Healthy Kids, Happy Holidays!
Simple Ways to Keep Children Healthy During the Holiday Season
The holiday season is filled with excitement, family gatherings, delicious treats, and plenty of activities! But with all the fun comes busy schedules, changes in routines, and the arrival of cold and flu season.
At The Kids' League of Westford, we know how important it is to keep children happy, active, and healthy. Here are a few simple ways families can help their children stay healthy while enjoying everything the holiday season has to offer!
Make Handwashing a Healthy Habit
Between holiday shopping, family gatherings, school, and playtime, little hands come into contact with plenty of germs!
Encourage children to wash their hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially:
* Before eating meals or snacks
* After using the bathroom
* After coughing, sneezing, or blowing their noses
* After playing outside
* When returning home from outings
Fun Tip: Have children sing "Happy Birthday" twice while washing their hands. It's a fun way to help them scrub long enough!
2. Balance Holiday Treats with Healthy Foods
Cookies, candy canes, and holiday desserts are part of the season's fun! There's no
need to eliminate special treats. Instead, encourage a healthy balance.
Offer colorful fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and protein-rich snacks throughout the day.
Keep water readily available and involve children in preparing healthy holiday snacks.
Fun Tip: Create a festive fruit platter using strawberries, grapes, and other colorful fruits. Let the kids help design their own edible holiday creations!
3. Don't Forget the Importance of Sleep
Holiday excitement can make it difficult to stick to regular bedtimes. However, getting
enough sleep helps children stay energized, focused, and ready for fun.
Try to maintain a consistent bedtime routine, even during school vacation. A quiet activity,
reading a favorite book, or listening to calming music can help children wind down after a
busy day.
4. Keep Kids Moving!
Colder weather doesn't mean children need to spend all their time indoors.
Bundle up for a family walk, enjoy outdoor games, or turn on some holiday music for an
indoor dance party!
Physical activity helps support children's overall health, improves mood, and provides a
wonderful break from screen time.
Fun Tip: Plan a family holiday scavenger hunt! Search for holiday lights, decorations, or signs of winter during a neighborhood walk.
5. Teach Children How to Stop the Spread of Germs
During cold and flu season, small habits can make a big difference.
Remind children to cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or their elbow, avoid sharing
drinks and utensils and keep their hands away from their faces.
If your child is feeling sick, allow time for rest and recovery at home. Staying home when
sick helps protect friends, classmates, and family member.
6. Make Time to Relax and Recharge
The holidays can be overwhelming for children, too!
Between parties, shopping, school activities, and family gatherings, it's important to
include some downtime.
Simple activities such as reading, drawing, creating holiday crafts, or enjoying a quiet
family movie night can help children relax and recharge.
Remember, children don't need a packed holiday schedule to make wonderful memories!
A Healthy Holiday is a Happy Holiday!
At The Kids' League of Westford, we believe that healthy habits, active play, creativity, and meaningful friendships help children thrive. As families prepare for the busy holiday season, remember that small, everyday choices can make a big difference.
From all of us at Kids' League, we wish your family a happy, healthy, and memorable holiday season!
The Kids' League of Westford - Where Kids Can Be Kids!
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