| The holidays are upon us and we're busy with | | | | eating at the party and taking home to share with |
| everything from decorating the house to | | | | siblings. |
| wrapping presents. The kitchen plays a big role | | | | 4. No chocolate chip cookies (already been done a |
| during this time, and depending on your kids' | | | | zillion times). |
| cooking skills they can play the lead or be part of | | | | Have your kids decorate the table any way they |
| the supporting cast. One fun way for your kids to | | | | choose. The table is where all the cookies will go |
| get involved in the kitchen now is to have a Kids' | | | | so they'll want to make it look festive. |
| Cookie Exchange Party. Christmas is a good time | | | | Your children can practice their hosting skills by |
| to have this kind of party, but you can do this | | | | greeting their friends at the door and taking care |
| whenever you want. Just ask your kids, cookies | | | | of the cookies that were brought. They can then |
| are good anytime! | | | | be in charge of arranging all the cookies around |
| First of all, invite as many kids as you're | | | | the table and bringing out the plates, cups, milk |
| comfortable with. It could be just neighborhood | | | | and punch. Remind your children to only give |
| kids, school friends, or the kids from your | | | | positive comments about the cookies that were |
| extended families. Let your kids make the invites | | | | brought. You want to head off any "Gross!" or |
| and encourage them to be creative. How about a | | | | "Why are they such a weird color?" type |
| hand-delivered cardboard invitation with animal | | | | comments. |
| cookies glued around it? | | | | After all the guests arrive and suitably ooh and |
| To make this party extra special, you can ask | | | | ahh over the cookies, you can have them play a |
| everyone to bring one wrapped book for a gift | | | | few games before eating. This would be a good |
| exchange. Also, do you want them to dress up in | | | | time for the gift exchange, if you're doing that. |
| holiday attire for this party? It could make for | | | | I think its fun to give out awards to every child |
| some very special pictures. | | | | at the cookie exchange; prettiest cookie, most |
| The rules aren't complicated: | | | | interesting-looking cookie, best use of chocolate |
| 1. Every child needs to bake the cookies | | | | cookie, biggest cookie, most unusual cookie, best |
| themselves. | | | | color for a cookie, etc. The kids are so proud of |
| 2. They need to be baked (no-bakes are no-no's | | | | what they've created and love to show their |
| for sanitary reasons). Bars are okay. | | | | cookies off. They just may be on their way to |
| 3. Have them bring 2 dozen, which they should be | | | | becoming the chief cookie maker of your house! |
| able to get from one batch. This leaves plenty for | | | | |