Whoops! The kids are home unexpectedly, and let’s face it, there’s no way you’re taking them outside. Instead, it’s the perfect excuse to make the holidays come a little earlier. Craft, cooking, and movies are great ways to keep little ones busy, create memories, and bring the family together. We’ve had some fantastic winter themed posts on the blog and in the magazine over the years. We dipped into our archives to bring you our best so you can keep your kids cheerfully entertained as long as the red-alert, school-closing pollution lasts. This is a two-part blog post. You can find part one here.
Recipes
Christmas Cupcakes
Those delicious looking festive cupcakes up top are courtesy of Lollipop Bakery. With recipes for classic vanilla, gingerbread, candy cane, and spiced apple cupcake batters, as well as a simple buttercream frosting.
Gingerbread Cookies
Of all flavors, ginger is the sweet and spicy king of Christmas baking. Cookies can also double as tree ornaments.
Sugar Cookies
Ginger may be a little harsh on some younger palettes, these sugar cookies are sweet, firm, and last well if stored correctly.
Keep your Cookies Fresh
If you do start your holiday baking today, find out how to keep your handiwork fresh and tasty all season long.
Mulling Spices
Mix this spice mix with wine or apple juice to make a delicious warming beverage. Kids can join in pounding the spices and peels with a rolling pin.
Potato Latkes
These are hearty enough to make a delicious brunch or lunch, or if made smaller, a party canape.
Movies
Settling down in front of the television is a great wind down activity at the end of the day. Sit back, crank up the air-purifier, and snuggle under a blanket while you watch one (or two!) of our picks. Now would be a great time to tuck into that baking you did earlier.
Photos: beijingkids, and courtesy of christmasstockimages.com, deviantart.com, www.markmerrill.com, petitshoot (flickr), The Bloom Family Photography,
