12 Healthy Christmas Treats Your Preschoolers Will Actually Eat

Healthy Christmas Treats for Preschoolers: Fun, Festive, and Nutritious!

Christmas is such a magical time for our little ones, and we all want to make it special. But amidst the excitement and decorations, it’s important to keep our preschoolers’ health in mind, especially when it comes to treats. Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered with some delightful, healthy Christmas treats that are perfect for preschoolers!

1. Fruit & Veggie Christmas Tree

Making the Tree: Let’s start with a super fun treat that’s both adorable and nutritious – a fruit and veggie Christmas tree! Grab a large platter and arrange green veggies like broccoli, snap peas, and cucumber slices in the shape of a tree.

Decorating the Tree: Use cherry tomatoes, yellow bell pepper stars, and cauliflower snow to add color and fun. This treat is not only healthy but also a great way to encourage our little ones to eat their veggies.

Fun Activity: Turn this into a family activity! Have your preschooler help you arrange the veggies. It’s a fantastic way to spend quality time together and teach them about healthy eating.

2. Santa Strawberries

Creating Santa: Who doesn’t love strawberries? For this treat, slice the bottom of a strawberry to make a hat, and use a dollop of Greek yogurt for the ‘fur’ and ‘pom-pom’ on top.

Healthy and Sweet: This treat is naturally sweet, and the Greek yogurt adds a nice touch of protein. Plus, strawberries are full of vitamins!

Engaging the Kids: Have your preschooler help by placing the yogurt on the strawberries. They will love making little Santas and eating them too!

3. Reindeer Rice Cakes

Assembling the Reindeer: Rice cakes are a fantastic, low-sugar base for creating cute reindeer faces. Use natural peanut butter or almond butter as the ‘glue.’

Decorating: Use pretzels for antlers, raisins or blueberries for eyes, and a red grape or cherry tomato for Rudolph’s nose.

Why It’s Great: This treat is a perfect balance of whole grains, healthy fats, and fruit. Plus, making these can be a fun and creative activity for your little one.

4. Snowman Yogurt Cups

Creating Snowmen: Here’s a super easy treat – snowman yogurt cups! Use plain Greek yogurt in a small cup, and let your child decorate the cup to look like a snowman.

Accessorizing: Use markers or stickers to draw or stick on eyes, a nose, and a mouth. You can even add a little scarf using a strip of colored paper.

Benefits: Greek yogurt is a great source of protein and calcium, important for growing kids. And decorating the cups can be a fun craft activity!

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5. Healthy Gingerbread Cookies

Making Gingerbread: Instead of traditional gingerbread, use whole wheat flour and reduce the sugar. You can also add in some ground flaxseed for extra nutrition.

Decorating Fun: Let your preschooler help with cutting out shapes and decorating with healthy toppings like nuts, seeds, and dried fruit.

Why This is a Good Choice: These cookies are a healthier version of a Christmas classic. They’re perfect for enjoying the holiday spirit without too much sugar.

Here’s a recipe for healthy gingerbread cookies along with a healthier icing option. These cookies are a great way to enjoy a Christmas classic with a nutritious twist.

Healthy Gingerbread Cookies

A healthy Christmas treat for preschoolers

Ingredients:

• 2 cups whole wheat flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1 tbsp ground ginger
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp ground cloves
• 1/4 tsp nutmeg
• 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
• 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted
• 1/2 cup molasses
• 1/3 cup honey or maple syrup
• 1 egg

Instructions:

1. Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together whole wheat flour, baking soda, salt, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg.
3. Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, mix the applesauce, melted coconut oil, molasses, honey (or maple syrup), and egg until well combined.
4. Combine: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until a dough forms.
5. Chill Dough: Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This makes the dough easier to handle.
6. Roll and Cut: On a floured surface, roll the dough to about 1/4-inch thickness. Use cookie cutters to cut into gingerbread men shapes or other festive forms.
7. Bake: Place cookies on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 8-10 minutes, or until edges are set but centers are still soft.
8. Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Healthier Icing Alternative

Ingredients:

• 1 cup powdered sugar (look for a natural or organic variety)
• 1-2 tbsp milk (almond, soy, or regular)
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Mix Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, 1 tablespoon of milk, and vanilla extract. Add more milk, a little at a time, until the icing reaches your desired consistency.
2. Decorate Cookies: Once the cookies are completely cool, use a piping bag or a small zip-lock bag with the corner cut off to pipe the icing onto the cookies.
3. Let Set: Allow the icing to set before serving or storing the cookies.

