When you are a parent, fall can feel like a crazy time, with pressure to check all the boxes – from pumpkin patches to apple picking to trick-or-treating to Thanksgiving celebrations. Our biggest piece of advice? Try and keep your seasonal celebrations simple.
When you are a parent, fall can feel like a crazy time, with pressure to check all the boxes – from pumpkin patches to apple picking to trick-or-treating to Thanksgiving celebrations. Our biggest piece of advice? Try and keep your seasonal celebrations simple. Especially with young kids, a little bit of novelty can still feel totally magical, and you can share the excitement of the season with them… without adding a whole lot to your plate.
Here are 5 of our favorite, super simple ways to celebrate fall & winter. Make sure you read until the end because we saved our best for last (and scored you an exclusive discount).
Painting pumpkins
While carving pumpkins might become a family tradition when your kids are older, it isn’t very engaging for younger children. After all, there isn’t much they can actually DO. When kids are little, painting is the way to go. If you are worried about mess, have your kids use washable paint and paint outside.
Make apple paintings
This is perfect if you’re looking for a way to use all the apples you picked that doesn’t involve baking. Simply cut some apples in half, squirt washable paint onto plates, and let your child use the apples as stamps.
Bonus: These paintings make great homemade placemats for Thanksgiving! You can even get them laminated at your local office supply store!
Create a gratitude tree
Teach your toddler the importance of gratitude with a gratitude tree. Cut out a bunch of construction paper leaves and put them in a basket. Cut a rectangle for the tree trunk and tape it to the wall or refrigerator. Leading up to thanksgiving, go around the table and say one thing you are thankful for each night at dinner. Write the answers on one of the leaves, and let your child tape it to the tree.
Go on a holiday lights tour
Every town has that one neighborhood that’s known for going all-out when it comes to holiday lights. In the evening, pack everyone in the car, turn on the holiday music, and drive around admiring all the beautiful decorations.
Matching holiday PJs
Matching family PJs are such an easy way to get into the holiday spirit without much effort. Whether it’s festive stripes, snowflakes, or another holiday theme, slipping into something soft together brings a sense of togetherness and joy. Your little ones will love the excitement of seeing everyone dressed the same, and matching PJs are it’s perfect for a cute family photo. And if you’re expecting, it’s a fun way to include the bump in the holiday fun!
