I am super excited about the fun holiday crafts and activities I have planned.  I am trying really hard to be realistic this year.  Here is my first idea: Handprint ornaments.  You will need:

Plastic ornaments.  Available in lots of great colors at Target.  Be sure you do NOT buy the glass ones!!

White paint (I used Crayola washable)

Paint brushes

Hooks/Hangers

Cord or rope (hang across the room or outside for drying the ornaments)

Step 1: Paint your child’s palm and fingers with the white paint.

Step 2: Have your child place hand on the ornament firmly enough to make hand print.  Basically, they just have to hold the ball for a few seconds. (Let me say again…do NOT buy glass ornaments for this craft!)

Step 3: Hang painted ball up to dry.

Step 4: When dry, write child’s name and the year on the ornament, then tie a ribbon around the hook.

Very inexpensive and simple.  If you have any left-over ornaments, let your kids paint them for their friends.  My daughter made a few with polka-dots and a few with snowmen.   I will confess to you that I am very proud of myself on this one.  It was as easy as it seemed it would be, but more importantly, I actually executed on the plan!  I am notorious for thinking of an idea and either never following through or waiting until I am out of time.

Happy holidays!