These gingerbread cookies offer a healthier alternative to traditional recipes, using whole wheat flour and natural sweeteners. The icing is a simple and slightly healthier version, but keep in mind that moderation is key, even with healthier versions of sweet treats. Enjoy baking and decorating these with your preschoolers for a fun and festive activity!

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6. Christmas Popcorn Mix

Creating the Mix: Pop some plain popcorn and toss it with a little cinnamon or cocoa powder for a festive touch.

Adding Extras: Throw in some nuts, dried fruit, and maybe a few dark chocolate chips for a bit of sweetness.

Healthy Snacking: This mix is a great way to include whole grains and the fun of a ‘treat’ without too much sugar. Plus, it’s easy to make in large batches for holiday gatherings.

7. Veggie Snowflakes

Crafting Snowflakes: Transform ordinary veggies into enchanting snowflakes. Use cookie cutters to shape bell peppers, cucumbers, and whole grain bread into snowflake shapes.

Dipping Fun: Serve these veggie snowflakes with a healthy hummus or yogurt dip. It’s a tasty way to get those veggies in!

Engaging Kids: Have your preschooler press the cookie cutters into the veggies. It’s a fun way to involve them in making healthy snacks.

8. Festive Fruit Wands

Making Magic Wands: Skewer pieces of fruit like grapes, melon balls, and berries onto sticks to create festive fruit wands.

Star-shaped Finish: Add a watermelon or pineapple star at the top of the skewer for a magical touch.

Why It’s Great: These fruit wands are not only a healthy snack but also help improve your little one’s motor skills as they thread the fruit onto the skewers.

9. Grinch Kabobs

Assembling the Kabobs: Stack a green grape, a banana slice, a strawberry, and a mini marshmallow on a toothpick to make a Grinch kabob.

Healthy and Fun: This treat is a cute and clever way to serve fruit. The variety of colors and shapes will appeal to preschoolers.

Interactive Snack Time: Let your kids help assemble these kabobs. It’s a great way to teach them about healthy eating while enjoying a Christmas-themed snack.

10. Nutty Reindeer Noses

Creating Noses: Mix together nuts like almonds, walnuts, and cashews with some dried cranberries or cherries to create a ‘reindeer nose’ mix.

Healthy Fats and Proteins: This snack is packed with healthy fats, protein, and a bit of natural sweetness.

Learning Opportunity: Discuss with your preschooler how nuts are a good source of energy, making this a perfect snack for active little ones.

11. Santa’s Veggie Sleigh

Building the Sleigh: Use celery sticks filled with cream cheese or a nut butter as the base for Santa’s sleigh.

Adding Presents: Place small cut veggies or fruits on top as the presents in the sleigh.

Creativity and Nutrition: This is a creative way to present veggies and fruits. It’s an enjoyable activity for kids to build their own sleigh and learn about balanced eating.

12. Christmas Tree Pita Pockets

Making the Trees: Cut whole grain pita bread into Christmas tree shapes. Fill them with a mix of turkey, cheese, and lettuce.

Healthy and Filling: These pita pockets are a wholesome, nutritious lunch option for preschoolers.

Teaching Moments: While assembling the pita pockets, talk about the importance of protein and whole grains in their diet.

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Nutritional Benefits and Tips for Healthy Holiday Eating with Preschoolers

After sharing some delightful healthy Christmas treat ideas for preschoolers, it’s important to understand why these choices matter and how they can contribute to our children’s overall health and well-being, especially during the holiday season. This section delves into the nutritional benefits of these treats and offers tips for maintaining a balance between festive fun and healthy habits.

Understanding the Nutritional Benefits

• Fruits and Vegetables: Many of the treats mentioned, like the Fruit & Veggie Christmas Tree or Veggie Snowflakes, are packed with essential vitamins and minerals. Incorporating a variety of fruits and vegetables in fun, festive shapes not only makes the food visually appealing to preschoolers but also ensures they receive a range of nutrients vital for their growth and development.
• Whole Grains and Proteins: Treats like the Christmas Tree Pita Pockets and Reindeer Rice Cakes provide a good balance of whole grains and proteins. Whole grains are a great source of fiber, which is important for digestive health, while proteins are essential for building and repairing tissues in the growing bodies of preschoolers.
• Healthy Fats: Snacks like the Nutty Reindeer Noses provide healthy fats, which are crucial for brain development and overall health. Nuts and seeds are excellent sources of these beneficial fats.

