Ideas for Celebrating Your Christmas Break

When it's time to celebrate the holidays, it also means that your children will get extra time off of school in order to relax and recharge. While the holiday season includes several festivities such as shows, concerts, dinners, plays, and family obligations, some will wonder what else there is to do with their down time. The following ideas include options to ease the boredom.

#1: See a movie There's likely a local movie theatre close to your home, and since your kids will be off during the daytime, consider seeing a matinee movie to save extra money. There will be several big budget productions over the holiday break, and you'll have many different options to choose from that include family fare.

#2: Go ice-skating In some areas, you'll have the chance to go ice-skating. In Charleston, WV, the South Charleston Memorial Ice Arena is the perfect choice, and it will cost less than $10 per person (depending on the date and time you go). There are refreshments available, so you can enjoy your hot chocolate by the fireplace in the front area. It's a new facility that is well-kept, and is good for families, couples, and kids.

#3: Enjoy the weather Take time to go outside and have a snowball fight, build a fort, or go sled-riding. Take your camera for the fun pictures you'll get, and make sure to bundle up. You'll have the chance to exercise and burn off the calories from all the Christmas cookies, and your kids will get to use their leftover energy from the holiday excitement.

#4: Host a movie night You might be a little worn out from holiday gatherings, but consider hosting a movie night for your family and a few friends. Rent a movie from a video store or Netflix, pop popcorn, have hot chocolate, and enjoy a night of low-budget fun!

#5: Go skiing This may not be the most inexpensive option, but if you visit the slopes during the weekday, you can ski for much less than over the weekend. Call ahead for weekday specials, and you may get a lift ticket for free. Some resorts also have sled-riding passes, which don't cost as much as a day of skiing would.

It's important that you make the most of the time with your family, and allow yourself and your children to relax. The holidays can provide undue stress for all involved, and taking the time to grow closer and enjoy your Christmas break will help create new traditions and memories.