23 Festivus Christmas Craft Ideas

I still remember one Christmas when the tree was up, the lights were twinkling, but something felt missing. It wasn’t the gifts or the food—it was that sense of togetherness that comes when everyone’s hands are busy creating something meaningful. That night, I pulled out scraps of paper, glue, and a bit of glitter, and suddenly we were laughing, making a mess, and—without even realizing it—making memories. Funny how the simplest things can bring the most joy, isn’t it?

That’s why I love Christmas crafts so much. They’re not about being perfect or Pinterest-worthy (though sometimes they turn out that way!). They’re about slowing down, sharing stories while cutting out stars, or letting the kids’ messy glue jobs remind us of innocence and joy. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by the season, try crafting together. It grounds you, draws hearts closer, and fills the home with warmth no store-bought decoration can.

Christmas Craft Ideas

Handmade Nativity Scene

One year, we crafted a nativity scene from simple materials like cardboard and fabric scraps, and it became a centerpiece of our Christmas. There was something so touching about watching the children carefully glue each figure together. Mary and Joseph may have been uneven, and baby Jesus didn’t quite fit the manger, but somehow it was more beautiful than anything store-bought. These small imperfections reminded me of how God uses simple things to tell the greatest story. Creating the nativity together became a moment of prayer and joy, as if each figure carried a little piece of our family’s devotion.

Paper Star Ornaments

I still remember folding paper into stars late into the night, with the table covered in glitter and glue. The children always wanted to make theirs bigger, shinier, and sometimes a little wobbly, but that was part of the charm. We hung them on the tree and around the windows, and they caught the light in such a gentle way. Each star became more than decoration—it was a reminder of the star of Bethlehem, guiding us toward Christ. Crafting them together felt like a quiet way of honoring that holy night in our own small home.

Pinecone Angels

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I once gathered pinecones from outside and thought, why not turn them into angels? With a little fabric for wings and tiny wooden beads for faces, they came to life. The children were thrilled, and even the adults admired them. Placing these pinecone angels around the house felt like filling our home with quiet guardians. It reminded me how God sends His angels to watch over us. Simple, rustic, yet filled with meaning, those little figures made the season feel even more special, as if heaven itself had left a small touch in our living room.

Advent Candle Holders

Making candle holders from jars and decorating them with paint or tissue paper became a beloved tradition in our home. Each week, as we lit a candle, the warm glow would shine through the designs the children had created. It wasn’t perfect—sometimes the paint smudged, sometimes the colors clashed—but the light shining through made everything look beautiful. It felt symbolic, almost like God’s light shining through our own imperfect lives. These little crafts made the Advent season more tangible, turning waiting into something visible and heartfelt.

Handmade Cross Ornaments

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We once made small crosses out of popsicle sticks and twine, and I can’t tell you how moving it was to see them hanging on the tree. Amid the glittering balls and shiny tinsel, those humble little crosses stood out. They reminded us not to forget the true meaning of Christmas, even while surrounded by festive beauty. The kids were proud to hang theirs, and I noticed guests often paused to admire them. It felt like each ornament was whispering the story of Christ right from the branches of our tree.

Stained Glass Paper Windows

Using tissue paper and black construction paper, we created what looked like little stained glass windows, and I was amazed at how magical they looked taped against the windows. When the sunlight streamed through, the colors danced across the floor, filling the room with warmth. It reminded me of the light of Christ shining through the church windows on Christmas morning. The children loved choosing their own colors, and each window told its own little story. This craft turned our simple home into something that felt almost sacred.

Christmas Prayer Chains

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One year we made a paper chain, but instead of just colors, each link held a small prayer or a verse from Scripture. Every night, we tore one off and read it together before bed. The children eagerly waited for their turn to read aloud, and it gave us a way to count down the days with faith at the center. By Christmas Eve, the whole chain was gone, but the prayers lingered in our hearts. It was a simple craft that made the waiting season feel alive with hope and reflection.

Homemade Wreaths

I remember the first time we made a wreath from branches in the backyard, tying them with ribbon and tucking in berries. It wasn’t neat or polished, but hanging it on the door filled me with pride. Each time we walked in, it felt like a welcome into something holy. The circle of the wreath reminded us of God’s eternal love, with no beginning or end. Adding candles and ornaments gave it personality, but it was the act of creating it together that made it truly special.

Wooden Cross Decorations

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We once had leftover wood from a project, and I thought, why not carve small crosses? With a little sanding and some paint, they became heartfelt decorations. Some hung on the wall, others were placed by the nativity scene, and a few we gave away as gifts. People appreciated their simplicity and meaning, and I loved seeing how each one turned out different. It showed me that even the roughest piece of wood could be shaped into something holy, just like God shapes us with care.

Bible Verse Bookmarks

We made bookmarks with cardstock, ribbons, and hand-written verses, and they turned out more touching than I expected. Each one carried words of hope and faith, slipped between the pages of Bibles or devotionals. The children loved choosing their favorite verses, sometimes even decorating them with stickers or drawings. It wasn’t just a craft—it became a daily reminder each time we opened our books. Giving them away to friends felt like sharing a little piece of Christmas spirit beyond our own home.

