Tin Can Luminaries - A New Family Tradition

I love luminaries! When we moved to The Woodlands back in 1982 we were introduced into the tradition of lighting luminaries at Christmas time. Initially, this was a project sponsored by Interfaith. For about $10 you would get about a dozen bags, sand, and tea lights to line your driveway on Christmas Eve. It was quite a sight to see...all those dark driveways in The Woodlands glowing with rows of white paper bag luminaries. Of course, as pretty as they were/are, you can't help but worry about the fire hazard associated with the practice. Well, this year I did a culture project with my 5th grade Spanish students at the John Cooper School that I recommend to families. Yes, it involves luminaries, but not the fire hazard. Of course, it does involve hammers, nails, flat-head screwdrivers, and empty soup cans so parental discretion is hightly advised! Below is a picture of two of my students creating a Mexican tin luminary in a style similar to that of the Hojalateros of Mexico. Instructions follow below. You will be amazed to find out that NONE of my 72 fifth graders suffered any injuries related to this project!! :) Trust me, that is quite an amazing feat and I am quite proud of that statistic!!!

Instructions for making tin can luminaries:

1. Find an empty soup/bean can. Wash it and take off all labels.
2. Fill can with water to about 1/4 inch from rim and place in freezer overnight.
3. Take a piece of paper and fold it in half like a hot dog (skinny and long). The width of the paper is the height of a standard size soup/bean can.
4. Make a design of your choice using dots and lines ONLY. See star design above as example. Snowflakes are also popular. Initially, a basic design is recommended. The more you practice, the more elaborate you can get.
5. Wrap design around can and tape in place.
6. Take frozen can out of freezer and begin to work QUICKLY before ice melts.
7. Find a partner (sucker) who will be brave enough to hold the can in place (with pliers to add distance between the sharp implements and their fingers) while you hammer away.
8. Use the nail to create the "dots" and a flat-head screwdriver to create the "lines".
9. Your partner needs to continously rotate the can/design so that you are always pounding on the top. Don't try to hammer from the side as this can be dangerous...
10. Work fast! You only have until the ice melts away from the sides as this is what keeps the can from caving in.

The cool thing about this is that you can keep the cans and add to your collection each year. Kids can see how their designs get better and better as their skills improve. I like it because it is a holiday tradition that I have been able to start for my kids to add to the wonderful ones that were handed down to me. Speaking of which, preparations for the annual "Rivera New Year Pig Roast" are already underway! Pictures coming soon....