Christmas DVDs and Chick Lit

Movies:

Elf  

It’s a Wonderful Life

Frosty the Snowman

Home Alone

How the Grinch Stole Christmas

Merry Christmas Charlie Brown!

Rudolf the Red-Nosed Reindeer

The Santa Claus

While You Were Sleeping

White Christmas

Winter and CHRISTMAS Books:

A Christmas Carol, by Charles Dickens
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, Robert L. May 1557091390 (authentic reproduction of the original edition)
The Night Before Christmas, Clement C. Moore 0439289742
Auntie Claus, Elise Primavera 0439218861
Santa's Secret Helper, Andrew Clements 0590472690
Little Tree, E.E. Cummings 0439259673
Christmas in the Big Woods, adapted from The Little House Books, Laura Ingalls Wilder 0590928880
Georgie's Christmas Carol, Robert Bright 0385023448
Jingle the Christmas Clown, Tomie dePaola 0590472720
The Wild Christmas Reindeer, Jan Brett 0590449087
The Mitten 0590440152
Trouble with Trolls 0590472844
Owl Moon, Jane Yolen 0590420445
The Snowy Day, Ezra Jack Keats 0590030310
Little Penguin's Tale, Audrey Wood 059047085X

Peace on earth will come to stay, when we live Christmas every day. ~Helen Steiner Rice

Keeping Christmas All Year Long

JANUARY—While putting away Christmas items, take photographs of special ornaments or decorations you would like to scrapbook.

FEBRUARY—Take a Paper Crafts Class and make handmade Valentines for family and friends.  Use this skill to get a start on handmade Christmas Cards.

MARCH—These dreary wintry days are a good time to get the Christmas sewing done.

APRIL—This month prepare a Family Night to help explain Christmas traditions and symbols.  Put this away where you will find it and give it at Christmas time.

MAY AND JUNE—Still haven’t put last year’s Christmas photos in an album?  Get those pictures printed, placed in the album and journaled before your memories slip away!

JULY—Kids getting bored?  Do Christmas in July!  Make ornaments for this year’s tree while there's extra free time.

AUGUST—This month, take a minute to schedule any Christmas gatherings you plan to host.  Try the weekends soon after Thanksgiving for the best attendance.

SEPTEMBER—Gather a basketful of pinecones to make Pinecone Fire Starters to give as gifts or keep by the fireplace, and be prepared for the cooler evenings.

OCTOBER—Decide now what the Christmas Menu will be.  Keep a list of ingredients handy to be ready to purchase items as they go on holiday sales.

NOVEMBER—Make plans now to keep Christmas focused on Jesus.  Do your shopping this month, for a more peaceful December.

DECEMBER—Remember to send out the Christmas cards you made last February.  Try to keep the list of recipients to folks who truly need a lift, (like widows, and shut-ins).  Take out the Family Night lesson on Christmas traditions and symbols, and do this activity early in the month to set the tone for the holiday season.  As you decorate the house and tree, take pictures of homemade or special decorations and ornaments, or even foods to put in the family album or scrapbook. 

Christmas Entertaining

Achievement Day Girls' Christmas Party, 2002

Christmas Party GameCookie and Ornament Swaps Holiday Recipes And Gift Instructions

Persons sit in a circle and pass gifts right and left according to directions in the following story

Once upon a time there was a little boy named Tommy Wright.  He lived with his mother, Mrs. Wright and his father, Dr. Wright and his sister Sara Wright.

He had four shiny quarters left from some birthday money Grandma Wright had sent him besides the $8.12 left in his piggy bank.  Now it was time to buy the right present for each member of the Wright family.  So one morning he hopped right out of bed and quietly left home and went carefully down the street to the big store on the left side of Main Street.  The store was decorated with lights and Christmas ornaments.  Tommy Wright thought and thought about Christmas presents and he looked at all the things for sale. 

“Let’s see,” said Tommy.  “I know.  I’ll get Mother Wright some warm gloves.  Here is the right one but where is the left one?”  “Here it is, right under the right one.  They cost $3.06 so I have $6.06 left to spend.  Now for Daddy Wright.  Would he like a truck or maybe a ball or a left-handed catcher’s mitt?  I know.  I’ll get him a football so we can play catch right in our own backyard when he comes home from work.”

