5 TIPS FOR KIDS IN THE CHRISTMAS KITCHEN

Christmas is a special time in the kitchen, and getting children involved is all about making memories together and sharing some of the season’s tastiest treats. Here are some ideas to help make sure the time you spend together in the kitchen is magical for little ones and grown-ups alike.

1. Set aside time specifically for kids in the kitchen.

The hectic dinner rush may not be the best time to get kids involved in holiday cooking. Choose an hour or two that you can set aside specifically for family time in the kitchen. Let the kids know you want to spend this special time together making something festive. And don’t rush. Put on some holiday music to get you all in the spirit, take time to admire each other’s creativity, and don’t forget to take some photos along the way to capture your special time together.

2. Let the kids decide what to make.

You don’t want to get 10 minutes into the fun only to find out the kids are already losing interest. By letting them decide what to make, they become instantly invested and willing to spend the time getting their hands messy rolling out cookie dough, decorating gingerbread or stringing popcorn. Younger kids may find it easier to choose from two or three options, so consider suggesting some choices and describing what each activity would involve – such as decorating these sugar cookies. Teenagers may prefer a more challenging project like a Yule log, mincemeat tarts or butter tarts.

3. Don’t worry about the mess. Expect it!

You may have your own system in place for tidying as you go in the kitchen, but most kids won’t work this way in the beginning. Creating is messy! Have some waste bowls on hand, but be prepared to let messes slide and focus on the fun you’re having together. When decorating cookies, make clean-up quick and easy by keeping sprinkles and decorative candies on a tray or dish towel to catch the mess as you work. Kids rarely wait until the project is finished to start eating. Expect a few candies and more than a little icing to go missing along the way!

4. Make it about giving.

Many children love to give gifts as much as they love to receive them. Ask them if there is someone special they’d like to share their finished kitchen creations with such as a best friend or a helpful neighbour. Kids love to have someone in mind that they are baking for and they might even think to use Grandma’s favourite colour to decorate their cookies if they know she’ll be receiving some. Grandparents love to see what you’ve been up to together!

5. Checking your list twice.

Just like Santa checks his sleigh before setting off, make sure you have everything on hand to make your kitchen time a success. Do you need another cookie tray or two? Some festive cookie cutters or kid-size rolling pins? Do you have enough icing sugar? You don’t want to have to run out to the store in the middle of the festive fun, but if you need to ... the friendly staff at Crystal City Foods will help you find what you are missing!