Making crafts for Christmas is not only fun for kids, but provides a way for them to make gifts that come from the heart.
When the holiday season approaches, it is always a good time for spending quality time with your children. Kids of all ages love making crafts, so why not try some of these Christmas crafts with your children? Some of these may be able to double as gifts, as well.
Pinecone Christmas Tree
This is a classic Christmas craft, but it is so easy and fun to make. Not to mention that you probably have everything you need right at home. For each tree, you will need:
- One large pinecone
- Small paper plate (dessert size works well)
- Cotton balls
- Glitter, sequins, glitter glue, beads
- Glue
Directions: Start by making sure your pinecone is nice and clean. Next you will glue the pinecone on top of the plate. This is to make sure that it stands up nicely. Pull the cotton balls into long pieces and glue around the bottom of the tree. This will be your snow. Now comes the fun part—you will decorate this little pinecone like a Christmas tree. Now, using a small paint brush, randomly spread glue on the pinecone and sprinkle glitter. You can also glue sequins on your pinecone or even beads. Use your imagination for decorating. These look great as place markers on the holiday table, too.
Keepsake Christmas Tree Skirt
When you pull out your Christmas decorations, you probably have a few that brings back fond memories. Here is a cute and simple tree skirt that your kids can make that will help you remember their love of the season.
Purchase an inexpensive white or red felt tree skirt. You can usually find these at discount department stores for under $5. Use fabric paint and have your children place their handprint in green on the tree skirt. Use a permanent marker to write their name and the year. Each year, have them add another handprint to the skirt. You will be able to use it year after year and see how much they have grown.
Paper Chain Countdown
Every kid enjoys making a paper chain. You can use them to decorate your Christmas tree, or you can use them like an advent calendar to count down the days until Christmas day. Have your child draw a picture of a Christmas tree and cut it out. Write “Countdown to Christmas” on the front. This will become your base your for paper chain. Start the chain by cutting 1-1/2 inch strips of red and green construction paper. You will need one for each day from December 1 until Christmas day. Have your child link the paper strips together. Sometimes a stapler works better than glue. Once it is done, staple the chain to the base your child has already made. Hang it on the wall. Your child can now take off one chain each day until the last one is left. This is a good visual reminder of when Santa will make his yearly visit.
Paper Christmas Candles
Make several of these and line them up on your mantel or place on the holiday table. For each candle, you will need one empty toilet paper tube or paper towel tube, white and yellow construction paper and glue. If you are using a paper towel tube, you will need to cut it to the desired size. Wrap each tube with white construction paper and glue in place. This will be your candle. Now using the yellow construction paper, cut out a paper flame and glue it just on the inside edge of the tube. Group several together along with some greenery for a festive look.
