St. Nicholas visited our parish today. He was too busy last Sunday, December 6th, celebrating his feast day, so he stopped by today. While parishioners enjoyed coffee, punch, and donuts, St. Nicholas met the kids, talked to them about Christmas, and gave them gold (chocolate) coins. This is a tradition our parish has had for many, many years.
While the kids were waiting for their parents, they were able to make a craft. This keeps them occupied while their parents talk to friends, family, and new acquaintances. The craft they made today was Baby Jesus in a Candy Cane Cradle. It was such a hit, quick and easy, that I thought I'd share it. It is a good activity for family members of all ages, even the youngest ones.
Supplies: Small wood plug (I found some at Menard's), white cloth cut into small square, Sharpie pen, straw-colored yarn, candy cane, glue dots (tape works, too, but glue dots are really sticky and work very well)
- Using the Sharpie pen, draw a face on the wood plug.
- Wrap the plug, face showing, in the white cloth square, like a baby. Use tape to secure the cloth to the wood plug to keep it from slipping out. This is Baby Jesus.
- Cut several small pieces of straw-colored yarn. (I wrapped the yarn around the palm of my hand and then cut both ends so the pieces were the length of the width of my palm.)
- Tape the center of the "straw" yarn pieces so that they stay together.
- Holding the candy cane like a "J" - for Jesus - use a glue dot to attach the straw to the inside curve of the candy cane.
- Use another glue dot to attach Baby Jesus to the straw.
- Tie a green ribbon around the top of the candy cane.
With a little help, even some of our 2-3 year olds were able to do this craft. They can easily stick straw to the candy cane and Baby Jesus to the straw.
After you finish the craft, share the Story of the Candy Cane.
