Posts from — December 2009

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Eco-Friendly Gifts for Kids
Holiday Books of All Faiths
Toy Finder
Stocking Stuffers
Kwanzza Gifts
Hanukkah Gifts
More Ideas

This is a fun alternative to the traditional popcorn and cranberry garland.

You’ll need:

1 package of rainbow licorice
1 package of gumdrops
thin wire
Directions:
1. Cut the wire the length you want your garland. I cut mine into smaller sections for my grandchildren because it was difficult for them to slide the gumdrops on the long wire.
2. Cut the rainbow licorice into small sections about 1-2 inches long.
3. Begin with a gumdrop on one end then alternate licorice and gumdrops.
4. Leave a short piece of wire on each end of your garland so you can twist two lengths together attaching the garland.

Each December, in my school class we talk about many celebrations. When we learn about Hanukkah we always play the dreidel game with unshelled peanuts. The kids love it. Get Free Dreidel Pattern & Game Directions.
We also make potato latkes. I’ve included a recipe that I have used so you can try it with your children or grandchildren. This is a simplified recipe.
Get Original Recipe.

5 large potatoes peeled & grated
3 eggs
salt & pepper
oil for frying or you can just use vegetable spray & fry them as you would hashbrown potatoes
1. Make sure you strain out all excess water from potatoes.
2. Combine potatoes, eggs, salt, & pepper
3. Fry until golden brown on each side.
4. Let cool slightly while they drain them on a paper towel.
5. Serve with applesauce, sour cream or jam.

More About Hanukkah

The women in my extended family have a great tradition. The first Saturday of December we get together at my home and have a pot luck lunch. Everyone 6 years and older is invited. We always do a service project for a local hospital and sometimes we make Christmas cards, gift tags or crafts for ourselves. This is a fun Christmas card project using scraps of ribbon and yarn. We even used holiday paper and stamps. Everyone created their own unique, personalized card. You can buy blank cards and envelopes at most craft stores or you can make your own using cardstock.

What a cute keepsake for you or your grandchildren, a handprint ornament. I got this idea from my grandson’s kindergarten teacher.
You’ll need:
Round Christmas ornament
White acrylic paint
Permanent markers (various colors)
Large paper plate
Directions:
1. Pour enough white paint on the paper plate to cover your grandchild’s hand.
2. Have your grandchild press their hand in the paint making sure the entire hand is covered.
3. Help them wrap their hand around the bottom of the round ornament. Make sure their fingers are spread out. You only have one chance to do it so make sure the hand is correct before you have them press on the ornament.
4. Wait for the paint to dry (about 30 minutes).
5. When it’s dry make a face, hat, scarf, buttons, arms, etc. on each of the fingers to represent a snowman. Each one can be different.
This is a fun and creative way to make a memory with your grandchildren.

CHRISTMAS ACTIVITIES
KWANZAA ACTIVITIES
CHANUKAH ACTIVITIES

My friend Marjean shared this recipe with me. It’s a quick & easy treat to serve with ice cream or alone.

Cornflake Cookies
1 cup light corn syrup
1 cup sugar
1 cup peanut butter (with or without nuts)
1 teaspoon vanilla
7 cups Cornflakes
Bring sugar and corn syrup to a boil.
Boil for 30 – 60 seconds.
Remove from heat and add peanut butter and vanill.
Stir until combined.
Add Cornflakes and mix.
Using a spoon, drop in mounds.
Let cool & serve.