With the Santa countdown about to officially begin, family and friends about to gather and joy to commence there is a rather un-joyful reality that families often get at least a wee bit agitated when piled in the same general vicinity for long periods of time.

I’m no Scrooge, and I totally love getting the whole crew together for some serious celebration.

But, planning ahead to stave off those moments when the kiddos are bored enough that they start to create their own fun (read: trouble) can be a lifesaver.

1. The best way to get the crazies out is, most definitely, a walk - even if it’s just around the block. You can always check out one of the short walks on our list for a bit of an adventure. But, even a roar around the backyard is a great chance to work off all of that sugar, breathe some fresh air and take a break.

But, when weather or energy doesn’t allow for it and the house is starting to move into chaos mode, it’s time to test drive some new ideas.

2. I am IN LOVE with author Jan Brett’s home page where families can dig in and learn about the perfect holiday creature - the polar bear. Brett wrote a really warm and engaging children’s book, “The Three Snow Bears” that will charm the heck out of you. But, her web site is a full-on learning experience about these amazing creatures.

One of my favourite family activities (which does need a little prep in terms of suppllies) is the Three Bears Mural project where you can download and print the art work to colour and pull together a really fantastic mural. There are even cut-out clothes for the bears to wear. There are rainforest, space and other mural projects on her great activities page here

She’s also got adorable colouring pages for designing your own mitten, hat and cowboy boots.

3. Next, I found a holiday-themed memory card game over at DLTK that looks like a lot of fun and keeps kiddos using their brains a bit. I can see at least a few rounds of family fun out of this one.

4. If you are looking to inject a bit of silliness into an afternoon, pull out the construction paper, cut out a giant snow man (the easiest, you can always try Santa or a reindeer if you are super creatively inclined), then cut out a handful of carrot-shaped noses and play pin the nose on the snowman.

5. Try dragging out all of those mittens family members wore on their way over to the house and get your creativity going with a bit of a mitten theater production. I think a fun way to do this is to pick out a kiddo or family favourite in terms of story books and recreate it in the form of mittens.

6. Inject a little science into your fun by passing out an ice cube to everyone and have a competition to see who can find the most creative way to melt their ice cube.

7. I’m back over at DLTK for a really funny and easy penguin craft out of a toilet paper roll. Then, you can go check out sites like Tiki to learn more and do some fun interactive activities.

8. Moving on to food, a bag of marshmallows goes a really long way in the creativity department. You can make a snowman and igloo scene that is entirely edible, sort of like a make-shift gingerbread house that - if you don’t plan on eating it after, can be adorned with glitter and other crafty fun - or get some fun sprinkles and candies to make it a tasty treat.

9. After all of the getting is finished, move into giving mode with the family. Give each family a bag and then spend an afternoon going through closets and toy boxes (including your own) with the idea of filling the bag up to give to people in need. Be aware that most local thrift shops are going to be JAMMED with post-holiday donations and won’t be accepting new ones. Instead, think a bit more globally and find out how you can help families in different countries, or other regions of Canada, that could use that sweater, doll or pair of pants that you aren’t using any more. I know that Dana over at Little Me Consignment is involved in a project to send clothes and other needed items to refugees in other countries and I’m also confident that there are several church organizations that do similar drives. It takes a little leg work. But, it’s truly generous and worthwhile.

10. Finally, sometimes TV is the best choice for everyone. Hook you up with a great flick, and some activities to follow up the show with.

Have fun!