& get your children active too!
Keeping children active during Christmas time is essential for their physical health, mental well-being, and energy levels, especially when colder weather and festive indulgences can lead to more sedentary habits. Here are some fun ways to keep kids moving while embracing the holiday spirit:
1. Festive Outdoor Adventures
- Winter Walks & Nature Hunts – Bundle up and explore local parks or forests, searching for Christmas decorations or wildlife.
- Snow Play – If there’s snow, encourage kids to build snowmen, have a snowball fight, or make snow angels.
- Christmas Light Walks – Take an evening stroll to admire neighborhood Christmas lights while getting fresh air.
2. Indoor Active Games
- Christmas Dance Party – Play festive tunes and have a dance-off with family members.
- Holiday-Themed Charades – Act out Christmas movies, songs, or traditions to keep kids engaged and moving.
- Obstacle Course – Set up a Christmas-themed indoor obstacle course using pillows, chairs, and decorations.
3. Creative & Interactive Activities
- Christmas Yoga & Stretching – Introduce simple yoga poses with a holiday twist, like “Santa’s Sleigh Stretch” or “Reindeer Reach.”
- Gift Wrap Relay – Turn wrapping presents into a fun challenge where kids race to wrap gifts neatly.
- Christmas Treasure Hunt – Hide small gifts or festive treats around the house and let kids search for them.
4. Family Fitness Challenges
- 12 Days of Christmas Workout – Create a fun countdown where each day includes a different exercise (e.g., 12 jumping jacks, 11 squats, etc.).
- Christmas Eve Mini Workout – Before settling in for holiday movies, do a quick family workout session.
- Post-Christmas Cleanup Race – Turn tidying up into a game by seeing who can clean the fastest while dancing to Christmas music.
5. Healthy Holiday Traditions
- Cooking Together – Get kids involved in making healthy Christmas treats, encouraging movement in the kitchen.
- DIY Christmas Crafts – Activities like making decorations or painting ornaments keep hands busy and encourage creativity.
- Active Storytelling – Act out Christmas stories with movement, letting kids play different characters.
Would you like ideas tailored to different age groups or ways to integrate fitness into holiday traditions?
Happy Christmas to all our ‘Stretch-n-Grow Stars,’ all our parents and to all our schools & nurseries. We wish you all a happy, healthy holiday and we hope that you stay healthy and happy in 2021. Stay active this Christmas holiday. Get some winter walks in over the festive period, we know there will be many temptations but eat healthy and have fun with your families. For ideas on how to get active with your children take a look here. 5 Top Tips for Parents Get some fresh air