Handmade Angel Wings

Using cardboard and cotton, we created angel wings that looked surprisingly beautiful. The children wore them during a small play we held at church, and it filled me with such joy. Even after the play, we kept some wings as wall decorations. They felt symbolic, like a reminder of God’s messengers surrounding us. It made the season feel alive with the presence of heaven, right there in our living room.

Cinnamon Stick Crosses

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One year we tied cinnamon sticks together into small crosses with twine, and the house smelled absolutely heavenly. We placed them on the tree and gave a few as gifts. The aroma mixed with the pine, and the whole room felt warm and inviting. Something so small carried both beauty and faith. Each time I caught the scent, I thought about how faith lingers in the air around us, just like that comforting smell.

Felt Nativity Figures

We cut out small nativity figures from felt—Mary, Joseph, baby Jesus—and glued them onto little boards. The children’s versions were a little lopsided, but that made them all the more precious. Putting them together as a set reminded us that Christmas is about God coming to us in the humblest way. They became keepsakes, tucked away and brought out each year with the same sense of awe.

Snowflake Bible Verses

We folded and cut paper snowflakes, but instead of leaving them plain, we wrote Bible verses on each. Hanging them from the ceiling made the whole room look festive, while the verses added depth and meaning. Guests often paused to read them, and conversations started naturally about faith. It was a simple way to let Scripture surround us, fluttering gently like little reminders of God’s word in the air.

Clay Nativity Ornaments

 

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We once shaped small nativity scenes from clay, pressing them into ornaments to hang on the tree. Each one was unique—some more polished, others with fingerprints still visible—but all of them carried meaning. Hanging them felt like hanging pieces of the Gospel right in our living room. Every glance at them reminded me of the night Christ was born, and that’s exactly what I wanted in our decorations.

Christmas Story Stones

We painted smooth stones with small symbols—the manger, the star, the cross—and used them to tell the Christmas story with the children. They loved holding each stone as the story unfolded. The tactile element made the story feel real and alive. Keeping the stones in a small bowl on the table reminded us daily of the journey to Bethlehem and the miracle of Christ’s birth.

Cardboard Churches

One year, we built little churches from cardboard and painted them white with golden steeples. They weren’t perfect, but when we placed small battery candles inside, they glowed softly. It felt like our own miniature village of worship, reminding us of the church community that carries us through every season. They became symbols of both faith and fellowship, sitting quietly yet radiating warmth from the mantel.

Dried Orange Garlands

 

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We strung dried orange slices with twine and hung them across the room. The warm glow of the orange against Christmas lights was unexpectedly beautiful. To me, it symbolized joy and abundance in God’s creation. The simple act of drying fruit and stringing it together felt sacred, as if even small, ordinary things could shine with His light when offered with love.

Scripture Advent Cards

We once made little Advent cards, each with a Bible verse, and displayed them in a basket. Every day we’d pick one to read as a family. Decorating the cards with drawings and stickers made the process fun, but the verses themselves brought peace. It was a tradition that reminded us to focus daily on the Word during the rush of the season.

Star of Bethlehem Craft

We made a large star from cardboard, wrapped it in foil, and placed it above our nativity. It may have been simple, but it became a beacon in the room. Looking at it reminded me of the star that led the wise men, and how God still guides us today. Every time the light from the tree caught the foil, it shimmered, and I couldn’t help but smile at its humble beauty.

Prayer Jars

We decorated jars with ribbons and filled them with small slips of paper, each carrying a prayer or thanksgiving. Every evening, we’d add more notes. By Christmas morning, the jars were filled with words of gratitude and hope. Opening them together as a family felt like unwrapping gifts of faith. It showed me how powerful it can be to pause and offer even the smallest prayers daily.

Christmas Crown Crafts

We cut and decorated crowns for the children to wear, reminding them of the kings who came to worship Christ. They loved coloring and gluing gems, and wearing them made them feel part of the story. Watching them parade around, singing carols in their crowns, felt like seeing the wonder of the season through their eyes. It was playful yet deeply tied to the message of worshiping the newborn King.

Candle Jar Lanterns

We decorated old jars with lace, twine, and tiny cutout stars, then placed candles inside. At night, they glowed softly, turning the whole room warm and peaceful. Sitting by their light during prayer or carols felt like being wrapped in God’s embrace. The jars didn’t need to be perfect; even the uneven edges gave them charm. It became less about decoration and more about creating an atmosphere of peace in our home. Every time I lit one, it felt like a small offering of light to the Lord.

FAQ

What are some simple Christmas crafts I can do with my family?

Honestly, the best ones are the simple ones. Think paper snowflakes, homemade ornaments, or hand-painted cards. They don’t take much time, but they spark so much joy.

Do Christmas crafts have to be perfect?

Not at all. In fact, I’d say the little imperfections make them more special. A crooked star or smudged paint often holds the sweetest memories.

How can I make crafts meaningful for kids?

Let them choose the colors, shapes, and even make a little mess. Their excitement is what makes the craft shine brighter than any glitter.

What if I’m not “crafty”?

I’ve found that you don’t need talent—just a willing heart. Even simple things, like tying ribbons around pinecones, can feel festive and beautiful.