What’s on your agenda for the day after Christmas? Anyone else think Boxing Day should be renamed Nap Day?
Kids and adults could both use some time today to take things a little easier. It might mean a nap snuggled under a warm blanket. It could be a few books and stories with some popcorn and hot chocolate. Or maybe trying out new paints, colors, or other art materials.
In some areas, the weather may be calling families outdoors. There have been photos of sand “snowmen” at warm beach areas and swimming in warmer waters for families taking a winter vacation. Some other families were trying out new ski and snow equipment that had been under the tree as they headed off for a winter adventure. Swimming or sledding might be happening for families staying close to home too. Time in nature is often a great way to de-stress. A walk around the neighborhood or hike in a nearby park can give both kids and adults a way to release worries and tension. No matter the weather, when dressed for the temperature, time outside can both revive and relax.
Back inside, we could all use some time to PLAY. Kids often have some new toys and games. One of the highlights of the holidays is having more time together. Is there a puzzle you could do with your child? Maybe there’s a board game that families can play or a craft activity. A new train can go round and round for hours.
To a child, work can seem like play. There might be decorations to take down or dishes to put away. In the kitchen, it can be fun to cut up some vegetables for making soup with leftovers. Laundry never seems to take a holiday and kids can help. You or your child can pretend to be laundry monsters that look around for items that need washing. Gleefully feed anything dirty to the washing machine to get gobbled up. The dryer spits them out ready to be folded and put away into the drawer monster.
For more than a few, the day after Christmas can be for traveling. Being in a car or plane with kids can be anything but a present, but the memories, bonds, and holiday time together will last a lifetime. Happy ‘rest of the’ holidays!