In the midst of the beautiful holiday chaos, it’s important to take a moment to appreciate the joy surrounding us. As a mom to a toddler and a caregiver to both adults and children, my friends and I often find ourselves overstimulated, trying to juggle work, personal life, and everything in between
Living in Hackensack, New Jersey, where the chilly weather and busy schedules are part of the season’s charm, it’s the perfect time to try some fun, festive activities that will keep your little one engaged and learning. I lead a team of caregivers working with small children, and together our team came up with a few ideas on making the season special for the children and families we assist. Let’s dive into some easy and enjoyable ways to celebrate the season together.
Fun Indoor Activities for Toddlers, and those that can be shared with grandparents: Indoor holiday activities are a wonderful way to get creative and make lasting memories with your little ones.
- Create custom ornaments or design homemade cups, where everyone can design their own festive decorations using craft supplies like paint, glitter, and ribbon. Don’t forget the sheet / tarp to protect the carpet or tabletop!
- If you made your own cups (and it was a paint and Mod Podge success!) set up a cozy Hot Chocolate Bar with marshmallows, whipped cream, and fun toppings, allowing everyone to personalize their drinks.
- Take photos and give prizes to the funniest face on an ornament, or highest tower of whipped cream.
- Get crafty by making custom holiday décor, like wreaths or garlands, to add a personal touch to your home.
- Finally, have fun making custom holiday cards with colorful markers, stamps, and stickers to send festive cheer to family and friends.
Creative holiday activities are a great way to keep toddlers entertained and inspire their imagination!
- For a fun, hands-on experience, try "Holiday Finger Painting" where your toddler can explore holiday colors with washable paints to create festive masterpieces. Again, that sheet/ tarp is a must! "Holiday Coloring with Crayons" is another simple and enjoyable activity, giving little one’s chunky crayons to color in fun pictures like snowmen or Christmas trees.
- Let them get creative with "Sticker Art," where they can use festive stickers to make their own holiday artwork on paper. Finally, encourage building and creativity with "Building Holiday Blocks," using large blocks or LEGO Duplo to construct holiday scenes or structures.
Outdoor holiday activities: These outdoor adventures are sure to create lasting holiday memories for everyone! While we care for children as part of our jobs, the outdoor and evening fun is most likely family time, when our caregivers can enjoy the season with their children!
- I personally start by visiting the Bergen Zoo Light Show (Fridays & Saturdays 4PM-9PM, Van Saun Park, Paramus NJ), where the whole zoo is transformed into a winter wonderland filled with sparkling lights and festive displays.
- Another fun stop, not too far from Bergen County is the Turtle Back Zoo (10AM-4PM), which offers its own holiday lights and seasonal exhibits, making it a perfect outing for all ages. For a festive photo opportunity, take holiday photos in a studio or at a local park, capturing those special memories in front of a beautifully decorated backdrop.
Quiet activities: can provide a peaceful and festive break for toddlers during the holiday season.
- Set up a cozy "Holiday Reading Corner" with holiday-themed picture books, where bright colors and festive stories will capture their attention. Enhance the experience with "Interactive Holiday Books" that feature flaps, textures, or buttons, allowing toddlers to discover hidden surprises as they read.
- For a fun twist, try "Storytime with Stuffed Animals," using their favorite stuffed toys to bring holiday tales to life, encouraging imaginative play and engagement. These calming activities are perfect for winding down while still celebrating the holiday spirit.
When engaging in activities with toddlers, safety is key and the holidays are no exception:
- Always supervise closely to ensure your little one is safe during every activity.
- Remove small objects from the play area to avoid choking hazards, and make sure the space is child-proof, free from anything that could be harmful.
- It's also important to take regular breaks for snacks and bathroom visits to keep your toddler comfortable and happy.
- Lastly, whether you’re a caregiver that has chosen this field as a profession, or a visiting aunt, uncle or neighbors joining the fun, always follow any specific guidelines or instructions from parents to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone. These simple safety tips will help ensure your holiday fun stays stress-free and secure!
Remember, it's all about creating memories that will last a lifetime, so take the time to enjoy the little moments and let the holiday magic unfold! And if you ever need extra support during the busy season, BrightStar Care Hackensack is here to help we provide compassionate care for both children and adults, so you can focus on what matters most—creating cherished memories with your loved ones.