The holiday season is a magical time for preschoolers. Their eyes light up at the sight of sparkling decorations, festive colors, and fun crafts projects. As an early childhood educator, Christmas arts and crafts present a unique opportunity to impart important skills while celebrating the season.

In this post, we will explore 50 Christmas-themed arts and craft ideas perfect for preschool-aged children. The activities highlighted promote fine motor development, creativity, color recognition, counting, and more – all under the guise of Yuletide fun! For more holiday activies, check out our Christmas themed songs.

1. Handprint Christmas Trees

Description

This activity allows children to create a personalized Christmas tree using their very own handprint! It’s a great way to work on fine motor skills and creativity.

Need

• Green paper
• Brown paper
• Glue

Directions

Trace the child’s handprint onto green paper and cut out the shape. Glue it to a piece of brown paper to form a handprint Christmas tree. Let them decorate it with glitter, sequins, rhinestones, or other crafty materials.

2. Toilet Paper Roll Christmas Characters

Description

Turn an everyday toilet paper roll into a fun Christmas character like an elf, reindeer, Santa, snowman, gingerbread person, and more! This open-ended craft promotes creativity and imagination.

Need

• Toilet paper rolls
• Glue
• Markers
• Yarn
• Pompoms
• Googly eyes
• Other craft supplies

Directions

Allow children to choose from a variety of crafting materials to transform their toilet paper roll into a Christmas character. Encourage them to let their creativity shine!

3. Cotton Ball Snowpeople

Description

Use cotton balls, construction paper, and glue to build funny little snowpeople to decorate the classroom! As they assemble their snowpeople, children will develop fine motor strength while enjoying some seasonal fun.

Need

• White paper
• Cotton balls
• Glue
• Decoration supplies – sequins, buttons, pipe cleaners, etc.

Directions

Glue cotton balls onto white paper in the shape of snowpeople. Allow children to decorate their snowpeople using sequins, buttons, pipe cleaners, and other craft materials. Get silly with it!

4. Handprint Wreaths

Description

Turn children’s handprints into gorgeous wreaths they can hang up with pride! As they assemble their handprint wreaths, children will build fine motor skills while sparking holiday creativity.

Need

• Red, green, white paint
• Paper plates
• Brown paper
• Glue
• Hole punch

Directions

Have children dip their hands in paint and stamp prints along the outer edge of a paper plate. Once dry, cut out the wreath shape and glue to a piece of brown paper. Punch a hole for hanging!

5. Decorative Winter Tree Centerpieces

Description

Constructing these stand-up winter trees helps develop fine motor skills as children cut, fold and glue paper together. The activity also builds attention skills as they creatively decorate their wintry masterpiece with beautiful embellishments.

Need

• Light blue paper
• White paper
• Scissors
• Glue stick
• Assorted decorations – cotton balls, sequins, beads, glitter

Directions

On light blue paper, have children draw then cut out the shape of a pine tree. Glue it onto a sheet of white paper folded in half to create a stand-up tree centerpiece. Let them decorate their trees using cotton balls for snow, sequins for ornaments and more!

6. Handprint Stockings

Description

This festive fine motor activity lets children create their own personalized handprint stockings just in time for Christmas! As they assemble their stockings, children will build fine pincer grasp and cutting skills.

Need

• Red paper
• White paper
• Scissors
• Glue stick
• Markers or crayons

Directions

Trace children’s hands onto red paper and cut out the shape. Have them glue their handprint cut-outs to a strip of white paper folded in half lengthwise to form a stocking. Let them decorate their stockings with markers, glue and glitter!

7. Snow Globe Craft

Description

Creating mini snow globe scenes engages fine motor skills and imagination. As children build their tiny winter worlds, you can connect concepts like weather, seasons and winter holidays.

Need

• Clean baby food jars
• Distilled water
• Glycerin
• Glitter
• Super glue
• Mini winter figurines

Directions

Have children pick out a mini snowman, reindeer, elf or other winter figurine. Help them attach their figure inside the jar using super glue. Fill the jar with distilled water mixed with glycerin and copious amounts of glitter. Seal tightly – magical snow globe ready for play!

