Introduction to Christmas Paper Crafts
The holiday season always brings a special kind of magic into our homes, and one of my favorite ways to enhance that festive spirit is through DIY Christmas paper crafts with my kids. I’ve found that these simple yet engaging activities not only keep little hands busy during the excitement-filled days leading up to Christmas but also create meaningful memories and decorations that we cherish for years.
When my children were younger, I discovered that paper crafts offer the perfect balance of creativity, skill-building, and holiday fun. They help develop fine motor skills, teach patience, and allow for personal expression—all while creating beautiful decorations for our home. Plus, I love that most of these projects use materials we already have around the house, making them budget-friendly alternatives to store-bought decorations.
Let me share 15 of our family’s favorite Christmas paper crafts for kids that have become beloved traditions in our home. These range from super simple projects perfect for preschoolers to more detailed crafts that will engage older children.
1. Paper Snowflakes
Paper snowflakes remain one of the most magical crafts in our holiday rotation. I still remember the wonder on my daughter’s face the first time she unfolded her creation to reveal a delicate, symmetrical design.
- Start with a square piece of paper (white works best, but colored paper creates beautiful effects too)
- Fold it in half diagonally to form a triangle
- Fold this triangle in half again
- Make cuts along the folded edges (avoid cutting all the way across)
- Carefully unfold to reveal your unique snowflake
Pro Tip: For younger kids, I pre-fold the paper and draw cutting guidelines with a pencil. This helps them create successful snowflakes while still developing their scissor skills. For an extra special touch, spray lightly with adhesive and sprinkle with glitter!
2. Christmas Tree Garland
This cheerful garland has decorated our staircase for several holiday seasons. It’s a project that even my toddler could participate in, and the older kids love customizing their trees.
- Cut several triangular tree shapes from green construction paper
- Let kids decorate each tree with markers, glitter, sequins, or small stickers
- Punch a hole at the top of each tree
- String them together with ribbon or yarn
- Hang across windows, doorways, or along a mantel
Pro Tip: Create a template from cardboard so kids can trace consistent tree shapes. I learned this the hard way after our first attempt resulted in trees of wildly different sizes!
3. Santa Claus Masks
These jolly masks are perfect for holiday role-play and make adorable photo props. My kids love wearing them while we read Christmas stories.
- Cut a paper plate in half
- Paint or color the rounded edge red for Santa’s hat
- Glue cotton balls along the straight edge for the beard
- Add a smaller cotton ball at the tip of the hat
- Draw or glue on eyes above the beard
- Attach a craft stick at the bottom or punch holes on the sides for string
Pro Tip: If you don’t have paper plates, cut a half-circle from cardstock or cardboard. Works just as well!
4. Paper Reindeer
These adorable reindeer have become a staple in our homemade ornament collection. They’re simple enough for preschoolers but can be elaborated on by older children.
- Cut a reindeer head shape from brown construction paper
- Cut two antlers from the same paper
- Glue on googly eyes (or draw them)
- Add a red pom-pom or paper circle for the nose
- Optional: Attach to a clothespin to clip onto the tree
Pro Tip: Use handprints as the base for the reindeer face with fingers as antlers. It creates a personalized keepsake that shows how your child’s hands grow each year.
5. Festive Paper Lanterns
I still remember the first time we made these lanterns—the way my son’s face lit up when we turned off the lights and saw them glowing was priceless.
- Take a rectangular piece of construction paper
- Fold in half lengthwise
- Cut slits from the folded edge, stopping about an inch from the open edge
- Unfold and decorate with markers, stickers, or glitter
- Roll into a cylinder and staple or tape the ends together
- Attach a paper handle across the top
Pro Tip: Place battery-operated tea lights inside for a safe, magical glow. Never use real candles with paper crafts!
6. Christmas Cards
Creating homemade cards has become one of our most meaningful traditions. Grandparents tell me they save these treasures year after year.
- Fold cardstock or construction paper in half
- Let kids decorate with drawings, stickers, or cut-out shapes
- Add glitter, sequins, or small photos
- Write a personal message inside
- Optional: Cut decorative edges with craft scissors
Pro Tip: Keep a box of card-making supplies ready to go during the holiday season. When inspiration strikes, kids can create without waiting for you to gather materials.
7. Paper Angels
These sweet angels make beautiful tree toppers or window decorations. My daughter made one when she was five that still comes out every Christmas.
- Cut a circle from white or gold paper for the head
- Create a cone from paper for the body
- Cut a doily in half and attach to the back for wings
- Draw or glue on a face
- Add a halo made from gold pipe cleaner or paper
Pro Tip: Coffee filters make perfect angel wings and can be colored with watercolors for a beautiful stained-glass effect.
8. Holiday Wreaths
Paper plate wreaths are a classic craft that even my youngest could manage with a little help.
