7 Old-School Christmas Crafts That Are Still So Much Fun To Make

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas everywhere you go. But if it doesn't quite look Christmassy enough in your house just yet, don't worry. There are tons of crafts you can make that will have you hearing sleigh bells in no time.

What's that, you say? You don't have the time and energy for crafts? We hear ya. But not all crafting has to be super complex. If you're just checking out Pinterest, that might be the case. However, there are tons of old-school crafts that hold up year after year.

No — you don't need to lose your sanity creating the most detailed and clever Christmas items with buttons and peppermint sticks and a partridge in a pear tree! You can really get by with a glue stick and a couple of paper plates. Probably some cotton balls, too.

Here are seven Christmas crafts that are about to give you major kindergarten flashbacks.

1. Cotton Ball Snow People

Do-it-yourself felt snowman kit
iStock

Do you want to build a snowman? Well, it doesn't have to take that much energy. That is, when you make one out of construction paper and cotton balls, at least. Kids will love the freedom that comes with gluing together three round circles of white paper and decorating them however they want. They can add hats or scarves or big silly smiles. But the best part is gluing on all the cotton balls. It's fun for kids of all ages because it's simple but easy to get creative with, too.

2. Snowflakes

Siblings in red and green make Christmas snowflakes.
iStock

We're always dreaming of a white Christmas. That means that snowflakes just make the holiday season so much more special. Crafting snowflakes requires only construction paper and a pair of scissors. And there's really no rulebook. Fold the paper any which way, and cut out shapes, big or small. It really doesn't matter, because just like kids, every snowflake is different. They also make great decorations.

3. A Red-and-White Garland Chain

Garland of colorful paper, festive background. Self-made rings from white, red, yellow and green paper.
istock

Making garlands sounds tough. I mean, if you're going to use dried fruits and things of that nature, well, maybe. But construction paper is all you need for this one. All you have to do is cut strips of white and red paper. Turn the first one into a circle, then weave your next paper strip through the center and glue it to hold it in place. Keep adding paper strips, and watch your garland chain grow with ease! Of course, you can use other colors besides red and white, but that's definitely the most Christmassy!

4. Snowy Pine Cone Ornaments

Pine cones come in handy this time of year. There are just so many fun crafts you can make with them. This one is as simple as painting your pine cone white and attaching a string for a lovely little ornament! Of course, there are tons of variations you can try, which is part of what makes this simple craft fun.

5. Pine Cone Christmas Trees

You can also make pine cone trees! These ones require a teeny bit more effort, especially if you're going to add some snowy branches. First, paint the entire pine cone green, allow to dry, then add touches of white to the tips. You can jazz up your Christmas tree with sparkles, yarn, buttons, or whatever else you think looks festive!

6. Toilet Paper Roll Reindeer

Making toilet paper roll reindeer is a craft that you pretty much can't do wrong. It requires paint, some googly eyes, and some pipe cleaners for antlers. It's quick and easy, meaning you can definitely pull off making eight. Oh, and don't forget Rudolph.

7. A Gingerbread House

Unless you make one straight out of the box (no judgment!), a gingerbread house is going to require some adult supervision. At least when it comes to baking the gingerbread. But after that, kids can have a free-for-all decorating. Making a gingerbread house is still one of the most fun, creative, and delicious crafts to make, no matter the year.