Fun Holiday Activities for Stay-at-Home Dads and Their Families

Tree Hunting

Christmas trees are the foundation of any holiday display. Take the kids with you to pick out the tree (or set it up if the family goes the artificial route). Go a step further and make it a day by hunting and cutting down your own. Find a tree farm or forest area near you that allows the activity and find that holiday prize. It could end up becoming a memorable family tradition. Just remember to make sure you have proper permits, if required, take food and water and are very prepared for cold weather.

Festival of Lights

Kids love the holidays, and most really, really love the lights. Take an evening – or two – and head out to view all the local holiday light displays. Many newspapers have maps of where top displays are located or venture out and find them on your own. If it isn’t too cold, go on a walking tour. If that doesn’t work, drive it and listen to Christmas carols on the way. Also, don’t forget to check out the more commercial displays. Many towns sponsor displays and attractions such as zoos often have their own as well.

Season to Share

Help the kids learn the meaning of giving and give back to the community. Before they open their presents on Christmas day, clear some space for the new by deciding which old toys and books can be donated to a local charity. Then have the kids take them to the distribution center knowing they will help make others happier. Or take the family to a local soup kitchen and help serve a holiday meal.

Shopping Fun

Holiday shopping can be a difficult task with young ones in tow, but it doesn’t have to be with the right planning. Have the kids help make the list and pick out gifts, have a contest to see which stores have the best holiday displays and try to pick out all the Christmas carols you hear. What seems like a chore on the surface could be a fun holiday activity.

Holiday Bake

The holidays are as much about the treats as anything. So get hands-on while preparing the goodies and let the kids get creative. Get some holiday cookie cutters, bake some sugar or butter cookies and then have each child decorate them in their own festive way. Once the treats are done, share them with family, neighbors and friends.

Going to Church

It may seem obvious, but religion is the reason for the season. It’s also obvious that kids can lose sight of that with all that sugar plum dancing going on. In addition to regular church services, help the children learn more about the meaning of the season by attending services, pageants and other events tailored more toward kids.