Simple Holiday Crafts to Make With Kids This Christmas
The holiday season is a time of wonder — especially when experienced through a child’s eyes. But beyond the gifts and decorations, it’s the shared moments that leave lasting memories. One of the best ways to connect with kids during Christmas is by making crafts together. Not only do these hands-on activities build creativity and fine motor skills, they also offer meaningful screen-free time filled with laughter, learning, and joy.
Here’s a list of simple, thoughtful, and mess-friendly holiday crafts that you can enjoy with kids of all ages this Christmas.
1. Cinnamon Stick Reindeer Ornaments
Few things say “Christmas” like the scent of cinnamon. Glue three cinnamon sticks into a triangle to form the reindeer’s face. Add googly eyes, a red pom-pom nose, and pipe cleaner antlers. Hang it on the tree for a naturally fragrant ornament.
Why it’s great: Combines sensory play with festive charm — and smells amazing!
2. Paper Plate Snow Globes
Let kids draw their winter wonderland inside a paper plate “globe.” Add glitter, cotton balls for snow, and a clear plastic sheet to mimic glass. It’s a creative way to personalize their view of Christmas.
Pro tip: Add a photo of your child inside for a keepsake-style twist.
3. Pine Cone Christmas Trees
Collect pine cones on a winter walk, then paint them green and sprinkle with glitter. Add mini pom-poms or beads as ornaments and place them in tiny flowerpots or bottle caps for stability.
Skill builder: Fine motor practice, and it encourages outdoor exploration too.
4. DIY Wrapping Paper Stamps
Cut shapes into sponges or potatoes, dip them into paint, and let kids create their own gift wrap using kraft paper. This is a fun way to get them involved in gift-giving while expressing creativity.
Eco-tip: Use recycled paper and natural dyes for a more sustainable holiday.
5. Holiday Card Collage Station
Set up a card-making station with markers, old magazines, washi tape, stickers, and glue. Encourage kids to make cards for family, friends, or even local nursing homes and hospitals.
Emotional bonus: Teaches kids that handmade gifts carry heartfelt value.
6. Felt Gingerbread People
Cut out gingerbread person shapes from brown felt and let kids decorate them with buttons, ribbons, and fabric scraps. Unlike real cookies, these last all season — and make cute additions to stockings or garlands.
Optional upgrade: Add magnets or keychain loops for practical keepsakes.
7. Christmas Countdown Chain
Create a paper chain with one link for each day until Christmas. On each link, write a fun activity, joke, or message. It’s an interactive way to build anticipation and add a daily moment of joy.
Perfect for toddlers and preschoolers who love a visual countdown.
8. Salt Dough Ornaments
Mix flour, salt, and water to create classic salt dough. Use cookie cutters to shape stars, trees, and snowmen. Once baked and cooled, let kids paint and personalize them.
Memory-maker: Add names and dates to the back to save them year after year.
9. Popsicle Stick Sleighs
Craft a mini sleigh with popsicle sticks, decorate with festive colors, and attach ribbon to hang it. It’s simple, quick, and endlessly customizable.
Great for siblings: Each child can create their own version and start a mini collection.
10. Christmas Story Stones
Paint small stones with holiday symbols — a star, a tree, Santa, snowflake, etc. Put them in a bag and let kids draw one out at bedtime to tell part of a story. It’s a mix of creativity and storytelling magic.
Bonus idea: Create a new story every night leading up to Christmas!
Crafting Christmas Memories Together
The best holiday crafts for kids aren’t about perfection — they’re about connection. Whether it’s a five-minute glitter project or an hour-long crafting session, these moments help build your child’s confidence, creativity, and sense of belonging. This Christmas, let the glue dry crooked, let the glitter fall, and most importantly — let joy lead the way.
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