FamilyFun Homemade Holidays: 150 Festive Crafts, Recipes, Gifts & Parties

by Deanna F. Cook, Family Fun Magazine (Editor)

The winter holidays are a wonderful time of the year, especially for families. Everything’s magical, and kids can really get involved in the festivities with these fabulous games, activities, decorations, treats, and complete party plans. There’s something special for Christmas, Hanukkah, and Kwanzaa, along with time-saving tips and plenty of photographs to guide children and parents. The clever projects range from simple pipe cleaner and bead ornaments to a Family Tree Skirt that’s sure to become a keepsake and part of the celebration for years to come. And because the holidays are always busy, the crafts require minimal prep time and are guaranteed to get your family in the holiday spirit.

Genres: Crafts, Cookbooks, Christmas

95 pages, Paperback

Published October 6, 2009

Reviews

[June Jacobs · Rating 5 out of 5]

This fun book opens with an enthusiastic introduction written by the author. The book was written when she was the editor of 'FamilyFun Magazine'. The projects were contributed by readers of that magazine.

The chapters include: Holiday Crafts & Decorations, Holiday Foods We Love, Holiday Celebrations, and Gifts Kids Can Make.

There are a few things that make this book stand out from the other craft books I have read and reviewed in the past few years. First of all, this book includes projects for Christmas, Hanukkah, and Kwanzaa which gives readers a broad view of our diverse world.

Secondly, throughout the text there are sidebars titled, 'FamilyFun Reader Tradition'. I enjoyed reading these little blurbs from families around the United States where they shared some of their family's unique traditions for the various holidays.

Finally, the chapter on 'Gifts Kids Can Make' shares a variety of crafts that children can make for others using materials that won't break the bank!

The photography in this book features diverse families and children which I believe creates a warm, welcoming atmosphere for all readers. The stepped-out directions for the projects and the colorful, detailed photography make this book a winner in my opinion.

Highly-recommended for families, libraries, classrooms, church/synagogue youth groups, and scout groups. I borrowed this book from our local public library system.

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[Gail DiVico · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great one for easy and fun crafts to do either yourself or with kids. Covering all the winter holidays and over 100 ideas for different things to make, this is a definte for any crafter's library. Wuth baking ideas, games, making your own gift wrap, greeting cards and envelopes, yarn and sewing crafts, there is something for everyone here. Supplies are inexpensive for the most part and many you probably already have at home. Another great book for holiday crafters that you will want in your own library.

[Juli Anna · Rating 3 out of 5]

Simple family crafts.

[Ashley · Rating 2 out of 5]

Eh. The pictures aren't that great. Some of the projects are OK but this is nothing special. Received as a gift, otherwise would have gotten from the library, not the book store. Like Together Creating Family Traditions much, much better.

[Marcia · Rating 4 out of 5]

A compilation of kids crafts, recipes, and holiday decorating ideas from Family Fun magazine. If you read the magazine, these will all be familiar. Family Fun is very good at creating cute, appealing craft projects using easy to find materials and presenting them in a fun, visually attractive way.

[Bobby · Rating 2 out of 5]

Meh. Not much quality here but a lot of easy, kid-friendly crafts. Most are the type of thing a parent throws away after the holiday season has passed. Some just seem like space fillers, such as the cupcake menorah (bake 9 cupcakes and put birthday candles in them). Really?

[- Ny-Oshi";D0ra ! · Rating 3 out of 5]

- i read dixs at the d0ctorxs i waxws s0 bored s0 i jus started lo0ken at it ! & i liked it !

[Stacy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a really fun book. There are Christmas crafts and recipes, Hanukah crafts and recipes, and Kwanzaa crafts and recipes as well as general winter crafts.