8. Q-tip Snowflakes

Description

Using Q-tips and white paint, children can create gorgeous, unique snowflakes that develop their fine motor skills and winter creativity. Display them on windows for the world to enjoy!

Need

• White paint
• Black paper
• Q-tips

Directions

Set out shallow dishes filled with white paint. Show children how to dip the Q-tip in paint and press onto black paper to make snowflake shapes. Once dry, hang them up around the classroom windows.

9. Reindeer Handprint Ornament

Description

Children will get a kick out of transforming their handprints into Rudolf and friends! As they create, they’ll build fine motor strength while getting into the holiday spirit.

Need

• Brown paint
• Red pom pom
• Googly eyes
• Hole punch
• Yarn

Directions

Help children coat their palm with brown paint and stamp onto paper. Once dry, they can glue on a red pom pom nose and google eyes to finish their reindeer handprint. Punch a hole at the top and string yarn through for hanging!

10. Mini Gingerbread House Ornaments

Description

Piecing together these adorable mini gingerbread houses develops fine motor skills through cutting, folding and gluing paper. Children also build problem solving abilities as they engineer the houses to stand.

Need

• Brown paper
• White paper
• Scissors
• Glue stick
• Assorted decorations

Directions

Pre-cut brown paper templates for the gingerbread house pieces. Have children carefully cut out the templates then assemble into a small box with a roof. Let them decorate their gingerbread houses with pom poms, beads, glitter and more!

11. Toilet Paper Tube Rudolph

Description

Turn a simple toilet paper tube into an adorable Rudolph reindeer ornament! Children will build creativity and fine motor strength through this open-ended Christmas craft.

Need

• Toilet paper tubes
• Red pom pom
• Brown craft foam
• Googly eyes
• Glue
• Hole punch
• Ribbon

Directions

Coach children through transforming toilet paper tubes into Rudolph by gluing on brown craft foam antlers, a red pom nose and googly eyes. Then help reinforce motor skills by puncturing holes for ribbon to string them up!

12. Cardboard Tube Wreaths

Description

Piecing together this fun wreath craft helps promote coordination and dexterity as little ones wrap yarn around cardboard tubes. Display them on classroom doors to spread some holiday cheer!

Need

• Cardboard tubes
• Scissors
• Green paint
• Brushes
• Yarn
• Hot glue gun

Directions

Paint cardboard tubes green and allow to dry fully. Then demonstrate how children can wrap yarn around the tubes in spiral shapes to create one-of-a-kind wreaths! Hot glue ribbon for hanging.

13. Reindeer Paper Puppet

Description

Crafting simple paper puppets builds fine motor control and storytelling creativity. Make a whole magical reindeer puppet cast and let their imaginations soar!

Need

• Brown, beige and white paper
• Glue stick
• Markers
• Scissors
• Straw, stick or dowel

Directions

Fold paper in half, cut out antlers, ears, etc., then assemble all pieces into reindeer puppets. Provide a straw, stick or dowel for children to hold and bring their reindeer friends to life through imaginative play!

14. Paper Bag Advent Calendar

Description

Assemble charming paper bag advent calendars with twenty-five pockets for presents and tales of Christmas cheer as you countdown to the holiday!

Need

• 1 paper grocery bag
• Stapler
• Decorating supplies
• paint, glitter, stickers, etc.
• 25 little gifts or notes

Directions

Lay the paper bag horizontally. Have children count out and staple 25 equidistant vertical folds to create pockets. Decorate and label pockets numbered 1 through 25. Help children place little surprises in each pocket for friends to discover day by day in December!

15. Cardboard Christmas Trees

Description

Constructing these freestanding cardboard trees promotes cutting, folding and assembling skills. Decorate to turn them into glittery winter woodland centerpieces!

