Holly Jolly Christmas

When our children were young, and then when we had grandchildren, I would try to have them make something we could display on the table at our holiday family meal. This seems like such a great idea ... place setting and dessert all in one! A couple of nights ago I attended an awards dinner where a beautiful (and delicious) decorated sugar cookie on a small round paper doily was at each place setting as the dessert. It made a beautiful presentation and it was just right for a little sweet something after dinner. 

Click here for the recipe.

Little Craft = Big Message!

A great time tested creche that uses such simple supplies ... 

but conveys a big message! What a nice handmade gift for a 

child to give to Grandparents or a Sunday School Teacher. 

So easy to write the name of the child and the date on the back.

~ For unto us is born this day in the city of David, 

a Savior who is Christ the Lord. ~

Click here for supplies and instructions

Thanksgiving Activity Book

What a fun way to make Thanksgiving truly memorable. This printable will not only give the kids something to do, but what a nice keepsake. Just be sure to put the child's name and the date somewhere on it so that when, a few years down the road, you bring it out to show their children ... you can say, "And this is what Mommy (or Daddy) did at our Thanksgiving in 2013!

Click here for this free printable!

M is for the Manger ...

Who wouldn't feel special receiving this as a gift? And what a great message, too!  I'm providing the link for instructions ... so CLICK HERE to go there!  The creators of this project have made printing off the card very easy! 

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Faux Ribbon Candy

I remember growing up, and especially at my grandparent's house, seeing ribbon candy and thinking how pretty it was. It wasn't my favorite treat at the holidays but I would have a nibble from time to time.  This is such an easy project and just like the candy ... pretty, too! I think it would be fun to create some "ribbon candy" with children & grandchildren!

This is from the Better Homes and Gardens site .... Click here for instructions

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Printable Magnet Advent Calendar

These are for a magnet Advent Calendar. Printable magnet sheets (3 p/pkg) are available at hobby stores. You will need one package ... each page will have 9 magnets. The link to a printable PDF is below ... once printed, let the ink dry for 10-15 minutes (sheets have a glossy face), then easily cut along the lines with scissors. They are also easy to arrange on your refrigerator according to the current December calendar - making sure to coordinate with "Sunday" magnets in the proper location. These are to be used with the Advent Calendar Activity & Wreath page.  Each day have your child participate in the activity and re-apply the magnet to a different location on the refrigerator.  There are 27 magnets and of course, only 25 days until Christmas, beginning with Dec. 1. Depending on a current calendar, you may or may not need all the magnets. You can pick which ones to use if you have extras! The "Counting down to Christmas" magnet may be used as a heading for the Advent Calendar or as a filler, if needed. (It is always a good idea to print one page on regular computer paper to make sure pictures are not cut off by the margin.)

The money from the activity on each magnet can be put in a container and used as an offering at Christmas time.  Your children and grandchildren can watch the calendar as it prints off, help cut the segments apart & place it on your refrigerator. 

Click here for printable copy of the Magnet Advent Calendar
and instructions for an Advent Wreath

Click here for printable Advent Activity page

Here is the Magnet Advent Calendar on my refrigerator. The French doors were not wide enough to accommodate the calendar in the traditional way, so I placed the days of the week in a column and the Advent Sundays in a row at the top.  I rather like it this way!

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Advent Christmas Tree

This is a super easy (and fun) Advent Calendar. Most children have made "chains" before, and this is no different.  Well, maybe a little different because of how the links are intertwined with each other to form a tree. I think looking at it is fairly self explanatory. I'm providing the link to the site.

Click here to get free instructions for this Advent Calendar Tree!

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