Holidays and Family Activities in December
Tis the season – for good times with family and friends. Part of what makes December so great is the abundance of reasons to gather and enjoy each other’s company. Holidays and family activities in December bring lots of planning, shopping, hosting and errands. So don’t forget to slow down occasionally and tend to yourself from time to time.
Spreading awareness
Safe Toys and Gifts Month
When out buying gifts for holidays in December, consider the age and skill level of the person for whom you’re buying. This is especially important if they’re under 3 years of age.
National Drunk and Drugged Driving Prevention Month
Lots of parties to attend and most serve alcohol. Bring along a designated driver or download an Uber/Lyft/Local taxi app on your phone. More options exist than ever, so no excuses. Stay safe when celebrating holidays and family activities in December.
National Identity Theft Prevention and Awareness Month
Here are some safety tips when shopping online this holiday season and all year long.
Read a New Book Month
Dedicate one night of your holiday celebration, or gift, to books. Encourage your kids to set aside a half hour every day to read and enjoy this quiet, screen-free time.
National Handwashing Awareness Week (first week)
National Influenza Vaccination Week* (typically first week)
If you haven’t already, get your kids vaccinated. Pediatricians recommend vaccines to prevent the flu in children older than six months of age.
Human Rights Week (second week)
Click here for ways to recognize human rights for all of us this week.
Dec 1: Rosa Parks Day
She refused to give up her seat and changed the world. Learn more here.
Dec 1: World AIDS Day
2: Special Education Day
4: Wildlife Conservation Day
Get outside with the kids and bring along a scavenger hunt list. The first one who spots specific birds, squirrels, insects, and other wild creatures gets to make hot cocoa for everyone else!
Dec 4: Coats & Toys for Kids Day* (first Saturday)
Call your local homeless shelters or places of worship. Donate gently used coats and toys to children in need.
Dec 5: International Volunteer Day
This is a great day to volunteer on behalf of your favorite cause. Include the kids to teach empathy, community and philanthropy.
7: National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day
10: Human Rights Day
18: National Wreaths Across America Day* (third Saturday)
Is there a national cemetery near you? Donate a wreath to be displayed on a veteran’s grave. You can also visit to see this beautiful sight in person.
All about good food
Click on some links below for healthy/fun recipes the whole family will enjoy!
Tomato and Winter Squash Month
December 1: Eat a Red Apple Day
8: National Brownie Day
14: Roast Chestnuts Day
24: National Egg Nog Day
30: Bacon Day (…no one really needs a link to know how to enjoy bacon, right?)
Holidays in December
- December 1-5: Last nights of Chanukah 2021
- 24: Christmas Eve
- 25: Christmas Day
- 31: New Year’s Eve
- Kwanzaa (December 26–January 1)
Fun for the whole family
Sign Up for Summer Camp Month
Click here to be the first to get information about KidzToPros’ popular summer camp programs. Summer will be here before you know it!
Art and Architecture Month
Take advantage of some extra time this month. Visit a local art gallery or museum. Learn about artists who make their living in your hometown and support them if you can. Take your children on a driving tour to see beautiful homes and buildings in your area. If you go at night, enjoy the Christmas lights!
Learn a Foreign Language Month
December 3: Make a Gift Day
No matter which holidays in December you celebrate, make a gift yourself. This can be an arts and crafts project, poem, or heartfelt essay. Homemade gifts are the ones treasured for years to come.
5: National Communicate With Your Kids Day
7: Letter Writing Day
8: National Christmas Tree Day
If you haven’t already, make sure you get out and buy that Christmas tree. Don’t forget the wreath and mistletoe, too.
December 9: Christmas Card Day
Teach your children this annual tradition of reaching out with love to family and friends. Include a funny or heartfelt newsletter wrapping up the events of the past year. Kids also learn how to properly address an envelope and place the stamp!
17: National Ugly Christmas Sweater Day (third Friday)
Buy an ugly sweater or make your own. Consider a neighborhood parade or party to show them off.
19: Holly Day
Get out the supplies and create memorable holly-inspired decorations on this special day.
December 20: Go Caroling Day
A favorite holiday tradition when groups walk together, singing Christmas carols. This is also a lovely way to visit people who are alone during holidays in December. Click here for tips and music to share.
21: First Day of Winter/Winter Solstice (date varies)
The shortest day of the year doesn’t have to get you down. Click here for wonderful ways to celebrate the winter season ahead.
December 21: Don’t Make Your Bed Day (first day of Winter)
We won’t tell the kids if you don’t.
23: Festivus
A fun “alternative” holiday, started by a popular television show, that gives people another reason to celebrate. Air those grievances!
Commemorate one or all of these holidays and special days in December. We wish happy memory-making to all of you.
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