By Christina Soriano

This is my absolute favorite time of the year! Here are some ways to celebrate the season with your nieces and nephews:
 
1. Head to the farmers market and cook up some healthy snacks together.

I love speaking with each vendor, sampling produce, and encouraging my nephew to ask questions like where they are from, how much things cost, and giving them a “special grown-up task” like handling the money to pay. This activity also engages all the senses where kids can touch, smell, look, and most importantly taste what’s around them. Whip up wonderful, healthy, and tasty treats like apple crisp, homemade kale chips, hearty soups, and zucchini parmesan slices.
 
2. Feeling crafty? Create a homemade shadow puppet show.

Get inspired by a favorite storybook and create characters out of cardstock, wooden dowels, and some masking tape. All you need after that is a flashlight and popcorn to entertain the family masses.
 
3. Create autumnal art.

Walking around outside, it is impossible not to marvel at the beautiful color palettes within the trees and other plant life. Go on a scavenger hunt for acorns, branches, and gorgeous leaves. Draw, paint, or create collages from your findings!
 
4. Have your own Savvy Auntie book club.

Take a field trip the to the library or bookstore and search for stories about fall and autumn. Better yet, co-write and illustrate a homemade book together!
 
5. Can’t stop talking about the holidays? Begin writing letters of gratitude.

Prepare for Thanksgiving and talk about the importance of how holidays are a reminder to remember others and take the focus off of ourselves. Take it a step further and decorate each letter and envelope before you take a trip to the mailbox!

Christina Soriano is an artist and K-5 art specialist in New York City. Her nephews are Simon and Benny, the most adorable boys on the Upper West Side! Learn more about her at www.christinasorianodesigns.com or follow on twitter @sorianodesigns.

Photo: nick see via photopin cc
Published: October 29, 2013