are some great activities that family members of all ages can participate in. Getting the kids involved and making it a family experience is a great tradition. Not only does it bring families closer together, but it’s also creates lasting memories for years to come.
Planning. The approaching holiday season means one thing for a lot of people, that there’s a lot of planning to do. Kids love to help and will feel like they are really a part of all the celebration if they are in on helping to make decisions and plans. Doing this will also help teach them your family traditions so that they can continue those traditions in years to come.
Arts & Crafts. "Involving children in holiday art or craft projects gives families an opportunity to spend time together, something so many families struggle to find, especially during the hustle and bustle of the holiday season,” says Amanda Sayle, Studio Coordinator at the Art Institute of McKinney, in McKinney, Texas. “It also provides opportunity to develop and share family traditions and beliefs."
Singing. There are so many great holiday carols that the entire family can enjoy. Make it fun by planning a holiday karaoke night or caroling in your neighborhood. You can also warm some hearts by making a trip to a local children’s hospital or senior center to sing carols for them.
Shopping. If you have shopping to do, get the kids involved and make it a family event. While you are at it, consider having each of the kids choose one present for a child their age and donate it to a local shelter. Explain to them about the importance of giving to others.
Decorations. Christmas is a great time of year to admire all the beautiful ways that people decorate. You can stay right within your neighborhood or travel across town. Check local event listings for tree lightings, parades or other area city-wide decorating events.
Baking. A family that bakes together creates last memories. Have each family member choose their favorite treat to bake. After keeping some for yourself, put the rest in wrapped boxes or tins for the kids to give away to family and friends.
Movies. Everyone has a favorite holiday movie, whether it is Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer or A Charlie Brown Christmas. Schedule a special holiday movie night to watch one or two family favorites. Make some popcorn and enjoy the tradition.
Performances. Most communities have local theaters that put on a variety of performances around the holidays. This might not be appropriate for young children because they may get antsy sitting still that long. But it’s a great way to introduce older children to community arts. They will cherish the chance to see a Christmas classic performed live.
Volunteering. “Volunteering during the holidays is a natural outcome of a time and season of giving,” says Sheila Miller, executive director of Volunteer McKinney Center. She explains that nursing homes and assisted living facilities continue to be a great place for children to be introduced to volunteer service. “The elderly love visits, singing, story telling and most especially love children.” Parents will just need to contact the activity director to make arrangements to get their children involved. There are many different ways that families can get involved and volunteer, starting with those that need help assistance right in their own neighborhood. “Share with you child the joy in giving to those in need while reminding you and them that this should be a part of our ongoing opportunity to give back to our community,” says Miller.
Teaching. Each family has their own traditions when it comes to the holidays. Teach your children your reason for celebrating so that they don’t just associate Christmas morning with having presents to open. After Christmas, involve the kids in making special thank you cards to send for any gifts they may have received. “Churches continue to be a great resource for children and teens to begin and do some worthy volunteer projects,” says Miller “many have special projects for the holidays.”
Jacqueline Bodnar is a freelance writer living in Port Orange, Fla. with her husband and two children.