Reindeer Ideas (part 1)

Christmas Idea #15 - Reindeer Ideas (part 1)

I posted about a game that could be used for holiday parties called Don't Eat Pete!  Well here's the same game called Don't Eat the Reindeer by Prepared Not Scared.

Count on Martha to turn gingerbread cookies upside down to create reindeer!

From The Idea Room, think of how fun it would be to make, eat and give away these cute reindeer cookies.  For a younger grade, I'm thinking these would be fun to make for your Christmas party!  Oh and chocolate and peanut butter...have I mentioned my obsession before?!?

Reindeer cupcakes from Hoosier Homemade:

OR these reindeer cupcakes from With Sprinkles On Top.

There's a few to get you started.  Don't want to overload you all in one day, so more to follow tomorrow...

Simple and Cute Christmas Gifts

Christmas Idea #14 - Simple and cute Christmas gifts
 Right now I am feeling a little like this:

 Anyone else struggling to keep kids learning?  I swear, my brain and theirs are already checked out for Christmas break!  I * WILL* MAKE* IT!
Anyway....here are a few simple gifts that could be given to friends, students, teachers, or neighbors.

Elf Kisses from Kim's Kandy Kreations (follow the link to get the poem ready to print!)

The poem reads:  Elf Kisses
With little elf eyes watching you,
There's not a lot that Santa misses.
So to help you be good today,
Here's a bunch of sweet elf kisses.

The following came from Stampin' Red.
How about Elf pillows?

 "Snowman Poop" (mini marshmallows) with a poem that reads:  "You've been naughty this year so here's the scoop, all you get for Christmas is this snowman poop!

"Reindeer Noses" with a poem that reads:  "I wanted the perfect gift for you, but couldn't decide just what to do!  I almost sent you a dozen roses-instead here's a bag of reindeer noses!"

OR Reindeer Poop (Whoppers or Raisinets)

Magic Reindeer Food (sprinkle on your yard on Christmas eve...my kids would love it!)

Source:  Creations By Miriam

Magic Reindeer Food (oats with glitter)

Just sprinkle on the lawn at night.
The moon  will make it sparkle bright.
As Santa's reindeer fly and roam,
This treat will guide them to your home.

More Christmas Games for Your Party!

Christmas Idea #13 - More Christmas Games For Your Party!

White Elephant Gift Exchange.  If you have ever been part of one you know just how much fun these can be!  We recently had a white elephant gift exchange at our work Christmas party.  The invitation said "G" rated, and yet somehow I ended up taking home one of the only gag gifts...a 50DDD bra!  You'd have to know, but that is so like me to end up with the gift like that!  Before sending out the invitations for you party, you may want to include if there is a price limit (ours was $5 or less) and decide if it matters if the items being gifted should be funny, re-gift items, useful items, etc.  (Just a suggestion!)  Also, choose how you want to gifts to be passed out....Christmas With the Right Family might be just what you need to get things moving!

A new game I haven't heard of before, but sounds like a complete blast is this paper plate game.

Have everyone get a {sturdy} paper plate and place it on their head. Using a marker or pen each person is to draw what they are instructed to without looking.  Remember *NO peeking!*  Once everything has been drawn, you can reveal your masterpiece to everyone around you.  I am sure this is sure to cause a few laughs!  Add up your points based on the rubric below to determine the winner.  You may want to give the winner some kind of prize too!

Here is what to draw:

1. Draw a line for a floor.
2. Draw a Christmas Tree.  Add decorations if you feel so inclined.
3. Draw a star on top of your tree.
4. Draw a fireplace with a mantel next to the tree.
5. Draw a stocking hanging from the mantel of your fireplace.
6. Draw a present below the tree.

Rubric for the Plate Game:

1. 2 points if the tree touches the floor.
2. 2 points if your stocking is touching your mantel.
3. 1 point if your star touches your tree.
4. 1 point if your star is above your tree.
5. 1 point for every Christmas ornament ball that is ON your tree, etc.
6. 1 point if your fireplace doesn’t touch the tree (it’s a fire hazard!).
7. 1 point if you actually drew something decorative on your stocking (or something cute, like a tiny kitten peeking out).
8. 2 points if your present is under your tree.

