School’s almost out, which means we’re so very close to that time of the year when the kids start telling us how bored they are again!

If there’s one time of year, though, which truly lends itself to some active, creative and imaginative ideas (that don’t always require a lot of work!), it’s Christmas.

We’ve compiled the activities you can do with your kids, or give them to keep them occupied, to make the holidays merry and bright.

MOVE

• Head along to the Very Kareela Christmas Fair for pop-up stalls, free Santa photos and kid’s craft activities. 
• Party with Santa at Taren Point Hotel.
• Spend a night singing carols at Gymea or Miranda.
• Take the kids for a photo with Santa in the Shire or greater Sydney.
• Head to the city for a Christmas adventure. There’s plenty of festive pop-ups around and even an app you can use to take a self-guided tour of all the lights and decorations on the City of Sydney website.
• Check out the Christmas wonderlanes at The Rocks. 

MAKE

• The kids can help you decorate by making a Christmas wreath for your door from Craftulate.
• For a stack of Christmas craft ideas visit Best Ideas for Kids.
• Find Christmas recipes kids can try on their own at Taste.
• Make some easy no-bake Christmas treats from Goodto.

PLAY

• Have the kids play Santa for the day by getting them to drop one of their hand-made crafts or treats (or something store-bought) to the door of a random friend, neighbour, or complete stranger, and leaving without ringing the bell.
• Try one of these fun Christmas games from Brisbane Kids.
• Hate games that go on forever? Try these minute-to-win-it Christmas games from Play Party Plan.
• Big kids and even adults will enjoy these fun Christmas games from Minted.

READ

• Sutherland Shire libraries offer plenty of Christmas books for you to choose from such as Santa is coming to the Shire, where the kids will love recognising their suburb.
• Let Christmas serve as an opportunity to teach kids about kindness with this list of meaningful Christmas stories from One Time Through.
• Feel like you’ve done the basic Christmas books to death? See if you can tick off this list of 100 Christmas books every kids should read before they turn 10 from The Educators Spin On It.

LISTEN

• It really isn’t Christmas without at least a few carols! We think the best carols come straight from the Home Alone soundtrack.
• Once you’re tired of Christmas carols, dive into these Christmas podcasts for kids recommended by Popsugar.
• If your kids love to dance you can listen to some Christmas songs that come with easy choreography to get them singing and dancing, from Love to Sing.

WATCH

• Head to Event Cinemas to check out A Boy Called Christmas.
• Find every new Christmas movie coming to Netflix here.
• Get your dose of wholesome Christmas fun from the selection of family Christmas films on Disney+.

Those years where the kids actually want to sit down and make Christmas cookies, create wrapping, shape gingerbread playdough, watch Christmas cartoons and sing carols with you will be over before you know it. We hope you can use the ideas above to make this Christmas a very merry and memorable one!