Ho ho ho! It is finally the time of the year to celebrate Christmas. 

Christmas is a Christian festival that celebrates the birth of Jesus on the 25th of December. It began with the early Europeans who celebrated light and birth in the darkest days of winter. Many peoples rejoiced during the winter solstice, putting behind the worst of winter and look forwarded to longer days of extended sunlight hours. In the current day and age, it has evolved into a worldwide religious and secular celebration both where Christians and non-Christians carry out customs like exchanging gifts, decorating Christmas trees, attending church, sharing meals with family and friends and waiting for Santa Claus to arrive.

These simple yet creative arts and crafts are the perfect activity to bond with your friends and family! So let's get started and try some out to make your home more festive!

Idea 1 - Santa Claus Down the Chimney 

Of course we need Santa Claus in the house to make it a complete Christmas. All you need is this and you can have a sustainable and fun Santa!

• Red, black, peach, and white paper
• Black pen
• Toilet paper roll
• Glue/tape
• Scissors
• String

Measure the red piece of paper by wrapping around the toilet roll and draw the bricks with a black pen then glue/tape it onto the toilet roll. Next cut out Santa’s legs, feet, hat, face, and mittens glue/tape them all together.

Follow this link for full instructions with pictures: https://www.craftymorning.com/santa-going-toilet-paper-roll-chimney-kids-craft/ 

Idea 2 - Christmas Tree

Another iconic figure of Christmas is the Christmas tree! This is what you need to make a mini version with simple supplies:

• Green Cupcake Wrappers
• Craft Sticks
• Decorations – stars, stickers or any of your choice
• Glue

Fold 3 cupcake wrappers in half twice and glue each section onto the craft stick one at a time. Then decorate it with assortments or anything you would like on your tree!

Check this out for more detailed instructions: https://childhood101.com/preschool-christmas-tree-craft-idea/ 

Idea 4 - Gingerbread House

Building a gingerbread house together with friends and family is the perfect activity for bonding! Follow along:

• Craft sticks 
• Brown craft foam
• Red craft foam
• Glue – Tacky Glue or hot glue
• Christmas candy stickers 
• Pipe cleaners
• A button for the doorknob
• White felt for the window (optional)

Lay the sticks out to create a house shape and trace around them on the craft foam. Cut out a door for the house. Then glue the craft sticks to the edges of the craft foam. Next glue on the roof pieces and the door. For the window, cut a rectangle from white felt. 

Detailed instructions with pictures here: https://frugalfun4boys.com/gingerbread-house-craft/

Hope you found something you would like to make this Christmas. Enjoy and have a holly jolly Christmas!

References

1. https://www.britannica.com/topic/Christmas 
2. https://www.history.com/topics/christmas/history-of-christmas
3. https://www.craftymorning.com/santa-going-toilet-paper-roll-chimney-kids-craft/
4. https://childhood101.com/preschool-christmas-tree-craft-idea/
5. https://www.easypeasyandfun.com/no-sew-sock-snowman-craft/ 
6. https://frugalfun4boys.com/gingerbread-house-craft/