Christmas Tree Crafts for Kids

Deck the Halls with Fun! Craft a Merry Christmas with Your Kids

There's something truly magical about Christmas. The twinkle lights, the delicious treats, and the joy of giving all come together to create a season unlike any other. But perhaps the most heartwarming part of the holidays is spending quality time with loved ones.

This year, why not make some of that quality time extra creative? Crafting with your kids is a fantastic way to embrace the festive spirit and build lasting memories together. Here are just a few reasons to get crafty this Christmas:

• Spark Creativity and Imagination: Crafting allows kids to explore their creativity and problem-solving skills. As they cut, glue, and assemble, their imaginations take flight!
• Boost Fine Motor Skills: Many Christmas crafts involve activities like tearing paper, threading beads, and using scissors. These motions help develop the small muscles in their hands and wrists, which are important for tasks like writing and dressing.
• Build Confidence: When kids complete a craft project, they get a huge sense of accomplishment. Seeing their creation come to life builds their confidence and self-esteem.
• Bonding Time: Crafting provides a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere for parents and kids to connect. It's a chance to chat, laugh, and work together on a fun project.
• Personalized Decorations: There's nothing more special than a homemade Christmas decoration. These one-of-a-kind ornaments will be cherished for years to come, and become treasured keepsakes.

Here are some ideas for crafting with the kids. Click thru the links to view the full tutorials.

Pretzel Christmas Trees by Oh My Creative

Salt Dough Christmas Tree Ornaments by Messy Little Monster

3D Paper Trees by The Printables Fairy

Christmas Tree Lacing by Little Bins for Little Hands

Tissue Paper Trees by DIY and Fun

Sequin Trees by Sum of Their Stories

Pointillism Trees by Coffee and Carpool

Pasta Trees by Mimosas and Motherhood

Paper Bag Christmas Trees by Simple Everyday Mom

Cardboard Christmas Trees by Kids Activities Blog

Process Art Christmas Trees by Sweet Silly Sara

Paper Plate Christmas Trees by Red Ted Art

Christmas Tree Bookmarks by My Joy Filled Life

Christmas Tree Cones by Mom Brite

Edible Christmas Trees by Our Wabi Sabi Life 

Crafting for All Ages!

The beauty of Christmas crafts is that there's something for everyone. Here's a sneak peek at some fun ideas suitable for a variety of ages:

• For Toddlers: Little ones will love exploring textures and colors with handprint ornaments, play dough creations, or simple collages.
• For Preschoolers: Preschoolers can get creative with yarn wrapping, decorating pre-cut paper ornaments, or making their own construction paper Christmas trees.
• For School-Aged Kids: Older kids can tackle more intricate crafts like pipe cleaner snowflakes, Popsicle stick reindeer, or decorating their own miniature Christmas trees.

So gather your supplies, grab your little elves, and get ready to craft a Christmas season to remember!

In the upcoming posts of this blog series, we'll be sharing a variety of fun and festive Christmas crafts that you can make with your kids. Stay tuned!

In the meantime, here are some additional tips for a successful crafting session:

• Set Up a Crafting Station: Designate a space for crafting that's well-ventilated and easy to clean up.
• Gather Your Supplies: Make sure you have everything you need before you start, so your little ones don't get frustrated.
• Lay Down the Ground Rules: Set some basic expectations for handling materials and cleaning up.
• Embrace the Mess: Crafting can get a little messy, so relax and have fun!
• Most Importantly, Have Fun! This is a time to bond with your kids and create lasting memories. So crank up the Christmas tunes, sip on some hot cocoa, and get ready to craft a magical Christmas together!

