by Jaipi Sixbear

Stringing popcorn and cranberries is one of my favorite Christmas activities. All you need is a bag of frozen cranberries, a kettle of plain popped popcorn and a needle and thread. Stringing popcorn and cranberries for Christmas garland is fun for kids and grownups too.

Strings of popcorn and cranberries look great as garland on the Christmas tree. They really bring an old fashioned look to the home. I also like stringing popcorn and cranberries garland for wildlife. Just hang the strings outside. They make a wonderful Christmas treat for birds and squirrels.

The cranberries used for stringing garland should be frozen. Using thawed cranberries for this task is messy, juicy and sticky. The frozen ones can be sticky too, but they're not quite as bad. The needle should be large but quite sharp. Supervise kids well, so they don't stick their fingers.

I use button thread for stringing popcorn and cranberries garland. It holds up better and is stronger than regular thread. If you don't have button thread, don't worry. Regular sewing thread will work too. Now assemble all your ingredients and lets get started.

When threading the needle for stringing popcorn and cranberries, leave the thread uncut. That is to say, the part of the thread that is not passed through the needle should remain attached to the spool. This is because you don't know how long the garland will be until all the popcorn and cranberries are on it.

To cut down on the mess, I like to alternate the cranberries and popcorn. The popcorn will absorb some of the cranberry juice. Try three popcorns and then a cranberry. This is a perfect pattern for the whole garland. As you work, slide the cranberries and popcorn down the string toward the thread spool.

Stringing popcorn and cranberries may take some time. I like to put in a Christmas DVD while stringing the garland. You can also play Christmas music and enjoy family conversation. Those who don't like stringing cranberries and popcorn can do another Christmas craft if they wish.

Stringing popcorn and cranberries garland isn't the only way to feed the birds this Christmas. Our family likes to fill pine cones with peanut butter and roll them in birdseed. We also like to hang orange slices in the trees for the birds.

When you run out of popcorn and cranberries to string, it's time to tie off your garland. We like to make ours into circles by tying the ends of string together. Just snip the thread at the spool, leaving a few inches for tying. Double knot the thread and your Christmas garland is done.