As one year ends, we prepare for another to begin. New beginnings can be uncertain and stressful, but they are also a time of hope. While we can’t know what the new year has in store, we can certainly take a moment to think about the hopes and wishes we want to carry into the new year.

When we were thinking about a fun activity kids could do to think about their hopes and wishes for the new year, we thought it would be fun for them to write down a few wishes and then turn them into paper stars. But then, we thought, ‘hey this could be something everyone can do’. Adults and kids alike can benefit from thinking about their hopes going into a new year. Also, paper crafts are fun at any age!

Note: The origami star may be challenging for kids under the age of 10, but don't worry, we've included a kid-friendly alternative in the instruction sheet as well!

What you need:

• Paper squares (6x6). Origami-style paper, where one side is white and the other is colored or patterned, works best. If you don’t have anything like that, consider adding a step of coloring (or having kids color) just one side of each square of paper. Having one colored side and one white side makes following the instructions easier.
• Pens or markers
• An instruction sheet (Download Here)

What to do: 

Cut out enough squares so that everyone can make at least one star. Of course, there is no limit on hopes and wishes, so you can make as many stars with wishes as you want. On the white side of the paper square, write your wish. Then, follow the instructions on the instruction sheet to fold your square into a star. Depending on how many stars you end up making, you can string them together and hang them up. This way you have a reminder of all your hopes and wishes for the new year!

NOTE

As we were working on the wishing stars at Momentous, we found that some people found it easier to make the origami stars after watching a video. Fortunately, we have some superstar fourth graders that helped us make an instructional video!