The 11 Days of Winter Break—What to Do With the Kids

Editor's note: The Library Round Table will feature several guest columnists from the Northfield Public Library. This piece is from children's programming librarian Kathy Ness.

Winter break can be long for both parents and kids. Here are some great ideas for you if cabin fever is setting in.

11. Make gift tags—cut up old greeting cards into 2 inch squares, punch a hole in a corner, then tie a 3-inch loop of string or yarn through the hole. You can write “to” and “from” on the blank side to use for next year.

10. If it snows—dig out your sled and check out all the great sliding hills around town.

9. It will be cold—visit all the great neighborhood skating rinks.

8. Skate inside at the ! Check the schedule here.

7. Make some cookies and bring them to a neighbor you don’t know well.

6. Clean out closets! Take the stuff you don’t need to the or the .  It will feel great and it’s a tax deduction too.

5. Host a “stone soup” supper—on short notice invite friends or neighbors over for dinner, bringing only what they have on hand (going to the store first is NOT allowed). Then create a dinner together for all to enjoy!

4. Go through the books you have “grown out of” and donate them to the Friends & Foundation of the Public Library (bring them to the library) who will use them in their ongoing project to supply area waiting rooms with books for children to read while they are waiting to see the doctor.

3. Go for an evening walk and look at all the holiday lights, when you get home make some hot cocoa to warm up.

2. Gather your family in your living room (turn off your electronics), turn down the lights or light a candle, and ask the oldest person what they did at Christmas time when they were little. You may hear more ideas of things to do!

1. Since I am writing this and I work at the library, I suggest you GO TO THE LIBRARY!  Come in and check out books, movies, video games, storytime kits and bookpacks! We’ll be having  from 10-1 on Monday through Friday.  Play games of all kinds in the library meeting room—more information on Reindeer Games can be found at http://northfieldpubliclibrary.blogspot.com/

Also check out:

Children’s Events Blog http://northfieldpubliclibrary.blogspot.com/

Teen Advisory Board Blog http://northfieldpubliclibrary.blogspot.com/