Something New For The Holidays

By Kendra Ericson, MPW

Most of us have one or more great holiday memories about the little things our parents did to make the holidays special. Often these memories entail standard holiday fare: surprises Christmas morning; the ‘special’ food Mom or Dad made every year; the holiday tunes drifting throughout the house, a sweet reminder that soon company would be coming, food would be eaten, wrapping paper shredded, and presents revealed. As the face of American families is changing, though, so are our traditions. Many families are now blended in a variety of ways as a result of separations and remarriages, which can pose a challenge to parents who are trying to come up with holiday ideas that are inclusive as well as suited to the interests of all family members.

While developing new traditions of togetherness can be tough, it is also an opportunity to get creative. Determine what your family enjoys most. Is your family outdoorsy? Artistic? Academic? A little of each? There are a variety of opportunities during the holidays to get family together and into the holiday spirit. By developing a new tradition specifically suited to your kids, they will be more engaged in holiday family time, and you’ll be creating memories they’ll cherish for a lifetime. Try one or more of the following for a new twist on an old holiday:

• Get moving – If your family tends to gravitate to the outdoors, pick a sport all the family members can enjoy together and make it a yearly event. Sea lovers? Try scuba diving or kayaking to see the ocean in a new light. Land lovers? Try bicycling together through neighborhoods with plentiful holiday lights for an inspiring eyeful or meet at the park for a competitive game of touch football, an especially exciting tradition if you have visiting extended family that are willing to play.
• Get cooking – Yes, cooking during the holidays isn’t anything new, but many families like mine are cooking with new ingredients. Try including a dish on your holiday table that teaches as well as thrills the taste buds. For example, since part of my family is Scandinavian, my father would always prepare a breakfast of aebleskivers, traditional (and delicious) Danish pancakes shaped like small tennis balls. Not sure what to cook? Look to your family’s roots. Many country-specific recipes can be found online. By including kids in the cooking process, you will open up opportunities for them to ask questions about their heritage and you’ll add meaning to your meals.
• Get quiet – The hustle and bustle of holiday time can leave even the most ironclad shoppers, cooks, and party planners frazzled, but inventive solutions are out there to help families connect in new, less hectic ways. I know one family who sets aside an hour every Christmas Eve to sit together without talking or television. They generally play holiday music, so it’s not completely silent, but the absence of conversation allows them to spend time together reflecting on the year, the holiday, and their family. The end result: they feel more centered, happier, and more connected.
• Get the gift of giving – Instead of simply exchanging gifts with other loved ones, try giving to others as a family. Volunteering your time as a family will help bring members together with a unified purpose – helping others. Consider volunteering to serve food to those less fortunate or have each family member locate a few pieces of warm clothes to donate to a homeless shelter.
• Get writing – Start a family journal. Leave a journal in a busy area of your home along with plenty of colorful markers, and encourage your kids (as well as yourself) to celebrate the holiday by recording the holiday celebrations with drawings as well as words. The pictures and stories captured will create great holiday memories.

For additional ideas on family activities in your area, check with your city’s website to find local events that often include ice blocking and snow days. Also, see Amerikidz’s Calendar section for a host of winter events that are sure to entice even the most reluctant (bah humbug) family member to join in the fun.

For those interested in trying my family’s not-so-secret aebleskivers recipe, I have included it for your enjoyment. Something old and something new isn’t just for weddings anymore.

Happy Holidays!

Ericson Aebleskivers

Ingredients:

3 EGGS
3 CUPS FLOUR
1 TSP SALT
2 TBSP SUGAR
3 CUPS & 2 TBSP BUTTERMILK
6 TBSP WESSON VEGETABLE OIL
1 ¼ TSP BAKING SODA
SHORTENING

Note: Making aebleskivers requires a special pan that possesses seven or so circular depressions. Aebleskiver pans can be purchased from a variety of online retailers and specialty cooking stores (www.target.com sells one for just $14.99).

Directions:

Preheat aebleskiver pan over medium-low heat. Sift all dry ingredients and set aside. Separate eggs. Beat egg whites until stiff and put into refrigerator. Beat egg yolks in a large bowl, adding buttermilk, Wesson oil, and sifted dry ingredients. Gently fold in egg whites.

Working in batches, melt a small amount of shortening in each pan indentation. Fill pan indentations (about three-quarters full) with batter. Cook until sides are set and golden brown, which should take 2-3 minutes. Using a wooden skewer, carefully turn aebleskivers over. Heat until bottom is golden brown and the skewer comes about clean when the aebleskivers are pierced, about 2 minutes.

Serve with fruit syrup and powdered sugar or any topping that suits your taste.

Enjoy!