Does the colder weather have your kids spending more time indoors? Are you looking for ways to get them off of the gaming system or tablet? How about having them create some holiday crafts?

Sure there may be a little bit of clean up to do when they’re finished, but don’t let that stop you. Letting the kids get crafty and having them make some cute seasonal art pieces is an excellent outlet for their creativity. If you need a few ideas – here are some good ones!

• Sand Art Menorah: Hanukkah begins the evening of December 22nd this year, and if your kids will be celebrating, they may love to make this sand art menorah. Because it’s made of sand and “faux” candles, it’s safe for children to keep in their room so that they’ll have their very own menorah. And, it can be saved for future years.
• Star of David Pockets: These cute Star of David “pockets” are easy to make and great for leaving little treats during Hanukkah. They can easily be made out of paper, but if you’d like to save them to use again, consider using felt. 
• Candy Cane Reindeer: This is a super easy craft and great for kids of all ages. Using candy canes, googly eyes, and pipe cleaners (and ribbon – should you choose), your kids can make a whole herd of reindeer! Have your children make a bunch and give them out to classmates to spread a little holiday joy.
• Grinch Ornaments: “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” is a holiday classic and these Grinch ornaments are so cute! All you need to do is fill clear ornaments with something green (feathers, beads, shredded paper, etc.) and put a large red heart on the outside. 
• String of Light Fingerprints Picture Frame: Do you give pictures of your children to any of your family at the holidays? Then this picture frame would make a great addition to the photos. Pick up some inexpensive frames and let your kids make “lights” with their fingerprints in various colors. 
• Snowman Ornament: A few crafting supplies are all you need to make these cute rustic ornaments. Wood slices form the body of the snowman, and then it’s up to the kids to decorate. 
• Paper Snowflakes: You probably remember making paper snowflakes as a child, and it’s still a great craft for kids to make today. Kids will love seeing how their different cuts make different snowflakes – and will see that no two snowflakes are ever exactly alike – even when making them with paper.
• Puzzle Piece Wreath: Do you have some puzzles that are missing pieces and you’re wondering what to do with them? Wonder no more. You can make a holiday wreath from the pieces! Paint the pieces green (and add some glitter if you like) and then make your wreath by gluing the pieces together. Decorate with other leftover craft supplies and your kids will have made an adorable little wreath.
• Homemade Snow Globes: All kids love snow globes, so why not let them make their own? They’ll love putting their very own spin on this project!
• Pinecone Reindeer: Go take a walk with the kids and pick up some pinecones, so that they can make these little reindeer. They’d make for great table favors or ornaments for the tree.

Sure crafting can be a little messy, but the kids will love it. Have the children make these crafts to add a little more holiday spirit to your home.