24+ Cheerful Christmas Crafts for Kids and Parents

Handprint Christmas Tree Art

Source: Pinterest

This craft is such a sweet keepsake and so much fun to make with kids. We trace everyone’s handprints on green paper, cut them out, and layer them in a triangle shape to form a Christmas tree. Then, we decorate it with stickers, buttons, or glitter as ornaments. I love writing each person’s name on their “branch” — it makes the tree feel personal and full of family spirit. Honestly, this craft always melts my heart. It’s a simple yet meaningful piece of art that captures the love, laughter, and little hands that make Christmas so special.

Button Christmas Tree Canvas

This one is a family favorite — colorful, easy, and full of charm. We take a blank canvas and glue green buttons of all shapes and sizes in a triangle shape to form a Christmas tree. Then, we add smaller buttons or rhinestones as ornaments and a big golden star on top. Sometimes the kids even paint the background with snowy dots. Honestly, it’s such a fun, hands-on craft that looks adorable when displayed. I love how every tree turns out unique, just like our family’s creativity.

Popsicle Stick Snowflakes

Source: Pinterest

Snowflakes made from popsicle sticks are simple yet so pretty! We glue four sticks together in a star pattern, paint them Blue or silver, and sprinkle on glitter. Sometimes we add sequins or little gems to make them sparkle. I like hanging them near the window so the sunlight catches them during the day. Honestly, this craft is perfect for all ages — easy for little hands, yet fun for parents too. It brings a little bit of winter magic indoors, without the cold fingers!

DIY Christmas Candle Holders

This cozy craft is perfect for winter nights. We take empty glass jars, coat them lightly with glue, and roll them in glitter, Epsom salt, or fake snow. Then, we drop a tealight inside for a warm holiday glow. Sometimes we tie a ribbon or jute string around the rim for a rustic touch. Honestly, I love how peaceful these look when lit — the whole room feels softer and full of Christmas warmth. It’s a beautiful, kid-friendly way to make simple decor feel special.

Pom-Pom Wreath

Source: Pinterest

We always have a blast making pom-pom wreaths! Using a cardboard circle as the base, we glue fluffy red, green, and white pom-poms all around until it’s completely covered. The kids love choosing colors and patterns, and I help secure the ribbon for hanging. Sometimes we even add a few small bells or a bow on top. Honestly, it’s such a cheerful, fuzzy craft that looks adorable on any door. It’s bright, festive, and guaranteed to bring smiles every time someone walks by.

Christmas Story Stones

I adore this creative, storytelling craft. We collect smooth stones and paint Christmas-themed images on them — a tree, star, angel, reindeer, or candy cane. Once dry, we use them to tell little holiday stories together. The kids love making up tales while arranging the stones. Honestly, it’s such a beautiful way to spark imagination and connect as a family. We store them in a small bag so they can be reused year after year. Simple, artistic, and full of heart — just like Christmas should be.

Recycled Card Garland

I love reusing old Christmas cards, and this craft gives them a second life. We cut out pretty shapes — stars, trees, bells — and string them together with ribbon or twine to make a garland. Sometimes we add small pom-poms or glittery clothespins for extra flair. Honestly, it’s such a nostalgic project. The kids enjoy recognizing cards from past years, and I love the eco-friendly twist. It’s a simple, heartfelt decoration that tells a story with every piece.

Felt Gingerbread Friends

Source: Pinterest

These soft little gingerbread characters are so fun to make! We cut gingerbread shapes out of brown felt and let the kids decorate them with buttons, fabric paint, and googly eyes. I sew or glue the edges together and stuff them lightly with cotton. Honestly, they come out adorable every time — full of personality and charm. We use them as ornaments, gift tags, or even puppets. It’s one of those crafts that keeps little hands busy and hearts happy all afternoon.

Christmas Countdown Calendar

I love making advent calendars by hand — it turns every December morning into a little surprise. We decorate envelopes or boxes with numbers and fill them with notes, candies, or small treats. The kids help design the decorations using stickers, glitter, and markers. Honestly, it’s one of our favorite traditions. Watching their excitement each day is priceless, and the countdown becomes more meaningful when it’s made together. It’s creative, fun, and packed with anticipation for Christmas morning.