“That was $5.06 so now I have $1.00 left for Sara’s present.  Here is what she wants.  A pretty new purse and I think I have just enough money left.”  Tommy Wright clutched his presents happily and went running right up to the lady at the counter and gave her all the money from his left pocket and his right pocket.  “Is that right?” he asked as he gave his money.  “It will be $1.05 with tax,” she said.  “Oh no,” said Tommy Wright.  “I forgot about tax.”  Tommy started crying.  Tears streamed right and left down his little face.  Right then the door burst open and in came Santa Claus who had left the North Pole and had come right to Tommy Wright’s town to take orders from children for Christmas.  “Ho! Ho! Ho!” said Santa.  “We can’t have Santa’s helpers sad like this.  Let’s see now, I bet I have five pennies right here in my left pocket.”  Santa Clause checked his left pocket and found nothing.

“Oh no,” said Santa, “I must have put them into my right pocket instead of my left.”

“Here they are right here, Tommy, Ho! Ho! Ho! and a Merry Christmas to all the Wrights from Santa Claus and his helpers.”  Tommy Wright left the store and ran home to tell Sara Wright that he had seen and talked to Santa.

He was so happy that he wrapped his presents right away and put them under the Christmas tree.  Mr. and Mrs. Wright and Sara Wright were thrilled with the presents Tommy had purchased and Christmas morning left nothing to want. 

I hope your Christmases will be wonderful and full of the love we all feel for one another!  Merry Christmas!

Cookie Swaps

Because of the ease of preparation for the hostess, cookie swaps are very popular.   Some are for adults; others just for children.  Some invite only a few friends, while others accommodate a large church group. 

The Invitations:  Invite guests three to four weeks in advance.  Eight people is the ideal number—manageable, with enough for a good variety of cookies.  Have each person bring along copies of her recipe as well as some supplies for pretty packaging, such as ribbons, tags, or boxes.

The Cookies:  Ask each guest to make a dozen cookies for every person in attendance, plus an extra dozen for sampling; you do the same.  this way, everybody will go home with several dozen in different flavors to give as gifts.  If that seems daunting, scale back; if eight of you have six dozen to swap, you will take a few less of each kind but will still have an ample number.  Decide for, or with, everyone who will make what, coordinating ahead of time to avoid duplicates.  Sturdy cookies are best (very thin or delicate varieties won’t pack well).

The Swap:  On the day of the party, clear a few tables for sampling, swapping, and packaging cookies.  Provide several platters and cake stands, and have each guest put out a plate of cookies for tasting, with stacks of recipes alongside if you like.  Let everyone sample the treats—and maybe even take a vote on the best one.  When it’s time to trade, set out the remaining cookies and let each person walk around the table to pick up their share of each.  Or have people take only what they need to package one gift at a time, and return to the table for more as they wish.

The Display:  At the swap, it helps to know which cookie is which.  Use folding place cards that set in front of each variety as a label.  Write or print the name of the cookie and the contributor on the card:  “Chocolate-Drizzled Spice Cookies, from Laura.”  It’s also helpful to wrote or print a cookie menu that lists each of the different types displayed.

The Packaging Station:  Ask guests to bring wrapping materials; you might also keep some on hand in case any are overlooked.  Set everything out on large worktables.

Further Ideas:  This is a great mother/daughter activity.  Add a few appetizers to the menu and then serve the cookies as dessert.  Vote on awards such as fanciest cookie, funniest cookie, most original cookie, cookie with the best history behind it, etc.  When staging a cookie swap for a large group, ask each participant to bake as many cookies as they’d like to swap.  Have them package the cookies in zip-top plastic bags by the half dozen, and set out groupings of each on a large table.  Have everyone collect as many cookies as they have brought.

Ornament Swap

The same idea can be used to swap homemade ornaments.  Here's a picture of the ornament swap we did for Achievement Girls one Christmas when my younger daughter was eight.  She's the one with the pigtails next to the leader (name has escaped me)!  I was the assistant since we had so many girls.  (I've gotten a better camera since)!

Holiday Recipes And Gift Instructions

Holiday Recipes and Gift Instructions

Orange Box-Cake Cookies                                 

1 box Duncan Hines orange (or lemon) cake mix

2 eggs

½ cup vegetable oil

6 ounce bag or 1 cup of Toll House chocolate chips

Combine ingredients.  Drop by small rounded teaspoonfuls onto ungreased cookie sheet.  Bake in preheated oven 325 degrees F.  Watch carefully and remove when they have risen and just started to brown, (12-14 minutes).

