The Holiday Reality Check! Outsmarting the Smart Phone

THUNDER BAY – Family – The Christmas break is long. It’s cold (especially in Northwestern Ontario). Adults still have things to do. And screens are the easiest babysitter in the world.

Often it is way too easy to just let the kids sit on their iPads, Xbox, Playstation, or just a massive Netflix binge.

Now, think back to when you were a child, what did you do during the Christmas holidays? For me, it living in Winnipeg, it was cross-country skiing on the Assiniboine River, sliding, road hockey, and early morning exploring with our American Cocker Spaniel.

Christmas is a time for making memories, not watching screens. Now lets be serious, its going to take some work on your part to make this happen, that means you won’t be able to endlessly scroll your own smartphone.

What can you do to make sure that this holiday season is especially memorable for your children or grandchildren?

Now, he goal isn’t “no screens ever” — it’s creating a break that has variety, movement, and real memories, with screens as a smaller slice of the day.

Start With a Simple Daily Rhythm

Kids do better when they know what’s coming. Try a loose structure:

• Morning: Move your body + help with one small job

• Midday: Creative/project time

• Afternoon: Outing or outdoor time (even short)

• Evening: Family activity + optional screen window

A rhythm like this reduces the “Can I go on my iPad?” loop.

Make a “Holiday Boredom Buster Jar”

Write activities on slips of paper and toss them in a jar. When boredom hits, they draw one.

Ideas that work for most ages:

• Build a blanket fort and read inside it

• Indoor scavenger hunt (you can hide clues)

• Make a comic strip starring the family pet

• DIY obstacle course (painter’s tape lines, pillows to jump, crawl-under table)

• Play “minute-to-win-it” games (stack cups, cotton ball relay, etc.)

• Make a stop-motion video with toys (screens allowed, but creating, not scrolling)

Winter-Friendly Outdoors That Don’t Feel Like “Exercise”

If kids think it’s “a workout,” they’ll resist. If it’s a mission, they’ll go.

• Neighbourhood snow photo challenge: find “the tallest snowbank,” “a perfect snowflake,” “a cool footprint”

• Snow treasure hunt: hide coloured ice cubes or toys in a bin of snow

• Flashlight walk at dusk (super popular)

• Build something: snow creature, mini igloo, or “snow bakery”

• Skating, sliding, snowshoeing (even 20–30 minutes counts)

Tip: The secret weapon is hot chocolate waiting at home.

Give Them a Job That Feels Like Power

Kids like being trusted. Give them “grown-up” missions:

• Make place cards for a holiday meal

• Organize a “toy donation” box (choose items, clean them, decorate the box)

• Be the “music DJ” for cleaning time

• Make a simple breakfast for the family (toast bar, oatmeal toppings, smoothie station)

• Plan one “family night” (movie choice + snacks + setup)

Crafts That Don’t Require a Craft Store Run

• Paper chain countdowns

• Salt dough ornaments (flour + salt + water)

• Card-making station (old magazines + glue + markers)

• Build a “holiday village” out of cereal boxes

• Paint kindness rocks (or decorate pinecones)

Board Games, But Make It Fresh

Rotate games so they feel new. Add “twists”:

• Winner chooses dessert

• Team mode (kids vs adults)

• Tournament bracket on paper

Also: cards + dice + a notebook can replace a whole game shelf.

Build a Holiday “Project Week”

Pick one big project for the week so kids stay focused:

• Baking week: 1 recipe per day, kids make a “recipe book”

• Lego city week: build and expand, then write stories set in it

• Mini business week: craft cards/ornaments and “sell” them for coupons (extra bedtime story, choose dinner, etc.)

• Family history week: interview grandparents, make a photo board

Use Screens Strategically Instead of Banning Them

If you set a clear rule, screens become easier to manage:

• Screens happen after outdoor time / chores / reading

• Use timers

• Keep screens in common areas

• Choose “creating” screens: drawing apps, music-making, coding games, video editing

A Quick List of “No-Prep” Go-To Ideas

• Dance party with 10 songs

• Baking soda + vinegar “volcano” experiments

• Puzzle time with a podcast or holiday music

• Library trip + “book picnic” at home

• “Restaurant night” where kids design the menu and set the table

• Build a cardboard spaceship/house

The Last Word: Holiday boredom busters for kids: screen-free ideas, routines, crafts, games and winter fun.