Christmas Activities at Home with toddlers!

December is almost upon us which means it is nearly Christmas! Yay! It has also been really wet and freezing cold recently in London so while we still try and get out and about, we have been having more indoor days. Luckily I love this time of year for activities with Michael and have found some great Christmas themed ones I thought I would share if anyone is looking for some ideas.

1. Arts and Crafts

There are some really cute and easy ideas online of Christmas crafts. I bought Michael a big box of Christmas crafts from Argos for only £5 and he has been getting a lot of enjoyment out of it. One of our favourite ones is decorating Christmas cards. Not only is it enjoyable, family members I have found really like receiving a Christmas card from Michael. 

Michael does not like anything on his hands, but I have seen some great pictures online created using hand and foot prints. Check out this blog post for some great ideas http://funhandprintartblog.com/2011/12/my-top-10-favorite-christmas-crafts-made-with-hands-feet-from-around-the-web.html

Check out pound stores and hobby craft, they have lots of stickers, colouring books and craft activities for really good prices.

2. Baking

I must admit I am not huge on the kitchen, I hate cooking! However Michael really likes helping in the kitchen so I do often bake simple things with him. At this time of year I really like Christmas cookies. Super easy to do and Michael can really get involved with the baking and then decorating with icing pens and sprinkles. I bought our Christmas themed cookie cutters really cheaply as well from Home Bargains. 

Some other ideas are cupcakes and gingerbread houses. If like me you are not the strongest in the kitchen, you can buy the stuff needed all together in a box from most supermarkets.

Tempted to do this with Michael but I think it would just take too long and has too much detail so he would probably go off to toys after 5 minutes leaving me to do the rest! 

3. Christmas films.

This is the first year Michael can really sit and happily be entertained by short films. I absolutely adore Christmas films so have not been able to resist getting all cosy with blankets, hot chocolate and some snacks with Michael on these early nights. He can't hold his attention there for things like Elf and Miracle on 34th Street but has really loved watching Mickey's Once Upon a Christmas and The Snowman. 

I really love this time of year and have lots of Christmas activities planned with Michael. Let me know what you have planned with your kids this season.

H. 

Summer is here!

The summer is here and school is broken up. Of course that makes little difference to me since Michael is a toddler. However we do make some great use of the sun(when we have it!)

The park is great for all children. I am lucky that I have a really good park just 5 minutes away. It has a pond with ducks, a great playground on sand, splash zone and cafe. So needless to say, we spend a lot of time there. Michael loves feeding the ducks(one of his few words) and finding squirrels. A picnic means we can spend a good couple of hours there.

Swimming also is another great summer activity. Again luck mean I live in walking distance to a newly built leisure centre with two swimming pools, gym and play area. I think swimming is a key skill and Michael has taken lessons since he was 3 months old. He really does love it.

Visiting the beach is a little harder for us but it is only around 40 minutes on the train. We try to go at least once in the summer and make a day of it. It does not have to be expensive. Take a picnic with you and your bucket and spade and you have a great day. 

What activities do you plan for the summer?

H.