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(BPT) – The holidays are a special time of year for everyone, but through the eyes of a child, it can feel like pure magic. Parents and caregivers looking to make this holiday extra special should spend less time worrying about trinkets under the tree, and instead, focus on spending quality time with their families. To make this holiday the best yet, consider these five festive ideas for bonding and creating unforgettable memories together.
Watch a favorite holiday movie together
From Frosty the Snowman to Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer – everyone has a favorite holiday movie they remember from their childhood. This year, relive those fond memories with your child as you snuggle up on the couch together. Don’t forget to gather the movie night essentials such as popcorn, holiday cookies or a mug of hot chocolate topped with Hot Cocoa & Cream PEEPS. Snap a picture of everyone together and share the joy!
Organize a holiday scavenger hunt
Santa’s elves escaped the North Pole to have a little mischief in the yard or in the house. It’s up to you and your child to find all the things on Santa’s scavenger hunt list. Before kids wake, hide fun holiday items around for the ultimate holiday scavenger hunt. A pine cone, candy cane, star and red bulb are just a few examples of what you can put on the list.
Bake with a cultural twist
Baking holiday cookies is a fantastic tradition for kids and adults alike. This year, in addition to your favorite recipes, add a new one inspired by your cultural heritage. Try Lebkuchen from Germany, Melomakarona from Greece or Alfajores from Argentina. A few minutes online and you’ll find the perfect recipe to expand your holiday cookie platter and help kids delve into their family history.
Embrace the spirit of the season
The holidays are a wonderful time full of wish lists and present exchanges. This year, help kids understand the joy of giving back by volunteering together. Whether you buy presents for a family in need, write holiday letters to the troops or help at a homeless shelter, you’re showing kids that it feels just as good to give as it does to receive. Plus, the experience will leave a positive impact long after the holidays are over.
Make an ornament keepsake
Let children’s imaginations take flight and embrace the spirit of the holiday season by creating a special ornament together. With a few simple supplies, you can create a cute and customizable ornament that will remind you of this special project each year as you pull out the decorations. Make a few extra and let your child give them to grandparents, teachers and friends.
Try this simple guide for fun and festive Snow Globe Christmas Ornaments:
Supplies:
PEEPS Christmas marshmallow shapes: Gingerbread Men, Trees, Snowmen or Reindeer
DIY ornaments
Tape with a holiday design (washi tape)
Miniature seasonal props
Loose glitter snow
Hot glue
Popsicle sticks
Ribbon
Bells
Directions:
Best practice: Select which PEEPS you want to use in the ornament, remove from packaging, and let sit overnight.
1. Start with one half of the ornament. (DIY ornaments typically sold in a set of halves.)
2. To create a platform for the PEEPS to stand on, take a Popsicle stick and cut it so it rests across the lower third of the inside. Secure the stick using hot glue to the inside of the ornament.
3. Prop your selected PEEPS shape on the Popsicle platform and secure with hot glue.
4. Add festive miniature props such as the mini-Christmas tree and candy cane shown above, secure with hot glue.
5. Let the ornament stand for 10 minutes.
6. Add enough loose glitter snow to the finished half of the ornament to hide the Popsicle stick.
7. Connect the front half of the ornament and carefully secure with hot glue.
8. Add the tape with holiday design (washi tape) to cover the seam of the ornament or add bells and ribbon to the outside of the ornament.
Caution: glue gun can be extremely hot. Parents should supervise at all times.
For more holiday inspiration visit marshmallowpeeps.com.
