As December ends, the holidays are right around the corner and children are spending the last few weeks of the year on winter break. Having winter break activities for kids on hand for the winter break is a great opportunity to spend quality time with your kids while keeping them busy and engaged.
- When is Winter Break?
- Why is there a Winter Break?
- Which Countries Observe Christmas Break?
- The Importance of Keeping Children Busy During Winter Break
- Indoor Activities to Keep your Children Busy During Winter Break
- Special Winter Break Activities for Children with Anxiety
- FREE Snowflake Coloring Page Download
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When is Winter Break?
The winter break typically occurs around the time of the Christmas holiday. However, the exact dates of the break can vary depending on the school district and the country in which the school is located. In the United States and Canada, for example, many schools begin their Christmas break in mid-December and resume classes in early January.
For the exact dates, always check with your child’s school district.
Why is there a Winter Break?
The winter break is usually granted to students who attend school, as well as to many workers who are given time off around the Christmas holiday season. The purpose of Christmas break is to allow people to celebrate the holiday with their families and loved ones, and to enjoy a period of rest and relaxation after the busyness of the year.
Christmas break also provides an opportunity for people to recharge and refocus, so that they can return to their studies or work with renewed energy and enthusiasm.
Which Countries Observe Christmas Break?
Christmas break is observed in many countries around the world. In general, countries with a predominantly Christian population are more likely to observe Christmas as a national holiday and grant a break around this time of year.
Some examples of countries that observe Christmas break include the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, and many European countries. However, it’s important to note that the exact dates and duration of Christmas break can vary from country to country, and may be influenced by other factors such as local customs and traditions.
The Importance of Keeping Children Busy During Winter Break
Parents want to keep their kids busy during Christmas break for a variety of reasons. For one, children can get restless and bored during the long break from school, and engaging activities can help keep their minds active and prevent them from becoming stir-crazy.
Additionally, structured activities can provide a sense of routine and structure during a time when the regular schedule is disrupted. Keeping kids busy can also give parents some much-needed time to relax and recharge, or to get things done around the house.
More importantly, it is a great time to bond with your children and create memories. It’s a great time to take pictures that you will treasure for a lifetime and look back on in the years to come.
Ultimately, the decision to keep kids busy during Christmas break is up to the individual parents and their children’s needs and preferences.
Indoor Activities to Keep your Children Busy During Winter Break
However, after playing with the same ol’ toy or looking for new batteries, they may be wanting to take on a new task. Here are five (5) winter break activities to keep your child busy this winter break!
Movie Night
The holidays are a great time to cozy up with the family and have a movie night. Grab your warmest blanket, a mug of hot cocoa, and some fresh popped popcorn. Put on a popular Christmas or Holiday Movie and cozy up.
This winter break is about to get cozy!
Popular Holiday Movies for children include:
- The Polar Express (2004)- Starring: Tom Hanks , Michael Jeter and Nona Gaye
- Dr Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000) – Starring: Jim Carrey , Jeffrey Tambor , Christine Baranski
- The Night Before Christmas (2004)
- The Original Christmas Specials Collection (2022)- Starring: Jose Ferrer , Danny Thomas , Billy De Wolfe and Mickey Rooney
- The Muppet Christmas Carol (1992) – Starring: Michael Caine , Steve Whitmire , Frank Oz and Dave Goelz
- A Charlie Brown Christmas (1965) – Starring: Ann Altieri , Chris Doran , Sally Dryer and Bill Melendez
- Christmas with the Kranks (2004) – Starring: Dan Aykroyd , Tim Allen , Jamie Lee Curtis and Cheech Marin
- Home Alone (1990) – Starring: Macaulay Culkin , Joe Pesci , Daniel Stern and John Heard
- Barbie: a Perfect Christmas (2011)- Starring: Diana Kaarina , Jennifer Waris , Rachel Harrison
- Elf (2003) – Starring: Will Ferrell , James Caan , Bob Newhart and Ed Asner
- Frosty the Snowman (1969) – Starring: Billy De Wolfe and Jackie Vernon
Find so much more to watch on Amazon Prime. With an Amazon Prime account, you get music, tv, free shipping on many items, plus online grocery delivery if you live in the United States.
This page contains affiliate links, which means I may receive commissions if you choose to purchase through links I provide (at no extra cost to you). Thank you for supporting the work I put into this site! As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
DIY Ornaments & Holiday Cards
Rather than purchasing holiday cards to write and mail out to your friends and family, get creative and make them from scratch with your kids.
Ideas for ornaments:
- Pine Cone ornament – dip a pine cone in paint or glue and sparkles. Tie a string to it and when it’s dry hand on your Christmas Tree
- Angel Toilet Paper Roll – collect the roll from used toilet paper to make Angels by designing and cutting out wings, and a body and then glue them on the roll. Staple a string to the roll and hang on your tree.
- Pasta ornament – using regular printer paper (or scrap paper), cut out a shape, glue raw pasta on top, and paint over it.
Cooking School Bake Off
Gather your ingredients and recipes, and see who can make the most delicious holiday treats. You can even invite friends and family over to taste and judge the goodies.
Make edibles with your children like these chocolate dipped Oreo cookies decorated with seasonal colors. This is one of many fun winter break activities for kids.
Holiday Themed Scavenger Hunt
Fun winter break activities for kids like hiding small treats or prizes around the house or neighborhood, and give the children a list of things to find. This is a great way to get them moving and having fun.
Have a Game Night
Dust off your favorite board games and have a friendly competition. You could also try playing some classic holiday games, such as charades or gift exchange.
Use playing cards to play games like crazy eights, speed, memory or any other classic card game.
Special Winter Break Activities for Children with Anxiety
Children who are anxious or have anxiety benefit from winter break activities to keep them busy. These winter activities might be slightly different than winter activities given to the average child.
Here are a few ideas for winter break activities for children with anxiety:
- Physical Activity – exercise can help reduce anxiety and promote feelings of calm and well-being. Try going for a walk or bike ride, playing a game of catch or tag, or doing a fun workout together.
- Deep Breathing Exercises – practice deep breathing exercises. Deep breathing can help reduce stress and anxiety by calming the body and mind. Try a simple exercise like inhaling deeply through the nose, holding the breath for a few seconds, and exhaling slowly through the mouth. Do yoga with your child.
- Engage in Creative activities – art, music, and other creative outlets can be a great way for children to express their feelings and emotions. Encourage your child to draw, paint, play an instrument, or engage in any other creative activity that they enjoy. Get a free snowflake coloring sheet printable below.
- Play with a Pet – spending time with a pet can be a great way to reduce anxiety. Animals can provide comfort, companionship, and a sense of safety and security. If your child doesn’t have a pet, try visiting a local animal shelter or pet store to spend time with the animals there.
It’s important to remember that every child is different, and what works for one child may not work for another. It’s always best to work with your child and a mental health professional to accommodate your children’s needs.
I hope these ideas help spark some creativity and get the whole family into the holiday spirit!
FREE Snowflake Coloring Page Download
This fun winter snowflake coloring page is a great way to keep younger children who are creative busy with winter break activities for kids.
Hoping that you and your children enjoy snow flake coloring page.
