7 Things To Do With Your Family Over Winter Break

With so many demands on our time, it’s a rare day indeed when we can devote a few hours simply to laughter and conversation with the people we love. Winter break is the perfect time to do just that. So now that you have the time, what do you do? Here are a few ideas.

Slide down something.

Snow makes things slippery. That stinks when you’re driving your car, but it’s great if you’re sitting in a sled with your kids, or hitting the slopes with skis and snowboards. Don’t live where it’s cold enough for snow? Buy an ice block for each of your kids and take it to the top of a hill. Place a towel or two on top of the block, sit on the towel and lift your feet. Ice is slippery too. It s a fun ride, but it’s a little less comfortable than a sled.

Watch classic movies.

It’s a Wonderful Life is a family favorite at this time of the year, but it’s not the only classic movie. Slip out to the video store or download something from the Internet that you remember watching as a kid-something your own kids have probably never seen. See if they enjoy it as much as you did. You may all be surprised. Can’t think of any? Fiddler On The Roof, The Sound of Music, Mary Poppins, The Apple Dumpling Gang, Popeye, High Noon, Where The Red Fern Grows…you get the idea.

Volunteer.

Teach your kids to look out for others by doing so yourself. Volunteer at a soup kitchen, make a visit to the homeless shelter with some new toys, or just clear the snow off your neighbor’s walk. But don’t do it alone, make it a family affair. There’s something extra special about stepping outside yourself and pushing the edges of your comfort zone that brings you closer to the true spirit of the season.

Make homemade cookies.

Find your favorite cookie recipe and make them with your kids. Make a bunch of them and deliver them to friends in your neighborhood. At first, your kids will complain that they aren’t getting any for themselves, but once you assure them they’ll have plenty, they’ll be asking, “Who’s next?”

Go to a cultural event.

Take the family to see a play, a ballet, or symphony. Let them dress in their best clothes and experience a night on the town. They’ll remember it for years to come.

Catch a movie.

There are bound to be several great movies during the winter break that your whole family can enjoy. Check what’s playing at your local theater, load up the kids, and head out for a great couple of hours.

Play board games.

Remember board games? They’re pretty cool. They don’t need batteries, plugs or controllers-no sound effects or graphics, but they’re still great. Pull out that game of Clue, Monopoly, Risk, or Candyland and settle in for hours of fun and conversation.

Whatever you decide to do, here’s hoping you have a wonderful time doing it with the ones you love.