Family Christmas craft projects are one of my favorite parts of the season. There’s something so special about gathering around the table with glitter, glue, and a cup of hot cocoa, creating things that truly come from the heart. I love how these moments slow everything down — no phones, no rush, just laughter, conversation, and shared creativity.
Every year, we try something new — sometimes it’s handmade ornaments, other times we decorate wooden signs or make cozy candle holders. What matters most isn’t perfection, but the fun we have while making them. These crafts become little keepsakes, reminders of time spent together and the joy that only family can bring. Honestly, it’s not just about decorating for Christmas; it’s about building memories that warm your heart long after the holidays are over.
Family Christmas Craft Projects
Popsicle Stick Christmas Trees
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These little trees are always a hit in my family! We grab popsicle sticks, glue them into triangles, and decorate them with sequins, buttons, or mini pom-poms. The kids love painting them green and adding a shiny star on top. Sometimes we even write our names or the year on the back. I hang them on the tree or gift them as handmade ornaments. They’re simple, affordable, and so much fun to make together — a perfect mix of creativity and connection that always fills our house with Christmas cheer.
DIY Christmas Village Houses
Creating a little Christmas village together is one of our most cherished traditions. We use cardboard or small wooden boxes to design tiny houses, paint them with cheerful colors, and decorate them with fake snow and glitter. The kids love adding miniature wreaths and cotton roofs. When we line them up on the mantel with fairy lights, it feels like we’ve built our own glowing Christmas town. Each year, we add a new house — and our little village becomes a story of our family’s holidays through the years.
Personalized Family Baubles
We started making personalized baubles a few years ago, and it quickly became a favorite. Everyone gets a clear ornament to fill however they like — with confetti, tiny photos, glitter, or handwritten wishes. I always add a ribbon with the year on it. Hanging them on the tree feels so special because every ornament holds a little piece of who we were that Christmas. It’s a beautiful, sparkly tradition that grows with us.
Cinnamon Stick Stars
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The smell of cinnamon fills the whole house when we make these! We glue cinnamon sticks together in star shapes and decorate them with twine, buttons, or bits of greenery. They’re simple but so rustic and charming. I love hanging them in the kitchen or on gift packages for that cozy, handmade touch. Plus, they keep the room smelling amazing — like a warm Christmas bakery every time I walk by.
DIY Family Christmas Cards
Instead of buying cards, we love making our own! We spread out paper, stamps, and stickers, and everyone designs a few cards to send to family and friends. The kids draw reindeer or Christmas trees, while I write little heartfelt notes. It’s such a sweet, personal way to share love and creativity during the season. Honestly, those handmade cards always get the biggest smiles — they carry the warmth of our family’s effort and care.
Popsicle Stick Snowflakes
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This project is easy, fun, and looks so festive! We glue popsicle sticks in snowflake shapes, then paint them white, blue, or silver. After that, we decorate them with gems or glitter and hang them from the ceiling or windows. The kids always compete to see who can make the biggest snowflake. They sparkle beautifully under the lights, and it’s a craft we can do while sipping cocoa and listening to Christmas songs — pure happiness.
Family Christmas Candle Making
Candle making became our new family favorite last year! We melt soy wax, add festive scents like cinnamon or vanilla, and pour it into jars. Then we decorate the jars with ribbons, pine twigs, or charms. Each of us chooses a unique scent or color. Lighting them together on Christmas Eve feels so cozy and peaceful — like filling the house with our shared love and warmth. It’s simple, creative, and so satisfying to make.
DIY Christmas Story Ornaments
These are so fun and meaningful! We write short Christmas memories or Bible verses on strips of paper, curl them, and place them inside clear ornaments. Every person writes their own messages — little snippets of joy or gratitude. Then we hang them on the tree and read a few out loud every Christmas Eve. Over time, the collection grows into a tree full of family stories and blessings that remind us what Christmas is truly about.
