Holiday Fun Guide

8/8/2019 Holiday Fun Guide

1/20

Holiday Family

Fun Guide2010

Cheryl Owens

EFNEP Program Assistant

Whitley County Cooperative Extension Office

4275 N. Highway 25W

P.O. Box 328

Williamsburg, KY 40769

(606) 549-1430

Agriculture and Natural Resources - Family and Consumer Sciences - 4-H Youth Development - Community and Economic Development

Educational programs of Kentucky Cooperative Extension serve all people regardless of race,

color, age, sex, religion, disability, or national origin. University of Kentucky, Kentucky State

University, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and Kentucky Counties, Cooperating. Disabilities

accommodated with prior notification.

Please note that mention of a trademark or brand name product in text does not constitute an endorsement by

Kentucky Cooperative Extension and does not imply approval to the exclusion of other suitable products not

listed


2/20

2

ContentsIn the Kitchen: Edible and Fun

Gingerbread Houses

Hersheys Kisses Tree

Gak Putty

Play Dough Recipe

Chocolate Pumpkin Snack Cake Recipe

Snow Days: Fun Games to Play Indoors

Rag Ball Game

Coming in for a Safe Landing

Trail Mix Recipe

Softee, or My Companion

Pipe Cleaner Tree

Pipe Cleaner Candy Cane

Grandmas Apron

Giant Reindeer Card

Sour Cream Apple Pie Recipe

Group ActivitiesTwelve Days of Christmas

Add a Word

My Life

Cranberry Pork Chops & Cranberry Ham Recipes

What about playing some traditional games that can be played at almost any age, thus provoking one on one time,

conversation, and stimulation for the brain no matter what the age!

CHECKERS MARBLES BOB JACKS

CARDS MONOPOLY PLAY DOUGH

MR. POTATO HEAD YO YO CHESS

BARREL OF MONKEYS SLINKY VIEW MASTER

SCRABBLE CLUE OPERATION

LIGHT BRIGHT TWISTER LINCOLN LOGS

JENGA BLOCKS TINKER TOYS



3/20

3

Gingerbread HousesMaterials

7 graham crackers

Frosting for glue

Styrofoam plates/trays for construction and storage

Assorted small candies for decorating

Ribbon

Pastry bag and tip or Ziploc bag

Scissors

Frosting1/2 pound confectioner's sugar

3 tbs. butter/margarine

1/2 tsp. Vanilla extract

1 1/2 - 2 tbs. Milk

Procedure

Make Frosting

Mix all the ingredients together until smooth and easy to spread, but not runny. Add more sugar if the mixture is too

runny.

If you have a pastry bag, place frosting in bag and use a small tip. You can also use a Ziploc bag, cutting a small hole in

the corner.

Place one graham cracker flat on the table, squeeze a little frosting around all edges. You may need an extra pair of

hands.

Place one cracker on each side standing up. It now looks like a box without a top.

Carefully squeeze more frosting on all outside corners from top to bottom and around the bottom of the box.

Let stand for a short while to let frosting harden a little. This will make working with the roof a little easier.

Now squeeze frosting on two of the top edges of the box and place the last two graham crackers in a V shape on as the

roof. Looks like a triangle on a box now from the side. It may overhang if you can get the frosting to hold for you.

Squeeze frosting along the top of the roof where crackers join. Let stand again until frosting hardens a little.

Now comes the fun part - with leftover frosting, cover the roof to look like snow. (two sides are left open) Then squeez-

ing small amounts on candy, place candy on the house to decorate. You can use the frosting to add things like

doors and windows. Just use your imagination.

After project is totally dry, string ribbon through to open side of the roof and hang on Christmas tree.

This Gingerbread House is safe to eat, but if you would like to save your treasure for years to come you can use a spray

varnish in a well ventilated area. (2 - 3 coats of varnish).

http://crafts.kaboose.com

If you want to do this project with young

children, you might want to make the base

house ahead of time, gluing the corners

from the inside - and let it harden. Then turn

them loose with frosting and small candiesto do the decorating.

Tips from the Pros:



4/20

4

Materials

Cone shaped foam pieces,

sizes vary (available at craft

stores)

Hershey Kisses - Holiday

Assortment (amount varies

depending on size of foam

cones)

Toothpicks

Procedure

Remove the Hersheys Kisses from the bags.