The paper plate game and Christmas with the Right Family are from Happy Home Fairy.  Thanks for sharing!

Salty and Sweet Christmas Treat

Christmas Idea #12 - Salty and Sweet Christmas Treat

Source:  House on Hilltop

Need something yummy and fast for a Christmas treat?  Maybe you need to take something to a party, work, or neighbors.  Whoever or whatever, there is A LOT of baking that goes on in December and here is one quick recipe to help you out. 

To make these, here's what you'll need:
Hersey Kisses
Pretzels (round kind)
{red & green} M&M's

Preheat your oven to 225 degrees. Spread the round pretzels on a cookie sheet so that they lie flat. Fill the center of each pretzel with a Hershey Kiss.  Now, place the cookie sheet into your oven. Allow the kisses to melt. Don’t leave the room. This really takes only 3 or 4 minutes. Maybe less, depending on your oven. Take them out as soon as the kisses are melted, but still hold their shape. If you leave them in too long, they will dry out and become hard.  Now, press one M&M into each kiss. Push them around a little so that chocolate touches all of the edges of the pretzels.  Allow the chocolate to set up and enjoy.

So You're On the Naughty List?!?

Christmas Idea #11 - Coal for the Naughty

Are you finding yourself on the naughty or nice list this year?  If you or someone you know is on the naughty list, or if you just like a good gag gift here is some coal that would go nicely in someone's stocking.

Big Red Kitchen made these "coal" rice krispie balls using black icing coloring.  To see her recipe and directions, visit her blog.

Eighteen 25 saw the same idea (above) and created coal with cute packing made from plastic paint cans from a craft store or packaged in a gift bag.  If you visit their blog, they have also included the lump of coal tag you see in the picture.  Maybe being on the naughty list isn't so bad after all!

The 12 Days of Christmas

Christmas Idea #10 - The 12 Days of Christmas...start on December 13th!

I am heading shopping...one last time {hopefully} to buy 12 items that would work for the 12 days of Christmas.  Don't worry, you still have a few days left to pull this together!  This idea would be great to give as a close neighbor/friend gift or to use with your own family, like I am planning to do.   Head on over to The Craft Patch to print out your Christmas stories and to see what items you will need.

FuN Christmas Breakfast Ideas

Christmas Idea #9 - FuN Christmas Breakfast Ideas

Mini Cinnamon Buns on a stick from Icecream Before Dinner.  Not only do these look delicious, but think of how much fun the kids would have eating these off a stick!!

How about a Santa pancake from Blue Skies Ahead!?!  Add some chocolate chips for the eyes, whipped cream for the beard and hat and strawberries.

 More of a waffle fan?  Rutherford Family Happenings made a Christmas tree using bacon for the trunk, berries for ornaments and cut up pineapple for the star on top.  Don't forget to use green food coloring to turn your waffles more tree like! :)
Want to try your luck at a reindeer?  Kitchen Fun With My 3 Sons created this pancake masterpiece:

Happy Eating!

Santa's Magic Key

Christmas Idea #8 - Santa's Magic Key

This idea comes from The Picadilly Post, and even though I have seen the idea before, the poem to go with the key, I hadn't. 
Dear Santa, This magic key works just for you, Please open the door and come on through. Thank you for coming to our house tonight. We are celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ. Thank you Santa for the gifts you bring. Thank you Lord for everything.
This would make a cute neighbor gift or to hang on the tree for your own family!  Michelle mentioned in her post that she found the key at Michael's for $1.50 (in the dollar bins), in case you're wondering where to find a key like the one shown.

Stocking Holders

Christmas Idea #7 - Stocking Hangers

Want to find out how to make these cute and totally easy stocking hangers?  Head over to Crap I've Made to find out how.

