Christmas Activities for Kids 2012

Last year, I attempted to make an origami Nativity Scene. In a nutshell,
it didn't go very well. So, I decided to look for more "artistically-friendly"
projects for this year.

Here's a round-up of activities that really got me inspired. Click on the
links for the how-tos :)

Nativity Scenes

This DIY Nativity Scene by Marloes de Vries is one of the easiest projects
around. All you need to do is cut, fold then glue the images. How simple
is that!

If you've got spare toilet paper tubes, Catholic Icing's Nativity Set is the project
for you.

Christmas Calendars

Here's a cute Santa Calendar from Maestra Valentina. The kids can
cut off the portion of Santa's beard that corresponds to the date. You
know it's Christmas when you've reached Santa's nose!

This Santa Calendar from Busy Little Bugs is great for the little kids. They
can put a pompom ball or sticker on the dates leading up to Christmas.

This is one of those things on my wish list. Homemade by Jill's Advent
Calendar is one of those labor of love projects. It's all hand sewn.
The tree ornaments stay in the box and a new one is hung up each day.

Jesse / Christmas Trees

Tired and Need Sleep has a Jesse Tree 2012 printable: included are
the readings, prayers and ornaments needed for your Jesse Tree.

Here's another project for the little kids. This Felt Christmas Tree by
Sol and Rachel allows your little one to decorate and redecorate the tree.

Activity Packs

We'll be using some of the activities here for our homeschooling this
December. But kiddies who're on "traditional school" holiday break
can join in on the fun!

1+1+1=1 Christmas Tot Pack

1+1+1=1 Nativity Preschool Pack

Nativity and Winter Wonderland Packs by Over the Big Moon

It's beginning to feel like Christmas in our home. We've been listening to
Christmas Songs and finalizing Christmas plans.  All we need is our
Christmas Tree. Yes, I'm still hopeful that we'll get one this year.


Photo Credit


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Christmas Traditions 2012

If I had my way, the Christmas Tree would already be up. Unfortunately, we
still haven't had time to buy the tree. And with all the other stuff that needs
to be bought (we have a baby on the way), I have considered making our
own Christmas Tree.

It's sad how many have become disillusioned with Christmas. For some,
Christmas has become one giant party gone overboard. One thing I've
learned is that you don't have to do what everyone else is doing. Just do
what makes sense to you.

The Gingerbread House

Every year, I look forward to Market Manila's Christmas posts. I must admit,
Christmas at Market Man's home is a bit grand for my current budget. But
I can still dream right. I love the decor, the tables, the menu, and all
the little details that lovingly go into their Christmas celebrations.

One thing unique about their family is that they create their own
Gingerbread House. They also create a few for select organizations to
spread some Holiday Cheer.

The Advent Wreath
When I was younger, the Advent Wreath served as our family's reminder
that Christmas was just around the corner. We would gather as a family,
sing "O Come, O Come, Emanuelle", light the candles and say the prayers.
This is one tradition that I just might bring back this year. Church Year
has a weekly guide that is easy to follow.

The Advent Activity Tree
Speaking of Advent, The Imagination Tree has this beautiful post on how
their family is celebrating Advent. The family does one activity daily
together; all these leading up to Christmas day.

The December Daily
The December Daily is Ali Edwards annual December scrapbooking project.
It's a great way to document the many activities that go on in your family in
December. You might want to read Ali's must read post on the simple things
that make for nice Christmas memories. The things we take for granted that
count too.

The Christmas Mini Album
I know, not all of us are ready for daily scrapbooking. Paper Vine has this
How To on creating a Paper Mini Album. This can be a special way to store
your favorite Christmas Photos.

Yes, having a Christmas Tree is tradition on both sides of the family. But it
is just icing on the cake. In our family, Christmas is about celebrating the
Birth of Christ. Come to think of it, we don't need a tree to celebrate that.

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Christmas Color Themes 2012

Christmas is just around the corner. Oooh, love it!

The last quarter of 2011 was a such big adjustment for the family that I
didn't get to properly prepare for last year's Christmas. This year, I'm
planning ahead and devoting the Fridays of November to Christmas
Planning for 2012. There will be a few areas that I'd like to touch on.
I'm splitting things up into weekly projects so that it's all more manageable.

I'll start by sharing with you some Christmas decorating ideas that you
can easily do for your home. I know, it's a lot easier to just go to the store,
buy a tree then buy a box of ornaments. However, putting in that little extra
effort will help add character and personality to your holiday decor.

Start by choosing a a color theme. If you dont have the time, nor patience
nor budget for things, this is the one idea that could up your game. Think
of your Christmas Color Theme as your base; the one unifying factor for
your decor.

Christmas Color Themes for 2012

1. Red and Gold
The red and gold color theme is such a classic. It's a very nostalgic color
theme for many. You can freshen up red and gold by choosing a few pieces
and presenting them in a different way.

Christmas Balls have traditionally been reserved to the Christmas Tree.
Dabney freshened things up by placing the balls in a bowl and using them as
a table centerpiece. 

Fresh Poppy Design hand made these glitter balls and hung them up on the 

curtain rod. If you're the crafty type, this will be an easy peasy project
for you.

33 Shades of Green used a few candles and transformed them into these
fabulous mood setters.

2. Blue and Silver
Blue and silver is the way to go if you want a classic Christmas Color
Theme that's sophisticated and crisp. There are many shades of blue.
The trick to this theme is finding a shade that's perfect for you.

Wrapping empty boxes and placing them under the tree is an easy
to replicate Christmas decor "cheat". Maintaing the same festive shade
of blue for the presents and balls keeps things nicely coordinated.

Why not use a blue and silver Christmas wreath to welcome guests into your
home? Make the Best of Things has a tutorial on how she created this one.

Inspiration for Home shows us how decorating the table for the holidays can
be as simple as adding a few ornaments and bows.

3. Tiffany Blue and Chocolate Brown
If I had my way, I'd have more pieces in chocolate brown; clothes, personal
items and Christmas decor. It's a shade of brown that's not easy to come by
which makes the color more dear to me. I know, blue and brown is a popular
wedding color theme. But it can make for an elegant Christmas Color Theme
as well.

Coco + Kelly can show us a thing or two on how easy it is to execute a blue
and brown Christmas Color Theme. It's all in the details!

What's Christmas without dessert? You can definitely pick up a few dessert
ideas from A Dozen Eggs' dessert buffet.

Check out Better Homes and Garden's Christmas feature on
holiday decorating in Blue and Brown. Focus on one or two elements
to keep it budget friendly.


We have yet to decide on which color theme we'll go with. Which
Christmas Color Theme will you be using in your home this year?


Photo Credit
poppet


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