National Fruitcake Day celebrates the classic holiday treat that’s as famous for its quirky reputation as for its flavor. Fruitcake’s origins date back to ancient Rome, where it was made with pomegranate seeds, nuts, and raisins. In the Middle Ages, preserved fruits and spices made fruitcake a festive indulgence. Today, fruitcake remains a holiday staple, and this day offers a chance to appreciate the sweet flavors of this time-honored dessert.

1. MINI FRUITCAKE DECORATING CONTEST: Get pre-made or mini fruitcakes and let kids decorate them with frosting, dried fruit, and nuts. Make it a contest with prizes for categories like “most colorful” or “most creative.”

2. FRUITCAKE RECIPE CHALLENGE: Try a homemade fruitcake recipe with unusual ingredients, such as chocolate chips, citrus zest, or marshmallows. Kids can experiment with flavors to make fruitcake more modern and fun.

3. FRUITCAKE SCIENCE LAB Fruitcakes are famously durable, so test their “strength” by seeing how long they can last in various conditions, like heat or cold. It’s a funny way to explore the fruitcake myth of being “indestructible.”

4. FRUITCAKE DELIVERY MYSTERY: Assemble small gift-wrapped fruitcakes and leave them anonymously on neighbors’ doorsteps as “mystery treats.” Kids love the excitement of a “secret” delivery mission, and it spreads holiday cheer.

5. FRUITCAKE RECIPE FAMILY TREE: Research fruitcake recipes from different family or cultural traditions, making one recipe each day leading up to the New Year. Kids get to experience diverse flavors and learn about family and food heritage.