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Winter Holiday Book-Inspired Crafts

by MaiStoryBook

Sharing with you MaiStoryBook’s Christmas selection of Christmas Interactive Read Alouds and Holiday Bookish Crafts. Read along as we meet Santa as a Baby, scale the Christmas tree with Tough Cookie, spread holiday cheer with Santa Bruce, write letters to Postmaster Buck in the North Pole, and transform Pine Trees into Christmas trees with a little holiday magic and cheer. Check it out below and get ready for some Christmas Book Fun!

Featuring:

When Santa Was a Baby by Linda Bailey

Who is that special someone who rides a sleigh ~ and comes on Christmas Eve? It’s Santa Claus, of course! So you may know who Santa is~ but – how did Santa become Santa? What was Santa like when he was *a baby*? Well,  in this beloved Christmas holiday children’s book, we get a glimpse into Santa’s past, and how Santa came to be the Santa he is today!  The perfect read for Christmas Eve, this book will prep your little ones for Santa’s *special visit* on Christmas Eve night. Read Along with MaiStoryBook below to find out all about baby Santa! Plus, check out the *When Santa Was a Baby Booklet* Craft. (Add this book to your own library here)

YouTube Video: Guided Shared-Reading Read Aloud Example

Example of a shared-reading, interactive Read Aloud of “When Santa Was a Baby” – how to subtly introduce the vocabulary list words within the text, ask guided questions, and spark conversation!

*~Check it Out~*

When Santa Was a Baby Booklet

What was Santa like when he was a baby? Write and create this craft to share your own mini booklet versions of what Santa was like when he was a baby. Craft a baby Santa and fill in their own mini Baby Santa Adventures!

Materials

Directions

  • Choose a Baby Santa Template. Color or B&W.
  • Cut it out and color in if you chose black and white. 
  • Next, choose a ”When Santa Was a Baby” Booklet: B&W or Color-Cut out the pages and stack them in order. They are numbered.
    Staple the pages together on the seam of the book (the white rectangle on the left edge).
  • Fill in the sentence frames on the pages. You can use examples from the book or make up your own ideas about what Santa was like when he was a baby. 
  • Notes for filling in the pages:
  • Cover: Write your name on the line that says “Written & Illustrated by”
  • Pg. 1: Draw a picture of Baby Santa in the frame
  • Pg. 2: In the speech bubble, write what Santa sounded like as a baby, or what noises he made as a baby. Draw baby Santa under the speech bubble.
  • Pg. 3: Write Santa’s favorite color on the line, then draw a picture of Santa wearing a special outfit of that color. 
  • Pg. 4: Write the best part of Santa’s birthday (in his opinion, of course!), then draw a picture of his birthday festivities.
  • Pg. 5: Write what pet Santa wanted, what he would name it, and then draw a picture of Santa and his pet.
  • Pg. 6: Write Santa’s favorite season and why. Draw a picture of Santa enjoying an activity during that season. 
  • Pg. 7: Write something Santa was curious about. Draw a picture of his curiosity in the thought bubble.
  • Pg. 8: Write the name of his best friend and something they liked to play together. Draw a picture of Santa and his best buddy playing. 
  • Pg. 9: In the frame, draw a portrait of what Santa looks like when he is all grown up.
  • Pg. 10: Write what Santa does on Christmas Eve and draw a picture below.
  • Pg. 11: Draw Santa flying across the moon in his sleigh with the reindeers. 
  • Add color in your book where necessary. 
  • Glue the back of the booklet to the bottom part of the Baby Santa Template. (See sample)

Enjoy Your *When Santa Was a Baby Booklet* Craft

  • Use the craft to share your own version of what Santa was like as a baby
  • Compare your mini booklet to the read aloud book, or to your friends’ books
  • Share your books with family and friends and ask them what they think Santa was like as a baby 
  • Hang up for festive bulletin board of holiday cheer!

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Tough Cookie: A Christmas Story by Edward Hemingway

*Run, run, as fast as you can! You can’t catch me, I’m the Sugar Cookie Man!* Sugar Cookie taunts Fox with his runaway chant as he leads Fox on a chase. However, Sugar Cookie isn’t as quick as he thinks he is, and Fox quickly catches up to him and snatches a bite — only to discover that *Ick!* Sugar Cookie does not taste delicious! Sugar Cookie is shocked; if he is not a delicious cookie… then what is he? Read Along with MaiStoryBook below and find out! Plus, check out the *Tough Cookie Ornament* Craft. (Add this book to your own library here)

YouTube Video: Guided Shared-Reading Read Aloud Example

Example of a shared-reading, interactive Read Aloud of “Tough Cookie: A Christmas Story” – how to subtly introduce the vocabulary list words within the text, ask guided questions, and spark conversation!

