Christmas Boxes (Ready to Fill) 

Personalized Wooden Christmas Eve Box 

This Christmas Eve box is handmade from wood and personalized with a name. It is a perfect option if you are looking for something you can reuse each year that will last your little ones throughout their childhood.

Find it on Etsy

More Etsy personalized wooden box ideas:

Treat Box & Prefilled Box Ideas

This is a great option if you want something a little smaller or as an addition that you can fill with chocolates or sweets. Made from cardboard and personalized, it is a budget-friendly alternative to a heavier wooden crate that is easy to store.  

Find it on Etsy

More Etsy personalized sweet treat ideas:

These cardboard boxes can be delivered to you pre-filled, which takes a lot of the last-minute running around work away!

Christmas Eve Box Fillers 

Now that we know what to present our special gift in, what items can you fill your box with that will appeal to an older child?

Reindeer Food

One of the most important parts of preparing for Christmas Eve is ensuring your overnight guests are well-fed. Children of all ages can still enjoy this magic by leaving out some reindeer food. These are pre-filled, or you can look at options where you create your own then stick a label on it.

Find it on Etsy

More Etsy personalized ideas:

Santas Treats

Don’t forget something for Santa, too. Another handy Christmas item well worth the investment to use for several years to come is a tray to serve Santa his treats.

Find it on Etsy

More Etsy personalized treat tray ideas:

---

Santa Stop Here!

Make sure Santa knows where he needs to stop! Door hangers can be an idea where your home doesn’t have a chimney. Make no mistakes; Santa will still deliver whatever type of home you have.

Find it on Etsy

More Etsy personalized sign ideas:

Kids Versus Parents Card Game

You might like to add a game that the whole family can play. This festive bundle contains 12 fun, easy-to-learn, simple-to-play party games to get everyone in the Christmas spirit!

Find it on Amazon

More game ideas:

Find it on Amazon

Find it on Amazon

Find it on Amazon

---

Hot Chocolate Mug

A collectible to cherish, gifting a hot chocolate mug from the North Pole is a brilliant idea for your Christmas Eve box, personalized with a name to treasure.

Find it on Etsy

---

Hot Chocolate Spoons & Kits

You can’t beat a hot chocolate on Christmas Eve, and this is the perfect option to consider. These homemade chocolate spoons need warm milk added for a beautiful chocolate treat for Christmas Eve.

Find it on Etsy

More Etsy personalized hot cocoa ideas:

Personalized Chocolates

A sweet treat with your child’s own name on it will continue to make them feel special even into their tween years.

Find it on Etsy

More Etsy personalized ideas:

Gingerbread Decorating Kit

This is a great option if you want to add something your children can do unsupervised. A gingerbread decorating kit can be a fun activity and a tasty treat as well.  

Find it on Amazon

---

Christmas Pajamas 

If you want to add pajamas to the Christmas Eve box, matching ones can be a great way to unite the family on Christmas Eve.

Find it on Amazon

---

Christmas Socks

Getting comfortable on Christmas Eve is all part of the un, and some cozy socks could be a great addition to your tween’s Christmas Eve box.  

Find it on Amazon

Christmas Eve Box Ideas for Tween Girls 

Some more specifics that might work well with a preteen girl include:

---

Christmas Eve Box Ideas or Boys 

Here are some more ideas for your growing boys that should bring a smile to their face:

We hope this has given you lots of ideas when thinking about Christmas Eve boxes for tweens. It’s a wonderful family tradition that you can start at any time and make it something special and unique for your family. 

Found This Tween Gift Guide Helpful?

In case you’re still on the hunt for some last-minute gifts for loved ones, you may also be interested in:

We’ve also come up with these ideas for the best last-minute stocking stuffers for boys and stocking stuffers for girls (all under $20).

The post Creative Christmas Eve Box Ideas For Tweens appeared first on Tween Parent | Family Lifestyle Blog.

Many of the Christmas crafts for tweens are easy to make, but if your tween has grown well beyond snowflakes and paper chains, we have included a few harder holiday crafts that will challenge your growing tween this year.

No matter what level of experience your tween has for crafting, there’s a holiday craft for them to make. From DIY home decorations to Christmas crafts that they can give as gifts or keepsakes, this selection of Christmas crafts for tweens will be fun to make for the holidays.