Paper Plate Angels
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This one’s perfect for younger kids but fun for everyone. We cut paper plates into angel shapes and decorate them with paint, glitter, and tissue paper wings. The kids draw sweet faces on them and sometimes write a small prayer or message on the back. We hang them on the wall or use them as tree toppers. They’re light, beautiful, and full of innocence — a simple reminder of the love and faith at the heart of Christmas.
Family Christmas Baking Day Craft
Our “baking craft day” is part art, part delicious fun. We bake sugar cookies, but instead of just eating them, we decorate extras to use as ornaments or gifts. The kitchen turns into a creative mess of icing, sprinkles, and laughter. We poke small holes in the top before baking so we can hang them later with ribbons. The sweet smell fills the air, and honestly, it’s one of those days I look forward to all year.
DIY Wooden Block Nativity
This craft brings meaning and creativity together beautifully. We use small wooden blocks, paint them in soft colors, and add simple faces or robes to represent Mary, Joseph, and baby Jesus. The kids love helping with the details — tiny stars, animals, and the stable. Once complete, we place it on a shelf where everyone can see it. It’s a handmade reminder of why we celebrate, and every year it feels even more special to set it out again.
Family Christmas Puzzle Craft
This project has become a yearly favorite in our home. We buy a plain wooden puzzle and paint each piece in festive colors — reds, greens, golds, and whites. Every family member decorates a few pieces with small drawings, stickers, or glitter. When we put it all together, it turns into a beautiful Christmas-themed artwork that’s truly “ours.” I love how each piece represents someone’s creativity, and every time we complete the puzzle, it feels like we’re symbolically connecting as a family too.
DIY Christmas Countdown Board
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We made a Christmas countdown board once, and now it’s a must-do tradition! Using a chalkboard or small wooden sign, we decorate it with holiday paint and add the phrase “Days Until Christmas.” Each morning, the kids excitedly update the number with chalk. It’s such a fun way to build anticipation while adding something handmade and festive to our decor. Honestly, it’s a small thing that keeps the whole family feeling that Christmas magic daily.
Fabric Scrap Christmas Tree Art
This craft lets us use leftover fabric creatively. We cut different patterned scraps into triangles and glue them onto a canvas in the shape of a Christmas tree. Then we decorate it with buttons, ribbon, or lace. The finished piece looks so charming on the wall, and I love that it tells a story of past projects and cozy moments. Every bit of fabric holds a memory, making this tree feel more like a patchwork of family love than just a decoration.
DIY Gingerbread Family Portrait
This idea always brings big smiles! We cut gingerbread-shaped people from brown felt or cardstock and decorate each one to represent a family member — hair, clothes, and even funny expressions. Then we glue them onto a background and frame the “portrait.” It’s such a cute, creative way to celebrate togetherness with a gingerbread twist. Every year, we update it as our family grows, and honestly, it’s one of my favorite Christmas keepsakes.
Snowflake Window Art
There’s something magical about crafting snowflakes together. We fold white paper and cut out delicate designs, then tape them to the windows. Sometimes we sprinkle them with glitter or color the edges with silver markers for extra sparkle. When the sunlight shines through, the whole room glows with a wintry shimmer. It’s a simple, peaceful family activity that fills our home with that soft, snowy feeling — even when there’s no snow outside.
DIY Christmas Treat Jars
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Our treat jars are both delicious and decorative! We fill glass jars with layers of hot cocoa mix, marshmallows, candy canes, or cookie ingredients, then decorate the lids with ribbons and tags. Each person designs their own jar — it’s fun seeing how different they all turn out. We usually gift a few to friends and neighbors too. It’s a sweet, thoughtful craft that spreads Christmas joy in the tastiest way possible.
Christmas Sock Gnomes
These little gnomes are ridiculously cute and super easy to make! We use old socks, rice or beans for filling, and felt for the hats and beards. Each family member makes their own gnome, and somehow they all end up with funny little personalities. We place them around the house for a whimsical touch. Honestly, every time I see them sitting on a shelf, I can’t help but smile — they’re like our own tiny Christmas companions.