Tips for Healthy Holiday Eating

• Involvement in Preparation: One of the best ways to encourage healthy eating is to involve preschoolers in the preparation of their snacks. This not only makes them more interested in what they are eating but also provides an opportunity for learning about the importance of each food group.
• Portion Control: During the holidays, it’s easy to overindulge. Teaching children about portion control can help them enjoy their favorite treats while still maintaining a healthy diet. Encourage them to try a little of everything in moderation.
• Balancing Treats with Regular Meals: Ensure that these healthy treats don’t replace regular, balanced meals. They should complement the overall diet, which should include a variety of foods from all food groups.
• Hydration: With all the excitement, it’s easy to forget about staying hydrated. Encourage your preschooler to drink water or milk instead of sugary drinks. You can make hydration fun by adding slices of fruit to water for a festive twist.
• Making Healthy Eating a Part of the Celebration: Finally, emphasize that healthy eating can be a fun and integral part of holiday celebrations. Show your preschooler that nutritious food can be just as exciting and tasty as traditional sugary treats.

By integrating these tips and understanding the nutritional benefits of the treats we provide, we can ensure that our preschoolers enjoy a healthy, happy holiday season. It’s all about creating a balance – allowing them to indulge in the festive spirit while nurturing their bodies with nutritious foods.

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Packing Healthy Christmas Treats for Preschool

When it comes to sending your preschooler to school with healthy Christmas treats, the key is to ensure that the snacks are not only nutritious but also convenient and appealing for little ones. Here are some tips on how to best pack these treats for school:

1. Choose Portable Options

Focus on Treats That Travel Well: Opt for snacks that won’t get squished or spoiled in a lunchbox. Hardier options like the Nutty Reindeer Noses or the Veggie Snowflakes are great choices.

2. Use Fun, Kid-Friendly Containers

Attractive Packaging: Use colorful, festive containers or bento boxes to make the treats more exciting. These containers also help keep different items separated and fresh.

3. Ensure Freshness

Keep It Cool: For items like the Santa Strawberries or Snowman Yogurt Cups, include a small ice pack in the lunchbox to maintain freshness, especially if there’s dairy or fresh fruit involved.

4. Portion Control

Right-Sized Servings: Pack snacks in appropriate portion sizes for preschoolers. This not only helps in maintaining a balanced diet but also ensures the treat remains a treat, not replacing their main meal.

5. Allergen Awareness

Be Mindful of Allergies: Always consider the allergy policies of your child’s school. For example, if nuts are not allowed, substitute them with seeds in the Nutty Reindeer Noses or avoid nut-based treats like the Reindeer Rice Cakes.

6. Include a Little Note

Add a Personal Touch: Sometimes, a little note with a festive drawing or a cheerful message can make snack time extra special for your preschooler. It’s a simple way to show love and care.

7. Easy-to-Eat Formats

Mess-Free and Simple: Choose snacks that are easy for little hands to manage. Avoid overly complicated or messy items that might be difficult for your preschooler to eat during school snack time.

8. Consider Variety

Mix It Up: If packing multiple snacks, include a variety of textures and flavors. For instance, pair a crunchy treat like Christmas Popcorn Mix with a smooth Snowman Yogurt Cup.

By packing these healthy Christmas treats thoughtfully, you can ensure that your preschooler has a delightful and nutritious snack time at school. It’s a wonderful way to bring a bit of holiday cheer into their day while keeping their health and well-being in mind.

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Final Thoughts on Healthy Christmas Treats for Preschoolers

Preparing and packing healthy Christmas treats for preschoolers can be both a fun and nourishing way to celebrate the holiday season. By choosing snacks that are not only delicious but also packed with essential nutrients, and presenting them in appealing kid-friendly ways, we can ensure our little ones enjoy their festive treats while still maintaining a healthy diet. These snacks, perfect for school or at home, are a testament to the joy and care we put into our children’s lives, especially during the festive season. So, let’s embrace the spirit of Christmas with these wholesome and delightful treats, knowing that we are contributing to the happiness and health of our preschoolers.