Christmas Crafts for Tweens

Crafting Rustic Twig House Decorations for Christmas

Photo Credit: sustainmycrafthabit.com

A simple nature craft your tween can put together to help decorate the home for the holidays. This decorative house decoration is made from twigs, pinecones, and a festive bow for extra pop.

Get the instructions

DIY Photo Coasters Out of Old Christmas Cards

Photo Credit: modernmomlife.com

Not only will this be a fun Christmas craft for tweens, but they can also turn them into holiday gifts for friends and family.

Get the instructions

Dollar Tree Snowman Wreath for Winter

Photo Credit: homeschoolandhappiness.com

A simple and affordable Christmas craft your tween can put together, this snowman wreath will look great on the door.

Get the instructions

Rustic Farmhouse Floral Can Craft for Christmas

Photo Credit: crayonsandcravings.com

Another great Christmas craft that turns into a decorative decoration for the holidays, this farmhouse can is fun and easy to make.

Get the instructions

How To Make Painted Pine Cones Angel Wings Craft

Photo Credit: www.pillarboxblue.com

Lighten up the pinecones and turn them into adorable angel wings for the holidays with this Christmas craft for tweens.

Get the instructions

How to Make a Living Succulent Christmas Tree Ornament

Photo Credit: thesucculentsprite.com

They may be too old for those cutesy Christmas ornaments, but these succulent ornaments will be perfect for tweens.

Get the instructions

The Easiest Pom Pom Wreath DIY (Boho Christmas Decor)

Photo Credit: paisleyandsparrow.com

Add a little extra spice to your Boho-themed Christmas with this cute pom pom wreath. It’s not your traditional colors but if you are going more Boho, it’d make a nice craft for tweens.

Get the instructions

Don’t Stop Believing Santa Christmas Sign

Photo Credit: www.wherethesmileshavebeen.com

Your tween can make this Santa “Don’t Stop Believing” sign for the holidays. Yes.. the pun is for the Journey song you just sang in your head!

Get the instructions

Finger Knitting Santa Hat Project

Photo Credit: www.redtedart.com

Finger knitting is a great way for tweens to get their hands busy. This project will have them making a finger-knitted Santa hat!

Get the instructions

Modern Christmas Tree Skirt From Bedsheet

Photo Credit: seamwhisperer.com

Let your tween turn an old bedspread into a tree skirt for the holidays. They will love creating the skirt and seeing it under the tree year after year.

Get the instructions

How to Make a Candy Cane Reindeer Wreath

Photo Credit: www.thecountrychiccottage.net

A super cute decoration idea for your door during the holidays, this candy cane reindeer wreath is a great Christmas craft for tweens.

Get the instructions

DIY Snow Globe Christmas Card with Photo

Photo Credit: leapoffaithcrafting.com

Made with the Cricut, or without, this cute snow globe Christmas card shaker will make the perfect tree ornament or to give to friends and family.

Get the instructions

How to Make Brown Paper Bag Snowflakes

Photo Credit: thekeeledeal.com

Turn brown paper bags into fun snowflakes for the holidays with this tutorial. Tweens can paint or decorate them with their favorite designs and colors.

Get the instructions

Festive Red Buffalo Plaid Christmas Wreath

Photo Credit: intelligentdomestications.com

Another easy wreath craft your tween can make to hang on the door, this one sports the festive red buffalo plaid style that’s perfect for Christmas.

Get the instructions

DIY Rustic Scrap Wood Snowman

Photo Credit: www.drugstoredivas.net

If you have a few pieces of wood around the house or can find some cheap pieces, have your tween turn them into cute snowmen. Then, you can use them as home décor.

Get the instructions

Easy & Chic DIY Wire Christmas Tree

Photo Credit: colorfulcraftcorner.com

Using nail polish and wire, tweens can create a fun Christmas tree decoration for the home. You can even give them out as gifts.

Get the instructions

Reindeer Stocking Holder DIY

Photo Credit: www.downredbuddrive.com

The perfect craft for your tween to make during the holidays, this DIY stocking holder has cute red-nosed reindeer on them to hold the stockings.

Get the instructions

Snowflake Wreath from Paper Straws

Photo Credit: www.thismamaloves.com

Let your tween get crafty for the holidays by putting together this straw snowflake wreath. The entire wreath is made from straws, and they will love seeing it on the door or wall during the holidays.

