Unwrapping the gift of coding: How parents can encourage kids to code over the Christmas holidays
Publication date: December 2, 2024
The Christmas holidays are a magical time of the year. With schools on break, kids have the chance to relax, recharge, and dive into activities they love. For parents, it’s also a perfect opportunity to introduce children to new skills that combine fun and learning, like coding. You might be thinking, “But I don’t know anything about coding!” That’s okay. You don’t need to be a tech expert to help your kids explore this exciting world. Coding isn’t just for computer scientists; it’s a creative and empowering skill that teaches kids to think logically, solve problems, and even create games or animations.
Christmas is all about giving, and this year, why not gift your child the tools to explore coding? The options are vast, from beginner-friendly books like Hello Ruby to interactive coding kits designed for kids of all ages. For younger children, consider platforms like Scratch, which allows kids to create animations and games by snapping together colourful blocks of code, or a robot like Botley, which makes coding hands-on and tangible. For older kids, tools like the Raspberry Pi or coding-based game platforms like Minecraft: Education Edition can be exciting gateways into programming. These gifts are more than just toys—they’re an invitation to create, experiment, and build confidence. When wrapped under the tree, they become part of the holiday excitement.
You don’t need to know how to code to inspire your kids; you just need to help them imagine the possibilities. The festive season provides a great theme to get started. Suggest projects like designing a digital holiday card with animations of snowflakes or Santa using free platforms like Scratch. They could also build a Christmas countdown timer or make a holiday-themed game where elves collect presents or a snowman jumps over obstacles. These projects not only immerse kids in the magic of the season but also teach them foundational coding concepts in an enjoyable, creative way.
Learning together as a family can be a wonderful bonding experience. You don’t need prior knowledge. Many free platforms like Code.org or Tynker offer beginner-friendly tutorials that guide both parents and children step by step. Sitting down to create a simple animation or solve a coding puzzle together shows your kids that learning is a lifelong journey. Your involvement, even if you’re learning alongside them, demonstrates how much you value the experience and can encourage them to keep going.
With more downtime during the holidays, kids often gravitate toward screens. You can steer that screen time toward something meaningful by introducing coding platforms that feel more like games than lessons. Many tools, like Hour of Code, break coding into bite-sized, engaging activities that can be completed in under an hour. Setting up a cosy space with holiday snacks and letting your child explore these activities at their own pace keeps it light and enjoyable. The key is to let them have fun while they learn.
Kids are naturally curious, and coding becomes more exciting when they see its connection to the things they love. Sharing simple stories about how coding powers their favourite games, apps, or even the twinkling lights on the Christmas tree can spark their interest. There are also countless inspiring examples of kids who’ve used coding to create apps, games, or robots. These stories show that coding isn’t just about computers—it’s about creativity, innovation, and making an impact.
As your child experiments with coding, celebrate their progress. Maybe they’ve made a snowflake spin on the screen or created their first simple game. These moments are worth celebrating because they’re learning to solve problems, think critically, and create something from scratch. Asking questions like, “How did you make that happen?” or “What do you want to try next?” can show them you’re engaged and proud of their efforts, no matter how small the outcome.
The holiday season is about joy, so it’s important to keep coding fun and pressure-free. Let your child explore at their own pace and remind them that mistakes are part of the learning process. Over time, you can even turn coding into a holiday tradition, revisiting projects each Christmas to build on their skills or start something new. This makes coding not just a learning opportunity but a cherished part of your family’s holiday celebrations.
Encouraging your kids to code during the Christmas holidays doesn’t require you to be a tech wizard. All it takes is a little curiosity, willingness to explore together, and an open mind. Coding is a skill that helps kids build creativity, resilience, and confidence, qualities that benefit them no matter which career they choose. This Christmas, give your kids the gift of discovery. Whether it’s through a coding kit, a fun project, or a simple online tutorial, you’re not just teaching them to code; you’re teaching them to think, imagine, and solve problems. That’s a gift they’ll carry long after the holiday lights are packed away.
