Category: Family Ideas

65 Drawing Prompts for the Christmas Season

Are you trying to get into the Christmas spirit? Or do you want to do a simple family-friendly activity? Drawing is an excellent activity for all ages. If you are searching for inspiration, check out the following drawing prompts for the Christmas season.

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  1. Christmas Self-Portrait
  2. Christmas Scene
  3. 12-Days of Christmas
  4. Santa Claus
  5. Ho, Ho, Ho
  6. Santa’s List
  7. Letter to Santa
  8. A plate of Cookies & Milk
  9. Christmas Cookie Cutter
  10. Gingerbread Man
  11. Gingerbread House
  12. Elf
  13. Christmas Tree
  14. Tree Topper
  15. Christmas Ornaments
  16. Candy Canes
  17. Christmas Gifts
  18. Christmas Gift Tags
  19. Star
  20. Angel
  21. Snowman
  22. Snowflakes
  23. Ice Skating
  24. Snow Angel
  25. Snow Scene
  26. Mittens and Scarf
  27. Christmas Bells
  28. Reindeer
  29. Rudolph
  30. North Pole
  31. Santa’s Sleigh
  32. Santa’s Workshop
  33. Toys
  34. Christmas Bag
  35. Christmas Hat
  36. Manger
  37. Nativity Scene
  38. 3-Wisemen
  39. Manger Animals
  40. Christmas Stockings
  41. Fireplace
  42. Christmas Wreath
  43. Holly
  44. Poinsettia
  45. Red and Green
  46. Ribbons and Bows
  47. Mistletoe
  48. Christmas Eve
  49. Christmas Day
  50. Peace
  51. Family
  52. Friends
  53. Love
  54. Joy
  55. Christmas Sweater
  56. Christmas Pattern
  57. Holiday Cards (These are great to pass out too.)
  58. Hot Cocoa in Christmas Mug
  59. Nutcracker
  60. Sugar Plum Fairy
  61. Christmas Carol
  62. Christmas Lights
  63. New Year’s Resolution
  64. Time
  65. Welcome, 2024!

Have a wonderful Christmas season!

Ways to Have Kids Help With Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is less than a week away. Are you ready for the family, food-loving holiday? Why not include your whole family in the preparations? Involving your kids in Thanksgiving preparations can be a fun and educational experience. If you are searching for inspiration on ways to have kids help with Thanksgiving, check out the following.

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  1. Decorations: Let them create Thanksgiving-themed decorations like paper turkeys, place cards, or centerpieces. Create placemats for every guest coming to dinner. Decorate the placemats, add a name, and laminate for safekeeping.
  2. Cooking: Depending on their age, kids can help with simple cooking tasks like washing vegetables, mashing potatoes, or stirring ingredients.
  3. Baking: Allow your children to help make desserts or snacks for Thanksgiving. Baking cookies or pies is a wonderful way to involve children in the kitchen. Use the activity as a learning experience for younger children. Show the different measurement sizes as you are preparing the recipes.
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  1. Setting the Table: Teach them how to set the table properly with utensils, plates, and napkins.
  2. Gratitude Activity: Encourage your kids to make a list of things they are thankful for and share it with the family. Write out your gratitude on paper leaves to hang on a tree for a centerpiece. Or just go around the Thanksgiving table and allow everyone to state what they are grateful for this year.
  3. Storytelling: Encourage your children to share a Thanksgiving story or read a book related to the holiday. Ask open-ended questions to get the most out of the conversation.
  4. Donation Drive: Teach the importance of giving back by involving them in collecting items for a food drive.
  5. Clean-Up: Children can also help with cleaning up after the meal. But remember, smaller children may be sleepy after eating. Bringing dishes to the kitchen, washing up, and other age-appropriate tasks are a fundamental part of the Thanksgiving holiday. Praise their efforts for helping clean up.
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Remember to keep tasks age-appropriate and ensure your children are having fun while helping. Thanksgiving is a fantastic opportunity to teach them about gratitude, teamwork, and family traditions. Happy Thanksgiving!

