Barn Sidan: Julpyssel

B A R N SIDAN

Julpyssel

Forget the commercial craziness, light some candles, pour some glögg and create these simple Christmas crafts with your children.

Snowflakes

Children love seeing their own creations adorning the Christmas tree. These simple decorations also look pretty hung up in your windows.

You’ll need:

White paper Glue Caster sugar Ribbon for hanging the decorations

What to do:

1. Cut the paper out to the size you want and fold it into three. Cut holes in the paper to make snowflake patterns 2. Cover one side of the snowflake with glue and dip it in the sugar, then do the same on the other side. Let it dry before you attach the ribbon.

Saftglögg

Why should the grown-ups have all the fun? Cook up some spicy, non-alcoholic ‘glögg’ to enjoy with the mini members of your family.

You’ll need:

1 litre blackcurrant cordial 4 dl apple juice 1 dl sugar 1-2 cinnamon sticks 10 cloves 1 dessertspoon cardamom pods Some dried orange or tangerine peel Almonds and raisins to serve

What to do:

1. Pour the cordial and apple juice into a large saucepan 2. Add the sugar, spices and peel 3. Heat up the mixture until the sugar dissolves, stirring occasionally. 4. Reduce the heat and let the glögg simmer for 20 minutes, then it can stand as long as you like. When you want to drink it, strain off the spices and peel and serve with the almonds and raisins.

Ice candle lanterns

These natural frozen candle holders look beautiful in the garden, filled with tea lights. Use your imagination and vary the shape and size of the lanterns and what you use to decorate them with. Nb. Don’t use unless it’s below freezing outside, or they’ll disappear very quickly!

You’ll need:

Two bowls (or other containers), of differing sizes. Decorations, ie. berries, leaves, fir branches, heather

What to do:

1. Fill the larger bowl with water and your leaves, berries etc, which will freeze in the water. 2. Place a smaller bowl on top, with a weight in it. 3. Place in the freezer (or outside, if cold enough!) for at least 24 hrs. 3. When you want to use the lantern, remove from the freezer and thaw for just long enough to remove the bowls.