10 Amazon Prime Holiday Movies for Kids

December 24, 2017 by Leave a Comment

Today, I’m sharing parenting advice on holiday movies for kids.  The holidays are here!  That means the kids will be home for the next two weeks, and we will need to occupy them.   It doesn’t take long for kids to lose interest and become bored.  If they’re not bored, it’s probably because they’re on an electronic device somewhere.  If you want them to take a break from the electronics, check out these Amazon Prime Holiday Movies for Kids.  They’re perfect for watching on Christmas Eve and anytime during the holiday season.  You can  you watch them on the Kindle, table or PC if you are a prime member.  So, check out our list:

 

 

Amazon Prime Holiday Movies

 

The holidays are here!  That means the kids will be home for the next two weeks, and we will need to occupy them.   It doesn’t take long for kids to lose interest and become bored.  If they’re not bored, it’s probably because they’re on an electronic device somewhere.  If you want them to take a break from the electronics, check out these Amazon Prime Holiday Movies for Kids.  They’re perfect for watching on Christmas Eve and anytime during the holiday season.  You can  you watch them on the Kindle, table or PC if you are a prime member.

 

Holiday Movies for Kids:

 

All I Want for Christmas Is You – First, this all-new movie features Mariah Carey’s music and narration in a story about little Mariah’s Christmas wish for a puppy.

If You Give a Mouse a Christmas Cookie – If it’s holiday time in Mouse’s house then, that means Christmas cookies (including a special one for Santa, of course), caroling…and one nearly-destroyed holiday pageant.  Can they save the holiday pageant?

The Elf on the Shelf Presents:  An Elf’s Story – Add this one to your list of holiday movies for kids.  Chippey is assigned by Santa to restore Taylor McTuttle’s belief in Christmas magic.  Can he restore Chippey’s belief as Santa asked him to do?

The Snowy Day – Furthermore, Peter goes on a magical, snowy walk to his Nana’s house to bring home their Christmas Eve dinner.  What will he encounter on his magic walk?

A Christmas Tree Miracle –  Next, a family learns that miracles do come true if you only believe! A holiday movie for the whole family.

Christmas in New York – Ari has vague memories of a decorated tree and the gifts exchanged on one particular day of the year. A wise owl reveals to Ari and his friends that it is all about Christmas!

Click, Clack, Moo:  The Farm Christmas  – Additionally, it’s Christmas time and the farm animals have a problem: how to buy Farmer Brown the present of his dreams – a Tumbletron 300 clothes dryer.  How will the solve the problem?

Operation Christmas List – 12-year-old Barney has got a plan to beat the Christmas rush and buy the entire stock of the most sought after gift, Crabby Mousie doll!  Barney and his friends sneak into the mall afterhours, but things don’t go as planned.

A Country Christmas – Last, Santa loses his magical powers and becomes stranded in a barn.  Two children from the  farming community help him save Christmas.

The Cabbage Patch Kids First Christmas – Last, the Cabbage Patch Kids leave their patch to search for the Christmas spirit.

Finally, we hope that you enjoyed our list of holiday movies for kids and will select a few for movie night in your home.  You may also like:  30+ Rich and Delicious Hot Chocolate Recipes and 21 Christmas Movies recommended by Cosmopolitan.

 

 

Filed Under: Entertainment, Parenting Tips Tagged With: , ,

3 Ideas To Achieve The Perfect Alternative To Christmas Dinner

December 6, 2017 by Leave a Comment

 

alternative christmas ideas

 

Turkey and ham are great, but every year you yearn for something different.  However, every year you succumb to tradition.  It’s not that you don’t enjoy having the family around the table.  Who doesn’t love feasting on turkey, roasted potatoes, rich red wine gravy and bejeweled Christmas pudding.  But, you’re constantly thinking how it might be nice to mix it up once in a while.  There are plenty of ways in which you can still enjoy an alternative menu on Christmas Day.  Most importantly, you’ll be making new edible traditions for the family in the process.

First, you need to decide what sort of alternative cuisine you would enjoy.  Also, if there are any dietary requirements in your family make sure they are accounted for.  There’s no point serving chestnuts roasted with paprika and chili if your grandma is allergic to nuts. Take your time and explore all your options.

 

Alternative Christmas Dinner Ideas

Image by

 

Think Outside The Box

You may wish to forgo your oven and explore an entirely different method of cooking Christmas dinner this season.  Furthermore, you might like the idea of getting a smoker like the one available at BillyOh Barbecues.  You can cure and smoke your own salmon and herring.  Furthermore, it will save you a trip to the grocery store for a side of Gravlax or Hot Smoked Rainbow Trout.  You could take the barbeque theme even further, throw a few Ribeyes and Chops on the grill.  By embracing  different Christmas cuisines like a festive barbecue, you’ll ensure dinner on Christmas Day will be one to remember.

Themes

You may want to encapsulate a theme for your Christmas party.  Perhaps a Hawaiian themed party or a festive winter theme.  You can include a buffet or ‘bring a dish’ style dinner party.  Whatever theme you choose, you will want the food to be delicious.  So, choose wisely and embrace your ideas wholeheartedly.  Additionally, give your family plenty of notice.  They’ll enjoy experiencing something new over the holidays, and will love that you are hosting the party.

