Holiday crafts are a fun way to engage kids while creating keepsakes and decorations for the season. Crafting can also teach kids new skills, encourage creativity, and create memories that families cherish for years. For busy parents, finding time to plan and execute these projects can feel overwhelming. That’s where MBF Sitters come in. With their support, crafting becomes a fun and stress-free activity that everyone can enjoy.
In this post, we’ll explore several holiday-themed crafts that MBF Sitters can lead with kids. From simple ornaments to DIY wreaths, these ideas make the holidays even more special.
1. Handprint Ornaments
Handprint ornaments are a classic holiday craft. They’re simple to make and create lasting memories.What You Need:
- Air-dry clay or salt dough
- Rolling pin
- Cookie cutters
- Paint
- Ribbon or string
Steps:
1. Roll out the clay or dough to a smooth, even thickness. 2. Help children press their hands gently into the material to leave an imprint. 3. Use cookie cutters to create shapes around the handprint, such as stars or circles. 4. Poke a small hole at the top for a ribbon and let it dry. 5. Once dry, kids can paint their ornaments and thread the ribbon through the hole. MBF Sitters guide children through the steps, ensuring safety and assisting with cleanup. They can also turn this into a teaching moment, discussing how clay dries or why certain paints work best.2. Pinecone Snowmen
Using natural materials like pinecones is a fun way to connect with the outdoors while crafting.What You Need:
- Pinecones
- Cotton balls or white paint
- Small twigs
- Buttons
- Glue
- Construction paper
Steps:
1.Paint the pinecones white or stuff them with cotton to create a snow-covered look. 2.Attach small twigs as arms using glue. 3.Decorate with buttons and a small paper hat.3. DIY Wreaths
Making wreaths is a festive way to decorate the home while involving kids in holiday preparations.What You Need:
- A foam or cardboard circle for the base
- Ribbon, tinsel, or greenery
- Glue or tape
- Optional decorations: pinecones, small ornaments, bows
Steps:
1. Cover the base with ribbon, greenery, or tinsel, securing it with glue or tape. 2. Let kids add decorations to personalize the wreath. 3. Attach a loop of ribbon to hang the wreath. This craft allows children to explore patterns and design, and MBF Sitters ensure they work safely with the materials.4. Paper Snowflakes
Paper snowflakes are an easy, timeless craft that works for kids of all ages.What You Need:
- Paper
- Scissors
Steps:
1.Fold a piece of paper into a triangle. 2.Fold it again to make it smaller. 3.Cut small shapes along the edges, then unfold the paper to reveal a snowflake.5. Gratitude Jars
The holiday season is a great time to teach kids about thankfulness. A gratitude jar combines crafting with reflection.
What You Need:
- A jar or container
- Paper and pens
- Stickers or markers for decoration
Steps:
1. Decorate the jar with stickers, ribbons, or markers.
2. Cut paper into small slips for writing.
3. Encourage kids to write or draw things they’re thankful for and place them in the jar.
MBF Sitters can turn this into a daily activity, helping kids reflect on positive moments throughout the holiday season.
6. Recycled Card Garland
This craft repurposes old holiday cards into festive decorations.What You Need:
- Old holiday cards
- Scissors
- Hole punch
- String or ribbon
Steps:
1. Cut holiday cards into festive shapes like stars or bells.
2. Punch a hole at the top of each shape.
3. String the shapes together to create a garland.
MBF Sitters teach kids about recycling while creating a colorful decoration for the home.
7. Cinnamon Stick Ornaments
Cinnamon stick ornaments add a holiday aroma to your home.What You Need:
- Cinnamon sticks
- Cinnamon sticks
- Glue
- Small decorations like beads or dried orange slices
Steps:
1. Bundle three cinnamon sticks together and tie them with a ribbon.
2. Add small decorations using glue.
3. Create a loop with ribbon for hanging.
MBF Sitters can explain how cinnamon is used in cooking and crafts, adding an educational element to the activity.
8. Felt Stockings
Personalized stockings are a fun craft that kids can use for years.
What You Need:
- Felt fabric
- Glue or thread and needle
- Scissors
- Decorations like sequins or markers
Steps:
1. Cut two stocking shapes from the felt.
2. Glue or sew the edges together, leaving the top open.
3. Decorate with names, sequins, or drawings.
Sitters help younger children with cutting and gluing while encouraging older kids to sew if they’re ready for the challenge.
9. Mason Jar Lanterns
Mason jar lanterns make for cozy, festive decorations.What You Need:
- Mason jars
- Tissue paper
- Glue
- Battery-operated tea lights
Steps:
1. Tear tissue paper into small pieces.
2. Glue the tissue paper onto the outside of the jar.
3. Place a tea light inside the jar.
10. Holiday Cards
Homemade cards add a personal touch to holiday greetings.What You Need:
- Blank cards or paper
- Markers, crayons, or paint
- Stickers or stamps
Steps:
1. Fold paper into card shapes.
2. Let kids draw or write messages.
3. Add decorations to make the cards special.
MBF Sitters encourage children to think about the recipients and what makes them unique, fostering thoughtfulness and kindness.
Crafting with MBF Sitters
MBF Sitters not only assist with crafting but also make the experience smooth and enjoyable. They help with preparation, ensure safety, and handle cleanup, giving parents the freedom to relax or join in without stress. Their presence turns crafting into an opportunity for fun and learning.
This holiday season, let MBF Sitters bring crafting into your home. The projects are more than just activities—they’re a way to connect, create, and celebrate the season.