Making the Holidays Easier

and how to include kids in the fun!

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In the spirit of the season, I’m sharing some favorite handmade holiday decor currently up in our home. We haven’t had Christmas here since 2022 and it’s the first time I actually like our living room. Needless to say, I’ve been having fun. Nothing is ground breaking or novel, but I think it’s helpful to remember the most meaningful + beautiful things often don’t cost a thing!

Almost everything on this list comes from my own childhood memories, which makes them all the more nostalgic.

1. clementines + cloves

First of all, these smell amazinggg. Clara and I made them yesterday and they also turned out to be a fantastic craft for kids. She made her own designs (a heart + a smile with two cloves sticking out for legs) and proudly displayed them in our citrus bowl. The practice of pushing in cloves is also a great fine motor exercise.

2. put a bow on it

Garlands, trees, sconces, mirrors, wine glass stems, candle sticks… in your hair! I found velvet ribbon at Joann’s, but I’ve also used Studio Carta for my business and their color selections are gorgeous.

3. ginger bread cookies as ornaments + decorations

I borrowed this trick from my mom, who borrowed it from Martha way back when. The best part about these, is you can stack and save them to pull out next year and they’ll still smell amazing. I love using silver dragees for some sparkle. And add a couple drops of glycerin to the frosting to make it extra shiny.

ginger bread recipe

frosting recipe

4. cut-out snowflakes

To make this child friendly, use coffee filters! They are much easier to cut.

5. handmade wreath

I learned how to make a wreath several years ago from my friend Kalin and it’s become a favorite holiday tradition! You only need a frame, wire, and greenery. I had foraged sumac for a fall wreath, so just added clippings from our tree and porch garland to finish the rest.

6. paper chain garland

We haven’t made this, but I find it so charming and a fun activity for kids to join. I recently watched the Holiday and Jude Law’s character has it all over his house, which reminded me of it.

7. easy wrapping

Furoshiki is the traditional Japanese art of gift wrapping with a single piece of cloth. A great way to use up scrap fabric and I love how it ends up looking under the tree.

I usually end up wrapping everything in kraft paper because I have it in bulk at my studio - another affordable and beautiful option. Get the kids involved by rolling it out on the floor or table for a wrapping paper craft first! *try carving stamps out of potatoes - triangles for Santa hats and halved potatoes make great snowmen… always a hit for the makers and receivers!

I’d love to hear what your favorite holiday crafts are - please share in the comments!