I've finally getten to the point where I want to make crafts with the little ones, and build some memories.
I know it's ambitious to think we can handle a project a day until Christmas arrives, but here's what I have in mind so far (in no particular order) ...
1. Pom Pom Peef
My kids absolutely love Peef the Christmas Bear (and subsequent books) by Tom Hegg. They're with our stack of Christmas books, and are a re-re-read annually. It's difficult for me to believe that nobody has thought of this yet, but a couple of Google searches didn't bring up anything like what I've in mind (although you might be surprised at what it does bring up.) I'm thinking multi-colored pompoms glued together in the shape of a bear. How simple is that?
2. Hand Reindeer Ornament
I'm stealing this one from my friend Sarah, and her blog: http://keepacookie.blogspot.com/. Here's her link for the craft: http://kidsstuffworld.com/2010/12/handprint-reindeer-ornaments/ And, to give credit where it is due, this whole idea is a knock-off of hers. Thanks Sarah.
3. Picture Frame
I love the Dollar Tree, and they're sure to have a wooden frame we can paint and decorate for a framed memory.
4. Felt Snowman
Why not create a snowman out of felt, with accessories out of felt that they can decorate and re-decorate? For that matter, why not a reindeer, gingerbread person, etc.
5. Paper Plate Wreath
My house will be decorated after all.
6. Felt Christmas Tree
Again from my friend Sarah. Here's the link: http://emptybobbinsewing.com/2010/12/12/o-christmas-tree-o-felt-christmas-tree/ Our house is not big enough to accommodate an actual tree (that's just one of our excuses for not having one), yet the kids would really like to do one. They can help with most aspects of this one.
7. Paper Snowflakes
Remember these?
8. Bell Wreath
I've no doubt will become a bracelet, anklet, or tambourine, and eventually, annoying.
9. Sculpey something or another
Love Sculpey
10. Popsicle Stick Reindeer
And more reindeer: http://www.christmasdecorationcrafts.com/Reindeer_Ornaments.html
11. Candy Cane and Felt Mouse
http://www.skiptomylou.org/2008/12/02/candy-cane-crafts-for-a-crowd/
12. TriBead Ornaments
http://www.makingfriends.com/winter/ornament_tribead.htm
13. Salt Dough Ornaments
Why am I coming up with all these ornament ideas when we have no tree?
http://www.katyelliott.com/blog/2009/11/diy-salt-dough-ornaments.html
14. Pipe Cleaner Tree
That'll fix par of the problem mentioned above. Here's an idea of what I think my kids can handle making, but there are some really pretty trees out there that they could hang ornaments on. http://kidoozy.com/blog/?p=2983
15. Stocking
I'm sure these are available at the Dollar Tree too. I'd even go so far as to make one out of felt or foam that doesn't even open since we don't do stockings around here. For that matter, we could do a big open-able one the first day, and each subsequent day could have the craft supplies for the days project inside.
16. Glue and Shaving Cream Snowmen (why stop there? Tree, Wreath, Reindeer, the list goes on!) http://www.oopseydaisyblog.com/2010/12/book-advent-day-9-snowmen-at-christmas.html
16. Donut Hole Snowman
If you haven't already, see above link, and scroll down.17. Christmas Hat
Can you say glue and glitter?
18. Reindeer Antlers
I'm sure there are some $1 headbands out there. Pipe cleaners should cover the rest. Bells are up to you.
19. Cookies
There are too many to list.
20. Treats
How about these: http://www.mommysavers.com/2011/11/kids-in-the-kitchen-chocolate-acorn-treats/ or these: http://amysfinerthings.com/rice-krispies-treats-ornaments
21. Gingerbread Men (pain free, unless you burn yourself)
I bought pre-cut gingerbread men at Target, as well as the tiny tubes of decorators frosting. Bake, cook, decorate, enjoy.
22. Felt Gingerbread House
I'm thinking of starting here http://www.flickr.com/photos/27999808@N07/3988438949/, and finding decorations the kids can use to make it their own, again and again.
23. Mixes in a Jar
Do you have any idea how many things you can put in a jar? What an excellent gift idea, and kids can really be involved in this. Just search for "mixes in a jar" and go for what you like. For those in Minnesota, Fleet Farm has good prices on the Mason Jars. I think Cub might be pretty similar.
24.
Paper Chains
Pointless, I know, but remember how fun they were? (Not to mention how time consuming it can be, to provide a few "mommy minutes")
25. Coloring Sheets
Let's make it easy for these last few days, shall we?
In my research, I also came across:
http://pinkandgreenmama.blogspot.com/2009/12/homemade-christmas-crafts-easy.html
I think I might even be able to get my teenager interested in some of those.
In the last couple of years, she's made personalized keyrings and bookmarks, as well as reversible baskets.
Funny how I just typed "Happy Holidays!"
then deleted it knowing full well I need to wish you and yours
A Very Merry Christmas!
Because, if it weren't for the birth of Christ, we wouldn't have reason to celebrate at all. It's not the tree, wreaths, stars, candles, crafts, gifts or consumerism at all. It's not even the time together with friends and family, although that is a tremendous blessing.
It's Jesus, plain and simple.
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