The record scratches slightly as my grandmother adjusts the needle to the song. The music begins and she gently sits on the couch next to the Christmas tree. Fiercely proud to be an American citizen, she rarely speaks German unless relatives are visiting from abroad. Yet, when the tune begins she belts out the lyrics with a sense of honor.
O Tannenbaum, O Tannenbaum,
Wie treu sind deine Blätter!
She sings as if no one else is in the room. She gazes at the tree dreamily, quietly fidgeting with the ornaments to ensure they are just-so. When the song stops, she snaps out of the holiday trance and jumps back into the chaotic kitchen.
Here is a family photo of my grandmother enjoying the Christmas tree while holding my Aunt Rita.
Every time I hear the song, in English or German, I think of my grandmother. The woman who, in the midst of hosting a holiday gathering, could still find a moment of peace and appreciation for her beloved Tannenbaum.
“…freshly cut Christmas trees smelling of stars and snow and pine resin – inhale deeply and fill your soul with wintry night…” ― John Geddes, A Familiar Rain
So today, in honor of my Grandma Gertrude, I am sharing a collection of Christmas tree crafts. Below are a few of my favorite finds from the Growing Creative Kids collaborative Pinterest board.
10 Christmas Tree Crafts for Kids:
Vintage Catch-All Christmas Craft
I absolutely adore this beaded yarn Christmas wall hanging. It is a must-do on my holiday list for this year.
Pin it for later | See full post
Sensory Christmas Tree Craft
This craft is simple enough for the toddlers to enjoy, but provides enough scope for older children to get creative, too!
Pin it for later | See more photos
Popsicle Stick Christmas Tree
Could it be any cuter?!? So simple, so sweet.
Pin it for later | See full post
Paper Trees
This simple paper project adds a touch of modern class to the holiday season.
Pin it for later | See full post
Stringing Beads Christmas Tree Craft
If your child loves to string beads (mine do), this is a sweet project to bookmark.
Pin it for later | See full post
Pine Cone Tree
This is a perfect holiday table center piece. Have your little one help collect pine cones to get started!
Pin it for later | See full post
Sparkly Christmas Tree Project
This glue, dye, and beads holiday activity is guaranteed to bring smiles to your kids' faces. Be prepared for a MESS and more importantly, a fun time.
Pin it for later | See full post
Simple Craft Paper Play with Preschoolers
A couple of green triangles, glue and a little imagination is really all you need.
Pin it for later | See full instructions
Drinking Straw Christmas Tree Project
An easy project to pair with a recommended holiday book.
Pin it for later | See full post
Pine Cone Experiments
Make science fun. Experiment with pine cones to learn why they open.
Pin it for later | See full post
PUZZLES & LEGO SETS
Around the holidays, I like to bring out some of our themed toys. Get your little one in the spirit with these Christmas tree puzzles and LEGO sets. Here are a few of my favorites from Amazon:
- Holiday Tree Chunky Puzzle | Check it out [Disclaimer: I am a Melissa & Doug Blog Ambassador]
- Primary Rainbow Tree Puzzle | Buy Online
- LEGO Advent Calendar | Find it on Amazon
- LEGO Christmas Tree | Buy Online
LIBRARY INSPIRATION
There is nothing better than having a living room "picnic" with hot chocolate and a good book after an afternoon of holiday crafting. Check out this awesome list of 100+ winter and holiday books recommended by moms. Take a sneak peak of a few titles below...
P
HOTOGRAPHY INSPIRATION
I love the idea of capturing photos of my family next to the tree, but it always felt like an EPIC FAIL. So I asked for a little help from my friends! My good pal Meg, from Snap Happy Mom, shared a few of her favorite photo tips for taking Christmas tree photos with the kids. Check out the full post here...
How to Take Photos Next to the Tree
The song is still in my head...
O Tannenbaum, O Tannenbaum,
Du kannst mir sehr gefallen!
Happy holidays friends,
MORE IDEAS PROJECTS FOR KIDS
Looking for an ongoing creative resource?
Be sure to follow Growing Creative Kids, which is a collaborative board on Pinterest where parents, teachers, and bloggers come together to share unique kids projects.
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