Meet Santa Expedition

Ho, ho, ho! It's time to visit you-know-who! Get in the holiday spirit with an expedition to visit that right jolly old elf and perhaps sneak in a little holiday shopping along the way. Use the time together to talk about all the holiday traditions in your family and town, an important part of your child's sense of self. If you don't celebrate Christmas, talk about how your family's holiday traditions are both the same and different; you'll foster a respect for others and promote peace and goodwill toward all! However you celebrate, make it merry! What to Pack

• reusable bags
• camera

Now Get Exploring!

• Schedule a Santa sighting. Check newspapers, community bulletin boards, and online for Santa's holiday itinerary.
• Preview your visit. Talk about who Santa is, what he'll be wearing, what he might ask, and so on. Talk about what your child wants for Christmas and what he might give to others.
• Sing Santa Songs. On the way there, belt out "Here Comes Santa Claus," "Must Be Santa," "Santa Claus is Coming to Town," and "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer." If you want to print out the lyrics ahead of time, check out this website of holiday songs.
• Play I SPY games. Pass the time while you wait in line. Ask, How many red things can you spot? How many green? How many silver? How many gold?
• Go with the flow. Young children can be frightened of people in costumes, even Santa. Don't insist that your child climb onto Santa's lap if he's not comfortable doing so. Use your own judgment about how to answer questions about Santa. Some kids want to believe in him; others may just prefer to play "Santa's helpers" for younger kids.
• Snap a photo. Make copies to include in holiday cards or thank-you notes.
• Investigate. Ask your child open-ended questions:
  • Who is Santa Claus?
  • Where does he live?
  • Who helps him build toys?
  • How does he deliver his gifts?
  • Can you name his reindeer? (Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donner, Blitzen, Rudolf)
• Read all about it. Check out The Night Before Christmas by Clement C. Moore, The Polar Express by Chris Van Allsburg, Santa Claus, The World's Number One Toy Expert by Marla Frazee.

Educational Perks Use this expedition to talk about the real meaning behind Christmas and fun of giving to others. Then practice writing skills by writing a letter/wish list to Santa, a note to go with the milk and cookies on Christmas Eve, and a thank-you card. Bonus Explorer Activity Play Santa for someone less fortunate. Purchase a gift and drop it off at your local toy drive.

For more exploring, play Dora's Great Big World game, find do-together Dora crafts, recipes, and activities, and print a personalized Explorer Kit for your child at DoraTheExplorer.com.

You can also get Dora's Christmas Carol Adventure app on iTunes!

Thanks to Susan Hood

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