With the holidays coming up and a deep freeze settling over the area, many parents will keep their kids inside. How to keep them busy? Well, how about helping them make treats for gift giving.

When I was a kid, my mom used to help my sister and I make snickerdoodles around the holidays. Our job was to roll the dough into balls and cover them with cinnamon and sugar.

Baking is still a great way to create edible treats, but if you are in the mood for something different, check www.child.com for holiday recipes including pretzel and candy garlands, sweet trees, even delicious dreidels.

The recipe for the pretzel and candy garlands calls for 16 two-inch yogurt covered pretzels, five rolls of peppermint Lifesavers, a bag of oversized gummy rings and four feet of red string licorice.

Kids can thread the candy and pretzels onto the licorice, and the garlands can be used to decorate the Christmas tree or be given to friends.

They also are pretty good to eat, I’m sure.

The Best Christmas Pageant Ever

The Spokane Children’s Theatre is performing, “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever,” one last time on Saturday at 10 a.m. and at 1 p.m.

The performances, which are at the Civic Theater, 1020 N. Howard St., are $7 for adults and $6 for kids 18 years old and under.

Tickets are available through TicketsWest at www.ticketswest.com, or by calling 325-SEAT.

Santa’s schedule

Santa is still visiting the local malls to take family photos and find out what children would like for Christmas.

At River Park Square, 808 W. Main Ave., Santa will be available from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. today, from 10 a.m. until 8 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, from 11 a.m. until 6 p.m. Sunday.

Next week, his hours are from 10 a.m. until 8 p.m. Dec. 19 through Dec. 22, from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. Dec. 23, and from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. Dec. 24.

Santa is off from 2 to 3 p.m. every day to feed his reindeer.

For information, call 747-5157.

At Northtown Mall, Santa is available from 10 a.m. until 8 p.m. Monday through Friday, from 10 a.m. until 9 p.m. Saturdays, and from 11 a.m. until 6 p.m. Sundays.

Santa will also accept visits from the family pet Tuesday from 6 to 8 p.m. Just remember that Santa is allergic to cats, so leave kitty at home.

For information, call the mall at 482-4800 ext. 5.

Santa will be also be in attendance at Spokane Valley Mall from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays, and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sundays.

For information, call the mall 926-5575.