Christmas Stocking Swag

crayola supplies

Gel Markers
Blunt-Tip Scissors
Construction Paper

household supplies

hole punch
ribbon

Why

Make a merry decoration with holiday stockings that can be hung anywhere to add a festive atmosphere!

Steps

1. About 1,700 years ago, St. Nicholas was a generous bishop who gave away all his wealth and became known for helping people. A bishop's robe is red and white. The best-known story about him involves his gift of gold to help a man save his three daughters from slavery. Some stories say he threw the gold in the window, others say the windows were closed so he tossed it down the chimney. The gold landed in the stockings that were hanging by the fire to dry. What Christmas customs do you think came about from this story?
2. With Crayola® Gel Markers, draw and decorate construction paper stockings for each member of your family. Use Crayola Scissors to cut them out.
3. Cut as much ribbon as you need to hang your stockings. Decorate with festive designs using markers. Punch holes through each stocking and ribbon ends. Tie stockings to ribbon with thin ribbons. Your Christmas Stocking Swag is ready to hang.

When & Where

"We always create unusual hand-made decorations to keep our family in the Christmas spirit."
- Marianne Q., mom of 4- and 6-year-olds.

"We mailed Christmas Stocking Swags to our far-away relatives as a Christmas card and gift."
- Bernard D., dad of 5-, 7-, and 9-year-olds.

Interesting Info

The universal symbol for a pawn shop (stores where people trade items for money) is three golden balls. This is taken directly from the legend of Saint Nicolas because he is often portrayed carrying three gold balls that symbolize the three bags of gold he gave away.

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.