Many people celebrate the holiday season, but perhaps no people enjoy this festive time of year as much as young children. Kids’ eager eyes cannot wait to see homes transformed into winter wonderlands, and they anxiously count down the days until they can tear into mountains of presents.

The weeks leading up to the holidays are among the most exciting of the year. When looking to wrangle kids’ nervous holiday season energy, simple crafts are great at keeping little ones busy while parents tackle holiday responsibilities. These crafty projects can serve as new family traditions or a way to increase the number of holiday keepsakes. Here are several holiday craft ideas that the young (and young at heart) can enjoy, courtesy of Good Housekeeping, Women’s Day and Chalk Academy.

Popsicle stick trees

What would a kids’ craft be if it didn’t include popsicle sticks? Cut colourful (or hand painted) popsicle sticks into pieces that gradually get smaller to mimic the triangle taper of a Christmas tree. Glue each cut piece to an intact, vertical popsicle stick, leaving a little space between “boughs.” Attach a star on the top of the tree, and glue on rhinestones or metallic accents for some bling. A loop of ribbon or jute rope is the finishing touch glued on to the top so these adorable trees can be hung on the actual Christmas tree.

Paper plate angels

No tree is complete without a topper, and a smiling angel fits the bill perfectly. Visit a party store to purchase gold or silver paper plates. Also, pick up wooden balls for the face, wood dowels, glue, and ribbon. Pipe cleaners can be bent into a halo, too. Cut a V shape out of what will serve as the top of the angel, and the bottom left and right sides. This will make wing and skirt shapes from the plate. Glue the dowel to the ball and then attach to the back of the cut plate. Add the halo and ribbon around the neck and any other embellishments. You also can draw a face on the wood ball with permanent markers.

Pipe cleaner garland

Kids can make festive garland to hang on the tree with something as simple as pipe cleaners. The pipe cleaners can be bent into circles or other shapes and linked together. Any extras can be turned into bows to use on presents.

Customized Christmas stockings

Kids can personalize their own stocking with some craft supplies. Provide a plain burlap or felt stocking and various decorations, including ribbon, pom poms, trim, cut-outs, stickers, and more. Fabric glue or another sturdy adhesive will keep all the items in place.

Bird feeder wreath

This idea blends crafting, science and a love of nature. Kids can place sliced fruit, berries, small sprigs of rosemary, and nuts into a bundt cake tray filled with water. Freeze the tray overnight. Then release the ice wreath and hang outside to add a festive touch and bring winter wildlife to the yard.
Holiday craft projects are a great way to keep little ones busy while parents tend to holiday planning and other seasonal tasks.

– Metro Creative