Kat's Arbitrary Thought Processes

I found these hint on cards I got in the mail from Target last year. I was thinking of posting them one a day for the 9 days leading up to Christmas.. but dude… I’m so busy right now with Christmas projects and what not… *sigh* So here they are! Nine holiday hints to help you through the season!

1. Baking Spirits Bright. – Organize a cookie swap in your neighborhood. Bake a batch of your favorites with the kids, then divide the batches with your friends and neighbors. You’ll wind up with more than a delicious assortment of cookies – your kids will get a taste of different holiday traditions.
2. Fill up your sense. – Fill your home with smells of the season. A simmering pot of Apple cider and mulling spices can warm the coldest winter night. Scented candles create a festive mood. And don’t forget every child’s favorite holiday smell – a steaming cup of hot chocolate and marshmallows.
3. Spread a little holiday cheer. – Teach your kids the tradition of kissing under the mistletoe. Decorate your home with mistletoe and watch the hugs and kisses multiply. Hang it in surprising places, like above the driver’s seat in the family car. Any time’s the right time for a little holiday snuggle.
4. Adopt a Family. – Show your kids it really is better to give than to receive by adopting a family and buying a gift for them. You can find families in need through programs set up by churches, schools, or local companies. Make it an event and go shopping as a family, then celebrate with an ice cream treat or hot chocolate.
5. Tree Trimming Treats. – Trim the tree with popcorn garland. All you need is popcorn, string and a needle. Get the family together, make a huge batch of popcorn and string your garland while watching a classic holiday movie. (Just remember to save enough popcorn for the tree!)
6. A Recipe for Fun. – Looking for a quick and easy treat for a kid’s holiday party? Crispy rice snowmen are fun to make and even more fun to eat. Get the whole family involved and you’ll be serving up the smiles in no time.
   1/3 cup butter
   1 pkg miniature marshmallows
   1 teaspoon vanilla
   6 1/2 cups crispy rice cereal.
   Melt butter and marshmallows; remove from heat. Add vanilla, pour over crispy rice in large bowl; mix well. Mold into snowmen and decorate with M&Ms, red hots, gumdrops, or frosting.
7. There’s no present like the time. – Make this holiday season a time the kids will remember forever by creating a family time capsule. Have everyone place a favorite photo, card, or memento from the holidays in a box. Keep adding to your time capsule every year.
8. Don’t Wait for Jack Frost. – Make paper Snowflakes with your kids. Cut a piece of paper into a circle, fold it in half, then fold it again into a pie shape and cut along the edges. Unfold and let the fun begin. Attach strings and hang your snowflakes from the ceiling, or make snowflake mobiles to create your own winter wonderland.
9. Give a Good Habit. – Stuff those holiday stockings with thank you cards and a cool pen, and in the twinkle of an eye, you just might find your kids are looking forward to writing those thank you notes.

There you go. Hope that helps someone out there. *S* Merry Christmas every one!