Some holiday traditions stay the same, like festive songs or debates about eggnog. Others, like homemade decorations, have faded over time. Before store-bought decor, people used simple materials and creativity to decorate. How about we bring back those classic crafts! They’re easy, fun, and use items you likely already have at home or can find nearby.
Here are six Christmas crafts that will help you create new memories.
1. Retro Paper Snowflakes and Curlicues
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Before every window displayed a perfect, laser-cut decoration, there were paper snowflakes. Each one was unique, a testament to a few careful (or not-so-careful) folds and snips. Paired with paper curlicues, these simple creations can transform a room into a maximalist winter wonderland.
Paper snowflakes require nothing more than a piece of paper and scissors. Simply fold the paper into a triangle and start snipping away at the edges. For curlicues, cut thin strips of colored paper, wrap them tightly around a pencil to create a spiral, and then let them unfurl. You can create garlands, window displays, or even use them as gift toppers.
2. DIY Paper Lanterns
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Paper lanterns add a warm, gentle glow to any space. While you might associate them with other cultural festivals, they were once a common sight during Christmastime, hung in windows or from tree branches. These are not the complex, floating sky lanterns, but simple, decorative ones made from paper and a bit of glue.
Take a rectangular piece of paper, fold it in half lengthwise, and cut a series of parallel slits from the folded edge toward the open edge, stopping about an inch from the top. Unfold the paper, form it into a cylinder, and glue the short ends together. You can place a battery-operated tea light inside for a safe and beautiful glow. Using different colors and paper textures can create a stunning visual effect, especially when grouped.
3. Edible Garlands for Outdoor Trees
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Why should indoor trees get all the attention? Decorating an outdoor evergreen for local wildlife is a heartwarming tradition that benefits your feathered neighbors. Cereal and fruit garlands are an easy and biodegradable way to provide a winter feast for birds. This craft brings the spirit of giving directly to your backyard.
To make a cereal garland, use a large-eye needle and sturdy thread to string O-shaped cereals (choose sugar free options). You can mix in unsalted and unsweetened popcorn, cranberries, or raisins for variety. For hanging treats, smear pinecones with peanut butter (free of xylitol) or suet and roll them in birdseed. These can be hung from branches with twine. It’s a wonderful project to teach children about local wildlife and the importance of caring for nature.
4. Christmas-Card Garland
Every year, the cards arrive, filled with well-wishes from friends and family. Instead of letting them pile up on a counter, turn them into a festive garland. This craft is practically a visual representation of your social circle, celebrating the people in your life. It’s a lovely way to display holiday greetings and keep memories front and center.
The simplest method requires only a hole punch and some ribbon or twine. Punch a hole in the corner of each card and thread them onto your ribbon. You can also use miniature clothespins to clip the cards to a long piece of decorative string. This allows you to easily add new cards as they arrive throughout the season. The result is a dynamic, personal decoration that grows as Christmas approaches.
5. Pinecone Tabletop Tree
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For those who love the rustic look of natural decor, a pinecone tabletop tree is a fantastic project. It brings the charm of a forest into your home without taking up much space. This craft is perfect for a side table, mantel, or as a centerpiece for your holiday dinner. It’s also great for kids with a short attention span.
Start with a cone-shaped base made from floral foam or cardboard. Gather a variety of pinecones in different sizes. Before using them, it’s a good idea to clean and bake them on low heat to remove any critters. Then, using a hot glue gun, start attaching the largest pinecones to the bottom of the cone, working your way up with progressively smaller ones. Fill in any gaps with tiny pinecones, nuts, or moss for a full, textured look.
6. Fresh Fruit Wreath
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Long before plastic baubles existed, people decorated with what was on hand, and that often included fresh fruit. A wreath made from fruit, greenery, and other natural elements is a stunning and fragrant addition to your holiday decor. The vibrant colors of oranges, lemons, and apples pop against a backdrop of evergreen branches, creating a rich, classic look.
To create one, you will need a sturdy wreath form, like one made of wire or grapevine. Use floral wire to attach bunches of greenery, like pine, fir, or cedar, to the base. Then, wire on your fruit. Studding oranges with whole cloves (to make pomanders) not only adds a beautiful texture but also releases a wonderful holiday scent. Weave in cinnamon sticks, pinecones, and ribbon to complete the look.
Getting Crafty Without the Calamity
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To get started with these nostalgic crafts, rally the household, or just yourself, and turn gathering supplies into a scavenger hunt through your pantry, backyard, or craft bin. Assign each project to a willing creator, swap materials with friends if you’re running short, and embrace the imperfections that make homemade decorations shine.
Before storing your finished crafts, snap a quick photo or jot down who helped, so next year’s decorating comes with a bonus dose of memories and laughter.