12 Tips for Hosting a Christmas Pajama and Pancake Party

Are you hosting a Christmas party this year? But you want to do something different. Hosting a Christmas pajama and pancake party can be a fun and cozy way to celebrate the holiday season with friends and family.

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Please note: “As an Amazon affiliate, I earn income from qualifying purchases.”

If you are searching for more information, consider the following tips for hosting a Christmas pajama and pancake party.

  1. Invitations: Send out festive invitations that mention the theme of the party—pajamas and pancakes. You can use online invitation platforms, private social media groups, or create your own.
  2. Venue and Decorations: Choose a comfortable and spacious area in your home for the party. Decorate the space with Christmas lights, ornaments, and other holiday decorations to add to the festive occasion. Create a cozy ambiance with soft blankets and cushions.
  3. Pajamas: Encourage your guests to wear their favorite Christmas-themed pajamas or comfortable loungewear. You could even host a pajama contest with small prizes for the best, most creative, or funniest pajama outfit.
  4. Pancake Station: Set up a pancake station with a variety of toppings and mix-ins. Provide several types of pancakes (regular, whole wheat, gluten-free, blueberry, chocolate chip) and toppings like syrup, chocolate chips, whipped cream, fruits, nuts, and candy sprinkles.
  5. Drinks: Offer a selection of beverages such as hot chocolate, coffee, tea, and fruit juices to accompany the pancakes.
  6. Activities: Plan some fun activities to keep guests entertained. You could have a Christmas movie marathon, a board game session, or even a holiday-themed trivia game.
  7. Craft Corner: Set up a craft corner where guests can make Christmas ornaments, decorate stockings, or engage in other festive DIY projects. Consider making salt dough ornaments ahead of time. Make ornaments in the shape of round pancakes or pajamas. Then, invite guests to decorate ornaments to take home.
  8. Photo Booth: Create a photo booth with holiday-themed props where guests can take pictures to capture the memories.
  9. Music: Play cheerful Christmas music in the background to set the mood and add to the festive atmosphere.
  10. Gift Exchange: If you’d like, you could organize a Secret Santa, Ornament Exchange, or White Elephant gift exchange among your guests.
  11. Goodie Bags: Prepare small goodie bags with Christmas treats or small gifts for your guests to take home as a token of appreciation. If you are including children in your pancake and pajama party, make special gift bags for their age groups.
  12. Safety Precautions: If the party involves kids, make sure the space is child-friendly and safe. Be mindful of any allergies your guests might have when choosing pancake toppings.

Remember, the goal is to create a warm and enjoyable atmosphere where everyone can relax, have fun, and celebrate the holiday season together. And eat lots of pancakes. Merry Christmas!

Fun Thanksgiving Traditions to Start this Year

Are you thinking ahead to Thanksgiving? Do you want to start a new tradition this year with your family and friends? If you are searching for inspiration, consider the following fun Thanksgiving traditions to start this year.

