Christmas is right around the corner, and we are in the spirit over here! We may have been singing Christmas carols since November 1st, but I have resisted taking out the Christmas books just yet. But today, we are excited to share this fun new Christmas book, and the reindeer activities for kids that we paired with it!

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Santa’s Story was written by Will Willenbrand. This beautifully illustrated story follows Santa as he prepares for his Christmas Eve trip. But the reindeer are all off doing their own thing. Finally, Santa remembers their yearly tradition, and he gathers them together to hear their favorite Christmas story.

The text is full of action words, and kids will love the silly situations that they find the reindeer in. The illustrations are adorable, highlighting each reindeer and the adorable traditions between Santa and his animal helpers.

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Santa Craft

In the book, Santa reads a story with the reindeer. So we decided that it would be fun to act this out by creating our own easy Santa masks to read with. First, I cut a paper plate in half and cut a half circle shape in the middle of the straight edges for our noses to fit in. Next, we covered the plate with glue. Finally, we stretched out cotton balls and covered the glue with them. Then we attached craft sticks to the backs of the plates, so we could hold the masks up to our faces while we read.

Reindeer Gross Motor Game

Throughout the story, the reindeer are all busy doing other things besides preparing for their trip. The fun action words in the text prompted us to play our own reindeer games, inspired by the actions in the story. Print out these cards and cut them into strips. Have kids pick a card, then have them act out the reindeer action listed on the card. Kids will have a lot of fun mimicking the reindeer and acting out the story, plus it will help them to get some energy out!

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Reindeer Games

Encourage kids to get moving, while also working on their fine motor and memory skills. First, paint some clothespins with brown paint, and add eyes (either painted or glued on). Twist a pipe cleaner to make antlers. Next, hide the reindeer around your house and have kids go on a hunt to find them. Once they collect them, they can clip them to a piece of card stock in order based on how they appear in the book.

Reindeer Antlers

These easy reindeer antlers are so comfortable and lots of fun! Using only a few pieces of brown pipe cleaners, we were able to twist these in just a couple of minutes. My daughter insisted on wearing hers all day, and I was comfortable enough in them that I was able to wear them all day too! I was also able to fold another piece of brown pipe cleaner in half and add a red pipe cleaner ball to the end, making an attachable nose so my daughter could be Rudolph.

Reading Tradition

Just like the reindeer and Santa in the book, set up a holiday reading tradition with your family. Do you read the same stories each year? You can make the unveiling of your holiday books a big deal, or decorate a holiday reading space in your home to make it extra special. You could also use a reading themed Christmas countdown. There are tons of fun ways to tie your love of reading into the holidays. To start some Christmas reading traditions with your family, check out my new eBook Reading Through the Holidays!

What are your favorite reindeer activities for kids? Share in the comments below!

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