Keeping Your Kids Happy And Healthy This Holiday Season

As the holiday season approaches, many of us think about our own need to stay healthy and active. We picture the parties, the cookies, the egg nog... and we give out a short sigh. There goes the diet.

But, we aren't the only ones with sweet treats piled high before us, tempting us to dig in and enjoy. Our kids are bombarded with goodies all season. Throughout Thanksgiving, Hanukkah, and Christmas, the volume of food we place on our tables is astounding.

We are celebrating, and food is certainly a big part of the festivities. While we adults can make some rational choices about our dietary intake, our kids don't have quite the same resolve. It's up to us to make healthy choices easier for them. Let's take a look at a few ideas for holiday fun without all the sweet temptations.

Play Outside

A kid playing hard has little time to think about anything else. If you get your kids away from the table, away from the kitchen, and away from the house, they will do what kids do - forget and focus on the here and now.

No matter where you live and what the climate is like, there are things to do outside during these holidays. Depending on the age of your kids, you may have to do some if not all of the work preparing, but it will be well worth it.

If you have leaves, rake them up and give the kids free reign to jump and play and scatter the leaves. Get out the sidewalk chalk and decorate for the season. If you have snow, build a fort or a snowman, or have a snowball fight. Your kids will forget that plate of cookies if they get to pelt Pop square on the back with a snowball, I guarantee it.

Take a walk through the neighborhood to see the decorations. Sing songs. Window shop. Sit on a park bench and watch the people. Take turns making up stories about who they are and where they're going. Feed the ducks. Take those little feet away from the sweets at home.

Play Inside

It can be difficult to keep your little ones' attention away from sweets when you're inside. The trick is to plan games that require some thought and even some action. The game Twister comes to mind for indoor action, but there are many games for all ages that are great for keeping kids busy.

Choose thoughtful games such as charades, drawing games, or word games. Games that make your kids think and give them some good belly-laughs are perfect for keeping their minds off the sweets. Treasure hunts are especially engaging and can be played by all ages, with a little help. Be sure to have the treasure a non-food related treat and something everyone will enjoy.

You can easily play I Spy games indoors, or hide-and-seek, or other easy games with a variety of ages. Card games are versatile, too. There are so many options, it's hard to choose sometimes. You could also ask your kids to create their own game.

Don't forget crafts. Get out the bin of odds and ends and let their imagination run wild. Or plan a specific craft to make a product to give as a gift to a relative or friend of the family. Of course, video games are fun and certainly an option for some families. But, remember, they must be engaging for the whole family and keep little fingers and minds busy.

Now, after a day of fun activities both outdoors and indoors, when it comes time to enjoy a sweet treat, your kids will enjoy it even more. Happy Holidays!