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  1. Gratitude Jar: Have each person who is attending Thanksgiving write down things they are thankful for on slips of paper. Place all the notes in a gratitude jar. Pick a person to read them aloud during Thanksgiving dinner.
  2. Turkey Trot: Participate in or organize a “Turkey Trot” or a fun run on Thanksgiving morning. The early morning activity is a great way to stay active before the big meal.
  3. Thanksgiving Crafts: Set up a crafting station. Use a corner table and place crafting supplies for making Thanksgiving-themed decorations, place cards, or handprint turkeys with the kids. Not only is this a fun activity but young children focus on the crafts while you concentrate on the meal.
  4. Recipe Swap: Do you have mostly adults attending your Thanksgiving meal this year? Ask each family member or friend to bring a dish from a different culture, creating a diverse Thanksgiving meal. Also, ask each family person to bring the recipe to share with others.
  5. Football Game: Play touch or flag football in the backyard. If the weather is too cold,  watch a football game together.
  6. Thanksgiving Movie Marathon: Choose some classic Thanksgiving-themed movies or family favorites. Thanksgiving weekend is a great time to start watching holiday classics. A movie marathon is the best way to relax after a big meal.
  7. Volunteer: Give back to the community by volunteering at a local shelter or food bank to help those in need. The experience is uplifting.
  8. Thanksgiving Scavenger Hunt: Create a Thanksgiving-themed scavenger hunt around your home or backyard with clues and riddles. Place small trinkets as treasures. Children and those young at heart love searching for goodies.
  9. Gratitude Tree: Create a “gratitude tree” by placing a branch in a vase. Cut out paper leaves and attach strings on the end. Ask guests to write on the paper leaves. Write things you are thankful for or what you like most about this Thanksgiving.
  10. Thanksgiving Parade: Watch the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade on TV. Or, if available, consider attending a local Thanksgiving parade. Being outdoors is a great way to start your Thanksgiving holiday. Many Thanksgiving parades end with a visit from Santa Claus.
  11. Family Photo Session: Take lots of photos. Capture your day with candid photos. Ask for group photos too. Organize a photo booth with props for fun pictures.
  12. Board Games: Play board games or card games together after the meal. Even set up games at the kid’s table.

Choose the traditions that best suit your interests. Make Thanksgiving a memorable and enjoyable day for everyone. Happy Thanksgiving!

Halloween Books for Kids

Halloween is only a few days away. Do you want to give your children themed books for Halloween? Or perhaps you need a list of Halloween books for kids for your next trip to the library. Halloween is a fun and exciting holiday to enjoy books. If you are searching for inspiration, check out the following list of Halloween books for kids.

Please note: “As an Amazon affiliate, I earn income from qualifying purchases.”

  1. ‘The Lonely Little House Ghost” – J.K. Coy
  2. “Eek! Halloween!” –  Sandra Boynton
  3. “Peter and the Wolf: Wolves Come in Many Disguises” – Gavin Friday
  4. “Creepy Carrots!” – Aaron Reynolds
  5. “Creepy Pair of Underwear!” – Aaron Reynolds
  6. “Big Pumpkin” – Erica Silverman
  7. “Leo: A Ghost Story” – Mac Barnett
  8. “Plinky Witch and the Grand Halloween Scheme” – Liz Cooper
  9. “Too Many Pumpkins” – Lina White
  10. “The Little Ghost Who Lost Her Boo!” – Elaine Bickell
  11. “Ten Timid Ghosts” – Jennifer O’Connell
  12. “Halloween is Coming” – Cal Everett
  13. “Dr. Suess’s Horton Hears a Boo!” – Wade Bradford
  14. “Monster Trucks” – Anika Denise
  15. “Rusty the Pumpkin. Vol. 1. Troll’s Treasures”  – Mary Hook
  16. “Hardly Haunted” – Jessie Sima
  17. “Pumpkin Countdown” – Joan Holub and Jan Smith
  18. “The Roll-Away Pumpkin” – Junia Wonders
  19. “Little Witch” – Anna Elizabeth Bennett
  20. Freddie the Fang-Tastic In the Tales of Wimsy Wood – Jessica Dawn Birks
  21. “Don’t Push the Button! A Halloween Treat” – Bill Cotter
  22. “The Little Ghost Who Was a Quilt” – Riel Nason
  23. “At the Old Haunted House” – Helen Ketteman
  24. “Room on the Broom” – Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler
  25. “Splat the Cat and the Pumpkin-Picking Plan” – Catherine Hapka and Loryn Brantz
  26. “Skeleton for Dinner” – Margery Cuyler
  27. ‘There’s a Monster in Your Book” – Tom Fletcher
  28. “Stumpkin” – Lucy Ruth Cummins
  29. “The Halloween Moon” – Joseph Fink
  30. “Crankenstein” – Samantha Berger
  31. “Rosco the Rascal Visits the Pumpkin Patch” – Shana Gorian, Ros Webb, and Josh Addessi
  32. “The Little Kitten” – Nicola Killen
  33. “The Spooky Wheels on the Bus” – J. Elizabeth Mills
  34. “The Scariest Book Ever” – Bob Shea
  35. “The Little Blue Truck’s Halloween” – Alice Schertle and Jill McElmurry
  36. “The Little Old Lady Who Was Not Afraid of Anything” – Linda D. Williams and Megan Lloyd
  37. “Pumpkin Jack” – Will Hubbel
  38. “Gilbert the Ghost” – Guido Van Genechten
  39. “Goodnight Goon” – Michael Rex
  40. “Pete the Cat: Trick or Pete” – James Dean
  41. “A Halloween Carol”- Sean M. Hogan
  42.  “How to Make Friends with a Ghost” – Rebecca Green
  43. “The Halloween Moon” – Joseph Find
  44. “The Witches” – Ronald Dahl
  45. “The Last Train on Halloween” –  Cindy Jennings
  46. “Happy Halloween Flip-a-Flap” – Rosa Vonfeder
  47. “Halloween Hustle” – Charlotte Gunnufson
  48. “The Halloween Tree” – Susan Montanari
  49. “Snowmen at Halloween” – Caralyn M. Buehner
  50. “It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown” – Kara McMahon

