Reviving an old but so relevant post:

The winter holidays are here and this is supposed to be a joyous time – but as we all know, it can be stressful.

Will all the cooking and preparing get done? Will the children have needs and wants that get in the way of getting things done? Will children be disappointed with the gifts they get? And after the presents are opened, will people talk about politics? Will a fight break out? Will children jump up from the holiday table and run around while everyone is eating?

Well, yes, some of these things may happen.

But there ARE some things you can do to reduce the stress somewhat. First of all, try to do as much as you can ahead of time. Instead of doing everything the same day, start the preparations several days in advance and do a little each day.

Secondly, try to keep your kids busy. On the days leading up to the holiday, before everyone comes, or before you go to the house where the holiday is being celebrated, give your kids some projects: some jobs to help you or an art project to do while you cook or make preparations. Let them make holiday pictures to put up. Let them make a holiday card to give each guest. Have them make little place cards so people will know where to sit at the table.

And thirdly, let children get involved with food prep. They feel so proud when something they helped to make is served. And they may be more likely to eat it if they had a hand in making it!

A day or two ahead, let children help you make the recipe below:

You can keep these covered in the refrig for a day or two and then cook right before you serve the meal:

Steve’s Sweet Potato Marshmallow Balls

You will need:

sweet potatoes

1 bag normal sized marshmallows (not mini)

brown sugar

butter

corn flakes

Roast how ever many sweet potatoes you need (1 per 2 people). Place unpeeled sweet potatoes on a cookie sheet and roast at 400 degrees until soft (45 min to an hour).  Let sweet potatoes cool then remove the skin and put into a large mixing bowl. Mash the potatoes using a potato masher or hands.  (With supervision, anyone two or older can do this part). After mashing add a little brown sugar. Taste. Make sure they are the level of sweetness you and your child like (this may require a bit of negotiation).

Now for the fun part!

Put corn flakes on a cookie sheet with sides and have your child mash with his/her fists.

Then have your child stand at the counter and take one marshmallow. Then take a scoop of sweet potato and form into a ball around the marshmallow.  Each ball should be larger than a golf ball but smaller than a baseball.

Roll each sweet potato ball in the corn flakes to coat.

Place finished sweet potato balls on a greased cookie sheet.  Put a small pat of butter on top of each one.

Refrigerate for later use or bake right away at 375 for 15 or 20 minutes or until the marshmallows inside are gooey.  Do not leave in too long or the marshmallows will totally melt and your child will be disappointed.  (You can always take one out to test the marshmallow inside!)

Serve warm.

And try to find some perfect moments during the holidays. To expect the whole time to be fun is setting your expectations WAY too high. But a few wonderful moments? More doable!