Primary Times - the definitive what’s on and where to go family guide of activities and events for children of primary school age. Things to do with your kids during the school holidays including arts and craft activities, music and theatre for children, parties, competitions, days out, and family attractions along with term time drama schools, dance classes, after school clubs and sports activities. Things to do at a place near you!
10 Christmas Crafts
Primary Times looks at how you can get creative this Christmas and create lots of fun, festive family memories.
The frosty winter weather is here! If you're wanting to stay cosy indoors while still having lots of festive fun, why not have a go at some seasonal arts and crafts? Get ready to channel that Christmas creativity as a family!
Craft ideas for families this festive season:
1) Paper plate masks
Perfect for entertaining children of all ages! You will need some paper plates for the base of your masks and some scissors, glue, coloured card or paper, pipe cleaners, sequins and pom poms. Will you make a reindeer, a snowman, an elf or a Santa Claus mask?
2) Decorate festive biscuits
Whether it’s gingerbread cookies, crunchy cinnamon biscuits or shortbread shaped like snowflakes, the creative possibilities are endless! Use icing to decorate your biscuits with bright festive colours and pretty patterns. You could make your biscuits look like little Christmas trees or baubles, or even some candy canes or snowmen!
3) Craft your own Christmas story
Create a new festive tale together! Visit a family storytelling or story time session at your local arts venue or theatre to get the creative juices flowing. Whether you write about winter itself or your family's Christmas traditions, have fun seeing where your story takes you.
4) Lolly stick nutcrackers
Originating in Germany, nutcracker figurines were considered a symbol of good luck. Make your own little nutcrackers using lollipop craft sticks, glue, coloured card or paint and some dot stickers. Glue three sticks together to make the body and then have fun decorating it to bring your nutcracker decoration to life!
5) Make a winter wreath
Gather some craft materials (e.g. winter greenery, ribbon, bows, balls, some sprigs of holly, or some pine cones) and have a go at some DIY together to brighten up your front door or dinner table. Look into local wreath making family workshop sessions taking place for a more guided approach.
6) DIY Christmas tree decorations
Paper decorations are easy to make at home, and they’re also an environmentally friendly, cost-effective option too. Paper snowflakes and stars are lovely for the festive season or have a go at making some book page tree decorations or a festive bunting to keep. These handmade decorations can hopefully be kept and repurposed after Christmas. Let the paper folding begin!
7) Homemade Christmas cards
Make your own Christmas or holiday cards for friends and family! Explore the local arts centres or creative entertainment venues to see whether they're hosting any craft or card making sessions during the festive period.
8) Make mince pies
Baking is a fantastic family activity! If you’re feeling adventurous, have a go at making some almond mince pies, or experiment with gingerbread, caramel or pistachio flavours within your fruity filling! From pastry snowflakes, stars, or some sprigs of holly, what will you choose to decorate your mince pies?
9) Create a new Christmas outfit
Dress up like your favourite Christmas character, or use stickers and glittery ribbon to make a new fabulous festive jumper! Find your brightest, most wonderfully woolly pieces of clothing and create a whole new masterpiece.
10) Design a miniature winter village
If you have any old birdhouses lying around that aren’t being used outside anymore, this is the craft activity for you! Spray paint the houses or decorate them in festive colours with lots of glitter. Arrange the houses on a snowy white table runner with some fairy lights and enjoy looking at the little twinkly town you’ve created together!