For kids, once school is out, the time leading up to Christmas Day can seem like an eternity! So, why not channel all that waiting-time excitement into fun and festive activities that are all about the holidays? From family time ideas like reading Christmas-themed books together. To making easy handcrafted cards and DIY decorations, plus yuletide treats to give as gifts.
To get your ideas going, we’re featuring 15 books, kiddie crafts, and holiday goodies—sure to fill not only your kids’ time, but your whole home with Christmas cheer! And come to think of it, these would make great children’s Christmas party activities, too. Happy holidays! (*this post contains affiliate links)
Christmas Classics to Read with Your Kids
Pass on the nostalgia of holiday books from your childhood, with titles like these retold for today’s kids. We found these on Amazon, so you can too!
1 – A Christmas Carol – Lit for Little Hands
2 – ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas at My House
3 – The Nutcracker – New York City Ballet
4 – Christmas Stories by Enid Blyton
5 – Madeline’s Christmas by Ludwig Bemelmans
Kid-friendly Christmas Craft Projects
Keep the creativity flowing! Plan hands-on activities that combine your children’s playtime with crafting—and turn out delightful holiday decorations, cards, and gifts!
1 – Gingerbread House Paper Craft
Non-Toy Gifts provides a printable template for this adorable paper craft project. The details can be mixed and matched to create different looks for each gingerbread house.
2 – Christmas Reindeer Card
Check out the tutorial and downloadable template from Simple Everyday Mom to assemble this cute holiday greeting card. The reindeer head flips open for the kids to write in their greeting!
3 – Mix and Match Paper Elf Craft
Another printable-based project, this paper craft from Messy Little Monster features elf parts that can be assembled in different ways to make each one unique. You can even add in your kids’ face-photos to personalize them!
4 – Santa Paper Bag Puppet Craft
From Simple Everyday Mom again, come these playful Santa puppets. Super budget-friendly, made from brown paper bags, construction paper, and a template to print and cut.
5 – Paper Plate Christmas Trees
Made to Be a Momma shows how to transform simple paper plates into these charming little trees—trimmed with mini pom poms, sequins, gems, and glitter paper cutouts.
Baking Treats
Christmas presents from your home kitchen are always welcome. Even more so if they’re proudly made by creative kiddie bakers! Recipe ideas below.
1 – Sunny Day Snowman Cookies – recipe from Land O’ Lakes
2 – Vanilla Snowman Cupcakes with Vanilla Icing – recipe from Skinny Taste
3 – Christmas Tree Chocolate Cake Pops – recipe from My Fussy Eater
4 – Gingerbread Men – recipe from Cooking With My Kids
5 – Reindeer Brownie Bites – recipe from Pillsbury.com
Just days to go in the Christmas countdown! Keep the little ones busy and happy amidst all the holiday bustle with activities like these.
