Monday, December 1, 2008

Holidays Tips - Plan Fun Activities for Family

By Nicole Mendari

It's so easy to get caught up in the preparations for the holidays. Shopping, baking, cooking, packaging, cleaning and chauffeuring to children around the world who need to go. As you make your list of things to do, be sure to include some fun activities that include their friends, family, co-workers and neighbors. After all, the camaraderie and the fellowship is a big part of the holiday season, so make sure you spend some quality time with the fun of it means to most of you.

Christmas caroling is a fun way to not only include people you already know, but a great way to break the ice and meet new neighbors and people. Print up some lyrics, grab a portable stereo with Christmas music, and tour your neighborhood singing Christmas carols. It doesn't matter that you're not the best singer. People of all ages will enjoy this old tradition carried into the modern holiday season. If you don't feel comfortable caroling in neighborhoods or at houses you're unfamiliar with, consider having a mobile caroling bus that goes to the homes of those you know to carol. Take a bucket of candy canes or Christmas candy to pass out to the homeowner as you leave. You might also consider caroling on behalf of a favorite charitable organization. Construct a secure donation bucket or box that clearly shows the name and address of the organization you're helping. Some people might not be comfortable donating to you personally, and that's okay.

Hand them some preprinted slips of paper with the organization's name, address and phone number along with a short statement on what they do, and encourage them to donate directly.

Ice skating is another great activity to do with friends and family. Not only does it promote get some exercise, but it's a great way to spend time outside to enjoy the cool winter air if you live in the right climate. If you do not, most cities have local rinks. Check their calendar in advance and send invitations to several family members or friends and make an afternoon of it.

Consider encouraging your friends and family join you on a volunteer excursion to help out at a local nursing home or homeless shelter this holiday season. You can sing Christmas carols with the nursing home residents, or help dish out hot bowls of soup and pass out blankets for those in need. If you know of a family in need this holiday season, perhaps your friends and family could put together a holiday gift basket and fill a laundry basket full of food, baked goods, and small Christmas treats and gifts for the children of the family. It's a great way to teach children the importance of giving back to their community and helping those that are less fortunate then themselves.

Remember the reason for the season, and spend time with your friends and family, and maybe even help others in the process. Have a great holiday!

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