In the morning, only let your children open a stocking or a couple of small gifts. Encouraging to open things throughout the day (and even into Boxing Day too) not only keeps the excitement going, but keeps their interest in each present a little longer.
For even more fun why not try a Christmas Present Hunt? Hide presents around the house (and even garden) for your children to find. If you’re feeling really creative you could create a treasure hunt with clues!
Make sure that you plan some times in advance- you don’t want to ring people when they’re in the middle of stuffing their turkey! If you have other friends and family with children, use the time to play some games. One of the best ones if shouting out an object that you have in the house, and the first person to return to the screen with that object gets a point. My daughter LOVES playing this!! Dust off all those quiz skills that you gained during full lockdown and do a HUGE family quiz!
Christmas Day doesn’t have to be all about good food, make sure you have a great selection of drinks too! Read the BBC Good Food’s List of Christmas Cocktails and Mocktails (yes, get the kids involved too)…. and you could even get them to help mix their own mocktails!
Is it only second cousin Jonny who likes those spuds? Great, no need to make them. This Christmas treat yourself with things that YOU want to eat. There’s no judgement, no rules. Are Baked Beans the only vegetable your children will eat? Great- serve them up to accompany the Turkey. Does everyone prefer ice cream to anything else for dessert? No need for that Christmas Pudding. Get out your family favourites, and RELAX. This year’s Christmas Dinner is no different to a Family Sunday Dinner. If you want to mix it us a bit, how about these alternative Christmas Dinner ideas.
One the Turkey’s in the oven… take advantage of not hosting by getting out for some fresh air. Get wrapped up and get outside on your favourite family walk! Even better, have a look at which local pubs are open for a festive drink to combine it with a walk. For ideas for family walks around Scarborough, Whitby & Filey, have a look at this page!
Get a Christmas Message from SantaLots of entertainment companies are offering tailored recorded messages, such as this one! Or even better, some entertainment companies are offering personalised virtual parties, like this one!
Make sure that you enjoy your family time with some standard family activities, watch a Family Christmas movie (Home Alone is my absolute FAVOURITE- see our list of 24 Festive Films here), play some board games, do a family quiz. Spend some time playing with your children’s favourite new toy. Bake some Christmas buns or biscuits together to enjoy in the evening. There are lots of Christmas Games for children that you could play too! Have a look at this site for ideas.
Just because it’s your household, you can still keep things special. Get out that special dress that you save for Christmas. Save your Christmas jumpers and cosy PJs for the rest of the day.
