The holiday season is a magical time for kids, and it’s the perfect opportunity to engage in activities that are both fun and beneficial for all age groups on NDIS. These activities can encourage social, sensory, and motor skill development while creating precious memories with your little one. Here’s a list of age-appropriate Christmas activities tailored for different developmental stages:
BABIES (0-2 years)
A busy, but super fun time for parents with babies at Christmas! At this age, we like to focus on simple sensory experiences that stimulate curiosity and engagement.
- Tummy Time Mats – Use a Christmas-themed blanket and place soft toys or shiny ornaments to encourage their tummy time. Christmas objects and ornaments are great stimulation for your little one – just make sure you supervise them!
- Christmas Sensory Bottles – Fill clear plastic bottles with fun Christmas themed objects – why not try some red and green glitter, some bells and water. Make sure you secure the lid tightly – this will provide so much joy to their ears and eyes!
TODDLERS (2-4 years)
Now we are at the hands on busy stage! Life can get messy, but the joy on their faces is worth it:
- Decorating – Give them some plain biscuits or cupcakes and some safe icing and sprinkles. Decorating baking will provide great fine motor skills and creativity – plus it tastes good after!
- DIY Ornaments – Grab some soft, non-toxic modeling clay to create fun ornaments at home. They will love the squishy texture and making different Christmas shapes. If you don’t have any clay or play-doh – cut some fun shapes for them to colour in!
PRESCHOOLERS (4-6 years)
- DIY Christmas Cards – Give your child some pre-cut cards, crayons, stickers and stamps and let their creativity flow. Make cards for family members, friends, carers and doctors to boost their fine motor skills and build their confidence.
- Christmas Band – Have some fun with a Christmas sing-a-long. Use bells or make some shakers by putting rice in a bottle (why not colour the rice red/green for extra festive fun). Sing some Christmas songs with the bells and shakers. This will help develop rhythm and language skills and they will have loads of fun!
YOUNG SCHOOL AGED CHILDREN (6-8 years)
- Christmas Tree Scavenger Hunt – Hide some small ornaments or festive items around the house or garden and have a list they need to tick them off. Make the list as simple as you like – maybe a picture of what they are looking for and have a prize for the end!
- Role Play Dress Up – Have a dress up party. Let them find costumes or make your own and dress up as Santa, elves, Mary, Joseph or reindeer and act out some Christmas stories. This is a great confidence booster!
OLDER SCHOOL AGED CHILDREN (8+)
- Christmas Puzzle – Why not work on a festive-themed puzzle together to encourage teamwork and problem-solving? If you have any old cardboard – you could print a Christmas image and stick it to the card and cut out your own puzzle – make it as hard as you dare!
- Recycled Craft – A popular one with my kids – use old boxes, toilet paper rolls, ribbon and left-over wrapping paper to create amazing Christmas decorations. This will encourage sustainability, responsibility as well as creativity!
Adapt activities based on your child’s sensory needs or preferences. If they prefer quiet times – just sing songs and don’t add musical instruments. Remember, you can keep it simple – Quality time is more important than anything else. Christmas can be a joyful time filled with meaningful activities that support your child’s development.
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Colleen x