Paper Straw Christmas Trees

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Prishaalan Shridhika (@shaalan_shridhi_escapade)

This one’s perfect for younger kids! We cut paper straws into different lengths, glue them on cardstock in a tree shape, and decorate with sequins, beads, or pom-poms. Sometimes we add a star on top or a glittery background. It’s colorful, quick, and surprisingly cute! Honestly, I love how mess-free it is compared to other crafts. These little trees make adorable cards, wall art, or even gift toppers — a simple way to let kids’ creativity shine.

Snowy Pinecone Ornaments

Pinecones are one of my favorite natural craft materials. We collect them during walks, then paint the tips white and sprinkle on glitter for a snow-covered look. The kids love tying ribbons or string to hang them on the tree. Sometimes we add tiny bells for a jingle. Honestly, they’re rustic yet elegant — the kind of handmade detail that brings warmth to the decor. Every year, our pinecone ornaments remind me of family walks and laughter in the crisp winter air.

Christmas Cookie Decorating Kits

This one mixes crafting and baking — the perfect combo! We bake plain sugar cookies in fun holiday shapes, then set up a decorating station with icing, sprinkles, and candies. The kids go wild designing their masterpieces, and I love watching their creativity unfold. Honestly, it’s messy, sweet, and totally worth it. We pack a few cookies in boxes to gift to neighbors, making it even more special. It’s less about perfection and more about having fun together as a family.

Holiday Lanterns from Milk Cartons

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Make & Create (@_make_n_create_)

I adore upcycling, and milk carton lanterns are both eco-friendly and magical. We cut windows into the cartons, paint them, and cover the openings with colored tissue paper. When we add an LED candle inside, they glow beautifully. The kids love drawing stars, trees, and snowflakes on the sides. Honestly, they look stunning at night — glowing softly on the windowsill. It’s a simple, sustainable craft that teaches creativity and reuse while bringing that cozy Christmas sparkle.

Christmas Character Bookmarks

Reading by the fireplace feels even better with a festive bookmark! We make Christmas characters — Santa, elves, reindeer — out of cardstock, googly eyes, and felt. The kids love drawing expressions and adding glitter details. I usually laminate them for durability. Honestly, they make great little gifts for teachers or friends too. It’s a quick, delightful craft that encourages both creativity and a love for reading during the holidays.

Mini Gift Box Ornaments

We always have leftover wrapping paper, so I use it for this adorable craft. We make tiny boxes from cardstock, wrap them with festive paper, and tie them with mini ribbons or bows. The kids love filling them with surprises like candy or notes. Honestly, they look so cute hanging from the tree — like little presents waiting to be opened. It’s a charming, easy way to add a personal touch to our decorations.

Tissue Paper Stained Glass Stars

This colorful craft brings so much joy! We cut star shapes from black paper, cut out the centers, and fill them with small pieces of tissue paper in red, green, and gold. When taped to a window, the light shines through and makes them glow beautifully. Honestly, the kids get so excited seeing their “stained glass” stars light up. It’s simple, mess-free, and adds a burst of Christmas cheer to every room — pure magic created by little hands and big imaginations.

DIY Salt Dough Ornaments

Making salt dough ornaments has become a yearly tradition in our home. We mix flour, salt, and water to create the dough, then roll it out and cut shapes using cookie cutters. The kids love stamping designs or pressing their fingerprints into them before baking. Once dry, we paint and add a touch of glitter. Honestly, I treasure these ornaments every year — they’re full of personality and memories. It’s an easy, fun way for parents and kids to make something that lasts long after Christmas is over.

Paper Plate Santa Faces

This is one of those crafts that’s quick, cheerful, and perfect for all ages. We use paper plates, cotton balls, red construction paper, and googly eyes to create adorable Santa faces. The kids love fluffing up Santa’s beard with glue and cotton, and I usually help cut out the hat and nose. Sometimes we hang them on doors or turn them into masks for playtime. Honestly, it’s such a simple craft that always makes everyone smile. Seeing all the unique Santa faces lined up afterward is my favorite part — each one has its own little personality!

