Merry Christmas Crackers

crayola supplies

Markers
Color Explosion™
Glue Sticks
Pointed Tip Scissors
Color Explosion White Fire and Ice
Color Explosion White Twisted Tropicals

household supplies

hole punch
ribbon
Hallmark tissue paper
clear adhesive tape

Why

Create festive, fun crackers for stocking stuffers, party favors, or to give as gifts to family and friends! Update a fun British tradition with bright Color Explosion™ surprises.

Steps

1. Create festive, fun crackers for stocking stuffers, party favors, or to give as gifts to family and friends! Update a fun British tradition with bright Color Explosion™ surprises.
2. Cut white Crayola Color Explosion™ paper in half. Decorate the front of the paper with Color Explosion Markers to reveal surprising colors. Add details or fill areas in a dark color, for example, with Crayola Markers. Create holiday designs, reveal cool colors, and add seasonal messages. Each one will have its own look!
3. Punch decorative, see-through holes in the cracker if you like. Your bright tissue paper colors that line the cracker will show through the holes.
4. Cut tissue paper about twice as big as the cracker. Glue it on the plain inside of the Color Explosion paper so that tissue sticks out on both ends of your cracker. Roll the paper into a tube. Tape it closed.
5. Cut two pieces of colorful ribbon. Tie one end of the cracker closed. Fill the cracker with small gifts, treats, poems, or another craft you made. Tie the other end with ribbon to finish your festive holiday favor!

When & Where

"In our home, we like to help others, especially during the holidays. My children and I made crackers for a senior facility. They were a hit with staff and residents alike. "
- Delaney R., mother of ages 6 and 8.

"We made jumbo crackers with full sheets of Color Explosion. The children filled each one with requested items to send to the troops overseas."
- Jonas P., after-school volunteer.

Interesting Info

The U.S. White House goes all out for the holiday season. In 2007 the presidential home had 232 wreaths, used 862 feet of garland, and baked 20,000 Christmas cookies!

Safety Guidelines

Scissors—ATTENTION: The cutting edges of scissors are sharp and care should be taken whenever cutting or handling. Blunt-tip scissors should be used only by children 4 years and older. Pointed-tip scissors should be used only by children 6 years and older.

String-Like Materials—Includes string, raffia, lacing, yarn, ribbon, and other similar material. Children 3 years and younger should not be given any string-like material that is longer than 12 inches. Close adult supervision is essential whenever children use string-like material. When crafts are to be worn around the necks of children 8 years and younger, attach the ends of the “string-like material” with clear adhesive tape, which allows easy release of the bond if the craft becomes entangled or caught on equipment. For children older than 8 years, the ends of the “string-like material” may be tied and knotted.