Schools amp up the holiday season, but it’s up to us parents to keep the spirit alive and kicking during the break. Every morning, the kids spring out of bed, eager to see what the day has in store for them (read: all the fun that we have planned for them). But eventually, the novelty wears off and they start to get restless. Thankfully, Kolkata has much to do to keep young ones entertained. Here is a concise list of tried-and-tested activities that can be done at home or outdoors that will keep your children feeling jolly!
Letters to Santa
Get the kids to sit down and pen their wish list to Santa Claus Shutterstock
This is as easy as DIY gets. Get the kids to sit down and pen their wish list to Santa. If they are too young to write, print out a list which they can “sign” or “stamp” their name on. The red mailbox and licking a stamp are just as fascinating to them as they were for us growing up. Then post it to Santa, and watch their faces light up. Over the years, we have made a tradition out of this and at least one day of holiday break has a Christmas-themed DIY. It’s a fun way to feel crafty while creating memories that last a lifetime!
Check out this link for free ‘Dear Santa’ printables.
Mess-free Crafts
Watching kids making festive crafts is pure joy Shutterstock
Mess free? Well, almost. It’s something all parents strive for — easy Christmas crafts that don’t leave a glitter trail through your home. Here are some ideas. Use colourful tapes to create stars and Christmas trees on paper or even windows. Pompoms can be transformed into adorable little Christmas snowman ornaments. Paper plate Santa is another winner — all you need are cotton balls, red-and-black sketch pens and some imagination. As they grow older, let them play with Tangrams, Magna-Tiles, and LEGO to build Christmas trees or baubles. Another successful activity is bringing out the good ol’ cardboard box and some colours. Watch them turn it into their very own sleigh! Here’s a link with some more easy ideas.
Get Cooking
As your kids grow, let them experiment with cookies, hot chocolate and cake recipes and watch them transform into budding culinary artists Shutterstock
This one is completely dependent on your culinary skills and the level of mess you want in your kitchen. Remember, the younger they are, the messier they get in the kitchen so it’s wise to keep things simple. Start with a basic four-step cookie recipe, mix the ingredients, roll the dough and let the kids cut out fun shapes for cookies. Another festive favourite is the Gingerbread House — whether you buy a pre-baked kit (check Ovenly) or make one from scratch, assembling and decorating it is always a hit. Kookie Jar has an amazing hot chocolate popsicle — just pour hot milk and let the magic happen. As your kids grow, let them experiment with cookies, hot chocolate and cake recipes and watch them transform into budding culinary artists.
Secret Santa Exchange
Encourage them to brainstorm gift ideas for their friends and family members Shutterstock
I have enjoyed Secret Santa Exchange for years and now, it’s a thrill my son shares too. Elfster is a great website which simplifies the draw for all the participants. The parents can manage the exchange for the children, or even organise one between family members. An added bonus is getting little ones to scribble on newspapers while listening to your Christmas playlist, and using the newspapers as wrapping paper for your gifts. Also, encourage them to brainstorm gift ideas for their friends and family members. You’d be surprised by how thoughtful and creative kids can be.
Explore the city
Colourful lighting decoration and crowd on Christmas time at Park Street, Allen Park, Kolkata Shutterstock
Christmas in Kolkata is legendary. The city offers so many family activities that you can enjoy with your kids. Park Street gets lit up with Christmas trees and lights and children can enjoy multiple shows at Allen Park. Take your kids to Free School Street/ Mirza Ghalib Street to pick up baubles to decorate your home. The street is lined with decor stores that will make their little eyes shine bright. Midnight mass at St Paul’s Cathedral and many other churches is magical. Bow Barracks hosts an open-air party with food stalls and performers where you can take your older kids near Christmas date to enjoy and dance.
With children, Christmas takes on an extra sprinkle of magic. And from sipping hot chocolate to donning ugly sweaters, matching pyjamas, and decking up the halls, it’s a season we parents get to revive childhood all over again!
The author is an economist and full-time millennial mother, struggling to cope with daily chores
