These past few years have undeniably been some of the most challenging and overwhelming times, especially since there was a global pandemic everyone had to deal with. We all had to figure out how to cope with the fear of not understanding what was going on, the stress of not being able to do anything about it, and all the other thoughts that came with those emotions. To say that the last three years have been difficult would be an understatement.
We all had to adjust to birthdays not being celebrated the way they used to, we all had to give our loved ones hugs and kisses from afar, and we all had to celebrate Christmas in Covid-19 fashion. But, this year, things are looking up. We all get to see our loved ones face to face, we get to travel to different places again, and we get to see the holiday cheer just like we used to.
Of course, things are still different as things have not gotten back to full normal yet. But there are still ways that we can begin making the holiday season a bit more as it used to be before things started to change. The pandemic was stressful enough, so sit back and relax, mamas. We’ve made a list of our top 5 ways to make Christmas more meaningful and exciting for the kids again. Check them out below!
Christmas Carols
Tis the season to be jolly and what better way is there to get in the holiday mood than by singing? Whether you prefer to burst out in song by singing some of Jose Mari Chan’s top hits or if you choose to hum to the mellow tones of Silent Night, jamming to Christmas carols is one of the best ways to get in the mood to celebrate Christmas. After all, these songs usher in the season of giving and most of the lyrics remind us all about the beauty of the holiday.
The merry tones of the bells coupled with the choirs singing the melodies makes for a perfect reminder of why Christmas truly is the festive holiday we wait for all year round. Songs change throughout the years, going from Hark! The Herald Angels Sing and Joy to the World to more modern renditions of I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus and Jingle Bell Rock, but the essence of these songs and the emotions they’re able to make us feel are one and the same. So, even if you aren’t a great singer, why not sing at the top of your lungs and help your kids usher in the season of giving?
Decorate the Tree
One of the best things about Christmas is seeing how the Christmas trees are decorated. Over the years, these trees have gone from the classic pine tree look to ones that come in pink, white, blue, and other wild colors. Now, one way to get the holiday cheer back is by getting the tree up and decorating it with your family members.
This simple activity helps everyone get into the Christmas mood and you can even make a game out of it. Or perhaps, you can even make ornaments together that you can string around the tree. Christmas trees don’t have to be over the top or glam to be a “good” Christmas tree. All it needs is some decorations that help remind you about the purpose of the festive holiday.
So, whether your tree is decorated with strings of popcorn or adorned by little baubles made by your children, you’re bound to have a great tree that you and your family can enjoy all season long.
Wrap Gifts Together
Christmas may be the season for giving, but it’s also a season that truly brings families together or closer. One way of getting closer to your family members is by bonding over a gift wrapping activity. It may seem like a messy fanfare, what with your floors likely being cluttered with paper cutouts, tape, string, and what have you, but it’s also a great way to spend time with your loved ones.
Mamas tend to do all the wrapping, but by including your kids, you get to teach them how to wrap presents and, by extension, also show them the importance of giving to someone else. Whatever the gift may be, be it a candle, some socks, or even ingredients for some classic Pinoy spaghetti, your children can enjoy some time wrapping these with you and even learn the value of the generosity and kindness of such actions.
Make Christmas Cards
This is one activity that’s perfect for anyone and everyone, especially your artsy kids! You can sit them down and teach them how to make some cards, or give them paint and art supplies and let them and their imaginations take over. It’s definitely one activity that everyone in the family can participate in and one that your children are sure to enjoy.
They can even learn a thing or two about kindness and thoughtfulness as Christmas isn’t just about giving toys or receiving them. One fun and simple activity can have a world of meaning if you take the time to explain to your kids what it’s for and what it means. Christmas is all about spreading the love, so why not spread the love with their art and some kind words?
Christmas Countdown
There are a ton of ways we can mark the days before Christmas - for some it might be going to Simbang Gabi every morning to mark the days leading to Christmas; and for others it can be using a 12 days of Christmas countdown calendar or something to that degree.
Whether you get to complete all nine (9) days of the Simbang Gabi with your families, you get some fun countdown calendars with chocolates and other sweet surprises in them, or you make one of your own, having a down with your families is always a great way to get excited for the jolliest and merriest time of the year.
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