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In a materialistic age it is often hard to bring meaning into a child's holiday spirit that will encompass more than what is left under the tree on Christmas morning. What better way to make them appreciate it more than encouraging them to start with giving a gift from the heart. That is, something they made themselves!
FOR YOUNGER CHILDREN
A younger baby or toddler may find it hard to get a feel for arts and crafts, but that doesn’t mean that they can’t be creative and get involved. Try simplifying some crafts and activities that you would usually save for older children or simply try out some or these:
· Make a hand or foot print card. All you need to do is dip a hand or foot in some paint and step on the paper! Easy!
· Make a hand or foot mold from plaster of paris. Remember to poke a hole through it before it dries so you can later tie a ribbon through it for hanging.
· Use roller brushes to create some “kid style” wrapping paper. These little rollers are perfect for little fingers to manipulate and people love the extra effort that you put into such projects.
· Show them how important their work is. Frame it! Makes an ideal Grandparent gift and they look great in a nice frame.
· Make a book out of their artwork. Punch holes through their various crayon drawings, finger paintings and present them tied together in a collaged bound card book. Have the children decorate the cover as well.
FOR THE PRE-SCHOOLER
The Pre-Schooler has a keen interest in crafts. Take advantage of it and create some masterpieces together. Here are just a few:
· Have them create a project with drying play dough and let it harden for painting.
· Make a special holiday placemat by covering a favorite colorful collage with contact.
· Make your own tree trimmings with decorated cut out stars, angels or other Christmas themed items. Try your hand at threading some beads or the traditional popcorn for decorating a Christmas tree. Use a large blunt needle from your local craft store and some fishing line.
· Make some coconut balls or chocolate raison balls. They are easy enough for a smaller child to roll between their palms and require no cooking. Pop them in some cellophane or a decorated basket for a great personal gift.
FOR THE OLDER CHILD
Older children are capable of a lot of things. Show them the way with some savvy craft tips and a helping hand.
· Buy a wreath from your local craft store and decorate it together before hanging it on the door.
· Make caroling books for the whole family and neighbors.
· Spray some dried leaves from the garden with silver or gold paint and use them to decorate wrapped gifts.
· Decorate some pinecones to hang on the tree. If you have a fireplace, remember to save some for burning – the aroma is fantastic!
· Have them take some photos and scrapbook them as a great gift for relatives living far away.
· Help them mix up a batch of cookies and wrap them in cellophane for a great gift. But not before adding your own special Christmas frosting decorations!
Overall, just remember to get creative. Not everything needs to be store bought and with a little planning ahead, you can have a great interactive holiday season with the whole family involved.
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