Holiday Toys - Holiday Traditions

To get in the holiday mood, many of us adults go to religious gatherings, decorate our homes, attend parties, watch holiday movies, and cross everyone off our holiday shopping lists.  But for children, much of how they experience the world is through play.  I know I have said it quite a bit, but pretend play is learning play; it is how a child can comprehend the complicated world that surrounds them.  One of my four year old's favorite things to play is "picnic".  She brings out her tea set, play food, and stuffed animals (and occasionally her younger brother is allowed to join in) and they sit on the floor on a blanket and enjoy a pretend meal.  I am pretty sure that will now change to playing "Thanksgiving" and "Christmas morning" now that the holidays are in full swing. 

There are several toys out there that can help your kids and your family get in the holiday spirit. One fun thing about these toys is that they can become a family tradition, and come out each year at this time, making them cherished memories for years to come.

Religious traditions can be thrilling to children, but also can be confusing.  Many times, when they are able to "play" and act out these traditions they become less shrouded in mystery and more understood and enjoyed. There are many Hanukkah toys that let children do just that.  The KidCraft  Hanukkah Set includes a  menorah,  candles,  a dreidel, and pan with potato latkes. 

There are also some great play nativity sets, including the Playmobil Nativity Set.  While grandmother's china or crystal nativity is beautiful, you might not want your child playing with it.  A play nativity set is a great way to let your child act out the nativity story they have heard so often, but not break any family heirlooms.

Special holiday games can help families spend some time together.  Often we get   bogged down in holiday shopping, parties, and special events that we forget to slow down and just play a board game or put together a puzzle as a family.  These can be the most special times of the holiday, when we slow down for a few minutes and come together as a family.  And what fun to play a rousing game of A Christmas Story Monopoly and then watch the movie together with a huge bowl of popcorn?  (I can't wait until my kids are old enough to understand this movie- it is a holiday favorite around our house!)

One of the best parts of the holiday is simply the anticipation.  Something that we have started this year for the first time is an advent calendar.  Playmobil has several versions, including pirates, princesses, and Santa in the forest.   LEGO also has a fun avent calendar that has a city theme.  Another tradition that I just became aware of this year is the Elf on the Shelf. This is an adorable little story of an Elf that watches to make sure kids are behaving and then reports back to Santa every night.  Every night, he then returns to "hide" in a new place (i.e. you have to wait until the kids go to bed and remember to hide him!).  The kids are encouraged to find the Elf the next morning.  Sounds like a fun way to keep the anticipation going until Christmas morning.

Did I miss any holiday toys?   I am sure there are more out there, please let us know your suggestions in the comments.  Happy Holidays!

--Laura McMullan