Sparkly pipe cleaners and beads are all you need to create simple ornaments. Buy beads that have openings large enough to slide onto a pipe cleaner. Have children string several beads onto each pipe cleaner, then demonstrate how they can turn these pieces into ornaments. For instance, form pipe cleaners into a Christmas tree or ball shape. Attach pipe cleaners by twisting their ends together. Once children have formed a basic shape, they can fill in the centers of their ornaments by attaching more beaded pipe cleaners. Create a pipe cleaner loop on the top of each ornament.
Creating collages allows children to share their family traditions with one another. Ask children to think about the special things their families do at Christmas time. Pass out magazines and ask children to look for photos that illustrate their traditions, such as a family eating a meal together or going for a walk in the snow. Have children glue their pictures onto a sheet of paper. If you don't have a wide selection of magazines, have children draw pictures of their families at Christmas. Ask children to present their collages one at a time and explain each picture.
Children can use their creativity to create one-of-a-kind wrapping paper. Spread out sheets of plain white or brown paper. Give children Christmas stamps and ink, or pass out bowls of finger paint and have children decorate their paper with their hands. To encourage writing skills, give children markers or crayons and ask them to write their names or Christmas words all over the paper. Use the paper to wrap each child's gifts for his family.
Use paper plates to create simple wreaths. Cut the center out of a plate for each child. Leave only a 2-inch thick rim of plate to create the wreath. Have children cut out Christmas shapes such as trees, gifts and ornaments. Let children decorate the pictures and glue them onto the wreaths. They can also use red and green tissue paper to finish the wreaths. Have children rip or cut the paper into small pieces and glue them onto the paper plates. Tie on hangers made from loops of yarn or ribbon.