Easy Christmas Tree Display

Christmas Idea #6 - Easy Christmas Tree Display
Need a simple way to decorate the front yard this Christmas season, without the hastle of climbing on the roof in the freezing cold to hang some light icicles!?!  That's right, I am sure I am saving a few marriages with this idea.  Ta-Da!

Looks great right?  Well here's the secret.  Head to Home Depot/Lowes and pick up a tomato cage.  You know...one of these...turned the other way around...

Wrap it in white lights, and you'll have yourself a Christmas tree. 

(Idea from NE Design Build)

If you need something similar to display by the front door or on the porch, why not make your own Christmas topiary?  Using the same tomato cage from above, wrap it in garland and lights to create this expensive look for a lot less!

Source:  Lucy Designs

Honestly, these ideas just may be my favorite finds this year!  Totally loving them both!!

Creative Ways to Give Money at Christmas

Christmas Idea #5 - It's All About the Money...
Money is always a hit, no matter the age!  That's why Christmas Idea #5 involves creative ways to give money as a Christmas gift.  This is the perfect gift for a picky teenager or person who already has everything!
How about a money tree from Then She Made.

or this money tree from Artsy Chaos:

How about this bag of money with poem?  Talk about cute!!

Gingerbread men with yummy icing,

are oh so good and extremely enticing.

I set out to make you a dozen or two,

but time ran out, so now what to do?

So instead of the cookies, I tied with a bow,

your own personal serving of holiday dough.

A box of chocolate?  Oh wait...more money!  This would make a great Valentine's or Christmas gift!

Source:  Life As Mom

Martha Stewart does it right by wrapping this quarter rolls to look like candy.  A perfect stocking stuffer!

Classroom Christmas Party

Christmas Idea #4 - Classroom Christmas Party
The Organized Classroom Blog recently wrote a great article about hosting a winter/Christmas classroom party.  For tips, ideas and games, you must head over to her blog!  Here are a few highlights...

Snow Globe Game (printable game)
Pass the Hot Chocolate (no picture to show for this idea.)
Winter Snow Bingo (printable game)

Build A Snowman Relay Race

Want some more GREAT party ideas?  Check out Mrs. Bainbridge's Class to download a FREE Christmas party idea book (8 pages) full of games, treats, activities and more!  Such a great resource to print out and keep for the future!!

Minute To Win It - Christmas Party Games

Christmas Idea #3 - Minute To Win It Christmas games for a party.

You might be feeling a little stressed or overwhelmed if you are a room mom and are in charge of coming up with a holiday party for 20-30 children.  If you are looking for ideas for a work party or family Christmas party, I have you covered. 

For any age, why not try a few "Minute to Win It" type of games!?!  If you have never watched the hit NBC television show, allow me to catch you up on what you may have missed.  You will work in 2 teams (mainly because a little competition is so much more fun!) to complete tasks using items you probably already have around your house.  They may seem easy, but don't be fooled!  Besides you only have 1 MINUTE to complete the task!  YIKES!  Our family played a few of these games at our Christmas eve party last year and even the grandparents were getting in on the fun!  Here are a few ideas to use:

NOSE DIVE -

Items Needed:
Vaseline (Petroleum jelly)
Cotton Balls
Bowl

Directions:
Choose one player from each team to take a turn.  Have the player put a dab of Vaseline on the tip of their nose.  Without using any other body part (other than the nose), have the player move the cotton balls one at a time from one end of the table to a bowl at the other end of the table.  The player who can move the most cotton balls into the bowl within the minute will be awarded the point.

FACE THE GINGERBREAD MAN -

Items Needed:
cookies (in this case, gingerbread)

Directions:
Using only the face, players must move the cookie from their forehead to the mouth.  The team who can move the most cookies in 1 minute will receive a point.



SNOWBALL FIGHT -
Items Needed:
White paper for each player or team.

