This is a sponsored post but all thoughts are my own.
I know it’s not technically winter but my boys had a snow day earlier this week and the holidays are upon us so it’s wintertime in my book! With as busy as this season can get it’s important to make sure that family time is still a priority so I wanted to share some ideas that will bring your family closer together this winter. Some of these can be done during an afternoon or evening that you may have free while others take a bit more planning.
GET OUTSIDE
The winter might not be the nicest time to get outside weather-wise but there is still plenty to do outdoors during the colder months. Growing up I have fond memories of going sledding, building snowmen, making snow angels, creating snow “forts”, and having snowball fights. No snow? No problem! There is still plenty to see when you go for a hike or take a nature walk with your family. Kids will love documenting their walk with this DIY nature journal.
GO ON VACATION
If you only have a few days you can always head somewhere local to enjoy a staycation but, if you have more time, escape somewhere tropical for a family vacation if possible! I have fond memories of the two vacations I’ve taken to Beaches Resorts, once with my oldest son to their Negril, Jamaica location and once with my husband to their Turks & Caicos location (next time I think we will check out their adults-only resort located nearby). I don’t think I’ve ever felt so relaxed as I did on those vacations (even when I took the solo trip with my then six year old). Enjoying time by the pool and on the beach, not having to cook, venturing out on the water on a catamaran….the all-inclusive resorts created a stress-free vacation for me! Plus, they have great kid’s camps and a partnership with Sesame Street which keeps kids occupied if mom and dad want some time alone together.
HAVE A GAME & MOVIE NIGHT
One of our family’s favorite ways to spend an evening in is to have a game and movie night. We play one of our favorite games and then cuddle on the couch and watch a movie together. Sometimes we watch a throwback movie from my childhood, sometimes we let the kids pick the movie, and sometimes we choose a seasonal favorite. It’s just a nice way to spend quality time together (and bonus points if we can do so in front of the fireplace!)
COOK OR BAKE SOMETHING DELICIOUS
Whether you love to cook or prefer to bake something, spending time in the kitchen is a great way to make memories in the winter months. I love baking holiday cookies with my boys like I did with my mom when I was younger. Sinisa enjoys getting the boys involved with meal prep when they have time to do so. And everyone loves adding some frosting and sprinkles to their cinnamon roll waffles when we have family breakfasts!
VOLUNTEER AS AÂ FAMILYÂ
Our family tries to find volunteer opportunities throughout the year but there are always so many opportuniities during the holiday seeason. Many can be found through our son’s scouting program, local Churches, and throughout our community. One thing we love doing each year is packing shoebox gifts to send overseas and also “adopting” children through a local angel tree ministry who we then buy Christmas gifts for. There are lots of ways to volunteer and do good as a family though and I’ve shared more ideas here and here.
CRAFT TOGETHER
Does your family love to craft? If so, crafting together can be the perfect way to spend time together. You can help your kids create a family tree while talking about your ancestors, make decorations to create a festive atmosphere in your home, or even upcycle used materials around your home to make a number of fun recycled crafts.
How does your family like to spend time together during the colder months? Let me know on social! (Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook)