Find some of our favorite Christmas crafts here:

Easy Craft Stick and Ribbon Tree Ornaments

Design Your Own Play Doh Ornaments

Mickey Mouse Bell Ornaments

Christmas Crafts for Kids

 

Crafting Cheer: Fun and Festive Activities for Kids this Holiday Season

The holidays are a time for joy, family, and creating lasting memories. And what better way to embrace the spirit of the season than with some fun and festive crafting with your kids? Crafting with little ones is a wonderful way to:

• Bond and Connect: Spending quality time together creating something special is a heartwarming experience for both parents and children.
• Boost Creativity: Crafts allow kids to explore their imaginations and develop their artistic skills.
• Make Memories: These homemade decorations and gifts will be cherished for years to come, bringing back fond memories of the holidays whenever they're seen.
• Spread Holiday Cheer: Handmade ornaments and cards can be used to decorate your home or gifted to loved ones, adding a personalized touch to the season.

Water Bottle Christmas Bowling Game by Sustain My Craft Habit

Accordion Folded Trees by A Little Pinch of Perfect

Clay Pot Reindeer by Julie Measures

Yarn Wrapped Trees by Made with Happy

Easy Rudolph Craft by Glue Sticks and Gumdrops

Clothespin Reindeer Ornaments by Fun Money Mom

Printable Christmas Puppets by The Printables Fairy

Paper Straw Christmas Tree Cards by Honey and Lime

Paper Plate Christmas Trees by Mama of Minis

Handprint Reindeer by Little Ladoo

Pasta Angel Ornaments by The Keel Deal

Air Dry Clay Ornaments by Mimosas and Motherhood

Santa S’more Ornaments by Whispered Inspirations

Play Doh Ornaments by Sweet Silly Sara

Paper Straw Christmas Tree Ornaments by Made in a Pinch

Crafting for All Ages:

The beauty of holiday crafts is that there's something for everyone, regardless of age or skill level. Here are some ideas to get you started:

• For the Littlest Crafters: Even toddlers can get in on the fun with simple activities like handprint ornaments, decorating pre-cut felt shapes, or sorting colorful pasta for ornaments.
• Preschool Powerhouses: Preschoolers will enjoy creating collages with construction paper and glitter, decorating cookies, or making pipe cleaner candy canes.
• School-Age Fun: School-aged children can tackle more intricate projects like decorating mugs with paint pens, crafting paper snowflakes, or constructing gingerbread houses.

Tips for a Successful Craft Session:

• Set the Mood: Put on some festive music, light some holiday candles, and wear Santa hats for some extra cheer!
• Gather Your Supplies: Make sure you have everything you need before you start to avoid any meltdowns.
• Embrace the Mess: Holidays are about making memories, not creating a Pinterest-perfect craft session. Lay down some newspaper or a tablecloth to protect surfaces and let the creativity flow!
• Keep it Age-Appropriate: Choose projects that are suited to your child's skill level to avoid frustration.
• Focus on Fun: The most important thing is to have fun and enjoy the time spent together creating something special.

Get Ready to Craft!

Stay tuned for our upcoming craft tutorials, where we'll provide step-by-step instructions for a variety of engaging and festive Christmas crafts that you and your kids can create together. From adorable ornaments to delightful decorations, we have something for everyone to make this holiday season merry and bright!

Find more favorite Christmas crafts here:

Christmas Gnome Ornaments

Rudolph Ornaments

Mickey Mouse Bell Ornaments

Mickey Mouse Gift Tag Ornaments

10 Things That Make Pigeon Forge the Ideal Vacation Spot for Families

 

Pigeon Forge is more than just a town; it's a gateway to creating beautiful family memories. Located near the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, this vibrant town offers a unique combination of natural beauty and family-friendly entertainment. From thrilling theme parks to tranquil nature trails, Pigeon Forge provides a diverse range of experiences that are both fun and affordable for families looking to spend quality time together.

Planning and Budgeting for Your Trip

A successful family trip to Pigeon Forge starts with smart planning and budgeting. Fortunately, this destination offers options for every budget. Families can save by visiting free attractions like the Patriot Park or enjoy discounted rates at many attractions with combo tickets. Planning ahead for meals, setting a souvenir budget, and looking for package deals on attractions can help families manage expenses without missing out on the fun. The key is to balance paid activities with the abundance of natural beauty and free entertainment options the area offers.