Get the instructions

DIY Flannel Trees

Photo Credit: www.downredbuddrive.com

Create these adorable DIY flannel trees and use them as decorations for the holiday season. They will go great with your farmhouse or plaid-themed decorations.

Get the instructions

How to Sew a Christmas Stocking With Free Pattern

Photo Credit: happiestcamper.com

If your tween loves to sew, they can whip up these DIY Christmas stockings. A free pattern is included, and the stockings can be hung for the holidays.

Get the instructions

Got a Crafty Tween?

You may also want to check out these gifting guides:

Best gift sets for your crafty tween
Art gifts tweens will love
Creating a thoughtful Christmas Eve Box for tweens

Don’t forget to check out our list of terrific Christmas activities if you are looking for more ways to celebrate this special holiday with your tween!

The post Creative & Challenging Christmas Crafts For Tweens & Young Teens appeared first on Tween Parent | Family Lifestyle Blog.

Disclosures: We are participants in the Amazon Associates Program and other affiliate programs that earn us a commission if a qualifying purchase is made.

Fun Christmas Movies for Tweens

Deck the Halls

PG

After a neighbor decorates his house for the holidays so bright that it can be seen from space, the competition begins.

It’s time to outdo the neighbor with Christmas decorations in this hilarious holiday movie with Danny DeVito and Matthew Broderick.

Find it on Amazon Prime

The Nightmare Before Christmas

PG

Longing to spread the joy of Christmas, Pumpkin King Jack Skellington puts his usual scare-and-scream routine to the side so he can bring joy.

While on his mission, though, he puts Santa in jeopardy and creates a Christmas nightmare.

Find it on Amazon Prime

Snow Day

PG

An unexpected snowstorm has turned into a no-school, no-rules snow day, and fifteen-year-old Hal takes the opportunity to try and impress his crush.

Find it on Amazon Prime

I’ll Be Home for Christmas

PG

Full of adventure and funny moments, the decision is made that if a jokester makes it home for the holidays, he gets his dad’s car.

It’s a race home now, but it seems like everything that can go wrong does.

Find it on Amazon

Christmas with the Kranks

PG

Tired of Christmas turning into an expensive holiday, Nora and her husband Luther skip the gifts, the Christmas tree, and decorations to take a 10-day Caribbean cruise since their daughter is off to the Peace Corps.

Things take a sudden change when they discover on Christmas Eve their daughter is on the way home with her fiance; can they turn Christmas around in 12 hours for the best celebration ever?

Find it on Amazon Prime

Elf

PG

Raised as an Elf in the North Pole, he’s not like the rest, so Buddy looks for his father and his true place in the world. It takes him to New York City, where he tries to fit in and bring some holiday joy.

Find it on Amazon Prime

Home Alone

PG

No matter how old you get, Home Alone is a Christmas classic that families watch yearly as a tradition. Laugh at how Kevin McCallister defends his home from two clumsy thieves when he accidentally left home during the holidays.

Find it on Amazon Prime

A Christmas Carol

PG

A story about the real meaning of Christmas, Disney’s A Christmas Carol takes Scrooge on a look back at his past, how he is in the present, and what his future might end up to be if he continues to be a Scrooge all the time.

Find it on Amazon Prime

I’ll Be Next Door for Christmas

PG

When a 16-year-old girl decides that her family is too crazy for Christmas, she decides to hire actors to play her parents and stage a fake Christmas dinner for her boyfriend at the house next door. What could go wrong?

Find it on Amazon Prime

Jingle All the Way

PG

A dad is on a special mission to find the last gift on his Christmas list. Unfortunately, it’s a popular gift, so he must go from store to store frantically fighting the crowds to get the gift in this funny holiday movie.

Find it on Amazon Prime

Arthur Christmas

PG

Santa’s youngest son, Arthur, goes on a magical adventure to make sure one child gets the final gift so that Christmas can be saved.

Find it on Amazon Prime

Christmas Break In

PG

A spunky 9-year-old gets left at school on the day before Christmas break. While her parents try to brave the blizzard to get her, she’s faced with three clumsy crooks who have broken into the school to hide. Izzy must find a way to save the janitor who’s been taken hostage and teach the crooks a lesson.

Find it on Amazon Prime

Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas

PG

The classic story of the most famous holiday grump who takes a trip to Whoville to celebrate the holidays and gets to see what the holidays are about.

