Christmas Activities ~ Days 13 and 14

"Him hath God exalted with his right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins."

Acts 5:31

 

My family and I were getting ready for a road trip to a new place where we have never been.  One would think that we would become tourists... well, I knew that was not going to happen.  Unfortunately, it was a business trip for my husband.... and because of that, my little one and I would be stuck in a hotel and carLESS.  Need I say more. 

 

Knowing that, I planned ahead.  I put together several 'simple' activities to do while confined in a hotel room.  (That is Joke!)   Believe-it-not...this little bucket has over five short activities in it.  Mind you ~ the activities are very very basic.    

Day 13:  Candy Canes

This is a very simple project!  It is one that would assist with fine motor skills.  Great for growth and development.  Note ~ we didn't have red or dark green.... so, we improvised with the color schemes.  

 

Enjoy and Have fun with one another!!

 

 Day 14:  PRAYER!!

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 





 



Christmas Activities ~ Days 11 and 12

"For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace."

 

Isaiah 9:6

 



Finding any space whatsoever in our current living area has been and still is somewhat of a struggle, especially during this time of year.  Our little house is somewhat cramped... our 'new' reality.  (For the time being, of-course.)  With that, I had to improvise in terms of where in the world I was going to put Christmas decorations. 

 

Furthermore, I taped some ribbon on our kitchen cabinets with painters tape...attached the cards with a clothes pin.  Looking at the pictures you will notice that I didn't paint the pins...that was because I needed them for a different project.  I suggest painting them according to the color pattern of whatever ribbon who have selected.

 

 

 

Day 11:  Enjoying some Christmas Music

 

I admit it!! I am VERY rusty and not at all good at one of things that I enjoy doing ~ and that is playing the piano.  Some people are blessed with this particular talent so much so that beautiful music seem to flow gracefully in the air as they play.  Ever heard of such talent?  Well, not in my house!  That is for sure!!  I play on an 80 plus year old, falling apart, brown upright that is just begging for retirement.  Why don't I just give in and allow that to happen?!  I was given the sentimental gift from one of my favorite people in the world ~ my Great Grandmother!! 

 

My Great Grandmother was an inspiration of sorts.  Her strong faith was demonstrated throughout her life within the various things that she has done, accomplished, and focused on.  Majority of my family members remember her laughter, smile, and of-course, her wonderful home-style cooking.  You know, the kind that would just clog any grease loving artery within ones body!  Oh!! Was the food delicious!!!  My stomach is rumbling just the thought of her biscuits and gravy or better yet, her chicken and dumplings!! Oh my WORD...the dumplings!!

 

So, yes!! With all of the memories that flow from the black and white keys of that old piano...memories flourish around.  I can just sit, close my eyes...and remember exactly where it was placed in her small home and just smile. 

 

Hopefully, one day, my son will enjoy some of the same memories as I play and teach him. 

 

Day 12:  'I Spy: Christmas'

 

My son enjoyed this book very much!!  Although, on some of the pages it was even a little difficult for myself in order to find all of the items.  Thankful that the purpose for this was just to spend some time together with my little guy.  I believe that 'I Spy' books are great for the cognitive mindset.  It intrigues the mind with thought in order to find the necessary picture.  Simple fun!!

 

Christmas Activities ~ Days 9 and 10!!!

Day 9:  Recycled Snowman!

Materials

- 3 recycled white plastic bottle lids
- hot glue gun
- strip of recycled material ( use some of the scraps from the previous projects)
- 2 googly eyes
- black marker

 

 

First ~ We read "Frosty the Snowman" a Classic Golden Book that is 

Cute, Imaginative, and Fun for little ones!

 

Directions: 

Step 1:  Hot glue the white lids together

Step 2:  Glue the fabric on the middle (top)

Step 3:  Cut a black piece into a hat shape and glue on the top.

Step 4:  Glue the wiggly eyes

Step 5:  Draw the dots (buttons) and mouth

Step 6:  Glue a piece of string on the back portion.

 

Finally, revisit the story of Frosty!!