Popsicle Stick Reindeer

This craft is a classic, and the kids never get tired of it. We glue three popsicle sticks into a triangle shape, paint them brown, and add googly eyes, a red pom-pom nose, and little antlers made of pipe cleaners. Sometimes we even hang them on the tree as ornaments. It’s such an easy, no-stress activity that turns out adorable every time. Honestly, it’s those small details — the crooked noses or mismatched eyes — that make each reindeer so charming. It’s a craft full of laughter and creativity.

Christmas Card Station

I love setting up a Christmas card station where everyone can design their own cards. We use blank cards, markers, stickers, glitter pens, and washi tape to let imaginations run wild. The kids usually draw snowmen, trees, or even funny elves. Sometimes we include a photo or handprint to make each card extra special. Honestly, these handmade cards always feel more heartfelt than store-bought ones. It’s such a lovely way to slow down, get creative, and share love through something made with our own hands.

Mason Jar Snow Globes

These homemade snow globes always bring a little extra sparkle to our holiday decor. We fill mason jars with water, glitter, and a few drops of glycerin, then glue a small figurine or tree inside the lid. When the kids shake them, their faces light up watching the glitter swirl like snow. Honestly, it’s pure Christmas magic in a jar! They make such cute gifts too. I love that this craft combines creativity, patience, and that special sense of wonder that defines the holiday season.

Pinecone Christmas Elves

Turning pinecones into little elves is one of my favorite nature-inspired crafts. We collect pinecones, paint small wooden beads for faces, and use felt to make hats and scarves. The kids love choosing bright colors and silly expressions. We glue everything together and sometimes add a bit of glitter for sparkle. Honestly, they turn out so adorable! Each elf feels unique and full of character. We place them on shelves or hang them on the tree, and they always bring a touch of handmade joy to our Christmas decor.

Cookie Cutter Gift Tags

This one combines crafting and gifting — two of my favorite parts of Christmas! We trace cookie cutters onto colorful cardstock or felt, cut them out, and decorate with stamps, glitter, or stickers. The kids write names or short messages on them before we tie them onto presents with ribbon. Honestly, it’s such a small but meaningful detail that makes every gift feel special. It’s a fun, easy craft that lets kids be part of the gifting process in a creative way.

Christmas Countdown Chain

Paper countdown chains never lose their charm. We cut strips of red and green paper, write fun activities or kind deeds on each, and link them into a chain. Every morning in December, the kids take one off and complete the task — like “Bake cookies” or “Give someone a hug.” Honestly, it’s such a joyful way to build excitement for Christmas. It keeps everyone in the holiday spirit and teaches the kids that little acts of kindness are just as important as the big day itself.

Holiday Memory Ornament

This craft feels extra special because it turns memories into keepsakes. We fill clear plastic ornaments with small notes, photos, or mementos from the year — a bit of wrapping paper, a concert ticket, or even a ribbon from a gift. The kids love choosing what to include. Honestly, it’s such a heartfelt tradition. Hanging these ornaments each year feels like opening a time capsule of happy moments. It’s a beautiful way for parents and kids to reflect, cherish, and celebrate all the love the year brought.

FAQ

Why are Christmas crafts special for families?

I think Christmas crafts are special because they bring everyone together. It’s not just about glue and glitter — it’s about laughter, storytelling, and making memories. Each craft becomes a keepsake that reminds us of shared moments and the joy of simply being together. Honestly, it’s one of the sweetest ways to slow down during the holiday rush.

What are some easy crafts to start with for young kids?

I always recommend starting with simple crafts like paper plate Santas, handprint trees, or popsicle stick reindeer. They’re easy, colorful, and fun for little hands. Plus, they don’t require fancy supplies — just paper, glue, and a bit of imagination.

How can parents make crafting time more fun and less messy?

I usually cover the table with old newspaper and use trays to contain glitter and paint. Setting up a small “craft zone” helps a lot. Honestly, the goal isn’t to avoid mess completely but to enjoy the process — a few glittery hands are part of the magic!

What are some budget-friendly craft ideas?

There are so many crafts you can make with everyday items! Pinecones, paper plates, and recycled jars can become ornaments, wreaths, or candle holders. I love using scraps, old cards, and leftover wrapping paper — they cost nothing but creativity.