Breaking Boredom This Holiday Break
Do you find that you and your kids become a bit stir-crazy over the school holiday break? One of the biggest destroyers of holiday happiness is the innocent phrase “I’m bored.” You know it’s coming, so why not have a few holiday boredom busters in your back pocket for when the whining begins?
Bake cookies together.
See the simple sugar cookie recipe below that will provide a blank canvas for creative decorating. Keep some for yourself, deliver the rest as gifts!
Host a holiday-themed movie party/sleepover.
Have a few of their friends over for a fun afternoon (or night if you want to make it a sleepover) of watching holiday movies. Provide some healthy snacks or have them make their own individual pizzas.
Donate or volunteer together.
Donating old toys and clothes to charity can teach kids to appreciate what they have. Do some research to see if any local shelters or other nonprofits could use extra help during the holiday season. Many may even offer ways for kids to volunteer with a parent!
Get them outside.
In today’s technology focused world, we forget about encouraging outdoor play. Consider packing up a picnic and eating lunch in the fresh air at your favorite park (if the weather allows). Grab a football or frisbee to bring along!
Have kids help prepare holiday meals.
Encourage them to explore in the kitchen. Yes, there might be a bit more mess to clean up, but the skills that they will learn are much more important than some spilled flour!
Hopefully this gives you a few ideas to keep your kids engaged while creating some lasting memories during the winter break! Do you have other boredom busters that your family enjoys? We would love for you to share!
Aunt Dorlene’s Sugar Cookie Recipe!
Mix together:
½ cup shorting
½ cup butter
1 cup sugar
1 egg (unbeaten)
1 teaspoon vanilla
Mix dry ingredients into above:
2 cups flour
½ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon cream of tartar
Pinch of salt
Instructions:
- Roll dough into balls, coat with sugar
- Press on greased baking sheet using the bottom of a flat glass
- Bake at 350 degrees for 10-12 minutes
Enjoy!
Written By: Erin Donovan, MS, RDN, CSP, LD