There is nothing that evokes memory like the five senses- sight, sound, taste, touch. For many of us, that’s why the holidays are so memorable. There’s the way the pumpkin pie smelled just as it was coming out of the oven. The heat coming off a row of candles. It could be the jingling of bells or your uncle with a story tell. The slightest encounter with any of those things today takes us back in an instant.

It’s the reason for rituals.

 

They create an archetypal blueprint that reminds us of our cultural or familial values as we grow. Crafts are a kind of ritual for kids, and when done right – crafts create memories that last a lifetime.

 

I attended a Catholic kindergarten, and though I don’t remember the nuns or mass, I do remember an advent wreath I made. I remember it smelled edible, but we were warned not to eat it. I remember that it was sticky at first, but grew less sticky as we worked with it. I remember the two purple, one pink, and one white candle we pushed into the dough. And to this day I still remember how beautiful and special that wreath was to me.

 

Advent

It was so special in fact, that I’ve resurrected the ritual for my own child. In many Christian traditions, the four candles represent the light of God coming into the world; the four outer candles represent the period of waiting during the four Sundays of Advent. This is a period symbolizing the four centuries of waiting between the prophet Malachi and the birth of Jesus. The evergreen garland on which the candles sit represents eternity.

Secular Ritual

This ritual may also be practiced in a secular way by making each candle an intention for the week. The first candle (traditionally the Prophecy Candle) is lit in remembrance of the prophets. Secularly, the first candle may be lit for ancestors, archetypes or teachers. The second candle (the Bethlehem Candle) represents LOVE, which is universal. The third candle is the Shepard’s Candle representing JOY (also universal). The Angel’s Candle, lit on the fourth week, represents PEACE (which needs no substitute). Traditionally, the Christ Candle is lit on Christmas Eve. This is the candle for PURITY entering the world, but it may be said as a prayer or intention so that we may be instruments of peace in the world.

Hanukkah

The Salt Dough may be dyed any color. That means you could also make a menorah for the “Festival of Lights” and use blue food coloring. In the Jewish tradition, one candle is lit for each of the eight days of Hanukkah. Over 2000 years ago, a small and vastly outnumbered army of Jewish warriors (the Maccabees) set out to defeat the Greek imperial occupiers of their land. They reclaimed the Holy Temple on the 25th of Kislev, and wished to light the Temple’s menorah, only to find that the Greeks had contaminated almost all of the oil. There was only enough pure oil to light the candles for one day, but miraculously the candles burned for eight days. Thus, the holiday of Hanukah was established.

 

A Salt Dough menorah makes a beautiful Hanukah decoration, which employs all the senses. Using the dough, children can build the menorah, and then add the candles. You may even form a dreidel and other decorations with the leftover dough.

Salt Dough Recipe

 

 

You’ll need: 

– 1 cup of Salt

– 2 cups of All-Purpose Flour

– 1 cup of Cold Water

– Food Coloring of your choice

 

 

Measure out the ingredients. Children find it fun to use a measuring glass (you get math + meaning all in one craft!). Then combine in a large bowl. I use a metal bowl, as I find metal less sticky. Children can then begin to mush the ingredients together. Full disclosure: I did this activity outside next to a water hose. Their hands will get pasty, but as the dough dries, it becomes more manageable. If you want to skip the potential mess, use a wooden spoon.

 

 

Then, add the food coloring. Just a few drops should do the trick. Remember food coloring is liquid, so it may cause the dough to get sticky again. Add the coloring little by little as you mix. We only needed about 4-5 drops. Mix thoroughly, with a wooden spoon, until until the color is homogeneous.

 

 

Finally, mold the dough into the shape of your choice. If adding candles, insert them at the end. Then, let dry overnight or lightly bake to solidify. The leftovers can be kept in an air-tight bag for another day.

 

And there you have it – an easy craft and holiday ritual all in one! I hope you make it authentic to your family, and please, let me know how it goes in the comments below. Happy Holidays!