Juggling was our winter family bucket list pick for this week. We try to do one thing a week that is entirely family focused. As I mentioned before each season we select several different indoor/outdoor activities to do as a family. Out of the twenty choices they picked a rather quick one to try today, it was our taekwondo day.
Juggling dates back to Ancient Egypt. This skill is a talent, a learnable talent. Not easy to say the least. What we thought was going to take only a few minutes ended up taking longer. Much longer. As we were setting up this activity it was decided to use some snowballs we had from when the kids were little. They are light, fluffy, and easy to throw. These snowballs were perfect for juggling. In hindsight we should have started with something easier such as scarves.
Here is how it went:
Winter Family Bucket List Juggling Practice
Juggling is a fun family activity and one that doesn’t cost any money. It might cost to get three scarves or something to juggle, but in essence it is a free activity. The most expensive thing is practice because it takes time to learn. Try several different ways to practice juggling, and since it is winter keep that theme in mind.
First try to practice with scarves, as they are easier to use because you move slower with them. Second, dress up for the activity. Don’t spend a lot on this part since the whole idea is to keep costs at a minimum. Another idea is to make your own juggling ball. They are easy to make from balloons and rice or beans. Fill them up and tie a knot. A homemade juggling ball.
Video the Family Activity
Next, video the fine! We did. I can’t tell you how many retakes, redo’s and bloopers we had. There were several with each kid. The most fun was when we had to add in the third ball. They did start to do better with juggling two balls, but the third was a fly in the ointment.
My youngest son almost had it with two snowballs, but then I had him add the third and all of them hit the floor. I tried juggling and it seemed very awkward. My brain just couldn’t figure it out. Nonetheless, videoing it was great for two reasons:
One, it allowed them to see how they were messing up. Visually seeing the mistake is important and when I video they are able to get a birds eye view what to fix.
Second, when you video this winter family bucket list activity, it gives you the chance to relive the moment as much as you want. Many time over Christmas break my kids went into my photos and watched old video’s of when they were younger. Now, I am so glad that they have that opportunity.
Add More Fun By Dressing Up
Dressing up makes everything more fun. So many options are available with this winter family bucket list idea. Juggling can mean dressing up like a clown, or a jester, or a snowman. Add in a fun winter theme for more entertainment.
If it is close to the holidays’ turn on Christmas music and juggle to that as a family. One more fun idea to try would be to all stand in a semi circle. Then, see who can juggle three balls the longest. Whoever goes over one minute wins. Add in as many variations as necessary or needed.
Celebrate with a Hot Treat
Finally, celebrate with a warm grand finale treat. Hot cocoa or tea and a yummy dessert. Enjoy the conversation and talk about all of the fun you had with this winter family bucket list activity. Next year add in a new way to dress up and build on the juggling fun!
Juggling doesn’t have to be an intense hobby, but rather a winter family bucket list activity for each January. If you video it every year, then part of the night during the celebration can be to watch previous family nights of fun in January.
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