Decided What the Kids Are Giving You This Christmas?

By now the kids and Santa's helper are giddy with the timeless holiday tradition, trying to figure out what to give Dad. And as the sound of sleigh bells gets closer and closer, they're down to choosing between the plaid or polka-dot battery powered massaging slippers.

Instead of practicing that special Christmas morning look of surprise and delight, why not give and get something that will actually last a lifetime? For youngsters, its hard to beat the fun and memories of making and decorating Christmas cookies with you.

If the thought of rolling pins and green frosting puts you off, don't let it. It's easier than you think, and well worth the trouble. Just ask the kids. And be prepared to be dragged into the kitchen.

Blokes who bake ... with their children

Our little man is right into his baking ... and I think it's just a superb activity to do with kids.

They love looking at you making the dough (or getting their hands stuck in if you let them) from all the raw ingredients. It's great to see the process of eggs, flour, milk and butter turn into dough. If you make cookies that need cutting (like in our case) it's another great opportunity for them to get involved. Give them the choice of different cookie cutters or designs. Finally - letting them watch how the cookies bake, and then tasting the end result is very exciting (well at least in our case it was).