Holiday Season Refresh

As 2023 comes to a close, many of us may be thinking – including myself, “glad this year is over, what a difficult year it has been.” It is common to focus on the negatives of life and kids are not immune to this thought process. The hustle and bustle during this time can be challenging for Cloverbud kids and is important to keep this in mind so they can flourish and enjoy this special time. Ways to reduce holiday stress and refresh for kids is to:

  • Keep daily routines as much as possible
  • Get kids outside even if cold (dress for warmth)
  • Provide quiet time to read or rest
  • Remind them this is the season for kindness and gratitude
  • Watch overeating on sweets (provide fruit snacks or other alternatives)
  • Cut back on over-scheduling

The good news is that there are many ways for Cloverbud kids to thrive during the holiday season rather than stress. Here are some proven strategies:

  • Sends cards to active military or nursing home residents
  • Teach importance of giving, rather than focus on receiving gifts
  • Go caroling to celebrate Hanukkah, Christmas, Kwanzaa or any occasion to spread good cheer
  • Encourage experiences rather than focus on material gifts – such as going to a zoo light show, volunteering at a local food bank, or enjoying a museum
  • Visit a local animal shelter bringing play toys or treats

Thanks for the important work you do as a 4-H Cloverbud volunteer and advisor. Remember, the holidays are a special time for Cloverbud kids, and we don’t have to make it perfect for that to happen. Just by showing that you care, Cloverbud kids will make special memories and help others do the same.

Creating Holiday Cards for Community Service

This time of year is often known for being the season of giving!  So, why not take this opportunity to teach your Cloverbuds about giving by helping them create their own holiday cards to give to others.  For example, cards can be taken and distributed to residents of a local nursing home or tucked into a local food bank’s distribution boxes before delivery!

Supplies Needed:

  • Cardstock and/or construction paper
  • Markers, colored pencils and/or crayons
  • Glue sticks
  • Scissors
  • Ribbon
  • Stickers
  • Old magazine or cards
  • Stencils
  • Glitter

Steps:

  1. Fold the cardstock or construction paper into the desired card size.
  1. Encourage members to use their creativity to decorate the cards by drawing and coloring a picture, tracing a picture with a stencil, cutting pictures out of old magazines or old cards. Add a little something extra with ribbon, glitter or other decorating items you have around.
  1. Have some sample phrases written out and available for members to use on or in their card such as “Merry Christmas”, “Happy Holidays”, “Seasons Greeting”, “Happy New Year” or another greeting of your choice. Some members may still be learning to spell and this might help them.
  1. Be sure your Cloverbud signs their name to their card.

This activity can be fun for the members creating the cards and fun for the individual receiving the cards.  It is a great way for young members to realize that their kindness may bring cheer to someone else!