Accommodation Options

Finding the right place to stay is crucial for a family vacation, and Aunt Bug's Cabin Rentals offers a delightful solution. These cabins provide a cozy, home-like atmosphere that is ideal for families. A key highlight is their location, as they are among the cabins near Dollywood, providing easy access to many of Pigeon Forge's popular attractions. The cabins come in various sizes, ensuring that whether you have a small family or a large one, there's a perfect fit for you. With amenities like fully equipped kitchens, hot tubs, and scenic mountain views, these cabins offer a comfortable and memorable stay. The relaxing surroundings not only offer a peaceful retreat but also keep you close to the bustling activities of Pigeon Forge.

Family-Friendly Attractions

Pigeon Forge is a treasure trove of attractions that are sure to delight every member of the family. The star attraction, Dollywood, is a must-visit for its thrilling rides, entertaining shows, and insight into the local culture. The Island in Pigeon Forge is another popular spot, offering a mix of shops, restaurants, and amusement rides, including the Great Smoky Mountain Wheel, which offers stunning views. For a more educational experience, the Titanic Museum offers an interactive way to learn about history. These attractions, combined with numerous others, ensure that every day in Pigeon Forge is filled with new and exciting adventures for the entire family.

Outdoor Adventures

Pigeon Forge is a haven for those who love the great outdoors. The nearby Great Smoky Mountains National Park offers endless opportunities for exploration. Families can embark on hiking trails of varying difficulty levels, suitable for all ages. These trails often lead to breathtaking waterfalls and offer glimpses of wildlife. For a bit of thrill, consider a family-friendly zip-lining adventure or a horseback ride through scenic trails. These activities not only bring fun but also offer a unique way to connect with nature and each other.

Educational Opportunities

The town is not just about thrill and adventure; it also offers a range of educational experiences. The Titanic Museum, for instance, provides a fascinating journey into the past, where families can learn about the historic ship and its passengers. Another great spot is WonderWorks, an amusement park for the mind, blending education and entertainment through interactive exhibits. These experiences offer valuable learning opportunities while keeping the fun and engagement levels high, perfect for curious minds of all ages.

Dining and Cuisine

No family vacation is complete without good food, and Pigeon Forge delivers on this front. The town boasts a variety of dining options that cater to all tastes and diets. From classic American diners serving burgers and fries to local barbecue joints offering Southern specialties, there's something for everyone. Many restaurants in Pigeon Forge are family-friendly, providing relaxed atmospheres and menus that appeal to both kids and adults. Exploring the local cuisine is not just about eating; it's about experiencing the culture and warmth of this welcoming town.

Local Culture and Heritage

Pigeon Forge is steeped in rich Appalachian culture and heritage. Families can experience this first-hand by visiting local craft shops, watching live bluegrass music performances, or attending cultural festivals. The town's history is showcased in various attractions and museums, providing insight into the region's past and its people. These cultural experiences offer a deeper understanding of the area and enrich the vacation experience, making it about more than just fun and relaxation.

Seasonal Events and Festivals

Throughout the year, Pigeon Forge hosts a variety of events and festivals that are perfect for families. These range from the springtime Wildflower Pilgrimage to the fall’s Harvest Festival and winter’s enchanting Christmas celebrations. Each event is unique, offering activities and experiences that reflect the season's spirit. These festivals are a great way to immerse in the local community, enjoy seasonal decorations, and participate in special activities that aren't available year-round.

Fun for All Ages

Pigeon Forge is welcoming to visitors of all ages, including the very young and the elderly. The town's attractions, such as miniature golf courses, go-kart tracks, and interactive museums, offer enjoyable experiences for all age groups. Facilities like wide, stroller-friendly walkways and senior-friendly seating areas make it comfortable for every family member to enjoy their time. This inclusivity ensures that no one feels left out, making the vacation enjoyable for everyone.

