by Marcy Buzzelli

Created on: January 04, 2010

Some holidays are easier to celebrate than others, and Groundhog Day, February 2, is a difficult day to party!  Since groundhogs are not exactly cute and cuddly animals and definitely do not make good pets, most people do not have much affection for them. Since the groundhog does have a special day set aside for him each year, however, it is fun to make crafts with the kids on Groundhog Day as part of the festivities.  

To start the celebration for the kids on a cold dreary February 2, turn on the television to watch Punxsutawney Phil, the one and only prognosticator, give his predictions for the next six weeks of winter based upon whether he sees his shadow or not.  Make sure the kids get a good look at Phil and the top hat clad men catering to his every whim.  As soon as the network and cable TV stations are done fawning over Punxsutawney Phil, spread out large sheets of paper and colorful makers on the kitchen table.  Ask the kids to record on paper exactly what they saw on TV.  In case the kids were not totally locked in to the TV, remind them that the men wore top hats, gloves, and tuxedos in honor of the celebration.  A cup of hot chocolate should be served to the industrious artists since they are certainly drawing a picture of a chilly event.

After the masterpieces are drawn and appropriately displayed on the refrigerator, get out some black construction paper and scotch tape in order to make top hats reminiscent of the Inner Circle of men attending to Punxsutawney Phil at Gobbler’s Knob, Pennsylvania, as seen on television. One full sheet of construction paper curved and taped together on the short ends can be made into the stovepipe part of the hat.  Now lay two sheets of black construction paper next to each other with the long edges touching.  Securely tape these two pieces of paper together. Place the previously assembled stovepipe on top of the paper.  Trace around the circle.  Next draw another circle approximately two inches larger than the first circle.  With a scissor, you can cut on both lines to complete the brim of the top hat.  Scotch tape the smaller edge of the brim to the bottom of the stovepipe.

The kids will enjoy parading around the house in their newly created top hats! At this point one of the kiddies should be encouraged to give a speech similar to the one just heard on television honoring Punxsutawney Phil. Perhaps Groundhog Day festivities will become an annual event for more people if children are encouraged to make crafts on February 2. 

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