Here is something fun to do with the kids:

Preheat oven to 350F. In a large bowl, sift together 3 cups flour, 1 teaspoon baking soda, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and one teaspoon each of the following: cinnamon, ground ginger, ground cloves and nutmeg. In a smaller bowl, beat 3/4 cup brown sugar, 6 tablespoons butter, 1 egg, 2/3 cup of molasses and 1 teaspoon of vanilla. Stir the dry ingredients into the creamed mixture. Cover and refrigerate for one hour. Roll out on a lightly floured surface and cut out cookies with cookie cutters. Bake on a greased cookie sheet for 8-10 minutes. Place on a rack to cool and then decorate!