15 fun and different things to do with your kids.

1. Make a newspaper:  Assign everyone an “article” to write for a newspaper.  Each person can write his or her own story, or, draw names out of a hat and “interview” their subjects.   Enterprising young reporters may want to take on additional assignments like fun trips, school activities or building a snowman.  Make it look authentic.  Print or type the articles in 3” columns and arrange them, newspaper style, onto sheets of 8.5”x 11” printer paper.  Paste down the columns, add some punchy headlines and photographs and you have a keepsake.  

2. Head outdoors for an exploration walk.  Make a list of scavenger-hunt items that are easily found in nature and scour the neighborhood (or local park) to complete your list.  Search for the biggest pinecone, the most perfectly shaped shell or a rock with the most stripes.  When the hunt is over, head home for a steaming mug of cocoa and share your treasures.
   
   
3. Get musical.  Dig those old musical instruments out of the closet, or put together a makeshift drum out of an oatmeal container, and have a holiday sing-along.   Print out lyrics so everyone can join in the fun.
    
4. Interview older family members.  Use a video camera or hand-held recorder to chronicle the significant events in their lives.  Ask them about their most treasured memories…. Anything from their school years, career highlights, or how they met their husband or wife.
    
5. Make bird feeders for the birds in your yard.  Collect several large pinecones.  Using a plastic knife, spread peanut butter over the pinecones and roll them in birdseed.  Attach a ribbon, hang the feeders outside and watch the birds enjoy.  (These make great gifts, too.) 
   
   
6. Spend an evening  “unplugged.”  Try family game night the old-fashioned way.  Douse the lights; turn off the computer, TV and other electronics and gather-around the kitchen table for a rousing game of gin rummy or monopoly by candlelight. 
   
   
7. Start working on those New Year’s resolutions.  If you need inspiration, ask friends and family members about their own list of resolutions.
   
   
8. Make a big batch of cookies. Then, take them to a nearby nursing home and spread the holiday cheer to people who can’t get out of the house.
   
   
9. Roast marshmallows.  Crank up the barbeque or toast them in the fireplace.  If your location permits, build a bonfire and invite the neighbors over for “Somemores.”
   
   
10. Design sock puppets.  Rifle through the sock drawer, search through the sewing kit for buttons and thread and stitch up some sock puppets.  Then, put on a show.
    
    
11. Whip up a batch of "snow cream.”  Mix together 1 cup of milk, a dash of vanilla and sugar to taste (usually ½ - ¾ cup) and stir until all ingredients are blended.   Gather 4 cups of CLEAN, fresh snow and add it to the concoction.  Stir until it’s the consistency of ice cream and enjoy.
    
    
12. Draw. Create portraits of each other and display them on the wall.
    
    
13. Head to the public library. Have each family member pick out a good book to read and another to share out loud.  Most libraries have a good supply of movies on hand so you may want to pick out a few holiday favorites to pop into the VCR or DVD player.
    
    
14. Play in the snow!  Break out the sleds, saucers or improvise with plastic trashcan lids and pieces of large cardboard boxes.  Make snow angels and build a snowman.  Don’t forget to take some photos… you’re making memories that you and your family will always treasure.
    
    
15. While you're outdoors… have a snowball war!  Divide into two groups and gear up for a snowball fight.  Set some boundaries, build a “fort” for each side (overturned picnic tables work well) and allow time to make some ammo.