Here’s our top ten holiday activities for the whole family to enjoy:
Make gingerbread (houses)
Whether you make the dough from scratch or purchase an entire kit, baking and decorating gingerbread together can be a lot of fun and is a popular tradition among many families at this time of year.
See the lights
Many communities go all out when it comes to festive lights. The Chatham Jaycees, for example, light up Chatham Community Park with a charity fundraiser that draws thousands each year. You can view this display in your car Thursdays through Sundays, 6pm to 9pm until December 25 for a $5 donation. Henson Robinson Zoo in Springfield also offers a Holiday Zoo Lights experience for the price of admission December 16th through 23rd and 26th through 30th from 5pm to 9pm.
Movie night
Holiday movie nights are a fun and affordable way to enjoy the season. Whether you’re looking to watch something new or a classic, there are plenty to choose. Include popcorn and candy, and you’re on to a winner.
Toy drive
Many nonprofits and businesses hold coat or toy drives at this time of year. If you prefer, you could enlist the help of family and deliver gifts, nonperishable food items, hygiene products, or gently used or new clothes (hats, gloves, and socks are appreciated) to your nearest shelter.
Send a letter to a soldier
A great way to give back at this time of year is to make cards for or write letters to men and women serving overseas.
Paper snowflakes
Simple yet effective, paper snowflakes are inexpensive for your whole family to decorate your home. For little ones, there are safety scissors that do the job well but prevent any potential injuries.
Bake cookies or make treats
Rice crispy treats or rocky road are an easy fix and something the whole family can do. Bag them up and gift to friends and family or dig in yourselves.
Party games
Introducing a game night during the holidays, as a family, with relatives or friends can be a great way to discover new alternatives. If you’re gathering for Hanukkah or Christmas, ask everyone to bring a game and see how many you can try in one night.
Visit the library
Community libraries are great places to spend time together searching for the perfect book, enjoying story times, activities, or crafts, and exploring the children’s areas which often are magical to the littlest ones among us.
Make ornaments
Whether you make salt dough or purchase clay from your local art store, hand prints painted and decorated with glitter to put on the Christmas tree make a great activity.
We hope you have a happy and healthy holiday making memories with your loved ones this year. Please note that all four branches will be closed on December 24th, 26th, 31st and January 2nd to allow our staff time with their families.