Kids’ craft ideas for the holiday season

Keeping the kids entertained at home over Christmas can be quite the challenge and just “one more thing” to get done between the mad rush of decorating, shopping and preparing the perfect Christmas lunch.

There’s undoubtedly the temptation to plonk them in front of the TV to be dazzled by Christmas special after Christmas special, or run yourself ragged taking them out every day.

But there is a whole world of unexplored entertainment waiting within the four walls of your home, which even offers the possibility of cancelling out some of those other Christmas “to do’s”.

That’s right, tis’ the season to be crafty.

It’s easy to forget the days of arts and crafts amid the apps and oh-so-colourful kid’s shows, but the world of DIY creations is far from dead, according to visual artist and community arts facilitator Lex Randolf.

“My suggestion would be, if a family is celebrating Christmas, use what you’re already doing and add a home-made touch to it,” he said.

“Do something that’s functional, practical and going to be used.

One of the top suggested activities that crossed off a needed Christmas material while providing a craft opportunity was creating DIY wrapping.

“Instead of buying all that wrapping ready-made, buy a 30m roll of brown paper, cut up different fruits and cover them in paint to stamp on that paper,” Mr Randolf said.

The activity is not only practical, but beneficial for a child’s development.

“Doing these crafts and activities alongside a parent or sibling is really important,” Mr Randolf said.

“Not only do they create something, but it develops their vocab while they’re having the conversation about what they’re doing.”

While urged to decrease a child’s “screen time” over Christmas, parents did not have to rule out technology completely, only consider ways to use it in interactive ways with their children.

“Apps like garage band offer the chance to kids to record music and get creative,” Mr Randolf said.

“A lot of kids are so tech savvy they’ll likely teach the parents.”

Exploring different “sensory activities” was also encouraged by Creative Bubs workshop facilitator Kate Page.

“Think about how to use smell and taste in craft,” she said.

“If you’re going to make a Christmas wreath use herbs and vines from the garden, or look into recipes for gingerbread scented play dough.”

As well as being enjoyed by all children, such activities were especially engaging for those with disabilities, Ms Page said.

The other up-sides to creating DIY decorations at home was straying from the Euro-centricity pouted by commercial providers.

“Think about Australian Christmas shapes when making cookies,” Ms Page said.

But Ms Page said indulging in a white winter didn’t have to be completely off the cards.

“You can make DIY snow out of baking soda and conditioner,” she said.

“Snow globes are also heaps of fun, all you need is a left over jam jar, some little figurines to super glue to the lid, a bit of free form glitter and of course the water to fill it all with.”