Find it on Amazon

National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation

PG-13

Excited to head out for a family vacation during the holidays, everything goes wrong, and the trip turns into a disaster with this classic Christmas movie.

Find it on Amazon Prime

Home Alone 2: Lost in New York

PG

The first Home Alone is a classic holiday movie, and Home Alone 2 is a must-watch afterward. This time, Kevin is lost in New York during the holiday season, where he meets back up with the crooks he outwitted before.

Find it on Amazon

The Last Holiday

PG-13

When Georgia finds out that this will be her last holiday and is given only a short time to live, she makes the best of it and spends her life savings living it up on a special vacation. Tissues will be needed for this one, it’s probably best for older tweens.

Find it on Amazon Prime

The Santa Clause

PG

When Scott Calvin’s son realizes that Santa Claus has fallen off their roof, it’s time for Scott to take the reins of the magical sleigh and discover that he is the new Santa.

While no one believes him, he must find a way to save Christmas and convince those who don’t believe, himself included.

Find it on Amazon Prime

If you’re in for a Christmas movie marathon, there are a couple of great sequels, too. Santa Clause 2 sees the search for a Mrs Claus while 3: The Escape Clause sees Jack Frost put a freeze on Christmas.

Miracle on 34^th Street

PG

When Susan Walker has doubts about the childhood miracle of Santa Claus, she meets Kriss Kringle, a department store Santa who believes he’s the real Santa.

Find it on Amazon Prime

Fred Claus

PG

Santa’s older brother Fred Claus is a bitter man who is forced to move to the North Pole to help prepare for Christmas. While he’s doing it for the cash, he learns a whole lot more about the holidays and what the season is about.

Find it on Amazon Prime

The post 20 Fun Christmas Movies For Tweens appeared first on Tween Parent | Family Lifestyle Blog.

Not only will these Christmas books for tweens make the perfect gift, but they will be a gift that keeps on giving. Each year, your tween can read the stories to help them remember what the holidays are all about. They can even laugh at some stories as they follow the crazy characters through their holiday adventures.

With the holidays approaching quickly, you won’t want to miss out on grabbing these memorable Christmas books for tweens.

Disclosures: We are participants in the Amazon Associates Program and other affiliate programs that earn us a commission if a qualifying purchase is made.

Andi’s Circle C Christmas

By Susan K. Marlow – Reading ages 8-12

Andi’s Circle C Christmas (Circle C Beginnings)

When Andi’s holiday break is spoiled by a grumpy visitor who’s bossy, Andi learns that she can help her unfriendly guest in a way she never imagined during the holidays.

The Legend of Christmas

By Theresa White – Reading ages 8-14

The Legend of Christmas: An Untold Story of the Real St. Nicholas

While his mother is telling the story, Nicholas can sense something isn’t well but listens to the stories of dark childhood memories that tell how he was persecuted for his faith.

The Legend of Christmas gives parents a story for their children to not only believe in but to follow as an example of living the Christian life throughout the year.

Christmas Carol and the Shimmering Elf

By Robert L. Fouch – Reading ages 8-12

Christmas Carol & the Shimmering Elf (2) (A Christmas Carol Adventure)

When Christmas Carol, the defender of Claus, is suddenly yanked into a portal by her grandmother, it becomes clear that the North Pole has changed and that the Elf Kingdom has been destroyed.

Carol, her grandmother, and two ragged boys who have lost everything try to help undo the damage.

Flight of the Reindeer

By Robert Sullivan – Reading ages 8-12

Flight of the Reindeer: The True Story of Santa Claus and His Christmas Mission

The Flight of the Reindeer explores the reason behind Santa Clause, his history, and the tale of Santa that we have been told our entire lives.

The book is more about figuring out if “Santa” is a myth and provides documentation from Santalogists, historians, zoologists, and Arctic explorers to confirm or deny things about the stories we have been told.

The Girl Who Saved Christmas

By Matt Haig – Reading ages 8-12

The Girl Who Saved Christmas (Boy Called Christmas)

Amelia Wishart was the first child to ever receive a present for Christmas, but it was her Christmas spirit that gave Santa an extra boost of magic.

That extra boost of magic allowed Santa to make his first trip around the world, delivering presents to other boys and girls.

