Magical Christmas Activities for Families with Young Children
Christmas is the most wonderful time of the year, especially when you have little ones who light up at every twinkling light, festive tune, and jolly "ho-ho-ho." If you're looking for ideas to make Christmas magical for your kids and create lasting memories with your children this holiday season, we've got you covered! Whether you're staying snug at home or heading out for festive fun, here are some brilliant ways to celebrate Christmas with your young family.
1. Create a Christmas Countdown
Advent calendars are a classic, but why not make your own personalised countdown? Craft a festive garland with little envelopes, each containing a small treat, activity, or kind message. One day could be baking cookies, another might be writing a letter to Father Christmas. It’s a fun way to build excitement and keep them guessing each day!
2. Have a Festive Movie Night
Snuggle up with some hot chocolate, popcorn, and a selection of Christmas films. Classics like The Snowman or newer favourites like Arthur Christmas are perfect for little ones. Don’t forget cosy blankets and perhaps a twinkling string of fairy lights to set the scene.
3. Capture the Magic with a Christmas Mini Photography Session
What better way to remember this festive season and make Christmas magical for your kids than with a beautiful family photo? Christmas mini photography sessions are a fantastic way to capture the magic of the holidays with your little ones, pets, or the whole family.
At Bluebell and Lace Photography we offer 6 beautiful Christmas themed backdrops featuring twinkling fairy lights, cosy winter scenes and magical wonderlands. Babies and young children look adorable in festive outfits, and pets can join in the fun too! These short sessions are perfect for little attention spans and result in stunning photos that make wonderful gifts or keepsakes.
 Take a look at my Christmas page or get on our VIP list here to find out about our next sessions first
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4 Visit Santa’s Grotto
No Christmas is complete without meeting the man himself. Check out local garden centres, shopping centres, or Christmas markets for Santa’s grottos. The joy on your child’s face as they tell Santa their wishes is priceless!
5. Craft Festive Decorations Together
Children love to get hands-on, so let them help decorate the house. Make paper snowflakes, create glittery baubles, or string popcorn garlands together. Salt dough ornaments are another brilliant idea – shape them, bake them, and let your little artists paint their masterpieces.
6. Enjoy a Christmas Lights Walk
Bundle everyone up in coats, hats, and scarves and go on a walk around the neighbourhood to admire the Christmas lights. Many towns and cities also have light trails or illuminations that are perfect for a magical evening stroll.
7. Read Christmas Stories
Create a cosy corner with a pile of festive books. Classics like The Night Before Christmas or Stick Man by Julia Donaldson bring the magic of Christmas to life. Reading together is a lovely way to wind down and create a special moment each day.
8. Bake and Decorate Christmas Treats
Get your little helpers into the kitchen to bake gingerbread men, Christmas cookies, or mince pies. Decorating biscuits with icing and sprinkles is always a hit – just be prepared for a little mess (and plenty of sneaky nibbling)!
9. Host a Mini Christmas Party
Invite some friends or family over for a little gathering. Play games like pass-the-parcel or pin the nose on Rudolph, sing Christmas songs, and enjoy a festive buffet with little sandwiches and treats. Let the kids help with party prep to make them feel involved.
10. Go Carol Singing (or Have a Singalong at Home!)
Check your local area for family-friendly carol events or organise your own singalong at home. You don’t need perfect pitch to belt out Jingle Bells or We Wish You a Merry Christmas. Hand out jingle bells or tambourines for added fun.
11. Plan a Christmas Eve Tradition
Start a family tradition that you can look forward to every year. It could be a Christmas Eve box with pyjamas, a story, and a treat, or leaving out mince pies and carrots for Santa and his reindeer. These little rituals are what childhood memories are made of.
12. Give Back Together
Teach your children about the joy of giving by involving them in acts of kindness. Donate toys to a children’s charity, write Christmas cards for neighbours, or take part in a food bank collection. It’s a beautiful way to spread holiday cheer and instil the spirit of Christmas.
The festive season is a chance to slow down and cherish time with your family. By adding a sprinkle of creativity and a pinch of festive spirit, you’ll create magical memories that your children will treasure for years to come.
Happy Christmas, and may your holidays be filled with love, laughter, and a bit of glitter! 🎄✨
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