Mardi Gras is all about enjoying life, being a tad extra, and treating yourself…oh, and above all, HAVING FUN! Kids know a thing or two about unfiltered, unadulterated FUN. Indulge your kids; let loose and enjoy some music, treats, and crafts just for them on this special day dedicated to joy.
RELATED READING :: What you May Not Know About Mardi Gras
I love Mardi Gras, but despite the fact there are multiple ways to celebrate in Austin, I always end up missing out on the fun for one reason or another. This year I am determined to celebrate at home if not anywhere else and I want my daughter to be a part of it as well.
The Plan
I plan on starting with a little informational video on PBS Kids about what Mardi Gras, or “Fat Tuesday” is; a religious holiday marking the end of Epiphany and beginning of Lent on the Christian calendar. Mardi Gras is traditionally a day to treat yourself to any rich, sweet, or fatty foods leftover from the Epiphany (aka, the holidays) to prepare for the Lenten season of fasting (aka, swimsuit season).
Easy King’s Cake
My idea is to make a super easy, kid friendly version of King’s Cake: Pillsbury cinnamon rolls, and then coloring the frosting in traditional Mardi Gras colors: purple for justice, green for faith, and gold for power. That way we don’t have an entire cake to finish off, and it’s fun for kids to decorate their treats.
We Shall Masque!
Next, we will decorate a masque! There are so many ways to accomplish this without spending a ton. You can cut paper plates in half, poke out holes for eyes and glue it to a Popsicle stick, then decorate with markers, crayons, sequins, rhinestones, feathers, beads, or whatever you have around the house. You can also find some complete mask decorating kits from Amazon or Hobby Lobby or your favorite craft store. I always like to check the Dollar Tree first; they are my go-to for holiday crafting.
While all of this is happening, I plan on playing a little Dixieland Jazz, just to set the mood, and possibly hanging up signs with French words and pictures like fleur de lis (lily), masque (mask), and une perle (bead). If the kiddos can learn the words, they get beads!
Finally, if the kids are into it, we can parade around our cul-de-sac (also a French word) with our masques and beads (photo op!) and/or, we can watch The Princess and the Frog while the adults enjoy some homemade Hurricanes. Didn’t think I’d forget you, Mamas, did you?
Whatever you do on March 5, make it FUN: laissez les bons temps rouler! Translation: Let the good times roll!
