Need a few ideas to celebrate Christmas with your toddler? This list of age-appropriate toddler Christmas activities for older babies & preschoolers includes crafts, ways to give back, and new traditions for the whole family.
1. Make a Christmas countdown chain. Who else remembers making these as a kid? This is definitely something an older toddler/preschooler could do – promotes great number awareness and is fun for them to link together!
2. Have a shape scavenger hunt. For example, draw a circle on a piece of paper and have them find every Christmas item they can that is that shape (ornaments, cookies, wreaths, etc.).
3. Make your child's favorite Christmas cookies. Ask them to pick a flavor (peppermint, chocolate, caramel) and make a special batch of Christmas cookies just for them!
4. Make gingerbread play dough. Such a great sensory activity. I'm a big believer in the power of the sense of smell in memories – using something like the scent of gingerbread is a great memory maker!
5. Make ornaments for their own tree. My kids have Christmas trees in their rooms. As long as you think it's safe for your child, I highly recommend it – they love having something that's their own and being able to decorate it however they'd like.
6. Let them play with the nativity set. If you don't have one of these nativity sets, I think it's an absolute must for younger kids. My kids have such a better sense of the nativity and what it means because of this one toy!
7. Have a Polar Express day. This showed up on my baby's first Christmas post, but I'm repeating it here because it's my absolute favorite thing to do with my kids during Christmas. I used to do it when I was a teacher too. It is so much fun!
8. Make blessing bags for the homeless. These can include simple things like shelf-stable foods, toothbrushes, soap, and hand warmers. I like to keep a few in my car for when we see others in need. This is a simple activity that toddlers can help with that really teaches the true meaning of the season.
9. Write a letter to Santa. Of course, you're going to be writing this for your child, but it's so much fun to see what they have to say to Santa. Let them dictate and you write. They can even draw a picture for the big guy!