What better way to spend quality time together with friends and family than partaking in some fun holiday activities. Maybe that includes baking cookies with grandparents, making your own stamped gift wrap for a friend’s gift, or making fleece scarves to hand out to the homeless. The holidays are not only a time to be thankful for what we have, but also to give to those who may be less fortunate and need some comfort.
The holiday activity guide published by the National 4-H Council shares several activities that are STEM and math-focused, as well as service minded. A chance for you to do some learning and have some fun while you do it! In 4-H, we pride ourselves in providing experiential, fun learning activities. Let’s highlight a couple of the fun activities from the holiday guide.
I realize we’re already into December, but a fun activity you can do anytime of year is to read a holiday classic every night of the month and discuss with your family what the book means to you. This activity doesn’t have to be limited to this time of year. There are plenty of classic tails out there that can have a positive meaning behind it. Start by researching holiday classic books and creating a reading list. Maybe your local library has a list already made! Then, find books that teach character traits or books that are meaningful to you. Each night before bed, read the book with your family. Discuss what the book means and enjoy learning more each night. This is a great way for kids to practice their communication and interpretation skills in a safe place.
Another fun activity idea that maybe you could do with a local group you are a part of is to organize a winter coat drive. Collect winter coats that you no longer use and donate them to a local charity to help families in need. Ask family, friends, or citizens from your community for coat donations. The more, the merrier! Then, research organizations that accept coat donations and deliver the coats so they can be put to good use by those in need. Your local Chamber of Commerce may have ideas on where you can donate.
The activity guide has countless other fun family holiday activities that could help you with your skill building and holiday gift ideas. Check it out by viewing the holiday activity guide. I hope everyone has a wonderful and Merry Christmas!
Information comes from the National 4-H Council published holiday activity guide.
For more information on 4-H Youth Development or K-State Extension call one of our offices at 620-793-1910 (Barton) or 785-628-9430 (Ellis), email 4-H Agents, Ben Sims, at benjam63@ksu.edu, or Tamara Robertson, at tarobertson@ksu.edu, or simply stop by the Great Bend or Hays office. Be sure to follow K-State Research and Extension – Cottonwood Extension District Facebook page and check our website cottonwood.k-state.edu for the most up-to-date information about Extension programming.
