Creating Christmas Decorations With Your Grandchildren: Memories That Last Longer Than the Season
Posted: December 3, 2025
There’s something magical about gathering around the table with your grandchildren, a pile of craft supplies in front of you, Christmas music playing in the background, and the promise of glitter everywhere. Creating Christmas decorations together isn’t just an activity; it’s a memory your grandchildren will remember every year when they unpack those ornaments. Here are some easy, heartwarming projects, compliments of Senior Communities Guide, to enjoy together this holiday season.
Handprint Salt Dough Ornaments
Salt dough ornaments are simple, sentimental, and last for decades — the perfect keepsake for marking each grandchild’s age and size.
How to make them:
Mix 1 cup flour, ½ cup salt, and ½ cup warm water. Roll out, press a handprint, cut into a circle, and bake at 200°F for 2–3 hours. Paint with acrylic paints and seal with Mod Podge.
Why it’s great:
Kids feel special seeing their “little hands” become part of the tree — and grandparents cherish watching those hands grow year after year.
Pinecone Reindeer & Glitter Cones
Take a neighborhood walk together and collect pinecones — that’s half the fun! Then transform them into reindeer, Christmas trees, or glittery tabletop decorations.
Supplies:
Pinecones, googly eyes, pipe cleaners, ribbon, small red pom-poms, white glue.
Memory moment:
Children love searching for “the perfect pinecone,” and you’ll love seeing them proudly show off their creation to anyone who walks through the door.
Paper Snowflake Garland
Nothing is simpler — or more enchanting — than cutting paper snowflakes. Even little ones can try simple folds, while older grandchildren can make more elaborate patterns.
Tip:
Let each child write their name on their snowflakes. Every year when you hang the garland, you’ll have a beautiful reminder of who made what.
Christmas Cookie Ornaments
These aren’t edible — they’re made of cinnamon and applesauce! They smell amazing and look adorable hanging on the tree.
Recipe:
Mix equal parts cinnamon and applesauce into a soft dough. Roll out, cut shapes with cookie cutters, and air dry for 24–48 hours.
Sweet twist:
Let the grandchildren decorate them with puff paint “icing.”
Memory-Making While You Craft
The best part of Christmas crafting isn’t the finished ornaments — it’s the conversation:
- Asking the kids about their favorite Christmas traditions.
- Telling them stories about what the holidays were like when you were their age.
- Laughing at how much glitter ends up on the dog.
These decorations will someday be treasures your grandchildren hang on their own trees. And when they do, they’ll remember you.