2024 March Board Book

In addition to the base ingredients for hot chocolate and coffee, lay out mini marshmallows, a variety of cookies, peppermint sticks and herbs. Artfully arrange these items on the board and set it out for your family to enjoy a warm holiday drink in the morning and throughout the day. 3. Get the kids involved Your kids may not remember all the gifts, but they’ll hold on to memories you make together for the rest of their lives. Make holiday memories by getting them involved in making morning meals. Younger kids can help by mixing batters, arranging fruit and setting and decorating the table. As they age, you can give them more responsibilities and teach them valuable life skills they will use long after they’ve left the nest. 4. Simplicity for stress-free mornings Holiday mornings can be chaotic whether you’re managing enthusiasm for gift opening, hosting loved ones overnight or welcoming friends and family to your breakfast table. Make morning easier by focusing on simple, delicious dishes that can be batch prepped. For example, take the work out of pancakes, a time-consuming crowd-pleaser, by making chocolate chip sheet pan pancakes instead. The batter only takes 15 minutes to make and 15 minutes to bake. While it cooks in the oven, you can create a festive pancake board with various fruit toppings, whipped California cream and flavored butters and syrups to greet your family as they wake up to a magical morning. 5. Let nutrition power your day Holidays can be packed with activities and gatherings. Make sure you’re starting with a nutritious meal to help you enjoy every minute of the holiday. A balanced breakfast can put the whole family on the right track. Think dairy, lean protein, whole grains, fruits and vegetables. In fact, including California dairy foods such as milk, cheese and yogurt provides 13 essential nutrients such as vitamin A, vitamin D and protein, which support immune function and are foundational components of healthy dietary patterns recommended by the Dietary Guidelines for Americans. Add balance to your morning to support your family’s health and wellness this holiday season!