*~Check it Out~*

Tough Cookie Ornament Craft

When Sugar Cookie finds out that he does not taste delicious, he tries to figure out “What’s an unsavory cookie to do? Is there another option for this not-so-sweet treat?” This story celebrates the joy of being accepted for who we are~ and students will celebrate their uniqueness through this fun holiday craft.  Craft a tree and Cookie Paper-Ornament, and then record your own identity inside the ornament.

Materials

Directions

  • Choose a Christmas tree template: Color version or Black and White Version to Color.
  • If you choose the black and white version, use coloring utensils to color it in. 
  • Cut out the Christmas Tree Template
  • The writing prompt on the tree is from the end of the story : “Look, look, look at me! You can’t reach me, I’m…”
  • Next, choose an “outside” Tough Cookie to use.  There are color or black and white versions. Some versions are a replica of Tough Cookie from the story. Others have the face or are blank so that students can dress up their ornament to represent themselves or their own unique character.
  • If you want a blank inside, then print the “outside” sheet. If you want one of the ”inside templates”, print the outside and inside sheet double-sided on the same piece of paper. 
  • Cut out the cookie ornament. Leave the two pieces attached at the heads. DO NOT separate the two pieces.
  • Fold the cookie ornament on the head fold-line so that the “outside” is facing out.
  • You should be able to flip open the cookie to reveal the answer to the Christmas tree prompt.
  • Students will answer the prompt by flipping up the Tough Cookie Ornament template and filling in their answer. Students are encouraged to explore self-identity and express how they want to be known. Are they a “super artist filled with creativity” or “a kind friend who tells silly jokes”?
  • **Optional, tie a ribbon through the hole or string a pipe cleaner through the hole to create an “ornament string”
  • Glue the back of the cookie ornament to the tree, under the text on the tree.
  • Add any additional coloring.

Enjoy Your *Tough Cookie Ornament* Craftivity!

  • Use the craft to remind you to be proud of who you are this holiday season!
  • Share your Tough Cookie ornament craft to encourage others to express their true selves and be proud of who they are. 
  • Use your craft as a reading buddy as you reread the story, and share your own unique identity at the end as Sugar Cookie finds out his own identity. 
  • Hang up for festive bulletin board of holiday cheer!

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Santa Bruce by Ryan T. Higgins

Bruce is back, and all he wants to do is hibernate all winter long. But what happens when an *unfortunate* case of mistaken identity leads to Bruce becoming… Santa Bruce? Can Bruce muster up the holiday spirit to help spread holiday cheer to all the first animals? Read Along with MaiStoryBook below and find out! Plus, check out the *Spread Holiday Cheer with Santa Bruce* Craft. (Add this book to your own library here)

YouTube Video: Guided Shared-Reading Read Aloud Example

Example of a shared-reading, interactive Read Aloud of “Santa Bruce” – how to subtly introduce the vocabulary list words within the text, ask guided questions, and spark conversation!

*~Check it Out~*

Spread Holiday Cheer with Santa Bruce Craft

A grumpy Bruce goes through a case of mistaken identity again(!) when he is identified as Santa by his forest friends. Join *Santa* Bruce as he discovers the joys of sharing holiday cheer.  Write and create this craft to *Spread Holiday Cheer with Santa Bruce*. Craft a Santa Bruce, and then record ways you can spread holiday cheer this season in a folding, gift-wrapped present for Santa Bruce to hold.

Materials

Directions

  • Choose a Santa Bruce Template: Color version or Black and White Version to Color.
  • If you choose the black and white version, use coloring utensils to color it in. 
  • Cut out the Santa Bruce Template
  • Next, choose a “front side” holiday present to use. ” There are color or black and white versions. 
  • The writing prompt on the present is : “I can spread holiday cheer by…” In both the black&whiteand color sets, the following templates to answer the prompt are available: Blank inside space, a space for a picture and lines for writing, or all lines for writing. If you choose the color version, color in the bow any color you like. Color in the black-and-white version.
  • Print the “front side” double sided with the labeled “back side”. (the back side has the writing prompt on it, on the bottom box, and it is upside down so that it can be flipped up) This will allow you to fold up the bottom flap so that you have a square present.
  • When you fold the flap back down, the writing/drawing on the inside of the present will be revealed.
  • Cut out the present around the outer edges. *Keep the bottom tab on**

Enjoy your *Spreading Holiday Cheer with Santa Bruce* Craft!

