As a parent, I have become hyper-aware of the struggle to find balance when it comes to the holiday season—avoiding becoming overscheduled or overindulging my kids. I am constantly trying to find opportunities to reinforce the importance of the season—not just the pleasure that comes from receiving presents, but the importance of giving to others, showing gratitude, and finding happiness in non-material ways. This homemade Christmas card for kids to make was the perfect reminder of why this season is special– we could focus on our time together and spreading joy to the people we love. 

Homemade Christmas Card for Kids to Make

When we started this activity, we brainstormed who we wanted to give the cards to. My children focused on each person they were creating for. Children know what they like, but this intentionality helps them to focus on what others may like and develop empathetic thinking  (“I think Papa would really like if I use a lot of blue decorations because I know that’s his favorite color). 

We did this project over the course of several days—rather than feeling the pressure of completing it in one sitting, I left out little bits each morning for them to work on after breakfast. Remember to focus on the process rather than if the card looks just right. 

Process for Homemade Christmas Card

1. First, I cut strips of green paper and drew lines for the triangles. Each strip should be a different size to create some variation in your tree. My four-year-old was able to use these lines to practice cutting and made a pile of triangles. 

2. The next morning, I gave them each a red piece of paper, some white paint, and a pile of cotton balls and Q-tips. You can use whatever materials you have to create a snowy background. 

3. Once the paint was dry we started to stack the triangles. Each tree used about 3-4 triangles—we started with the biggest on the bottom and then each layer was smaller and smaller. This was a great chance for both of my children to focus on “bigger and smaller.”

Then they got busy gluing and decorating the trees. Again, use whatever materials you have—tissue paper balls, washi tape garland, colors glue ornaments, foam cutouts, or just draw your decorations with crayons. Remind them to think of what the recipient would like with open ended prompts like “How do you think your aunt would like her tree decorated?” 

Add Some Writing and Deliver

Once the cards are created, you can help your little ones to write a note—think about a message that will make the other person happy or celebrating something they love to do together. 

Now, deliver the notes—whether it’s by mail or in-person, your children should have an opportunity to see or hear about the joy they brought to someone else. This homemade Christmas cards for kids to make, with intention and empathy, is an amazing way to spread joy this holiday season! 

Jessie is a mom of two amazingly creative children–ages 4 and 2. She loves having her home full of sensory play and process art. Jessie also runs her own account, Hands In Handmade where you can find more inspiration for play or check out her sensory kits.

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