Need

• Green cardboard
• Scissors
• Tape
• Hole punch
• Ribbon
• Glitter, pom poms, beads

Directions

Cut tapered triangular tree shapes out of cardboard, score fold lines and help children assemble by slotting the ends together. Reinforce with tape if needed. Next, puncture holes at the top for ribbon to string through. Have kids go wild decorating their mini evergreens!

16. Thumbprint Ornaments

Description

This activity develops fine pincer grasp skills and holiday creativity as children make fingerprint ornaments using paint and beads or buttons. Proudly display them on mini classroom trees!

Need

• Paper plates
• Green, red, white, blue, etc. paint
• Pom poms, beads, buttons
• Glue

Directions

Have children press a thumbprint into a puddle of paint on their paper plate to create an ornament shape. Once dry, they can glue on embellishments like beads, pom poms or buttons. String yarn through a hole at the top for hanging on trees!

17. Popsicle Stick Picture Frames

Description

Piecing together mini frames provides great fine motor practice plus a sweet way for children to display their favorite holiday photos and artworks. Select a special picture and let them decorate to their heart’s desire!

Need

• Popsicle sticks
• White glue
• Photos
• Glitter, sequins, etc.

Directions

Demonstrate how to glue popsicle sticks into a square or rectangular frame shape. Help children insert a special photo or artwork inside. Provide an assortment of sparkly, tactile materials for them to decorate their frames.

18. Handprint Wreath Paper Chains

Description

Create unique paper chains for classroom decor using children’s painted handprints! The project promotes creativity, fine motor skills and holiday spirit.

Need

• Red, green, white paint
• Paper
• Scissors
• Glue stick

Directions

Paint and print children’s hands on paper in holiday hues. Cut strips then guide little ones to assemble strips into loops, gluing ends together to form chains. Drape around the room for festive flair!

19. Mini Tree Coloring

Description

Print these simple blackline fir trees and set out holiday dot markers or watercolor pencils. As they deck their tiny trees in rainbow colors, children will strengthen fine motor coordination.

Need

• Mini tree templates
• Dot markers or watercolor pencils

Directions

Print trees in various sizes and distribute alongside dot art supplies. Show children how to grasp markers and pencils using a proper tripod grip as they use seasonal colors to create a cute Christmas tree patch!

20. Elf Paper Dolls

Description

Print and assemble these sweet paper elves for engaging dramatic play, building scissor skills plus learning about holiday traditions from diverse cultures. Have your classroom elf troupe act out stories!

Need

• Paper
• Markers
• Scissors
• Hole punch
• Yarn, string or ribbon

Directions

Print or trace elf clothing layers using paper and markers. Have children practice cutting skills assemble dolls with clothes in layers. Add dimension by attaching arms and legs with brads or fasteners. Tie yarn at the top so they can take their new elf friends on adventures!

21. Snowy Window Clings

Description

Create frosty scenes and winter shapes using glue and cotton balls! Allow finished cling scenes to dry fully then hang on windows and watch the light shine through.

Need

• Cotton balls
• White school glue
• Blue construction paper

Directions

Pour some glue onto paper plates. Have children dip cotton balls into the glue then press onto blue construction paper to create unique snowy shapes and textures. Allow clings to dry overnight before hanging on windows.

22. Melting Snowman Project

Description

This project integrates STEAM concepts around seasonal change. As their snowmen melt, children will explore important science ideas like phase changes while building motor skills through assembling materials.

Need

• Ice cube trays or muffin tin
• Playdoh & white paint
• Toy snowman figure
• Water
• Refrigerator

Directions

Give each child an ice tray. Have them coat the cavities with paint-tinted playdoh “snow”. Insert a mini snowman figure then fill around it with water and stick in the freezer to solidify their scene overnight before removing to observe melting!

23. Fingerprint Lights Printed Wrapping Paper

Description

Get out the washable paints and let children create one-of-a-kind printed wrapping paper using fingerprint dots and swirls. It’s a great way to promote creativity and practice making patterns.

