by Wendy Roltgen

Created on: September 25, 2009   Last Updated: October 14, 2009

The holidays are a magical time of year. From the scent of fresh baked cookies to the sight of streets lined with twinkling lights, the holidays provide some of the most treasured childhood memories. As a parent you can turn the long holiday break into one of your child's favorite memories by planning some fun family activities before the holidays arrive.

One way to build lifelong memories while keeping the kids entertained over the holidays is to take a virtual trip around the world. Get the globe out a few weeks before the holidays and decide where you will virtually travel to over the holiday break. Try to pick enough countries to keep the theme going over the entire break.

Then with each day of the holiday break, visit a new country. Check out some books from the library. Learn something new about the country, culture and foods they eat. Consider preparing foods from the country you are visiting for the day. Learn a few words from the language. This not only creates plenty of activities for you to do as a family together, it also gives everyone an opportunity to learn something new.

Another way to entertain kids over the holidays is to explore technology together. Games and technology offer entertainment and learning as revealed in a Commonsense Media interview with Katie Salen, Executive Director at the Institute of Play. Katie Salen mentions kids are always learning, even when playing games on-line. She encourages parents to take the time to learn about some of the games and networks their children participate in. The holiday break is the perfect opportunity to do so.

Younger children may enjoy showing parents some of the games they play online at school. Older children with Facebook or MySpace pages may be able to help you set up your page or at least develop a basic understanding of the value of social networking. Spend some time together to discover and appreciate the ways technology can be used to enhance education and learning for both kids and adults.

Other ideas for keeping the kids entertained over the holidays are to have theme-filled days. For instance, a kid-favorite is pajama day. Everyone in the family stays in their pajamas all day long while indulging in watching favorite family movies together. Reading books to young children or reading your own books while snuggling together. Be sure to have popcorn on hand to serve as you laugh the day away together. Be creative as you come up with some additional themes for you and your family to enjoy.

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