Christmas is the perfect time to host a playdate. Children are already in the festive spirit and holiday activities are easy and engaging. Toddlers and little kids find this time to be most magical and commit fully, making the parent’s job easier already. I’m a big fan of themed playdates at home. It’s an easy way to have friends over and create special memories without the extra chaos and high expectations of a true party. It’s a great time to host a simple holiday playdate to help everyone get their cheer in gear.
Narrow down the theme
Don’t let the thought of playdate themes intimidate you — planning the day around a theme or activity is actually a great way to keep everyone busy, eliminate bickering and create special memories they’ll remember for years to come. Christmas is a theme, yes! But if you want it to be easier, you can become more specific. Grinchmas, Reindeer, Candy Cane, Santa’s Workshop, Snowman… the list is endless.
Christmas is a theme, yes! But if you want it to be easier, you can become more specific Shutterstock
Holiday-inspired decor
You don’t need to create Pinterest-perfect themed decor. Activities can be fun and simple. Assuming you just have a tree, the playdate can decorate the tree with ornaments that the kids make. Merry Flower on Mirza Ghalib Street/ Free School Street is a haven for theme-specific Christmas decor. If you aspire for the perfect red bows and silver baubles, they’ll have it. Little Surprise Box is another great online marketplace with all things Christmas.
Merry activities
In case you don’t have a creative bone in your body (like me), Pinch of Pretty has a DIY box that will do everything for us. This festive kit is bursting with holiday joy and endless crafting possibilities. Watch imaginations soar as little ones paint and understand the Christmas Characters on easel and MDF Cutouts. Let them experience the joy of giving while they paint on greeting cards and decorate the Christmas tree with the cutest ‘pinup cork hangings’ that come packed inside the box.
If you share your child’s creative enthusiasm, there are many other easy activities like making toilet paper reindeers, painting stockings, and decorating your own mini tree… Molly Howard’s Instagram page is filled with failsafe activities which will make you feel like quite the DIY parent. I also swear by playdough. Play dough and Christmas miniatures allow kids to play independently without constant supervision and assistance. They can take home their playdough and miniatures to continue to play at home.
Sweet treats
Christmas also means candy and sugar overload. Get the kids involved in decorating gingerbread houses, cookies, or cupcakes – or try making hot chocolate on a stick.
I have realised that I’d rather not do this and stick to basic kid snacks. Less sugar means fewer zoomies. So we enjoy popcorn and veggie sticks, with marshmallows being our only treat. That’s a fair deal!
Stick to one or two activities, keep it light, and let the kids soak up the holiday cheer!
The author is an economist and full-time millennial mother, struggling to cope with daily chores.