St Martin's Day with a toddler: tips for the lantern walk
Around 11 November children in the Netherlands and Germany walk through the dark streets with lanterns, singing songs at the doors. For a toddler that is a big adventure: it is dark, it is late and a lot is going on. A little preparation makes it an evening to remember.
No lantern yet? Download Hylkia's free lantern template: a lantern with the Hartendief animals, to colour in and make together.
Start a few days early
Practise one song at home, one is enough. Make a lantern together and walk around the house with the lights off, so your child knows what is coming.
A safe light
For small children an LED lantern stick is the best choice instead of a candle. The lantern stays intact, even if it gets dropped. Candles and paper are never a good combination with children.
Short and early
Eat early, dress warmly and keep the route short, past familiar doors. Twenty minutes is often plenty for a toddler. Stopping at the high point is fine. Walking together with friends makes it extra cosy and special.
A little afraid of the dark?
That is part of it. Hold hands, let your child carry the lantern and talk about what you see: the moon, the lights in the windows, the other lanterns. Their own little light gives a special feeling and confidence.
Let the light linger at home
After an evening like that it is nice if the light stays on a little longer in the nursery. Glow in the dark stars above the bed light up when the lamp goes off. A wall lamp such as the Sleepy Moon gives a soft light for falling asleep. And the lantern can stay on in the bedroom for a little while.
Frequently asked questions
From what age can a child join the lantern walk?
Toddlers often join in already, holding a hand and on a short route.
Look at what your child enjoys. Nobody is too young or too old to take part!
Which songs do you sing?
Every town and village has its own songs. Ask at the nursery or school which songs they practise and sing them together a few times beforehand.
