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Three Kings' Day (Rosca de Reyes) Bread Recipe

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Our tradition is to take down the Christmas tree on Three Kings' Day (January 6). The kings have been traveling around our house, searching for the Creche. When they arrive we will all celebrate with bread and hot chocolate while packing up ornaments.  There are healthier versions of sweetbread but I feel the treat of of this bread combined with the sadness of taking down our tree is worth the extra crunches.   I hide a few pieces of chocolate in the bread. Traditionally a porcelain doll (symbolizing the baby Jesus) is used and the person finding it has to throw the next year's party. In our house who ever finds a piece of candy gets a special wish. Surprisingly enough each of my children usually find the lucky gift.  Three Kings' Bread Recipe

Adirondack Family Time Guidebook for the Champlain Valley: Plattsburgh to Ticonderoga

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By Diane Chase Here is the cover for the 2nd Adirondack Family Time™ guidebook. This guide for the Adirondack Champlain Valley and other Adirondack Family Time guides can be found at Barnes and Nobles , Amazon and a local book store near you! This guidebook for the Champlain Valley from Plattsburgh to Ticonderoga covers the towns of Plattsburgh, Ausable Forks, Elizabethtown, Keeseville, Willsboro, Essex, Westport, Port Henry, Crown Point and Ticonderoga. The four-season guide has  over 300 activities 58   easy hikes  and walks 33 swimming areas and waterfalls 30 museums 46 playgrounds/parks 75 trivia questions 15 inside or nature games  40 ice cream parlors and bakeries with sleigh rides, snow shoe trails, farmers markets, performing arts and more © Diane Chase, author of Adirondack Family Time: Tri-Lakes and High Peaks (Your Four-Season Guide to Over 300 Activities) for the towns of Lake Placid, Saranac Lake, Jay/Upper Jay, Wilmington, Keen

Craft: Five Ways to Make Reindeer Food (magical)

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We don't leave just cookies and milk out for Santa. We want to make sure the reindeer have enough energy to travel around the world in one crazy night. We are always looking for ways to get Santa's reindeer off the roof and into our backyard. Honestly, I believe that the reindeer are a bit intimidated by all of the wild deer. One way to bring the reindeer a little closer would be to set off some of their favorite foods. Since reindeer are similar to regular deer, we made a mix that would be good for the reindeer, birds and whitetail deer. Please make sure you sprinkle reindeer food only on your own property because it will attract other wildlife such as birds and larger mammals. Also check on your area regulations on domesticated animals or wildlife, including Santa's reindeer. First to make sure you don't put out items for animals that kill, choke or harm them in any way. That includes processed sugars, glitter or plastics. Reindeer Food Recipe

Craft: How to Make a Felt or paperclip Ice Skate Ornament

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My daughter was home sick today so she helped me make our latest Christmas felt ornament. We created two versions, one out of wool felt and the other out of paper. The felt version is a bit complicated, but not so challenging that my 11-year-old with a stomach bug couldn't complete it. The paper version is a great option for younger children who can use scissors and glue. Parents may still want to lend a hand, because it's fun to make together!

Recycle Christmas Holiday Lights, Batteries, Cars and Electronics for Charity or Trade-in!

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I use 'holiday lights" all year long. It isn't any wonder that I have to replace those strings of lights with regularity. One pesky missing light and the whole string makes my house look like it has a black eye. If you have noticed, similar " The Grinch Who Stole Christmas" that  " there's a  light  on this  tree  that won't  light  on one side." please DO NOT just throw away your strands of lights.  Below are some places near and far that recycle lights. Some even offer a discount on the next string of holiday lights. Now doesn't that put you in the holiday spirit!  As we start decorating for the holidays you also may take notice if your string of twinkle lights are no longer working, please don't throw the lights in the trash. Look for places that can reuse and recycle!  HOLIDAYLED , out of Elms Grove, WI, recycles old Christmas lights and gives you a 15% discount on your next order. You do have to pay for shipping.  Ac

Craft: Angel, Star, Tree and Snowman Paper Chain

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How to make a paper chain: Materials : paper*, scissors, pen/pencil, Adirondack Family Time Christmas Template The paper can be as heavy or fancy as you wish. I used the comics as it was colorful and we could dig out something from our recycle bin. Kids of all ages can do this indoor activity. I made the template a bit large so that little hands could help with cutting. This is a good exercise for eye-hand coordination.

Easy Adirondack Hikes: Mount Van Hoevenberg (Lake Placid)

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Mt Van Hoevenberg  Distance  = 2-2-miles Vertical ascent = 799' Elevation = 2, 940'  Hiking the Adirondack High Peaks isn't always an option, but hitting the trail for a beautiful day hike can always be squeezed into our agenda  When my children were younger we looked for those hikes where they could finish on their own with a feeling of accomplishment   The children are now able to take longer and longer hikes. For me it is with great pride and slight sadness that my daughter no longer requests the baby carrier.    She enjoys being on the trail and boosts my own confidence by elevating me to superhero status. If she feels lost, I find her. If she cries, I heal her. I open my backpack and provide her with ointments to sooth her ills and snacks to appease her hunger.               I am attempting to extend our trips with the eventual goal being a backpacking trip into the woods. Not like our first camping trip where I spent more time on the road th