When we set up our Christmas tree this year, I decided that the kids and I should make popcorn garlands to decorate our tree. We had a fun time making them and used about 4 batches of air popped popcorn.
Towards the end we were all getting tired and our kitchen floor was covered in popcorn. However, we persevered and have loved the results, even if my toddler has eaten some of the popcorn right off of the tree in the past few weeks. 🙂
My children range in age from 13 to 20 months and they all helped with this project. It was a fun time.
Our air popper got a workout that day. My kids have love watching the kernels of popcorn explode.
Everyone but my toddler got a needle and some thick thread. I recommend using sharp pointed needles because I gave my 5 year old a blunt tip needle and it just made the popcorn break.
This picture was taken by my husband right at the beginning of our endeavors. My little girl didn’t sit in my lap the whole time, and the boys got up several times when their interest waned.
That was perfectly fine with me. I wouldn’t want the experience to have turned ugly because I forced them to string popcorn longer than they were enjoying the process.
Janna (20 months) ate some popcorn and tried to feed me some, too. I am not sure exactly what happened in this picture but I do know she was laughing. 🙂
Joseph (5) did really well once he got a better needle. He strung more than I thought he would.
Joshua (8) was a super popcorn stringer. He was very focused on his work and really surprised me at how long it kept his interest.
Julia (13) strung a lot of popcorn and may have done more than I did.
James (10) tired of stringing and decided to be the person who put most of the garland on the tree.
This really was a great family project and I have enjoyed our tree this year more than ever. Not only have I liked the look of the popcorn garlands, but I have also loved that the kids put all of the ornaments up themselves.
At first, the perfectionist in me wanted to rearrange a little because some of the ornaments were backwards or clumped together. However, I decided that since the kids were proud of their work I should be, too. 🙂
Have you ever strung popcorn with your children. If you don’t have older children like I do then I suggest breaking the project up over a couple of days.
When we take down our tree we are going to hang our garlands in the trees outside for the birds to enjoy this winter.
