It has been a long-time tradition in many countries for families to gather together to create homemade decorations for Christmas. During the 18th Century, women would gather to make paper products and fill them with almonds or sweets. Created homemade decorations and crafts can start a lasting tradition.

As the family gathers together to create endless decoration, they are also making lasting memories together. Making the homemade crafts together is a great way to spend quality time with each other. A person doesn’t need to be an expert, just someone willing to learn. The simplest crafts can become beautiful treasures that become keepsakes to pass from generation to generation. School age children enjoy making crafts and gifts in school to share with their families that become decorations used year after year. All can participate in the creations, young and old. Young children can create simple decorations using paper, scissors, crayons and glue, where older children can make something more challenging. Children of all ages can enjoy making the garland for the Christmas tree or mantle with either popcorn or paper chain. With a big bag of popcorn, craft sewing needles, and strong thread, your family can have some fun as you string the popcorn for garland. Take construction paper, scissors, glue or tape, the cut the paper in one inch wide and six inch long, then form a circle, insert a second piece in a circle and form another circle then continue until the length you and your family would like.

When the family gets together to start their decorations, they may want to decide on a theme to base their decorations on. The family can make a wreath and decorate it with your family theme. Each year you can change the decorations on the wreath to create a new theme.