Christmas has a funny way of nudging us back to basics. One minute we’re tangled in fairy lights and Pinterest-perfect tree themes, and the next – we’re cross-legged on the living room floor, opening that dusty box of ornaments.

Inside? Treasures. Not the store-bought kind, but home-made macaroni-framed masterpieces from kindergarten. Who can forget those glitter-glued popsicle sticks, cotton-ball snowmen, and salt-dough creations with tiny handprints? Each one tells a story. A lopsided reindeer twisted out of pipe cleaners, egg carton cups festooned into jingle bells, acts as garland around the tree. And at the bottom of the box, still wearing tinsel from yesteryear, the straw angel that somehow survived decades.

Sure, you could always have two trees – one for the picture-perfect display, and one for the sentimental keepsakes. But do you? More often than not, it’s the mismatched, memory-filled ornaments that steal the spotlight. They’re emotional anchors – passed down, proudly displayed, and lovingly remembered year after year. These ornaments are our tiny time capsules, celebrating milestones, preserving family stories, and sparking creativity in ways no store-bought decoration can offer.

Why not make a day of it with your kids and make your own salt dough ornaments

Voilà – instant heirlooms for the tree and a keepsake for you or to give.

This year, let the kids take the lead with a bit of help from parents, grandparents, and anyone else who’s ready to trade perfection for a bit of glitter, glue, and good old-fashioned holiday fun.

Because someday, those handmade ornaments will be the ones you reach for first – the ones that make you laugh, cry, and remember exactly how magical childhood really is.

Recipe adapted from justplayinghouse.com/uncategorized/salt-dough-recipe where you can find the original salt dough instructions and inspiration.

Salt Dough

Ingredients:
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup salt
• Approx. 1/2 cup warm water

Instructions:
Preheat the oven to 200°F. Bake for 2–3 hours, flipping halfway through to ensure even drying. (Or opt for a no-bake version – just air dry for 4–7 days.)
1. Mix flour and salt in a bowl. Slowly add water and stir until a dough forms – like playdough.
2. Knead for 5–10 minutes until smooth.
3. Roll out the dough to about 1/4 inch thick and cut out shapes using cookie cutters or let the kids freestyle with their own designs! Have fun with it: press little hands or feet into the dough, stamp names and the year, or even include Fido in the holiday spirit with a paw print. Just don’t forget to clean those paws afterward!
4. Use a straw to poke a hole for the ribbon to hang from.
5. Bake on a Silpat baking mat or parchment paper.
6. Once dry, decorate with acrylic paint, glitter, and for extra longevity – try some Mod Podge.