DIY Holiday Door Signs
I love making festive signs for our front door as a family. We start with wooden boards or canvas and paint cheerful messages like “Merry & Bright” or “Joy to the World.” Then we add bows, pinecones, or faux snow for texture. It’s always fun watching the kids come up with creative ideas. Hanging the finished sign on the door feels like officially welcoming Christmas into our home — handmade, heartfelt, and full of family spirit.
Button Christmas Tree Canvas
This craft is as simple as it is beautiful. We draw a tree shape on a canvas, then glue buttons of different sizes and colors to fill it in. Everyone contributes a few buttons from their own collection — even from old clothes! The end result is a colorful, textured tree that looks stunning and sentimental. Every button has a story, and together, they create a one-of-a-kind family masterpiece that shines every Christmas.
Christmas Story Time Jar
This one combines creativity with cozy family moments. We decorate a jar and fill it with folded papers, each containing a Christmas story, poem, or activity. Every night, someone picks one, and we read it aloud or do the activity together. It keeps the holiday spirit alive and gives us time to slow down as a family. It’s one of those traditions that remind me why I love Christmas — connection, laughter, and love wrapped in simple, meaningful moments.
Personalized Christmas Stockings
Every year, we make new stockings that reflect everyone’s personality. I buy plain ones, and we go wild with fabric paint, glitter glue, ribbons, and felt shapes. The kids love adding their names in sparkly letters, while I might stitch small snowflakes or hearts. These stockings feel extra special because they’re made with love and laughter. When we hang them by the fireplace, it’s a little reminder of how each of us brings something unique to our family Christmas.
DIY Holiday Mugs
Decorating mugs has become one of our coziest traditions. We use plain white mugs and draw holiday designs using oil-based markers — snowflakes, gingerbread men, Christmas trees, or even funny quotes. After baking them to seal the art, we sip cocoa from our own personalized mugs all season long. It’s such a warm, personal touch that turns ordinary mornings into little moments of joy. Honestly, these mugs make the sweetest handmade gifts too!
Reindeer Family Photo Ornaments
This one always makes us laugh! We print small family photos and glue them onto cardstock reindeer shapes. Then we add googly eyes, red pom-pom noses, and pipe-cleaner antlers. It’s hilarious seeing everyone as Rudolph! These ornaments are such fun additions to the tree and bring out so many giggles each year. I love how they blend creativity with a sense of humor — something that truly feels like “us” during the holidays.
DIY Advent Calendar
Our DIY advent calendar is both a craft and a countdown to Christmas magic. We decorate 25 little envelopes or boxes with stickers and washi tape, then fill them with tiny treats or handwritten activities. Each day, the kids open one and get a surprise — maybe a candy, a Christmas joke, or a fun challenge. It’s an interactive project that keeps the excitement alive all month long. Making and filling it together feels just as joyful as opening it.
Mason Jar Snowmen
These little snowmen are too cute to resist! We paint mason jars white, wrap them in scarves made from old fabric scraps, and glue on buttons and felt faces. The result is a set of glowing, cozy decorations that light up the table. Sometimes, I pop in a tealight to give them a frosty shimmer. The kids love naming their snowmen, and honestly, they turn out so charming every single time.
Christmas Countdown Chain
Paper chains never go out of style, and they’re so much fun for families. We cut strips of red and green paper, write daily messages or activities on each, and glue them into a chain. Every morning, we tear one off to count down to Christmas. It’s such a simple craft, but it builds so much excitement and makes every day feel like part of the celebration. Plus, it’s a great way to spend a cozy evening crafting together.
Holiday Memory Jars
This idea is so close to my heart. We decorate glass jars with ribbons and stickers, then each family member writes their favorite Christmas memory or something they’re grateful for. We read them aloud on Christmas Eve, and it always brings smiles — sometimes even tears! Over the years, our jars have become full of little notes that remind us how blessed we are. It’s such a beautiful, meaningful way to celebrate family togetherness.