 

 



Day 10:  December 10th was a Special Day for our family as we celebrated my husbands birthday!! We tried to make it as much fun as possible.  With that, we made reindeer donute or, as you will, Rudolph Donuts.  (Oh, the things that my husbands sufferes through with a teacher as a wife). 

 

Very simple and fun!!

Materials:

- Store bought maple or chocolate donuts.

- Two large wiggly eyes  (edible ones can be found in the bakery section...the ones in picture are not)

- One red peanut M & M

- Two pretzels.



 

~ It was a cute way to show, I love you! My son had a field day with Rudolph.  Making edible animals and/or other fun creations have such a comical and interesting way to add a little flavor towards any activity.  ~ No pun intended!!

 

Enjoy!!

 

 

 



Christmas Activities ~ Days 7 and 8

 

"When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy."

Matthew 2:10

 



 

The month of December has been a combination filled with events, sickness, travel, and a bunch of down moments.  That stated, enjoy the projects. 

Day 7:  Snowman Socks!

This project was a joy to do with my son.  He wanted to do the entire thing all by himself.  Naturally, with all of the little steps he was unable ... at that particular time, of-course.

Material:

- Clean white socks
- Clean colorful socks
- String or rubber band
- Buttons
- Small triangular sticker
- Small or medium sized wiggly eyes
- Rice
- Scissors
- Ribbon
- Pom- Poms

 

 



I hope that you enjoy this project as much as we did! Personally, I think that it's very cute.

Prepare

Step 1:  Cut just below the tube portion of the sock.

Step 2:  Tie a string or rubber band on the bottom.

Step 3:  Turn the sock inside out.

Step 4:  You can put the sock in a small cup or do like we did ~ my little one held the sock open.

Step 5:  Pour in the rice
(Suggestion~ add a little cinnamon potpourri for a nice Christmas smell)

Step 6:  Tie the top (string or rubber band)
Step 7:  With the colorful sock cut the tube and 'toe' portion of the socks.

Step  8:  With the tube portion ~ roll up the bottom and tie a piece of string on the top.
The other piece (shown on the bottom) roll both the top and bottom

Step 9:  Squeeze the "sweater" on the snowman.

 

 

 

 

Step 10:  Place the "Hat" on top.

Step 11:  Tacky glue the eyes, pom-poms, and end of the hat.  Don't forget to stick on the nose.

 The little buddy ~ large button, pipe cleaner for the mouth, and pom-poms on the end of the hat.

**Creative, Imaginative, and Enjoyable**

 

 

Day 8:  Rudolph

 

 

 

 

Materials: 

 

- Two Clothes pins

- Washable brown paint

- Paintbrush

- Water

-  Tacky glue or a hot glue gun

- One red pom-pom

- Two small wiggly eyes

 

Step 1:  Paint the Clothes pins and set to completely dry
Step 2:  Glue two clothes pins on each other refer to the picture.



Step 3:  Glue the pom-poms and eyes.

Optional Step 4:  Glue a piece of ribbon on the back and hang on the lovely Christmas Tree.

 

*** Please stay up-to-date ~ check out my facebook page ~ God Bless***

 



 

 

 

 

Christmas Activities ~ Days 5 and 6

"Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased."
Luke 2:14

Day 5:  Crayon Melt Snowman

Today we read a cute little story about determination and true friendship.  What a story.  'The Biggest, Best Snowman's main character learns to depend on friends in order to beat the odds regarding those around.  A plot that would play a huge part within any young persons life.  Various discussions would include self-esteem, self-respect, and kindness towards others. 

Following the book was the melted crayon snowman.  This activity requires strong adult supervision.  My husband and I did this together in order to make sure it goes well. 

Materials:
- Black paper
- White crayon
- Markers
- Flat heating grill
- Foil

Directions:
1.  Heat the grill on low
2.  Put the foil on the grill (the size of the paper)
3.  Put the paper on the foil
4.  Depending on the age of the child- either hold the child's hand tight or have the adult quickly draw the circles.  That way the little one can color the inside.
*Remember to turn off the grill.
Simple!

