Christmas is the perfect time to introduce little ones to the joy of baking and making! Not only does it create magical memories, but it also creates tasty, festive food - and gorgeous homemade decorations - which the whole family can enjoy.
Here are some of my favourite festive recipes to make with little chefs:
- Gingerbread Men are as fun to eat as they are to create, from popping on their little buttons, to drawing on their icing smiles. Here is my low sugar Gingerbread Men recipe, which are almost too cute to eat. These also make fab gifts for loved ones.
- My Christmas Snowballs are great from 10 months old, so even the smallest of elves can have some festive party food. Little helpers can help roll the snowballs and dust them with coconut flake ‘snow’!
- For a savoury festive bite, why not try these delicious Healthier Sausage Rolls. This recipe from the Little Dish Family Cookbook uses turkey mince for a healthy take on a Christmas classic. These are sure to be a hit with little diners.
- Another festive recipe with very little sugar is these Gooey Baked Apples which make a yummy Christmas pudding for older kids. Filled with all the flavours of Christmas, from cinnamon to cranberry, this quick and easy recipe is sure to be a winner.
An advent calendar with a twist
For some festive fun, why not make some magical memories with this downloadable alternative advent calendar from Little Dish. This lovely advent calendar has special activities to do with your little one each day throughout December. From going on a night-time walk to see Christmas lights to a family sleepover in-front of the tree, or a kitchen disco with your favourite festive tunes.
Christmas crafts to keep little ones busy
Making homemade decorations and cards with the kids is a lovely Christmas tradition in our house. Christmas tree bunting is simple to make, all you need to do is cut out some Christmas shapes (stars, snowflakes, holly), punch a hole in each one and thread through some string. Decorate with lots of glitter for festive sparkle that you can hang around the house or on the tree.
Another lovely idea is homemade Rudolph hanging decorations or cards. Simply trace around your child’s foot, then add a Pom Pom red nose and draw on antlers and eyes. Thread through a piece of ribbon and hang your reindeer on the tree or cut it out and stick it on to a folded piece of card for a super-cute Christmas card. These are lovely to make year on year as you can see the decorations get bigger and bigger.
I hope these activities help spread some festive cheer, and you have a very Happy Christmas!
