Holiday Projects to Do With Kids
By Elisa Ast All
My family and I recently attended a game for the Chicago Storm indoor soccer
team. It was so much fun and very exciting for kids and parents alike. The
kids all play soccer and my husband, Alvin, is a coach, so for them it was
an inspirational experience.
That game, the team had "Family Night" where they held a teddy bear giveaway for charity. The kids were asked to bring a
stuffed animal to be donated to children in need. While giving away toys is
not their favorite pastime, our kids eventually got over their reservations
and felt good about sharing a gently used toy with a child who didn't have
one.
When the Storm scored their first goal, all the kids got to throw their
teddy bears on the field, a no-no most of the time. So not only did they do
something good for others, but they also got to break a rule – fun!
That experience got me thinking about other fun things to do with kids this
holiday season. The holidays mean more time to spend with our kids. It also
means greater opportunities to give back to friends, neighbors and those in
need. Why not combine the two and spend some time with your children doing
projects that will make others feel good this season? You may find that it's
one of the things you remember most about the holidays this year.
Everyone enjoys holiday cookies – especially kids! So let them help you make
some treats to share with those you care about. The recipe below is the
winner of iParenting's Christmas Cookie Contest. It's easy to let kids help
with this project, and after taking one bite, you'll see why this one is our
favorite!
Makes two dozen
What You'll Need:
1/2 cup butter, softened
1 package (3 ounces) cream cheese, softened
1 cup flour
1 egg
3/4 cup packed brown sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla
Dash of salt
1/3 cup finely chopped cranberries
3 tablespoons chopped pecans
What to Do:
For the pastry: In a mixing bowl beat the butter and cream cheese until
combined. Stir in the flour. If desired, chill in refrigerator for 1 hour.
Shape the dough into 24 balls; place in ungreased 1 3/4-inch muffin pans.
Press dough evenly against bottom and up sides of each muffin cup.
For the filling: In a mixing bowl beat together the egg, brown sugar,
vanilla and salt just until smooth. Stir in the cranberries and pecans.
Spoon filling into the pastry-lined muffin cups.
Bake in a 325 degree F oven for 30 to 35 minutes or until pastry is golden
brown. Cool in pans on wire racks. Remove from pans by running a knife
around the edges. When cool, package the cookies in a holiday mug or bowl,
wrap in colored cellophane and tie with a ribbon for a pretty gift. Have the
kids write a note to go with it.
This next recipe is perfect for cozy mornings at home or as a hostess gift
for holiday gatherings. Everyone will benefit from the antioxidants in the
blueberries and beta-carotene in the pumpkin!
Makes two dozen
What You'll Need:
2 1/2 cups flour
1 1/2 cups sugar
1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 1/4 cups canned pumpkin
2 large eggs
1/4 cup canola oil
1 1/4 cups fresh or frozen blueberries
What to Do:
In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, pumpkin pie spice, baking soda
and salt. In another bowl, combine the canned pumpkin, eggs and oil. Gently
stir wet ingredients into dry until just moistened. Gently fold in
blueberries.
Spoon batter into greased muffin tins, filling three-quarters full. Bake for
28 to 30 minutes. When cool, place muffins in a basket lined with
holiday-themed tissue paper, wrap in cellophane and tie with a ribbon. Have
kids draw a holiday picture to go with it.
Children love crafts, and this one makes a special gift for a teacher or
relative or even for your tree at home. Be careful with small items that
could pose a choking hazard to young kids. Children of all ages need
constant supervision when making crafts.
What You'll Need:
Two CDs (blank ones are available for purchase)
Gold cord or ribbon
White gem glue
Low-temperature glue gun
Gemstones
Disposable bowl
Newspaper
What to Do:
Cover your work surface with newspaper. Hot-glue two CDs back-to-back,
putting a loop of cord or ribbon in between them for hanging. Put some gem
glue in a bowl.
Have your child dip a finger into the gem glue and then onto the CD. Press a
gem onto the glue. Continue until both sides are filled with gems. Sprinkle
both sides with glitter to cover the excess glue. When dry, shake off the
excess glitter and package the ornament in a pretty gift bag. Have kids make
a handmade label for the recipient. Consider taking the ornaments to an
elder care facility and bringing smiles to the residents there.
Looking for more projects to do with your children? iParenting's
Parent-Child Activity Calendar offers 365 activities to do with kids that
promote bonding, learning and fun. Visit www.iParentingStore.com to learn
more.
Want to see more?
About the Author: Elisa Ast All, the mother of three, is the Editor-in-Chief of www.iParentingMedia.com and the national newsstand magazine, Family Energy: Your Guide to Raising Healthy Kids. Learn more at www.FamilyEnergy.com.
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