by Kathy Stevens

Created on: December 23, 2007

It's likely that your most fond childhood memories of Christmas center on a simple family tradition. Yet, as an adult, it's all too easy to get caught up in the commercialism of Christmas, to be swept away by that mad shopping spree that seems to begin earlier and earlier every year. This year, why not start a new tradition with your child, by setting aside some special time and creating a simple craft together? It's not only a wonderful way to connect with your child, but a way to reconnect with the child in you!

1. SANTA SOCKS are lovely sachets you can hang in the closet. You need only a new pair of socks (cheap ones can be purchased for $1 or less), potpourri, elastic bands and ribbon. Let your child put the socks on her feet to stretch them a little, then help her fill the sock nice and full with the potpourri. Wrap the elastic band around the top, and tie with a pretty ribbon.

2. These CHRISTMAS TREE ORNAMENTS are created from a dough made from 1 cup cinnamon, 1 cup applesauce and 1 cup white glue (the more glue, the thicker the dough will be). Help your child roll the dough nice and flat, and use cookie cutters to make shapes. Poke a hole at the top (a straw works well to accomplish this). After the ornament is dry, let your child decorate with anything his imagination fancies - glitter, paint or fabric. Tie a ribbon through the hole to hang. You can also tie this to a gift package, or hang from a doorway. Hang these ornaments from your tree, and the heat from the lights will send the delicious smell of apples and cinnamon through the house!

3. CHRISTMAS CARDS are extra-special when a child's hand is involved. Blank cards can be purchased inexpensively at any craft shop, as can stickers and glitter. You may also help your child cut Christmas shapes (trees, stars, snowmen) from pretty wrapping paper. Your child will love giving signing her card to her beautiful creation!

4. A bright POM POM TREE makes a special table centerpiece. Purchase a Styrofoam cone and a bag of pom poms (available at most craft stores), and some double-sided foam tape. Apply strips of the double-sided foam tape to the cone, covering the entire surface. Let your child stick the pom-poms to the exposed tape. The more, the better! For a tree topper, cut a star-shape or angel from wrapping paper, and glue to the end of a lollipop. Push the lollipop stick into the top of the cone. (You can also make the tree out of wrapped peppermint candies and sour balls - this way, the centerpiece can be admired, and then eaten!)

The last thing you want during the holiday season is more stress. That said, there are only two things to consider when selecting a craft to make with your toddler: simplicity and simplicity! Choose a craft that requires few materials, takes only several minutes to make, and will result in minimal mess. Cover the craft area with an old sheet or shower curtain; this way, the "area of damage" can be easily contained and disposed! As always, be watchful. Some materials can be choking hazards for small children.

Your toddler's best efforts will probably not result in anything that Martha Stewart will be featuring on her next magazing cover! But, you will have spent quality time with your toddler, and created a beautiful holiday memory together.

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