Does your neighborhood have an annual tradition of caroling together? I remember in one friend’s neighborhood the tradition of neighbors gathering together and going to the various homes for carols and cocoa. It was tons of fun. My friends had a pot of fresh, homemade cocoa for the carolers. It is a great event to organize this season with the kids.

Put out a flyer for a “Carols and Cocoa” evening in your neighborhood. Make it the early evening hours (4:30 to 6:30 pm) on a Sunday night perhaps, which may be a bit quieter than other days of the week. Decide who in your family wants to get all bundled up and sing carols with the group. The other members of the family, must also play the important part of making the cocoa or other goodies that will be handed out when they come to your house.

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With presents comes wrapping each and every year. Of course, time is of the essence and you may also want to consider being eco-friendly this year too. Here are some quick, easy, eco-friendly ideas to make your holiday gift wrapping a cinch this year!

1. To decorate a cardboard tube that may hold anything from a poster to a fishing pole, wrap plain white butcher paper around the tube and then make it into a candy cane stick by adding a wide red ribbon that is wrapped around the tube. Use a glue stick or glue gun to stick the ribbon ends at the top and bottom of the tube. Really festive!

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Check out Bakerella’s darling and delicious Candy Cane Christmas Tree Cupcakes. These look so darling!  Too cute to eat?  No way!  It’s quite the recipe, but surely the result will be worth your time.

So pretty, so yummy…happy Christmas!

In a holiday time crunch? Here are 3 easy ideas from Celebrations.com expert Jeanne Benedict for decorating Christmas cupcakes to bring to any seasonal party or gathering.

Holly Wreath Cupcakes
Use green M&M’s to form a wreath and red M&M’s as bow accents as in this photo from Wilton.

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Large holidays meals can be a wonderful way to enjoy a feast with family and friends. However, it’s a long time for young children to sit at the table. Here are 5 ideas to make long meals enjoyable for even the squirmiest kids:

1. Fun Drinks. Set out special colored glasses or cups, perhaps plastic would work well, and outfit them with crazy straws, umbrellas, fruit, and ice cubes with holiday gummies frozen inside.  The kids will be delighted with the fun drinks.

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Festive, fresh, and kissing sweet, a Candy Cane Christmas Party for kids will hook them into the holiday season! Go a little retro with a candy cane tablescape where red and white candy is layered in glass cubes and displayed on red and white glazed tiles. Have fun fishing with candy canes and give the kids candy cane huggers as party favors! Read on for all the sweet ideas Celebrations.com expert Jeanne Benedict has for this festive party.

Candy Cane Christmas Party Tips:

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It’s the week before Christmas and there is an amazing assortment of creative goodies showcased around the web that look so delicious and also would be a great way to share time with your children during this festive season.

Not Martha has created Tiny Gingerbread Houses for the rims of your mugs.  How absolutely adorable!  All of the hard-working Santas and elves are sure to love this delight.

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