Candy Cane Fun: DIY Crafts and Activities!

You just can’t have Christmastime without candy canes, they are everywhere this time of year! There is more to these sweet, wintertime treats than your kids might think. Here are some great ways to show your children how meaningful the candy cane is while making some special holiday memories!

#1 Read The Legend of the Candy Cane by Lori Walburg

This book tells a truly beautiful story of how the candy cane symbolizes the birth of Jesus. The Legend of the Candy Cane is an endearing tale full of magical illustrations that make it a perfect bedtime book or gift. It’s a wonderful story that reminds us that Jesus is the reason for this most special of seasons and your children will cherish it for years to come! It’s geared toward 4-12 year old’s but makes a great addition to anyone’s Christmas picture book collection.

#2 Candy Cane Craft/Ornament with Poem

What you’ll need:

White and Red beads from a craft store
Pipe cleaners (any colors will do and you can trim them to make smaller candy canes)

Instructions:

Using a pipe cleaner, twist one end into a bit of a knot.

Then, alternate red and white beads until the pipe cleaner is full.

Twist a knot on the other end so the beads don’t fall off.

Twist the top over to resemble a candy cane, and voila!

Candy Cane Poem:

“Look at the Candy Cane,
what do you see?
Stripes that are red,
like the blood shed for me.
White is for my Savior,
who’s sinless and pure!
“J” is for Jesus My Lord,
that’s for sure.
Turn it around,
and a staff you will see.
Jesus my Shepherd was born for me!”

These are great for kids to hang on your tree for ornaments! Reading the poem with your children makes this an extra special activity and is another great way to bring the focus back to Jesus during this busy season. Depending on their fine motor skills and of course with supervision, older toddlers can even enjoy this craft! There isn’t much of a mess and the supplies are rather inexpensive which is always nice this time of year.

#3 Candy Cane Hunt Activity

Similar to an egg hunt, this activity is so fun for kids and quite simple for parents(or grandparents) to put together! All you need are candy canes and decent weather. Kids of all ages can bundle up and join in on the hunt, and the best part is that candy canes come in so many colors and flavors you can organize them by age if you need to. Asking neighbor kids or some cousins to join in would make it even more fun, and it gets everyone outside which is a bonus this time of year!

Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger. Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” Luke 2:11-14