With all the Halloween books available, enjoying the spooky season is easy. Happy Halloween!

Ideas on Introducing Art to Your Kids

Did you know today, October 25, 2023, is International Artist Day and National Fine Art Appreciation Day? Two great reasons to start sharing art with your children. Introducing kids to art can be a fun and enriching experience for the entire family. If you are searching for inspiration, consider the following ideas on introducing art to your kids.  

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  1. Visit Local Museums and Galleries: Take your children to art museums or galleries to expose them to different styles and mediums of art. Many galleries host events for children. Allowing them to learn and interact with art.
  2. Creating Together: Engage in art activities like drawing, painting, or crafting together. Creating art together fosters creativity and bonding. If you are on a tight budget, go to your local dollar store to purchase art supplies. Children will enjoy engaging in art activities at a reduced cost.
  3. Reading Art Books: Choose age-appropriate books about famous artists or art techniques. Go to your local library. Allow children to pick out their own art books to read.  
  4. Watch Art Videos: Show videos or documentaries about artists and their work to inspire them to create. Most libraries rent out documentaries and other related programs. Or do a search on YouTube for art videos. For safety reasons, prior to showing programs to children watch the videos.
  5. Exploring Different Mediums: Experiment with different art materials like crayons, watercolors, oil paints, clay, and more.
  6. Encourage Observation: Ask your children open-ended questions about what they see in each art piece. Asking questions helps them develop their own interpretations of art. The open-ended questions promote communication skills.
  7. Attend Classes or  Workshops: Look for local art workshops or classes designed for kids. Many organizations host art seminars during school breaks or on weekends.
  8. Encouraging Expression: Let your children express themselves through art without worrying about perfection. Encourage your children’s artwork.

Remember to make your children’s art experiences enjoyable and age-appropriate. Your goal is to nurture their curiosity and appreciation for art. And, have fun.

Tips to Capture the Best Halloween Photos

Trick-or-treating, costumes, parties, and candy, Halloween is a fun and festive time for children of all ages. If you are trying to capture the best Halloween photos, consider the following tips.

