One of the things I enjoy most about being a mother is sitting at the kitchen table with my children and doing a craft. I like to do crafts with each of my children, one at a time, that way I get quality time with each child and I know they understand the instructions. 

One of the things I enjoy most about being a mother is sitting at the kitchen table with my children and doing a craft. I like to do crafts with each of my children, one at a time, that way I get quality time with each child and I know they understand the instructions. Whenever there is a holiday, of course, the craft options are endless. The Christmas crafts are the most fun for my children and me! 

The cutest craft that I like to make each year is reindeer made of my children's faces. I like to save this one because it is made with their hands so each year we can see the growth because the reindeer gets larger. To make this you will need white construction paper, red construction paper, brown paint, red paint or red pom poms, paint brush, glue, and a picture of your child.

First, paint both your children's' hands with brown paint and place them gently on the paper. Let them dry completely and then cut them out. Glue the handprint on back of the picture so it looks like your child has antlers. You then glue the picture down on a red piece of construction paper and either glue your red pom pom, or paint your red nose on top of the existing nose. Your craft is now complete and ready to enjoy.

Christmas crafts like this also make wonderful gifts. My son, Landin, is very into making crafts and doing it himself. Last year I started having my children make homemade gifts for their grandparents and they loved it!  Grandma and grandpa love hanging ornaments on their tree that were made by their grand kids, or decorating their house with a craft, like the reindeer. Receiving another store-bought gift for Christmas is nice but not as meaningful.

When making crafts I have learned that it definitely runs more smoothly when everything is out and ready. The kids get impatient if they have to wait for you to cut, or get out the materials. I usually gather everything the night before and have it ready. It is a great way to engage them in asking questions about what we are doing too. Not to mention, they get excited and more anxious to do the craft. We also plan out who goes first.  As I mentioned, I like the one-on-one time with each child. This way when it is time to get started there is no argument on who goes first. For example, Mackie knows her craft gets done while Landin is in school, Landin does his craft while Mackie naps, and Calvin does his somewhere in between, because he is still a baby he does not protest going last.

What are your thoughts on homemade crafts for gifts?