Double Peanut Butter Cookies                    

1½ cups all-purpose flour

½ cup sugar

½ teaspoon baking soda

¼ teaspoon salt

½ cup shortening

½ cup creamy peanut butter

¼ cup light corn syrup

1 tablespoon milk

¼ cup creamy peanut butter (filling)

Combine flour, sugar, soda, and salt; cut in shortening and ½ peanut butter with pastry blender until mixture resembles coarse meal.  Stir in corn syrup and milk.  Shape dough into a long roll, 2 inches in diameter; wrap in waxed paper, and chill 2 to 3 hours or until firm.  Unwrap roll, and cut into ¼ inch slices; place half of slices on ungreased cookie sheets.  Spread each with ½ teaspoon peanut butter.  Top with remaining cookie slices, and seal edges with fork.  Bake at 350 degrees F. for 10 to 12 minutes.  Yield: about 2 dozen.

Magic Cookie Bars                      

½ cup (1 stick) butter or margarine

1½ cups graham cracker crumbs

1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk

1 cup (6 ounce) butterscotch-flavored chips

1 cup (6 ounces) semi-sweet chocolate chips

1 1/3 cups flaked coconut

1 cup chopped nuts

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. (325 for glass dish).  In 13 x 9 inch baking pan, melt butter in oven.  Sprinkle crumbs over butter; pour sweetened condensed milk evenly on top of crumbs.  Top with remaining ingredients in order listed; press down firmly with fork.  Bake 25 minutes or until lightly browned.  Cool.  Chill if desired.  Cut into bars.  Store covered at room temperature.  Makes 24-36.  Tip:  For perfectly cut cookie bars line entire pan (including sides) with a sheet of aluminum foil first.  When bars are baked, cool; lift up edges of foil to to remove from pan.  Cut into individual squares.  Lift off of foil.

Red-Hots Crock Pot Cider                                  

2 quarts apple cider or apple juice

4 tablespoons red cinnamon candies

Combine cider and cinnamon candies in (4-quart) slow cooker.  Cover and cook on high two hours until candies dissolve and cider is hot.  Yield:  12 to 16 servings.

Snowman Soup (Christmas Gift)                           

1 package Hot Chocolate mix

3 Hershey kisses

1 handful of miniature marshmallows

1 candy cane

Put items in a mug and wrap with cellophane.  Include this poem:  Was told you’ve been real good this year.  Always glad to hear it.  With freezing weather drawing near, You’ll need to warm the spirit.  So here’s a little Snowman Soup, Complete with stirring stick.  Add hot water, sip it slow.  It’s sure to do the trick!

HERE is an 8x10 printable of the Snowman Soup poem.

Download This Printable

Friendship Sip Mix (Christmas Gift)              

2 cups orange drink mix

1 cup lemonade drink mix

1-1/3 cups sugar

1 ½ teaspoon cinnamon

½ teaspoon ground cloves

Mix all ingredients together; store in an airtight container.  Makes about 4 cups mix.  To make one serving, stir 2 tablespoons mix into one cup boiling water.

Bath Potpourri Bag (Christmas Gift)              

dried chamomile

dried mint

dried lavender

4 x 4 muslin squares

jute or kite rope

Combine equal parts of the dried herbs in a bowl.  Mound a couple of teaspoons of mixture in center of a square of muslin, and tie with jute or kite rope.  Throw 1-2 bags into warm bath.

Christmas Coffee Cake (Baking Mix Recipe)

Wrapping Presents Like a Pro

How to wrap a present in four easy steps!  These instructions and instructional picture are from Southern Living Home for The Holidays, Mid October 2007, p.102.  Refer to pictures shown:

1. Flip over the box, and place it in the center of the cut paper.  Tape one edge to the center of the box.
2. Fold the other edge under to create a neat crease, and bring it all the way around the side of the box to overlap the taped side.  Make sure the flap extends to the edge of the box.  Adhere the flap with double-sided tape.
3. For the sides:  Push the shorter flaps to the center, and crease.
4. Fold the top flap down, then pull the bottom flap over it, and secure with double-sided tape.  Repeat on the opposite end.  Turn over your package; it's ready for ribbon!

