Carla Niada Stanton-Yonge
The cold weather, lights, and sweet smells are starting to make themselves felt… and with them comes one of the most wonderful times of the year to enjoy with family! Even if the days are getting shorter and the weather colder, they are also filled with special moments that we can share with our children. From Thanksgiving to the end-of-year celebrations, there are many ways to create beautiful memories without too much trouble. Here are some ideas to inspire you.
Cook something delicious together
Fun-shaped cookies, spiced cakes, or simply hot chocolate with marshmallows. Cooking as a family is fun, brings you together, and teaches valuable lessons. You can prepare something special to share on Thanksgiving or to give as gifts in December. Kids love to participate!
Go outdoors… yes, even if it’s cold!
Bundle up and go explore nature—it can be quite an adventure. Collect colorful leaves, look for pinecones, walk around, and see how the landscape is changing. Being outdoors is good for the body and mind… and kids sleep better afterward!
Create your own winter traditions
It doesn’t have to be complicated. You can watch a movie together every week, read a story every night, or prepare a box filled with activities for each day of December. Simple traditions become lifelong memories.
Craft with recycled or natural materials
With leaves, twigs, buttons, or cardboard, you can create cards, ornaments, gifts, or Christmas decorations. It’s a lovely way to spend time together, let your creativity run wild, and appreciate handmade items.
Moments to be thankful
This is an ideal time to practice gratitude. You can write letters, say aloud why you are thankful, fill a jar with daily notes, or simply share a heartfelt conversation with your family. These are small gestures that teach important values.
Let the cold bring warmth
Winter has a magic that invites us to pause, look around us, and enjoy the simple things: shared laughter, a quiet afternoon, or a leisurely chat. Let’s take advantage of this time to give thanks and create memories that our children will cherish forever.
Happy holidays!
