As the days dwindle down to Christmas, kids can do more than just sit around and look cute.
Since the countdown to Christmas is typically a chaotic period, why not channel your child’s creative energy to help lighten your load?
The following hands-on activities are ideal for moms, dads and kids to bond. What’s more, the projects give youngsters the gift of inclusion. Kids love feeling like they are part of the hoopla surrounding this hectic time of the year, so get them started on these seasonal decorations:
Popcorn Wreaths: Cut out a large circle from a piece of heavy cardboard. Add a small hole about an inch from the top of the wreath, thread a piece of red ribbon through the hole and tie the ends together. Have the kids cover the cardboard with glue. Next, add a single layer of popcorn making sure not to leave any spaces in between the popped kernels. When the glue is dry, add a large red bow to the top or bottom of the wreath.
Fruit Garlands: Instead of having your children make a traditional cranberry and popcorn garland, spice it up this season by having them string one made of different fruits. Simply cut-up and dry out thin slices of apples, oranges, and pears in the oven. Then, string the dried fruit on twine, alternating each. You could also add some cranberries as filler between each slice of fruit.
Candy Frames: Have your children select photos of themselves participating in some of their favorite activities. Next, place the images on a color copier and reduce the shots to 2×2. Then, cut-out 3×3 pieces of heavy-duty white cardstock. Punch a hole near the top of the cardstock and thread a piece of thin red ribbon through it. Once the ribbon is attached, have your child glue one photo to the middle of each cardstock mat. When the glue dries completely, have your child add red and white mints around the edges to create a frame. Glue the candy in place and allow to dry thoroughly before adding the frames to the tree or giving them to family and friends as gifts.
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