Place a dividing line in the middle of the room. Players or teams will need to wad up the white paper and have a snowball fight. The player or team who has the least number of “snowballs” on their side after one minute is the winner.


MARSHMALLOW TOSS -
Items Needed:
One wreath,
Large Bag of marshmallows
One bucket for each player.

Directions:
Have one person hold the wreath to their side and place the bucket behind the wreath. Players will have one minute to throw marshmallows through the wreath into the bucket. The player with the most marshmallows in the bucket after one minute is the winner!

MERRY FISHMAS -


Items Needed:

30cm plastic pole (think the thickness of say a straw) with a hook on the end.
15 cm candy cane which is hung from the bottom of the candy cane (ie; upside down) and securely attached to the end of the pole by fishing line.
4 small candy canes

Players must use Candy Canes as fishing hooks and hook four candy canes on top of each other. Think Barrel of Monkeys.


THE NUT STACKER-

Items Needed:
Candy cane
7 larger sized nuts...as in nuts and bolts (Check the size to make sure a candy cane could fit through the hole)

Directions:
Hold the candy cane in one hand by the hook.  Using the straight end of the candy cane (ONLY), pick up the nuts and place them one on top of another as high as you can.  The goal is to reach 7 nuts high, although our family record was 5 before the tower of nuts fell over.

Other ideas might include:
*Who can eat a donut tied to a string using only their mouth in 1 minute?
*Who can blow the most bubbles (using bubble gum) in 1 minute?
*Who can wrap the most presents in 1 minute?
*Who can unwrap a present using only spoons in 1 minute?

To see a few of these games in action and for a few more ideas check out The Mason's Blog.

Christmas Gifts for the Neighbors

Since you might need a start to getting all your gifts ready for the month, here are a few ideas to kick things off.

Christmas Idea #2:  Gifts for the neighbors...more to come...
Try a package of pasta (any kind will do) with a tag saying "Have a PASTA-tively Merry Christmas!"

Source:  Some of This & Some of That

A jug of apple cider with the tag (already made for ya) saying "We couldn't de-CIDER if you have been naughty or nice, so you're just getting some cider and spice.

Source:  No Fuss Fabulous

This idea looks like it may take a little more time, but if you are feeling a little crafty this year and have the time to spare, then you might just enjoy this clever snowman kit idea.  Don't worry the tutorial is there too...check go to The Fickle Pickle to read more...

Oh and I like this poem to go with the kit found on One of A Kind...

I am a little snowman.  I am so fat and round.

I started from a snowflake that fell upon the ground.

I have black coal for my eyes, a great big scarf of red.

I have a carrot for a nose, a hat upon my head.

I have some buttons on my vest, and for each hand a glove.

I have a smile for all who pass, because I was made with love.

"Wishing you a holiday season full of peace, joy and hope soap!" from Crap I've Made.

A (child proof) nativity set that children could play with and act out! 

(Idea from I Am Momma Hear Me Roar)

Finally in this post, One of Kind suggests the following:  Tie a tag to a box of Ding Dongs and Ho Ho's saying "Ho! Ho! Ho! Merry Christmas from the Ding Dongs next door."

Easy DIY Christmas Countdown

Even though I had promised my readers 31 fabulous Halloween ideas and fell short by a few, this time I am coming through with 25 Christmas ideas.  Some ideas I have planned to feature will be ideas to use with your family, in a classroom, for a party and even gift ideas for neighbors, teachers and more.  How do you know you can trust me on this one?  Because I am already working ahead and have the posts saved and ready to share as the days arrive.  This has to be a no-fail way right?!?

Christmas Idea #1 - Christmas Countdown

I realize there are a lot fewer days now until Christmas (from what you see in the picture above), but you get the idea.  This is such a simple and inexpensive craft idea to get you ready for Christmas.  Head on over to Life {Sweet} Life to download your choice of the Christmas countdown.  You can choose to either print it from home or send it to a photo center.  Stick the countdown behind a picture frame and using a dry erase marker, change the number of days until Christmas!  LOVE IT!