The Nightmare Before Christmas

By Mallory Reaves – Reading age 8 and up

Disney Manga: Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas – Mirror Moon (Disney Tim Burton’s: The Nightmare Before Christmas)

The story of Jack Skellington and how he dreams of bringing his spooky expertise to the rest of the holidays.

As Sally, his official Halloween planner, coordinates the residents to help, it becomes clear that something is wrong and that she needs to get to the bottom of the mystery to save the celebrations.

A Boy Called Christmas

By Matt Haig – Reading ages 7-12

A Boy Called Christmas

When Nikolas’s father goes missing, he must travel to the North Pole to save him.

Along the way, he befriends a reindeer, gets the best of troublesome trolls, and discovers a hidden world of enchantment where the elves have trouble with their Christmas spirit.

A Very Archer Christmas

By Archie Superstars – Reading ages 9-12

A Very Archie Christmas (Archie Christmas Digests)

Archie and the gang are doing the last of their Christmas shopping. Will he get his Christmas decorating done in time for the big day and get his friend’s name off Santa’s naughty list?

He has a lot to do before the big day comes but he is determined to do it all.

A Shiloh Christmas

By Phyllis Reynolds Naylor – Reading ages 8-12

A Shiloh Christmas (The Shiloh Quartet)

With Christmas coming, Marty and his rescued pup Shiloh find that their town is running low on love and understanding.

In his troubled small town, he hopes that he can bring the joy of the holidays and the spirit that it lacks.

A Nancy Drew Christmas

By Carolyn Keene – Reading ages 8-12

A Nancy Drew Christmas (Nancy Drew Diaries)

This year, Nancy is spending her winter vacation at the most beautiful ski resort in Montana. Even though everything looks perfect, Nancy realized that the town isn’t as jolly as it seems.

Go on an adventure with Nancy Drew as she solves the mystery and helps fix their Christmas spirit.

A Child’s Christmas in Wales

By Dylan Thomas – Reading ages 8-12

A Child’s Christmas in Wales

This holiday, the kids can read about the story of a magical time in Wales.

The story captures a child’s view and an adult’s fond memories of the magical time with family,  the fallen snow, and the memories of a Christmas in Wales. It’s a great way for your tween to see how Christmas is celebrated in another part of the world.

Horse Diaries: Jingle Bells

By Catherine Hapka – Reading ages 8-12

Horse Diaries #11: Jingle Bells (Horse Diaries Special Edition)

Set in 1915, Jingle Bells is a strong Clydesdale gelding who lives in Wisconsin and enjoys working on the farm, pulling the hay in the summer and the sleigh in the winter.

But when his human friend Kari has her brother bring a new Model T Ford, will he still be needed?

The Promise and the Light

By Katy Morgan – Reading ages 8-12

The Promise and the Light: A Captivating Retelling of the Christmas Story for Kids Ages 8-12

With The Promise and the Light, the kids will hear the stories of Mary, Joseph, and Zechariah’s journey as they experience the events of the first Christmas.

The stories are vivid and set in first-person accounts that will allow children to learn more about the powerful events.

Rosco the Rascal and the Holiday Lights

By Shana Gorian – Reading ages 8-10

Rosco the Rascal and the Holiday Lights

When James and Mandy’s neighborhood has taken first place in the holiday lights Best Block contest, Rosco attempts to wreak havoc on opening night.

This is a heartwarming Christmas adventure about a fifth-grade boy, his sister, and a fun-loving German shepherd.

Christmas Tapestry

By Patricia Polacco – Reading age 7 and up

Christmas Tapestry

When a leak ruins the sacristy wall in his father’s church, Jonathan Jefferson Weeks thinks that the Christmas Eve service will be ruined.

Luckily, he and his father find a beautiful tapestry to cover the damaged wall and give the church more of a festive look for the holidays.

The Nightmare Before Christmas – Zero’s Journey

From D.J Milky – Reading age 8 and up

Disney Manga: Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas – Zero’s Journey (Ultimate Manga Edition)

Jack Skellington and his faithful pup Zero are inseparable. But soon, Zero finds himself lost in a curious land of baked goods, hand-wrapped presents, decorated trees, and joyful caroling.

In order to find his way home, Zero must traverse the unfamiliar world of Christmas Town.