Image by

 

Your Experience

Perhaps it is the environment that needs to be a little different this year.  You could take a trip and volunteer for Christmas.  If travel is not an option, volunteer with a local charity.  An alternative to hosting Christmas dinner at home is to dish out a traditional dinner at the local homeless shelter.  You could also welcome a lonely senior into your home for Christmas lunch. You may find that doing a good deed on December 25th is all you need to feel like you’re making a difference.  By giving back to the local community over the holidays, you’ll be the epitome of showing goodwill to all men.

So, Christmas is a time of celebration, giving thanks and enjoying quality time with family and friends.  There’s no better way to share in the joy of the holiday season than whipping up Christmas dinner or treats in the kitchen for those around you to enjoy.

 

Filed Under: Life-Thoughts Tagged With: , ,

Kindergarten Christmas Craft: Christmas Lights

December 10, 2016 by 4 Comments

Today, I’m sharing parenting tips on Kindergarten Christmas Craft ideas.  This finger print Christmas lights artwork is sure to be a hit.  The project is easy, fun and messy, which your child will love, with a bright and colorful end.  It’s the perfect way to capture memories of those precious little fingers. Tis the season and Fa La La La!  So, lets get those little ones in the holiday spirit.

 

 

kindergarten Christmas craft

 

 

Kindergarten Christmas Crafts

 

Here’s what you will need:

  • Washable paints of various colors  (I purchased mine from Michaels).
  • black marker to make the dots on the lights and wire
  • wet paper towels or a towel for cleaning messy fingers
  • White cardstock

 

Be sure to have plenty of wet paper towels or an old wet cloth on hand.  You will want to wipe the child’s fingers before dipping them in the next shade of paint.  Lets get this project started:

  1. – Dust off those adorable little fingers.
  2. – Next, have the children dip their index finger(s) into the paint.
  3. – Press their index finger onto the white paper.
  4. – Repeat Step 3 until you have a string of lights  as shown.
  5. – Be sure to allow the paint to dry thoroughly before you proceed.
  6. – Make dots on each of the lights with the black marker.  (Place several places of paper under your sheet before you use the black marker to avoid bleeding on your table or work area.)  Unfortunately, I learned this lesson the hard way.
  7. – Use a pencil and lightly draw a curved line to connect the dots.  Also, write the child’s name on the paper.  Allow them to trace it with a crayon.
  8. – If you have older children allow them to trace the curved lines with the black marker.  Otherwise, you can complete the project or help the smaller children with this step.

We hope you enjoy this colorful kindergarten Christmas craft.   You may also like our Kindergarten Christmas Tree Card.

 

 

 

 

Filed Under: Winter Tagged With: , ,

Christmas Carols and Their Meaning

December 14, 2013 by

 

Have you ever wondered what some of the phrases in Christmas Carols mean.  I’m in a festival mood, and was singing We Wish You A Merry Christmas. I got to the part where you sing Bring Me Some Figgy Pudding and a Cup of Good Cheer, and wondered what is Figgy Pudding.  I’ve been singing the song for years and had no idea what it is.  I have learned that it is basically a cake made from figs and walnuts. 

I wondered what other carols I had been singing for years and didn’t know what I was singing.  I found a few others.  Here we go:

O Holy Night! The stars are brightly shining,
It is the night of the dear Saviour’s birth.
Long lay the world in sin and error pining.  (a nostalgic desire)  

Away In A Manager – The cattle are lowing, the Baby awakes
But little Lord Jesus, no crying He makes
I love Thee, Lord Jesus, look down from the sky.
And stay by my side and the morning is nigh,  (Near in time or place)

Deck the Halls with boughs of holly Fa-la-la-la-la, la-la-la-la
‘Tis the season to be jolly Fa-la-la-la-la, la-la-la-la
Don we now our gay apparel  (Festive attire, party clothes)

Jingle Bells – Dashing through the snow On a one-horse open sleigh
Over the fields we go Laughing all the way. Bells on bob-tail ring  ( tail of a horse that has been braided.  It was also common to put bells on horses pulling carriages to warn pedestrians)

Over the river and through the woods Trot fast my dapple gray  (a type of horse)
Spring o’er the ground just like a hound For this is Christmas Day.

Honestly, I have been mumbling lyrics for years because I can’t get past the first verse on most of them unless I have the written words in front of me.  I have no idea why it suddenly dawned on me tonight that I didn’t know the meaning of some of the lyrics that I have been singing for years.  I do know that Christmas Carols make me happy and put me in a festive mood.  Happy Holidays!

 

Filed Under: Life-Thoughts Tagged With: , ,

Watch Santa’s Reindeer

November 12, 2013 by

Christmas activities, Santa's reindeer, reindeer

 

Want to watch Santa’s reindeer? You can tune into the live feed at  http://reindeercam.com/  It’s the perfect activity to get your children excited about Christmas.  Let them watch while you’re decorating the tree?  Each evening at 5:00 pm EST the reindeer are fed.  The children can watch the reindeer resting and gathering their strength for the big trip on December 25.

