Monday, December 1, 2008

Holidays Infos - Plan Fun Activities for Family

By Nicole Mendari

It's so easy to get caught up in the preparations for the holidays. Shopping, baking, cooking, wrapping, cleaning, and chauffeuring the kids everywhere they need to go. As you make your list of things to do, be sure to include some fun activities that include your friends, family members, co-workers and neighbors. After all, fellowship and companionship is a big part of the holiday season, so make sure you spend some quality fun time with those who mean the most to you.

Christmas Caroling is a fun way to include not only those that you already know, but a great way to break the ice and meet new neighbors and people. Print up a few words, enter a portable stereo with the music of Christmas, and tour your neighborhood singing Christmas carols. No matter if you are not the best singer. People of all ages can enjoy this tradition carried into the modern holiday season. If you do not feel comfortable caroling in neighborhoods or houses you do not know, consider having a mobile caroling bus that goes to the homes of people you know to carol. Take a bucket of candy canes or Christmas to go to the home you are leaving. You might also consider caroling on behalf of a charitable organization favorite. Building a secure donation bucket or a box that clearly shows the name and address of the organization that can help you. Some people may not be comfortable financially to you personally, and it is normal.

Hand them some preprinted slips of paper with the organization's name, address and phone number along with a short statement on what they do, and encourage them to donate directly.

Ice skating is another great activity to do with friends and family. Not only does it promote get some exercise, but it's a great way to spend time outside to enjoy the cool winter air if you live in the right climate. If you do not, most cities have local rinks. Check their calendar in advance and send invitations to several family members or friends and make an afternoon of it.

Consider encouraging your friends and family join you on a volunteer excursion to help out at a local nursing home or homeless shelter this holiday season. You can sing Christmas carols with the nursing home residents, or help dish out hot bowls of soup and pass out blankets for those in need. If you know of a family in need this holiday season, perhaps your friends and family could put together a holiday gift basket and fill a laundry basket full of food, baked goods, and small Christmas treats and gifts for the children of the family. It's a great way to teach children the importance of giving back to their community and helping those that are less fortunate then themselves.

Remember the reason for the season, and spend time with their friends and family, and maybe even help others in the process. Have a great party!

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