Ring in 2021 with these exciting activities that you and your family can enjoy together.
The Times Square ball drop at midnight on New Year’s Eve in New York City has been signaling the start of a new year every January 1 since 1908. New Year’s Day represents a fresh beginning, as plans and resolutions for the upcoming year are made annually on this first calendar day. Here are some simple resolutions you and your child can make together https://gatheredagain.com/35-new-years-resolution-ideas-kids. There are some for every age group from toddler to teen, so pick a few out and have fun trying to help your child keep these goals throughout the year. Drink some sparkling cider and watch the ball drop on New Year’s Eve https://timessquareball.net while you work on your list of resolutions.
Didn’t get enough festive food this holiday season? Then why not enjoy a favorite kid’s staple on January 4 in honor of National Spaghetti Day? Believed to be invented in Asia, spaghetti can be traced all the way back to the 1st century, eventually making its way to Italy during the Arabian conquest of Sicily in the 8th century. While traditionally enjoyed with meat, tomato sauce and parmesan cheese, there are many other toppings to savor on this delicious pasta, as you twist it around your fork. Have your kids pick out their favorite recipes and try a different one every week! https://www.tasteofhome.com/collection/pasta-recipes-for-kids
Fun fact: Spaghetti is one of over 600 types of pasta and is by far the most popular!
If you have any room left over after all that spaghetti, celebrate National Bean Day on January 6 in honor of geneticist Gregor Mendel, who died on this day. Mendel used bean and pea plants in his studies to develop theories on genetics. Beans are a favorite comfort food on cold winter January days. When used in soups and chilis, they will keep you warm and filled up. Sharing the classic story of Jack and the Beanstalk https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_LY0UVBLq7Q with your child is a wonderful way to recognize National Bean Day. Today is also National Cuddle Day so be sure to keep your child warm long after the bean soup is gone by giving them lots of hugs and love!
Another good way to keep warm while having fun is to enjoy a nice, long soak in the tub on National Bubble Bath Day on January 8. Sure, those bubbles are great to play with, but did you know they actually serve a practical purpose too? The bubbles on top of the water (also known as foam bath or foaming bath) insulate the bathwater, keeping it warmer for a more extended period. Here is a simple, calming bubble bath recipe to try with your child at home.
Lavender Aromatherapy Bubble Bath
-1 cup mild shampoo or dish soap (think baby shampoo or Dove dishwashing liquid)
-1/3 cup liquid glycerin – Glycerin is an humectant that attracts water molecules helping to keep your skin moisturized. It also aids in the formation of bubbles. You can usually purchase at your local drug store.
-2 tablespoons of water
-15 drops lavender essential oil (or other oil of your choice)
Mix together the shampoo, glycerin, and water. If desired, add 10 – 25 drops of essential oil and mix again. Pour mixture into a bottle or jar that can close tightly. Before use: Shake well to mix and then pour into the tub while the water is running.
Remember to toss in some bath toys for added enjoyment and don’t forget the rubber duckie, especially on his birthday, National Rubber Duckie Day on January 13. According to a 1973 Sesame Street calendar, Big Bird and Ernie’s friend made his first appearance on a February 1970 episode. You can sing to your rubber duckie while enjoying your bubble bath, with this Sesame Street classic. https://www.google.com/search?q=sesame+street+rubber+duckie+lyrics&rlz=1C1SQJL_enUS889US889&oq=sesame+street+rubber+duck&aqs=chrome.3.0i355i457j46j69i57j0l3j46j0.6751j0j7&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8
National Hat Day on January 15 is a good time to put on some cozy headgear before stepping out into the harsh winter elements, but did you know the idea behind this day is to wear a hat that promotes a statement or a product while showing off your individual style? Hats are meant to protect you but who says you can’t have fun while wearing one? Just ask Frosty the Snowman! Here are some ideas for fashionable paper hats you can make, although you may want to wear them indoors! https://www.firstpalette.com/craft/easy-paper-hats.html
Every year on the third Monday in January, Americans celebrate Martin Luther King Jr’s birthday. The life and achievements of Mr. King, an American civil rights leader, are recognized on this day and he is most famous for promoting racial equality in the United States. A good way to honor this holiday is by serving your community. Even young children can participate in these easy community service projects. https://blog.reallygoodstuff.com/12-community-service-projects-for-kids
Another famous January birthday belongs to author A.A. Milne, the creator of the beloved Winnie-the-Pooh books, which have been enjoyed by children for many generations. On National Winnie-the-Pooh Day on January 18, why not have a stuffed animal party to celebrate?
https://thegeniusofplay.org/genius/play-ideas-tips/play-ideas/stuffed-animal-birthday-party.aspx#.X-mcmdhKi8U You can even read a favorite Pooh birthday story during the party. https://cdnvideo.dolimg.com/cdn_assets/c746f1893ff36c08a697a03e750688ae3bc4c498.pdf. Enjoy!
On January 19, National Popcorn Day is celebrated. While everyone enjoys a classic butter popcorn bucket during movie night in the winter, why not add a summer flair to your popcorn by mixing it with the flavor of another delicious classic treat?
Cotton Candy Popcorn
You will need 2 bags of popped microwavable popcorn, 1/4 cup butter, 1 large bag of miniature marshmallows, 2 packages of Duncan Hines Cotton Candy Frosting Creations. Preheat oven to 300 degrees F. Line a large cookie sheet with parchment paper and set aside. Pop popcorn according to package directions and pour onto prepared cookie sheet. Pick out all un-popped corn kernels. In a large saucepan, melt butter on medium low heat. Add marshmallows and stir until all marshmallows are melted. Remove from heat and stir in the packages of Duncan Hines Cotton Candy Frosting Creations. Pour mixture over popcorn and stir to coat. Mixture will be very sticky so you might want to butter the back of your spoon to help spread it around. Once popcorn is well coated, place cookie sheet in preheated oven for 15-20 minutes. Remove pan and let cool. Store leftovers in an airtight container after eating.
Enjoy munching on your popcorn while you work on a puzzle on January 29, National Puzzle Day. On this day, puzzles of all sizes, shapes and forms are honored and, in some cases, even completed! Varieties of puzzles include mazes, word jumbles, crosswords and sudokus, but the best one to do as a family activity is a jigsaw puzzle. Your preschooler will feel special when he or she gets to help you solve one of these recommended puzzles Enjoy munching on your popcorn while you work on a puzzle on January 29, National Puzzle Day. On this day, puzzles of all sizes, shapes and forms are honored and, in some cases, even completed! Varieties of puzzles include mazes, word jumbles, crosswords and sudokus, but the best one to do as a family activity is a jigsaw puzzle. Your preschooler will feel special when he or she gets to help you solve one of these recommended puzzles https://www.familyvacationcritic.com/best-puzzles-for-kids-and-families-to-create-together/art and you will all enjoy a break from technology for a while.
For more family things to do, visit these websites, which highlight ideas and local events in the area. Always call to make sure any chosen activities are happening, before you head out for the day.
https://hulafrog.com/bridgewater-nj
https://www.princetonkids.com/prog/calendar
https://www.jerseyfamilyfun.com
https://mommypoppins.com/new-jersey
https://www.visitnj.org/nj/events
https://bit.ly/3n7Rduo
