At Science World, we do our best to up-cycle materials when we are creating science demos:
Use recycled wrapping paper to—Make Paper, Tumblewings, and Helicopters
Make snowflakes out of recycled drink can holders—Snowflakes
Play a holiday tune—Musical Bottles
More hands-on fun:
Create stunning crystals—Grow Your Own Crystals
Warm up and explore melting and solidification—Candles
Make beautiful, festive trees—Crystal Trees and Gardens
Explore properties of super-absorption—Fake Snow
Use changes of state to create chilly architecture—Ice Cube Towers (and before you make ice cubes check out our blog post Can I Freeze Ice Cubes Faster?)
Trick your eyes with a snowman thaumatrope—Dress a Snowperson Thaumatrope
Do some holiday baking—Kitchen Chemistry