Making Christmas play dough couldn't be any easier. Just follow the recipe from the play dough article from November of 2009. The white is simply made with no dyes. The red assortment was made with about 40 drops of red food coloring and 7 drops of yellow. And the green was made with about 20 drops of green and 7 drops of yellow, once again. Below, are some ideas for sculpted Christmas creations. The other colors utilized are the leftovers from the Fall collection of play dough. 
I decided to make an experimental decoration for the boys' room. This ornamental wall hanging is composed of brown suede, scraps of random fabric, embroidery floss, and a stick from outside. I was going to make some cute lizards or turtles on each end, but I decided it was enough work spelling out an eight-letter word. One can easily adapt this creation to any word or phrase or use any material or use a rope, wire, or rod instead....This a fun, universal project.
We decided to have a Hanukkah dinner so I compiled a few recipes and created a perfect feast for a family of five. Going clockwise, the menu included Golden and Red Beet Soup (though, I can't find any golden beets at my local grocery stores this time of year, and our local farmer's market runs only until the end of October...thus, it is more like Red Beet Soup), Apple Fritters (these were superb), Matzo Balls (these are like tasty dumplings), Potato Latkes (this, in addition to the apple fritters, is customary during Hanukkah because fried foods are an important element to celebrating the tradition), Beet Greens sauteed in butter (I had these leftover from the beets I utilized and I thought we definitely needed some greens in the meal), and Roased Turkey (well, I cheated a little here....I bought one of those fresh roasted turkey breasts from the store). Anyone can put together a beautiful Jewish meal for the family. It is a great way to learn about this unique custom to actually observe the wonderful holiday of Hanukkah. Food and family gathering are are key experiences in learning about other cultures. One can simply perform an internet search for Hanukkah recipes or find a recipe book at the local library or at a book store. Lynx and I will be making Sufganiyot (basically jelly doughnuts) in a couple days, even though Hanukkah is now officially over this year. We are drawing it out a little longer.
During these last 8 days of Hanukkah, we have accumulated a small collection of Menorah art work. The framed pieces displayed are mine, Jaguar's, and Lynx's simple portrayal of, of course, Menorahs. I originally drew my amatuer asymetrical version of a menorah and the boys eyed my drawing and simulated it the best they could. Actually, Jaguar looked at mine one time, and then he drew it completely off the top of his head after that. The art work on purple construction paper was Jaguar's memory of a menorah a couple days later. And the popsicle stick edition on top is my creation, one of which I was trying to get the kids to do, but they were busy playing at the time, so I let them.
December is full of holiday spirit. Not only Christmas falls in this month, but also Kwanzaa and Hanukkah. Hanukkah is a celebration we are just learning about. I have read a few Hanukkah books to Jaguar, began a small Hanukkah coloring book, and created a few activities, along with his older brother, Lynx.
Since we are on such a low budget, we just made a menorah out of leftover homemade autumn play dough, which actually looks quite like a submarine. We poked holes in it with birthday cake candles and Ta Da! We have been adding a candle and lighting it every night.
Both Lynx and Jaguar secretly made gifts for one another, and exchanged them the next morning. They each made picture frames, which was funny because they picked out almost identical features for each frame. This was very rewarding for each of them.
I drew and colored a menorah as an example for the boys, and then Lynx and Jaguar created their own. Good symetry and line activity.
There are other activities we plan on doing, so stay tuned for he next Hanukkah update.
Montessori "jobs" for kids, or learning activities, can be adapted to any holiday or theme. Christmas time is filled with many possibilities. Currently, our family is on an extremely tight budget with this less than satisfactory economy. So, I have come up with a few educational ideas from simply visiting my local dollar store. I have many more ideas than listed here, but here are a few that Jaguar, and Bobcat for that matter, have tried.
I bought a package of small drum ornaments and a package of large ones. He used them as building/stacking blocks. 
Jaguar also sorted the drums in categories, such as by color and by shape. Simple, but great for mind organization and the ability to discern differences and similarities.
We bought a package of Christmas erasers and utilized them for a simple matching game. Great math skill in the preschool years. 
We grabbed a package of foam Christmas trees and some Christmas-theme foam stickers. Jaguar meticulously decorated his Christmas tree. This is a great spacial activity because it helps promote an awareness of placement and design. 
We picked up a package of Disney Christmas stickers and stamps. Jaguar and Bobcat went to town with decorating their work. This stimulates creativity and imagination. 
In the meantime, Bobcat found the tinsel and decided to begin decorating the tree. I thought it was a brilliant idea on his part and it is a great practical life activity to engage in decorating the Christmas Tree with family.
There are many more activities to come within the realm of Christmas, but right now we are working on Hannukah. So, we will get back to Christmas after the eighth day of Hannukah, and then Kwanzaa thereafter. What a festive month December is!!! Have fun creating jobs for your young ones.
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