Waiting for Santa off-screen: three plans for different amounts of time
A short activity can make the wait before bed easier, whether you’re at home or visiting family.
Write three activities on cards and keep them beside the table. A child can choose by the time available, but adults can end any activity early when supper is ready or guests arrive.
Pick the right length
- 15 minutes: Look through the window and draw three things you can see outside.
- 30 minutes: Make a simple place card for each person at the next meal.
- 60 minutes: Build a blanket nook, read together and invite the child to invent a new ending.
If it’s dark outside, draw the porch lights, trees or shapes you can see against the window. If you are visiting family, bring a pencil and a folded sheet of paper; nothing else has to travel.
“We have time for one card before the next part of our day.” The cards are for being together, not for measuring exactly when Santa comes.