Enjoying our tree and ornaments

I bit the bullet and bought a pre-lit Christmas tree (instead of waiting for the after-Christmas sales). The cost wasn't so bad and it didn't look like the pinecone infested number from the Base Exchange. 

There is something SO magical about a big Christmas tree when you're little.  and not little.

I love how this picture blurs the lights-- like my memories of Christmas trees.

So far we've had about four casualties. 

I told them when we put the cinnamon applesauce ornaments on the tree,

"They're not cookies.  They're yucky.  Don't eat."

I actually didn't even mention the word "cookie" until I heard one of the twins say it.  Even with reminders, it continues to happen.  My Tater has tenacity.  Every other day he tries another.  I'm not as concerned about the ornament as I am for my carpet when he spits it out.  Cinnamon stains.

You can see our Charlie Brown tree in the corner.

Peach likes to circle the tree trying every snowflake and then tossing them on the floor.  Snowflakes are her favorite-- but she keeps an open mind.  She's licked cinnamon applesauce ornaments, shiny red bulbs, reindeer, etc. 

And now without further ado, for you that have kids that don't eat non-food things or if it's just you and you want an easy-peasy Christmas craft/ornament, here's the how-to.

Make your own (non-toxic) Cinnamon Applesauce ornaments

• Combine equal portions of cinnamon and applesauce.  
• Mix together well with your hands.  Add more cinnamon until it's a rollable consistency-- not so sticky. 
• Roll out 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick.   
• Cut out with cookie cutters shaped like gingerbread men, star, Christmas tree, wreath, etc. 
• Use a straw to make a hole near the top.  That's where you'll string ribbon or yarn to hang it on your tree.   We made two holes for ones to be strung on a garland.

• Let dry overnight if you're somewhere with very low humidity like Utah or North Dakota (in the winter anyway).  Or put it in your oven on a low temp like 190 degrees checking on it for a few hours or so. 

Sometimes I like to make several trays worth and run my dehydrator.  The white noise helps little ones fall asleep at naptime or nighttime and a homey Christmastime smell permeates my home.  These are also a fun addition to a gift bag, neighbor holiday gifts, or your visiting teaching sisters.