THE summer holidays are a welcome break from school, but six weeks at home can feel endless for parents.

Instead of stressing, use this time to create memories with your children — away from screens and tablets.

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Here are five festive activities to keep kids entertained and active this holiday season:

1. Popcorn garlands

Popcorn isn’t just for snacking — it’s a fun and affordable craft material! Pop a batch for a cosy Christmas movie day, or get creative with it. Give the kids a blunt needle and some thread, and let them string popcorn into festive garlands. It’s a great way to improve fine motor skills, and once decorated, the garlands can be painted and hung on the Christmas tree or around the house.

2. DIY Christmas wreaths

Bring the outdoors in with a homemade wreath! Go on a garden or forest walk to collect twigs, branches, pinecones, and ivy. Back home, wrap the greenery around a foam ring or wire frame, and let the kids decorate it with bows, ribbons, and ornaments. Not only is it creative, but it gives the kids a sense of pride when their wreath decorates the front door.

3. Christmas Charades or Pictionary

Get the family moving and laughing with Christmas-themed charades or Pictionary. Brainstorm holiday topics — Santa, reindeer, snowmen, or elves — and let the kids either act them out or draw them on a board for everyone to guess. It’s energetic, silly, and guaranteed to spark some festive fun.

4. Cookie decorating

Baking is always a hit over the holidays. Make a batch of gingerbread men, stars, or Christmas trees, then let the kids decorate them with icing, sprinkles, or edible glitter. Bonus: fill a jar with decorated cookies as a gift for friends, family, or neighbours, as homemade treats are always a win!

5. Shoot the Grinch

Turn a green balloon into a festive target! Draw a simple Grinch face on it, hang it up, and let the kids shoot at it with foam guns or soft toys. It’s a great way to burn off energy while practising aiming skills — and who doesn’t love a little Grinch-inspired chaos?

Quick tips for festive fun at home

· Set up stations for each activity to keep things organised.
· Use everyday items creatively because holiday fun doesn’t need to be expensive.
· Include everyone in decorating or crafting as it makes memories even sweeter.

With a little imagination, holidays at home can be just as magical as a trip away… and the best part? You’ll all enjoy the festive spirit together.

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