Christmas can be a period of joy and endless fun for everyone. But do you know that 65% of people reported increased stress during the holiday season? Well, it’s no wonder when festivities ramp up, having a lot of things happening around can overwhelm you and your family. But don’t worry; we are here with the best Christmas mindful activities so you can enjoy the essence of the festivity while staying calm.
So, let’s begin by understanding mindful activities first.
What Are Mindful Activities?
Mindful activities are activities that direct your intention to the present moment without focusing on the future and past. An increasing number of studies show that mindful activity’s advantages are extensive and wide-ranging, such as relieving stress and anxiety. It’s not only about relieving stress; practicing mindfulness also trains us to appreciate the little things in life.
Fun and Creative Christmas Mindful Activities
Here are some genuine and one-of-a-kind Christmas mindfulness activities that can help both children and adults. We have divided them into two categories, one for the kids and one for the elders.
Incorporating these mindful activities into your holiday celebrations can be great for bringing peace within the chaos.
Christmas Mindful Activities for Kids
Let’s explore some fun, thoughtful Christmas activities that you can do with your family that won’t cost you a dime. But, remember to fully enjoy and make the most out of the activities; give them the time they deserve.
Mindfulness cannot be rushed. So, ideally, each activity should take a minimum of 20 minutes of your time, allowing you plenty of time to prepare, enjoy, and finish these activities with your kids.
1. Breathe Like Santa
This mindful Christmas activity is fantastic for helping children practice deep breathing. Deep breathing is itself an authentic mindful activity proven to calm down a stressed mind. Doing this during the holidays can be especially helpful in finding calm and balance among all the joy.
To practice deep breathing, ask your children to take a deep breath in. Have them hold it for 4-5 seconds and slowly exhale it out like a cheerful “Ho Ho Ho,” as Santa does.
At first, it might look funny, but this approach is not only playful but really helps children be aware of body movements. As their chest falls and rises, they learn about airflow. It’s a wonderful way to introduce mindfulness while spreading holiday cheer!
2. Mindful Coloring
The practice of mindful coloring encourages us to be fully here in the present without judgment. It is quite similar to meditation, in which we let go of any thoughts or what we are going to do when we are finished.
This mindful activity can be great for any age group but it is particularly beneficial for young children to develop their fine motor skills. It is also used in high schools and colleges to enhance creativity!
To practice it with kids, invite them to sit down and color freely. There are no rules here so let the kids have fun. But you can make it more useful by asking them to pay attention to the colors, the lines, and the way the coloring tool feels in their hand.
There are many types of coloring books available, ranging from simple designs to abstract ones. If you do not prefer buying one, you can always find printable versions on platforms like Pinterest or download coloring apps from the App Store. Just be mindful not to increase screen time too much.
3. The Calm Down Jar
Calm-down jars are a pleasant and one of the most creative Christmas mindful activities. They can help children control their emotions in a fun way.
To make a cool-down jar, you need a jar with a lid, water, and colorful Christmas glitter like red, green, gold, or white. Adding some holiday decorations like pom-poms, Christmas sparklers, or stars can also be good. First, put about three-quarters of the water into the jar. Then, add a few scoops of glitter. Add your Christmas decorations and more water to the top. You can hot glue the lid to avoid spillage.
When your child needs calm-down time, hand them the jar. Explain to them that when we get overwhelmed and upset, our thoughts can become swirly and uncontrollable, like the glitter in the jar. But by watching the glitter settle, they can calm their minds.
Now let them shake the jar and ask them to focus on the glitter as it settles down at the bottom. Afterwards, discuss how they feel. This activity helps kids understand their emotions and promotes mindfulness!
4. Hot Cocoa Meditation
Research says that the nice aromas of food and beverages are equally meditative! And this mindful activity is perfect with children during the holiday season.
To use hot cocoa meditation, sit in a comfortable position with your children with a warm cocoa drink in their hand. Set the timer for five minutes and ask children to focus on their mugs either with open or closed eyes.
Now you can use these prompts to ask questions like.
- Touch: How does your cup feel? Is it warm? What is its size?
- Smell: Do you smell your coco? Try to focus on the subtle aroma of cocoa.
- Taste: If you sip it slowly, what does your cocoa taste like? Take care of the flavors of peppermint, chocolate, milk, and whipped cream.
