There’s something magical about watching sunlight shine through this simple child’s handmade Turkey Sun Catcher for Thanksgiving. Maybe it’s the burst of color, maybe it’s the pride in the child’s smile — but somehow, this simple craft captures the warmth and joy of Thanksgiving perfectly. These colorful little turkeys don’t just brighten up windows, they […]
Easy Homemade Dreidel
December 25, 2024 Leave a Comment
Children of any faith love playing the traditional game played during Hanukkah called dreidel. You don’t have to buy a dreidel to play the game. See how I made these simple dreidels with cardboard and pencils that my Nanny Family already had in their home. Be sure to read these children’s books about dreidels before […]
3D Cardboard Menorahs
December 11, 2024 Leave a Comment
My Nanny Kids are getting excited to celebrate Hanukkah. I cut out menorah shapes from cardboard from the recycling bin. Then I cut out a little base to slide onto the menorahs so they will stand up. I allowed the children to decorate their menorahs with Sharpie Paint Pens, (which are the best product to […]
“I Got the Christmas Spirit” by Connie Schofield-Morrison and Frank Morrison
December 17, 2022 Leave a Comment
I am always in awe of Frank Morrison’s illustrations. They are so celebratory and sweet, and this story brings to life the real spirit of giving we should all have during the holiday season. In I Got the Christmas Spirit the wife-and-husband writer-illustrator team produces a Christmas journey in which a young girl and her […]
Could Dough
November 30, 2022 4 Comments
I love making different types of homemade play dough with the kids. Could dough is a great boredom buster anytime of the year. But, I pulled out the Christmas, Hanukkah, and snowman cookie cutters for the kids to play with this batch of dough to prepare for the winter holidays. I used baby lotion and […]
“Shante Keys and the New Years Peas” by Gail Piernas-Davenport
January 1, 2022 Leave a Comment
Shante Keys and the New Year’s Peas by Gail Piernas-Davenport is a story of diversity and traditions that children will really enjoy. Shanté Keys loves New Year’s Day! But while Grandma fixed chitlins, baked ham, greens, and cornbread, she forgot the black-eyed peas! Black-eyed beans represent good luck. Shante doesn’t want bad luck without them! […]
Struffoli Honey Balls
December 31, 2021 Leave a Comment
Struffoli is a holiday favorite in Italy. I found this struffoli recipe on the nonnabox.com web site. I wanted to try to make a holiday recipe using the amazing local honey from Javelin Bee Products for the children I care for to enjoy on New Year’s Eve. The web site explains that the authentic struffoli […]
Happy New Year Hats
December 29, 2021 Leave a Comment
As New Year’s Eve approaches making these party hats with children is a lot of fun. I let the children I care for decorate six different hat designs. Click the links below to print the different paper hat templates. Click here to see the template for Party Hat #1. Click here for Party Hat #2. […]
Paper Plate Angels
December 22, 2021 Leave a Comment
Angels are a beloved symbol of Christmas that kids love. This is a super easy and fun Christmas angel project I found on the craftyjournal web site. My crafty Nanny Kid shrieked with joy at the beauty of her angels that she made out of paper plates. You can purchase the supplies for this project […]
Salt Dough Ornaments
December 15, 2021 Leave a Comment
Making salt dough ornaments is an easy holiday craft with impressive results. They look like cookies that are good enough to eat, but they are Christmas decorations and gifts. All you need is all-purpose flour, salt, water, and some decorations. Just mix, cut, bake, and decorate! You Will Need: 4 cups all-purpose flour1 cup table […]
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