Free printable Polar Express activities: Christmas holiday party games, crafts

Are you throwing a winter birthday party for a child? Or maybe you're in charge of planning a Christmas holiday party for kids. How about a unique winter or Christmas holiday party theme with literary, educational connections? Here's a free printable party kit from "The Polar Express" complete with games, crafts, party decorations, invitations, greeting cards, party favors and more. This party theme kit is based on the beloved book "The Polar Express" by Chris VanAllsburg. That book is a classic now and is celebrating its 30th birthday! "The Polar Express" is also a classic holiday movie. This free printable Polar Express party kit is perfect for those looking to host a secular Christmas holiday party and avoid religious Christmas themes.   Free printable Polar Express activities: Christmas holiday party games, crafts | Examiner.com

Free Printable Epiphany Party Crafts and Games

Epiphany celebrates the Twelfth Night after Christmas. On Epiphany, or Three Kings' Day, January 6, the Magi or Wisemen visited the Holy Family in Bethlehem. Here are free printable Epiphany games and crafts to celebrate Three Kings Day. Epiphany is the gift-giving holiday in many countries. Many cultures and traditions have parties to celebrate the coming of the Wisemen to visit and honor baby Jesus. Print and enjoy these holiday crafts for Epiphany.  Free Printable Epiphany and Three Kings Day Party Crafts and Game Activities

Free Printable Jesse Tree Ornaments

'A root shall spring up from the stump of Jesse's lineage'. This Bible passage foretells the birth of the Messiah. During Advent, symbols are hung on the Jesse Tree to represent the story of Jesus. For free printable Jesse Tree devotional activities, I've listed internet links. Advent is the season of preparation for Christmas in the Church liturgical year. Catholics and many protestants observe and celebrate Advent in churches and homes, using the Advent Wreath and candles, an Advent Calendar and also the Jesse Tree.  Free Printable Jesse Tree Coloring, Ornaments and Activities

Packing Samaritans Purse Operation Christmas Child Shoe Box

I put together my Operation Christmas Child shoebox for Samaritan's Purse. Since 1993, these gift boxes have been shipped around the world to kids in need. We've been participating for about that long.
I was going to build a box online. It costs $30 and that includes a $7 handling fee (you have to pay that anyway). Normally I drop it off to our church but they're not participating nor is any in our city. I found one about 20 miles away which will cost gas money. But I'm going to Muskegon to take daughter to lunch at our favorite Indian restaurant (celebrating her doing so well in her AP history and advanced American literature and algebra II). Boxes are due 11/25 and you send one online. Read on Packing Samaritans Purse Operation Christmas Child Shoebox

Best Childrens Charities for Holiday Toy Drives Operation Christmas Child

Back to School sales are a great time to stock up on stocking stuffers for Christmas. They're a great place to find cheap gifts for holiday toy donations. Looking for a good children's charity to give to this holiday season? Try Operation Christmas Child from Samaritans Purse. This group collects Christmas shoeboxes with gifts for needy kids around the world. To participate, fill shoeboxes with toys, school supplies, articles of clothing, personal care products, candy, books. The website lists suggestions and what to avoid (breakables, liquids, war toys). Print a shipping label from website and indicate age and gender the box is for. Include $7 donation for shipping (a pretty fair deal considering weight and goods shipped). Boxes are due Nov. 18-25 and drop-off locations listed on the website.  This makes a great lesson in building empathy. I forgot to add that little portable car games make great box stuffers. Best Childrens Charities for Holiday Toy Drives Operation Christmas Child

Choosing Best Kids' Toys and Christmas Presents

One of my favorite parts of Christmas is buying gifts for kids. I love choosing toys, but I'm very picky. I demand that toy gifts I buy have some intrinsic educational value. And there are a lot of junk toys on the market. How do you wade through the chaff to find the best gifts for kids? Focus on interactive, active and hands-on. Avoid anything with a screen and battery! Here's the complete guide from a 25-year veteran teacher and 24-year mom of four.  Read more

Free Printable Christmas Decorations

Free Printable Christmas Holiday Decorations Finding yourself cash-strapped this holiday season? No extra funds for decorations? If you like filling your home with Christmas cheer but can't afford to, you need free printable Christmas decorations and crafts. Print from your computer for inexpensive holiday decor. These make great children's craft projects, too. Want to get double the fun from these crafts? Print in black and white and color them yourself. Read more

Free Printable Christmas Patterns, Stencils

Free Printable Christmas Holiday Stencils and Patterns 'Green' and 'inexpensive' are Christmas 2011 buzzwords. But guess what's even better that inexpensive? Free! Here are dozens of free printable Christmas holiday stencils and patterns to make greeting cards, wrapping paper and crafts. To use free printable holiday stencils, simple click on the images you want and print them. Laminate the stencils and then cut them out. You can also transfer the free printable stencils onto recycled cardboard, such as cereal boxes and cut them out with an X-acto knife. You might also choose to transfer the stencils onto purchased stencil plastic called Mylar, available at Hobby Lobby, Jo-Anne Fabrics and other craft venues. I always look for the green option and if you want plastic stencils, trace your free printable stencils onto thin sheets of plastic from your recycle bin. Make your own games, puzzles and decorations. Read more

Free Printable Epiphany Activities and Games

Epiphany, Twelfth Night or Three Kings Day is the major gift-giving holiday in many countries. Epiphany is celebrated on January 6. Here are free printable games, crafts and activities for Epiphany. Read on

Free Printable Christmas Games, Free Online Games

Picture this: the Christmas presents have all been opened, Christmas dinner is nicely settling and just when adults are relaxing, the kids want to play. Now is time to weave a little holiday magic with free printable Christmas puzzles and word games! Read on

Free Printable Bible Mazes, Puzzles, Word Search, Crossword

Free Printable Christmas Bible Story Puzzles, Word Search, Mazes
Looking for free printable Christmas lesson plans for your home school or Christian school? Here are dozens of free printable activities that focus on the real meaning of Christmas. Coloring, mazes, word search, puzzles and lesson plans. Read More

Free Printable Advent Crafts, Games, Puzzles

Free Printable Advent Crafts, Activities Advent is the 4-week period of preparation before Christmas, in the Catholic faith. It begins on the 4th Sunday before Christmas, usually in late November or early December. For four weeks, we Christians prepare our hearts for the coming (Advent) of Jesus. Here are free printable Advent crafts, coloring pages, puzzles, games, printable Advent calendars, Advent wreaths and activities to celebrate the season. Read More

Free Printable Christmas Games and Online Holiday Gaming

Free Printable Christmas Party Games Free printable Christmas games and puzzles make great group party activities, fun for children, party icebreakers and traditional Christmas party crowd pleasers. Here are five free, safe game sites to print off Christmas games. Read More

Free Printable Halloween Crafts, Online Games

Free Printable Halloween Games, Crafts Halloween craft projects to print free. Color, cut and paste, paper dolls with Halloween costumes, masks, pumpkin decorations, trick or treat bags, puzzles, games, treat wrappers, Halloween scenes. Cute witches, ghosts, goblins, pumpkins and more! View more »