Source: Counselor Keri
The holiday season is usually filled with excitement and joy, but it can also be filled with whirlwinds of busyness and stress. Counselor Keri offers 5 fun and easy child-friendly Christmas themed mindfulness activities for you and your family to do together on those particularly stressful days.
1) Breathe Like Santa
This is a fun activity that younger kids really enjoy! To help kids practice slow, controlled breathing, take a deep breath in, hold it for a moment, and slowly let it out with a slow, “Ho ho ho.” It feels silly at first, but this really helps kids feel their chests fall as they let the air go.
2) Hear The Bells
Grab some jingle bells or handbells for an easy listening activity. Ask your kiddos to tune in to just the sound of the bells. Notice the vibrations of the sounds. Notice where they feel the bells in their bodies. And notice any feelings that come along with it!
3) Settle the Snow Globe
Shake up a snow globe and watch it settle! Notice how the snow falls and glides. Notice the slow, gentle movement. Feel your body settle as the snow falls.
4) Christmas Yoga
Any basic yoga sequence can be winter-themed with a little name change! Tree pose? Make that Christmas tree pose. Mountain pose? Make it a snowy mountain. A fold can be a candy cane pose. Get creative with it!
5) Mindful Eating
Pick any holiday food for a mindful eating activity! Gingerbread cookies or candy canes are perfect. Encourage students to notice the texture, the taste, and the crunch of the food. Notice where on their tongues they taste each flavor. Enjoy every little bite!
