Top 10 Christmas Ideas for the Family

I wanted to share a fun and creative list of things to do with your kids and family before Christmas. Each year we try something new. Set some time aside in the weeks leading up to Christmas and try out these 10 Christmas family time ideas. I am sure you will love these fun Christmas crafts, holiday ideas, and Christmas recipes for celebrating the season. You will score some big points with your kids in the process for being present with them as a parent during such a busy season.

Create a countdown to Christmas with your kids with some common household items.

Supplies:

• A large circle punch (in scrapbook supplies at craft store) or a jar or glass for tracing
  
• Tape
• Scrapbook or festive holiday gift wrap
• Ribbon
• Marker
• 1 or 2 muffin tins (depending on if you are counting down the 12 days or 24 days before Christmas
• A picture frame stand or a place to prop your finished tins

Directions:

1. Punch out 24 or 48 circles (depending on how long your countdown is). On half of these write the numbers 1-24 or 1-12 and on the other half you can write fun activities to do with your children in anticipation of the big day.

2. Stick your holiday activity folded up inside of each muffin tin and then attach the numbered circles to each individual muffin tin. Secure with tape on both sides to hold your activities in securely.

Mix up a batch of hot chocolate and set out some of  your favorite Keebler cookies so you can drink cocoa and nibble on cookies by the lights of your Christmas tree. My favorite cookies to pair with hot cocoa are Keebler Chips Deluxe cookies and Keebler Country Style Oatmeal cookies with Raisins. If you want to make hot cocoa from scratch, try my easy Creamy Hot Cocoa recipe below.

Ingredients for Creamy Hot Chocolate:

• 4 cups non-fat dry milk powder
• 1 1/2 cups sugar
• 1 cup non-dairy coffee creamer
• 2/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 (4 ounce) package instant chocolate fudge pudding

Directions for Creamy Hot Chocolate:

1. Mix all the ingredients together in a large bowl. If a finer consistency is desired, you can pour the mix into a blender or food processor and run it through that. Store in an airtight container.
   
2. Add 1/4 to 1/2 cup (depending on your cocoa preference) of the mix to an 8 ounce mug of boiling water.
   
3. Set out Keebler cookies to enjoy with the Hot Chocolate and you are all ready to decorate the tree together as a family.
   

Take advantage of your neighborhood’s Christmas decorations for a fun family activity you can do any night of the week. Pop some popcorn or make a batch of these Mint Chocolate Minglers for the road. Then, take a driving tour of the neighborhood Christmas lights in your pajamas together while eating your snacks.

Make festive holiday desserts and deliver them to your local fire station to thank them for their hard work. I love these cute little Red Nosed Reindeer Treats for a fun dessert that the whole family can create together.

Have the whole family put together a box of gently used winter clothing and toys and donate them to a local shelter. Take your children with you to donate them so that they can see how giving is even better than receiving.

Make a batch of gingerbread donuts for a fun holiday morning treat. My family and I came up with a Baked Glazed Gingerbread Donut recipe that is great for any occasion.

Ingredients for Baked Glazed Gingerbread Donuts:

Direcitons for Baked Glazed Gingerbread Donuts:

1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees and grease two doughnut pans.
   
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and spices. This will be your "dry" ingredient bowl.
   
3. In another medium bowl, cream together the brown sugar and butter. This will be your "wet" ingredient bowl.
   
4. In the wet bowl, beat in the eggs one at a time, and then the vanilla extract, milk, molasses, and pumpkin puree. Gradually beat the dry bowl's ingredients into the wet bowl just until combined.
   
5. Fill each doughnut mold 3/4 full with batter. Be careful to not overfill the donut pans or the donuts will not cook evenly.
   
6. Bake 8-10 minutes or until the doughnuts spring back when touched. Remove from the pan and cool completely.
   

Listen to Christmas carols while wrapping holiday gifts or writing holiday cards. Get your kids involved by having a contest to see who can sing the loudest or in the silliest voice. You can also play this game at bath time.

Get the family together and let everyone open one gift before Christmas. Your kids will be anxious to see what has been waiting for them under the tree. You could even make this into a fun game. Draw names to see which family member decides which gift you open.

Write a note to each member in the family to tell them how special they are and what you love about them. Leave the notes in their stockings and open all of the notes together on Christmas morning.

These are just a few ideas to keep in mind when celebrating the holidays this season. For more holiday inspiration, check out these Christmas recipes, ideas and more.