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Since winter is going to be around for several more weeks, it might be a good time to pick up extra cold weather items. Children often lose their gloves and hats so it’s nice to have replacements on hand. Many items are on sale, and it’s a great time to purchase for now and next winter.  Schools, churches, care programs, and outreach facilities are great places to donate warm clothing. Adults need items too. Winter coats, socks and boots, along with blankets are great gifts.

 

So, if you’re out and about and find a great deal, please remember those less fortunate and bless them with a warm winter item.

Happy New Year!

 

If you’re like me, you’re still searching for the perfect Christmas gift for a friend or family member. I have an idea. My friend Deb Gardner Allard wrote Love Calls the Shots, a fun, romantic love triangle set during my favorite time of year–Christmas. I loved it! The book received a Reader’s Favorite 5-Star Review Award. I’m gifting it with a scented candle. I’ve even thought about switching it up and adding a cozy winter throw, a pair of soft slipper socks, and a Christmas mug filled with mellow tea bags or heavenly cocoa mixes. Who wouldn’t want to curl up on a cold winter’s day wrapped in warmth and a fantastic read?

Besides being a multi-published author, Deb wears a coat of many colors. One is her delicious dessert recipes. I’ve made several that have become family favorites. She has been kind enough to share her gingerbread cookie recipe below. A few of these tasty-wrapped ginger delights would be a wonderful addition to any gift.

To learn more about Deb, please visit her website at http://www.debgardnerallard.com

and follow her on FB–Deb Gardner Allard, author

While preparing Christmas ornament crafts for the preschool classroom at my church, a thought came to mind that it would be wonderful for churches to host an ornament craft day for their community, welcoming neighborhood children and sharing the story of Jesus’ birth. Hot dogs and snacks could be served along with music and games. Decorating their own Christmas cookie would make children’s ornament day complete. I hope my idea snowballs and the story of Jesus’ birth reaches far and wide.

The majority of the crafts I put together are easy to assemble. Instructions and where I purchased supplies are listed below.

Christmas Tree Wood Ornaments

Most of the wood ornaments came from the Dollar Tree. I pre-painted the ornaments for our classroom. Children can brush them with glitter paint, and when dry, add embellishments.

Plastic Christmas Bulbs

I purchased the clear plastic bulbs from Michaels. Fillers came from the Dollar Tree and odds and ends I had at home. With the eraser end of a pencil, I inserted pom poms first, small bells next and snowflakes last.  Since I already had a snowflake punch, I punched out snowflakes from white cardstock. You can also use alternative snow found at discount stores. Lastly, I glued the top on. Note: When shopping for fillers, please take a clear plastic bulb with you to make sure the items will fit through the opening.

Canning Lid Ornaments

Canning lid ornaments have been around for a long time. They’re easy to make. I punched pictures with my circle punch. You can also use old Christmas cards and trim to size. With double-sided tape, I adhered the picture to the lid. I added the ribbon string and bow first. Run some tacky glue around the inside mouth of the band before you adhere the lid. You won’t have to worry about small children pulling them apart.

Wood Crosses

The wood crosses came from Hobby Lobby. I used a glue gun to add the hanging string. Children can color with washable markers. Note: I glued the ribbon ahead of time, so small children wouldn’t come in contact with the hot glue gun.

Bookmarks

The bookmarks came from Hobby Lobby. With tacky glue, I adhered the hanging ribbon on the back. Children can color with washable markers or crayons.

Sticker Nativity

These came from Hobby Lobby too. The day of our Christmas program, the preschool children can sit and relax and place nativity stickers on the background before they perform their Christmas songs.

All the ornaments will be placed on our classroom Christmas tree. Children can take them home after the Christmas program.

Have fun while sharing the story of Jesus’ birth.

 

A couple of years back, I posted an easy crockpot applesauce recipe. Since it’s apple season, I made it yesterday and am reposting today. Children will ask for a second helping, so double the recipe.

Crockpot Applesauce

Ingredients:

• 3 pounds apples, peeled, cored and sliced (about 6 medium apples–your favorite)
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 cup water

Place the peeled, sliced apples into the crockpot bowl. Sprinkle the sugar and cinnamon over the apples and mix well. Pour the water into the crockpot and place the lid on top. Cook on high for four hours. (Mine took about 2 1/2 hours).

When cooking time is up, remove the lid and mix the apples using a wire whisk, stirring until smooth.

Allow to cool completely then place in a sealed container in the fridge.

 

Whether you visit an orchard or have your own backyard apple tree, children will have loads of outdoor autumn fun filling a basket with apples.

Enjoy!