On this day, Americans honor the births of two of our outstanding presidents, George Washington and Abraham Lincoln.  Most schools are closed, the US mail is not delivered and stores have big sales!

What to do today? Take younger and older kids to the George Washington Birthday Parade in Old Town from 1-3pm. Bundle them up!

For older children, today is the only day of the year that Washington’s home at Mt Vernon is open free of charge. Show older kids some US coins and paper money. See how many presidents the kids can name.

The weather in Alexandria has not been good, so our aupairs are probably spending more time indoors. Making sure the house is “childproof” is important:

Small children put everything in their mouths. Make sure that small objects, plastic bags or long cords are out of their reach.

Make sure that laundry soaps or cleaners are also put away up high and out of reach, as well as any medicines, cosmetics, etc.

Sharp objects like scissors and knives are a no- no around kids as well as toys that belong to and are appropriate for older kids.

Chinese New Year is celebrated in the West and most spectacularly here in the DC area with the celebration in Chinatown this Sunday, Feb. 9. Aupairs in our cluster should look at our cluster Facebook page for more information on the parade in downtown DC. Watch for the Lion Dance, and be prepared for a lot of firecrackers. The underlying message of the celebrations is peace, harmony and happiness for all.

Aupairs in our cluster may be interested in watching this year’s Superbowl (American football) championship playoff between the Baltimore Ravens and the San Francisco 49″ers to be played and televised this Sunday, Feb. 3. Of particular interest is the half-time show, always a spectacular, as well as the TV commercials developed just for the very large audience that watches.

Aupairs and their families may be invited to Superbowl parties by neighbors and friends. Enjoy this very American winter experience!

Here are some kids’  activities to celebrate the life of this American

http://www.primarygames.com/holidays/mlk/games.htm

Martin Luther King Jr. Day- This American was an important leader of the Civil Rights movement in the US during the 1950’s and 1960’s. This holiday was created to remind Americans of the fight for equal rights and the need for change through nonviolence. This year it coincides with Inauguration Day on Monday, January 21.

President Barack Obama will be inaugurated for his second 4 year term this coming Monday. The best way to see the swearing in, parade and other festivities is by watching it on TV in your host family’s living room.

Aupairs from our cluster were a cold but happy group as we toured The White House on Jan. 5.

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!

Every family and culture has their own holiday celebrations. Aupairs embrace those of their host family and share some of their own.

Many Christians and non-Christians in the US celebrate Christmas Day on December 25. Kwanzaa, a festive, non-religious African American celebration started in 1966 and is celebrated on December 26. It lasts for seven days. On each eay a candle is lit and the day focuses on one of seven principles. A previous post talked about Chanakah.

Every family celebrates the holidays differently. Share whatever your own family does in your native country with your host family and ask them to do the same!