Stick toothpicks into the bottom (flat side) of each

Hersheys Kiss.

Starting at the bottom of the foam cone, insert the

extended end of the toothpick into the foam base until the

Hersheys Kiss is flush up against the foam.

Continue going around the bottom level until it is covered

with Kisses.

Move up to the next level of the tree and repeat the circles

of the Kisses until the entire foam cone is covered.

Place one Kiss at the top, pointy side up. .

Makes a great family craft project, and a delicious

decoration for your holiday buffet!

Photo from www.partyideasparade.com

Hersheys Kisses Tree

Using lots of green kisses makes the red and

silver ones stand out more! Its just like

building and decorating your own Christmas

Tree, but more delicious!

Tips from the Pros:




listed


5/20

5

Gak PuttyMaterials

Glue

Water

Food Coloring

Borax

Bowls

Spoons

Ziplock bag

ProcedureMixture 1:

1/4 cup White Glue

1/4 cup Water

Food coloring

Mixture 2:

1/8 cup Water

1/2 teaspoon Borax

Make Mixture 1 in one bowl, and Mixture 2 in another.

When both bowls are very well mixed, add Mixture 1 into Mixture 2.

Knead the mix for 1-2 minutes to blend.

Have fun playing with your Gak Putty!

Once playtime is over, Gak Putty can be stored in a plastic bag until next time.

Borax can be found in the laundry section of your local store. It has many uses as a household cleaner, and has a chemi-

cal reaction with the polyvinyl alcohol in the glue to form this fun toy!

http://crafts.kaboose.com

Gak Putty is the perfect toy for a day stuck

indoors with the children! Use festive colors

by adding red or green food coloring to the

mixture. The kids love it for being squishy

and gross! Look out though, Gak Putty canbe messy!

Tips from the Pros:




listed


6/20

6

Play Dough RecipeMaterials

2 cups plain flour

1 cup salt

4 tablespoons cream of tartar

4 tablespoons vegetable oil

2 cup water with food coloring added

Procedure

Mix flour, salt, and cream of tartar in a large saucepan.

Blend water and oil together in a bowl.

Add to the saucepan and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly

until the dough forms into a ball.

Food coloring or 2 teaspoons of vanilla/almond or peppermint essence can be added for color or scent if desired.

Allow to cool, and then knead until smooth.

Store in an airtight container for up to three months.

http://www.creativekidsathome.com

If you forget to put the dough away, it will

become very dry and harden. However, you

can add a little water and knead the dough

back to good-as-new! While this dough is

non-toxic, remember that it is NOT in-tended as a food item.

Tips from the Pros:



7/20

7

Chocolate Pumpkin SnackCakeIngredients

1 box devils food cake mix (18.25 oz.)

1 can pumpkin (15 oz.) or 2 cups fresh pumpkin (cooked and mashed)

Procedure

Mix cake mix and pumpkin in a large bowl. Batter should be thick.

Spread batter in a greased 13 x 9 inch cake pan.

Bake according to cake mix package directions.

Cool, cut, and enjoy!

Sarah Ball Brandl. FCS, EFNEP

This is the most moist and delicious choco-

late cake ever to come from a box! Its super

quick and easy, and you cant taste the

pumpkin!

Tips from the Pros:



8/20

8

Rag Ball GameMaterials

Old rags

Old tube socks

Brown paper bag

Markers

Procedure

Tear old rags into one inch-wide strips.Knot the ends of the strips together.

Start winding the long strip of rags into a ball.

Continue, making the ball bigger and bigger!

Stuff the ball into the toe of an old sock, knot the end of the sock near the stuffing, and fold the extra back over the

ball. To make the game of "bag ball," fold down the top edge of an empty paper grocery bag about one inch all

around. The bag should stand up by itself. Decorate bag to personalize it. Practice tossing the "rag ball" into the

bag so you'll get better and better!

http://pbskids.org/rogers/

Another fun variation is to set up a rag golf

course in your home. The kitchen might be

a course, with the hole being in the sink.

Make up your own rules, set a par for the

course, and keep score cards!

Tips from the Pros:



9/20

9

Coming in for a Safe LandingMaterials

Cotton String

Dixie Cups

Square piece of cloth or handkerchief

Procedure

Ask for help knotting 8-inch pieces of string to each corner of a hand-kerchief or piece of cloth.