DIY Felt Christmas Village
I love creating a mini felt village with my family. We cut out little houses, trees, and snow-covered roofs, then decorate them with buttons, beads, and cotton snow. The kids design their own “homes,” and we arrange everything on a big piece of cardboard to form a village. It’s colorful, cozy, and so much fun to display on a table or mantle. Every year, we add a new building — and our Christmas village grows along with our memories.
Painted Pinecone Trees
Pinecones are nature’s little Christmas treasures. We collect them on winter walks, then paint them green and sprinkle them with glitter for a snowy effect. Sometimes, we glue tiny beads as ornaments and place them in small pots or bottle caps as bases. These mini pinecone trees look adorable on the windowsill or as table centerpieces. Making them together always reminds me that even the simplest things — a pinecone, a brush, and some laughter — can become pure Christmas magic.
FAQ
How do I choose the best Christmas crafts for my family?
I usually start by thinking about everyone’s age and interests. If you’ve got younger kids, simple crafts like paper snowflakes, pinecone ornaments, or handprint wreaths are perfect. For older kids and adults, try something a bit more detailed like candle making or gingerbread villages. I always pick projects that feel fun and doable — that way, everyone stays engaged and excited.
What supplies should I keep handy for family Christmas crafts?
I like to keep a “holiday craft box” ready with essentials — glue, scissors, markers, paint, ribbons, buttons, glitter, and paper. I also save jars, pinecones, fabric scraps, and old ornaments for repurposing. Having everything organized in one place makes it easy to start a spontaneous crafting session whenever the mood strikes.
How can we make family crafts more meaningful?
Add personal touches! Write family memories, Bible verses, or messages of gratitude on ornaments or tags. I also love including photos or handprints in crafts — they make each piece more special and memorable. It’s not just about making something pretty; it’s about capturing love, laughter, and shared moments in every project.
What’s the best way to display our family crafts?
I decorate our tree, mantel, and dining table with them, but I also love creating a “craft corner.” It’s a little spot where we display our handmade treasures throughout the season. You can even rotate new crafts each week or use them as centerpieces for holiday gatherings — it gives your home such a personal, heartwarming touch.
How can I make crafting time less stressful during the holidays?
The key is keeping it relaxed and fun. I remind myself it doesn’t have to be perfect — the memories matter more than the outcome. We put on Christmas music, have snacks nearby, and let creativity flow naturally. Sometimes we make a mess, but honestly, that’s part of the joy!
What are some quick family crafts we can do in under an hour?
Paper snowflakes, popsicle stick trees, cinnamon stars, and DIY ornaments are my go-tos for quick crafts. You can even decorate store-bought candles or mugs for a fast but personal touch. These simple projects are great for spontaneous evenings when you want a little festive fun without too much prep.
Can we turn our crafts into gifts?
Absolutely! Handmade gifts are my favorite part of Christmas. Ornaments, photo frames, and treat jars make beautiful, heartfelt presents for friends and family. Just wrap them in simple kraft paper, add a tag, and you’ve got something thoughtful and personal — made with love, not just money.
How do I involve everyone, even those who aren’t “crafty”?
I give everyone small roles — cutting paper, mixing paint, or tying ribbons. Even the simplest tasks make people feel included. I’ve found that once we start laughing and working together, even the “non-crafty” ones get into it. It’s all about creating together, not perfection.
How can I store or preserve our Christmas crafts for next year?
I keep ours in labeled bins or boxes with tissue paper between delicate pieces. For ornaments or salt dough crafts, I seal them with a clear spray to protect from humidity. It’s so much fun unwrapping them each year — like rediscovering little pieces of our family history.
I’m father joaquin perez, we are a catholic church with all the sacraments where everybody is welcome. we celebrate catholic mass every Sunday at 12:30pm at saint stephen episcopal church at 2750 McFarlane road, Miami, Florida