Reindeer food

Being a kid on Christmas time is the best ever. I remember being so excited for Santa coming and would track him on the phone and on the news. The little boy I nanny for is 6 years old and he just got a Christmas elf. Basically, you buy the elf and it reports back to Santa each night; each morning, you look for the elf because he changes his hiding spot (parents move the elf to another hiding spot in the house). The kids can tell the elf what they want for Christmas, but to not mess with the Christmas magic the elf can not talk to the kids, but can talk to the parents. It is so cute, and he is adamant that he sees the elf move its arm!

One of the many fun things that kids can do for Christmas is make reindeer food and sprinkle it on the lawn. It's fun and easy to make, so spread some Christmas cheer with your kids and/or kids you nanny for.

You will need:
Raw oatmeal
Glitter or colored crystals
Sugar
Plastic lunch baggies
Ribbon
Paper or cardstock

1. Pour about 1/4 cup of oatmeal in a baggie.
2. Add 1/8 cup granulated sugar
3. Add glitter
4. Attach a ribbon to the front of the baggie a message.

*It doesn't really matter how much oatmeal, sugar and glitter you use. Just have fun with it!
*Glitter can harm birds and other wildlife, so using colored sugar crystals is a great alternative!

Messages you can use:
"On Christmas Eve, sprinkle this wonderful Reindeer food on your lawn.
The shiny glitter will sparkle in the moonlight and the smell of oats will guide Rudolph to your home."

"Make a wish and close your eyes tight,
then sprinkle on your lawn at night.
As Santa's reindeer fly and roam,
this food will guide them to your home.
For your gift to the reindeer and Rudolph, your wish may be real, your dreams may come true."

"Be sure to take this magic food and sprinkle on the lawn,
On Christmas, Santa's reindeer travel miles before the dawn.
The smell of oats and glitter path will guide them on their way,
And you'll wake up to Santa's gifts next morn on Christmas day!"