How to Wrap Everything: Part II!

Clever ways to create the prettiest packaging for gifts of any size and shape.

1. Glittered Boxes: Give cardboard jewelry boxes a ruby-slipper-inspired makeover and you won't even need wrapping paper.  Brush the tops with acrylic paint to cover the label; let dry.  Apply craft glue, and then sprinkle on glitter in the same shade as the paint.  For extra sparkle, finish with metallic ribbon or embroidery floss.

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Lend a Hand All Year 'Round!

Volunteering during the holidays gets kids in the habit of helping those in need, but so many families do it that most charities see a huge surge in donations and participation each December - it's every other time of the year that they need attention.  Here, three ways to get your family to do good and keep up the bighearted action in the off-season.

1. Start a Charity Tradition Idea #1: Many churches and soup kitchens prepare Christmas dinners for the needy; just call ahead to find out how your crew can pitch in.

    

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This cheery fellow won't have a chance to melt - he'll be gobbled up too quickly!  And as is true of any snowman, dressing him is half the fun.  We've suggested a few fashionably edible choices, but he's equally festive in other tasty apparel.

Ingredients:

• 16 ounces cream cheese
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic salt
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 10 raisins for eyes, mouth and buttons
• 1 piece of carrot for the nose
• 4 crackers for the hat (we used Ritz and Dare water crackers)
• 1 thyme sprig for the hat (optional)
• Strips of carrot for the scarf
• 2 broken pretzels for the arms
• 1 (1/2 inch) piece of canned baby corn for the pipe
• Toothpick for the pipe

Directions:

In a large bowl, let the cream cheese soften at room temperature for about 30 minutes.  Stir in the garlic salt and the onion powder, then cover the bowl with plastic wrap and chill for 2 hours.  Make the snowman by rolling two-thirds of the cheese into a ball for his body and the other third into a ball for his head.  Stack the balls, then add the facial features, clothing, arms and pipe as shown.  Serve with crackers or mini bagels.

{This post is an excerpt from "Our Favorite Holiday Party Foods" as published in FamilyFun magazine}