The festive season can be overrun with excitement… YET, it can also be jam packed with screens & endless gadgets & technology. But, if you’re looking for meaningful activities for kids at Christmas that actually keep them engaged, calm & creative, there are plenty of hands-on ways to fill those cosy winter days. Swapping screens for simple, mindful crafting not only encourages imagination & focus, but also creates lasting memories & decorations you’ll treasure year after year.
At Cotton Twist, we believe Christmas magic comes from time spent together, & from little hands creating something beautiful. Below, we explore some wonderfully festive ideas that combine fun & creativity, whilst aligning with our love for sustainable, plastic-free play.
The Joy of Crafting at Christmas
When the excitement of Christmas reaches its peak, parents often search for activities for kids at Christmas that slow things down a little, without dampening the fun. Crafting ticks every box: it’s mindful, creative, & produces something tangible to display or gift.
Our Stitched Trees Decoration Kit is the perfect example. With wooden shapes, soft yarns, & easy-to-follow instructions, it invites children to focus, thread, & stitch at their own pace. The rhythmic motion of sewing calms busy minds and helps little ones take pride in their work - decorations they can hang on the tree & admire every year.
To keep the theme going, our Christmas Jumper Decoration Kit adds a sprinkle of festive cheer. The playful jumper design lets children explore colour, pattern & texture as they stitch. These sorts of creative activities for kids at Christmas promote fine motor skills, patience, & a sense of accomplishment - without a screen in sight!
Simple Crafts, Big Memories
Christmas is all about traditions, & handmade decorations have a wonderful way of becoming part of your family story. The Make Your Own Snowman Decorations kit encourages children to build & personalise their own snowy friend, complete with tiny details they’ll love to choose. It’s a charming, screen-free project that sparks imagination & keeps little hands busy while parents wrap gifts or prepare festive treats.
If you want to add an extra layer of creativity, our Make Your Own Stitched Wreath Decoration offers a gentle, mindful activity that feels wonderfully festive. Each child can make their own mini wreath, using natural materials & coloured threads. It’s ideal for those quieter afternoons leading up to Christmas Eve.
Meaningful Moments in Miniature
For smaller bursts of creativity, or as a fun stocking filler, the Santa Keyring Gift Kit is perfect. Compact, thoughtful & festive, it’s a lovely way for children to craft something they can actually use or gift. Making a keyring engages focus and fine motor skills, but it also offers a tangible sense of pride: “I made this myself.”
Moments like these are what activities for kids at Christmas are all about - simple, joyful interactions that foster creativity and connection.
A Calmer Christmas for the Whole Family
Encouraging creativity at Christmas doesn’t just benefit the kids. These craft moments create pauses in the festive rush, helping everyone slow down & reconnect. Instead of constant noise or overstimulation, crafting invites a kind of quiet joy - the hum of conversation, the concentration of making, the excitement of showing off what’s been created.
Our full Christmas Decoration & Keepsake collection is designed with this balance in mind: eco-friendly materials, plastic-free packaging, & projects that bring festive joy & focus.
Final Thoughts
The best Christmas memories aren’t found on screens - they’re made around tables scattered with thread, beads, laughter, & imagination. This year, choose gifts & projects that help little ones create something meaningful. Whether it’s stitching a tree decoration, designing a snowman, or making Santa his own keyring, these activities for kids at Christmas are about more than keeping them entertained - they’re about nurturing creativity & joy.