  • Use the craft to remind you of ideas to spread holiday cheer this winter season.
  • Share your Santa Bruce craft with others to inspire them to also share a kind act to bring holiday cheer this winter season.
  • Use your craft as a reading buddy as you reread the story, pointing out the ways Santa Bruce brings holiday cheer to his friends.
  • Hang up for festive bulletin board of holiday cheer!

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Peppermint Post by Bruce Hale & Stephanie Laberis

Get ready to introduce a hilarious new Christmas Character to your little readers. Buck the polar bear is master of the Peppermint Post~ making sure that Santa gets every letter and wishlist sent his way. Come Christmas Eve, Buck can finally relax with Santa packed up in his sleigh and all the post delivered and done. However, what happens when Buck finds one forgotten letter, but Santa is already off on his sleigh? Buck an his ragtag team of penguins must find away to catch up to Santa and save this little girl’s Christmas Day! A riveting new read that captures the essence of Christmas spirit! . (Add this book to your own library here)

YouTube Video: Guided Shared-Reading Read Aloud Example

Example of a shared-reading, interactive Read Aloud of “Peppermint Post” – how to subtly introduce the vocabulary list words within the text, ask guided questions, and spark conversation!

*~Check it Out~*

Holiday Polar Bear Letters Craft

 Join Postmaster Buck the Polar Bear as he saves the day with a very special delivery! Then, color, write and create your own special Peppermint Post or Holiday mail and write to Santa or someone special for the Christmas, Hanukkah, or the Holidays.

Materials

Directions

  • Choose a  Postmaster Buck Template. Available in color or black and white/ Christmas themed or Hanukkah theme.
  • (Christmas= red w/ peppermint // Hanukkah = blue with golden gelt)
  • Cut it outand color in if you chose black and white. 
  • Next, choose an “Envelope Template” for the FRONT and INSIDE the envelope. There are color and black and white versions / Christmas vs. Hanukkah versions *You will print the front and Inside template double sided**
  • Front options show what will be on the front of the envelope when it is closed and folded. Inside options show what will be on the inside of the envelope when you unfold it. 
  • *Print the Front and Inside double sided and then cut out the envelope. If you chose black and white color it in.
  • Fill in the inside part of the envelope by either filling in the template, writing your own letter, or drawing a picture. 
  • If you chose a FRONT envelope template with blanks, fill in the names for To/From.
  • To fold, have the “Inside template” side of the envelope facing you (the inside part should be facing you), and then fold up the bottom part of the letter at the crease, and fold down the top flap at the crease so it is “Sealed” like a letter.
  • Next, cut out the paws. There are plain white paws, or paws with sleeves in black and white or color.  Glue them to the right and left sides of the envelope (the folded up flap)
  • Then, glue the top edge of the envelope (the top flap is still folded down) to the bottom edge of Postmaster Buck so that it appears the he is holding the letter below his face. 
  • To reveal what is inside the letter, life the top flap of the envelope and fold the bottom flap down. 

Enjoy Your Holiday Polar Bear Letters Craft!

  • Use the craft to write a letter to someone special for the holidays, or to Santa
  • Gift your craft to a special family member or friends that you wrote to. Have a family member or friend make their own special holiday letter.
  • Re-read the story, and share your own special letter with Postmaster Buck as you read along.
  • Hang up for festive bulletin board of holiday cheer!

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Pick a Pine Tree by Patrica Toht & Jarvis

Pick the perfect pine tree from the forest and then bring it home on the roof of your car. Call all your friends over for a decorating party and, with a little bit of holiday cheer, some shiny decorations, and some Christmas magic, watch your pine tree transform into a Christmas Tree with this festive read! Plus, check out a *Pick a Pine Tree Christmas Tree Surprise* Craft. (Add this book to your own library here)

Pick a Pine Tree Christmas Tree Surprise

Read along as a Pine Tree is transformed with love and care into a Christmas Tree! Then, color, write and create this craft to transform your pine tree into a Christmas tree, and share your own decorating traditions.

