*Also published on FamiliesofMultiples.com
Christmas is over, and you're ready to ring in the new year, right? Not so fast. You need noisemakers and decoration for the big night. The best way to meet that need is to make something homemade with the kids so that you and they can have fun twice: once making them and a second using them!
Fireworks Art
Cut the end of a toilet paper roll in strips so that one end of the roll looks frayed with multiple strips of cardboard. Dip that end into brightly colored paint and dab that onto paper to create a fireworks effect. We used black construction paper to make it look as if the fireworks were exploding into the night sky. In the center of our paper, we wrote the year with different colored glitter pens.
Paper Plate Noise Maker
Color a plate however you'd like. Fold it in half and fill it with something that can make a good rattly noise, like dry pasta or beads. Seal your folded plate with glue or staples. Finally, add ribbons or anything else you can think of as decoration.
Confetti Popper
You can use K-cups or toilet paper rolls as the confetti holder, either way. If you use K-cups, like we did, you'll want to cut the bottom off the cups. Then, tie the end of a balloon and clip the top off. Pull the open ended balloon around the K-cup and fill your contraption with confetti. On the big night, hold the K-cup with one hand and, with the other hand, pull the knot of your balloon, letting it pop back. Your confetti will be sent flying into the sky!
Year Hat
Cut each number of the new year out from different colors of construction paper and affix them to a ring of construction paper measured out to the size of whoever's head will be wearing the craft.
Sparkler Craft
Roll a piece of aluminum foil and brightly colored paper or colored plastic wrap around a colorful drinking straw. Then, cut the top edge into strips. You're left with a suitable alternative to a sparkler for the kids that don't like the flames of the real deal.
So, when you're counting down, waiting for the ball to drop, waiting for a New Year's kiss, or just waiting to go to bed, make the night even more special by having decorations designed by you and your children. If you have fun doing this, make a New Year's resolution to make more crafts with your family.
You can find ideas for every occasion throughout the year with our other craft suggestions.