Keep Kids Entertained with a Holiday Cryptogram

The holidays are upon us and it's time to prepare for the festivities. There's much running around to do, presents to buy and decorating to do. The children are happy to be off from school and are excited because Christmas/Hanukkah and Kwanzaa are right around the corner.

Although children are on a break from school during the holiday season, there is no reason for their brains to turn to mush. The next time you hear 'I'm bored", here's an activity that will keep their creativity flowing and analytical skills sharp. Why not have them create holiday themed cryptograms.

Before thrusting a child into the activity of creating a cryptogram, be sure to explain exactly what a cryptogram is. Don't let the explanation get too technical. Using school words like hieroglyphics and ancient Egypt may scare the kids off. Keep it upbeat and fun. The thought of creating their own alphabet using holiday pictures, symbols and drawings of their choice will keep them motivated.

Basic Cryptograms

Here's how to go about making fun holiday cryptograms:

1. Have the child determine what kind of alphabet to make. The alphabet can consists of home drawn pictures, clippings from magazines or painted cheerio wreaths. Allow the child to get creative. The age of the child will help to determine the type of alphabet to create. Even smaller children who haven't quite mastered the alphabet enjoy taking part in this activity.
2. Create a holiday themed message. Whether the message contains words to a holiday song, poetry or the beginning of a favorite story, it must be a holiday themed message.
3. Share the newly created alphabet and message with family and friends. Once the child has made the alphabet, distribute it. This is where the fun really begins. The child finds a sense of importance for having made something the entire family will enjoy. Make copies of the alphabet and message and mail them out with the Christmas cards. Send a copy to relatives overseas. Imagine how much they would appreciate holiday-encrypted message from home.
4. Email the holiday message. If the alphabet can be scanned, scan it and e-mail it to friends and family who are stuck working during the holiday season. It will brighten their day.

Advanced Cryptograms

For the cryptographers that have cryptograms coursing through their veins, send them the holiday message without the alphabet to guide them. Let them test their skills. They will have to reach back and tap upon their grammar and spelling skills to decipher the holiday message.

If the holiday cryptogram is too much, try something simpler like a Christmas Crossword puzzle.