Also, you can also add your child’s name to the Nice List for a fee on the site or you can write Santa a letter per the instructions on the site.  Once the letter is received, your child’s name will be added to the Nice List.

Do you know the history of Santa’s reindeer, Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donner, Blitzen. The 1823 poem by Clement C. Moore “A Visit from St. Nicholas” (also known as “The Night Before Christmas” or “‘Twas the Night Before Christmas”) is credited for the eight flying reindeer and their names per Wikipedia. This portion of the poem introduces the reindeer:

“When, what to my wondering eyes should appear,
but a miniature sleigh, and eight tiny rein-deer,
with a little old driver, so lively and quick,
I knew in a moment it must be St. Nick.

More rapid than eagles his coursers they came,
And he whistled, and shouted, and call’d them by name:
“Now, Dasher! Now, Dancer! Now, Prancer, and Vixen!
“On, Comet! On, Cupid! On, Dunder and Blixem!

“To the top of the porch! to the top of the wall!
“Now dash away! dash away! dash away all!”

So, we know the history of Santa’s reindeer now.  Reading The Night Before Christmas has become a favorite during the holiday season in my home.  Finally, be sure to print our Nice Letter and Certificate from Santa.  While you’re waiting for Santa and his reindeer to arrive, make a batch of your favorite holiday cookies.  What are some of your holiday traditions?

Filed Under: Parenting Tips Tagged With: , ,

Christmas Breakfast Ideas for Kids

December 11, 2012 by
Today, I’m sharing parenting tips on Christmas breakfast ideas for kids.  Happy Holidays, Merry Christmas and Feliz Navidad. The kids are out of school for the next week and they’re excited about Santa.  You on the other hand, must come up with meal ideas and other ways to keep them occupied.  So, I’ve put together a round up for Christmas breakfast ideas for kids. 
Christmas Breakfast Ideas for Kids
Rudolph with his nose so bright!  How exciting will it be to serve the kids these adorable pancakes for breakfast.  Or, why not dinner.  My grandchildren love pancakes, bacon, and strawberries anytime.

 

 

 

 

Bagel Snowman –  Regular and mini bagels for the body, cream cheese, pretzel sticks for the arms, red hots or chocolate chips for the button and eyes.  Get creative and use what your children will eat.

 

 

Christmas Breakfast Ideas

 

 

Candy Cane Fruit – This one is easy, alternating strawberries and bananas.  Simple and healthy.

 

 

Christmas Breakfast Ideas

 

 

 

 

 

Christmas Ornaments – So cute and yummy.  Small pancakes, cookie decorations and a piece of bacon strip for the top make these pancakes perfect for holiday breakfasts.

Christmas Breakfast Ideas

 

 

Waffle Christmas Tree –  A little food coloring, waffle mix and iron, powdered sugar and M & M will help you create this cute and sweet treat.

 

Christmas Breakfast Ideas

 

 

 

Elf Pancake – How cute is little guy.  Green grapes, pancakes, whipped cream and a strawberry is all you need.  I would just use chocolate chips for the eyes or candy eyes.

 

 

Christmas Breakfast Ideas

 

 

 

Christmas Toast – What a perfect addition to the table on Christmas morning.  Bread, eggs, seasoning, butter and Christmas cookie cutters are the stars for this recipe.  Click on the link for the directions.

 

 

Kids Christmas Breakfast Ideas

 

 

 

Reindeer Oatmeal –  Oatmeal, strawberries, and raisins will help you create this adorable reindeer.  Bacon ears may be good.

 

 

Christmas Breakfast Ideas

 

You may also like 30+ Rich and Delicious Hot Chocolate Ideas. 

Filed Under: Holidays, Meal Time, Parenting Tips Tagged With: , ,

Reindeer Christmas Cookies

December 14, 2011 by

I found this adorable Reindeer Christmas Cookies at Super 1 Food and had to share it with you.  My grandson and I are lovers of peanut butter cookies and we will be making these for Santa this year.  I love surfing the internet and finding great ideas that I can share with my grandson and readers.  We discovered a live feed to watch Santa’s reindeer after school, and these cookies are perfect to bake and enjoy while we’re watching them.    

Ingredients:

  • 18-ounce package refrigerated peanut butter or sugar cookie dough
  • 48 small pretzel twists or thin pretzel sticks
  • 48 brown M&M candies
  • 24 red M&M candies

 Directions:

Preheat oven to 350° F.

Place the cookie dough in the freezer for 15 minutes, or until firm.

Cut the dough into 24 slices and place the slices 2 inches apart on large, ungreased cookie sheets.

Pinch in each side to form an hourglass shape. Position 2 pretzels on top of each slice to form antlers. Create eyes with the brown M&M candies, and noses with the red M&M candies.

Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until golden. Remove to a rack to cool completely.

Yield: 2 dozen

Filed Under: Life-Thoughts Tagged With: , , ,