Poke four holes around the rim of a paper cup and fasten the end of

each string to the holes.

If you put toy people or small animals inside the cups, they will add enough weight to make the parachute float prop-

erly.

Another way to make a parachute is to tie the ends of the string to a metal nut or washer.

Toss the parachute in the air, and watch it open and float to the ground.


Set up a target on the floor and toss your

parachute into the air. Can you hit the tar-

get? Kids love playing this game from an

upstairs loft or banister, just make sure

there arent any breakables nearby!

Tips from the Pros:



10/20

10

Trail Mix RecipeIngredients:

4 cups dry cereal (1 or more kinds)

2 cups pretzel sticks

cup raisins

cup peanuts

Procedure

Mix Ingredients and store in an airtight container.

This makes a great snack for those long holiday car trips, to keep

kids busy while preparing holiday meals, or as a fun anytime

snack. Add chocolate or other candy pieces for a sweeter variety,

or dried fruit, such as apricots, for a healthier option.

Peanuts are a great part of this trail mix, but

be careful! Small children can choke on pea-

nuts, and some guests or friends might have

serious peanut allergies. Always handle

with care!

Tips from the Pros:



11/20

11

Softee, or My CompanionMaterials

Pillow Case

Yarn

Buttons

Felt

Chenille Stems

Stuffing (PolyFil, old clothes, clean rags, worn-out pantyhose)

Markers

Procedure

Fill a pillow case with soft stuffing materials, like clean rags, old

clothes, or worn-out nylon pantyhose.

Tie the end closed with a piece of yarn or string.

Tie some yarn or string around the middle to make a "waist" or "neck" or around the corners to make "ears" or "feet"

Sew on buttons for eyes, yarn for hair, and scraps of material for a mouth or eyebrows.

You might want to make a happy face on one side and a sad or angry face on the other side.

There are times in life when children need comfortmaybe it's a sad or lonely or scary time. Sometimes they want to

be close to a favorite adult or cuddle up with a favorite stuffed animal, like a "softee."


Just knowing you helped make it can give a

"softee" even more value. Sometimes a bit

of comfort is all a child needs in order to

refuel and re-nourish before feeling ready to

move on.

Tips from the Pros:



12/20

12

Pipe Cleaner TreeMaterials

Pipe cleanersSmall bellsRibbon

Procedure:

Select one pipe cleaner to form the trunk of your tree, and then

twist five or more green pipe cleaners (depending on howlarge a tree you'd like to make) at evenly spaced pointsalong the trunk.

If your trunk is too long, you can snip off the end of the pipe cleaner. You can also snip off the ends of the pipe-cleaner branches to create the Christmas tree shape (shorter branches at the top and longer branches atthe bottom).

Attach the bells to the end of each branch.

Tie a ribbon or shape a pipe cleaner at the top and bottom of your tree. You could also shape a pipe cleanerinto a star for the top of the tree.

Tie a ribbon at the top of your tree for hanging.

http://fun.familyeducation.com/christmas-activities/crafts/48102.html?detoured=1#ixzz17YCKgit2

These ornaments look nice on the tree, and

they make great gifts for kids to give to

mom, dad, or grandma. You can also try

(carefully) shortening pipe cleaners with a

pair of scissors for that tapered tree effect.

Tips from the Pros:



13/20

13

Pipe Cleaner Candy CaneMaterials

beads (red, green & white)

pipe cleaners

Procedure:

String the beads onto the pipe cleaner. You can make a variety of

designs.

For a candy cane, alternate red and white and bend the top of the

pipe cleaner into a candy cane shape. For a wreath, string green

beads onto the pipe cleaner and add a red bead after every 4-6

green beads. Then shape it into a circle.

Use these ornaments to decorate the tree or to attach to a wreath.

http://fun.familyeducation.com/christmas-activities/crafts/48102.html?detoured=1#ixzz17YCKgit2

While these candy canes are neat, the

wreaths are even more beautiful and they

give kids a great change to go a little wild on

the decorating. Many craft stores sell tex-

tured and unusual pipe cleaners that mightreally spice up this project!