- Feelings: What does it do to you? Happy, warm, excited, joyful?
Continue to notice these sensations as you sip your cocoa until the timer goes off. When the time is up, talk about what you observe and how you feel. It is a great Christmas mindful activity for calming the mind and is fun as well.
5. Move and Freeze Game
It is one of those Christmas mindful activities that can be enjoyed by any age group and is a fun way to practice mindfulness.
Start by asking children to move their bodies freely to music or a beat. When someone yells “Freeze,” hold the position and feel your body stance. Notice how the body feels and how the breath flows or do you feel any other sensations?
This simple game not only promotes physical activity but also encourages mindfulness by helping you connect with the body and breath. It’s a joyful way to cultivate awareness and presence, making it perfect for individuals of all ages!
Christmas Mindful Activities for Adults
Now, let’s look at the best Christmas mindful activities that can be used by adults.
1. Christmas Mindful Ornament Crafting
What can be better than crafting decor for your own Christmas tree and engaging in a mindful activity at the same time? This artistic activity is a great way to stay present while also expressing your creative side.
To do this mindful practice, collect natural supplies such as dried citrus, pine cones, and twigs. You can color them as per your liking and with acrylic paints and use them as decor. This not only makes for unique ornaments but also encourages a calming, hands-on experience.
Another fun option is to use colorful papers to craft origami stars and butterflies. As you fold and shape it, pay attention to the way the paper feels. When you’re done, hang them on your Christmas tree.
You could even turn this into a family activity too. Invite everyone to join in and share stories or holiday memories as you work together, making the experience even more meaningful.
2. Gift Wrapping
Christmas is all about gifts and celebrations. And there is no better way to present a gift than in thoughtful wrapping. That is why it can be considered one of the Christmas mindful activities.
To practice this activity, choose the things you will use to wrap the gift. Some ideas are newspapers, old maps, or fabric pieces. Now try to feel the texture of each item as you touch it. For example, notice how crisp the paper is and how soft the fabric is. This awareness helps to ground you in the moment. When it’s time to cut ribbons, enjoy making crafty bows and flowers.
This mindful practice not only makes your gifts look better but also makes the holidays more enjoyable by encouraging you to be present and creative. You can ask your children to join you for this activity. However, it is not a great option for younger kids and toddlers.
3. Mindful Eating
It is one of the easiest and most useful Christmas mindful activities you can do this season. Research says that when we eat mindfully, we become more aware of our bodies, helping us recognize when we feel full. This awareness helps us recognize how different foods make us feel, improving our flavor and texture experience.
To practice this, pay attention to where you taste each flavor on your tongue as you eat. Savor every little bite. This practice helps us slow down and truly appreciate our meals.
You can also change it into a fun challenge. Take 30 seconds to enjoy something special during your holiday meals. It could be a rich piece of chocolate, a warm slice of pie, or a dish that is full of flavor. Pay attention to the taste, smell, and texture.
4. Mindful Winter Stroll
It might be nice to wrap up and take a walk to get some fresh air during the holiday season. If you take this walk as a mindful practice, it can deepen your connection with your surroundings and enhance your appreciation for the beauty. It can also clear your mind and leave some headspace for more positive thoughts.
To use this opportunity to unplug and soak in the effortless energy that surrounds you, start by slowly walking. Try to focus and feel the surroundings. Use all your senses at once or use one at a time. For example, take a moment to enjoy the lovely Christmas lights in your area. Pick up pine cones or interesting leaves and touch them to feel the texture. Listen to the sound of the leaves or snow below your shoes or identify the various smells present in the surroundings.
If it’s too snowy outside or you cannot take a walk, you can simply stick your head out the window. Now feel things around you and see if you can find something else that brings you joy.
Summing it Up
As we wrap up the Christmas mindful activities. Remember that the holiday season is about finding peace. And I hope these resources inspire you to practice mindfulness during the Christmas season.
Save this post so you can come back to it whenever you need inspiration for the future! Also, feel free to share your thoughts and feelings on our tips on Christmas mindful activities in the comments section below. Let’s sprinkle some mindfulness into your Christmas celebrations this year.
And if you’ve come this far in reading, why not explore our other article about feminine energy and discover more ways to embrace your unique essence?
References
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