Cookie Exchange

The holidays are a time to make, create and spend time together with friends and family. 

Cookie making is a great holiday tradition. The kids love to be involved so we host a kids Holiday Cookie Exchange.

Ask guests to bring two dozen of the same type of cookie to the party, plus enough copies of the recipe for each attendee. Display the cookies on a table, with the recipe cards and the child’s name next to each tray.

Then, have each child load up an empty plate with two of each type of cookie. While making their way around the table, the children also should pick up a copy of each recipe.

You can set up a station where the kids can then decorate covers and bind the recipes into small cookbooks as a memento of the party, or set up a decorating station to decorate the cookies.  Fill the table with all of the festive favourites; sprinkles, gumdrops, ribbon candy, candy canes, chocolate pieces, icing, the list goes on.

If you are hosting the swap be sure to stock up on packaging; Cellpohane bags, take out boxes, small tins and tissue paper.

I would like to share a few cookie classics that have been in our family:

Sugar and Spice cookies:

Original recipe makes about 50 cookies depending on size of cookie cutter.

Ingredients:

1 1/2 cups butter, softened 

2 cups white sugar 

4 eggs 

1 teaspoon vanilla extract 

5 cups all-purpose flour 

2 teaspoons baking powder 

option of following spices:

1 teaspoon cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon nutmeg

Pinch ground cloves

Directions:

1. In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugar until smooth. Beat in eggs and vanilla. Stir in the flour, baking powder, and option of spices. Cover, and chill dough for at least one hour (or overnight).

2. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Roll out dough on floured surface 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick. Cut into shapes with any cookie cutter. Place cookies 1 inch apart on ungreased cookie sheets.

3. Bake 6 to 8 minutes in preheated oven, or until edges just begin to brown. Cool completely. ( cookies can be stored in airtight containers for up to 2 weeks)

Gingerbread Dough

Ingredients: 

6 cups all purpose flour

1/2 teaspoon baking powder

4 teaspoons ground ginger

4 teaspoons ground cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon ground cloves or allspice

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 1/2 sticks (12 Tbsp) butter, softened

1 1/2 cups packed light brown sugar

2 large eggs

1 cup dark molasses

1 Tbsp water

Directions: 

Gingerbread Dough

Whisk together the dry ingredients in a large bowl, set aside.

Using an electric mixer, beat on medium speed the butter and brown sugar until fluffy and well blended. Beat in the eggs, molasses and water until well combined.

Beat half of the flour mixture into the molasses mixture until well blended and smooth. Stir in the remaining flour. Knead (or use your mixer's dough hook) until well blended. If dough is too soft, add a little more flour.

Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate at least two hours, preferably overnight. You can make it up to 3 days ahead of time. Let sit at room temperature for at least 10 minutes before rolling out.

Make the Gingerbread House 

Preheat oven to 350°F

Divide the dough in two. Spread parchment paper or wax paper on a large flat surface for rolling. Dust the paper lightly with flour. Working with one portion of the dough at a time, use a rolling pin to roll out the dough to an even thickness of 1/4-inch. Add a little flour to the surface of the dough, and check for sticking as you roll it out. If it sticks to either your rolling pin or the rolling surface, dust with more flour. If the rolled out dough is very soft, you may want to freeze it for an hour before cutting out.

Bake in a 350°F oven until the edges are just beginning to darken, 11-15 minutes for the large pieces, 6-8 minutes for the small pieces. Rotate the cookie sheets half way through the baking for more even browning. Remove the sheets to racks to cool, about 15 minutes.

Remove pieces to cool directly on racks to cool completely.

Ornamental Icing

Since this icing dries out very quickly, it’s important to keep it covered with plastic wrap or a damp towel. 

3 tablespoons meringue powder 

4 cups sifted confectioners' sugar

6 tablespoons water 

Beat all ingredients at low speed for 7 to 10 minutes, or until icing forms peaks. 

Keepsake Christmas Ornaments

How our tree has grown since the kids have come into our lives.  Each year, as we put up our tree, we take time to look at the ornaments that we have collected over the years.  There is the one we got for a wedding gift, our first home, baby’s first Christmas times two – one pink and one blue.  We have received some ornaments as gifts over the years as well.  There are ballerinas and Legos, drum sticks and running shoes.  Our tree tells a story of us, our family. 

