Creative Kid-Friendly Crafts: Holiday Decorations for Family Fun

Season's greetings! As I reflect on this holiday season, my heart aches to be with my family, especially my vibrant nephews. The holiday season, with its promise of family togetherness and creative joy, has a special place in my heart.

While this time of year is traditionally filled with warmth and shared moments, I acknowledge that it's not universally easy. There have been seasons in my life, like the one spent in a dimly lit basement studio apartment in Astoria, Queens, where I navigated the challenges of major depressive disorder, unaware of its presence. The apartment, an unconventional dwelling with a solitary window facing a neighboring building, offered very little natural light. It was a time when taking life minute by minute felt more manageable than day by day.

In that challenging winter, a silver lining emerged. I discovered the healing power of creativity, particularly through painting portraits. This artistic pursuit became a lifeline, gradually guiding me out of the depths of severe depression. Even today, the strokes of my pen bring me joy and solace.

Now, in a brighter chapter of my life, I find solace and joy in engaging in creative activities. In this guide, I'll share a collection of kid-friendly crafts that I had envisioned enjoying with my nephews this year. These crafts aren't just about creating festive decorations; they're opportunities for family bonding and the joy of crafting cherished memories.

You don't need kids to partake in these crafts; they're for everyone. So, whether you're surrounded by family or navigating the season on your own, grab your supplies, embrace your inner artist, and let's infuse this season with a bit of homemade warmth and festive fun!

DIY Holiday Ornaments: Crafting Memories for the Tree

Salt Dough Ornaments:

Here is a simple recipe and discover how to shape, bake, and paint ornaments in various festive shapes, from snowflakes to Santas. Dig out your cookie cutters.

Pasta Ornaments:

Transform ordinary pasta into unique holiday decorations. From painted macaroni wreaths to glittery penne angels, pasta ornaments are a delightful and budget-friendly craft for kids. We would paint them green and red when I was in elementary school.

Handprint Keepsakes:

Create personalized ornaments using handprints and fingerprints. Turn them into reindeer, snowmen, or even Santa's elves. These ornaments capture the essence of childhood and make wonderful keepsakes for the years to come. Use the salt dough recipe for this one.

Festive Garland and Bunting: Adding Color to Your Home

Paper Chain Garland:

Craft paper chains using vibrant colored paper. Explore different patterns and sizes, allowing children to experiment with colors and coordination. These paper chains are perfect for decorating mantels and doorways.

Felt Bunting:

Dive into the world of felt crafting by making festive buntings. Cut out shapes like trees, stars, or stockings and stitch them onto a string. Felt buntings add a cozy touch to any room and can be personalized with embellishments.

Creative Gift Wrapping: Turning Presents into Art

Hand-Stamped Wrapping Paper:

Create custom wrapping paper using plain craft paper and hand-carved stamps. Children can design their stamps or use cookie cutters to create festive shapes. Hand-stamped wrapping paper adds a personal touch to gifts. You can read different ideas for wrapping paper from my other post here.

DIY Gift Tags:

Craft unique gift tags using cardstock, markers, and embellishments. Encourage children to draw holiday scenes or write heartfelt messages. Handmade gift tags not only add charm but also showcase the effort put into gift-giving.

Edible Holiday Crafts: Sweet Treats for the Season

Gingerbread House Decorating:

Bake gingerbread house panels and let children decorate them with colorful icing, candies, and edible glitter. Gingerbread house decorating is a beloved tradition that combines crafting and baking.

Chocolate-Dipped Treats:

Melt chocolate and let children dip pretzels, marshmallows, and fruit pieces. Encourage creativity by providing various toppings like crushed candy canes and sprinkles. These treats make delightful edible gifts or festive snacks.

Eco-Friendly Crafts: Embracing Sustainable Creativity

Recycled Crafts:

Encourage eco-friendly practices by crafting with recycled materials. Create ornaments from old CDs, turn cardboard boxes into holiday villages, or make wreaths from newspaper. Recycling crafts teach children about the importance of sustainability.

Nature Crafts:

Venture outdoors to collect pinecones, twigs, and leaves. Transform these natural finds into ornaments, wreaths, or table centerpieces. Nature crafts connect children with the environment and inspire creativity through organic materials.

conclusion

As the holiday season approaches, engaging in creative kid-friendly crafts offers a perfect opportunity for family togetherness and shared joy. The projects mentioned above are not just about creating decorations; they are about creating cherished memories, building family traditions, and fostering a love for creativity in children.

So, gather your crafting supplies, set the festive mood, and let the creativity flow. Whether you're adorning the tree with handmade ornaments, decorating the house with garlands, or adding a personal touch to gifts, remember that the essence of the holiday season lies in the love and creativity shared with family and friends.

Happy crafting and happy holidays!

Laurie & Bex