Crafts
Option 1: Christmas Wreath
flat paper plates, scissors, hole punch, string, red and green paper, glue sticks, markers
Gather supplies. Punch a hole in the top of each plate, and tie an 8-inch string to each for hanging (one per child). Cut 1-inch squares of green paper (ten per child). Cut 1-inch circles of red paper. Print bows on red paper. Make a sample craft.
Give each child a paper plate, scissors, and bow. Set green squares, red circles, markers, and glue sticks on tables. Have children write “Thank you for Jesus!” in the center of their plates. Have children glue the green squares on the ridged area of their plates. Have children cut out their bow, then have them glue the bow and four red circle “berries” on top of the green squares. Tell children this Christmas wreath can remind us that we have much to be thankful for in Jesus.
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Option 2: Christmas Vase
jars (one per child), bowls, glue, yarn (red, green, etc.), paintbrushes
Gather supplies. Cut assorted colors of yarn into 24-inch pieces. Place glue in bowls. Make a sample craft.
Give each child a jar and a paintbrush. Set yarn and bowls of glue on tables. Starting at the bottom, have children brush glue around a section of their jar. Next, have them wrap a piece of yarn around the jar, keeping each consecutive row tight against the one before it. When the piece of yarn ends, have them choose another piece of yarn to continue wrapping around the jar, brushing on more glue as needed. Continue until the whole jar is wrapped with yarn. Encourage children to give this jar as a gift to someone and to tell that person that Jesus is the greatest gift ever given.
Option 1: God with Us Door Hanger
cardstock, scissors, hole punch, yarn, markers, stickers, sequins, glue
Gather supplies. Cut cardstock in half lengthwise to create door hangers (one door hanger per child). Punch two holes at the top of each door hanger for the yarn. Cut 12-inch pieces of yarn (one per child). Make a sample craft.
Give each child a door hanger and a piece of yarn. Place markers, stickers, sequins, and glue on each table. Have children write “Immanuel” vertically on the door hanger and “God with Us” below, then have them decorate with the provided materials. When they are finished decorating, have them string the yarn through the holes and tie a knot so that it can be hung from a doorknob.
Option 2: Christmas Vase
jars (one per child), bowls, glue, yarn (red, green, etc.), paintbrushes
Gather supplies. Cut assorted colors of yarn into 24-inch pieces. Place glue in bowls. Make a sample craft.
Give each child a jar and a paintbrush. Set yarn and bowls of glue on tables. Starting at the bottom, have children brush glue around a section of their jar. Next, have them wrap a piece of yarn around the jar, keeping each consecutive row tight against the one before it. When the piece of yarn ends, have them choose another piece of yarn to continue wrapping around the jar, brushing on more glue as needed. Continue until the whole jar is wrapped with yarn. Encourage children to give this jar as a gift to someone and to tell that person that Jesus is the greatest gift ever given.