To make your own bows you'll need 3 yards of ribbon to create a poofy bow.  Southern Living recommends using wired organza ribbon.  I love these instructions because when I got home from learning how to make these bows at a Relief Society Activity, of course I couldn't remember how to make them and this reminded me how Jennifer taught us:

1. Starting about 7 inches from the end, make your first loop with the finished side of the ribbon facing out; use about 6 inches of ribbon to make this loop.  Pinch and hold the piece together with your thumb and forefinger.  Make an identical loop on the opposite side.  You should have a ribbon figure eight.
2. Create three more sets of loops, gradually getting smaller, for a total of four loops on each side.
3. Still holding the loops in place, create a center loop by wrapping the ribbon loosely around your thumb, and then tucking the excess under your thumb.  Thread a piece of florist wire (we used pipe cleaners), through the center loop, and twist the ends tightly to fasten the bow together.  Make sure your wire ends are under the bow.
4. Fan out and shape the loops.  Cut the ends of the tails so they are equal length.  When using on a gift, wrap leftover ribbon around the wrapped box and secure with double-sided tape.  Attach the finished bow with the florist wire.

Christmas Caroling

One year we marched in the Christmas Parade as a troop of Girl Scouts.  I made the girls a list of carols to sing since, believe it or not, not everybody knows them by heart.  This was a real hit with the girls and one of my most enjoyable memories as a leader.

Another handout I found (better for adult caroling):

Christmas Legend and Lore

The Christmas Tree

A legacy from Germany, that possibly began in the 8^th century.  The Christian missionary St. Boniface led a group of German converts into the forest to chop down a sacred oak of the god Odin, and the felled tree uncovered a small fir.  St. Boniface instructed his followers to take fir trees into their homes because the branches point toward heaven and the Christ child.

Other legends credit Martin Luther, who was inspired by a stroll on a starry winter’s night.  He placed candles on an evergreen tree to create an allegory for his children, using the array of tiny flames to represent the stars in the sky over Bethlehem.

My young daughters (in Santa caps) help with Library Storytime 

The Yule Log

Scandinavian Norsemen thought of the year as a wheel.  At the winter solstice, on December 22, they lit bonfires to celebrate the triumph of the sun over darkness.  To fuel the raging fires, they used enormous pieces of wood.  These logs became known as Yule logs, the word Yule coming from the Norse word for wheel.

Over the centuries, the custom endured and slowly evolved.  In England, tradition dictated that the Yule log be lit on Christmas Eve and burned for a period each day until Twelfth Night.  The charred remainder was then positioned under a bed to fight off fires, lightning, and evil spirits, until the following Christmas, when it became kindling for the new Yule log.

In some places today, the custom is enjoying a revival, again warmly marking the days of Christmas.

St. Nicholas

Despite European beginnings, St. Nick is a unique American tradition.

A humorous tale by Washington Irving described the early Dutch settlers’ fondness for Sinterklaas, or St. Nicholas.  In Irving’s story, the jolly old man is first described flying over rooftops and dropping presents down chimneys.  In 1822, Clement Clarke Moore drew from this story when he penned his famous poem A Visit from St. Nicholas. And it was during the Civil War that Thomas Nast, a cartoonist for Harper’s Weekly, gave Santa his now-famous and traditional appearance.  He sketched the old gent with a round belly, dressed in fur-trimmed garb, and smoking a clay pipe.  

Today’s Santa, as he listens to children’s wish lists and smiles with them for the camera, still looks the way Moore and Nast depicted him.

Greetings Cards

Sir Henry Cole, an Englishman, found the task of writing personal greetings to all of his associated more than he could face.  Partly inspired by the inexpensive postal rates, he decided to commission an artist to create a scene that expressed his sentiments; then he added a message and had a thousand cards printed.  Those he didn’t use were sold through a local shop, and as he predicted, he was the not the only person with too little time—the custom is now part of our culture.

Toasting

In merry old England, revelers went from house to house spreading the cheer of the season.  To all who bade them welcome, they drank a toast from a bowl of steaming wassail, which was hot ale topped with toasted apples.  Today we still sing the English carol:  “Love and joy come to you and to you your wassail too, and God bless you and send you a Happy New Year, and God send you a Happy New Year.”

