Capturing Creative Moments: A Parent’s Guide to Holiday Play

Image with the caption 'A Parent’s Guide to HOLIDAY PLAY Capturing Creative Moments.' The top half shows a woman dancing with her child, and the bottom half shows a dad cooking with his child. Highlights playful, creative activities parents can enjoy with kids.

Introduction

The holidays. The holidays. Oh the holidays! So eagerly anticipated, yet so often overwhelming. Between the whirlwind of festive events and endless to-do- lists, it’s easy to feel like you’re barely holding it all together. But the holiday’s don’t have to be a blur of chaos.

Sometimes the simplest moments hold the most magic. Being ‘off-schedule’ transforms usual routines into opportunities for connection and creativity. You don’t need elaborate plans or expensive toys — often the best play comes from being present and saying “yes” to the moment.

With that in mind, here are some thoughts on how to set yourself and your child up for creative success this holiday season …

1. Embrace the “Yes” Mindset

The key to creative play isn’t meticulous planning; it’s staying open to possibilities. Being present with your child, as much as you are able, is all that they need from you.

Let Your Child Lead: Follow their curiosity. If they want to turn a cardboard box into a spaceship, grab some markers and tape and dive in. If they want to sing, be their backing singer or audience. If they want to swim on the floor like a seal, narrate as David Attenborough, or throw them fishes to catch.
Say Yes More Often: Even if it means a little mess or stepping outside your comfort zone, giving energy to their ideas shows them that creativity matters. Can their sailor help pack the ship (car) ready for a long journey across the seas? Or can they make you a treasure hunt while you ping off an email?
Start Small: You don’t need hours to make an impact. Even five minutes of focused play can spark connection and fun. Fleeting moments are all part of the play!

Image with the caption 'Embrace the Yes Mindset.' The top half shows a woman cuddling her child on a sofa, and the bottom half shows a woman crafting with beads alongside her child. Illustrates the value of saying 'yes' to creative and bonding moments.

2. Create an Invitation to Play

Kids love discovering opportunities to play and create freely. Simple prompts can work wonders.

Keep It Simple: A couple of interesting objects, some pens and paper, or a tray of water and ice cubes can inspire exploration.
Rotate Supplies: Switch up materials throughout the day to spark fresh ideas. After breakfast, swap pens to paint sticks. After lunch, introduce playdough with muffin cases. In the evening, toss sofa cushions on the floor for a cozy nest.
Follow Their Lead: Resist the urge to direct or instruct. Instead, ask questions like, “What happens next?”, or “Can you show me how?”

Image with the caption 'Create an invitation to play'. Top image of a table with watercolour paints set out, bottom image is of plastic dinosaur toys arrange on a pile of books. Illustrates the value of arranging objects in meaningful ways to inspire play and creativity.

3. Build a Flexible Play Environment

You don’t need a dedicated playroom or fancy equipment. Creativity thrives in simple, accessible spaces.

Make Materials Accessible: Keep art supplies, building toys, and costumes within easy reach so kids can grab them when inspiration strikes. If items are too high or hidden under piles of things, they are less likely to be used.
Limit Overwhelm: Creativity loves simplicity. Clear the floor or table, and put out one tray of lego, or a single stack of paper and pens, or a box of toilet roll tubes.
Welcome the Mess (on Your Terms): Use a tablecloth to designate a “mess zone”. Keep flannels or wet wipes at the ready, so you can catch spills and sticky hands before they travel!

Image with caption 'Build a flexible play environment'. Top image is of tidy shelves with trays of kids toys, bottom image is of cups of coloured pencils and art supplies. Illustrates the value of an organised environment to inspire creativity.

4. Be Present, Not Perfect

Creative play is about connection not perfection.

Share in the Wonder: Sit with your child and marvel at what they’re doing. Silent attention is an extremely effective way to connect.
Model Creativity: Pick up a crayon or build alongside them, making your own creations. Showing that you’re willing to join in encourages creativity and exploration.
Let Go of Perfection: Play is about the process, not product. A ‘ruined’ painting or a game that morphs into something else is all part of the fun.

Image with the caption 'Be present, not perfect'. Top image is of a mother cuddling her child, and bottom image is of a mother drawing with her child. Illustrates the value of being present for connection and relationship building.

Conclusion

This holiday season, focus on being present and saying “yes” to the playful, creative moments as they arise. You don’t need a grand plan—just an open heart, a flexible mindset, and a willingness to embrace the magic of play.

Looking for a little extra inspiration? Our play packs on Etsy are designed to help you capture these moments with simple, low-prep activities that spark creativity and connection. Perfect for busy parents and caregivers who want to make the most of their time with their kids.

Flyer to promote Lila Creative Play shop on Etsy. Smear of blue paint across the page illustrates the value of creativity and play. Images of parents dancing and laughing with their children as they play.