The Christmas Star

By Alta Halverson Seymour –Reading ages 8-12

The Christmas Star (Christmas Around the World)

Far out to sea, the freighter Stjerne, fought the storm bravely. At home in the little Norwegian fishing village, twelve-year-old Arne and his family waited and prayed.

It was the Christmas season, and the Stjerne was the Christmas ship this year, bearing Yuletide gifts and other good things for the village.

The Christmas Genie

By Dan Gutman – Reading ages 8-12

The Christmas Genie

It’s the last day of school before Christmas vacation and Alex, Chase, and the rest of the fifth-grade class can’t wait for the final bell to ring.

Suddenly, a mysterious meteorite crashes through the classroom window and a genie pops out. With only one wish to grant for the class to share, will they agree on something for the holidays?

Are you looking for more reading ideas for your tweens? You may also want to check out:

Best Ever Book Series for Tweens
Perfect Books For Tween Girls
Best Chapter Books For 5th Graders
Our Favorite Audiobooks For Tweens

The post Best Christmas Books For Tweens appeared first on Tween Parent | Family Lifestyle Blog.

These Christmas dresses for tweens will be the ideal way for them to make their entrance during the holidays. They are great for holiday parties, family gatherings, and special holiday events at school or in the community.

Each dress in this Christmas collection celebrates the holidays in a different way. With each dress having its own style, you are sure to find one that your tween will love!

Disclosures: We are participants in the Amazon Associates Program and other affiliate programs that earn us a commission if a qualifying purchase is made.

Christmas Maxi Metallic Shooting Star Dress

A twirling holiday dress that sports the shooting star look, this long maxi dress will help your tween shine bright for the holidays.

Find it on Etsy

Green and Black Maxi Dress

KYMIDY Girls Maxi Dress Kids Long Sleeve Casual Floral Dresses with Pockets for Girls, Green, 12 Years

A floral dress your tween can wear for holiday parties, this long-sleeved maxi dress is casual and has pockets.

Candy Cane Dress

Arshiner Girls Xmas Dresses Long Sleeve Casual A-Line Midi High Low Swing Dress Green Christmas Tree 4-5T

If your tween wants a fun holiday dress to wear this Christmas, this candy cane twirly dress is the way to go.

It features a green holiday background with white and red candy canes and snowflakes.

Plaid Bottom Dress

Red Buffalo Plaid Maxi Dress for Girls 3/4 Sleeve Christmas Fall Dress Size 8 9

This black topped dress with a plaid bottom is a long-sleeved dress that kids can wear for the holidays and during the winter.

Boho Christmas Dress

The floral top pattern and green flair bottom that this dress has will be great for when you are looking for a boho-themed holiday dress.

Find it on Etsy

Christmas Plaid Dress

Take that picture-perfect plaid look with this dress no matter where you go for the holidays.

Not only will it look great for holiday photos, but the kids can wear it throughout the holidays.

Find it on Etsy

Snowman Holiday Dress

BFUSTYLE Schoolchild Christmas Dresses for Girls Ball Print Half Sleeve Outdoor Comfy Dresses for Girls Fall Celebrate (Christmas Black, 8-9 Years)

Another fun and festive Christmas dress for tweens, this one sports a ¾ length sleeve and is scattered with snowmen, ornaments, gifts, and Christmas trees.

Gold Sequin Dress

Great for the holidays, this bold and festive gold sequence dress is perfect for the holidays. It features a bow that sits on the left side of the dress for extra flair.

Find it on Etsy

Floral Princess Dress

WEONEDREAM Girls Dresses for Kids Party Graduation Age of Size 9 10 Tea Length Sleeveless Lace Tulle Formal Girl Dresses Wedding Embroidered A Line Petal Tutu Ball Gown Junior Teen (PBurgundy, 150)

Perfect for special occasions and the holidays, this princess-style dress will be great for holiday parties that are fancy and fantastic.

Long Sleeve Velvet Stress

GORLYA Girls Long Sleeve Bowknot Velvet Patchwork Floral Print Dress with Pockets for 4-14T(GOR1137,12Y,White Dot)

This dress sports a black velvet top with a black and white polka dot bottom. Made from a soft knitted fabric, your tween can stay comfortable during the holiday celebrations.

Sequin V-Back Dress

Complete with a large glittery sequin ribbon on the back, this green tulle-layered dress is great for your holiday celebrations.

