Discover the story and traditions behind the Christmas tree while finding fun, hands-on Christmas tree crafts to enjoy with your children. These simple activities provide opportunities to create, learn, and talk about the meaning of Christmas together.
Tradition says that Martin Luther was among the first to use a Christmas tree to celebrate Christmas. According to the story, he wanted to make Christmas special for his family, so they decorated a tree with lighted candles and sang Christmas carols around it.
Use the Christmas tree to teach the truth of Christmas.
- The trunk reminds us of the cross where Jesus died for us (Luke 23:26).
- A Christmas tree is dead. The lifeless branches remind us that Jesus died for our sins (1 Corinthians 15:3).
- The tree is green, the color of life. It reminds us that Jesus lives (Revelation 1:8).
- Red ornaments remind us of Jesus' blood that He shed for us on the cross (1 Peter 1:19).
- Lights remind us that Jesus is the Light of the World (John 8:12).
- The ornaments remind us to rejoice in the Lord (Habakkuk 3:18).
- The star at the top reminds us of the star that guided the wise men to Jesus (Matthew 2:9–10).
Print the 3D Christmas Tree worksheet. Decorate the 3 trees. Cut out and fold each in half vertically with the design folded in. Unfold and glue the back of each tree. Attach ½ of Tree A to ½ Tree B. Attach ½ of Tree B to Tree C. Finish by attaching remaining ½ tree C to remaining tree A to create a 3D tree. May also make a tree with 3 or 4 sides by using the template to create trees on construction paper or cardstock.
Roll-a-Picture are a fun way to boost fine motor skills, sharpen visual perception skills, and practice taking turns - all while enjoying time together! It's like a game of Cootie, but with a pencil and a whole lot of creativity. Celebrate Christmas with this fun version.
Using craft supplies like sequins, pompoms, glitter, and stickers, decorate the tree poster.
Celebrate the journey to Jesus' birth with the interactive Christmas Advent Workbook! It features a fun tree-building activity and 25 engaging daily guides that explore Jesus' wonderful characteristics through crafts, songs, baking, and games. This delightful resource is perfect for families, churches, and preschools!
Cut craft sticks into three different lengths using craft scissors. Optionally, use sandpaper to smooth the edges.
Assemble the sticks into a tree shape. Adult: use a hot glue gun to secure them.
Paint the tree in your desired colors.
Add decorations to your tree, and attach a piece of string to the back for hanging.
Make Cone Christmas Trees using a sugar ice cream cone, whipped frosting, and candies. Simple enough for most ages!
1. Start with a sugar ice cream cone turned upside down as the tree base.
2. Use whipped frosting as “glue” to cover the entire cone, creating the tree’s appearance. You may add food coloring to create different tree colors.
3. Decorate the tree by pressing small candies, sprinkles, or even mini marshmallows into the frosting.
Make a handprint Christmas tree on various surfaces like towels, bags, tablecloths, or t-shirts. This craft is perfect for displaying in a preschool classroom as a bulletin board. It can also serve as the "December" page for a Handprint & Footprint Calendar.
