Guest Post by Cindy Jamieson
COVID-19 has hugely impacted our lives and it seems to remain that way for more time. Given the constraints and the social distancing rules, even stepping out of the house is not at all easy anymore. In addition, celebrations and get-togethers have gone virtual. However, Christmas doesn't have to come to a halt, because of Covid-19. Here are a few ways on how to celebrate the best Covid Christmas with kids in a fun yet safe way-
As cases continue to rise herein
Canada, we are bracing ourselves for a pandemic Christmas. This means we will
be celebrating with only the 4 of us this year. No traveling up North to visit
my parents, no big dinner with my SO's extended family. Despite the limitations
this year, it doesn't mean that your Christmas season has to be boring.
Ideas for a Great Christmas during COVID-19
If you are like me and love Christmas, you've probably been thinking about what this year will bring. The kids will still have 2 weeks off, but with limits on indoor activities, creativity may be needed to keep the children entertained during this time. So, today I am sharing a few ideas on how to still have a magical Christmas, during this difficult time.
Plan a THEMED Day
When my kids were younger, I would plan
themed movie days. One of my favorites during Christmas is Grinch day. The
kids would dress up and we would make Grinch themed snacks (recipe below) and
enjoy watching the original The Grinch Who Stole Christmas movie and the live
action remake (with Jim Carrey).
So choose your favorite holiday
movie, dress up using clothes and accessories you have at home, and think up a
super fun snack. It's a fun and affordable way to get into the Christmas
spirit.
Grinch Fruit Kabobs
 |
| Delicious Fruit Kebobs for Christmas |
20 green grapes, washed and dried
20 small strawberries, washed, dried
and stems removed
1-2 bananas, peeled and sliced into 20
slices
20 mini white marshmallows
20 kabob sticks, or long toothpicks
Recipe:
- Start by threading a grape onto a kabob stick
- Next thread a banana slice onto the kabob stick, until it sits
atop of the grape
- Thread a strawberry onto the kabob stick, so that the pointy
narrow part is pointing upwards
- Finish by threading a mini marshmallow, so that it sits atop
the strawberry
Visit Local Christmas Tree Farms
 |
| Visit tree farm for a great Christmas with kids |
For years my family has enjoyed visiting local Christmas tree farms. Even if we weren't choosing a Christmas tree, we would go have some outdoor Christmas fun. From picking out a new ornament for the tree to roasting hot dogs over the fire, while sipping hot chocolate, tree farms are always fun during the Christmas season. This year I suggest Googling local farms and checking out their website to see if appointments are needed to visit. While these farms offer outdoor fun, they still need to be mindful of social distancing protocols.
Bake Christmas Cookies
From a very young age, my kids have been
helping make Christmas cookies. I feel that children can learn so much from
being in the kitchen. From food safety to math, creating in the kitchen is a
great way to spend quality time as a family. It will increase self-confidence,
and you will see how proud of themselves they are for creating something from a
few simple ingredients. Play your favorite Christmas music, get all your
ingredients ready, and let the fun begin, with these simple and festive Jello
Cookies! Nothing can stop you to celebrate the best COVID Christmas with kids, right!!
Jell-o Cookies
3/4 C unsalted butter, softened
1/2 C sugar
1 pkg (3 ounces) Jell-O gelatin, red
(cherry or strawberry) or green (lime)
1 large egg
2 egg yolks
1-2 Tbs water
1 tsp vanilla
2 1/2 C flour
1 tsp salt
1 tsp baking powder
Red or green food coloring (optional)
1/3 C sugar for sprinkling
1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
2. In a bowl beat together butter, 1/2 C sugar, and jello until soft and creamy. Add eggs, vanilla, 1 Tbs of water, and food
coloring, if desired; continue beating until smooth and fluffy.
3. In a separate bowl, mix together flour,
salt, and baking powder. Gradually, add to the wet ingredients beating well
after each addition. The dough will be very soft but not sticky. If too dry,
mix in the remaining 1 Tbs of water.
4. Shape dough into 1 1/4-inch balls and then
roll in granulated sugar. Place balls on the baking sheet and flatten with the bottom
of a bowl or cup to about 3/8-inch thickness.
Bake for 6 minutes; until bottoms just
begin to brown.
Final words
I hope the above ideas for a great Christmas during COVID-19 help you to have a lovely time with your family and kids. Since Christmas is not far, start planning now if you have not yet planned.
About Guest Blogger-
Cindy is a mom of two, who has worked in the food industry over the past 25 years. She recently decided to return to blogging, while being off work due to the pandemic. Cindy’s love passion for food can be found in her recipes over at Cindy’s blog Mom,the Lunch Lady, and her Facebook page
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Any problem and disease can not kill the spirit of celebrating Christmas festival. We may enjoy our favourite music, movie and allow our children with fancy dresses available at home.
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