Christmas
Christmas
to go back to the Ideas page.
Enjoy the following crafts, recipes and links.
Arts & Crafts
Standing Angels
white plastic cups (styrofoam is okay if you don't have plastic...)
white styrofoam balls 
white pipe cleaners
sequins, foil confetti shapes or other glueable decorations
glue
white construction paper
markers
(wiggly eyes)
Poke a hole through the center of the styrofoam ball with a pen or skewer. Poke or cut a hole in the center of the bottom of the cup. At one end of the pipe cleaner, bend to form a halo for the styrofoam head. Push the other end of the pipe cleaner through the styrofoam ball (leaving a little bit to elevate the halo over the head) and then through the hole in the bottom of the cup. On the inside of the cup, you will need to bend the pipe cleaner into a large bunch so that it will stay in place and not retreat back out the hole. Now here's the creative part: fashion a pair of wings for the angel by drawing the two connected wings onto a piece of construction paper (sorry, I don't have a pattern for you. You'll just have to "wing" it!!!) Cut out the wings and glue them to the back of the angel. Glue sequins and other fun decorations to the "dress" of the angel (the cup). We made the features on the face with markers, but you could use wiggly eyes if you prefer. (tip: make depressions in the face with your finger for the placement of the eyes. They'll stay glued better if you do that)
Glitter Snowflakes:
construction paper 
glue
glitter
On your construction paper, draw a snowflake with the glue (you can use the picture here as an example on how to draw a simple snowflake) Sprinkle glitter over the glue to make a magnificent and very impressive snowflake! That's it. (pretty easy, huh?)
Glue Ornaments:
paper
markers
glue
scissors
Okay, these aren't antiques here. They won't become treasured heirlooms for your tree. BUT kids love these. It's almost magical to them to see the colors appear. So do it for them... Draw pictures on paper (Christmas tree, ornament, present, Santa Claus, etc). Then, cover the drawings with a layer of white glue. Put a little extra glue over the top of the drawing to make a "tab" where you can poke a hole through and hang the ornament. Now, let the little masterpieces dry overnight. The picture will magically reappear when the glue dries and goes clear. The markers will have bled into the glue, making the glue take on the underlying colors. Cut out the ornament. Poke a hole in the tab and hang with a hook or string. (you can personalize by writing on the back of it)
Great Sites to visit
Aunt Annie's Craft Page (tm) Lots of easy Christmas crafts as well as other archived projects.
Family Fun Magazine - Christmas Cookies It's that time again... Check here for some cookie recipes with pictures of the cookies.
Santa's Workshop Send Santa email, read stories, humor, Christmas countdown and much more. Santa & Mrs. Claus even have ICQ #s!
Wendy's Holiday Crafts Lots of Christmas crafts for kids and grown ups alike. Keep them busy on winter break!
Christmas Time More crafts to wile away the winter day.
Recipes
Wreath Pancakes
Make "wreath" pancakes and serve with stawberry syrup. Follow instructions on your favorite pancake mix. Add a few drops of green food coloring. Pour pancake batter into a wreath shape on the skillet. Be creative and add "ornaments" like raisins or other chopped fruit.
Gelatin Trees
Use pointed paper cups for making lime gelatin "trees." Cut away paper when mold is firm and decorate with cream cheese. I've never tried this myself (got the idea from Santa's Home Page), but it sounds like fun. I just need to buy the cups...
Cici's Famous Potato Dish:
Up 'til now, it's been a family secret... Now the secret is finally out! This has been a holiday meal tradition for as long as I can remember.
10 medium sized potatoes
4 Tbs margarine 
1 can cream of mushroom soup
1 ½ cups of sour cream
shredded cheddar cheese
1. Boil the potatoes with the skins on. (Trust me. Without the skins, the dish turns out too wet) When the potatoes are done, peel and put in a casserole dish.
2. Mash potatoes with the butter. Add soup and sour cream. Mash and mix ingredients well.
3. Spread the cheddar cheese over the top of the potato mixture. Cover it completely (this is NOT a low-cal meal here folks!).
4. Cook in 450 degree oven until the cheese is browned. Potatoes should be somewhat firm, not runny. If they are firm, you did it right. Enjoy!