Every time we visit a new or interesting place, we try to pick up a souvenir ornament in the gift shop. It is a great way to remember some of our adventures.  Some years, the kids have made beautiful keepsake ornaments at school.  I also like to make a few at home.  The salt dough handprints are my absolute favourite.  I try to do them every couple of years as the kids grow.   Last year we decorated shells from a trip to Mexico and this year we are making  time capsule ornaments for the year 2013! 

Time Capsule Ornament

You will need:

A clear plastic ornament (available at craft stores)

You child’s school picture

Paper

Small piece of ribbon

Modge Podge

Sponge Brush

I started by helping the kids to write out their memories and milestones from this year – what grade they are in, their teacher’s name, their best friend, favourite book and tv show, trips we took and what they did for their birthday are all  good things to record. You could also print these out on the computer.

I gently took the top off the ornament by squeezing the metal prongs. Then I cut the lines of printed memories into strips and slipped them into the ornament and replaced the top.

MITK Tip:  Buy more than one ornament.  You never know!

I cut the school picture into a circle and painted modge podge on the back to stick it to the ornament.  Then I brushed another layer of modge podge on the edges of the picture and smoothed it out with my fingers.  Once the edges dried, I brushed another coat of modge over the entire photo. 

I topped it off with a pretty ribbon hanger.

Salt Doug Hand Ornament

This is what you need:

4 cups of flour
1 cup salt

Food coloring
Large Mixing Bowl
Water to moisten
Cookie sheet
A little oil
Small rolling pin
A drinking straw
Ribbon
A plate for a guide
Paint to decorate

This recipe will make three ornaments.

In your mixing bowl ~ gradually blend in your flour & salt with water to make the dough. 

MITK tip *Remember to add gradually, because you can always add more water but it is hard to take it away.

Divide dough mixture into three parts, lightly oil the cookie sheet, form and roll out dough. Be sure to make the dough thick enough to form the handprint.

Use the drinking straw to put a hole in the top for the ribbon. 

The best part is letting the kids press their hands into the dough to make their prints.

Place in a 150* degree oven for an hour. Or you can air dry overnight  for 24 hours.

Once dry, paint or decorate as you like. 

Shell Keepsake Ornaments

This is a simple way to keep memories of your family vacations.

While away on vacation last year, we collected shells on the beach.  I tried to find ones with holes in the top to make it easy to hang them on the tree.  When we returned from our trip, I tucked the shells into the Christmas box. 

What you need:

Shells

Ribbon

Sharpie

Sparkly paints

All you need to do to make this holiday ornament is to write the name of the place where you collected the shells and the year.   With writing on the shell, I gave the kids some sparkly paint and had them decorate as they liked.  Last, I tied a pretty ribbon to the top to ready them for the tree.

I hope that you and your family will enjoy creating these ornaments for your tree and that you will continue to add stories as the years go buy.

Happy Holidays. 

MITKs Annual List of Holiday Events and Things to Do

PARADES

Help Santa Toy Parade

November 23rd, 2013
Time: 11:00 a.m. 

 Parade Route Below

Help Ottawa firefighters collect toys for those in need.  The Help Santa Toy Parade of lights is a tradition in Ottawa.  Local firefighters walk the route collecting toys from spectators. 

Starts at National Archives on Wellington Street, heading east on Wellington until Bank. The parade turns right, continuing south on Bank Street then turns left on Laurier Avenue. It heads east on Laurier until Elgin Street, where it ends near City Hall.

http://www.toyparade.org/ 

Here are some great tips for enjoying the parade 

• Don't underestimate the crowds.
• Arrive early if you want a good spot.
• Be prepared for long waits.
• Check the weather forecast before you head out.
• Have a plan with your kids in case you get split up.

Here is a link to a list of other Santa Claus Parades in Eastern Ontario

TREES AND LIGHTS

Christmas Lights Across Canada

December 5, 2013 to January 7, 2014.

Downtown Ottawa

Each year, Canada’s Capital Region glows with thousands of holiday lights during Christmas Lights Across Canada. The magic begins with an illumination ceremony on Parliament Hill. Join us on December 5 for an evening that is sure to enchant the entire family.  