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  1. Choose the Right Lighting: Since most of the Halloween celebrations are toward the evening hours, utilize natural light during the golden hour or sunset for warm and atmospheric shots. Do not be afraid to experiment with eerie artificial lighting for spooky effects.
  2. Costumes and Props: Highlight unique costumes and intricate details. Incorporate relevant props to enhance the theme.
  3. Composition: Play with angles and perspectives. Experiment with close-ups, wide shots, and creative framing to add interest. Remember when photographing children, get down on their level.
  4. Background: Select backdrops that complement the Halloween vibe, such as haunted houses, moonlit skies, or eerie forests. Or create your own Halloween backdrop with bales of straw, pumpkins, and other Halloween-themed props.
  5. Candid Shots: Capture candid moments of trick-or-treating, laughter, and other interactions to convey genuine emotions.
  6. Action Shots: Photograph kids jumping, running, or dancing to capture the energy and excitement of the Halloween celebrations.
  7. Depth of Field: If you want to make your subject stand out, use a wide aperture on your camera. The low-f number will blur the background.
  8. Editing: Enhance your photos using editing software or apps to adjust exposure, contrast, and colors.
  9. Capture Details: Do not forget to photograph decorations, carved pumpkins, and other intricate details that add to the Halloween atmosphere.
  10. Be Patient: Wait for the right moments to capture spontaneous and authentic shots that tell a story of Halloween night.

Remember, have fun! The best photos often come from experimenting with props and angles. Embrace the unique and spooky atmosphere of Halloween. Happy Halloween!

10 Fall Equinox Activities for Kids

The Autumn Equinox is almost here. Do you want to do something special with your kids to welcome the fall season? If you are searching for inspiration, check out the following fall equinox activities that kids might enjoy.

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  1. Nature Scavenger Hunt: Make a list of fall-themed items for kids to find outdoors. Remember to only collect items in allowed areas. Use small brown paper lunch sacks or recyclable bags to collect your nature items including acorns, pinecones, and brightly colored leaves.
  2. Leaf Art: Collect colorful fall leaves and use them to create crafts. (If you did the nature scavenger hunt first, use your findings for leaf art). Ideas for leaf art include rubbings, collages, or pressing the leaves for decorations.
  3. Apple Picking Your Local Orchard: Visit an apple orchard or cider mill for a fun day of picking apples. Most orchards or cider mills host a variety of family-friendly activities during the autumn season. Later use your apples to bake homemade treats.
  4. Pumpkin Decorating: Visit a pumpkin patch to find the perfect one to decorate. Use paints, markers, and other craft supplies to decorate pumpkins.
  5. Fall-Themed Baking: Spend an afternoon in the kitchen. Bake seasonal treats for the whole family to enjoy. Pumpkin muffins, apple pies, or cinnamon-spiced cookies are great choices.
  6. Read: Visit your local library or bookstore to find fall-themed books. Read your fall-themed books aloud. Many books contain stories about changing leaves, harvest, or animals preparing for winter.
  7. Go for a Nature Walk: Take a leisurely walk at your local park or nature preserve to observe the changes in the environment during the fall season. For extra fun, pack a picnic. Enjoy a meal in the outdoors.
  8. Autumn Crafts: Create autumn-themed crafts. Pinterest is an excellent resource for finding kid-friendly crafts such as paper plate scarecrows, pinecone animals, or paper pumpkins.
  9. Star Gazing: Get outdoors and look up at the stars. If needed, drive away from the city lights to find the best area for star gazing. Pack a thermos full of hot cocoa. And enjoy an evening under the stars.
  10. Bonfire: Host a bonfire night. Sit outdoors and enjoy the warmth of a cozy bonfire on a cool autumn evening.

Remember to adjust the autumn-themed activities based on the age of your child. Try to do activities that interest your kids. Have fun and enjoy celebrating the fall equinox as a family event.

10 Ways to Celebrate National Grandparents Day

Did you know that Sunday, September 10, 2023, is National Grandparents Day? What a perfect reason to spend time with the ones you love. If you are searching for inspiration on how to celebrate National Grandparents Day, check out the following ideas.