- Cut out the center of a paper plate
- Paint or color the rim green
- Glue on small red paper circles for berries
- Add a paper bow at the bottom
- Attach a ribbon loop for hanging
Pro Tip: For a more textured wreath, cut small squares of green tissue paper, wrap them around the eraser end of a pencil, dip in glue, and attach to the plate rim. This creates a lovely 3D effect.
9. Origami Christmas Ornaments
I introduced simple origami to my kids when they were around seven, and now they create beautiful paper ornaments each year.
- Start with square paper in festive colors
- Follow basic origami patterns for stars, cranes, or simple boxes
- Add string or ribbon for hanging
- Decorate with markers or glitter if desired
Pro Tip: Begin with very simple folds for younger children. I made the mistake of starting with complicated patterns and watching frustration build. Simple stars or boats are perfect for beginners.
10. Paper Candy Canes
These sweet decorations are surprisingly simple and look charming hanging on the tree.
- Cut strips of red and white paper
- Twist them together
- Bend one end to form the candy cane shape
- Secure with glue
- Add a string for hanging
Pro Tip: For a sturdier version, wrap red and white pipe cleaners together instead of paper strips.
11. Paper Christmas Stars
Stars are versatile Christmas paper crafts that can be as simple or complex as your child’s skill level allows.
- Cut star shapes from cardstock or construction paper
- Decorate with glitter, markers, or metallic pens
- Punch a hole for hanging
- For 3D stars, make multiple stars and fold them slightly at the center before gluing together
Pro Tip: Use old Christmas cards to cut out stars—they already have beautiful patterns and are slightly sturdier than regular paper.
12. Gingerbread House Cutouts
When my son wanted to make a gingerbread house but had food allergies, we created this paper version that lasted much longer than the edible kind!
- Cut house shapes from brown construction paper
- Cut doors, windows, and roof details
- Decorate with white paper “icing” and colorful paper “candies”
- Glue onto a larger piece of paper for a background scene
Pro Tip: Create a whole gingerbread village by making houses of different sizes. My kids love creating characters and stories around their paper neighborhood.
13. Paper Mistletoe
This sweet decoration brings holiday charm to doorways without the worry of real mistletoe berries around small children.
- Cut leaf shapes from green paper
- Arrange in a circular pattern and glue together
- Add red paper circles for berries
- Attach a ribbon for hanging
Pro Tip: Trace your child’s hand on green paper and cut out several to arrange in a circle for a personalized mistletoe made from their handprints.
14. Christmas Gift Tags
Handmade gift tags add a special touch to presents and are a perfect small project when you have just a few minutes.
- Cut small rectangles or festive shapes from cardstock
- Decorate with holiday stickers, drawings, or stamps
- Punch a hole in one corner
- Thread with ribbon or string
Pro Tip: Save parts of last year’s Christmas cards to upcycle into this year’s gift tags. The illustrations are already beautiful and it reduces waste.
15. Advent Calendar
This project takes a bit more preparation but creates a treasured family tradition.
- Create 24 small paper pockets or envelopes
- Number each one from 1 to 24
- Decorate with holiday motifs
- Arrange on a poster board or string them together
- Fill with small treats, notes, or activity suggestions
Pro Tip: Instead of candy, fill some pockets with slips of paper suggesting family activities like “read a Christmas story together” or “drive to see holiday lights.” These create meaningful moments throughout the season.
Frequently Asked Questions
What age group is suitable for these Christmas paper crafts?
Most of these crafts can be adapted for children ages 3 and up. Younger children will need more assistance with cutting and folding, while older kids can handle more complex versions. I’ve found that even teenagers enjoy these projects when they’re allowed to add their own creative spin!
What materials are needed for these paper crafts?
The basic supplies include construction paper, scissors, glue sticks, markers, and tape. Additional helpful items are glitter, sequins, cotton balls, pipe cleaners, and ribbon. I keep a dedicated “Christmas craft box” that I add to throughout the year when I find supplies on sale.
Can these crafts be done with recycled paper?
Absolutely! We regularly use old greeting cards, wrapping paper, magazines, and even cereal boxes for our crafts. It’s a wonderful way to teach sustainability while crafting. Just be aware that some recycled papers may be harder to fold precisely for projects like origami.
How can I make these crafts more challenging for older kids?
For older children, introduce more detailed cutting, precise measurements, or multiple-step projects. My 12-year-old loves creating 3D paper sculptures and incorporating LED lights into lanterns and houses. You can also challenge them to design their own variations or combine multiple techniques.
Are there any safety tips for crafting with kids?
Always supervise young children when using scissors. For very young crafters, pre-cut materials or use safety scissors. Keep small items like sequins away from toddlers who might put them in their mouths. Use non-toxic glue and markers, and cover your work surface with newspaper or a plastic tablecloth for easier cleanup.
