Scandinavian Christmas Crown

crayola supplies

household supplies

Why

Crown your family's St. Lucia on December 13 and celebrate the holiday season with a Swedish tradition.

Steps

  1. 1. In Sweden, the Christmas season begins with Saint Lucia Day on December 13. St. Lucia (St. Lucy of Sicily) is the patron saint of light, known for bringing food during famine. On this dark winter morning, the oldest girls in their families dress in white robes with red belts. They wear wreaths of lingonberry (an evergreen bush that grows in Scandinavia, symbolizing new life) with candles atop them. Singing carols, the St. Lucias serve sweet buns and coffee to their families.
  2. 2. Create your own make-believe St. Lucia crown. Ask an adult to use Crayola® Scissors to cut out the center of a sturdy paper plate to fit like a wreath on your head. Wrap green tissue paper around the plate. Attach with Crayola School Glue. Dry.
  3. 3. Gently draw on the tissue paper with Crayola Washable Markers to make the paper look like evergreen branches. Decorate with ribbon and Crayola Glitter Glue. Dry.
  4. 4. To make pretend candles for the wreath, fold round, white coffee filters in half twice. Run a line of glue along one edge. Tightly roll the other edge toward the glued edge to make a thin cone shape. Dry.
  5. 5. Color the points of these imaginary candles with markers. Spray with water to blend colors. Add sparkle with glitter glue. Dry.
  6. 6. Make a slit at the bottom of each imitation candle. Bend ends apart to form a base and glue to wreath. Dry. Wear your imaginary wreath for a happy Little Yule!

When & Where

"Our daughter made a St. Lucia wreath, and the boys made traditional cone-shaped hats with stars."
- Glorianne D., mom of 8, 9, and 12-year-olds.

"What a great project to spark holiday safety discussions!"
- Amitra G., after-school volunteer.

Interesting Info

Born in Sicily, St. Lucia became a Catholic at a young age, against her parents' wishes. She gave her dowry money to the poor and continued to feed the hungry until she was accused of being a witch. She was then burned at the stake.

Safety Guidelines

Costumes & Masks— CAUTION: When children wear hand-crafted costumes and masks, make sure the crafts do not obstruct the child’s vision, hearing, or impede movement. Do not use feathers, fabric, or raffia on wearable costumes and masks because these items do not pass costume flammability tests. Wearable masks are those held in place on the face with elastic, yarn, or other materials. Keep away from open flames.

Glitter Glue— WARNING: CHOKING HAZARD—Small parts. Not for children under 3 years. Not for use on skin.

Adult Assistance is required for this arts & crafts project.

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.

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