One of the best things about being a parent is watching your child find magic in things adults can’t see. Christmas is one of my favorite holidays for that reason alone, but it can also quickly become on of the most stressful holidays. Teaching your children that the holidays are about more than just getting presents can be hard. That is why even in our favorite traditions I try to show that giving to others can be very rewarding.
As a child I looked forward to working with my mom baking Christmas cookies – or more specifically decorating them. I watched as she made batches of cookie dough and couldn’t wait to decorate them. This is a tradition I have continued with my boys but in the chaos of the season I decided to make it even more simple. After heading to Walmart to pick up our favorite Betty Crocker cookie mixes (Sugar cookies and Peanut Butter cookies), it was time to get to work.
My boys love helping me in the kitchen so when I invited them in to help me make the cookies they were eager to help. First up we made the peanut butter blossoms. My toddler got to dump the mix, while my older son was able to help me measure out the oil, water, and crack the eggs. They both helped to form the peanut butter balls and press the kisses into the baked cookies.
Then they needed a break. So I made the sugar cookie mix and added flour to make them shapes. I rolled the dough and cut the dough into Christmas Trees. Each boy got their own cookie sheet to decorate. We found some fun Betty Crocker Christmas themed sprinkles to decorate with, and the boys went to town!
While we were decorating we talked about the people who had to work on Christmas Eve and Christmas. My boys love police officers and firefighters so they were happy when I suggested we pack up most of our cookies and take them to the Fire Station. It was a simple way to bring a surprise to someone they look up to and admire greatly. They loved getting to go to the fire house and share their cookies. They asked if we could go home and bake more to giveaway more. Even as they were learning why giving is rewarding, I too found myself marveling in them. Here I thought I was teaching them the lesson, and they showed me that there is joy in even the smallest gifts. This is a tradition I plan on continuing with them!
The whole process start to finish was easy and affordable. You could even use this Betty Crocker coupon to make it even more affordable! But for me the best part of the whole experience was watching my boys express their creativity and generosity. That is what the holidays should be about and I love that a tradition I started as a child was carried on with my boys!
This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Betty Crocker. The opinions and text are all mine.
Latest posts by Emily (Posts)
- Don’t Call It A Comeback - February 7, 2019
- The Little Prince at The Smith Center Las Vegas – Ticket Giveaway - January 31, 2017
- 3 Simple Ways To Add Color To Your Diet @SUBWAY @OfficialSubway - January 13, 2017
- Disney’s Moana in Dolby Cinema at AMC Movie Review - November 27, 2016
Leave a Reply