PARENTAL GUIDANCE

A rumination on last-minute preparations, from the Parents Council blog:

“Batteries, film and a recharged video camera are musts on Christmas morning, but they’re frequently forgotten until the very last minute. You’d think we’d learn, but no. Our misplaced priority is on the food.

“We always peel a few Mandarin oranges or tangerines to eat with breakfast. Santa often brings us a few. To us, they now smell like Christmas. Our tradition is also to begin the day with warm, homemade cinnamon buns. To be sure we have them, I make them ahead of time, freeze them, and then warm them in the oven on Christmas morning. (I have been reminded several times now by all members of the family) … Then, the younger person has hot chocolate with marshmallows, her dad has coffee, and I have hot tea with honey.

“I think when our daughter grows up, if she smells Mandarin oranges, warm cinnamon buns or hot chocolate, she will instantly be transported back to childhood Christmas mornings. What a happy event!”

– Posted by Laurie Rogers

So, is everything going according to plan? Share your Christmas stories at spokesmanreview.com/ blogs/parents.

THINGS TO DO

Winter Workshop

For ages 4-9. Make a pretzel wreath, mini gingerbread house and wrapping paper. Cost: $12. Mobius Kids, in the lower level of River Park Square, 808 W. Main Ave., Spokane. Call (509) 624-KIDS or go to www.mobiusspokane.org for more information.

A listing of family-friendly activities is posted each day at spokesmanreview.com/ blogs/parents.

For more events, search our database at spokane7.com/events.