How to Engage Toddlers in Christmas

Wednesday, December 14, 2011

How to Engage Toddlers in Christmas

Christmas is a magical time. I don't deny that, but the question is, how do I engage my 20 month old boy when all he really wants to do is tackle people and yell, "FOOTBALL!!!". He isn't exactly into baking or making intricate Christmas ornaments so I've come up with a few ideas:

1. Play "I Spy" using the Christmas tree. Both kids love this. I say, "I spy an ornament with a dog who is wearing a hat." They both look all around the tree and yell out when they find it. We've played this several times a day for about five days running. I'm hoping the excitement lasts.

2. Let them help wrap presents. Yes, this sounds tricky, but I just give them some stickers and let them use them like bows. They both love stickers and are so proud of the presents they "wrapped."

3. Drive around and look at Christmas lights. This is a perfect activity for when Daddy is coming home late from work. Pack up some sandwiches and carrots and drive all around, looking at all the lights. You don't even have to get out of the car. It's pretty relaxing actually.

4. Advent doors. I found a really neat Advent train at Hobby Lobby. They take turns each day opening a door. I'm hoping it's one thing they'll remember as they get older. I remember my brothers and I took turns putting the star on the tree each year.

5. Lastly, I put up a new tree every day on our sliding glass door and let them decorate with Christmas stickers. Fun is had by all. Ho ho ho!!!

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14 comments:

OneMommyDecember 14, 2011 at 4:31 PM
Christmas lights! I should have tried that tonight when the husband was running late from work. They've been at each other's throats all evening, and Mommy is frazzled. I'm totally doing that next time!
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Susan CaseDecember 15, 2011 at 6:22 AM
Great ideas!!!
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Dee ⚜️⚜️⚜️⚜️⚜️December 15, 2011 at 7:49 AM
So Adorable!

Dee
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Emma TustianDecember 15, 2011 at 11:25 AM
I think next year I'm going to have to start doing some of these things (he's not quite 1 this year, but next year can see he'll need to start getting into the Christmas spirit)
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Jessica @FoundtheMarblesDecember 15, 2011 at 2:07 PM
Great ideas! These are perfect suggestions for that age group!
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Christopher HorneDecember 15, 2011 at 7:45 PM
I am a new follower via GFC
please feel free to follow back
http://rightoutofthefalconsmouth.blogspot.com/
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Anne @ Green Eggs and MomsDecember 16, 2011 at 2:51 AM
These are excellent ways to engage the kids this Christmas. I'll definitely let my kiddo help me with gift wrapping even if it turns out a bit messy- I'm sure the recipients would love to know that a 4 year old helped wrap their present.

By the way, following through GFC. :)
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momto8December 16, 2011 at 6:02 AM
or take them to a mall and let them run around while you chase them...
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Sierra @ H is for HomeschoolingDecember 16, 2011 at 10:49 AM
I love the advent train!! I will have to find a hobby lobby.
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yeewittlethingsDecember 16, 2011 at 10:55 AM
Hi there! What a great blog you have :) Looking forward to future posts as well! I love the idea of putting up a new tree every day for him to decorate with the stickers!

I'm now following you from Winter Wonderland Blog Hop! Feel free to check out my blog as well: yeewittlethings.blogspot.com.

Have a great day!
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Vicky @ Mess For LessDecember 16, 2011 at 12:48 PM
I like the idea of putting up a new tree on the door each day for them to decorate. I am a new follower visiting from The Imagination Tree. Vicky from Mess For Less
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Insightful MommyDecember 16, 2011 at 6:10 PM
Ahhh - what great ideas!

I like the I spy with the Christmas tree - will have to start playing that as school gets out next week for us.

Awesome blog btw!
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Inda BlackwellDecember 17, 2011 at 2:50 PM
Loving the Advent doors!!! Thanks for the great ideas, gotta keep the kiddos busy!!! www.questofthenocturnalbaker.blogspot.com
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UnknownDecember 20, 2011 at 3:56 PM
Love the ideas.
Stopping by from the BSN Blog hop!
http://yourthrivingfamily.blogspot.com/
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Wednesday, December 14, 2011