Festive Food for Kids: Easy, Healthy Treats to Make Together this Christmas

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The Christmas season is a time of joy, and what better way to get into the holiday spirit than by preparing some fun and healthy treats with your little ones? While many festive foods are full of sugar and unhealthy fats, there are plenty of delicious and nutritious alternatives you can make together that are both fun and good for you.

Here are some easy, healthy, and festive ideas that will allow your kids to get hands-on in the kitchen while still enjoying tasty treats this Christmas.

1. Fruit Santa Pops

These delightful treats are simple to make and pack a punch of vitamins. Fruit Santa Pops are a fun twist on the traditional Santa Claus image, and kids will love assembling their own “Santas” from healthy ingredients.

What You’ll Need:

  • Strawberries (for Santa’s hat and body)
  • Bananas (for the face and middle section)
  • Low-fat cream cheese or Greek yogurt (for the beard)
  • Mini chocolate chips (for eyes)
  • A toothpick or skewer

How to Make:

  1. Slice a banana into rounds.
  2. Cut strawberries into a variety of sizes—one large for the body and a small one for the hat.
  3. Use a spoonful of cream cheese or yogurt as Santa’s beard and attach mini chocolate chips for eyes.
  4. Stack the fruit pieces together, using a toothpick to secure them, and voilà—a healthy, festive Santa treat!

2. Veggie Christmas Tree

Get your little ones to eat their greens in a fun and creative way by making a Veggie Christmas Tree. You can arrange colourful veggies into the shape of a tree, making it a perfect snack or side dish for Christmas lunch.

What You’ll Need:

  • Broccoli florets (for the tree)
  • Cherry tomatoes (for ornaments)
  • Carrot sticks (for the tree trunk)
  • Sliced cucumber or bell peppers (for a star or garland)

How to Make:

  1. Arrange the broccoli florets in the shape of a Christmas tree on a large platter.
  2. Add cherry tomatoes as ornaments on the tree, and create a trunk with the carrot sticks.
  3. Use cucumber or bell peppers to form a star on top or a garland around the tree.
  4. Serve with a delicious homemade hummus or yogurt dip.

3. Crispy Christmas Rice Cakes

Rice cakes are an easy base for a variety of toppings, and kids will love decorating their own mini rice cakes into festive designs.

What You’ll Need:

  • Whole grain rice cakes
  • Nut butter (such as peanut, almond, or cashew)
  • Fresh fruit (berries, banana slices, or apple slices)
  • A sprinkle of chia seeds or granola for crunch

How to Make:

  1. Spread a thin layer of nut butter onto the rice cakes.
  2. Arrange fresh fruit on top to create a festive design. You can create snowmen, wreaths, or even a snow-covered scene.
  3. Sprinkle chia seeds or granola for extra texture.
  4. Let your kids enjoy their creations—healthy, crunchy, and oh-so-fun!

4. Healthy Gingerbread Cookies

Traditional gingerbread cookies are a Christmas classic, but you can make them healthier by swapping out refined sugar for natural sweeteners and using whole wheat flour.

What You’ll Need:

  • 1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour
  • 1/2 cup rolled oats
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
  • 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted
  • 1 large egg
  • A pinch of salt

How to Make:

  1. Preheat the oven to 175°C (350°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. In a large bowl, combine the whole wheat flour, oats, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and salt.
  3. Add the honey or maple syrup, melted coconut oil, and egg to the dry ingredients and mix until a dough forms.
  4. Roll out the dough on a floured surface and cut out gingerbread shapes using cookie cutters.
  5. Place the cookies on the baking sheet and bake for 8–10 minutes.
  6. Allow the cookies to cool before decorating with natural yogurt icing or simply enjoying as is.

5. Fruit and Nut Yule Log

This healthier take on the traditional Yule Log is perfect for a festive dessert that kids can help assemble.

What You’ll Need:

  • 1 cup dried fruit (such as raisins, apricots, or cranberries)
  • 1/2 cup mixed nuts (almonds, walnuts, or cashews)
  • 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
  • 1 tablespoon coconut oil
  • 1/4 cup dark chocolate chips (optional)

How to Make:

  1. In a food processor, combine the dried fruit, nuts, honey, and coconut oil. Blend until a sticky dough-like texture forms.
  2. Roll the mixture into a log shape and wrap it in parchment paper.
  3. Chill the log in the fridge for about 30 minutes to firm up.
  4. If desired, melt the dark chocolate and drizzle it over the top before chilling again.
  5. Slice into bite-sized pieces and enjoy!

6. Mini Pita Pizzas

Let your kids create their own festive mini pizzas using whole wheat pita bread as the base. These mini pizzas are quick to make and can be topped with a variety of healthy ingredients.

What You’ll Need:

  • Whole wheat pita bread
  • Tomato sauce
  • Low-fat cheese
  • Fresh veggies (like bell peppers, spinach, and mushrooms)
  • Cooked chicken or turkey (optional)

How to Make:

  1. Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F).
  2. Place the pita bread on a baking tray.
  3. Spread a layer of tomato sauce over the pita bread.
  4. Let the kids add their own toppings—sliced veggies, lean meats, and a sprinkle of cheese.
  5. Bake for about 10–15 minutes, or until the cheese has melted and the pita is crispy.
  6. Slice into wedges for a perfect kid-friendly festive treat.

Conclusion

Christmas is all about togetherness and creating joyful memories with your family, and what better way to do that than by making healthy, festive treats with your kids? These fun, easy, and nutritious recipes will keep little hands busy and bellies full of goodness, ensuring a Merry and Bright Christmas for everyone! Happy holidays, and happy cooking!

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