Did you know that the Christmas Tree as we know it originated in Germany. The children were not allowed to see the tree until Christmas Eve. The tree would be decorated with candies, nuts, cookies, apples, angels, tinsel, family treasures and candles. The presents were put under the tree and a bell was rung. The children would enter the room where they would sing carols, read stories and open presents. The Christmas Tree did not become popular around the world until 1848 when Queen Vicktoria talked her husband, Prince Albert, into decorating a tree in their home following the German traditions he grew up with. At that point other countries tried to compete with the Queen and each tree became more extravagant.
Monthly Archives: November 2009
The Mag Mile Lights Festival
Au Pairs were among the thousands of people enjoying th
e mild weather to watch the parade and fireworks!
Gobble Gobble
Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving dates back to the first European settlers in North America. After hardship, illness and hard work, the Pilgrims celebrated a successful harvest that they shared with their Native American friends. This national holiday is a day to feast and give thanks. Visit this site to compare Thanksgiving to other harvest festivals: www.familyculture.com/holidays/thanksgiving.htm.
For most of the aupairs, this is their first Thanksgiving in America. It must seem strange to them as we eat all day long, give thanks and then spend the rest of the day talking about how much we ate.
SUNTREK Travel Tours
Au Pair in America is thrilled to announce a new exclusive agreement with SUNTREK Active & Adventure travel. SUNTREK has been offering regional tours of the US for young adults for almost 40 years and many of our au pairs have already experienced their fun, rugged, yet comfortable style of travel.
Au pairs with Au Pair in America will receive a 20% discount off the published rate! Visit http://www.suntrek.com/_us/aupairs.php to plan your SUNTREK Adventure
Did You Know: November is Peanut Butter Lover's Month?
Peanut Butter Lover’s Month
Peanut butter is a favorite food for many children in the U.S., and also a major allergen. Ask your host parents before feeding your host child peanut butter. Some children might like to eat it plain, but it is too sticky and can cause a child to choke. Always put the peanut butter on bread, a cracker, a piece of apple, a celery stick, or some other fruit or vegetable.
Try this recipe with the children for a snack:
Ants on a Log
- Celery sticks, peanut butter and raisins.
- Wash the celery and cut it into pieces 10-15 centimeters long. Spread the peanut butter in the U–shaped part of the celery, from one end to the other. Press raisins into the peanut butter.
Tired of eating peanut butter? The kids can play with it too! This is one of the few times it is really okay to play with your food as the play-dough is edible, but only for children over the age of one year.
Peanut Butter Play-dough
- 3 1/2 cups peanut butter
- 4 cups confectioner’s sugar
- 3 1/2 cups honey
- 4 cups dry milk powder
In a large bowl, cream together the peanut butter and confectioner’s sugar. Then beat in the honey and fold in the milk powder. Divide the dough into small portions and refrigerate or freeze until you are ready to use it.
October Cluster Meeting
Carved Pumpkins and the Green Squash
- October Cluster Meeting
Last week the Au Pairs arrived at the cluster meeting dressed for Halloween and ready to carve pumpkins. Many said they had never carved a pumpkin before. One Au Pair brought a green squash with to carve instead of a pumpkin and she managed to carve the squash! Others were creative carving cats, bats and scary faces into their pumpkins. Some brought candles with and when they were finished carving, they turned with lights out in the room and lit up their candles inside the pumpkins. Of course, they all took lots of pictures and posed for pictures as well. They said they had a great time.