Today is International Waffle Day.   This holiday originated in Sweden. It is called Våffeldagen. The holiday coincides with the Feast of the Annunciation. This day was also considered the start of spring in Sweden and Europe. It became a custom for Swedish families to celebrate the two events by making waffles on this day. National Waffle Day Celebrates the patenting of the waffle iron by Cornelius Swarthout of Troy, New York on August 24, 1869. The origin of the waffle: The waffle dates back to the 1300s in Greece. Greeks cooked flat cakes between two metal pans. At the time, they topped it with cheeses and herbs. Pancake syrup wasn’t around back then. Waffles are commonly eaten as breakfast or a snack. They are also an occasional dinner meal for some people.

Here is one of my kids favorite breakfast recipes:

French Toast Waffles

With the help of a waffle iron, you can make a delicious, buttery version of French toast.

Ingredients

• 4-6 bread slices (whole wheat, seven-grain, or white), trimmed if preferred
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted
• 1 egg, lightly beaten
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
• 1/8 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)

Instructions

1. Combine all the ingredients, except the bread. Dip the slices into the mixture, coating well on both sides, but not drenching. Cook the French toast in a well-oiled, hot waffle iron until crisp. This recipe makes four to six waffles.

 The Charitable Irish Society of Boston organized the first observance of Saint Patrick’s Day in the United States in 1737.  The tradition of celebrating this day continued to grow with the influx of Irish immigrants to the United States.

 St Patrick’s Day, on March 17, remembers one of Ireland’s patron saints, St Patrick. It largely celebrates Irish-American culture in the United States but many non – Irish descendants enjoy the celebrations too . Celebrations include Irish themed parties, drinks and food. Many people get into the spirit by dressing in green clothing and eating green colored food. Irish clubs and pubs often hold parties. 

 St Patrick’s Day is not a federal holiday in the United States. Schools, businesses and organizations are open as usual. Public transport systems run on their regular schedules. The parades may be on or around March 17, so it is a good idea to check local sources for the exact location, date and time.  Many parades are held throughout the country to celebrate the holiday. New York City  has become the largest Saint Patrick’s Day parade in the world, outside Ireland. Thousands  participate in the parade, including bands, firefighters, military and police groups, county associations, emigrant societies, and social and cultural clubs and was watched by close to 2 million spectators lining the streets. The parade marches up 5th Avenue in Manhattan and is always led by the U.S. 69th Infantry Regiment. New York politicians – or those running for office – are always found prominently marching in the parade.  

The most common St Patrick’s Day symbol is the shamrock. The shamrock is the leaf of the clover plant and a symbol of the Holy Trinity

 If you would like to take part in this American cultural experience check out the nearest parade to you, here  http://www.st-patricks-day.com/st_patricks_day_parades_home/

For fun ideas to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day including arts and crafts for children check out our Au Pair in America Pinterest pagehttps://www.pinterest.com/aupairinamerica/st-patrick-s-day-shenanigans/

Presidents’ Day is an American holiday celebrated on the third Monday in February. Originally established in 1885 in recognition of President George Washington, it is still officially called “Washington’s Birthday” by the federal government. Traditionally celebrated on February 22 ~ Washington’s actual day of birth ~ the holiday became popularly known as Presidents’ Day after it was moved as part of 1971’s Uniform Monday Holiday Act, an attempt to create more three-day weekends for the nation’s workers. While several states still have individual holidays honoring the birthdays of Washington, Abraham Lincoln and other figures, Presidents’ Day is now popularly viewed as a day to celebrate all U.S. presidents past and present.

To see a listing of all U.S. presidents go to http://www.whitehouse.gov/about/presidents.  Click on each president to find out who they were and what they achieved during their presidency.  Most American school children have to learn their presidents,  this is a great site to go through with them and test their knowledge!

Valentine’s Day is February 14. Click for some fun activities to do with your children!! (And don’t forget to make your own Valentine’s to give!)

Just in time for back to school, we put together a handy note for au pairs and host parents.