Need

• Long strip of butcher paper
• Washable paint
• Markers, glitter glue

Directions

Unroll a long length of butcher paper and supply fingerpaints. Encourage the children to press their fingers into the paint then print onto the paper. Embellish with extra details using markers and glitter glue once dry. Trim into sheets for gif wrapping!

24. Plastic Spoon Reindeer Noses

Description

Boost fine motor skills while spreading holiday cheer by turning plastic spoons into Rudolph’s glowing nose! A simple materials manipulation activity that doubles as cute window decor.

Need

• Red and orange tissue paper
• Hole punch
• Plastic spoon
• Ribbon

Directions

Wad small pieces of red and orange tissue paper into a ball and stick into the scoop of a plastic spoon to resemble a reindeer nose. Punch holes on either side and tie ribbon through to hang on classroom windows. Get festive!

25. Handprint Holiday Cards

Description

What better way for children to spread love this season than crafting handprint holiday cards for family? As they personalize messages in their cards, literacy skills are strengthened.

Need

• Red, green paint
• Blank note cards
• Markers

Directions

Coach each child through printing their name and holiday message onto cards. Next, have them coat palms with red or green paints to create a cheery handprint! Set out to dry then send holiday happiness to loved ones.

26. Cinnamon Dough Christmas Ornaments

Description

The sweet scent of this modelling dough will inspire the holiday spirit! Kids can shape and decorate ornaments while gaining strength in their hands. Leave some dough out to bake as edible tree trimmings.

Need

• Flour
• Water
• Ground cinnamon
• Cloves
• Food coloring
• Cookie cutters
• Baking sheet

Directions

Blend flour, cinnamon, cloves and water then knead until pliable dough forms. Divide into sections and mix food coloring for a rainbow of options. Roll out on baking sheets and use cookie cutters to shape, then bake ornaments to hardness. Tie ribbons to adorn classroom tree!

27. Snow Child Art Collage

Description

Cut, tear and paste a winter portrait collage! This open-ended snow child activity encourages self-expression, fine motor development and winter creative thinking as children select their own facial features, accessories and designs.

Need

• Assorted papers
• Child photos or templates
• Scissors
• Glue stick

Directions

Invite children to sift through magazines and scrap paper to find photos of noses, ears, eyes and accessories they might use to decorate a winter portrait of themselves! Demonstrate tearing and cutting skills then let them artfully paste facial features and add special details.

28. Handprint Christmas Trees

Description

This clever handprinting project allows kids to assemble their prints into the shape of a Christmas tree! As they build fine motor control through targeted grasping and manipulation challenges, the final product will stand as a display of their holiday effort.

Need

• Construction paper:
• green, brown
• Glue
• Markers

Directions

Starting with the bottom, thumbprints glued vertically form the trunk. Add rows of fingerprints to resemble ornament-laden branches, gluing each row progressively higher. Finally, glue on a coordinating star at the top made from cut paper.

29. Snowflake Stained Glass

Description

Create dazzling wintry scenes and snowy shapes by gluing cotton balls and sequins onto wax paper. The translucent effect adds dimensionality for displaying on windows!

Need

• Wax paper
• White school glue
• Cotton balls
• Sequins

Directions

Demonstrate how to trace snowflake shapes onto wax paper using a pencil. Have children fill in the snowflake outlines by gluing down cotton balls and pressing sequins into the glue. Encourage them to create whole winter scenes by adding snow-covered trees, snowmen, etc. Allow to dry then hang in windows for a transparent, glittery effect!

30. Clothespeg Reindeer

Description

Turn ordinary wooden clothespins into Santa’s friendly reindeer crew! Let their imaginations run wild as they transform the pegs into Rudolph and his friends through strategic adornments. Great for fine motor skills.

Need

• Clothespins
• Wiggly eyes
• Red pom poms
• Felt scraps
• Hot glue gun

Directions

Glue on reindeer features like eyes, red noses, and fuzzy antlers made from cut felt. Encourage silly creativity by adding hats, scarves or任 other ideas they dream up!