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  1. Host a Family Picnic: Organize a picnic with the rest of your family. Picnics are a great way to celebrate National Grandparents Day. Consider renting a pavilion at your local park. If you have the space, set up a picnic in your backyard. Invite your grandparents and other family members over for a day of outdoor fun and delicious food.
  2. Create a Memory Book: Create a memory book or scrapbook filled with photos, letters, and mementos. If you have children, ask them to contribute. Draw pictures or write personal letters to add to the memory book.
  3. Cook Together: Invite your grandparents over for the deal. Cook a meal or bake some treats together.
  4. Homemade Meal: Prepare a special lunch or dinner for your grandparents. Ask them and other family members to join you for a homemade meal.
  5. Learn Their Story: Invite your grandparents to share stories from their childhood or family history. Record these stories to incorporate into your own family history. Writing down the stories is not only a gift for you but also for future generations to cherish.
  6. Handmade Gifts: Create personalized, handmade gifts. Autumn, Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas are coming up. Create themed crafts, artwork, or knitted items. Themed gifts are great for displaying around the holidays plus they show your love and appreciation.
  7. Movie Time: Invite or go to your grandparents’ house for a movie night. Pick some classic movies or TV shows that your grandparents enjoy. Make treats or order from your favorite take-out menu. Sit back and have a cozy movie night together.
  8. Visit Their Favorite Place: Take a trip to a place your grandparents love. Go to a museum, a park, a beach, a nature area, an art gallery, or a local landmark. Or attend church services with them.
  9. Volunteer Together: Participate in a volunteer activity with your grandparents. Give your time to a local charity, bake goodies for an upcoming church bake sale, or organize a neighborhood cleanup.
  10. Phone Call: Just call your grandparents and wish them a great day. Often, a phone call is the perfect gift.

Remember that the most meaningful Grandparents Day celebration is you. Spend time with your grandparents. Small gestures make them feel cherished on Grandparents Day, and you get a lasting memory.

10 Tailgating Safety Tips

Football season is here! A major part of football is tailgating before the big game. Prior to heading out to your favorite stadium, consider the following tailgating safety tips.

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Please note: “As an Amazon affiliate, I earn income from qualifying purchases.”

  1. Food Safety Temperatures: Be careful with all your meats and foods that need to be kept at a cooler temperature. Keep food at safe temperatures by using coolers and ice packs.
  2. Clean & Sanitize: Bring paper towels and cleaners to keep your area clean. Set out hand sanitizer to use before eating.  Practicing proper food handling and hygiene prevents foodborne illnesses.
  3. Get Organized: Maintain a clear and organized tailgating space to avoid tripping hazards. Along with your coolers, consider bringing a tote for your non-perishable items.
  4. Proper Ventilation: Use grills and stoves in well-ventilated areas. Avoid setting up near flammable materials. Being cautious with your grill set-up is essential for the safety of your tailgating area and others around you.
  5. Watch Hot Surfaces: Be mindful of hot surfaces and open flames, especially with kids around. After using your equipment, make certain you properly turn off your grills and stoves. Traveling with a warm grill is dangerous. Allow everything to cool down before packing your tailgating equipment away.
  6. Stay Hydrated: Drink lots of water or Gatorade throughout your tailgating experience. Avoid excessive alcohol consumption. Do not drink and drive.
  7. Pick Up Your Trash: Dispose of trash properly to keep the area clean and reduce the risk of accidents. If the stadium does not provide trash containers, bring your own bags to take your garbage back home. Do not leave the trash for others to pick up.
  8. Obey the Law: Follow local laws and regulations regarding alcohol consumption. Know the rules for consuming alcohol in the stadium and public gatherings. Not following the rules, could result in a hefty fine.
  9. Set Up in the Proper Area: Use designated parking areas and follow traffic rules when entering and exiting the tailgating area. Tailgating is about having fun. But there are rules and regulations to follow.
  10. Be Kind: Be considerate of others celebrating the football game. Yes, have fun! But maintain a friendly and respectful atmosphere.

Tailgating and football are a fun fall pastime. Following safety protocols ensures that you, your family, and your friends enjoy the day without any incidents.