One of my favorite things about Christmas as a mom is watching my kids’ eyes light up with joy—not just because of the presents or lights, but when they start to understand the incredible story of Jesus’ birth. Crafting together is such a sweet way to make those moments happen. Christmas crafts for kids are hands-on, fun, and a chance to point their little hearts toward the real reason we celebrate.
Whether you’re sitting at the kitchen table with your kids or leading a group in kids’ ministry, these Christmas crafts for kids are a perfect way to share Jesus’ story in a way they’ll always remember.
1. Nativity Scene Popsicle Stick Craft
This one is a classic. Even my youngest loves helping glue popsicle sticks together to create a manger. We add little scraps of fabric to dress Mary and Joseph, and it’s such a simple yet beautiful reminder of the humble way Jesus entered the world.
- What You’ll Need: Popsicle sticks, glue, markers, fabric scraps, and construction paper.
- Faith Connection: Talk with your kids about how God chose to send His Son into such a simple setting, showing us that His love isn’t about riches or status—it’s for everyone.
2. Handprint Angel Ornaments
If you have younger kids, you’ll love this one! We trace their hands, cut them out, and turn them into angel wings. Add glitter (because, let’s face it, every craft is better with glitter), and you’ve got a keepsake ornament.
- What You’ll Need: White paper, glitter, markers, and ribbon.
- Faith Connection: Share how the angels announced Jesus’ birth to the shepherds, showing that His arrival was worth celebrating.
3. Shine Bright Candle Jars
Older kids love this craft because they get to use glass jars and tissue paper to make a candle holder. We pop a little LED candle inside, and voila! A glowing reminder that Jesus is the Light of the World.
- What You’ll Need: Glass jars, tissue paper, glue, and LED candles.
- Faith Connection: Talk about how Jesus brings light to the darkest parts of our lives and how we can share that light with others.
4. Paper Plate Star of Bethlehem
This is a go-to for little ones! A paper plate, some paint, and glitter, and they’ve got a star to hang on the tree or in their room.
- What You’ll Need: Paper plates, yellow paint, glitter, and string.
- Faith Connection: The star led the wise men to Jesus. I love asking my kids how they can be a “star” that points their friends and family to Him.
5. Baby Jesus in a Manger
This one is super simple and so sweet. Preschoolers love gluing little pieces of yarn (aka “hay”) onto cardboard to make a manger. We place a small paper “baby Jesus” inside, and it’s a beautiful visual of His humble beginnings.
- What You’ll Need: Cardboard, yarn or paper, and a small doll or paper cutout for Jesus.
- Faith Connection: Remind your kids how much love it took for Jesus to leave heaven and come to earth for us.
6. Christmas Story Picture Frame
We love making picture frames that hold a verse from the Christmas story or a drawing of the nativity. It’s such a special way to keep God’s Word front and center during the holidays.
- What You’ll Need: Wooden frames, paint, stickers, and printed verses or nativity pictures.
- Faith Connection: We use Luke 2:11, which says, “For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord.” It’s a powerful reminder of what Christmas is all about.
7. Shepherd Staff Candy Canes
This one’s quick and easy but packs a lot of meaning. We tie ribbons around candy canes and write little notes about Jesus being our Good Shepherd.
- What You’ll Need: Candy canes, ribbon, and paper for notes.
- Faith Connection: Use the candy cane as a visual to explain how Jesus takes care of us like a shepherd with His sheep.
8. Mini Advent Wreaths
This one’s a bit more advanced, but older kids will love crafting their own mini-Advent wreath. It’s a great way to teach about the hope, peace, joy, and love that Jesus brings.
- What You’ll Need: Foam rings, greenery, and LED candles.
- Faith Connection: Each candle represents a part of the Advent season, pointing us to Jesus’ arrival.
9. Jesse Tree Ornaments
If you want to dive deep, try making Jesse Tree ornaments. Each one represents a Bible story leading to Jesus’ birth, like Noah’s ark, David’s crown, or the manger.
- What You’ll Need: Felt, string, markers, and a small tree branch.
- Faith Connection: Talk about how Jesus fulfilled God’s promises throughout history, showing us His incredible faithfulness.
10. Jesus’ Birth Storybook
This is a favorite because it lets kids retell the Christmas story in their own words. We draw pictures, staple the pages together, and read it as a family.
- What You’ll Need: Blank paper, crayons, and staples.
- Faith Connection: By creating their own storybook, kids get a chance to understand and celebrate the story of Jesus’ birth on a deeper level.
Make Christmas Meaningful with Crafts That Celebrate Jesus
Christmas crafts for kids aren’t just about glitter and glue—they’re opportunities to plant seeds of faith in young hearts. Crafting is such a simple way to turn Christmas into a season of worship. I hope these ideas inspire you to gather some supplies, sit down with your kids, and talk about the incredible gift of Jesus. Whether it’s at home or in kids’ ministry, these crafts are more than just fun—they’re moments to point our kids’ hearts toward the Savior.
So grab your supplies, turn on those Christmas tunes, and let’s get crafting!