6 Holiday Crafts Kids Can Make to Warm Up Your Home

Creating holiday crafts with kids can be one of the most delightful ways to warm your home with festive cheer. As the chilly breezes start to blow and the scent of cinnamon fills the air, I remember cozy evenings spent in my childhood home with my family, crafting handmade decorations that would adorn every corner of our space.

Now, as a proud mom of two energetic kids who are 10 and 12, I strive to carry on that tradition. I love seeing them get creative with their ideas, adding a dash of their growing personalities into each craft. Our kitchen table transforms into a creative hub, brimming with glitter, felt, and colorful papers. Whether we’re preparing for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or just winter in general, these projects quicken the heart and inspire joy.

If you’re looking to bring some extra charm to your holiday decorations this year, here are 6 delightful crafts your children will enjoy making. These projects require minimal supplies and are perfect for spending quality time together.

1. Festive Paper Chains

Paper chains are a timeless favorite and can be made with just a few sheets of colorful paper. Grab some red, green, and gold paper to start making seasonal masterpieces. I remember making these with my siblings, trying to see who could make the longest chain!

• How to Create: Cut strips about one inch wide and six inches long from your chosen paper. Start with one strip, forming it into a loop and fastening the ends with glue or tape. Take another strip, thread it through the first loop, and create another loop. Continue until you reach your desired length.

• Tip: Hang these chains around the house or drape them on the Christmas tree for a playful, retro touch.

2. Snowy Window Art

Transform your windows into a winter wonderland with snowflake decorations. Using a safe, non-toxic window marker or white paint, kids can express their artistic flair right on the glass.

• How to Create: Design snowflakes, snowmen, or even festive words across your windows. Let the kids get creative; they could even draw scenes that tell their own holiday stories.

• Personal Touch: I always enjoy sharing stories about how my parents decorated the house, which inspires my kids to create scenes reminiscent of our family traditions.

3. DIY Sparkle Ornaments

Handmade ornaments serve as beautiful keepsakes and can be cherished for years. Use clear plastic or glass ornaments (available at most craft stores) as your base.

• How to Create: Fill clear ornaments with colored beads, fake snow, or glitter. Paint the outside with holiday-themed designs or personal messages. Top them off with a lovely ribbon for hanging.

• Anecdote: My mother has a tradition of giving each child a new ornament each year, and we love seeing how our collections grow and reflect our personalities!

4. Pinecone Christmas Trees

Gather pinecones from your backyard or a local park and transform them into whimsical trees. This is an excellent way to bring nature into your holiday decor.

• How to Create: Paint the pinecones with green paint and let them dry. Decorate with little beads, sequins, or pom-poms attached with glue. Attach a star on top using cardboard or craft foam for that perfect finishing touch.

• Tip: Pair these with some fairy lights to create a festive scene on a side table or your mantle.

5. Handmade Gift Wrap

Encourage creativity while preparing for the gift-giving season by making your own wrapping paper. This not only adds a personal touch to your gifts but also becomes a fun activity to do together.

• How to Create: Use plain butcher paper or kraft paper as your base. Have the kids decorate it with stamps, drawings, or even holiday-themed stickers. Wrap your gifts using your unique creation and secure it with twine or ribbon.

• Anecdote: My son loves to decide who gets which handmade wrapping and often incorporates the recipient’s interests into the design, which is a lovely sentiment!

6. Scented Salt Dough Ornaments

Salt dough ornaments are another wonderful way to create cherished keepsakes. Not only is the process enjoyable, but making them can fill your home with delightful scents.

• How to Create: Mix 2 cups of flour, 1 cup of salt, and 1 cup of water to form a dough. Roll it out, cut shapes with cookie cutters, and make holes for hanging. Bake at a low temperature until hard and then decorate with paint or glitter.

• Tip: Add cinnamon or other spices to the dough mixture for an aromatic twist that will make your home smell delightful during the holidays.

Conclusion

Holiday crafting is more than just a fun activity; it creates memories that linger long after the season has passed. The laughter, collaboration, and creativity involved make it a cherished ritual in our household. I invite you to gather your own little ones around the table, share your own stories, and dive into these projects together. Beyond enhancing your festive decorations, each crafted piece will hold special meaning and sentiment—treasured markers of time spent together. So embrace the magic of the season, unleash your creativity, and fill your home with a warmth that can only come from handmade love. Happy crafting!