Carols

A “carol” is a joyous song, especially about Christmas.  Many of the older carols, like Away In A Manger, The First Noel, and We Three Kings tell about the birth of Christ.  In a way, they are Christmas stories set to music.  Around Christmas time, carols are sung in many places besides church. 

It’s fun to go “Christmas caroling.”  Groups of friends both and small can be heard singing carols from house to house in the evenings.  Sometimes caroling groups bring a special cheer by singing at nursing homes and hospitals.

Gifts

Epiphany (a Greek word that means arrival) falls on January 6 and is the last of the 12 days of Christmas.  This marks the day that the three Magi found the Christ Child in a stable in Bethlehem and gave him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.  Each present given at Christmastime today is an echo of those first, most-precious gifts.

Boxing Day

December 26^th in England, Australia, and Canada, is called Boxing Day because traditionally people give presents or money to employees and servants.  The day is named after the little clay boxes in which the money was given in medieval days. 

Christmas Tree Star or Angel:  The star reminds people of the star of Bethlehem that led the three wise men to Jesus.  The angel reminds people of the angel Gabriel who told Mary she would be the mother of God’s son, and the angel who told the shepherds the news of Jesus’ birth.

Crèche

A “crèche,” an old French word meaning “crib” or “manager,” is a model of the Nativity scene, reminding people of the night Jesus was born.  Inside a model stable are the figures of Mary and Joseph looking at the Baby Jesus lying in the manger.  They are usually surrounded by figures of the shepherds and their sheep, and the three wise men with their camels.  In some towns, large crèches are put up in the middle of town.  Many people also have small crèches in their homes.

The History and Explanations of Santa Claus

That's the real trouble with the world, too many people grow up.  They forget.  They don't remember what it's like to be twelve years old. ~Walt Disney

Here is the best history I have found about St. Nicholas, or "Santa Claus" and I also like the way the letter to Virginia explained Santa Clause.  Even more amusing is the Disney movie, The Santa Clause:

Christmas Pageant and Christmas Tree Symbols

Pageant Puppets

I love this Christmas Pageant that I found a long time ago in an old Friend magazine.  My children used this to give December talks in Primary when they were children. 

Remember the Meaning behind the Symbols of Christmas (Trim the Tree)
The following is a fun activity to do with a mini Christmas tree and mini ornaments.  My children have also done this as a talk in Primary.  Kids love it!  You could also make this a ritual as you trim your own full-size tree.

Star:  God promised a Savior for the world, and one bright star shone down from the heavens as fulfillment of that promise.  (3 Nephi 1:21)

The Color Red:  The first color of Christmas, symbolizing the Savior’s sacrifice for all.  (D&C 19:18)

Christmas Tree:  The pure green color of a Christmas tree remains green all year long.  This shows the everlasting hope of mankind.  All the needles point heavenward.  This is to remind us that our thoughts should turn toward heaven.  (Alma 18:30)

Bell:  Lost sheep are found by the sound of the bell.  It should ring for mankind to return to the fold.  (Mosiah 26:21)

Candle:  The candle represents a mirror of starlight reflecting our thanks for the Star of Bethlehem. (Matthew 5:16)

Bow:  We put bows on our presents to remind us of the spirit of the brotherhood of man.  We should remember this as the bow is tied, with love and good feeling toward each other.  (Romans 12:10)

Candy Cane:  Represents the shepherds crook.  The crook of the staff helps bring wandering sheep back to the flock.  It reminds us to show love because we are our brother’s keeper.  (Isaiah 40:11)

Wreath:  Represents the eternal nature of love.  It never ceases, stops, or ends.  It is one continuous round of affection.  (Moroni 8:17)

Paper Snowflake Decorations

I have a daughter who made several beautiful snowflakes following these instructions I have saved (I think from Martha Stewart Living).  After laminating them, we strung them from clear thread (attaching thread with glue from a glue gun).  I placed a dot of hot glue from a glue gun at the top of the window and set the end of the snowflakes thread into it until it hardened.  Then the snowflake appeared to dangle in mid-air.  I save them and place them in the windows each year so we have a little "snow" on Christmas.

Christmas Crafts

Wow!  A White Christmas!

