Fun Holiday Decorating Traditions to Enjoy with the Kids

The holiday season is the perfect time to gather with loved ones and create lasting memories. One of the best ways to do this is by engaging in festive decorating activities with your kids. Not only will it ignite their creativity, but it will also bring a joyful atmosphere to your home.

1. DIY Ornaments

No holiday decor is complete without beautiful ornaments adorning your Christmas tree. Instead of purchasing generic ones, why not create your own unique ornaments with the kids? You can use various materials such as clay, salt dough, or even recycled materials like bottle caps or popsicle sticks. Let your children's imagination run wild as they paint, glue, and glitter their way to personalized ornaments that will be cherished for years to come.

Felt Snowman Ornament

Materials:

• White and colored felt

• Googly eyes

• Ribbon

• Glue

• Scissors

Instructions:

• Cut two snowman shapes from white felt.

• Decorate one side with colored felt for the scarf and hat.

• Glue googly eyes and add a small felt carrot for the nose.

• Place the second snowman shape on top and glue around the edges, leaving an opening at the top.

• Fill with a small amount of stuffing and seal the opening.

• Attach a ribbon loop for hanging.

Pinecone Reindeer Ornament

Materials:

• Pinecones

• Googly eyes

• Red pom-poms

• Brown pipe cleaners

• Ribbon

• Glue

Instructions:

• Attach googly eyes and a red pom-pom to the top of the pinecone using glue.

• Cut two small pieces of brown pipe cleaner and twist them onto the pinecone as antlers.

• Attach a ribbon loop to the top for hanging.

Cinnamon Stick Star Ornament

Materials:

• Cinnamon sticks

• Craft glue

• Twine or ribbon

Instructions:

• Arrange five cinnamon sticks in the shape of a star, with the ends meeting in the center.

• Glue the cinnamon sticks together at the points where they meet.

• Allow the glue to dry completely.

• Tie a piece of twine or ribbon through one of the points for hanging.

2. Festive Wreaths

Wreaths are a classic symbol of the holiday season, and making them together can be a fun family activity. Gather some twigs, pinecones, and ribbon, and let your kids create their own wreaths. Encourage them to add their personal touch by incorporating colorful ornaments, berries, or even small toys. Hang these wreaths on your front door or around the house to instantly add a festive touch to your home.

3. Paper Snowflakes

When it comes to holiday crafts, paper snowflakes are a timeless favorite. All you need is some white paper, scissors, and a dash of creativity. Teach your kids how to fold and cut the paper to create intricate snowflake designs. They can then stick these snowflakes on windows, walls, or even hang them from the ceiling to bring a winter wonderland indoors.

4. Handmade Garlands

Add a touch of whimsy to your holiday decor by creating handmade garlands. Get some colorful construction paper or felt and cut out shapes like stars, hearts, or even Christmas trees. String them together with a needle and thread, and you'll have a beautiful garland that your kids can proudly hang around the house. This is a great opportunity to teach them about patterns and color coordination.

5. Salt Dough Ornaments

If you're looking for a cost-effective and easy way to create ornaments, salt dough is the answer. Mix together flour, salt, and water to create a dough that can be easily molded into various shapes. Bake the creations in the oven until they harden, and then let your kids unleash their inner artists by painting and decorating these handmade ornaments. They can be used not only for the tree but also as cute gift tags or personalized keepsakes.

Salt Dough Ornament Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 cup salt

• 1 cup water

Instructions:

• Mixing the Dough:

  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt.

  • Slowly add the water while stirring continuously.

  • Mix until the dough comes together. It should have a playdough-like consistency.

• Kneading the Dough:

  • Transfer the dough to a floured surface.

  • Knead the dough for about 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and pliable.

• Rolling Out the Dough:

  • Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C).

  • Roll out the dough to approximately 1/4 inch thickness. If the dough sticks, sprinkle a bit more flour on the surface.

• Cutting Shapes:

  • Use cookie cutters to cut out your desired shapes. Ensure that you leave enough space to make a hole for hanging.

• Making Holes for Hanging:

  • Use a straw to poke a hole near the top of each ornament. This is where you'll thread a ribbon or string for hanging.

• Baking the Ornaments:

  • Place the ornaments on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

  • Bake in the preheated oven for about 2 hours or until the ornaments are completely dry. Keep an eye on them to prevent browning.

• Cooling:

  • Allow the ornaments to cool completely before decorating.

• Painting and Decorating (Optional):

  • Once the ornaments are cool, you can paint them using acrylic paints. Let your creativity shine!

  • You can also add glitter, glue on sequins, or use markers to enhance the designs.

• Sealing (Optional):

  • If you want your ornaments to last longer, consider sealing them with a clear varnish or a mixture of equal parts water and white glue. This step is optional but helps preserve the ornaments.

• Adding Ribbon:

  • Thread a ribbon or string through the hole you created earlier for hanging.

6. Window Decorations

Make your windows sparkle with festive cheer by involving your kids in decorating them. Use window-safe paints or washable markers to draw holiday-themed designs on the glass. Let them create snowmen, reindeer, or even their favorite holiday characters. These window decorations will not only brighten up your home but also provide a delightful view for passersby.

7. Hanging Decorations with Wall-Safe Tape

Now that you have an array of handmade decorations, it's time to hang them around the house. To ensure that your walls remain undamaged, opt for wall-safe tape. This tape is specifically designed to hold decorations securely without leaving any residue or causing any damage. It's perfect for hanging lightweight items such as paper snowflakes, garlands, or even small ornaments on walls, doors, or windows.

When using wall-safe tape, make sure to clean the surface before applying it. This will ensure maximum adhesion. Test a small piece of tape on an inconspicuous area first to ensure it doesn't cause any discoloration or damage.

Conclusion

Engaging in holiday decorating traditions with your kids is a wonderful way to bond and create cherished memories. By incorporating DIY ornaments, wreaths, paper snowflakes, handmade garlands, and salt dough creations, you can add a personal touch to your holiday decor. So gather your supplies, let your creativity flow, and enjoy the magic of the holiday season with your little ones!