Christmas Baking

I love that we have a whole weekend to spend prepping for Christmas before the big day, which is just five days away. I know there are many last minute details to take care of that have just sort of snuck up on us. I thought I was ahead of the game back in November but am now feeling the pinch of just a few days left to get things done. Throughout the stress, crossing off lists and rushing, I am trying really hard to stop and create wonderful memories with the kiddos.
One thing we do yearly is bake goodies for our friends and neighbours. It’s actually one of my most favourite, festive activities. Try and carve out an afternoon or evening as a family to prepare some yummy treats to share at Christmas.
You absolutely do not have to be an all time great baker to accomplish this task. I promise you, I am the most impatient baker ever, so my goodies are never perfect, yet we generally don’t receive any complaints. I think the key is all in the recipe.

Tips for baking with little helpers
It’s all in the recipe. Choose a forgiving recipe, a recipe that isn’t too precise. One easy Christmas idea would be bark as there are a million kinds to choose from. These recipes allow for freedom with ingredients, children can sprinkle pretzels on the bottom, help melt the chocolate for the top and generously apply M&Ms as decorations over the chocolate. There is no wrong way and however it ends up is delicious. If possible, let your child have a say in what recipe they make. Give them a few choices and then let them choose. Depending on your child’s age have them help you read through each step. Online recipes with pictures are great for this.
Have the proper ingredients and tools at the ready. Go through your recipe before hand (alone) to see what steps you need to take and get everything you need to use. Some little bakers aren’t that patient when it comes to waiting.
Leave the neat freak out of the kitchen. Don’t be afraid to get messy or for your workspace to get messy. Kids love being part of the action but they are not at all careful. They love measuring, dumping, pouring and mixing. Let them enjoy being a part of the process and leave yourself a little extra time at the end to sweep or vacuum up the little spills. Don’t forget to include little bakers in this process as well, they are great sweepers and vacuumers and dish dryers.
Have simple but important rules for working in the kitchen together. Always wash hands before helping with food prep (in our house they have to wash their hands for the length of time it takes to sing Happy Birthday) pay attention when using sharp tools or hot surfaces and follow directions.
When I consulted my husband about the most important tip for baking with children, we both agreed it’s hands down having lots of patience. Steps need to be repeated, rules need to be repeated, and praise needs to be given. A lot! So take a few deep breaths and remember that years from now they’ll be telling friends and loved ones how much they enjoyed baking Christmas cookies with their parents.
One last thing, if you choose recipes that can be personalized like sugar cookies or cupcakes let them decorate them the way they see fit. Put out the decorations and set a few ground rules (i.e a spoonful of each type of sprinkle) and watch them be artistic. I find it very interesting watching each of my children go about this task differently. It really can tell you a lot about their personality.
However you and your family choose to prepare for Christmas, we wish you the Happiest and Merriest Christmas ever.
Shelley Heaphy for The Parents’ Voice