More information 

Alight at Night Festival

Thursdays to December 6 to 18

Nightly December 19 - January 4
Check website for hours

Upper Canada Village

Over a HALF-A-MILLION lights adorn the heritage buildings, trees and fences of Upper Canada Village creating a one-of-a-kind magical backdrop for its annual Alight at Night Festival…a true winter wonderland!

More information 

THEATRE AND MUSICALS

Handel’s Messiah

December 17 - 18

NAC Southam Hall

A sensational blockbuster since its premiere in 1742, Handel’s most beloved composition remains just as popular to this very day. The timeless classic has become a holiday tradition full of memorable choruses, including the awesome “Hallelujah” chorus. Combining thunderous power with gentle tenderness, this deeply moving work will inspire and uplift as a brilliant cast of vocalists, a magnificent choir, and the NAC Orchestra combine for majestic performances of Handel’s most adored oratorio.

 More information

 

The Nutcracker

December 14 & 15
Centrepointe Theatre

Re-discover the classic that warms the hearts of young and old alike: a holiday tradition that has showcased the magic of the season for years. The joy of dance comes alive with the show that audiences flock back to again and again: The Nutcracker, A Canadian Tradition, and its holiday magic.

More information 

Other performances of the Nutcrackers at: 

Jamieson School of Dance

Shenkman Arts Centre 

VISIT SANTA

Rideau Center

details

Carlingwood

details

Bayshore

details

St. Laurent

details

Place D’Orelans

details

CRAFT FAIRS AND SHOWS

OVCC "Artisans @ Archives | The Christmas Show"

Saturday, 23rd and Sunday, 24th November, 2013,

10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Library and Archives Canada

395 Wellington Street

For more info visit ovccshow.com

Sir Robert Borden HS Christmas Craft Show

50+ Jusried Artisans. Donations of food or cash for the Ottawa Food Bank Gratefully accepted

131 Greenbank Road, Nepean

A Full List of Other Craft Shows and Fairs this Holiday Season at OttawaStart.  

OTHER FUN STUFF

Personalized Video Message from Santa 

This is not just for Ottawa residents but we wanted to share it with all of you because it is a really neat idea and our children LOVED it. You can even send it to an adult if you think they have been "naughty" 

http://magicsanta.ca/homepage.html

Write a Letter to Santa 

Santa Claus 
North Pole 
HOH OHO 
Canada 
Don't forget to put your return address on your letter so he can write you back

Mayor’s 12th Annual Christmas Celebration

Saturday, December 7, from 3:00 p.m to 7:00 p.m.  

Ottawa City Hall - 110 Laurier Avenue West

This fun-filled celebration will include ice skating on the Rink of Dreams, hot chocolate, roasting marshmallows and horse-drawn wagon rides on Marion Dewar Plaza. Inside City Hall meet Santa and Mrs. Claus, decorate a gingerbread cookie in Santa’s bakery, have your face painted, and enjoy live performances. Enjoy special treats from BeaverTails and Lindt!

 More information 

Santa Paws

Bring your favourite furry friend to pose with Santa in the annual Santa Pet Pics fundraiser. All proceeds go to help the animals at the Ottawa Humane Society!

More information dates and times 

Trees of Hope Event

Chateau Laurier

Tis the season when Fairmont Château Laurier decks the hall with over 25 Christmas Trees during the hotel's annual Trees of Hope Event, designed to raise money for the Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario.  Corporations participate by decorating trees and in turn these beautiful creations are place throughout the public spaces of the hotel for the entire festive season. This is an event that captures the true spirit of Christmas, by combining the beauty and imagination of the teams, paired with the gift of giving for a wonderful cause.  From November 267th until January 4th, guests and visitors can view the trees and vote for their favourite Corporate Tree as part of the People's Choice Awards

More information 

Get out and be Active

November is in full swing and the holidays are fast approaching. The days are much shorter, the weather is getting colder and it’s officially the season for hibernating, eating more and exercising less.  When curling up on the couch seems far more appealing than heading outside, it takes a little motivation and preparation to keep the family active throughout the winter months.

Here are some ways to keep your family active as the weather cools down.

Take your kids climbing. There are lots of indoor places to climb, a perfect activity for days when the weather is not so agreeable. A quick lesson on the basics of climbing and you’ll be set. Kids use their whole bodies while climbing and it is a great activity to teach problem-solving and help build confidence. And if the kids love it, you can move the adventure outdoors in the spring or summer.  Try Vertical Reality or Coyote Rock Gym.  There is also a small rock climbing wall at Fun Haven. 

