Holidays are a great time of yea r to connect with family. It’s easy to let schedules get too hectic so make sure you prioritize your family time this year. Recently my husband and I returned from a fun visit with our youngest son, Matt, in Florida. It was great to see him interact with his Extension co-workers and see that he is adjusting to his job, the traffic and warm temperatures. Daily trips to the beach during our visit were amazing.
An added bonus of driving to Florida meant we got to connect with an aunt in Missouri and an aunt and uncle in northern Georgia. Those visits brought back a flood of memories from my childhood. Sitting around the dining room table without any electronic device around is the perfect environment for treasured family time.
Incorporating games, working a jig saw puzzle or building a snowman (if we get snow) are definitely memory makers. I have a great poster titled, “100 Ways to Celebrate your Family” that is free if you simply stop by our office at 1800 12th Street. All of the suggestions are no-cost or very low cost and I firmly believe that those are the things that make the biggest impression on kids.
Another consideration during this busy time of year is to stick to a simple menu. There is no prize for stressing yourself out in the kitchen. A true memory maker is when you get down on the floor with the little ones. Menu ideas I go to at this time of year include soups and stews, served up with some tasty fresh fruit. Not only are these ideas simple but they are healthier choices as well.
So whatever you are planning and wherever your holiday travels take you, make time for some simple fun with your family!

Donna Krug is the Family & Consumer Science Agent with K-State Research and Extension – Barton County. Contact her at 620-793-1910 or dkrug@ksu.edu.