The holiday season brings a special kind of magic, especially for children eagerly awaiting Santa Claus. With Santa on the way, building excitement can make the wait more enjoyable and memorable. Here are some creative and engaging ways to stir up anticipation and keep the holiday spirit alive.

1. Start Early

Starting the excitement early helps build anticipation and prolongs the fun. Begin a countdown to Christmas with a calendar or advent box. Each day, kids can open a small surprise or participate in a holiday-themed activity.

Suggestions:

• Advent Calendars: Use a traditional or DIY advent calendar with small treats or holiday activities.
• Countdown Chains: Create a paper chain with links to be removed daily.
• Interactive Calendars: Choose calendars with interactive elements like stickers or mini-games.

2. Create a Santa Tracking Tradition

Tracking Santa’s journey can be a thrilling activity for children. Various websites and apps offer real-time Santa tracking on Christmas Eve. This adds an extra layer of excitement as kids can follow Santa’s progress across the globe.

Popular Santa Tracking Options:

• NORAD Santa Tracker: This provides real-time updates on Santa’s location and has fun activities.
• Google Santa Tracker: Offers games and a countdown to Christmas Eve.

3. Engage in Fun Holiday Crafts

Crafting is a fantastic way to keep kids entertained while building anticipation for Santa’s arrival. Holiday crafts can range from simple decorations to homemade gifts.

Craft Ideas:

• Christmas Ornaments: Create personalized ornaments using craft supplies.
• Holiday Cards: Make festive cards for family and friends.
• Santa Letters: Help kids write letters to Santa and send them to the North Pole.

4. Read Festive Books and Watch Holiday Movies

Holiday books and movies help set the mood and keep the excitement alive. Reading a holiday-themed story or watching a Christmas movie together can be a cherished tradition.

Recommendations:

• Books: “The Night Before Christmas” and “How the Grinch Stole Christmas”.
• Movies: Classics like “Home Alone” and “A Christmas Carol”.

5. Plan a Santa Visit

Arrange for a visit from Santa Claus, either in person or via a virtual call. This can be a thrilling experience for children and adds a personal touch to their holiday excitement.

Options for Santa Visits:

• Local Santa Events: Many communities host Santa meet-and-greets.
• Virtual Santa Visits: Book a video call with Santa through various online services.

6. Incorporate Holiday Music and Decorations

Holiday music and decorations create a festive atmosphere and contribute to the excitement. Involve kids in decorating the house and choosing holiday tunes.

Tips:

• Christmas Music: Create a holiday playlist or listen to seasonal radio stations.
• Decorating Together: Let kids help with putting up decorations, including lights, garlands, and a Christmas tree.

7. Create a Magical Christmas Eve Tradition

Establish a unique Christmas Eve tradition that your family can look forward to each year. This could be anything from baking cookies for Santa to watching a special holiday movie.

Ideas:

• Cookie Decorating: Bake and decorate cookies for Santa.
• Christmas Pajamas: Wear matching holiday pajamas and enjoy a festive movie night.

8. Use Santa’s Elves for Fun Surprises

Introduce Santa’s elves to add an element of surprise and mischief. The idea of elves visiting and creating little surprises or messes can be both fun and exciting.

Elves in Action:

• Elf on the Shelf: Follow the tradition of Elf on the Shelf and let the elf appear in different locations each day.
• Elf Surprise Notes: Leave small notes or treats from the elves as a surprise.

9. Involve Kids in Holiday Preparations

Getting kids involved in holiday preparations makes them feel part of the celebration and can increase their excitement. Let them help with baking, wrapping gifts, or setting up the holiday table.

Activities:

• Baking Together: Let kids help mix, bake, and decorate holiday treats.
• Gift Wrapping: Allow kids to wrap presents or make handmade gift tags.

10. Host a Holiday-Themed Family Game Night

Family game nights with a holiday twist can be a fun way to build excitement. Organize games and activities related to the holiday season.

Game Ideas:

• Christmas Bingo: Create holiday-themed bingo cards.
• Holiday Charades: Play charades with Christmas-themed prompts.

Conclusion:

Creating excitement for kids awaiting Santa involves a mix of traditions, creativity, and engagement. By starting early, incorporating fun activities, and involving children in the holiday preparations, you can make the wait for Santa an enjoyable and magical experience. Remember, the goal is to foster joy and anticipation, ensuring that the holiday season is memorable for everyone involved.