Shopping and Souvenirs

For families who enjoy shopping, Pigeon Forge won't disappoint. The town boasts a variety of shops ranging from local crafts to popular brand outlets. You can find unique souvenirs and artisan crafts and even indulge in some fashion shopping. Exploring the shops is a delightful experience in itself, as many stores offer a glimpse into local artistry and culture. Shopping in Pigeon Forge can be a leisurely, enjoyable family activity, offering something special for everyone to bring home as a memento.

Wrapping Up

Pigeon Forge is a destination that truly offers something for every family member. Its combination of natural beauty, exciting attractions, educational experiences, delicious cuisine, rich culture, and festive events makes it an ideal spot for a family vacation. Whether you’re seeking adventure or just looking to relax and enjoy some quality time together, Pigeon Forge provides an array of options to create lasting memories. It’s a place where each visit can be a new experience, yet it always feels like coming home.

Christmas Tree Process Art

 This is such a fun way for kids to paint, without using any brushes! It creates a lovely work of art that adds just the right touch of kid made cheer to your space!

My youngest and I love to paint together. We are always thinking of things to paint, without turning to a paint brush. We came up with this adorable process art using only a cork, a pencil eraser, and some paint. This is the perfect seasonal art project for kids.

Supplies:

Paint in green, red, yellow and brown

A pencil with an eraser

A paper plate

A cork

Paper

Directions:

Pour a little squirt of each color of paint on a paper plate.

Offer your child a pencil with an eraser and a cork.

Encourage your child to form the tree shape by stamping in the green paint, then adding one stamp to the paper.

On the next line, make two stamps.

On the third line, stamp 3 times. You get the idea.

After the tree is formed, using the eraser, dip into the other colors of paint, and start decorating the tree.

                     Use whatever colors you like for the ornaments. We used red, blue and yellow.

                                          Next form the tree trunk with brown paint.

                                         Allow to dry and display.

Isn't this such a cute holiday process art idea? Preschoolers and toddlers might enjoy this too!

You can find all of our Christmas crafts here.

Reader favorites include:

Gnome ornaments

14 Christmas Casseroles for Breakfast

Are you looking for a way to make Christmas breakfast amazing without spending much time in the kitchen? This list has 14+ breakfast casseroles that will make the holiday morning deliciously satisfying!

From casseroles loaded with sausage to hearty casseroles that are straight from the Amish country. This collection has some really decadent ideas for you!  I can't wait to hear which is your favorite!

As you might have figured out already, I am all about the Christmas holidays! I drive my family a little nutty with my enthusiasm for the holidays. I begin building steam in September and am elbows deep in crafting, cooking and wrapping by the weekend after Thanksgiving.

I guess you could consider this your one stop shop for crafty ideas, easy foods and great gifts. Well, enough about my holiday obsession and let's get on to these recipes! Be sure to click thru the link to visit the recipes.

Sausage Apricot Breakfast Casserole by Dukes and Duchesses

Breakfast Burrito Casserole by Homemade Interest

Easy Overnight Egg Bake by Foodal

Overnight Cinnamon Roll Casserole by The Kitchen is my Playground

Sausage Breakfast Casserole by Meaningful Mama

Farmers Market Breakfast Casserole by Two Healthy Kitchens

Cinnamon Roll Casserole by Cook Eat Go

Mediterranean Brunch Bake by Simply Stacie

Potato Breakfast Bake by That Guy Who Grills

Easy Egg Casserole by Mama Loves Food

Cowboy Christmas Casserole by Platter Talk

Eggs Benedict Casserole by Centsless Meals

Crockpot Breakfast Casserole by Spend with Pennies

Amish Breakfast Casserole by Ally's Sweet and Savory Eats

Find all of my holiday crafts here

Design Your Own Holiday Elf Printable

 I have a free printable for you today! This FREE Design Your Own Holiday Elf is so fun for kids and adults! You can color and decorate it however you like, and don't forget to give your elf a face!

