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Winter is a time which brings families together. Cool air, early sunsets, and a festive spirit creates the perfect setting for making memories at home. Whether it is simple traditions or more out of the box activities families are into, there are many ways to enjoy the season without leaving home. From a peaceful evening by the fire to interactive games and outdoor decorating here are some family oriented ideas that make winter more meaningful and more fun.

1. Cozy Fire Pit Nights

In the winter time if a family is into coming together as a group, there is a very easy tradition for them to try out which is the winter fire pit night. All that is required is a safe outdoor fire pit, some warm blankets, and their favorite snacks. Also kids and adults love roasting marshmallows, drinking hot cocoa, and sharing stories by the light of the fire while the world is dark out.
Photo by Ron Lach

The beauty of the tradition is in its versatility families may one evening choose a quiet and still hour by the fire. At another time they may put together a theme based activity:

• S'more challenge night (which one is the best?).

• Outdoor movie night in the winter.

• Family story night that they tell their memories and wish for holidays.

• Fire side events which bring heat to cold evenings and get everyone off their devices to back to talking with each other.

2. Winter Backyard Scavenger Hunts

A scavenger hunt is a fantastic way to get everyone up and moving and excited. In winter families see a different set of natural “treasures” which kids love to find. Up with a simple list and off the group goes. Try including in the hunt items such as:

• Pinecones

• Animal footprints

• Colorful winter berries

• Interesting sticks or leaves

• Seasonal decorations around the yard

If families want to get creative with it, they may present clues and riddles which take kids from place to place. Older children may enjoy taking pictures of the items they find which turns the activity into a mini outdoor photo challenge.

Scavenger hunts stimulate curiosity and set off imaginations which is what makes them a great tradition for families to repeat all winter.

3. Decorate a Small Outdoor Tree Together

In the winter families have the tradition of putting out a small tree for decoration as a group. It may be a young pine in the yard, a potted up tree on the front porch, or even a favorite shrub. What adults see in kids is a great joy as they get to put together their own tree which in turn becomes a symbol of the holiday that they can visit to and enjoy each day.

Choose outdoor-friendly ornaments such as:

• Wooden decorations

• Ribbon and bows

• Handmade crafts

• Weather-resistant lights

This is a great activity for bonding, creativity and also to teach kids in which to put in practice the art of seasonal decorating. Also it gives the outdoor space a festive touch with out large scale setup.

4. Add Simple Holiday Lighting as a Family Tradition

Many home owners include holiday lights in their winter traditions which in turn transforms the back yard into a festive and magical setting. For a few strings of lights around the porch, fence or tree which in turn enhance every winter activity from fire pit get togethers to family photos.

But in many cases it is a challenge to put up lights or to install holiday lights on the roof. That’s why more families rely on expert holiday light installation in Little River SC to help with the tricky parts. With professional help parents are able to avoid the risks of working high off the ground and fighting with tangled strings of lights. Instead they may spend the time they save from the installation process enjoying quality time with their family which at the same time sees their home looking great.

Professionals install lights which are safe, even in their placement, and secure so that they weather the winter well. That’s a way to have the home looking it’s best while families leave the fun parts of decoration the colors, styles, and designs to the household.

5. Create a Family Winter Craft Station Outdoors

In the great room of the home isn’t the only option for winter crafts. Install a small covered area outside in a porch, pergola, or patio -- which is where the kids can do their easy going seasonal projects. A craft station in the great outdoors not only gives kids that hands on experience but also has them enjoy the fresh air at the same time which is very entertaining for them.

Families might include crafts like:

• Painting pinecones

• Making bird feeders out of peanut butter and seeds

• Creating winter wreaths

• Designing simple wooden ornaments

• Decorating outdoor lanterns

This practice of passing on creative ideas which during the winter sees many families stuck inside. Also kids love to see their art out in the yard.

6. Start a Weekly “Winter Walk” Tradition

Winter ramble is a peaceful, invigorating experience which also presents little known facts of the season. In cooler temperatures a short walk in the neighborhood or in the yard may turn into a great family tradition.

Make the winter outings fun by trying out themes like:

• Nature observation walks

• Holiday light tour (after families put up their own!).

• Photography goes in search of that which is winter

• Listening to the sounds of rustling leaves and winter birds

This practice promotes movement, awareness and enjoyment of the season.

7. Host a Backyard “Mini Winter Festival”

Families don’t have to have snow to throw themselves a little winter wonderland. In the comfort of the back yard host a winter festival which includes music, easy games, a warm drinks station, and festive decorations. Also try out some of these touch which include string lights, glowing lanterns, or the decorated family tree which will set the perfect tone.

Families can include games like:

• Ring toss with holiday colors

• Winter bingo

• Toss-the-ornament (soft, kid-friendly versions!)

• A mini obstacle course

It is a fantastic way to mark winter birthdays, school breaks, or just time together.

Final Thoughts

Winter customs don’t have to be a big production or break the bank. Try simple outdoor fun like fire pit nights, scavenger hunts, putting up a small family tree, and enjoying festive lighting which bring families together and create memories that last. Also when homeowners use the services of local holiday light experts in Little River SC they get to enjoy the beauty and magic of the displays without the worry or safety issues.

This year why not pick out a few new traditions for the backyard families may be very pleased at the joy which they bring to the whole family.