I tend to let Christmas break sneak up on me. I get so busy with all the stuff that has to be accomplished in time for Christmas, that I forget to plan some activities ahead of time for the girls. So this year, I’m choosing some fun crafts and baking ideas early so I can have all the supplies on hand for when the girls say “We’re bored. Can we watch TV?”

If you want to plan ahead too, here are my favorite ideas from Pinterest.

Gingerbread Playdoh

There are a lot of Playdoh recipes out there, but this is the first seasonally scented recipe I’ve seen. The packaging is cute and including a cookie cuter would be great for Meg and Grace because they always “bake” with their Playdoh anyway. I also love the idea that the kids can help make the Playdoh. They could even decorate the packaging and give it as gifts to their friends.

Pretzel Treats
My sister-in-law makes these annually and they are simply addictive. I blame one pound a year directly on these little guys. But here’s what I like about them: I know I can make these with the girls. They can unwrap Hershey Kisses and place them on pretzels and they can press the M&Ms on top of the softened Kisses. The pretzels won’t get so hot in the oven that I have to worry about burns, so I’m declaring this the perfect treat for kids to help make.

Coffee Filter Snowflakes

I tried to show Meg and Grace how to make snowflakes last year, and realized I had totally forgotten the technique. I finally figured it out, but using coffee filters is genius.

Salt Dough Handprint Ornaments

There are lots of handprint and footprint crafts involving paint, but this ornament appeals to me because of its permanence. Great way to capture chubby toddler handprints. Think how much your children’s children will love putting their hands into Mommy’s or Daddy’s.

Advent Activities Countdown Box

Finally, I found this idea that includes a family activity for each day. Even if you don’t make the box — which would be another fun project with kids — you could use these activity ideas. (To see the tutorial, click the link under the photo, then scroll down, or go straight to it here: http://iheartorganizing.blogspot.com/2011/12/our-holiday-countdown-project.html.)