How to Make Christmas Luminaries

Place tea candles in a small brown paper bag to make a luminaria.

Christmas luminaries are a way to bring a festive atmosphere to a patio or porch, or add a splash of light to a walkway or rock garden. Luminaries are a delight to watch as they flicker in the cold winter nights. Making them is a great family project that children can join in if there is an adult present.

Things You'll Need

• 12 small brown paper bags
• 12 small tea candles
• 6 cups play sand
• Christmas stencils
• Pencil
• Craft knife or paper scissors
• Small, colored Christmas stickers
• Glitter pen or markers

Instructions

1. Draw a design on the upper portion of each paper bag using the Christmas stencils. Using the craft knife or scissors, cut the stenciled area out of the bag, taking care not to cut the sides of the bags.

2. Write "Merry Christmas" on the bags with the glitter pen or markers to add a decorative touch for daylight viewing. Add colored Christmas stickers where you desire.

3. Fill each bag with 1/2 cup of sand. Shake the bag a bit to make the sand spread out and set one tea candle in each bag.

4. Prepare the area in which you will set your luminaries; this can be a portion of a sidewalk or a rock garden. Just make sure they are placed clear of any area where they might be knocked over.

5. Set out your luminaries so that they are ready to light as the last of the daylight disappears from the sky. Light the tea candle within each bag and enjoy the flicking romance of the luminaries as you watch the snowfall or enjoy a relaxing night with your loved ones.

Tips & Warnings

• Make sure these Christmas luminaries are set on a flat surface, so they do not tip over and start a fire.

• Never leave lit luminaries out without supervision.