Christmas craft ideas for kids

Christmas, let’s face it, once the offshore relatives arrive and the requisite alcohol and food is wheeled in, Christmas really can become the Silly Season.

We get lost in a whirlwind of family reunions and nostalgic reminiscing and the little ones are left to their own devices. We can ensure the kids are occupied and involved in Christmas activities of their own.

So here are some arty, crafty ways to keep the children busy over the holidays.

One: Make a snowman that doesn’t melt!

Here’s a great way for the kids to make cute little crafty snowmen they can enjoy for Christmas. All you need is some coloured felt or craft paper, buttons, glue, and twine.

Simply cut snowman shapes out of the felt or craft paper, add a black felt top hat and buttons for eyes. Get the kids to draw in any other features they like, punch two holes at the top of your snowman, add the twine and hang it on the tree!

Two: Make customised, homemade Christmas stockings

Okay, maybe a slight overpromise, but the kids will love this one; especially as Santa will leave his pressies in these homemade goodies come Christmas Eve.

And it’s nice and easy. All you need is felt, some frills for the top and a few buttons.

First, help the kids to cut two sock shapes out of the felt. If you’re only planning to stick a Barbie doll in there, make it small; if Santa’s bringing a pedal car, you’re going to need more felt!

Staple the two sock shapes together a couple of centimetres from the sides; do leave the top open! Obvious for you, but not for the kids, so do explain why.

Then finish up the stocking with white trimmings and buttons glued. Finish with a felt loop at the top for hanging.

Three: Make a cool fingerprint Christmas tree ornament

Okay, you’ll need a microwave and salt dough for this one. Using a rolling pin, flatten some salt dough until it’s about 3 cm thick. Then either use a Christmas tree cookie cutter or cut a tree shape by hand.

Make a hole for hanging at the top. Now comes the fun part – get all the family to press their finger into the soft dough in different places to make fingerprints. You can use finger paints for more colour!

Then microwave in 15-second bursts until the dough hardens. Voila! Your own homemade and very personal tree ornament!

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