Christmas is just around the corner, and for many, the holiday season is the time of Advent . It is the most hectic and fun period of the year; for those who spend it with children, the magic is guaranteed. The magical atmosphere of Christmas spreads from the streets to the shops, all the way to our homes. It is the most anticipated celebration of the year, and the anticipation that marks the days until the festivities is even more special when experienced amid the preparations and traditions of each family.

Christmas with children and the magic of anticipation

Without the wait—that magical passing of days that brings us closer to Christmas—the season wouldn’t feel quite so special. And those lucky enough to have a child at home rediscover emotions they thought they had forgotten. Christmas crafts, coloring pages, Christmas decorations, games and recipes : these are just some of the activities you can do with your children to spark their imagination while waiting for the magical night of December 25 .

Here's how to make the wait for Christmas at home unique

• Write the letter to Santa Claus: It’s one of those rituals that should never be missing in a family with children: write down what they want for Christmas without overdoing it, and really think about what they truly desire!

• The elf's little magic door: It’s a tradition that is increasingly gaining popularity in our country as well. It involves a little door placed secretly in the house, creating a magical connection with Santa Claus’s workshop and his team of elves, who occasionally cause a bit of mischief around the house.

• The Advent Calendar: a very popular tradition that helps little ones count down to the big celebration. Traditionally, it consists of 24 little windows to open each day, each revealing a Christmas image that lets you immerse yourself in the spirit of this special time of year. Today, there are all kinds, from chocolates to small gifts.

• Christmas decorations: they are a tradition that marks the beginning of the holiday season—Christmas is just around the corner. It’s time to decorate the tree, hang the garland outside the front door, and put up some lights on the balcony or in the garden. And to make these moments even more magical, a festive playlist is absolutely essential.

• Christmas films are a holiday classic. Everyone has a favorite, from lighthearted comedies to cult films, for kids and adults alike. They’re the perfect excuse to stay home with the family and relax on the sofa under a warm blanket.

• Board games at Christmas can’t be missed. From bingo to the merchant at the fair, we all know how enjoyable it is after lunch—or during Christmas evenings—to sit at the table with the whole family and challenge each other with a board game that involves both adults and children. We at LILLYDOO have created a bingo game for children—download it below!

• In the kitchen you can’t miss gingerbread cookies . The whole house smells like celebration. You can decorate them together with children by drawing a face with an edible-ink marker or using colored icing. With fondant, you can also add fun details like a bow or buttons. Let your creativity run wild by making a real gingerbread house: a Christmas treat made with spiced dough and decorated with royal icing, sweets, and candies. For those less experienced in the kitchen, there are practical kits available for assembly and decoration. The house can be kept for about 1 month under a glass dome.

So that your little explorer can also enjoy gingerbread men dough, here is a delicious sugar-free gingerbread men recipe.

Christmas with children: outdoor initiatives and events

To experience the magic of the holidays even more by spending time outdoors, you can choose from a wide range of markets, Christmas villages, shows, concerts, enchanted encounters, and many other surprises that each city organizes for the Christmas season. Here are some ideas:

• Admire the Christmas tree and the nativity scene in your city: it’s a true tradition and one of the symbols of these festivities;

• The Christmas markets are an opportunity to discover handcrafted decorations and find last-minute gifts to put under the tree, and they’re also a chance to taste traditional food;

• Santa Claus's House , where you can drop your letter directly into Santa’s red mailbox: a unique thrill for little ones;

• Ice skating is a must during the Christmas holidays for both adults and children, and many squares set up rinks that are usually open until January;

• Shows and concerts offer music and titles suitable even for the little ones, with many theatrical performances scheduled during the Christmas holidays.

Seeing Christmas through a child’s eyes takes you away from the frantic rush to find the perfect gift and from rampant consumerism, bringing you back to a more peaceful state where you can rediscover, together with your children, the colors of Christmas, the lights that illuminate the cities, the Christmas decorations, and much more.