In an effort to 1.) avoid setting myself up to become a "cruise ship director" of activities 2.) have my kids start taking ownership of the holidays, traditions and values in our family, my goal is to sit back, listen and enjoy more. Most importantly, say "yes" to the ideas they come up with! So, I'm breaking down what I consider the "holiday basics" in our house. If I am stocked up, I can be ready to say "yes" and enjoy the moments with them, not just be a facilitator and clean-up crew. I've realized that I don't have to wait or put pressure to do special things on a ceertain day. If they are into it or need some extra love that day, go for it.
Trick #1: Easy frozen Rudolph Pancakes
If my main job is to provide love, nurishment and shelter, might as well get some holiday magic credit! I bring you a heck of a breakfast that's...not totally made from scratch...unless you consider the assembly of the reindeer (which I totally do).
All you need is...
*frozen pancakes or waffles (heck! or bread, biscuit....whatever!)
*frozen fully-cooked bacon or sausage
*Red nose: strawberries, raspberries, dried cranberry, red M&M or jelly bean. (you get the idea.)
*Eyes: blueberries, raisins, chocolate chips or blackberries.
*whipped cream (optional, but fun).
If they've had too much sugar recently, I tell them that and say it's not a whipped cream day and move on. It's really important for my family to gently change things up to avoid rigidity and frustrations. My Rudolph pancakes aren't always going to look the same. I mean, they may just be regular reindeer one day. My job is to provide nurishment and have fun with them. If the materials/ingredients are not the same as last time or frustrating a kid, they have the choice to make their own food they way they want. (That's a win in my book!) Then, I'll sit and enjoy my spider pancakes, just to mess with them:)
What are ways you bring fun into holiday meal time?