Holiday Projects for Kids

Homemade Votive Candles

Start by collecting some suitable glasses, such as juice glasses, and some decorative paper, magazine cutouts, leaves or other type of decorations. Dilute some household glue with water, and apply it liberally to the outside of the glass. Add another layer of glue on top of the design (figure A). After the candle has dried overnight, the glue will become transparent.

Turn a piece of bread into a festive work of art. Thin food coloring with water and paint designs on a piece of bread. Pop it in the toaster for a decorative edible snack (figure B). Spread on some red jam for a special Christmas treat.

Create a Christmas countdown wreath that helps get the family organized for the holidays. Fold sheets of colored art paper, and trace patterns using cookie cutters. Cut the figures so the sheets remain attached at one point, forming a two-page flap. Use shapes like Christmas trees, stars and bells (figure C) or make a wreath with Star of David shapes for Hanukkah (figure D). Number the outside of the flaps with days of December and write a task or notable event for the day on the inside. Cut out and string on a ribbon and hang from a mantel or banister.

Find small jars for homemade snow globes at the grocery store. Small bottles such as baby food bottles and maraschino cherry bottles make good globes. Find an interesting figure and glue it to the inner side of the lid with aquarium sealant (figure E). Fill the jar with baby oil, throw in some sequins or glitter and screw the cap back on for a lovely homemade snow glove (figure F).