6 parenting hacks for the downtime between Christmas & New Year

The period between Christmas and the New Year (or ‘Twixmas’, as it’s become known) is often a bit of a limbo phase when nothing really seems to be going on – which can be boring and frustrating for kids.

With the excitement of Christmas over, and no school or nursery to keep little ones occupied, this time can be the most challenging time of the festive holidays for parents.

But Matt Buttery, CEO of the Triple P UK and Ireland parenting programme, says: "Once the presents have been opened and the turkey served, parents can take a deep breath as the Twixmas lull kicks in. But there’s no reason why Twixmas should be a dull time for kids.

"There are steps parents can take to ensure their children don’t slip into boredom, or the risk of too much screen time. With a little imagination, Twixmas can be just as fun as the big day itself."

Rhiannon Mountain, head of outdoor learning at nursery group Kids Planet, adds "There are some easy ways families can enjoy time with their young ones over Twixmas, while engaging in educational activities too. Try something as simple as collecting sticks for craft projects, naming and tracking animals, or counting different coloured plants."

Here are six expert hacks to help families have a terrific Twixmas…

1. Make an activity list

Be super-organised by making a specific activity list ahead of time, and if you’re worried about cost, aim to include things you can do together for free.

Buttery suggests looking online for free craft projects that use leftover wrapping paper, for example.

"Including your child in planning what you’re going to do together is a good way of ensuring they’re engaged, and can be an activity of its own," he says. "You could do a few of these every day – and remember, routine and structure can help to avoid hearing the dreaded ‘I’m bored!’ from your child."

2. Create an indoor treasure hunt

Hide some of the final Celebrations or Quality Street around the house, leaving clues for the kids to find the ‘treasure’. Mountain says: "Activities such as indoor treasure hunts are great for engaging children’s imaginations, and they hold a child’s interest for a long time."

3. Limit tech

Getting kids off screens is easier said than done, but if you get them involved in something else outside, for example, you might have more chance. "Time in nature during daylight hours not only develops a healthy immune system and increases concentration, it’s also a great way to keep children busy, tire them out, and make the most of their time outside school or nursery," says Mountain. "It’s a natural source of mood-boosters too, creating a more meaningful playtime in contrast to technology use."

Read more: A psychologist's guide to coping with parental burnout

4. Collect foliage

Take young children on a nature walk in your local park or around your neighbourhood. "Let your child pick their favourite leaves along the way," suggests Mountain. "And as you walk, chat about the different shapes, colours and textures of the leaves – this is a fun way to introduce them to nature vocabulary. Once home, you can put the collected leaves to creative use by making leaf art – simply arrange them on paper to form patterns, or do leaf rubbings with crayons."

5. Go nature spotting

Wildlife counting is an engaging outdoor activity that educates young children on their surroundings and what’s hiding under rocks and bushes that they don’t usually notice. "Try leaving some bird feed out to encourage more wildlife when it’s cold, and read up on what you saw when you get home," suggests Mountain.

Make sure little ones are wearing weather-suitable clothes. "No matter the weather, the right clothing will ensure children can benefit from the positive effects of outdoor play all year round," stresses Mountain. "Layers are key, as you can always take them off and adjust."

Read more: Get your fun Bluey colouring sheets here!

6. View this as bonus time together

If parents change their mindset about Twixmas, and view it as a positive rather than a headache, it can help make the kids more positive too. "The Christmas break is a great opportunity to spend quality time with your child," stresses Buttery. "This is a rare moment in the calendar to focus on connecting while the family has a break from work and school.

"Whether it’s revisiting and enjoying the gifts you’ve shared with each other, or spending time outside by going for walks, playing a game, or even baking festive treats, there are lots of ways you can enjoy spending time together at Twixmas."