If you're a parent, the holiday period means your kids are off school and at home. This is a great opportunity for family time. So forget the latest tablet and try these ideas to keep your children active this holiday break.
- Holiday lights walk: Bundle up, and go for a stroll around your neighbourhood and enjoy the lights and decorations glowing at night. If there are no houses with lights within walking or biking distance, drive to a nicely decorated neighbourhood and walk around there.
- Active gifts: Gifts like skipping-ropes, hockey sticks, and balls promote physical activity, are fun, and don't require batteries. Alternatively, if you're sending cards to families with children you can include passes to active events or gift certificates to sporting goods stores.
- Decorate the house: If your family is like mine, you have several (maybe even a dozen) boxes of decorations. Why not involve your little helpers in decorating both the upstairs and downstairs. Don't forget good posture when lifting boxes.
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Embrace the weather: If you can't beat it, join it!
For snowy areas: Build a fort, snowman, or make snow angels. Tobogganing is also an effective form of exercise!
For rainy areas: Go puddle jumping, throw balls in the park, or visit a local trail.
- Ice skating: Most towns have arenas and some even have "skate with Santa" sessions. Skates and helmets can be rented. In retrospect, ice skating, was probably my favourite holiday activity. Although, I think seeing the Zamboni and the popcorn at the end helped!
Photo credit: iStockphoto
Related blogs:
Schools Out! Let the Holidays Begin!
7 Tips to Get Moving During the Holidays