Tips from the Pros:



14/20

14

Grandmas ApronMaterials

Plain white apron

Assorted fabric paint colors

Procedure:

Have the children and grandchildren use the pain to make handprints

on the apron.

Using a permanent marker, write each persons name beneath their

handprint.

This is a great project that will keep Grandma happy for years to come. It makes a great gift. Kids can also use the

paint to paint pictures on the apron, putting as much of their individual personalities into the project. It takes only

about 20 minutes to make, and is appropriate for any age group. Make it age appropriate by making more compli-

cated designs or by having the children experiment with mixing paint colors.

This makes for a very neat gift. Its some-

thing Grandma (or whomever) will appreci-

ate for a long time. It is especially nice in a

big family where the grandkids dont get

together as a group very often.

Tips from the Pros:



15/20

15

Giant Reindeer CardMaterials

White paper (10" x 12" or larger)

Tempura paint (brown for the body and other colors for the antlers)

A tray for each color

Sponge

Wiggle eyes (small)

Pom-poms

Procedure:Fill a tray with brown paint.

Have your child either put the bottom of one foot in the paint or

sponge the paint onto the bottom of the foot.

Place the painted foot on the white paper so that the heel is centered near the bottom of the page. This forms the head

of the reindeer.

Paint the bottom of your child's left hand with a different color. Place the painted hand at an angle and touching the

toe on the left side of the footprint. This forms one antler. Repeat with the right hand to make the other antler.

When the paint is dry, have your child glue on two eyes and a pom-pom for the nose.

For more fun: Make other animals or holiday motifs using other painted body parts, like fingertips, the side of the

thumb, just the heel, and so on.

http://fun.familyeducation.com/christmas/crafts

These giant cards are fun to make. They are

a great option for decorating for holiday get

-togethers, or roll them into a tube and mail

them to your loved ones!

Tips from the Pros:



16/20

16

Sour Cream Apple PieIngredients:

1 unbaked Flaky Oat Pie Crust

FILLING

1 cup nonfat or light sour cream

1/2 cup sugar

1/4 cup fat-free egg substitute

2 tablespoons unbleached flour

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

4 cups sliced peeled golden Delicious or Rome apples (about 6

medium)1/4 cup golden raisins (optional)

TOPPING

1/4 cup honey crunch wheat germ or chopped walnuts

3 tablespoons whole wheat pastry flour

3 tablespoons light brown sugar

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1 tablespoon frozen (thawed) apple juice concentrate

Directions:

To make the filling, place the sour cream, sugar, egg substitute, flour, and vanilla extract in a large bowl, and stir to mix

well. Add the apples and, if desired, the raisins, and toss to mix well.

Spread the mixture evenly in the pie shell. Spray a square of aluminum foil with nonstick cooking spray, and cover the

pie loosely with the foil, placing it sprayed side down. Bake at 400F for 25 minutes, or until the filling begins to set

around the edges.

While the pie is baking, make the topping by placing the wheat germ or walnuts, flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a

small bowl, and stirring to mix well. Add the juice concentrate, and stir until the mixture is moist and crumbly.

Remove the pie from the oven, remove and discard the foil, and sprinkle the pie with the topping. Reduce the oven

temperature to 375F, and bake uncovered for 25 to 30 additional minutes, or until the topping is nicely browned

and the filling just starts to bubble around the edges.

Allow the pie to cool for at least 1 hour before cutting into wedges and serving. Serve warm or at room temperature,

refrigerating any leftovers.

http://recipes.familyeducation.com/desserts-and-baked-goods/sour-cream-apple-pie/49992.html?detoured=1#ixzz17YFWw3n6

The sour cream seems like an odd ingredi-

ent for an apple pie, but it really brings out

the creaminess of the apples. Using the Oat

pie crust makes this dish a great source of

fiber, too: almost 3 grams per slice!

Tips from the Pros:



17/20

17

Twelve Days of ChristmasGoal: Fun and Laughter

Time: Approx. 10 minutes

Materials:

12 Days of Christmas Music Live/CD

CD player/Instruments

Printed Words to the Song

Procedure:

Have group clump into 12 different groups.

Each group is assigned one gift from the song.

As song is sung, each group will act out their gift.

A leader is assigned to point to each verse when it is to be sung.

