It’s a well-known fact that between shopping, cooking, tree trimming, Christmas card writing, gift wrapping, and entertaining, the magic of the holidays can quickly create mayhem in one’s life. This season try holiday cooking with the kids because in the end the holidays should be about celebration and fun. Bringing the kids in the kitchen is a great way to create some special family together time. You might be surprised to learn how fun cooking with the kids really can be. Instead of shooing the kids out of the kitchen encourage them to pull up a chair, bench or stool and have them jump right in, literally, with both hands. You will find they are very eager little helpers! I know the holidays are hectic and stressful, but it is the perfect time to allow your kids to join you in the kitchen. After all, the kitchen is usually the hub of activity in so many homes during the holiday season.

Here are some easy tips for baking and cooking with your kids in the kitchen and some easy kid-friendly Christmas recipes to try!

Let them help in choosing the recipe

This can be something fun you can do with your child. Pick a couple cookbooks revolving around what the theme of cooking you are doing. Like desserts or cookies. Having your child help in picking out the recipe can also take a little stress out of your already stressful holiday. Recently my 3 year old twins decided they wanted to build a Gingerbread House. I helped in placing everything on the table and putting the icing on the house and they had the best time decorating and creating. I also got to sit back and enjoy every minute. In the end they were not only proud of their creation but they choose the recipe and idea.

Let them help with the shopping

Trust me – I know that having to keep track of kids in the grocery store can be a hassle. No matter what age they are, they definitely have their own ideas as to what they would rather be doing than being stuck in (or walking next to) a shopping cart. But the grocery store is a great place to involve children in the cooking process. Older kids can be big helpers – you can divide your list and they can help find specific items (it can even become a game!), and there is so much for younger kids to learn, too – colors and shapes, the differences between fruits and vegetables, even counting items in the cart.

Give them their own tools

Kids want to be what they see, and they learn by imitation. So when you pull out a mixing bowl and spoon, pull out an extra and let the little ones help. For young children, you may just wind up with some messy musical accompaniment, but the older the child, the more involved they can be. Children as young as two can help measure, mix and pour ingredients, and will feel extra pride in letting people know that they cooked. Another great idea for the holiday gift giving time is to give them their very own set of tools.

Let them help determine the menu

While you are choosing your favorite traditional holiday menu items, make each child a part of the decision making, whether it be deciding on something special to add as a side or a new dessert to add to the repertoire. They will be so proud to share their ideas and to feel that they have a part in the big, important family traditions.

Fun Kid-Friendly Holiday Recipes

Gingerbread Cookie Granola

Doughnut Muffins

Chicken Apple Quesadillas

Baked Turkey Sausage Tomatoes, Spinach, and Cheese Pasta

Turkey Veggie Sloppy Joes

Fun Kid Cooking Ideas

Make the kitchen a fun place that is inviting to children. Here are some kids-in-the-kitchen fun ideas:

1. Get them an apron and/or a chef hat.
2. Set up a work station just for them.
3. Pick one day a week as “Fun Cooking with Kids” night.
4. Begin simple– start with easy kid’s holiday recipes.
5. Invite them to create a new name for the food.

This holiday season stir up some fun memories with your little ones! Have fun creating wonderful scents that will fill the kitchen and your child’s heart. Shopping, baking and cooking together will make this holiday season a truly memorable event for the whole family filled with the spirit of sharing experiences. Happy and Healthy Holidays!