How Children Can Design a Christmas Plate for Santa and His Reindeer

The excitement of Christmas Eve is truly magical, especially for children who are eagerly awaiting Santa’s visit. One special tradition that adds a personal touch to this festive night is designing a unique plate for Santa and his reindeer. This creative activity not only makes the night more memorable but also gives kids a chance to express their holiday spirit. In this blog post, we’ll explore how children can design a special Christmas plate, including fun ideas and tips to make it a cherished part of your holiday traditions.

Why Design a Plate for Santa and the Reindeer?

Designing a plate for Santa and his reindeer is a heartwarming tradition that:

• Encourages Creativity: Children can use their imagination to create a one-of-a-kind plate that reflects their personal style and holiday cheer.
• Enhances the Magic of Christmas: The thought of Santa and his reindeer enjoying treats on a plate made just for them adds to the magic and excitement of Christmas Eve.
• Creates Lasting Memories: This activity becomes a cherished part of holiday traditions, and the decorated plate can be saved as a keepsake for years to come.

Preparing for the Plate Design Activity

Supplies You’ll Need:

• Plain Plate: Start with a plain white ceramic or plastic plate. You can find affordable options at most stores, or use an old plate that can be redecorated.
• Decorative Materials: Gather materials such as permanent markers, paint pens, stickers, glitter, and other embellishments.
• Protective Gear: Aprons or old clothes to protect from spills and stains.
• Clear Sealant (Optional): For ceramic plates, a clear sealant can help preserve the design if you plan to use it as a keepsake.

Steps to Design a Christmas Plate

1. Set Up a Creative Workspace

Create a dedicated space for decorating where children can comfortably work. Cover the table with newspaper or a plastic sheet to catch any mess.

2. Plan the Design

Encourage children to brainstorm and sketch their design ideas. They might want to include:

• Santa’s Face: Draw Santa’s jolly face, complete with his iconic red hat and white beard.
• Reindeer: Feature cute reindeer faces, complete with antlers and red noses.
• Christmas Trees: Decorate the plate with festive trees, ornaments, and star toppers.
• Holiday Greetings: Add cheerful messages like “Merry Christmas” or “Santa, We Love You!”

3. Decorate the Plate

• Drawing and Painting: Use permanent markers or paint pens to create detailed designs. Encourage children to add colourful patterns and festive details.
• Stickers and Glitter: Add stickers or sprinkle glitter to enhance the design and make the plate sparkle.
• Personal Touches: Let children write their names or a special note to Santa on the plate.

4. Let the Design Dry

Allow the plate to dry completely before handling or using. For ceramic plates, apply a clear sealant once the design is dry to protect the artwork.

Serving Santa and His Reindeer

Once the plate is ready, it’s time for the special night:

1. Prepare the Treats

• Santa’s Plate: Place cookies, a glass of milk, and maybe even a carrot or two for the reindeer on the beautifully decorated plate.
• Reindeer’s Treats: Include special snacks like reindeer-shaped cookies or oats mixed with glitter to make them extra magical.

2. Set Up the Plate

• Choose a Spot: Place the plate in a special spot where Santa and the reindeer will find it easily, such as near the fireplace or under the Christmas tree.
• Include a Note: Add a handwritten note from the children to Santa, thanking him for his hard work and letting him know how excited they are for Christmas.

Making It a Memorable Tradition

1. Capture the Moment

Take photos of the children decorating the plate and placing it out for Santa. These memories will be cherished for years to come.

2. Save the Plate

If you’ve used a ceramic plate and want to keep it as a memento, make sure it’s properly sealed and stored. It can become a cherished part of your Christmas decorations for years to come.

3. Reflect and Share

After Christmas, talk with your children about their favourite parts of the plate design process and how much Santa enjoyed their special treat. Sharing these moments helps reinforce the magic of the holiday season.

Conclusion

Designing a Christmas plate for Santa and his reindeer is a fun and creative tradition that adds a personal touch to Christmas Eve. It allows children to express their holiday spirit and create a special part of the celebration that Santa will enjoy. By involving kids in this festive activity, you’re not only making Christmas Eve more magical but also creating lasting memories that will be cherished for years to come. So gather your supplies, let your creativity shine, and enjoy the joy of making a special plate for Santa and his reindeer!