I love my kids. But when they ask to “help” me in the kitchen, I can’t help but think about how much more work that means for me. It’s just easier to do it myself. But it’s the holidays and even though it’s more work on my already crazy schedule, I owe it to them to let them be a part of the baking and decorating.
This year I’m getting ahead of them before they even ask to help me with baking cookies. I’ll plan their participation. They’ll have a role, but it’s going to be specific and organized. That way I can get all my work done and they can feel included too!
Plan A:
Call them into the kitchen after the cookie dough is made and have them help scoop it onto the baking sheet. Then let them lick the bowl!
Plan B:
Buy cookie frosting in pre-assembled pastry bags. Set up a station (outside preferably) where they can make their decorate their own cookies and put on candy toppings.
Plan C:
Target sells gingerbread houses that are already assembled and ready for the final decorating touches. Give the kids the goal of making the best decorated house that they can. You’ll be amazed at what ideas they will come up with.
The bonus:
Make a plate of your holiday treats and jump in the car to visit your neighborhood fire station. Knock on the door to the station and surprise those firefighters with some unexpected holiday cheer. (If you are lucky and they offer, you might even get a tour of the station and the fire trucks.)
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