Making Magical Memories This Festive Season
The festive season is a magical time to create special memories with your little ones. At St. George’s Nursery, we love sharing ideas that nurture creativity, development, and family bonding. Here are some wonderful festive activities you can enjoy at home with your babies and toddlers. These ideas are fun, simple, and perfect for little hands and growing minds!
🎨 Festive Craft Ideas
Engaging in craft activities helps improve fine motor skills and encourages creativity. Here are some ideas to try:
Handprint Reindeer Cards
- What You Need: Brown paint, paper, googly eyes, a red pom-pom (or red marker).
- Instructions:
- Paint your child’s hand with brown paint and press it onto paper to create the reindeer’s body.
- Add googly eyes and a red pom-pom for the nose.
- Use markers to draw antlers and a festive message.
Festive Salt Dough Ornaments
- What You Need: 1 cup flour, 1/2 cup salt, 1/2 cup water, cookie cutters, paint, and ribbon.
- Instructions:
- Mix the ingredients to create dough. Roll it out and use cookie cutters to shape ornaments.
- Make a small hole at the top of each ornament for hanging.
- Bake at a low temperature until hard, then let your toddler paint and decorate them!
🧸 Festive Sensory Play
Sensory play is perfect for babies and toddlers, stimulating their senses while enhancing cognitive and motor skills.
Holiday-Themed Sensory Bin
- What You Need: A large container, cotton balls (for snow), red and green pom-poms, small jingle bells, mini Christmas tree decorations, and child-safe scoops or spoons.
- Instructions:
- Fill the container with your materials and let your child explore.
- Encourage them to scoop, sort by colour, or shake the jingle bells.
- Pro Tip: Add a sprinkle of cinnamon or peppermint essence for a festive smell!
🍪 Easy Festive Recipe
Cooking together helps toddlers develop coordination and an interest in food. Try this simple recipe for a holiday treat:
Mini Gingerbread Men
- Ingredients:
- 1 cup flour
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup butter (softened)
- 2 tbsp golden syrup
- 1/2 tsp ginger and cinnamon
- A pinch of baking soda
- Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 180°C.
- Mix the butter, sugar, and golden syrup until creamy. Add the flour, spices, and baking soda to form dough.
- Roll out the dough and use a mini gingerbread cutter to shape your cookies.
- Let your toddler decorate with raisins or chocolate chips for faces.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes until golden brown.
- Serve: Enjoy with warm milk or a festive hot chocolate!
Why Festive Fun Matters
These activities not only keep your little ones entertained but also help them develop key skills. Crafts encourage creativity, sensory play stimulates development, and cooking fosters independence. Plus, they create opportunities for quality family time during this magical season!
At St. George’s Nursery, we believe in learning through play, both in the nursery and at home. If you’re looking for more tips or want to learn about our nurturing environment, contact us today or visit one of our locations in the East Midlands.
Let’s make this festive season unforgettable for you and your little ones!
