The MAGIC of the holidays… what does that even mean?
Maybe you’re one of those people who loves to go above and beyond when it comes to making Christmas magical.
Maybe you’re just trying to find easy, cheap ways to keep your kids entertained indoors.
Maybe Hopefully, you are just focusing on creating memories.
Either way, you’re in luck! I’m sharing two projects that are adorable, simple, and don’t require a special trip to the store for materials: Elf Donuts and Reindeer Food.
ELF DONUTS
If you’re an ‘Elf on the Shelf’ family, you could make these to have your Elf deliver to your children in the morning. You could even set up a super adorable display catching the elf in action!
**Disclaimer: I’m not that person. Believe it or not, my husband is the overseer of all magical things that happen at night. (Tooth Fairy, Elf on the Shelf)**
So, if that’s not your jam, you can just grab the few ingredients and let your kids make them to set out Christmas Eve along with cookies for Santa or carrots for the reindeer.
**Bonus – You can get last minute gift wrapping done while they are busy making donuts!** #WINNING
RECIPE (if you can call it that)
The beauty of this project is that you can use whatever you have on hand to decorate your ‘donuts’. I recommend cheerios, but any ring-shaped cereal will work.
Powder Donuts – Roll the cereal around in powder sugar.
Chocolate Glazed Donuts – Melt a few chocolate chips and dip the tiny rings.
No chocolate chips on hand? Try candy melts, almond bark, hot fudge, or even chocolate syrup.
Sprinkle Donuts – Dip the ‘donuts’ in icing (I used pink royal icing), then into sprinkles.
If you don’t have royal icing, you can make a quick glaze with powdered sugar and milk, or use any frosting.
That’s it. REALLY!
I promised you it was easy. Now just set them on a small dish or tiny box lid lined with parchment paper.
REINDEER FOOD
Download the free printable here.
RECIPE
Again, I promise you can use what you have around the house. The main ingredient is oats. You can add as much, or as little, to it as you want.
I happen to have a lot of sprinkles and colored sugar. However, you could use dried fruit and a little granulated sugar for the magic ‘sparkle’.
This would be a good time to let your kids play around in your expired spices. Maybe add a little cinnamon, nutmeg, or clove. My daughters LOVE pretending to make “potions” so anytime they can mix together random ingredients, they’re happy!
Once it’s all mixed up, you can put it in a treat bag or container until you’re ready to sprinkle it outside on Christmas Eve.
It’s true that I’ve been swept away by elaborate Pinterest inspired holidays in the past, but I’ll be the first to remind you that creating magic isn’t supposed to be stressful, expensive, or time-consuming. Whether you try these projects or not, take a moment to create memories with your family this holiday season.
Don’t worry if the outcome is a ‘Pinterest Fail’, because it doesn’t matter. The projects don’t matter. The presents don’t matter.
The smiles matter.
The memories matter.
Don’t let the real magic slip away.
