HOLIDAY TRADITIONS
Christmas Memories
Christmas is all about childhood memories, so it’s a great time to bring kids into the kitchen to create some.
What were some of your favorite things to do in the kitchen when you were a child? Think back to your own memories growing up, and try to bring those same
pleasant experiences to your own family this year.
Pass Down Traditions
Creativity
Most families have their own holiday treat recipes that have been passed down for generations. Getting
children involved can help them learn these same traditions and remember where they came from.
The taste of Grandma’s Christmas goodies is something they’ll cherish after they’re grown. Memories of
actually baking those treats with Grandma could be cherished even more.
Ask for Input
Before the holiday season begins, talk over your plans with your children and see what they’d like to add.
When kids get a chance to have input on what you’re doing, they’re more likely to enjoy it and get excited
about the process.
Ask them how much food they think you should make and who you should give it to. Letting them pick
some of their friends’ families to get Christmas treats is a good way to teach young children the spirit of
generosity.
Ingedient Dumping
Choose recipes that involve measuring ingredients that are easy for children to dump into mixing bowls.
Let each child take turns pouring things like sugar and flour into a bowl so they feel like they’re really
participating in the Christmas baking process.
When the food comes out of the oven, they’ll know they played a part in how delicious it tastes. Be sure to
remind them that their help is part of the reason it tastes so good.
Decorating foods such as sugar cookies can help your child use their imagination. Using unconventional
foods like licorice and colorful candies to decorate their cookies gives them the freedom to make their own
baked artwork.
One fun thing to do is simply provide the decorating tools and let the children make their own decisions
about how to decorate their own treats. You never know what they might come up with: a Christmas dinosaur
on a cookie, or ice princesses on a cake. Whatever they make, take pictures so you can remember the fun
after your children are grown.
Forgiving by Design
You should choose recipes that don’t require looking perfect so that when children bake with you, you
won’t have to nitpick their work.
When food needs to look perfect, one good idea is making two batches: one for the kids to help create
and eat, and the other to look prettier for your guests. That way children can have fun and actually bake their
own treats – which is both a good way to make memories and teach them about cooking at the same time –
without worrying about presentation.
Wash Up
Use the holidays to teach your children how to prepare to cook. Younger children, especially, can enjoy
getting involved in preparing the kitchen and washing their hands before they start to make foods.
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Come enjoy the magic!
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Home for the Holidays 2015 • www.wallowa.com • 27