Make a splash. Kids love to make a splash in the winter time.  There is nothing more exciting than swimming at an indoor pool while it is cold outside.  Family swim times are available throughout the week  at city pools.  City of Ottawa Website.   It can also be an adventure to visit the indoor water park at Travelodge or the Wave Pool in Kanata.  

Bring it inside:  There are so many wonderful indoor playgrounds in the Ottawa area and each one is unique.  From trampolines to bumper cars, bowling and everything in between, there are many great offerings to keep a family active.  Keep your eye on their websites to find specials and coupons that come up from time to time. 

Funhaven 

Star Gymnastics 

Tubes & Jujubes 

Brinkeetos 

Funatorium Explorium 

Sky Zone Indoor Trampoline Park 

Walk around the block.  Bundle up and get out for a walk with your family.  Take a look at all of the beautiful decorations going up around your neighbourhood.  Gaze at the stars or just have a great talk while you walk. 

Celebrate the first snow.   Make tracks. Make snow angels. Make a snowman. Often the first snow does not last, so embrace it. Kids will be excited to get out there and catch snowflakes on their tongue and dance around. Find your inner child and remember just how fun those first snowfalls can be. 

Try skating as a family. Ottawa has many indoor and outdoor ice surfaces that offer family and  recreational skating. The website has searchable schedules by community. Family skating is a great way to meet people from your neighborhood and keep active. Always remember to wear your helmets when ice skating.  Ottawa Public Skating Schedule.  

Visit the Community Centre  The city of Ottawa operates over 50 Community centres that focus on recreational, social, and cultural activities for everyone.  Check the schedules for each location to learn more about ways you can stay in shape and learn new skills.  Many centres offerer special programs during school breaks and holidays.  Ottawa Community Centres.  

Getting outside and being active with your kids is important. It sets them up for a lifetime of active living. If you make it a habit for them now, it will continue as they get older. Weather can make this challenging, but if you get out as the weather gets colder, it will be even easier when it warms up again. Being active as a family also creates so many great memories they will cherish and keeps the conversation going as the kids get older. 

Teaching your Child what Remembrance Day Means

Lynn Johnston’s comic strip pretty much sums it up for me.  I am so grateful to live in a time when my children don’t really know what war is.  At Remembrance Day, I think about the peaceful society that we live in here in Canada and I am thankful to the generations of Canadians who have served our country to make it that way. 

It is difficult to talk to our kids about war and death, yet I feel I really want them to understand why we enjoy our peace and freedom.  I want them to wear a poppy with pride and understand what it means.

Childrens’ books on Remembrance Day

There are  a whole bunch of books on Remembrance Day.   I like Proud as a Peacock, Brave as a Lion by Jane Barclay or A Poppy Is to Remember by Heather Patterson.  Books like these and the pictures and illustrations often get kids asking questions and starting conversations.   

Make it Musical

Remembrance Day music or wartime music can get kids thinking about war and the soldiers who served.  Play the "Last Post" bugle call or "Kiss me Goodnight, Sergeant Major" and "Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy Of Company B”.  If you can find an accompanying video on Youtube even better.  Kids will get a sense of the times and appreciate the visuals. 

Relate to a Real Person

Think of someone you know who has serve in the armed forces or who is currently serving.  Show your kids pictures of these people and explain the sacrifices they make for our country.  Help them to understand that serving our country is a full time job and that sometimes these people need to be away from their families for long periods of time.  Sharing these experiences with kids can help them relate to the true sacrifices others have made for our country. 

Make a Craft

Make a craft and spend some time talking about what poppies and remembrance mean.  I like this poppy made from a coffee filter and bingo dabber.  A simple idea, but a lot of fun. Full instructions here.  

 Attend a Ceremony

One of the best ways to show children the importance of remembrance day is to take them to a ceremony.  Have them dress up and put on a poppy.  The image of the soldiers themselves, the somber music and the sense of occasion will make an impact.  There are a few ceremonies taking place around the city.  Ottawa Tourism has a complete list on their site at http://www.ottawatourism.ca/en/features/remembrance-day

Whichever way your choose to observe Remembrance Day with your kids, I hope you make it meaningful for you and for them.  Keep in mind that this is an annual observance and that you can start your own traditions as years go by.