Fun & Easy Christmas Crafts for the Whole Family

Nothing says Christmas like a pinecone wreath. I've bought many at craft fairs and I've loved every one of them -- until, that is, I realized how easy they were to make myself. There are so many variations of pinecone wreaths that you won't believe how easy it is to make one that's totally unique and original to your own family.

Don't worry if you don't have pinecones handy -- you can easily buy them at a local craft store. Better yet, you can get wonderfully yummy cinnamon scented pine cones at most department stores as Christmas draws near. That gives you best of both worlds -- Christmas crafts with Christmas smell!

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When you're looking for kids Christmas crafts, there are a couple of things to keep in mind. They need to be easy, they need to use inexpensive materials, and they need to result in something the kids can enjoy and be proud of. These fun candy trains fulfill all three requirements. They also make good gifts, and they provide a great opportunity for schoolteachers to talk about recycling.

Depending on the age of the children, you may want to set up some parts of this craft ahead of time. Otherwise, recruit older children to help -- little ones and bigger ones alike love helping with kids Christmas crafts, especially if it gets them out of school or homework.

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Posted by Kris | Permalink

It can be hard to find Christmas crafts for everyone on your list. Either they're too hard for the little ones or too easy for the big ones, or the grown ups aren't really interested... but in the spirit of holiday togetherness, it's a good idea to find at least a few crafts the family can do together.

Christmas crackers are perfect crafts for everyone. They're fun, and you can do them in a variety of styles so everyone from the very young to the very old can participate and make them as intricate as they like. Furthermore, Christmas crackers are a fun tradition, and the commercial ones are expensive and unimpressive. These are more interesting. They also make great holiday gifts.

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Posted by Kris | Permalink

At this time of year, we're all looking for Christmas card ideas. This is especially true if you like to do crafts with younger children. There's nothing quite like a homemade Christmas card to give to Mom or Dad, or to send off to Grandma and Grandpa, or your favorite aunts and uncles.

Unfortunately, while still cute, our very youngest kids tend to make indecipherable cards with scrawls of crayons we have to label as trees and presents. Of course, this type of card has its place. But sometimes you want Christmas card ideas that double as crafts for children of various ages, or you may want something that looks a bit more impressive.

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Posted by Kris | Permalink

Kids of all ages love the traditional Advent calendar. Counting down the days to Christmas is something we all love to do. Adults and kids alike can have a great time making this easy Christmas craft.

There are dozens of options with a simple craft like this. One thing I love to do is have the kids work together to make Advent calendars for one another. In my family, each child takes a special trip to the discount store to buy candies, treats, and tiny toys they think their sibling might like. Then we work together to create calendars for one another and hide the toys inside. It's a tiny gift from brother or sister every day of December.

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Posted by Kris | Permalink