Homemade Christmas Tree Decorations

A Child's Playground

Having your children make your Christmas tree decorations is an excellent way to get into the spirit of the holiday while encouraging your children to develop their creativity. Here are some fun ideas to consider:

• Have your kids make loops of red and green construction paper to use as a tree garland.
• Trace around Christmas cookie cutters to make cutouts of snowmen, Christmas presents, Santa, and other holiday designs. Have the kids color them in with crayons to make ornaments for the tree.
• Twist together red and white chenille stems to make cute candy cane ornaments.
• Use glitter glue to add swirls, words, or fun designs to plain ball ornaments purchased from your local discount store.

Family Fun magazine also has a number of suggestions for Christmas ornaments that kids can make with minimal adult supervision.

Good Enough to Eat

For simple homemade Christmas tree decorations, look no further than your kitchen. For example:

• String a garland made from chocolate covered pretzels, alternating white and dark chocolate for the most interesting appearance.
• Bake gingerbread men, then tie them to your tree with ribbon bows.
• Make a batch of popcorn balls, then wrap them in colorful cellophane to use as handmade Christmas tree ornaments.
• Turn a box of candy canes into festive tree decorations.
• Use toothpicks to press gumdrops into Styrofoam balls, then add ribbon for hanging.
• If you're going to decorate a tree that is outside, use pinecones, peanut butter, and suet to make edible ornaments for the birds.

While you can't actually hang it on your tree, a gingerbread house is also a great decoration to accompany the "good enough to eat" Christmas theme.

Memories of Christmas Past

Photo ornaments make it easy to create a tree that's uniquely you. Recycle unwanted CDs by turning them into customized ornaments for your tree.

Supplies:

• Copies of old photos featuring your favorite Christmas memories
• Christmas themed scrapbook paper or wrapping paper
• Stickers, die cuts, or other related Christmas embellishments
• Ribbon
• Mod Podge
• Foam paintbrush
• Scissors

Instructions:

1. Use the foam paintbrush and Mod Podge to adhere the scrapbook paper or wrapping paper to your CD. Trim with scissors as needed.
2. Add photos.
3. Add stickers or other embellishments if desired.
4. Apply a layer of Mod Podge to seal and protect the ornament.
5. When dry, add a ribbon hanger.

Full of Sparkle

If you love anything that glitters, it's easy to make beaded homemade Christmas tree decorations.

Supplies:

1. Assorted beads in colors to match your Christmas tree
2. Headpins
3. Pliers
4. Ribbon
5. Scissors

Instructions:

1. String beads onto headpins in a pleasing pattern.
2. Use pliers to make a loop at the top of the pin.
3. Thread ribbon through your ornament for hanging.

If you'd like to try making a slightly more complicated ornament for your tree, Better Homes & Gardens has instructions for a beautiful beaded snowflake.

Buying Homemade Christmas Tree Decorations

If you're not crafty, or simply lack the patience to make your own Christmas tree decorations, you can buy handmade ornaments at various craft shows in your community. In most areas, crafters begin selling Christmas ornaments in mid-September.

Another great way to find unique ornaments for your tree is to browse the selection of handmade items on Etsy. This site is a goldmine for interesting and beautiful Christmas décor. Many of the artists will even do custom orders if asked.

Additional LoveToKnow Resources

Check out LoveToKnow Crafts for suggestions on making ornaments, holiday décor, and handmade Christmas gifts.