Wednesday, December 14, 2011

A few simple things to share with the family over Christmas

A Treasure hunt:



The perfect antidote to holiday crazy kids - A scavenger hunt! First, make a list of all the items you want the kids to find and print copies for everyone. Try to get a nice mix of objects and observations, such as pinecones, a cumulus cloud, holly berries, icicles, deer tracks, something red. Next, get seasonal stickers or stamps to place next to each found item on the list as a reward. Finally, get outside, go searchin’ and have a blast!

Capture the moment:



Pass around the camera and take a photo of each person's face as he or she opens a gift. Print out the picture then put it in an album with a description of the present - and the person's reaction next to it. Have fun writing silly captions.

Save a gift to open on New Year's Day:
 


Keep the party going by saving one holiday gift to open on New Year’s Eve. You can either pre-designate the present to remain unopened or allow the fam to look at their pile and pick one to wait for. Or you can relocate Secret Santa to December 31 and rename it Midnight Mystery!

Let the kids design the wrapping paper:
 


Roll out an entire spool of craft paper, weigh down the edges so they doesn’t curl and ask the kids to pretty-up the paper, please. Have holiday stamps and stickers at the ready, as well as glitter, colorful ribbon, markers, glue and anything else festive and stick-able your can think of. Once it’s all done, use it to wrap special presents.

Mini resolutions for you and the family:



We know that a lot of people are looking to shed pounds in 2012. Our suggestion? Instead of declaring one pie-in-the-sky weight-loss resolution, make a lot of mini ones. For instance, don’t say, “I’m going to lose 40 pounds this year!” Say, “I’m going to try Zoomba this week.” Once your small goal is complete, make a new one. (“I’m going to Zoomba every Monday, Wednesday and Saturday at 8 am.”) This way, you’re more likely to actually achieve your ultimate goal!

Left over Candy Canes



What on earth are you going to do with all of the candy canes hanging on your tree? Don’t fret! We have some tasty ideas: Crush and add them to your kids’ fave Rice Krispie Treat recipe. Sprinkle them over ice cream. Snap off the curved end, dip in melted chocolate for a tasty treat. Cut them up and add to cookies instead of chocolate chips. Or, use them to stir your tea or coffee.

And, if you're lucky enough to be heading somewhere with a real white Christmas...



White is so boring. Jazz up your snow-covered yard with color -- and lots of it. Simply fill spray bottles with water and food coloring and let your mini Picassos loose all over the yard.

For more festive family ideas check out 50 Fun Festive Activities to Do With Your Kids Before New Year's Eve