A Victorian Christmas

We have two unit studies that are our focus for December, "The Gift of the Magi" and "A Christmas Carol".  Both are set in roughly the same time period, so I also found it appropriate to delve into the customs and traditions of that period...the Victorian Era.

One tradition is making all of our Christmas ornaments this year. Yes, I have boxes of store bought ornaments in the attic...but I thought it would be fun to make them all by hand this year.

Aside from popcorn and cranberry garland, we have lots of plans for inexpensive and easy to make ornaments.  Yesterday we made these little gems...

 I know lots of people make these, but this was our first attempt at applesauce-cinnamon ornaments.

Just mix equal parts cinnamon and applesauce (we threw in a little nutmeg too) and make a 'clay'.  Cut out with cookie cutters and place on a baking sheet.  Bake in a 175 degree oven for 2 hours.  When they are completely dried out, remove from pan and decorate.  Obviously we love glitter in this house.

 They look and smell just like gingerbread...

 Aren't they precious?

 OOooooh....shiny!

I thought these would make nice gifts for the grandparents as well.

If you have never tried to make these...do it!  I got bottles of cinnamon for .50 cents each at Wal Mart.  Each child had two bottles of cinnamon and one cup (and maybe an extra tablespoon) of applesauce and it made plenty.

And your house will smell heavenly the rest of the day.