Winter Break Activities for Kids

Trust me. I am excited to have some downtime after a lot of hustle and bustle during this Christmas season. But I also want to be careful that my kids don’t spend way too much time in front of screens while they are out of school during winter break. So I’ve decided to make a list of possible Winter Break to-dos, so we don’t fall into the too-much screen time trap this winter break.

Scroll down to see the list of ideas.

Thank you to TLC Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Electrical for sponsoring this Guide to Winter Break Activities for Kids.

The holidays are the most wonderful time of the year, but they can also be stressful for your home. Between hosting guests, extra appliances running, and everyone needing a warm shower on those chilly mornings, your home is running to its max.

There’s nothing worse than having your heat go out, a water heater fail, or an electrical issue pop up right in the middle of your holiday celebrations. TLC hopes you won’t need them this season, but if you do, they’re available 24/7 to keep your home safe, warm, and comfortable.

TLC has been locally owned and operated for the past 35+ years, and their licensed Plumbing, Heating, Cooling, and Electrical technicians are dedicated to helping fellow New Mexicans so you can focus on what really matters: enjoying time with family and friends.

Right now, TLC is offering special holiday deals to help you save:

• Free electrical panel inspection *homes older than 1985
• $2,500 tank water heater installation
• $50 off any heating repair

Don’t let a home emergency steal your holiday cheer. Trust TLC, your local comfort experts, to be there when you need them most.

Winter Break Activities for Kids

1. A coloring tablecloth

I have a couple of artists in my house who value some coloring downtime. It really is therapeutic. I’ve ordered this particular tablecloth that can be washed and used again if you use washable markers.

2. Gingerbread house contest

How about a little healthy competition? We have gingerbread house kits ready to go to create a delicious gingerbread village. Whose shall be the tallest, prettiest, most original? Oh, the anticipation.

3. Making cookies for our neighbors

This one is going to be tough because I’m not eating carbs right now. But the kids and I are pumped to bake some cookies and deliver them to our neighbors now that all our school duties are behind us. I just need to remind myself not to be an overly critical perfectionist and just enjoy cooking with kids.  PSA: Martha Stewart’s sugar cookie recipe is the best one. There is none better. I have tried them all. (And do NOT skip the refrigeration step.)

4. Board games

My family is so late to the Settlers of Catan party, but my big boys and I cannot get enough of this game. I’m convinced that the life skills being taught in this game are priceless. Your kids, too, can learn the art of the deal and not to trust anyone. Ah, family time! My littlest is in a Guess Who? phase, so guess who is tired of that game? For more ideas, check out this post, Board Games for Every Age Group.

5. Books by the fire

I mean, come on. Is there anything more relaxing? I don’t think so. For a sweet classic, read The Worst Christmas Pageant Ever aloud to your littles. I dare you to get through it without crying. Good luck! 

6. Letter to Santa

Santa is not a big thing in our house. But maybe it is in yours. This letter to Santa printable could be a great activity for your kiddos.

7. Take advantage of Christmas events around town

Albuquerque is a festive place! We’re going to get out of the house and try to do some of these fun activities. 

8. Celebrate Advent

Now that our one million Christmas parties and events are over, we can catch up on all our Advent calendars. Don’t judge me. You don’t know my life. Sometimes you cannot open a tiny door every day, so you must open seven doors at the end of the week. It is OK. My husband has had to prohibit any more Advent activities/guides/calendars into our home because I have an obsession. I will not sugarcoat things. It is kind of a problem. But the whole idea of Advent is my favorite. Seriously, we should have a cup of tea and chat over it. Here are a few we love in our home. . .

• This nativity calendar for little kids is a household favorite. I got it when my oldest was two, and I can’t imagine Christmas without it.
• The Jesse tree. A long time ago, I got together with 24 other moms, and we each made 25 of one ornament and then traded. That was hard for a non-crafty girl like me. I did find that you can order these gems on Etsy. Praise hands.
• This year, my whole family is thanking me because we are not doing an Advent pillow, an Advent chain, or daily Advent activities. You’re welcome, family!

9. Christmas movie slumber party

Set up a living room floor sleepover with sleeping bags, pillows, and popcorn. Camp out with some hot cocoa and a marathon of your favorite Christmas movies.

10. Make your own luminarias

Luminarias are simple to make and a fun activity for the whole family. All you need are brown paper lunch sacks, sand, and tea lights (electric ones are easier with littles). Kids can even color or decorate the bags if they’d like. Once done, you can pack everyone in the car and drive around looking at lights and luminarias around town.

11. Make paper crafts

I love the look of paper chains as garland. Cut strips of paper from festively colored paper. And then you and your kids can staple, tape, or glue the ends together until you have a garland for your tree, mantle, staircase, or doorway. My kids also love to make paper snowflakes to hang in the window. The only needed supplies are white paper and scissors. When we’re feeling extra crafty, my daughter and I love to make stars out of paper bags. Find directions here.

12. Decorate your own wrapping paper.

Buy white or brown craft paper rolls and allow kids to go to town with dot markers or paint. Choose festive colors. Use sponges or potato halves as stamps. How fun to open a gift wrapped in paper that you decorated! And it’s a fun activity!

13. “Elf” someone

This idea is kind of like getting a “boo” gift on Halloween. Make a small gift for a neighbor, friend, or family member. It could be yummy treats, baked goods, an ornament . . . whatever you’d like. Wrap up the gift and leave it on their doorstep. Don’t forget to leave a note encouraging them to “elf” someone else and keep the fun going!

14. Have a donation night

We accumulate a LOT over the winter holidays. It’s also a great time to get rid of some things. Go through your rooms and find some things to give away. A number of organizations accept gently used toys and clothes. It’s a great way to encourage sharing what we have and thinking of others.

15. Make a special breakfast together

I’m all about food! And winter is the perfect time to make delicious, soul-satisfying meals. Set aside a morning to make a yummy breakfast. I love cinnamon rolls for a special treat.  Enjoy the time in the kitchen together and get your kids involved.

Don’t let winter break slip by without spending the quality time with your kids that you intend to. We have to be intentional! Enjoy your holiday, and enjoy your children!