December is a whirlwind: parties, school breaks, holiday crafts, and yes… the endless question of “What can I do now?” from our overstimulated kids. Between juggling work, holiday errands, and family time, it can feel impossible to keep everyone entertained without leaning on screens.

The good news? With a little planning and creativity, this season can be joyful, connected, and surprisingly calm. Here are 12 ideas to keep kids aged 2–12 happily engaged – and maybe even teach them a little mindfulness along the way.

1. Holiday Crafts

Toddlers and preschoolers love simple, tactile projects: pinecone ornaments, handprint snowflakes, or modeling clay decorations. Older kids may prefer the challenge of mini gingerbread houses or DIY holiday cards for relatives.

2. Storytime with a Twist

Transform classic holiday tales into interactive adventures by downloading a few free scripts. Ask questions, act out parts, or let kids create alternate endings. It’s a fun way to spark imagination—and sneak in cozy reading time.

3. Mindful Moments

December can feel hectic. Introduce simple mindfulness exercises like “holiday breathing” (inhale for four, exhale for four) or a gratitude jar. Even 2–5 minutes of calm can help kids—and parents—reset before the next round of festivities.

4. Family Movement Breaks

Bundle up and go for a winter walk, a neighborhood scavenger hunt, or a backyard snow game. For indoor days, try kid-friendly yoga or dance parties. Moving together burns energy, lifts moods, and keeps everyone healthy.

5. Acts of Kindness

Encourage giving back with age-appropriate projects: packing small care boxes for neighbors, making cards for nursing homes, or donating toys, framing them as ways to share time, talent, and treasure.

6. Baking & Kitchen Fun

Mixing, measuring, and decorating holiday treats is a screen-free delight. Toddlers can stir, older kids can handle cookie cutters, and everyone gets to enjoy the tasty results. Bonus: it’s a practical—and delicious—way to encourage following instructions and teach patience.

7. Music & Movement

Sing, dance, or even make DIY instruments from household items. Holiday music can spark joy, encourage coordination, and turn a living room into an instant family stage. Who knows—Santa might even bring a karaoke machine this year!

8. Puzzle & Game Challenges

Board games, card games, and puzzles keep kids engaged for longer stretches and teach patience, strategy, and cooperation. Rotate a few favorites each week to keep excitement high.

9. Holiday Nature Hunts

Explore local parks or even your backyard for seasonal treasures: pinecones, acorns, or winter berries. Collect items for crafts or decorations, or simply enjoy the fresh air. Nature walks also help kids notice small details and develop mindfulness.

10. Quiet Corner Kits

Create a small “calm corner” with coloring books, fidget toys, and a cozy blanket. Kids can retreat here when overstimulated, helping them regulate emotions independently.

December doesn’t have to be all chaos and defaulting to screen time. With small intentional moments, you can help your kids feel engaged, connected, and mindful—while keeping your sanity intact.

If your kids are really begging for screens, they might just be craving some mindless downtime—and that’s okay. Consider joining in and finding ways to make it a learning and bonding experience.

Here’s to a festive season filled with creativity, movement, and mindful moments—because the best holiday memories are made together. Keep shining.