Santa’s List Ornament
Wooly Sheep Ornament
Rudolph the Paper Reindeer Decorations
Easy Hats to Sew Gift (beginners)
Pinecone Fire Starters Gift
Paper Snowflakes Decorations
Magic Reindeer Mix (Christmas Card)

Santa’s List Ornament

What you need: 

acrylic paint and brush

wooden thread spool

marker

paper strip, cut to fit the width of the spool

double-sided tape

ribbon

self-sticking label

Step 1: Paint a regular sized wooden spool red. 

Step 2: While drying thoroughly, each child copies their Santa List onto a narrow slip of paper that fits the width of the spool.  

Step 3: Roll the paper around the empty spool, using double-sided tape to fasten it, and leave some of the list hanging down (so Santa notices). 

Step 4: Thread the ribbon through the spool's center and tie a knot at the top for hanging.  Write child's name on the self-sticking label.  Affix to the ribbon. 

Wooly Sheep Ornament

What you need:

white yarn

rectangle of stiff cardboard

rubber band

scissors

black felt

glue

small golden bell

black pipe cleaner

black pipe cleaner

red ribbon

embroidery needle

Step 1: To make the body, loosely wrap the yarn around the width of the rectangle until it has been covered at least three times.  (The more yarn used, the fluffier the sheep's coat will be.)  When finished, slide the yarn onto your fingers, gathering all the loops together.  Using your other hand, put a rubber band around the loops, cinching it in the center like an hourglass. 

Step 2: Cut through the loops on both ends of the hourglass and fluff up the pom-pom.  If the yarn pieces are uneven, "shear" the sheep with the scissors. 

Step 3: After cutting a face shape out of the felt, glue it and the bell onto one end of the sheep.  Cut the pipe cleaner in half and thread the two pieces through the center of the sheep's body, so that they stick down on each side like legs. 

Step 4: For a hanger, cut a 10-inch length of ribbon, fold it in two, and knot the two ends together.  Thread the unknotted end of theloop through an embroidery needle, then pull it through the center of the sheep.

Rudolph the Paper Reindeer Decorations

Fold a piece of brown construction paper in half.  Cut out the shape of a reindeer body and head with the fold on the bottom of the deer.  Glue on wiggly eyes and cotton balls for tails, and paint white spots on each deer’s back. Secure two clothespins on the bottom of the deer as legs.  To finish, tie yarn, a ribbon or a pipe cleaner around the neck.

Easy Hats to Sew Gift (beginners)

What you need:

Tape measure

1/2 yard fleece fabric

Scissors

Needle and thread

Buttons, appliqués, or felt pieces for decoration

1 yard decorative cord

Time needed: Under 1 hour.

Step 1:  First, determine the size of the hat. (To avoid ruining the surprise, measure the head of someone who is similar in size to the recipient.)  Now cut a piece of fleece that is 16 inches wide and as long as the measurement you took plus 2 inches. 

Step 2:  Fold the fleece in half, right side in so the 16-inch edges match up.  Sew a 1/2-inch-wide seam along this edge, stopping 5 inches from the bottom (see A).  Just below the last stitch, make a 1/2-inch cut in from the side.  Turn the material right side out.  Now sew a seam along the last 5 inches of unsewn fleece (see B).

Step 3:  Roll the bottom of the hat up two turns, so the cuff conceals the bottom part of the seam.  To keep the cuff from unrolling, sew on a decorative button, an appliqué, or a felt cutout.

Step 4:  Finally, gather the top 3 inches of the hat and tie a colorful cord around it.

Pinecone Fire Starters Gift
A thoughtful homemade gift: This has been moved to my post "Homemade Firestarters."

Paper Snowflakes Decorations

How to make and suspend homemade paper snowflakes: This has been moved to my post "Paper Snowflake Decorations."

paper snowflakes decorate every window

Magic Reindeer Mix (Christmas Card)

This Christmas Card Tradition began when my children attended a wonderful preschool (3 hrs, 2 days a week).  Their teachers gave them an adorable card with Magic Reindeer Food!  I have painstakingly copied the card and duplicated it for Girl Scouts and friends.  Gooseberry Patch showed a simpler version in their Christmas Book 8, p. 122:  "On Christmas Eve, sprinkle this magic reindeer mix on your lawn to guide Santa's reindeer to your rooftop.  While Santa makes his delivery inside, Rudolph and his friends can have a snack."  The mix or food is simply clear glitter and old-fashioned rolled oats.