6 Ways to Get Kids Involved in Holiday Traditions

The best part of any holiday tradition is the chance to make memories. From caroling to cooking, getting kids involved in holiday traditions helps underscore the importance of group participation and collaboration. When kids are involved in something greater than themselves, they often teach adults something new. Keep reading to find ways to get kids engaged in treasured holiday traditions they’ll love!

Admire the Lights on a Pajama Car Ride

Children are natural observers! Take your child on an epic pajama car ride around your neighborhood or city to admire the holiday lights and decorations. Whether your family wants to rank their favorite displays, play a game of “I Spy” or simply enjoy the thrill of riding around town in their coziest PJs, this tradition is a local adventure you will all look forward to each year.

Want to shine a light on how invention shapes the world around us? Tell your child about National Inventors Hall of Fame^® Inductee Shuji Nakamura, whose invention of blue, green and white LEDs made holiday decorating with the full spectrum of LED lights possible!

Create DIY Holiday Cards

Making DIY holiday cards is a crafty tradition that lets creativity shine and challenges kids to be resourceful with the materials available at home. DIY cards are the perfect keepsake to send to loved ones who live far away. Imagine your child’s excitement as they drop their one-of-a-kind artistry in the mailbox. To add some educational fun, take a trip to the post office!

Bake Something Sweet

During the holidays, the kitchen is the ultimate space for gathering. Together, you can make the holidays sweeter by baking a dessert. Give your kid the responsibility of measuring and mixing to practice important life skills.

Sugar cookies are a great way to incorporate creativity when it’s time to ice and decorate. Ask your child to sketch their design ideas in a notebook while the cookies cool down.

Volunteer in Your Community

Serving your local community helps instill the value of giving during the holiday season. Whether you are donating toys or delivering hot meals, volunteering during the holiday season will start a lifelong tradition of making a difference. In the world of philanthropy, no gesture is too small. Ask your child to perform 10 acts of kindness during their winter break! Kids will come up with all kinds of innovative ways to lend a helping hand.

Read a Book

Select a book for the holiday season that highlights your favorite celebrations or helps your child learn about the cultures and traditions of others. Reading a book together is a special holiday tradition that greatly benefits your child’s language development and is an excellent form of family engagement. It’s a sure way to connect with your child as they develop important critical thinking and comprehension skills. From making special voices for characters to engineering a dreamy reading fort, let your child cultivate a memorable experience!

Wishing You a Warm Holiday

While holiday traditions are unique to every family, being together is the most important one. Everyone at the National Inventors Hall of Fame wishes you a wonderful holiday season filled with inspiration. Explore our blog for more activity ideas your family can try all year round.