Find it on Etsy

Scalloped Edge Belted Dress

GORLYA Girl’s 3/4 Sleeve Casual Scalloped Edge A-line Belted Dress with Pockets for 4-14T Kids (GOR1031, 13-14Y, Wine Red)

Simple yet festive, this belted dress features scalloped edges and includes pockets.

The waistline sports a tied belt to help keep the dress tight fitting.

Lace Tulle Dress

Available in a variety of different sizes, this adorable and fashionable lace dress will be a hit during special holiday occasions and celebrations.

Find it on Etsy

Kids Lace Full Length Backless Dress

BIBIHOU Girls Kids Toddler Lace Back Full-Length Tulle Backless Formal Party Holiday Flower Girl Dresses,12 Years

Sporting a backless lace dress that’s green, this dress is great for holiday parties and gatherings where you can enjoy the warmer weather.

Long Blue Dress

Little Juniors Girl Long Bridesmaid Dress Wedding Flower Girls Formal Pageant Party Dresses Chiffon Sleeveless Navy Blue 4

A sleeveless chiffon dress that she will love wearing during the holidays, this tied bow-waisted dress is available in a variety of different colors.

We kind of like blue; best for the holidays!

The Christmas dresses in this collection are stylish and fitting, and your tween will enjoy showing off their holiday spirit. From classic holiday dresses to dresses with a little extra holiday flair, these tween Christmas dresses will surely be the perfect fit!

Don’t miss our guide to introducing your tween girl to makeup for the perfect finishing touch to her new Christmas outfit.

The post 15 Gorgeous Christmas Dresses For Tweens appeared first on Tween Parent | Family Lifestyle Blog.

However, it can often feel like Christmas is more magical when the children are younger. It is understandable. After all, you have the joys of waiting for Father Christmas to visit, the lead-up to the big day, and the magic that surrounds all of the activities.

But when your children grow out of the Santa phase, what then?

While your tweens may have outgrown some of the activities and childhood traditions you once embraced at Christmas time, there is still plenty of things that you can enjoy together during the festive period. We share with you here some of the fun Christmas activities for tweens that you might want to try this festive season.

Enjoy Christmas Days Out

While the days of visiting Santa might be a thing of the past now, it doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy those Christmas days out. There are plenty of days out to enjoy with older children at this time of year. Here are some of the best Christmas days out that you can enjoy:

A Christmas Market

Christmas markets are usually held in different villages, towns, or even countries, so you might want to take your tween to one. There are usually lots of Christmas-themed stalls that are showcasing food and drinks, as well as Christmas gift ideas. It is a lovely Christmas day out that your child may start to appreciate now that they are older.

A Magical Festive Walk

There is something magical about heading out for a festive walk. As your children are a little older, they may appreciate a walk where they get to see different homes lit up or a magical walk in the forest or local countryside. Sometimes you may find organized magical walks where there are different light shows that take place at night.

Christmas lights “switch on”

You can’t beat a traditional Christmas lights switch on in your local town or city, and as your child is a little older, they may enjoy the entertainment and festiveness that usually takes place rather than just being focused on seeing the big man himself.

Enjoy a Christmas show

It is also the perfect time of the year to head to the theater or watch a local show. There are pantomimes and other shows, like musicals, that are a great way to get into the festive spirit and can be appreciated much more now that your little ones are older. What better excuse to get your young ladies dressed up in their favorite Christmas dress.

Hit the ice

During the Christmas period, you might find that there are more options to jump on the ice, and this can be one of the more fun activities for tweens. They can enjoy putting on their ice skates and skating around the rink.

As they are a little older, they may be able to grasp what it takes to stay on the ice and enjoy learning a new skill. If you go at night, it will certainly be more festive with the twinkly lights all around.

Get baking

Baking may have been one of those Christmas traditions you embraced at Christmas, but now that you have older children, you can certainly get them involved. Why not ask them to find a recipe for a Christmas bake that they want to produce themselves, or even have a festive bake-off amongst the whole family and see who can make the best Christmas bake?

Baking is certainly one of the more fun activities for tweens, and having a theme can help provide inspiration on what to make.

Secret Santa With a Difference

Maybe you want to jazz things up a little when it comes to stocking fillers, so why not organize a Secret Santa with a difference? This means that you each get a person to buy for in secret, but instead of something you know they will want, you have to pick the tackiest and cheesiest Christmas gift.

