MISSION, KS--(Marketwire - Nov 25, 2011) - (Family Features) It's not Christmas until you unpack Santa's sack of goodies. So, gather all the little elves in your neighborhood and have them join you in the workshop for some cheerful holiday crafts, sweet treats and festive party favors.

Create a Delicious Holiday Centerpiece. When it comes to holiday centerpieces, all you need is a little imagination. Jars filled with holiday colored candy -- like Wonka Cheery Chewy Spree -- are an inexpensive alternative to fancy candlesticks and vases. Add a special touch to the jar by applying matching bows or ribbons.

Build a Sweet Gingerbread Sleigh. This is a fantastic activity for crafty kids. Gingerbread houses are a tasty Christmas classic, but why not try putting a twist on the tradition by building a gingerbread sleigh or train instead? The kids will delight in playing Santa's helpers when it comes time to decorate and load up the sleigh. Make it an impressive hostess gift -- or centerpiece at your own party -- by loading a few Wonka chocolate bars and bags of SweeTarts Merry Mix inside the sleigh.

Make Your Own Holiday Stocking. Embrace your artistic talent with this fun project for the whole family. Personalize each stocking by writing names with fabric pens or paint, and adhere holiday shapes cut out from fabric. Make them especially memorable by hiding Nestlé Crunch Paul Frank bars or a Wonka Fun Dip Fantastical Fun Book inside.

Prepare Edible Ornaments. Fast, frugal and totally festive, edible décor like a popcorn garland, has long been a family favorite. These homemade cookie ornament cups are fun to decorate, and are perfect for holiday cookie exchanges, too.

Cookie Ornament Cups
Makes 24 servings

1	package (16.5 ounces) Nestlé Toll House Refrigerated Chocolate Chip Cookie Bar Dough
1	container (16 ounces) prepared white frosting, divided
2	quart-size plastic food storage bags
	Red food coloring
	Mini pretzel twists, broken for ornament hook (24 hooks are needed)
	Frosty Wonka Nerds*, various holiday sprinkles, sugars and/or decorating gels
24	Nestlé Jingles*, any flavor, unwrapped

PREHEAT oven to 350º F. Grease 24 mini-muffin cups. Place one square of cookie dough into each cup.

BAKE for 15 to 17 minutes or until golden brown. Cool completely in pan(s) on wire rack. With tip of butter knife, remove cookie cups from muffin pan(s).

SPOON half of frosting into plastic bag; seal. Stir food coloring into remaining frosting in container until desired color is reached. Fill other plastic bag with colored frosting; seal. Cut 1/2-inch from corner of each bag. Squeeze bags lightly to pipe frosting on top of each cookie cup to form rounded ornament shape.

Decorate with Nerds, sprinkles, sugars and/or gels. Place Nestlé Jingle on top of each. To adhere hook, use a small amount of icing.

For more budget-friendly and family-fun recipes and activities, visit www.Meals.com or www.CelebrationCorner.com.

*Frosty Wonka Nerds and Nestlé Jingles are available mid-November through December.

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