31. Handprint Wreath Ornaments

Description

Coating their palms with paint and leaving festive handprint wreaths is a great way for children to merge winter fun with fine motor skill-building! The treasured keepsake ornaments will look lovely hung on the tree at home.

Need

• Cardstock
• Scissors
• Red and green paint
• Ribbon

Directions

Have kids press paint-coated palms firmly onto cardstock, then cut wreath shapes around the prints once dry. Punch a hole near the top, loop through ribbon for hanging on the tree!

32. Popsicle Stick Snowflakes

Description

Interlacing popsicle sticks at various angles helps develop fine motor control and spatial relation skills. Glue on glittery embellishments for dazzling wintry creations!

Need

• Popsicle sticks
• White school glue
• Glitter, sequins
• Ribbon

Directions

Show children how to lay popsicle sticks diagonally across one another, gluing at the points where they intersect. Sprinkle or glue on silver glitter and sequins for icy shimmer. Add ribbon to hang near windows.

33. Handprint Light Catchers

Description

This unique craft promotes creativity, color recognition and fine motor skills. As coloredtissue paper and glitter fill their painted handprints, gorgeous wintry suncatchers emerge! Hang near light sources to admire.

Need

• White cardstock
• Liquid starch
• Food coloring
• Tissue paper
• Foam brushes
• Glitter

Directions

Have kids paint cardstock with colored starch mixtures, then press down firmly with paint-coated hands. Next demonstrate tearing tissue paper and brushing racks with glue to fill prints with color and texture before sprinkling glitter to complete their icy light catchers.

34. Q-tip Painted Snowflakes

Description

Gripping tiny Q-tips and repeatedly dipping into pools of white paint builds fine pincer grasp and coordination. Creating unique snowflakes allows creativity to shine!

Need

• White paint
• Black paper
• Q-tips

Directions

Set out paper plates filled with white puddled paint. Show children how to dip and press with Q-tips to imprint delicate snowflakes onto black paper. Create whole magical wintry scenes!

35. Handprint Decorated Wooden Discs

Description

Guide children through applying paint onto wooden discs in seasonal patterns before stamping with their handprints. Place a strong magnet on the back to display their artwork on refrigerators back home!

Need

• Wooden discs
• Acrylic paint
• Foam brushes
• Strong magnets

Directions

Coach children through brushing contrasting paint in simple patterns on the wooden discs – red/white candy cane stripes, green trees, etc. Then have them press handprints firmly into the center of each disc’s design before attaching magnets to hang on home fridges!

36. Pompom Snow Pile Sorting

Description

Sorting pompom “snowballs” by size, shape or color introduces early math concepts while keeping hands busy. Chubby baby fists will get a workout grasping and sorting!

Need

• Assorted pompoms
• Bowls, bags or boxes

Directions

Provide a variety of textured pompoms for babies to sort by placing them into separate containers according to size, color, or material. Dump them out and mix together again for repeat sensory/motor play!

37. Handprint Art Calendar

Description

Make an annual calendar featuring children’s original artwork! Crafting a month-long grid overview introduces sequencing skills while providing a keepsake scrapbook of their budding creativity.

Need

• 12″x18″ paper
• Ruler
• Markers

Directions

Measure and draw a grid on large paper to represent the 12 months. Write names of months across the top. Have kids decorate the blocks creatively – handprints, stamps, drawings – to signify special dates!

38. Felt Mistletoe Ball Décor

Description

Stitch green felt wraps around Styrofoam balls then adorn with holly berry beads and festive ribbons to create holiday décor straight from the North Pole! Wonderful fine motor practice.

Need

• Styrofoam balls
• Green felt
• Red beads
• Ribbons
• Hot glue gun

Directions

Cut strips of felt to fit around the balls and glue seam edges together for full coverage. Glue dark red beads sporadically to mimic holly berries then finish by tying ribbons into floppy bows! Hang throughout the classroom to spread merriment.

