| Christmas is a busy time of year, but it is also a | | | | splash of color to the tree and something the |
| very special time for families. The magic of | | | | youngest of children can do. |
| Christmas comes alive when you decorate your | | | | Strawberry Ornament (ages 5-12) Take two |
| house. The Christmas tree has become a | | | | walnuts, using craft paint cover nut completely |
| universal symbol of the Christmas Holiday. Make | | | | with bright red paint. When the paint is dry using a |
| this Christmas special by taking time with your | | | | marker or fine point brush make small black dots |
| family to create precious homemade ornaments | | | | all over walnut. Cut a four-point star from a |
| that will last for years to come. So many | | | | 1.5-inch square of green felt. Glue a loop of craft |
| Christmas memories from my youth focus on | | | | ribbon to the top of walnut, then secure green |
| the days when my Mom would let us make our | | | | felt star over the top of walnut. This will make |
| own ornaments to make our tree both beautiful | | | | your tree look oh so festive. |
| and very unique. With the realization of our | | | | Easy wire Candy Cane (ages 4-12) Using four to |
| society in a constant struggle for making more | | | | five inches of white pipe cleaner and red and |
| times for our families, I have put together a few | | | | white colored ¼”craft beads, alternately |
| simple holiday ornament ideas that will make your | | | | string two white then one red bead on the length |
| tree special, and give your kids some fun ideas to | | | | of the wire. Secure ends by wrapping extra pipe |
| do over the holiday vacation. | | | | cleaner around and back into closest bead. Bend |
| Crayon Ornaments (ages 3-6) Purchase | | | | the pipe cleaner to form Shepard’s hook |
| inexpensive crayons. With craft glue, place a thin | | | | shape. You can also make wreaths with green |
| bead of glue along the side of the crayon. Repeat | | | | pipe cleaners and green and red beads. This |
| with two or four more crayons. Bunch crayons | | | | simple craft will help develop motor skills and |
| together, secure with colorful satin ribbon. Use a | | | | pattern recognition for young children while they |
| loop of the same ribbon and glue to provide a | | | | make your tree look spectacular. |
| hanger for your colorful ornament. What a treat a | | | | |