While preparing Christmas ornament crafts for the preschool classroom at my church, a thought came to mind that it would be wonderful for churches to host an ornament craft day for their community, welcoming neighborhood children and sharing the story of Jesus’ birth. Hot dogs and snacks could be served along with music and games. Decorating their own Christmas cookie would make children’s ornament day complete. I hope my idea snowballs and the story of Jesus’ birth reaches far and wide.
The majority of the crafts I put together are easy to assemble. Instructions and where I purchased supplies are listed below.
Christmas Tree Wood Ornaments
Most of the wood ornaments came from the Dollar Tree. I pre-painted the ornaments for our classroom. Children can brush them with glitter paint, and when dry, add embellishments.
Plastic Christmas Bulbs
I purchased the clear plastic bulbs from Michaels. Fillers came from the Dollar Tree and odds and ends I had at home. With the eraser end of a pencil, I inserted pom poms first, small bells next and snowflakes last. Since I already had a snowflake punch, I punched out snowflakes from white cardstock. You can also use alternative snow found at discount stores. Lastly, I glued the top on. Note: When shopping for fillers, please take a clear plastic bulb with you to make sure the items will fit through the opening.
Canning Lid Ornaments
Canning lid ornaments have been around for a long time. They’re easy to make. I punched pictures with my circle punch. You can also use old Christmas cards and trim to size. With double-sided tape, I adhered the picture to the lid. I added the ribbon string and bow first. Run some tacky glue around the inside mouth of the band before you adhere the lid. You won’t have to worry about small children pulling them apart.
Wood Crosses
The wood crosses came from Hobby Lobby. I used a glue gun to add the hanging string. Children can color with washable markers. Note: I glued the ribbon ahead of time, so small children wouldn’t come in contact with the hot glue gun.
Bookmarks
The bookmarks came from Hobby Lobby. With tacky glue, I adhered the hanging ribbon on the back. Children can color with washable markers or crayons.
Sticker Nativity
These came from Hobby Lobby too. The day of our Christmas program, the preschool children can sit and relax and place nativity stickers on the background before they perform their Christmas songs.
All the ornaments will be placed on our classroom Christmas tree. Children can take them home after the Christmas program.
Have fun while sharing the story of Jesus’ birth.
Debra Allard
Kids will love these crafts! It would be wonderful to read them the Christmas story about Jesus’ birth before working on them. Then they’ll understand what Christmas is all about. Thanks for your clever ideas!
Patsy Reiter
Yes, Deb. The story of Jesus’ birth first. Have fun making the ornaments!
Pat