December 11th
I buy 2 large bags of oranges and lots of whole cloves.
I also buy different colored ribbon (or use leftovers) and make neat tags on the computer.
I tie the ribbons onto the oranges so that the ribbon can be used to hang the orange. I then hand each child an orange. (if they are old enough, as many of mine are now, I let them tie their own ribbon on).
I always warn the children the children that the cloves are "pokie" so be careful and don't push too hard. While I am explaining this, I pour cloves into multiple containers so that there is one container for every two children. Then I let the children have a hay day poking the cloves intot he oranges.
Make sure there aren't too many cloves in each orange...it makes it small bad. But when you have enough cloves and the orange starts to dry, it gives off the most beautiful smell.
I have each child make 2 pomander balls. They get to keep one and the other one gets a tag to be given away to someone. I encourage them to give them to strangers. A small way to brighten the season of soemone they do not know.
Blessings,
see you tomorrow
Fenix
