Holiday Activities
Most families welcome the relaxation and downtime offered by holiday breaks from school. However, once the glow has faded, you may want to consider some family or community-centered activities to recharge your batteries before resuming school work. The potential rewards for both adults and children are great!
Consider exploring parks, museums or historic sites in your area. Many such venues offer low cost or free admittance and may offer tours or self-guided activities for a variety of ages and interests. Perhaps dining at a restaurant whose culture is new to you would spark interest. Have the kids look up the country of origin and research the type of foods you will find on the menu before heading out! New experiences increase our understanding of the world around us.
You may wish to engage your family in a service project, which might include serving meals at a homeless shelter, collecting blankets or personal products to donate to those in need, or writing letters to service personnel. Consider participating in a neighborhood or stream cleanup, or a recycling project such as collecting books to drop at a collection site.
Whether the activity you choose is family or community-centered, the benefits will outlast the holidays!
For ideas in your area, check the internet, your local library, or visitors’ bureau.
Here is an example of a website for Rochester, NY. It includes both family and community service ideas.
http://rochester.kidsoutandabout.com/content/top-20-places-take-kids-greater-rochester
Here are links for family service ideas and opportunities.
http://www.familieswithpurpose.com/familygiving.html
http://www.ehow.com/list_5763152_family-community-service-projects.html
http://www.ehow.com/list_7487195_family-service-project-ideas.html
Now get out there and see what your community has to offer you and what you can offer your community!
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