Can we all agree that January is just a rough month? It’s cold, dark, Christmas is over, we’re dealing with seasonal depression on top of post-Christmas blues and our waistlines are paying for all the goodies we enjoyed over the holidays. Spring seems forever away! Even my kids seem to feel it! Just the other day my daughter was sad about going to bed, and asked what we would be doing tomorrow. I answered with our typical schedule (school, cleaning, maybe reading books or playing games in the evening). And then she asked- “When are we going to do something fun?” I realized my kids are like me- and they need something to look forward to!

While I can’t always plan an elaborate day out, something as simple as a fun meal can make a world of difference to children! And there are so many ways to take your typical weeknight dinner and change it into something truly magical and fun for your littles!

• Play restaurant. Every child loves feeling like they have a choice. And most kids enjoy going out to eat- so have fun combining the two and create your own little “restaurant”! You could make fancy menus or simply use paper and pencil- write down a few options for appetizers, the main course, drinks, and desserts, and take your children’s “order”. Even if your options are celery sticks or baby carrots, the fact that your kids get to “order” makes it so much fun! You could even take it up a notch by laying out a tablecloth and nice dishes, dimming the lights, and putting on some music to create the ambiance you desire.
• Do a themed meal. Italian, Mexican- go all out from appetizers to desserts. Decorations, music, food, etc. But don’t feel limited to just different ethnic themes! Serve an “orange” dinner (or any color!), a dinner based off your child’s favorite book or favorite movie, their favorite animal, or even their favorite song! You might have to get a little creative, but it will be well worth it!
• Change the dish. I can serve the same food I always serve in muffin tins, and my kids think it’s the greatest thing ever! It’s such a simple thing on my part, but my kids absolutely love it and it’s an easy way to make things more magical.
• Let them help! Give your children opportunities to plan a menu, get the food, and prepare it! Depending on their age, they’ll definitely need help, but letting them feel like they are in charge will really make it fun for them. And you’ll be teaching them valuable life skills as well!
• Do a silly dinner. Maybe everyone has to show up with their shirt on backwards, or with crazy hair. Maybe someone has to be blindfolded and everyone else has to help them eat. Maybe you’re really brave and you tie everyone’s left hand to the right hand of the person on their left. Maybe you tell jokes all evening. Do something that will create memories and make you laugh!
• Change the location. It’s cold outside, so unless you have a particularly warm day, you’re probably stuck indoors. But that doesn’t mean you can’t have a picnic! Just lay a blanket down in the family room and have an indoor picnic. I promise this will be a highlight for your kids!
• Candlelight. Another easy thing to do, but it makes a simple thing like macaroni and cheese seem so much more magical! You don’t even have to do anything else- just dim the lights and pull out some candles!
• Eat with hands only! You could have an appetizer/finger food night- or if you’re really brave, serve something like spaghetti- but the rules are no utensils! You are sure to get some laughs, some huge messes, and some wonderful memories.

What ideas do you have to help make bleak ol’ January a little more cheerful? I’d love to hear them!