Give a prize to the group that comes up with the funniest, best, most original gesture for the gift that they are as-

signed.

http://www.thesource4ym.com/games/



18/20

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Add a WordGoal: Diversity, Working Together

Materials:

One piece of paper and a pen or pencil for each team of four

A watch with a second hand

Procedure:

Divide your group into groups of four. Give each team a piece of paper and a pencil or a pen. Explain that the

object of this activity is for each team to create the longest sentence that they can. You will give them the first few

words to the sentence. Each person will then take turns adding one word at a time to the sentence. The sentence must

make sense and it must come to a logical ending. The paper and pencil must be passed from person to person as theyadd their word. They may not talk at all during this part of the activity. They will have sixty seconds to complete their

sentence. Call out the time so they will know how long they still have to write.

After you have called time, have each group count up the number of words that they used including the words

that you gave them to start with. Have them write this number to the side of their sentence. Have each group tell how

many words they used. Ask for volunteers to read their sentence aloud. Repeat this process three or four times. Here

are some sample sentence starters:

The cow jumped

The worm crawled

The loud crash

People who are

The next time

A woman screamed

One dark night

After you have completed three or four rounds, change the rules. This time the paper and pencil must still be

passed from one person to another and each person may still only add one word at a time, but the group may talk

among themselves to make suggestions on what the sentence will say. Once again only give them sixty seconds to

create their sentence. Call out the elapsed time for them to hear. When time has ended, have them read their sen-

tence aloud and tell how many words they used. Repeat this twice. You should notice an increase in the number of

words they were able to write when you compare the very first try, where they couldnt talk, with the very last try,where they could talk.



19/20

19

My LifeGoal: Self-Esteem, Team Building, Violence

Materials:

A watch with a second hand

Procedure:

Have your group count off, one-two-one-two, etc. Have them form two circles, one inside of the other.

The inside circle should be facing out and the outside circle should be facing in. (See illustration) Each person must

have a partner across from them. If you have an uneven number of participants, then you will need to play since every-

one needs to have a partner. Explain that you will read out a question or statement to the group. The inside person willcomplete the statement first and then the person on the outside circle will complete the same statement. Each person

will have about ten seconds to talk. Wait two to three seconds after announcing the question before having them begin

to talk. This will give them a chance to consider their answers. They must keep talking for the entire time. If they have

answered the basic question and there is still time left, then have them elaborate or expand on their answer.

The teacher or leader will keep track of the time and call out when each persons time has expired. To refresh

their memory, repeat the statement before the second persons turn to respond. After both partners have had their

turn, it is time to rotate. Have the inside circle stay put and the outside circle to move one person to the right. Then

repeat the process with a new statement. You can use the statements that I have listed or create your own. Continue

until you have completed one revolution of the circle.

My favorite comic book super hero is ______ because..My favorite sport to play or watch is ______ because..

If I could go anywhere on vacation, it would be to..

The worst thing about morning is ______ because..

If I could be any animal, I would choose ______ because..

The subject in school that I enjoy the most is ______ because..

The subject in school that I enjoy the least is ______ because..

Five years from now I would like to be doing..

If I could give up one bad habit, it would be..

If I could change one thing at this school, it would be..

If I could change one thing about the world, it would be..

If I were the President of the United States, I would..

If I were the Principal of my school, I would..

If I only had six months to live, I would..

The person I would most like to have dinner with is ______ because..

If I could go back in time, it would be to the year ______ because..

If I could live anywhere in the world, it would be ______ because..



20/20

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Cranberry Pork ChopsIngredients:

6 pork chops

1 can cream of mushroom soup

1 can whole berry cranberry sauce

Directions:

Brown pork chops in a small amount of oil in a Dutch oven.

Pour cranberry sauce over chops, then cover with soup.

Bake, covered, for about 45 minutes at 350 degrees.

Delicious pork chops and ham! Serve this up

as a holiday treat when you have family

staying for the holidays. Wonderful with a

warm glass of cider.

Tips from the Pros:


Cranberry-Topped HamIngredients:

1 fully cooked ham slice, cut 1-inch thick (about 2 lbs.)

1 can cream of mushroom soup

1 can whole berry cranberry sauce

Directions:

Place ham in a Dutch oven.

Pour cranberry sauce over ham, then cover with soup.Bake, covered, for about 45 minutes at 350 degrees.

Documents

Holiday Fun Guide