What you need:

• Print pages 2–4 (one set per child)
• Markers, colored pencils, paint, or crayons
• Scissors
• Glue, stapler, or clear tape
• Glitter or glitter glue (optional)

Print one copy (pages 2–4) per child of “Christmas Paper Chain,” or one set per two children, if you’re working with a large group of children. Have the children color or paint the chain strips, and encourage them to decorate the plain strips on page 4 as they would like. Children can write Christmas messages on their strips too (e.g., Merry Christmas; Happy Birthday, Jesus; Joy to the World; I Love Christmas, etc.). You can add glitter or glitter glue to the final colored strips, if they want. (Optionally, you can add small Christmassy stickers to the strips as well.)

Cut strips out. Take one strip and form it into a circle and secure the tab to the underside of the link with glue, staples, or clear tape. Thread the next strip through the circle, form a circle, and secure. Continue until all your strips have formed a long chain. Each child can make their own chain, or you can combine some or all links to form a longer chain.

Hang your finished paper chain above a door, on a window, or on a wall for a little extra Christmas cheer!