Every holiday tradition has a beginning. The Christmas tree originated in Germany. In the 1600s, fir trees were brought inside and decorated with candles, nuts, and dried fruit. Then, the first traditional ball-shaped Christmas ornaments were invented in Germany, created by Hans Greiner in the 1800s. Then, German immigrants brought both the tree and the ornament ideas to America, where F.W. Woolworth ran with it. Flash forward to today, and many people around the world celebrate the holiday season with a festive tree covered with ornaments.
If your tree is looking a little bare this year and you need to fill it up, roll up your sleeves and gather the family. Here are 10 DIY Christmas ornaments to make. Crafting is a great way to bond, and the memories you make will be just as precious as the finished products.
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Salt Dough Ornaments
Salt dough is a convenient way to make Christmas ornaments because you most likely have all the ingredients on hand already. It is also highly customizable. Above all, you and your family get to decide what shapes to make and what colors to paint them. Cassie from Wholefully swears by her tried and true recipe. It’s time to get those creative Christmas crafting juices flowing.
Dried Citrus
This DIY Christmas ornament idea is best for older kids. Oranges are in season from fall to winter. Celebrate citrus by drying some fruit and using the dehydrated creations as decorations. This HGTV tutorial will walk you through the process. You can use a dehydrator (if you have one) or make these ornaments in your oven.
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Pressed Flower Ornaments
This Christmas ornament craft idea helps get your family active and exploring the great outdoors. First, go on a nature walk and collect some treasures. Then follow Little Pine Learner’s tutorial, which will help you memorialize your findings forever. Contact paper is the secret ingredient for success here.
Grinch Ornaments
Dr. Seuss’ classic tale of a grumpy Grinch has been expanding the Christmas spirit since 1957. The author grew the world’s collective hearts, just like he did with his title character. To celebrate love and inclusiveness in all its messy forms, have your family make their own Grinch heart ornaments. Happiness is Homemade will break it all down for you. Sadly, Max the dog is not included in this activity.
A Scribble Christmas Ornament
This one is for all the families with preschoolers who love to draw. Chances are you have tons of pages of scribble drawings. This simple tutorial from C.R.A.F.T. will give you the perfect Christmas-themed way to use them. They also make great gifts for grandparents, aunts, and uncles. It’s amazing what a hole punch can accomplish.
Colorful Plastic Ornament
This homemade Christmas ornament celebrates every color in the rainbow. It utilizes clear plastic ornaments (like the ones found at the dollar store), acrylic paint, and a little effort. Shake it all up for a fun family activity. Thanks to Kaleidoscope Living for this clever idea.
Unicorn Christmas Ornaments
It’s safe to say that unicorns are not the first thing that comes to mind when thinking about Christmas. That being said, both the holiday and the mythical creature are magical, so it works. If you have a tiny human obsessed with the fabled horses, channel that energy into making this wood slice Christmas ornament. Artsy Momma will teach you how. After you’ve finished the craft, the end result is sure to be adorable.
Cinnamon Stick Christmas Tree Ornaments
One of the many awesome aspects of the holiday season is all the good smells. The scent of cinnamon is one of them. For that reason, when you use this spice in stick form, you and your family can create something pretty and pleasing to the nose. It makes the perfect trunk for a tree in this Christmas ornament from Crayons + Cravings.
Pom-Pom Pine Cones
Pine cones serve an important function in the life cycle of a tree: they protect and help spread seeds. Beyond the practical, they are also just pretty to look at and use in decorations. This is why they are the perfect base for a Christmas ornament. Growing Family suggests you add some pom-poms to a pine cone and hang it on your tree.
Gingerbread Man Salt Ornament
Have a child who loves science experiments and the holidays? Little Bins Little Hands has the perfect DIY Christmas ornament for you that also includes a little STEM experiment. This gingerbread man themed activity helps you grow your own salt crystals. While this project takes a couple of days, the finished product will be worth the wait.