39. Handprint Holiday Cards

Description

Boost literacy skills through the power of art by having kids paint simple messages then accent with sparkly handprints! Mail to family and friends for mega holiday happiness.

Need

• White cardstock
• Paints
• Markers
• Glitter

Directions

On folded cards, have children write “Happy Holidays!” before coating palms in paint and glitter to press a shimmery handprint. Finish cards by signing their name. Send cheer through the mail!

40. Handprint Wreath Ornaments

Description

This salt dough keepsake craft allows children to imprint holiday memories! Coating palms with the salty mixture builds fine pincer grasp strength too.

Need

• Salt dough
• Cookie cutters
• Straw or string

Directions

Sprinkle work stations with flour and provide salt dough for imprinting wreath shapes. Use cookie cutters or tracing templates to define shapes then bake ornaments to hardness. Insert straw pieces for hanging on home trees!

41. Felt Gingerbread Person Magnets

Description

Cutting out felt gingerbread shapes brings storybook characters to life while developing scissor grasp abilities and imagination! Display on mini magnetic ‘fridges’ as part of dramatic bakery play.

Need

• Skin-toned, brown, green felt
• White pom poms
• Wiggle eyes
• Magnetic strip

Directions

Trace and cut gingerbread person shapes out of brown felt, adding green icing trim made of cut felt fringe. Have children glue on facial features like wiggle eyes and pom pom buttons down the front. Finally, attach magnet strip to hang on pretend fridges!

42. Handprint Calendar Mittens

Description

Assemble charming mittens displaying each child’s handprint on calendar pages! This useful memento builds fine motor skills while keeping track of holidays and special dates approaching.

Need

• Paper
• Markers
• Glue
• January-December calendar pages

Directions

Have each child coat palms with paint and press onto month pages – one print per page. Cut mitten template outlines once dried and assist children with gluing handprints onto the mittens to display proudly!

43. Clothespin Snowflake Decor

Description

Building a medley of mini clothespin snowflakes introduces patterning concepts through manipulating materials. Display them pinned along lengths of ribbon festooned atop cabinets!

Need

• Clothespins
• White paint
• Hot glue gun
• Ribbon

Directions

Coach children through gluing clothespins together to form snowflake styles – 3 pins together create simple shapes while more complex geometric options build spatial skills. Paint completed snowflakes white once glued then pin up with ribbons for hanging.

44. Handprint Holiday Mantelpiece

Description

What better family keepsake than a handmade fireplace mantle showcasing their little ones’ growth during the most wonderful time of year? Build memories while developing fine motor skills!

Need

• Mantelpiece cutout
• Varied paint colors
• Markers

Directions

Cut mantel and stocking shapes from cardboard. Have children dip hands in holiday hues to print along the mantle’s edge in a row. Add names/dates with markers to timestamp their holiday creativity!

45. Handprint Stockings

Description

Use colorful prints and patterns to create miniature masterpieces! Painting palms builds fine pincer grasp. Choosing coordinating fabrics and trims develops decision making and style. Show them off with pride!

Need

• muslin, felt
• acrylic paint
• foam brushes
• fabric glue
• lace, ribbon

Directions

Cut stocking fronts from fabric pieces. Have children brush paint colors onto palms then stamp firmly onto stockings. Embellish by gluing on trims like lace or ribbons. Write names near the top once dry. Hang by the chimney with care!

46. Paint Chip Ornaments

Description

Sort through paint chip card samples with children. Select colors and sizes to create unique tree ornaments! Match fine motor skills with color and shape recognition for double the developmental benefits.

Need

• paint chips
• hole punch
• yarn

Directions

Present paint chips and assist children with punching holes near the top of chosen pieces. Have them thread strands of yarn through holes and tie to form ornament loops. Ask them to identify and describe the ornament colors!

47. Candy Cane Play Dough Mats

Description

Knead red and white play dough together to form sweet striped dough – perfect for flattening and imprinting with cookie cutters and palms! Develops strength, coordination and holiday spirit.

