New Year's Day Activities for Children

The holiday season is often a whirlwind for families. There is shopping to do, gifts to wrap, parties to attend and winter concerts to enjoy. The constant stream of activities usually comes to an end on New Year's Day. Some families choose to have one more get together to celebrate the first day of the new year. Others opt to spend the day lazing around in their pajamas watching football. Here are some fun ways to keep the kids busy on New Year's Day whether you are having a houseful of people or spending the day in a more quiet fashion.

Have the Kids Write a Thank You Note to Santa. While children are more than happy to send a letter to Santa before Christmas to ask for what they want, few take the time to send a note of gratitude after the big day. Have the kids sit down at the table and write a letter to Santa to let him know how much they love all their Christmas presents. Each child can write an individual note or collaborate to write one long letter. Encourage the kids to draw pictures on the note and decorate the envelope as well. Not only is this activity a great way to get the kids enthusiastic about expressing appreciation for their blessings, it is also a wonderful way for them to use their creativity and practice writing skills.

Gather Toys for the Less Fortunate. Many homes are overrun with toys and games come New Year's Day. The holiday is a great time to weed out the old to make room for the new. Have the kids help you go through all their playthings and make up a few bags or boxes to go to the local Thrift Store or Church. The kids may balk at this suggestion at first, but if you present it to them in a fun and happy way, they will soon get in the swing of things. Invite the kids to share memories of their old toys as they pack them up. Plan to share a favorite dessert after the chore is done. Starting the first day of the new year with a kind and generous heart is a wonderful way to set the tone for the upcoming weeks and months.

Have a New Year's Day "Breakfast" for Dinner. Invite the kids to help you make a scrumptious dinner made up breakfast foods. Kids love to spend time in the kitchen and whipping eggs, toasting bread and flipping pancakes is especially fun for them. Put on pajamas before starting to make dinner and make it a family affair. The kids may love it so much, it may become a brand new tradition for your family.

Take a Nature Walk Together. The world is especially beautiful in the winter. If you have not let the kids spend much time outdoors lately due to inclement weather, make an exception for the holiday. Bundle everyone up warmly and take a stroll through the neighborhood or in the woods. Invite the children to point out any animals they see and plants they can identify. Be sure to remember your camera to take shots of the kids with anything interesting and unique you find.

Set Up a Make Your Own Sundae Bar. Lay out all the fixings for sundaes after lunch or dinner and let the kids create any sweet concoction they like. Be sure to have several different types of ice cream, chocolate sauce, sprinkles and whipped cream on hand. Letting them enjoy as wild a combination as they can come up with up, without a word about cavities or stomachaches will be great fun for them. This is a very sweet way to end the holiday season and it will surely be a memory that will last for many years to come.