It's great to introduce your child to the great world festivals, and this way, they can make the fun themselves! 

Mardi Gras, or a version of it, is celebrated not only in New Orleans, and Rio de Janiero, but also throughout the Carribean and large parts of central Europe.  The festival marks the last days before the beginning of the Lent, a Catholic time of fasting and prayer that lasts until the Easter celebration 40 days later. 

No matter what your faith, it can also serve as a bit of brightness and fun in the middle of your winter! 

1. Pick a theme for your float.  Anything that you love will do!

2. Remove the lid from a shoebox and turn it upside down.  Glue the lid to one end so that it stands up, like a backdrop at one end.

3. Decorate!  Use anything at all: tinfoil, tissue paper, glitter, marker, pictures, ribbons, feathers, etc.

Once the floats are dry, you can have your very own mardi gras parade!  Don't forget some fun music and dancing!

 You'll need:

Shoe box for each child, decorating materials, glue, scissors.