I think the best part of making Christmas decorations with the kids was the memories we made, and each year when we unpack the ornaments, we remember those times together with each treasured creation. Below are 4 fun and easy old fashioned Christmas decorations to make with your family.
One of our traditions during Christmas was to make old fashion handmade ornaments for the tree. We would be so excited to decide on what to make. I found simple projects to make with the kids while listening to Christmas music. We made paper ornaments, clothespin airplanes, and paper chains to name a few.
Popcorn Stringing
If you like strung popcorn, it’s really simple to make. Start with a big bowl of popcorn (unbuttered, of course) and string it piece by piece using a standard sewing needle and thread. Make sure there’s plenty of popcorn for your tree and make one for outside for the birds to eat.
Cranberry Stringing
Much like the popcorn stringing method, many people used to string cranberries using a standard needle and thread. Again, make sure there’s plenty to go around if you’re going to use it as garland. Most importantly, and I know it’s tempting, don’t eat all the decorations. Save some for the Christmas tree.
Paper Chains
One of the greatest memories of decorating for Christmas, as a child, has to be the old fashioned paper chains decorations. I carried on that tradition with my own kids. My son’s birthday was the 22nd. I wanted his birthday to be special. Not just Christmas and Birthday all in one. So we created 25 chains, and he made his own ring, decorating it with crayons for his special day. Then each day he would take off one ring for a countdown to his birthday and Christmas. We all loved that tradition. Now that he’s gone, that memory is a cherished one to me.
Using green and red construction paper, cut horizontal strips of each color. Fold them into a circle and seal with tape. Scotch tape is recommended and, if you use this when your child is young, the smell will always remind them of Christmas. It will likely become “Christmas tape” to them. Once you have a complete circle, take another strip in alternating color and run it through the first circle. Next, fold it around and seal with tape. Complete this step until you have a big strand of paper garland in red and green. You and your child will enjoy doing this together and it will create wonderful memories for you both.
You can get a Paper Chain Printable Here!
Lighted Wreath
If you love the look of a lighted wreath, but don’t quite have a budget for one of the more expensive ones, consider another option. You can purchase a plain green wreath very inexpensively. A small strand of lights can cost anywhere from $1.00 to $3.00. But, put them together and you have the look of a professionally lighted Christmas wreath. For this project, you could use either clear or multi-colored Christmas lights. Simply take the plain green wreath and wrap the lights around in a design similar to the stripes on a candy cane. Once you’ve gone all the way around, tuck the last light into the green of the wreath. Make sure that you place it near an electric outlet because there won’t be a lot of extra cords. Now that you’re ready, plug it in and see your very own design. A red bow is a nice touch, but not necessary. As people drive by, they will see a beautifully lit wreath in your window and they will have no idea that you saved a few bucks by wrapping the lights yourself.
I hope you’ve enjoyed my post on some easy Old fashioned Christmas Decorations To Make. Why not start your own family tradition by creating a paper chain countdown this year.
You might like to read:
Christmas Tree Printable Coloring Pages
