Christmas is an especially enchanting time for children, so help the magic come alive by involving them in the preparations. Paula loves throwing a trim-a-tree party for her grandkids to make decking the halls for the season even more special.
It’s a great tradition to start with your loved ones, but sometimes decorating can take all day with all the lights, garland, and ornaments. Make sure there’s plenty of snacks for everyone to munch on throughout the day. These bite-size nibbles are easy to prepare and keep both grown-ups and kids satisfied and happy.
In addition to a family tree, consider getting the kids their own little tree so they can reach all the branches. Buy or make ornaments from paper, fabric, or plastic materials–anything but glass–so they can do all the decorating on their own. Show them how to string a popcorn garland for a homemade touch to the tree. They’ll be so proud of their handiwork! Display the tree atop the kitchen table, in the playroom, or in their bedroom for them to enjoy.
Before the tree-trimming festivities begin, the kids can help in the kitchen by dressing up English Muffin Mini Pizzas with toppings to resemble ornaments.
Munching on popcorn for the garland can be tempting, so make some Gingerbread Caramel Corn to snack on and keep the plain popcorn for crafting.
Kids will love these crunchy homemade Nacho Cheese Straws—they taste like those small square cheese crackers but so much better!
These Ranch Turkey Sliders with a creamy herb spread are a heartier bite to have in the mix.
These Cinnamon-Sugar Swirl Cookies are a sweet snack both grown-ups and kids will adore.
These Peanut Butter Cereal Bars are a merry mix of holiday colors and flavors.
For more holiday recipes and home décor inspiration, check out Paula Deen’s 10th Anniversary Christmas special issue.