Materials

Directions

  • Choose a Front Pine Tree Template. Choose color or black-and-white, with a plain background or star background.
  • Then choose an Inside Christmas Tree template
  • ”Christmas Tree” is written in B&W or color.
  • Each Inside Template version comes with 4 sections to share more about your Christmas tree decorating process. Different versions include: labels with sentence frames, labels with all lines, labels with picture space, blank)
  • (Labels and Sentence Frames are inspired by the story and match the narrative of “Pick a Pine Tree”)
  • Once you made your choices, Print the templates DOUBLE SIDED (or you can print the pages separate and glue back to back)
  • Have the Front Pine Tree Template facing you. Fold on the middle crease, and then cut on the dotted-lines on the front of the pine tree so that you have 4 flaps.
  • Write your name in the blank space at the top “________ Picks a Pine Tree”
  • Color the front of the Pine Tree if you chose black and white.
  • Then fill in the Inside Template writing prompts on the flaps. On the blank empty side- draw a picture of your Decorated Christmas Tree!
  • Writing Prompt Notes:
  • Pick a Pine Tree: Write where you got the tree from and describe it.
  • Host a Decorating Party: Write Who do you decorate the tree with
  • Hang the ornaments: Write down what kind of decorations you use on the tree
  • Set Something Wonderful on Top: What do you put at the top of the tree and who puts it on the top.
  • Add color.
  • Fold the pine tree flaps back when done.
  • Share your pine tree Christmas surprise craft with peers to share more about your Christmas tredecorating traditions. 

Enjoy your Pick a Pine Tree Christmas Tree Surprise Craft!

  • Use the craft to share your own Pine Tree transformations and Christmas tree decorations
  • Share your Pine Trees and ask your family and friends how they decorate their Christmas Tree
  • Re-read the story, and share your own traditions as you read along. 
  • Hang up for festive bulletin board of holiday cheer!

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Shmelf the Elf by Greg Wolf & Howard McWilliam

When Shmelf the elf finds a list in Santa’s workshop of *Good children* who aren’t receiving gifts from Santa, he learns that hey are Jewish and is determined to find out more about this holiday of Haunukkah. He witnesses the magic of the menorah, the spinning of the dreidels, the sweet taste of gelt~ and decides that he would love to be a part of this beautiful holiday. So, with special permission form Santa, Shmelf becomes the Hanukkah Elf, read to bring Hanukah magic your way! Check out the My Hanukkah Elf bookish craft. (Add this book to your library here)

My Hanukkah Elf

Celebrate the magic of Hanukkah with your very own Shmelf the Elf. Share your favorite parts about Hanukkah, or what you learned about Hanukkah.

Materials

Directions

  • Choose your pieces for the Elf template. There are colored and black and white versions. • Head • Arms and Legs •
  • Front Body Prompts: “______ the Hanukkah Elf” or “Happy Hanukkah”
  • Inside Body Templates:
  • 3 different headings with differentiated templates for each: Labels with picture spaces; sentence prompts; picture space and lines; all lines, all blank
  • Print out your choices- PRINT OUT THE BODY DOUBLE SIDED OR Print Separate and glue back-to-back: Choose your front template and inside body template and print them double sided
  • If you chose black and white versions, color them in.
  • Cut them out. Glue back to back if printed separately.
  • For the body, fold the two flaps in, so that the prompt is facing the front, and when you open the flaps the writing/drawing on the inside is revealed.
  • Write your name in the blank on the front flaps. For example: “_Maya__ the Hanukkah Elf”
  • Fill in the inside to answer the prompts and write/draw about how to a make Hanukkah Magical, your favorite parts about Hanukkah, or what you learned about Hanukkah
  • Next, attach the head by taping/gluing the bottom of the neck tab to the back of the body.
  • Glue the arms and legs to the back of the body as well.
  • Display your Hanukkah Elves for festive Hanukkah and winter holiday fun!

Enjoy your Hanukkah Elves

  • Share your Elf with family and friends and teach them about Hanukkah, or share your favorite parts of Hanukkah with them
  • Ask your family and friends what they know about Hanukkah, or their favorite parts about celebrating Hanukkah.
  • Display your Elves to spread some Hanukkah magic and joy!

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BONUS CHRISTMAS CRAFTS

Click Here for Craft Template
Click here for craft template
Click for Craft Template
Click for Craft Template

*Snag this 5 Christmas Crafts in this BUNDLE*

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*~I hope you enjoyed these Christmas Read Alouds and Crafts! I’d love to  see and hear about your own Holiday Adventures you’ve been enjoying with your children, so please share below in the comments – tag me on Instagram @MaiStoryBookLibrary  – or post on MaiStoryBook’s FaceBook page! You can also find me on TikTok for bookish fun!~*

Plus: Check Out MaiStoryBook YouTube for a Winter Holiday Themed Interactive Read Aloud Video Playlist

~Until Next Time, Happy Holiday Reading~*

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