I love festivals. When I was young, I used to wait for festivals. Many things make festivals interesting, such as decorating the house, shopping for new clothes, festive food, guests, and lots of things to do. With the festive season, the air is buzzing with lights, laughter, and celebration.
However, when I had my daughter, things changed drastically for me. While it’s a time for joy, togetherness, and traditions, it also brings challenges for me: how to keep my daughter meaningfully engaged amidst all the excitement. Between the endless to-do lists of shopping, cooking, and decorating, little ones often look for activities that keep them entertained but also involved in the festivities.
The good news is that this season is the perfect opportunity to channel your child’s boundless energy into creative, fun, and learning-oriented activities. Here are five engaging ways to keep your child busy this festive season, with one of them featuring a wonderful tool I recently discovered: Mummas.in stories and worksheets.
1. Get Them Involved in Festive DIY Crafts
My daughter is just 5 years old. She loves decorating the house. I hand her a basket full of flowers. She arranges them in different patterns. This arrangement does not require my help or support. I often announce the names of the shapes that she creates. This way, it makes learning fun for her.
Children love to create, and festivals are a great time to explore their artistic side. You don’t need expensive craft kits; simple household items work beautifully. Think of colourful paper lanterns, rangoli with flower petals, or handmade greeting cards for family and friends. These crafts can also double up as festive décor, giving your little one a sense of contribution.
Encouraging your child to create something by hand not only keeps them occupied but also teaches them patience, attention to detail, and a sense of pride in their work. Set up a small “craft corner” at home with scissors (age-appropriate), glue, chart paper, glitter, and stickers. Give them themes like “light,” “joy,” or “togetherness” and watch their creativity unfold.
2. Storytime with a Twist: Explore Mummas.in Stories and Worksheets
Festivals are about bonding and building memories, and nothing sparks imagination like stories. Recently, I came across Mummas.in, a platform that offers beautifully written stories and thoughtfully designed worksheets for children. This combination is a lifesaver for parents like me who want their kids to learn while having fun.
Here’s why I loved it:
Engaging Stories
In the hustle and bustle of routine, we often forget to instil mythology and spirituality in children. The stories offered by Mummas.in are simple yet impactful, weaving values like kindness, sharing, and family bonding into fun plots that children can relate to.
Complementary Worksheets
After the story, children can work on themed worksheets that test their comprehension, creativity, and problem-solving skills. This turns passive listening into active engagement.
Perfect for the Festive Mood
During holidays, when routines are relaxed, this structured yet enjoyable activity keeps kids occupied without screen time.
I tried one with my daughter, and it was heartwarming to see how the story sparked her imagination while the worksheet helped her think deeper about what she heard. If you’re looking for a wholesome way to balance entertainment and learning this festive season, Mummas.in is definitely worth exploring.
3. Involve Them in Festive Preparations
Children love to feel important, and giving them small responsibilities during the festival can keep them engaged for hours. Ask them to help with safe and age-appropriate tasks, such as sorting flowers, arranging diyas, organising gift bags, or decorating the house.
For older children, involve them in planning. Let them suggest menu ideas, design the seating arrangement for guests, or choose background music for the evening. By contributing, they learn teamwork and responsibility, and you get a little extra help in managing the festivities.
4. Start a Festive Baking or Cooking Tradition
Cooking is one of the most enjoyable ways to bond with your child. Festivals are the perfect time to start a family tradition of baking cookies, making sweets, or preparing a special dish together. Children can help with mixing, stirring, or even decorating the final dish.
During Diwali, our entire family gathers at one place. We have a tradition of preparing sweets and savouries at home. Earlier, my mother used to prepare all the snacks without any help. However, as my daughter has now turned 5, she loves supporting her grandma. Everyone in the house gathers in the kitchen to contribute.
The joy of cooking together and then eating meals together is unparalleled. Let your child cut out cookies in festive shapes or sprinkle toppings on cupcakes. Not only does this keep them busy, but it also introduces them to the joy of food and the importance of traditions. Plus, the pride they feel when guests compliment “their” dish is priceless.
5. Organise Games and Treasure Hunts
Festivals mean gatherings, and gatherings mean fun! Whether it’s cousins, neighbours, or just your immediate family, children love games that involve running, solving, and competing.
During family get-togethers, I complete all the work before the guests arrive. I gather all the kids and play hide and seek with them. I am the denner most of the time, ensuring that the game lasts longer. This game ends in giggles that echo in the house.
Set up a treasure hunt around the house with festive-themed clues like “Find the diya that glows the brightest” or “Look for the sweet box with a hidden surprise.” Other group activities like musical chairs, passing the parcel, or charades never go out of style. These not only keep children entertained but also help them develop social and problem-solving skills.
Final Thoughts
The festive season is not just about rituals and traditions; it’s also about building memories with your little ones. By combining creativity, learning, responsibility, and play, you can keep your child happily engaged while instilling values and life skills.
This year, try blending old-school fun with modern resources like Mummas.in stories and worksheets, and you’ll find your child not only occupied but also enriched. After all, festivals are about joy, and what better way to celebrate than seeing your child laugh, learn, and thrive?
Pro Tip: Choose activities that match your child’s interests. The more personal and participatory the task, the more invested and excited they’ll be.
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