Using a cookie cutter as a template I cut out a tree (any seasonal shape would look great) and then cut out the middle to leave a tree frame.  I cut out 2 pieces of contact paper approximately the shape of the tree. We sprinkled holiday confetti and then glitter on the contact […]
Cardboard tubes Pipe cleaners Ruler Pencil Scissors Hole punch Thread or string  For each ornament, flatten a 7 1/2-inch length of cardboard tube. Mark and cut it into 3/4-inch-wide rings; you’ll need 10 for this project. On each flattened ring, mark dots 3/4 inches in from each folded edge. With a hole punch, make […]
How to get organized for the busiest season? My friend Ann (a.k.a. FamilyFun magazine editor Ann Hallock) gave me the answer–a customized Holiday Planner, neatly divided by topic, with pockets for stashing various memorabilia. It organizes the entire season into one three-ring binder. It provides a place to write down all your lists in one […]
1. Spin toothbrush — we love these disposable things, and chew through them quick! 2. Animal flossers — good for your teeth, and great to keep little hands (and mouths!) busy. 3. Flavored toothpaste (vanilla from Tanner’s Tasty Paste) — this stuff tastes like REAL ice cream; if your kid hates to brush, this may […]
Balloon (smaller,round ones) Paper Mache Paste Newspapers (cut in little pieces) Seeds Glue Paint Matches Lace Blow up balloons (at a size to fit your palm). Cover the balloon with paper mache paste. Put the pieces of newspapers all over the paste – Let dry. Repeat this procedure three times. When you get the newspaper […]
1 lb jar sweetened applesauce 8 oz cinnamon Drain 1# jar of SWEETENED applesauce overnight (you will be amazed at how much water seeps out!!) Add 8 ounces of cinnamon to this and mix together well. Pat into a ball, press hard to solidify and mix. Then pat out in 1 cup units onto wax […]
Make an ornament, and then give it away to a neighbor What do you get when you cross a snowman with a vampire? frostbite Create a snowscape with shaving cream and action figures Decorate every door in the house Go to the Library and pick a new holiday book to read What do snowmen eat […]
  Tempera paint and paintbrushes 1 toilet paper tube 1 paper towel tube, cut into two different lengths Colored paper (for faces and mittens) Black marker and pink pencil Glue Sheet music (from a songbook or gift wrap) 3 child’s socks String or raffia  Paint the tubes and set them aside to dry. […]
