Kids see Memorial Day as a break from school. Adults see remembrance. The gap between those two views? It’s huge. And honestly, it’s often ignored.
If you drag them into the prep, they start to get it. Not a history lesson in lecture format, just participation. They build something. They own the moment.
Making things matters more than just talking about them.
Here’s how to get them started. Fabric wreaths work. Popsicle sticks work. Pick one, or both.
Fabric wreaths
You need four colors. Red, white, light blue, dark blue. Jersey knit. Third of a yard for each. Get a wreath form too. Scissors. A pen.
Cut every color into three-inch squares. That’s tedious, yes, but necessary. Lay a square over the form. Push the center down with your pen. Jam it in until it stays. Do it again. And again. Alternate colors. Fill the gaps. Front, side, center. When it’s done, hang it on the door. It’s bold. It’s loud.
Next: Popsicle sticks
There’s another option waiting in the next section. Popsicle sticks. Simpler, maybe, but still effective.
Sarah Long updated this list back in 2017, but the method holds up.
