Quick Ornament Project with Kids

Well, Christmas decorating is in full swing at our home! The house will be lit and trimmed by Thanksgiving. Maybe I'm over zealous, maybe I'm borderline obnoxious to some who believe the Christmas festivities should begin the day after Thanksgiving. But I just can't help it! I grew up in a home where Thanksgiving flowed seamlessly into Christmas! I loved that we could enjoy the Christmas tree sparkling bright as Momma, Bri and I were in the kitchen baking pies on Thanksgiving eve! It is what I know, so it is what I will do! Alright, I'm done making excuses for myself.;) Here is a quick and inexpensive project you can do for and with your kiddos!

Supplies needed:

1. Clear glass ball ornaments (plastic shatter proof might be smart if you don't want to deal with broken glass. Especially with little guys:)

2. Water based paint markers in red, green, silver, gold, pretty much whatever colors you would prefer.

3. Christmas themed card stock paper

4. Thin ribbon for hanging your finished ornaments

Now sit down with your kiddos and help them cut small squares of card stock, in the prints they like, to a size that can be rolled and dropped into each ornament.

If your kids are old enough, on the blank side of the card stock, let them write one wish and list several milestones that they have achieved over the last year. Take the top out of the ornament and roll the finished list, christmas print facing out, small enough to fit through the hole at the top of the ornament. I might suggest wrapping clear scotch tape around the roll to make it easier to get out with tweezers at a later date if needs be. Obviously, I didn't do it this time around...but I will next year! Replace the top and cut a small amount of ribbon to tie at the top for hanging on the tree. Now using your paint markers, write your childs name and the year across the ornament. Allow the paint to dry for a few minutes. Continue to do this for each of your kiddos year after year and you will have created an amazing family tree filled with awesome, funny, tear jerking wishes and memories that you will be able to pass on to your kids when they have grown and started there own families! Or you can just be greedy and keep them to enjoy as Grandparents some day!:)

images by Kara