*This is a collaborative post
As a parent, there’s no more magical – or more stressful – time of year than Christmas. So much to do, people to see, not to mention the extortionate costs that seem to rack up!
But the magic of Christmas is not about how much we spend, but who we spend our time with. And what better way to spend quality time with your children than by making Christmassy crafts that capture the festive spirit?
With that in mind, these are just three craft ideas for parents to enjoy with children this Christmas.
1. Miniature Christmas Trees
Tiny homemade Christmas trees can be crafted from just about anything with a little imagination, from kitchen rolls to paper plates.
These disposable creations will keep you and the kids entertained for an afternoon, but if you’d prefer a more elaborate display, crafts using the likes of Ormiston Wire (who have supplied many professional projects) are ideal for handmade pieces you can bring out year after year.
Once you have a structure, your miniature tree is easy to decorate with a little superglue and adornments of your choice.
2. Culinary delights
Without a doubt, food is one of the highlights of the festive season. And all year round, kids love to get messy in the kitchen. Keep it simple with a classic mince pie recipe, and add pastry art or iced tops for an endearing twist if you’re feeling adventurous.
But ’tis the season for sugar galore, so if you’re craving something a little more nutritious or are concerned about what your little ones are eating, there are plenty of healthy snack ideas that are perfectly in keeping with the festive season.
Sliced bananas on a lolly stick can easily be made to look like little snowmen, while Christmas cookie cutters can be repurposed to cut watermelon into fun and festive shapes. And for a savoury surprise, these adorable egg penguins will put a smile on even Scrooge’s face.
3. Gift wrapping
You might love it or hate it, but gift wrapping is another inevitability of the festive season. And while you obviously don’t want your children to see their gifts before they’ve been wrapped (no matter how much they might want to), there’s a lot of joy to be had in sharing the gift-wrapping process with them.
Grandparents, aunts and uncles and family friends are likely to appreciate the personal touch of your child helping to wrap their Christmas presents.
Take your gift-wrapping game to the next level to make your presents instantly Instagrammable – before they’ve even been unwrapped.
Brown paper is a simple solution with a hint of traditionalism, and to add that festive touch, pop a tartan ribbon around the package. If you’re feeling generous, secure a candy cane in the bow and voila – the perfect addition for under the tree.
Alternatively, red wrapping paper with trims of black ribbon, white fluff and some gold buttons will have your gifts looking like Santa himself.
Try these three crafts for a festive afternoon in with the kids, or enjoy them on your own!