Day 6:  Shiny Christmas Tree!

My son had fun doing this tree project.  It did however, require a lot of assistance from his mommy! That's okay.  I love getting involved. 

Materials:
- Seven 'shiny' pieces of green paper
- tape
- Empty paper towel roll
- stapler
- colorful pom-poms
- small black square
- tacky glue

**PATIENCE

Directions:





- Fold all of the green paper into a triangle- by folding the right corner to the left side. Puff it out some- this way it will give off a 3D look.





- Cover the entire paper roll with one piece of green shiny paper

- Glue one 'triangle' on the roll (slightly to the right)

- Glue another from the left.  Keep it going.

- Glue the pom- poms.

- Glue the black square on the bottom (the stump)

There you go ~ A fun 'Shiny Tree'! 

 

Christmas Activites~ Days 3 and 4

"For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord."
Luke 2:11

Day 3 ~ Old Fashion Chain link with a twist. 

This time of year is especially important for our family for many MANY reasons.... mainly because of our faith and Love in the Heavenly Father.  It is incredibly important to us that we not only pass on our beliefs but, our traditions as well.  So,  I not only read the story of the birth of our Savior's birth I wrote the story on the chain links.  That way, every single day my little one will get another reminder of what we read. 

We read the story ~ wrote the story~ put the link in a pattern~ linked them together

 Simple and Fun!

 

 

Day 4: Dough Ornaments

 

As I helped my son put on some more ornaments I had to take a step back.  A step back because I enjoyed watching him get very excited about finding that perfect limb in order to place the accessory on the tree. In addition to watching him I couldn't help but focus on some of the memories that 'are' attached to some of ornaments for example I picked up a rather old and little ragged angel.  It was definitely a special one because on the back it had two names along with... "Our first Christmas."  What a special and loving memory!!  Strong memories that I truly hold deep!! 

 

Finally after my son was finished with the few left I took out the supplies for the our project.  Homemade Dough Ornaments.  Needless-to-say, I was very curious as to see if they were going to turn out!  Let's me be honest 99 percent of my projects are trial-by-error...as I like.... enjoy rather...making up the stuff I do with my little man!   

Today we had some messy fun!!  My son really enjoyed making some old fashion dough ornaments. 

 

The Ingredients & Materials:

- 1 cup of flour

- 1/2 cup of salt  

- 1/4 cup of cinnamon (used for the scent)

- 3/4 cup of water

- Optional: Rolling pin

- Cookie sheet

- Cookie cutters

We didn't have a rolling pin...so, we just had fun smashing the dough.

This was the hardest part out of the entire project.... Waiting!
 

Directions:

- Mix the dry ingredients first

- Slowly add the water

- Roll out and smash the dough on the counter

- Press down the cookie cutter
- Bake for 2 hours at 250 degrees

- Make a hole using a straw

- Paint
- Hang 

Christmas Activities ~ Days 1 and 2

"For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace."
Isaiah 9:6

What a Wonderful time of year! My family and I started off very well and early for a change.  That is very huge for our family.  I remember last year we didn’t even get our tree until the week before Christmas.  So needless-to-say, I was surprised that we actually bought ours early. 

 This year I challenged myself… a project or something seasonal every single day.

 

 Day 1:  Picked out a Tree! 

My husband and I did not have any say as to what tree to buy.  We left it all up to a cute little four-year-old.  Our little one walked around and immediately selected the tree of choice.  It was fun watching him go around into the forest of green in order to touch everything. (And, I mean everything!)  It was wonderful!! 

Can't you tell that he truly LOVES his Daddy!!

Day 2:  Decorate the Tree!

What a Wonderful Tradition!  Something that I personally enjoy time and time again. What makes it even better than ever ~ watching my little one put the ornaments on one by one.  He was incredibly excited which was clearly demonstrated when his pretty blues lit up, took the hooks, and found that special limb on the tree.  Absolutely perfect!!  

If he wasn't 36 pounds he would be my little topper on the tree as my 'Angel'.  
What Love!