Luminarias
An inexpensive, fun, and (frankly) gorgeous holiday display
ADDED December 12, 2008
If you haven't heard of them yet, Luminarias are a traditional Mexican Christmas display. They're very simple and inexpensive to make and, once done, they are quite charming to behold. What's more, your kids can play a lead role in setting them up.
What you'll need to create your own Luminarias is some empty brown lunch bags, small sturdy candles (votives will work great) and some sand (or substitute some dirt). Have your kids line up the bags outside and weigh them down with a couple cups of sand or dirt. The bags should be about a foot or two away from each other. Next, the kuds can put an unlit candle into each bag. Now your Luminarias are set up and ready to go!
When evening falls, go down the row and light each candle (a job for you, not the kids). Of course, you can and should put your kids to work while you're lighting the candles. One good thing they could do is count and keep tally of how many candles are lit. (If they're ready, you could teach them the concept of half or two-thirds when that amount of candles are lit.) Also, who says you need to light the Luminarias in a row? Instead, your kids could run around, inventing a creative order for you, and then they can evaluate the resulting pattern as you progress.
(Use common sense and be safe. Don't put the bags too close to each other or near structures or dry wood. Don't light them if it's too windy.)
Luminarias nicely complement electric lights. They add some natural charm to your home's Christmas display. And your kids can contribute to their set-up and feel proud!
--S
(Luminarias photo courtesy of jared.)
| ages 3-12, |
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