The Legend of the Poinsettia Ornament Craft
Do you ever wonder how Christmas is celebrated around the world? My son LOVES to learn about different countries (a bit obsessed!). Have you heard about The Legend of the Poinsettia, a Mexican folklore popular around Christmastime? Today we are sharing a related book as well as a poinsettia ornament craft inspired by it. It also makes a fun craft to do for National Poinsettia Day, which is celebrated on December 12th.
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The Legend of the Poinsettia
The Legend of the Poinsettia book by Tomie dePaola is a retelling of a traditional folktale from Mexico about how the poinsettia flower came to be. The main character’s name is Lucinda. Lucinda’s character teaches us an unselfish gift given from the heart is more important than how expensive/etc. it is.
Suitable for ages 4-8.
Here’s how the old Mexican legend goes:
There was once a poor Mexican girl called Pepita who had no present to give the the baby Jesus at the Christmas Eve Services. As Pepita walked to the chapel, sadly, her cousin Pedro tried to cheer her up.
‘Pepita’, he said “I’m sure that even the smallest gift, given by someone who loves him will make Jesus Happy.”
Pepita didn’t know what she could give, so she picked a small handful of weeds from the roadside and made them into a small bouquet. She felt embarrassed because she could only give this small present to Jesus. As she walked through the chapel to the altar, she remembered what Pedro had said. She began to feel better, knelt down and put the bouquet at the bottom of the nativity scene. Suddenly, the bouquet of weeds burst into bright red flowers, and everyone who saw them were sure they had seen a miracle. From that day on, the bright red flowers were known as the ‘Flores de Noche Buena’, or ‘Flowers of the Holy Night’. – Source
How to make the paper Poinsettia Ornament Craft
Supplies used:
- red, yellow, and green construction paper
- scissors
- glue
- hole punch
- pipe cleaner
Instructions:
This craft is made just like a paper pinwheel. Here’s a video tutorial on how to make a pinwheel. Use red construction paper to make it. Once the pinwheel is done, press it down so it’s flat.
Add a yellow circle in the center and green leaves. Punch a hole near the top and thread a pipe cleaner through. Make it into a loop so you can hang the ornament from the tree.
Pretty simple, right? This is fun for kids who are just getting started with origami!
More Holidays Around the World Inspired Activities
- Christmas Words for Kids in 3 Languages {Printable 3-Part Cards} | The Natural Homeschool
- Winter Holidays Around the World Cutting Practice Puzzles | Simple Fun for Kids
To go along with this poinsettia ornament craft, kids might also enjoy learning how to draw one.
Nice little story and it’s neat to be able to link it to a craft activity. One more for my list of activities at Christmas. Thank you.