Making the Most of Time off with Poudre Libraries
Remember the glorious two weeks out of school for winter break as a child? The entire world was ours to shape, and maintaining peace and quiet was not always an integral part of this opportune free time.
Parents and caregivers preparing for the holiday season were understandably preoccupied while simultaneously responsible for entertaining young minds. Below, we‘ve collected a list of resources for all age groups to stay occupied (or simply take a breather) over winter break.
For the Elementary Echelon
What’s a kid to do with all this free time? Paint the walls with crayons? Throw a record-breaking tantrum? With a little guidance, holiday excitement can be channeled into these free and entertaining activities over break.
For Crafters
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Making slime may be involved though hopefully the end result of galaxy slime will result in hours of entertainment! (Ages 5+) -
Try this House Book craft where kids can create a “book” that reflects their home while telling a story. (Ages 5+) -
Art and science meet in this craft to create an Animatronic Owl Figure – kids can make their creations come to life with this exciting craft. (Ages 8+)
Dive into Creativebug with the crafts above! With your Library card, you can access DIY craft sessions all with the guidance of an instructor.
For TV Time
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Elmo leads the way for this festive Sesame Street Christmas celebration. With help from his friends, Elmo will bring kindness, holiday cheer, and the spirit of Christmas to Sesame Street. But will it be enough for Santa? Available via Hoopla. -
Beloved Aussie adventurer Steve Irwin (a.k.a. ‘The Crocodile Hunter’) gets deeply involved with a crocodile that has innocently swallowed a top-secret U.S. satellite beacon and is now the subject of a “croc-hunt” by American special agents. Crikey! Find this film on Hoopla. -
Enjoy settling in front of the TV with Caillou’s Holiday Movie. Caillou makes homemade holiday gifts for his family, learns how other children around the world celebrate the season and shovels snow with his father. Find this film via Hoopla.
For Readers
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In “Skippyjon Jones Snow What,” Jones finds himself embarking on an adventure in his closet. In a magical snowy forest, he encounters a challenge from the seven Chimichangos. By Judith Byron Schachner. -
Based on a true story, the book Snowflake Bentley dives into the history of the first man to photograph snowflakes and discover that they are all unique – just like us! You can also find this book in video format via Kanopy. By Jacqueline Briggs Martin. -
A Christmas Tree for Ruby brings the beloved sibling duo into the holiday season. Ruby wants to find the perfect tree but when all the trees Ruby selects are claimed by other bunnies, Max saves the day by asking Santa for the perfect Christmas tree. By Rosemary Wells.
Back Home Ballers and Almost Back Home Ballers
Are you a little beyond the age range mentioned above? Maybe you’re home from college for an entire month instead of a simple two weeks. Perhaps you haven’t spent this much direct time with your family in over five months and you’re beginning to feel your newfound independence vacate your body.
Find myriad activities to keep you focused while spending time with your family, parents, or friends.
For Crafters
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Get creative in the kitchen by following along this Creativebug class on hand-rolled truffles. A simple recipe with an excellent result! -
Dive into this three-part watercolor class series on Creativebug to capitalize on your artistic talents. -
Drop by one of Poudre Library’s locations to pick up a Take-and-Make kit that guides you through creating your own light up star.
For Cinema Buffs
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What We Do In the Shadows is a modern-day twist on vampire lore. Roommates and vampires Viago, Deacon, and Vladislav struggle with the mundane tasks of the 21st century – like paying rent, trying to get into nightclubs, and overcoming roommate conflicts. Find this movie via Hoopla. -
Critically acclaimed, the film Lion is a story of resilience, adoption, and family. Armed with only a handful of memories, his unwavering determination, and a revolutionary technology known as Google Earth, the main character Saroo sets out to find his lost family and return to his first home. Find this movie via Kanopy. -
13 Going on 30 is a classic romantic comedy. 13-year-old Jenna finds herself trapped inside her 30-year-old body after a birthday wish gone wrong. Find this movie via Hoopla.
For Readers
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“Circe” by Madeline Miller gives a modern storytelling twist to the mythology surrounding the greek goddess Circe. Circe hones her powers and interacts with famous mythological beings before a conflict with one of the most vengeful Olympians forces her to choose between the worlds of the gods and mortals. -
“Perks of Being a Wallflower” follows observant wallflower Charlie as he charts a course through the strange world between adolescence and adulthood. By Stephen Chbosky. The film adaptation is also available on DVD from the Library’s collection. -
“The 39 Clues, Maze of Bones” is the first book in a series that follows brother and sister duo Dan and Amy Cahill who are given the choice of receiving a million dollars or uncovering the thirty-nine clues hidden around the world that will lead to the source of the family’s power. By taking on the clues, they end up in a dangerous race against their own family. By Rick Riordan.
Relief for the Heads of the House
Did you just spend two days preparing for a meal that the whole family enjoyed? We understand the fatigue that can come with this time of the season.
Dive into some relaxation activities, books, and movies to help unwind from hosting. Didn’t host? We also know that simply going somewhere can induce stress. Find activities for relaxing, planning your next holiday, and maintaining your wintertime sanity below.
For Crafters
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Treat yourself to a DIY manicure and do your own nail art with this class from Creativebug. Relax at the end of the night with this fun, personalized craft. -
Make an all-natural hand and body balm to last you through the cold (and dry) winter months. Create healing salves using botanical-infused oils, resulting in affordable and customizable nontoxic skin care products that will soothe parched skin. Find this class via Creativebug. -
Drop by a Poudre Library location to pick up a Take-and-Make kit that includes step-by-step instructions on making an embroidered star perfect for holiday décor and winding down in the evenings.
For Your Screentime
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Want to get a head start on your New Year’s plans or dive into a celebrity magazine? Find dozens of digital magazines like People, US Weekly, Rolling Stone, Vogue, Real Simple, and more via Flipster. -
Maybe you aren’t escaping to Italy for the holiday season but your TV screen can emulate the experience! Imagine yourself relaxing with pizza, pasta, and wine in the canals of Venice. Find this virtual travel experience on Kanopy. -
For Your Sanity
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Yoga for a Healthy Mind and Body by the Great Courses offers 12 guided sessions through the ancient technique and discipline of yoga. Take a moment for yourself! Find these courses on Kanopy. -
I Am a Badass is a refreshingly entertaining how-to guide, from bestselling author Jen Sincero, who serves up 27 bitesize chapters full of hilariously inspiring stories, sage advice, easy exercises, and the occasional swear word, to help you identify and change the self-sabotaging beliefs and behaviors that stop you from getting what you want. -
We hope some of these activities are perfect for your end-of-year festivities. Even if it comes at a busy time, perhaps you can come back to these in 2022! Happy Holidays from Poudre Libraries.
