Picnic Under the Christmas Tree
(originally published Dec 2012)
As we go through the holiday season, maybe you want to be holly jolly and all, but also you've got a lot to get done! Having a little Hot Cocoa Party under the tree is a quick and fun way to connect with your kids that will bring a little Christmas magic into your house without a lot of fuss.
If you're looking for printable conversation starters, along with more activity ideas and encouragement to keep Christmas about connection and love, you may enjoy our Keeping Christmas Cozy packet + email set. Get your copy here.
Have a picnic under your Christmas Tree!
It doesn't have to be complicated or even planned ahead. Just grab a blanket at lunch time and spread out beneath the glow of Christmas lights. If you want to make it really fun you can add something like apple cider of hot cocoa.
Make it festive….
Turn on your Christmas Music.
If you have cute holiday mugs and plates (ad), this is the time to use those!
Then grab some easy “picnic” foods:
- frozen berries
- frozen peas (my kids can't be the only ones who like these, right?)
- baby carrots
- lunch meat rolled up
- chunks of cheese with toothpicks
And of course Hot Cocoa (though just juice or milk would be perfectly exciting served in this spirit too.)
Once you have your little gathering under the Christmas tree you can sing a Christmas carol or read a Christmas story. In our family many stories are read during meal times because it's the one time when everyone is quiet while they eat.
Merry Christmas and happy marshmallows!
Make sure you take a look at the Keeping Christmas Cozy Printable Packet and Email Set if you’d like simple activities along with weekly inspiration during December that will help you keep Christmas cozy, connected and low stress. Get Your Download here:
Alissa Zorn is an author, and founder of the website Overthought This. She's a coach and cartoonist passionate about helping people overcome perfectionism and shame to build authentic, joyful lives. Alissa is certified through the International Coach Federation and got her Trauma-Informed Coaching certification from Moving the Human Spirit. She wrote Bounceback Parenting: A Field Guide for Creating Connection, Not Perfection, and is always following curiosity to find her next creative endeavor.