The holiday season is a magical time for children, filled with excitement, wonder, and the joy of creating lasting memories. As a childcare provider, it’s important to find ways to celebrate and engage your little ones in fun and inclusive activities that reflect the spirit of the holidays. In this article, we will explore a variety of holiday activities and delicious CACFP recipes that you can incorporate into your classroom to create a festive and memorable experience for the children in your care.

Holiday Activities

Transform your Classroom into a Winter Wonderland

Create a festive atmosphere in your classroom by transforming each room into a winter wonderland. Set up different holiday-centered themes in each room and have corresponding snacks and activities. For example, in the Reindeer Room, serve “reindeer food” muddy buddies as a snack. In the Snowman Room, make marshmallow snowmen and drink hot chocolate. And in the Candy Cane Room, make peppermint bark together. This immersive experience will ignite the children’s imagination and create a sense of holiday magic.

Silly Holiday Sweater Day

Encourage families and their children to wear silly holiday sweaters to celebrate the season. You can create a fun and interactive day by decorating sweater-shaped sugar cookies and coloring holiday-themed pages. This activity promotes creativity and allows children to express their unique personalities while fostering a sense of togetherness.

Learn About Different Winter Holidays

Take the opportunity to teach children about the diversity of winter holidays celebrated around the world. Each day, focus on a different holiday and plan appropriate activities related to that holiday. Incorporate books that explain popular holidays, such as Christmas, Hanukkah, and Kwanzaa. This educational experience promotes cultural awareness and encourages children to embrace diversity.

Scavenger Hunt

Organize a holiday-themed scavenger hunt to keep the children active and engaged. Create a list of items or clues that they need to find or solve, leading them to hidden treasures or surprises. You can tailor the scavenger hunt to different holiday themes or create a general winter-themed hunt. This activity promotes problem-solving skills, teamwork, and physical activity.

Delicious Recipes

Waldorf Salad: A Crunchy Delight

Start off your holiday feast with a refreshing and nutritious Waldorf Salad. This classic salad combines the crispness of fall apples with the crunch of walnuts, creating a perfect blend of flavors. To make this salad, you’ll need:

• 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
• 2 apples, cored and diced
• 1 cup diced celery
• 1/2 cup raisins
• 1/4 cup non-fat plain yogurt
• 1/2 teaspoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice

To prepare the salad, follow these simple steps:

1. Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees. Place the chopped walnuts on a baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes until evenly toasted.
2. In a bowl, combine the diced apples, celery, raisins, and toasted walnuts.
3. In a separate bowl, mix together the yogurt, sugar, and lemon juice. Pour this dressing over the apple mixture and toss lightly.
4. Refrigerate any leftovers within 2 hours to ensure food safety.

For more information on the nutritional value of this delicious Waldorf Salad, please visit Waldorf Salad at USDA’s MyPlate Kitchen.

Dutch Green Beans: A Quick and Easy Side Dish

When time is of the essence, this Dutch Green Beans recipe comes to the rescue. Using canned green beans and a few pantry staples, you can whip up a tasty side dish in no time. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 1 can green beans (15 ounces)
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch
• 1/3 cup vinegar
• 1 small onion, sliced

To prepare this quick and flavorful side dish, follow these steps:

1. Drain the green beans, but save the liquid from the can in a small bowl.
2. Pour 1/2 cup of the bean liquid into a saucepan and add the cornstarch. Stir well to combine.
3. Add the vinegar and brown sugar to the saucepan and heat on medium heat, bringing the mixture to a boil.
4. Reduce the heat to low and add the green beans and sliced onion. Heat the mixture and serve.

For more information on the nutritional value of this easy-to-prepare Dutch Green Beans side dish, please visit Dutch Green Beans at USDA’s MyPlate Kitchen.

Cranberry Ham Slice: A Sweet and Tangy Delight

No holiday meal is complete without a succulent ham dish. This Cranberry Ham Slice recipe adds a delightful twist to the traditional ham by incorporating a sweet and tangy cranberry sauce. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 1 cup firmly packed brown sugar
• 1/2 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1/2 teaspoon allspice
• 2 cups cranberry juice cocktail
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1/4 cup seedless raisins
• 2 slices ham, 1-inch thick

To prepare the cranberry sauce and ham, follow these steps:

1. In a saucepan, combine the brown sugar, cornstarch, and allspice. Gradually add the cranberry juice cocktail and lemon juice while stirring. Cook the mixture until it thickens and boils.
2. Place one slice of ham in a greased baking dish and pour half of the cranberry sauce over it. Top with the second slice of ham and add the remaining cranberry sauce.
3. Cover the dish and bake in a 350°F oven for 45 minutes.

For more information on the nutritional value of this delectable Cranberry Ham Slice, please visit Cranberry Ham Slice at USDA’s MyPlate Kitchen.