I made this for my kids to welcome our Elf on the Shelf, Johnny. It turned out so cute that I wanted to share it with you. Print as many as you like. Share them with a friend, or a teacher for a FREE holiday themed activity that kids of all ages, including my 45 year old husband, are sure to enjoy!

I am already planning ahead that next year, if the kids are back in school normally, we will print these and gift them to the class with a box of crayons.

Make sure you pin this for later, so you can pull it out again next year too!

          You can print this free printable Design Your Own Elf Printable Here.

You can find all of my Christmas Crafts here

You can check out all of my gift guides for to simplify your shopping.

From my family to yours, Happy Holidays!

Gift Ideas for Pets and Pet People

Don't forget about the pets this holiday season! Don't get caught without a gift for your furry little best friend this year! Get a gift that is good for your pet and keep them at their best, all season long! I hope these gift suggestions help you to have a fuss free shopping experience. I included a few gift options for pet people too! You know we all have a crazy cat or dog lady in the family!

Samples were provided for original photos.

For more pet gift ideas check out this Ultimate Gift Guide for Pet Lovers

Probiora Pet makes a must have product for anyone that loves a pet with smelly breath. I love my pets, but let me tell you, my beagle dog has some dank breath! Probiora Pet Oral Care Supplements really help make his breath smell nicer and are easy to give without a fuss. Order online for $18 or save with a subscription.

Portland Pet makes pouches of food and treats that my dogs went wild for. Scout loved the Bacon Brew Biscuits while Enos was all about the Pumpkin biscuits.  This is a really good quality of food for dogs. Order online for happy pooches. Biscuit treats are about $10 a bag.

We can't forget about the cats this year, so why not order a box of Skoon cat litter and give the kitties some really good litter, and the box it came in as a bonus, because we all know that is what they want anyhow. A really good box. Skoon is light but absorbent and really keeps odors at bay. Get it for about $25 a delivery.

 

My best furry friend Scout is a rescue, and that is some kind of dog magic! I love to encourage other people to rescue, so this is the perfect shirt for holiday gifting. The rescue dog will love to see you display your paw, and you can spread the word about adopting! Get this shirt, or a really cute breed specific, non rescue shirt from Fur and Collar for about $20.

What could be better for a dog loving person at the holidays than a Designated Dog shirt? These comfy shirts feature too cute driving dogs. Each purchase helps dog organizations too! So this makes for an all around feel good gift. Order online where you can get a hat and tshirt bundle for $25.

Native Pet makes supplements that are great for dogs, like this Pumpkin Powder for healthy stool. I know it doesn't sound super holiday-ish, but when the dog feels good, you can feel good too! Order online for about $20 a can.

Native Pet also makes treats, and let me tell you, both of my dogs will drop everything for a Yak Chew. These are long lasting, even for my serious chewers. Get these for about $15 for 3 treats. Your dogs will love them!

Keep your dogs breath fresh and the teeth clean with this handy Natural Dog Treats dental care set for dogs. It has a brush, brush cleaner and some meat flavored toothpaste that my dogs liked! Order it for about $25 a set for healthy teeth and fresh breath.

Top the dogs food with some healthy and tasty bone broth. Brutus bone broth is perfect for senior dogs as it gives hip and joint support. The treats are a big hit with my boys too. Both the broth and the treats start at $8. 

 

Give a pet person peace of mind about pets on the furniture with the Alpha Pet Flex Couch Cover. This is soft, easy to clean and keeps furniture free of scratches and damage from nails. Get it from amazon for about $60.

Homes with cats will love this DIY Cat Toy kit from Supakit. You can make some adorable catnip infused toys that kitties of all ages will want to play around with. This is a must get kit for the holidays. Order it for about $25.

I hope these suggestions help you find a tail wagging gift for your pets this holiday season.

While you are here, why not check out my Christmas crafts?