Crafting Christmas Ornaments
Creating handmade ornaments can be a delightful way for children to express their creativity while decorating the home for Christmas.
1. Salt Dough Ornaments
Salt dough ornaments are easy to make and can be customized in any way.
- Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup salt
- 1 cup water
- Instructions:
1. Mix the flour and salt in a bowl.
2. Gradually add water until a dough forms.
3. Knead the dough for about 10 minutes until smooth.
4. Roll out the dough and use cookie cutters to create shapes.
5. Use a straw to make a hole at the top for hanging.
6. Bake at 200°F (93°C) for 2-3 hours until hard.
7. Once cool, paint and decorate as desired.
2. Paper Snowflakes
Creating paper snowflakes is a classic activity that allows children to explore symmetry and design.
- Materials Needed:
- White paper or colored paper
- Scissors
- Glitter or markers for decoration
- Instructions:
1. Start with a square piece of paper.
2. Fold the paper diagonally, then fold it again into a smaller triangle.
3. Cut shapes along the edges of the triangle.
4. Unfold the paper to reveal a beautiful snowflake.
5. Decorate with glitter or markers for added flair.
Fun Baking Activities
Baking is not only a delicious way to celebrate Christmas but also a fantastic way for kids to learn about measuring and following directions.
1. Christmas Cookies
Baking and decorating Christmas cookies can be a fun family activity.
- Basic Sugar Cookie Recipe:
- 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp baking powder
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups white sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 3-4 cups icing sugar for decoration
- Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a bowl, mix flour, baking soda, and baking powder.
3. In another bowl, cream butter and sugar together until smooth.
4. Beat in the egg and vanilla.
5. Gradually blend in the dry ingredients.
6. Roll dough into balls, place on baking sheets, and flatten slightly.
7. Bake for 8-10 minutes or until golden.
8. Allow to cool before decorating with icing and sprinkles.
2. Gingerbread Houses
Building gingerbread houses is a holiday tradition that sparks creativity.
- Ingredients for Gingerbread:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tbsp ground ginger
- 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp ground cloves
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 cup molasses
- Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a bowl, mix flour, baking soda, and spices.
3. In a saucepan, melt butter, brown sugar, and molasses.
4. Combine the wet and dry ingredients, then chill the dough.
5. Roll out the dough and cut pieces for the house.
6. Bake for 10-12 minutes.
7. Assemble using royal icing and decorate with candies.
Engaging Outdoor Activities
The holiday season provides plenty of opportunities for outdoor fun that gets kids moving and enjoying the winter weather.
1. Christmas Scavenger Hunt
A scavenger hunt can be a thrilling and interactive way to explore the neighborhood.
- How to Organize:
1. Create a list of Christmas-themed items for kids to find (e.g., a red bow, a Christmas tree, a snowman).
2. Set a time limit and divide into teams if you have multiple kids.
3. Provide small prizes for participation or for the team that finds the most items.
2. Winter Wonderland Walk
A simple walk can become an adventure when you incorporate nature-based activities.
- Activities to Include:
- Collect pinecones, leaves, or interesting stones.
- Observe and identify local wildlife or winter plants.
- Take pictures to document the winter scenery.
Creating Holiday Cards
Making holiday cards can be an excellent way for kids to express their feelings and spread joy to friends and family.
1. DIY Christmas Cards
Children can create personalized cards with minimal supplies.
- Materials Needed:
- Cardstock or construction paper
- Markers, crayons, or colored pencils
- Stickers and stamps
- Glue and scissors
- Instructions:
1. Fold a piece of cardstock in half to create a card.
2. Use markers or crayons to draw festive designs.
3. Add personal messages inside and decorate with stickers.
4. Mail or deliver the cards to loved ones.
2. Photo Cards
Combining photography with card-making adds a personal touch.
- How to Create:
1. Take fun holiday-themed pictures of the kids or family.
2. Use an online service or print the photos yourself.
3. Attach the photos to cardstock and write a heartfelt message.
Participating in Community Service
Teaching kids the value of giving back during the holiday season can be a rewarding experience.
1. Food Drives
Engaging children in food drives instills a sense of responsibility and kindness.
- How to Get Involved:
1. Find local food banks or organizations that accept donations.
2. Create a list of non-perishable items to collect.
3. Encourage kids to gather items from family and friends.
2. Toy Drives
Collecting toys for those in need can bring immense joy to both the giver and receiver.
- Steps to Organize:
1. Choose a charity that accepts toy donations.
2. Set a goal for the number of toys to collect.
3. Create flyers to share with the community, encouraging donations.
Conclusion
Engaging in Christmas things to make and do for kids is a wonderful way to celebrate the holiday season. Whether it’s through crafting, baking, outdoor activities, or community service, these activities offer endless opportunities for creativity, learning, and bonding. By participating in these festive projects, families can create lasting memories while teaching valuable lessons about generosity, creativity, and the joy of giving. So gather your supplies, get the kids involved, and celebrate the magic of Christmas together!
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some easy Christmas crafts for kids?
Kids can make paper snowflakes, decorate pinecones, or create Christmas ornaments using felt and glitter.
How can I involve my kids in Christmas baking?
Let them help with simple recipes like sugar cookies, where they can cut shapes, decorate with icing, and sprinkle toppings.
What Christmas-themed activities can we do outdoors?
Consider going on a nature walk to collect pine branches and pinecones to make wreaths or taking part in a local holiday light scavenger hunt.
Are there any fun Christmas games for kids?
Yes! Games like Christmas bingo, a holiday-themed scavenger hunt, or a Christmas trivia quiz can be enjoyable and engaging.
How can kids make homemade Christmas gifts?
Kids can create personalized photo frames, handmade greeting cards, or jar mixes for cookies to give as gifts.
What are some Christmas storytime ideas for kids?
Create a cozy reading nook and read classic holiday books together, or act out scenes from their favorite Christmas stories.
What are some simple Christmas decorations kids can make?
Kids can make paper chains, painted rocks with festive designs, or salt dough ornaments to hang on the tree.
How can kids help with Christmas gift wrapping?
They can decorate plain wrapping paper with stamps or drawings, and assist in organizing gifts and placing them under the tree.