You can set a budget and a few different guidelines if you wish. This will give your tween a level of responsibility and can be a fun thing for them to do.

Advent Calendars

Now your tween may have outgrown some Christmas traditions, but I can guarantee they will still want an advent calendar. They will likely continue to expect one until they leave home. But there are plenty of different advent calendars you can enjoy.

You can create a “random acts of kindness” advent calendar where you pick something out of the jar each day. You could fill it with Christmas activities, some of which we suggest in this post, and enjoy doing Christmas-inspired activities throughout December. You could enjoy the traditional chocolate ones as well as fun beauty calendars for your tween girls.

Christmas books

You can enjoy Christmas books at any age, but you may want to encourage your older children to read them to you or younger siblings instead of reading the books to them. You could enjoy a night of Christmas reading together or take turns sharing Christmas stories that you love.

Christmas crafts

Perhaps your child is a little too old to be doing some of the traditional Christmas crafts you might have enjoyed in years, but crafting is something you can still enjoy. You may look to do different sorts of Christmas crafts like wreath making or making Christmas cards that you might send out.

We have a detailed guide here to some more grown-up and challenging Christmas Crafts perfect for tweens

Decorating their own tree

Maybe you might want to instill some Christmas cheer into them, especially if they have recently only come to terms with the true meaning behind Christmas. So why not let them decorate their own Christmas tree or even let them be more involved with decorating your home? This can be a fun Christmas activity that could very well become a new tradition you embrace each year.

Enjoy Christmas movies

There is still a lot of love for Christmas films, no matter how old you get, so now that your little ones are a bit older, you may want to enjoy Christmas movie marathons. Perhaps dedicate a few nights in the month of December for a Christmas movie night. You could enjoy all of the Christmas snacks, set up some cozy spaces on the sofa with blankets and cushions, and enjoy some family time.

Have family games nights

Christmas is usually a time of the year when you can slow down a little and enjoy some family bonding time, so you may want to enjoy some of the traditional board games on offer or invest in a few Christmas-themed ones.

You can get Christmas Monopoly or Clue or just enjoy some of the games you haven’t played in a while. Christmas activities don’t necessarily need to involve Christmas or festiveness. They can be the perfect opportunity for quality time together.

Outdoor runs

You may already be a fairly active family, but outdoor or local park runs can be more festive by dressing up. Some organizations may even have a Santa dash, where everyone is dressed up as Santa. It might be a fun way to enjoy something you already do together as a family.

Volunteer

Now that your tween understands the meaning behind Christmas, there is no avoiding the fact that some people have it really tough at this time of year. Volunteers are needed more than ever to help homeless people, local food banks where families need food, and even help with toy appeals or creating boxes of essentials to send to third-world countries.

Now is the perfect time to get your tween involved with volunteering. It might not be supposed to be fun, but it is a lovely Christmas tradition that you can do together.

Helping with Elf on the Shelf

While your tween may have outgrown some of their childhood traditions, can you entrust them that they are now responsible for keeping the magic going for as long as possible if they have younger siblings?

If you are a family that enjoys Elf on the Shelf, then maybe your tween can be more involved with the elf set-ups and what they get up to. In truth, your tween may be much more creative in what they do, and it can be a fun way to help them be a part of the magic you have enjoyed creating for so many years.

Keep the magic alive with Christmas

A step away from helping with the Elf on the Shelf, if you had childhood traditions that younger siblings still enjoy, get your tween involved with it. They will find it fun to embrace all the fun activities they once enjoyed but with a different perspective.

What childhood traditions will they want to keep?

Finally, while they may have outgrown some aspects of Christmas, ask them if there are any traditions that they want to keep going. They may want to help with their younger siblings, but even if everyone has grown, they may still like to keep up with some family traditions.

Maybe it is putting something out for their reindeer or perhaps leaving out their sack ready for presents. It may even be switching your Christmas lights on or enjoying certain activities on Christmas Eve, like a movie or story, before opening a Christmas Eve Box. Ask them and give them the choice of the things they want to keep up with.

Growing up doesn’t need to mean giving up on the fun of the festive season. We hope this post has provided you with inspiration for some of the best Christmas activities for tweens.

The post Terrific Christmas Activities For Tweens appeared first on Tween Parent | Family Lifestyle Blog.