Christmas Bubble
There’s no denying that it’s been a most challenging year for Early Years settings and schools. Now we’re heading into the festive season, we all want to celebrate with the children, to make this Christmas one to remember. However, restrictions are going to somewhat limit the way we enjoy these coming weeks. That doesn’t mean we can’t have fun – it just means we might have to think creatively in order to ensure we all remain safe.
Here are some ideas of ways to make the most of this festive season with your class or bubble…
- Traditional Party Games
Unfortunately, many of the classic party games are becoming lost as parties are frequently held at venues such as soft play centres. Bring back the joy of musical chairs, musical bumps and pass the parcel! Get the grown ups involved too for some extra fun.
- Christmas Singing
If your COVID risk assessment permits the children to sing, you could practice some Christmas songs and invite parents and carers to watch on Zoom. It’s not the same as a traditional performance as we know it but it would make a fantastic alternative. Get those watching to join in too – We Wish You a Merry Christmas is a great singalong classic!
- Group Christmas Crafting
It’s a lovely idea to come together as a setting or bubble to participate in a whole group craft project. Perhaps create a festive rainbow with handprints, a giant Christmas collage or decorate a huge cardboard tree with colourful baubles and paper chains made by the children. It will definitely be something to look back on and remember in future years as we remember the way we celebrated a COVID Christmas!
- Make the Most of the Outdoors!
With many of us spending more and more time outdoors as part of our COVID risk assessment, it makes sense for some of our festive activities to take place in the fresh air too. You could collect some wintry foliage and make wreaths, try some nature weaving, decorate your outdoor area with baubles and tinsel or enjoy Christmas songs around a Forest School campfire.
- Loose Parts Fun
Get creative with some loose parts festive fun. There are so many things you can use, from natural objects like leaves, sticks and conkers to items you can pick up quite cheaply or source from a local Freecycle site such as buttons, corks and costume jewellery. Using masking tape, mark out a tree shape on the floor and use the loose parts as decorations. This is great for thinking about colours, shapes, patterns and symmetry.
- Linking up with Others
Other settings or care providers will be in the same position as us in education, thinking about how to celebrate safely this festive period. Think about linking up with a local nursery or care home through Zoom, sharing Christmas songs and chatting about how you are celebrating. It’s a great way for us to enjoy some festive cheer with others, with benefits for both parties.
- Christmas Stories!
There have been some wonderful festive books published this year including Dogger’s Christmas, The Snowflake, Dasher, Santa Post and A Thing Called Snow. We can’t forget the Christmas classics including The Snowman, Little Robin Red Vest, Dear Santa and Father Christmas. Christmas really is a wonderful time to share stories. If your risk assessment allows, think about offering a festive story session with cosy blankets, teddy bears, soft lighting and hot chocolate.
- Christmas Handmade Decorations
One of the highlights of the festive period as a parent or carer are the handmade crafts children bring home for Christmas. Cards, calendars, salt dough decorations, paper chains and angels are all popular activities at this time of the year. They can still happen, even if the creations needs to be quarantined. Not all of our usual Christmas traditions in settings have to be lost this year.