Need

• Red and white play dough
• Rolling pins
• Cookie cutters

Directions

Demonstrate kneading red and white dough balls together to achieve a marbled candy cane effect. Have kids flatten smoothed dough balls using kid-sized rolling pins then imprint shapes using cookie cutter edges or handprints!

48. Thumbprint Snowman Cards

Description

Spread seasonal smiles by crafting snowman cards decorated with painted thumbprint elements! This open-ended printing project allows kids creative expression while developing fine pincer skills.

Need

• White cardstock
• Paint pens
• Black marker

Directions

Fold cardstock in half to make cards. Show children how to use thumbprints in red, blue, green paint pens to decorate snowmen bodies. Use black marker to draw on eyes, nose, stick arms and a smile! Send cheer!

49. Nature Print Winter Scarves

Description

Create cozy capes for snowpeople while building fine motor skills by printing delicate winter nature elements like sprigs of pine needles! Have kids adorn their snowy friends using natural texture.

Need

• White paper
• Winter nature bits – pine, berries
• Tempera paint

Directions

Collect bits of pine sprigs, leaves or winter berries and have kids dip in paint puddles before printing nature patterns onto strips of paper. Wrap prints around necks of snowpeople for eco-friendly seasonal flavor!

50. Handprint Calendar Cards

Description

Creating personalized calendars starring their handprints builds sequencing skills! Displaying completed calendars at home allows families to connect concepts of date, season and celebration while noting little ones’ growth.

Need

• Construction paper
• Scissors
• Glue stick

Directions

Pre-cut calendar pages. Have each child decorate a specific month’s page with their colorful handprint. Collate finished pages then staple together to form complete yearly memento calendars!

Conclusion

The holidays inspire a sense of childlike wonder, making it the perfect time of year to craft merry memories with little ones. As this collection of 50 Christmas-themed art activities shows, hands-on projects not only spark smiles and seasonal spirit, but also impart important developmental skills preschoolers will carry with them for years to come.

Crafting fine motor practice through cutting, folding, sorting, gluing and more translates into future penmanship success when those little hands eventually grip pencils. Getting messy while freely exploring creative mediums builds self-confidence and problem solving abilities. Collaborating on group art projects teaches teamwork and friendship.

So let the gift-giving begin! Supply plenty of craft materials for tiny makers get busy developing dexterity, cognition and happiness this holiday season. Those precious handmade ornaments and cards will soon adorn homes with pride as they dry and display their efforts.

More importantly, the merry memories made while crafting will shine for years to come as mementos reminding us to always approach life with childlike joy and wonder – not just at Christmas, but every day.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I save holiday crafts created by my classroom kids?

Create a holiday keepsake craft binder for parents! Designate a pocket for each child’s special creations then send the binders home at winter break filled with their handmade ornaments, cards and artwork masterpieces.

Are these crafts geared more towards older or younger kids?

The crafts listed above span a wide range of developmental levels perfect for preschool-aged children. Simplify or enhance activities based on age and ability level of your students. Toddlers may need more assistance while adapted tasks provide challenge for older kids.

How can I integrate more early literacy into Christmas crafting?

Many crafts can be extended with storytelling and dramatic play. Read relevant holiday stories then act them out together with any finger puppets, paper dolls or scenes the children create. Print and post vocabulary words related to the craft like “sew”, “flake”, “knead” etc. for them to see and repeat.

What concepts can Christmas crafts teach besides creativity?

Holiday crafting presents perfect opportunities to impart important preschool skills! Fine motor activities strengthen coordination needed for future writing tasks. Sorting and pattern-making craft supplies promotes early math. Group storytelling develops narrative abilities and social interaction. Open-ended art projects teach self-expression. The list goes on!

How do I manage messes from crafty classroom fun?

Embrace the mess when it comes to preschool crafting – it’s all part of the creative process! Set clear expectations for project clean-up responsibilities. Provide smocks. Use washable supplies whenever possible and cover surfaces appropriately. Most importantly, focus on the learning taking place through their fun!