Holidaying at Home
Written by Cerise Canon
If there is something that we have all had to endure it is the disappointment of cancelled holiday plans. Rather than letting this be overwhelming for you and your family there is a way to enjoy holidaying at home
After gathering snow gear, packing our bags and getting ready to head off to the snow, our family had to cancel the trip not once or twice but three times. Since then, I have been on a mission to make my own holiday fun at home, appreciate my surroundings and enjoy family time.
While cancelled holiday plans have become part of the new norm, it doesn't remove the disappointment, particularly among children and teenagers. However, it does give us a new opportunity to fill in the time with bonding activities for the family.
Right now nothing is more important than family and friends. Try some of these tips at home to spend quality time together and build new memories.
1. Movie Night In A Makeshift Tent
Build an indoor tent in your living room using your couch, sheets or anything you can find, break out the popcorn and play a family favourite movie. You will instantly create a new atmosphere for the family to enjoy quality time together.
2. S'mores in the backyard
A biscuit, marshmallow and chocolate melted stack, what's not to love? With plenty of variations and recipes online, you can cook over a fire, barbecue, in the microwave or oven.
3. Camp in the backyard, living room or spare room for a change of scenery
Need a change of scenery? Have a slumber party in the backyard, living room or spare room! Stay up late and share spooky stories, have a singalong, and enjoy each other's company in a whole new way.
4. A Late-Night Hot Chocolate
Short on space in the backyard? Pop some chairs out the front and enjoy the front porch or balcony views with a warm hot chocolate.
5. Fairy lights, snacks and board games
Mix up movie night with a games night instead filled with fairy lights, snacks, and family favourite games. Pictionary, Scrabble, Monopoly, Charades - the world is your oyster!
6. BBQ dinner with quintessential camping food
Changing up your routine means in the food department as well. Have a barbecue dinner with foods that make you feel like you're soaking up the great outdoors. Think burgers, damper, grilled corn and a simple side salad.
7. Nature Related Arts & Crafts
Find setting up tents and fairy lights too tedious? Have a nature arts and crafts session instead. Gather sticks, leaves, gumnuts, pinecones and any other goodies you can find and create magic with clay, paper, glue and paint.
8. Scavenger Hunt
Distract the children while you have a cuppa with a scavenger hunt. There are many great free printables online with lots of natural wonders the children can find and tick off throughout the day.
9. Stargaze Take A Moment To Look Out At The Night Sky
When was the last time you looked at the night sky and took in your surroundings? Gather the family and learn the star constellations, spot the 'red' star and understand the moon's phases.
Holidaying at Home
8 Comments
I’m in the middle of re-doing my back yard, as soon as I’m done – half of these we’ll be doing! Thanks
Woohoo! Enjoy!
I know what I’ll be doing this weekend!
Sounds like a great plan! Enjoy!
Love these ideas. Keen to try them this summer!
Under the stars in the comfort of your own backyard – sounds lovely!
Great piece, very relevant as we go into holiday season!
Such an exciting time of year!