Travis learned about winter festivals of lights in school this month, including those we don’t celebrate like Diwali and Kwanzaa. I thought it would be fun for Veronika to jump in on the lesson, and the most age-appropriate way to do so for a toddler is to introduce a holiday’s colors or themes. These two easy Kwanzaa decorations fit the bill.

For the first, I cut shapes from black construction paper. For extra sparkle, we used construction paper that already had glitter on it, which Veronika loved! She helped dot glue all over the paper.

Next, we ripped up tissue paper in traditional Kwanzaa colors of green and red, and I showed her how to stick these onto the glue.

Once the glue dries, punch a hole in the top of each shape and hang up for a sparkly decoration. If your family celebrates the holiday, these would be perfect to give as gifts, too, since handmade gifts are another Kwanzaa tradition.

When she saw the shapes dangling, Veronika was thrilled. “It’s the shapes! Look at the circle! And the rectangle!”

For the second craft, we once again used the traditional Kwanzaa colors, but this time to make a paper chain garland. I cut strips of red, green, and black construction paper, then looped a red piece into a circle and taped it shut. (Note: You can also staple or use glue for this step).

I showed Veronika how to thread a second strip through the first, and loop that one into a circle. She loved helping with this step.

For an early pattern lesson, I helped her arrange them in order: red, green, black, repeat! She named all the colors as we worked, and loved that we were making circles.

She also was a big helper with the tape!

Make as many of these garlands as your family likes, and hang up as decoration!

Happy Kwanzaa to those who celebrate!