Holiday Fun!
The magic of Christmas often comes with a whirlwind of stress and demands. While many cherish the bustling holiday season, it's crucial to recognize that it can be overwhelming. But fear not, because you can create a Christmas filled with genuine joy, far from the Instagram-perfect expectations of lavish presents and extravagant dinners.
This holiday season, let's focus on the small yet heartwarming aspects of Christmas: reuniting with friends and family, catching up on life, and sharing stories from the past year.
Fun Holiday Activities
Creative Holiday Crafts: Building Memories Together
Create a gingerbread house
Gather everyone together and give them a gingerbread house-making kit.
Get to work building your gingerbread houses and decorating the roofs and windows in sticky icing and sprinkles.
Project ReNew Old Fashion Ginger Bread Cookies
Ingredients:
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
2 1/2 teaspoons ground ginger
1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1/2 cup unsulfured molasses
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
Prepare the Dough:
In a medium-sized mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, baking soda, and salt. Set this dry mixture aside.
Cream the Butter and Sugar:
In a separate large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until it becomes light and fluffy.
Add the Egg and Molasses:
Beat in the egg until well combined.
Gradually add the molasses and vanilla extract, mixing until the mixture is smooth.
Combine Dry and Wet Mixtures:
Slowly add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, mixing until a dough forms.
If the dough is too sticky, you can add a bit more flour until it's manageable.
Chill the Dough:
Divide the dough into two equal portions and wrap each in plastic wrap.
Refrigerate the dough for at least 2 hours or overnight. Chilling helps the dough firm up for easier rolling.
Preheat Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Roll and Cut:
On a lightly floured surface, roll out one portion of the chilled dough to about 1/4 inch thickness.
Use gingerbread man-shaped cookie cutters (or other desired shapes) to cut out your gingerbread figures.
Place the cutouts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving some space between them.
Bake:
Bake in the preheated oven for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly browned.
Keep a close eye on them, as they can quickly go from perfect to overdone.
Cool and Decorate:
Allow the gingerbread cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Once cooled, you can decorate them with icing, candies, or sprinkles as desired.
Now you have a classic gingerbread cookie recipe to enjoy during the holiday season or any time you crave that warm, spicy flavor. Happy baking!
Design a Christmas bauble
You could make many different Christmas bauble designs to get your family in the crafting Christmas mood.
Buy some see-through baubles and add photos of loved ones and glitter to help make everyone shine.
Use wood slices as a base and add paintings and decorations to give them a new lease of life.
If you want to get out of the house but still participate in a Christmas craft, why not get your favourite crew together and book a wreath-making workshop?
Learn how to make the perfect Christmas addition to your front door while sipping hot chocolate and chatting with your friends.
Reflection
1. Do you enjoy socializing during the holiday period?
2. What activity could you try with your friends and family to make celebrating Christmas less stressful?
3. What other crafts and activities can you think of that might be fun?
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