The holiday season is all about creativity, joy, and spending time together as a family. Setting up a little craft station for Christmas crafts with kids gives them the chance to make their own decorations. And it turns an ordinary afternoon into one of those sweet holiday memories they’ll talk about for years.
You can even invite a couple of their friends over for cocoa and crafts. It’s not only fun, but a sweet way to add a personal touch to your Christmas décor that your kids will feel proud of.
Here are some simple, fun DIY Christmas decoration ideas perfect for a cozy afternoon with your kids.
Toilet Paper Roll Santas
Toilet paper roll Santas are cute, customizable, and super easy for kids to make. Best of all, you probably already have everything you need sitting in a drawer somewhere!
You’ll need:
- Empty toilet paper rolls
- Red and white paper or felt
- Scissors and glue
- Markers or paint
- Cotton balls (for the beard)
- Googly eyes (or draw your own)
How to make them:
- Wrap the roll with red paper or felt and glue it in place.
- Cut a red triangle, roll it into a cone, and glue it on as Santa’s hat.
- Draw or paint a face or add googly eyes.
- Glue on cotton for the beard and the hat trim.
- Add extra details like a belt or buttons if you like.
Cardboard Christmas Trees
One of the most beloved Christmas crafts with kids is cardboard Christmas trees. Colored cardstock can turn into all kinds of cute little holiday creations. Cut out simple triangles (or more advanced shapes, if you like) and you’ve got a perfect base for personal mini Christmas trees.
You’ll need:
- Colored paper or cardstock
- Scissors
- Buttons, glitter, or small paper circles
- Clothespins or popsicle sticks for the trunk
- Glue
How to make them:
- Cut large green triangles from the cardstock.
- Glue a popsicle stick to the bottom or use a clothespin instead—no glue needed!
- Let the kids decorate their trees however they like.
Pinecones With Paint and Glitter
Pinecones make beautiful, natural Christmas decorations, and they’re fun to make with the little ones. Kids love painting them and adding glitter, and they look beautiful on the tree or as cozy table décor.
You’ll need:
- Pinecones (from outside or a craft store)
- Paint (gold, silver, or any Christmas colors)
- Glitter
- Glue
- String or ribbon for hanging
How to make them:
- Paint the pinecones and let them dry.
- Add glue to the tips and sprinkle glitter for a festive touch.
- When everything is dry, tie a ribbon on top so they can be hung.
Homemade Christmas Cards
Making Christmas cards with kids is a wonderful way to include them in holiday preparations. Plus, friends and family will adore the personal touch.
You’ll need:
- Thick paper or cardstock
- Colored paper
- Glitter glue, markers, stickers
- Scissors and glue
How to make them:
- Fold the cardstock in half to make the card.
- Cut out Christmas shapes like trees, snowmen, or stars from the colored paper and glue them on the front.
- Let the kids decorate with markers, glitter glue, and stickers.
- Inside, they can write a short Christmas message or draw a picture for whoever’s getting the card.
Painted Jar Lanterns
Old jam jars make perfect bases for Christmas crafts with kids—especially these cozy little lanterns.. They’re simple to make and add a warm, cozy glow to any room during the dark winter evenings.
You’ll need:
- Empty jars (jam jars or small glass jars)
- Paint
- Glitter
- Tea lights
- String or ribbon
How to make them:
- Let the kids paint the outside of the jars in Christmas colors and sprinkle glitter on while the paint is still wet.
- When the jars are dry, place a tea light inside for a cozy lantern effect.
- Tie a string or ribbon around the top for a cute finishing touch.
Christmas crafts with kids are a wonderful way to embrace the holiday spirit and spend real quality time together. Whether you’re making paper stars, pinecone ornaments, or homemade cards, the best part is slowing down and making memories together. Let the kids be creative and make Christmas decorations you can enjoy year after year.
Want to try another holiday project? Check out how easy it is to make a homemade Christmas advent calendar!
