By contributing writer Colleen
During the holidays, I try get to my kids involved in as much of the preparation as possible. After all, the holidays are for all of us. One way I include them is by encouraging them to make gifts, cards, and wrapping paper for our friends and family.
Over the weeks of Advent, we focus on preparing for the birth of Jesus by turning our attention to others. We do random acts of kindness each day and work toward developing servant hearts. And, we read lots of Christmas books — both those full of whimsy and those that tell the story of the Nativity.
And we craft.
If you’re looking for a super easy thing to keep your kiddos busy during snowy, cold afternoons, try encouraging them to paint their own wrapping paper for all of the gifts they’ll be giving this season. It’s simple, inexpensive, and a lot of fun.
Paint Your Own Christmas Wrapping Paper
Supplies
- Large roll of drawing, craft, or butcher paper
- Paints
- Stamps, sponges, and/or brushes
- Drop cloths or plastic
And you might want to dress your kids for a mess, as I discovered that four year olds leaning over painted butcher paper can be a recipe for disaster — or pink shirts turned green. And that green splotchy rug…. well, we won’t talk about that.
Instructions
Once your painting area is draped with drop cloths and plastic, or whatever protective measures you want to take (unlike my unprotected kitchen), spread paper on the table, give your kids washable paints in a variety of Christmas colors (we used red, green, white, and blue) and a variety of tools, and let them create.
My girls enjoyed this for an entire afternoon and created two cute rolls of paper covered in snowflakes, polka dots, and Santa hats. They even painted with all green for their brother’s gifts as green is his favorite color.
See more frugal gift wrap ideas here.
What about you? What simple crafts or traditions do you have to get your kids involved in holiday prep?
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