How to enjoy Christmas with kids

Christmas is a wonderful time of year, and if you’re lucky enough to share this holiday with children, you probably want to make the most of every second. Their excitement and wonder can fill your home with joy.

Childhood doesn’t last forever and if you're a parent, grandparent or family friend, you’ll know just how important it feels to make the most of the years while the little ones still believe in magic.

Whether you’re looking for ideas for family activities or just want to make your home feel extra festive, here are some lovely ways to enjoy Christmas this year with kids.

How to make Christmas magical for kids

There are so many magical gifts you can give, but a happy Christmas is not measured by the number of presents under the tree. It’s the little things you take the time to do that will make the season special, such as hanging fairy lights together in the living room, playing board games at the kitchen table and piling onto the sofa to watch Christmas films in matching pyjamas.

If you want to make this time of year a truly special memory, focus on creating moments they’ll remember for years to come.

Create a sensory feast

Some of our favourite family memories are built from our senses. The smell of a satsuma in a stocking or the feel of decorating with tinsel, for example. So why not fill your home with sights, sounds, tastes and scents that capture the spirit of the season?

Start by stringing up fairy lights together, hanging colourful ornaments and playing your favourite Christmas songs or carols while you decorate.

Fill your home with the comforting smells of Christmas by baking mince pies, simmering cinnamon sticks and orange slices on the stove or using diffusers with scents like pine, spiced apple or mulled wine.

You can even wrap up warm and visit a local lights trail, a festive market or a winter funfair. Let the kids be in awe at colourful displays, sip hot chocolate and soak in the sights and sounds. Every twinkle, scent and song helps create lasting memories for your children.

Keep the faith

Encourage their young minds by helping kids write a letter to Father Christmas (and arrange a reply!)

Why not add a little silliness and fun with an Elf on the Shelf during December? Or, try a virtual activity like a Santa tracker on Christmas Eve to see when he might arrive.

Before bed, make sure to leave a carrot for Rudolph and a mince pie (or perhaps a small glass of sherry) for Santa. You could even go the extra mile and create Father Christmas’ footsteps – a little imagination and a can of spray snow can go a long way to ensuring delight on Christmas morning.

Treat them to a special experience

A lovely way to take the focus off piles of gift giving is to book experiences that the whole family can enjoy together. This could be a trip to see a pantomime at your local theatre, giving ice-skating a go, booking a ticket for a festive train ride or a visit to a traditional Christmas market. Even a simple family film night with hot chocolate and cosy blankets can be a treasured tradition.

It doesn’t have to cost a lot; anything that isn’t something you do regularly will work. What matters most is making the effort and spending quality time together.

Get them involved

Kids love to help, so take advantage of this enthusiasm and get them involved in everything, from decorating the tree to baking treats.

Let little ones make their own handmade ornaments for the tree or help to prepare a festive lunch. Not only will they feel proud of their contributions, but it’s also a wonderful opportunity to teach them about seasons, cooking and crafting.

Another way to involve both younger and older children is to have a little clear out and donate clothes or toys they no longer use. This will teach them about kindness and the joy of giving.

As for older children who are starting to lose their belief in Santa Claus, you can still involve them in the Christmas tradition without ruining the magic for younger ones. Offer your older kids some ‘Father Christmas duties’ such as setting up evidence of Santa’s visit or doing a good deed for friends, family or neighbours. It’s a great way to keep the spirit of Christmas alive even when children start to grow out of fairytales.

For the Christmas holidays, our biggest tip is to slow down and be present as much as possible. We hope these simple ideas help you to create memories your children and grandchildren will hold close for years to come. However you choose to enjoy Christmas with kids, remember this: it’s the magic found in the little moments together that make the season truly memorable.