Easy Christmas Ideas from A to Z

Lisa Hubbard

From angels to zest, we've pulled together some of our easiest and most clever Christmas ideas.

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Angels at the Table

Lisa Hubbard

How to Make the Paper-Plate Angel

Perfect for a children's table, these demure angels are super easy to make with just a 6-inch plain paper plate, our pattern, a paper punch, and a utility knife.

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Billowing Bows

Gentl and Hyers

Like Champagne bubbles, these bows seem light as air atop a beautifully wrapped gift. The best part is, they're simple to make; all you need are scissors and two store-bought bows.

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Cookies

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

These chewy molasses-spice cookies are a snap to make and look like you spent hours in the kitchen. The best part is you don't have to ice them, cut them, or decorate them to make a beautiful gift.

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Deck the Halls

This wreath chandelier looks grand and difficult to make, but it couldn't be simpler or more stunning. Just take two wreaths and beautiful satin ribbon, tie bows, and hang.

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Elves at Work

How to Make the Pinecone Elves

Memo to Santa's assistants from head elf, creative department: It has come to our attention that these elf figurines are a joy to make. All you need are pinecones, pipe cleaners, and other simple supplies (no toy-making expertise necessary). Furthermore, the charming sprites have many applications. They can be used as decorations on a mantel, under a tree, or atop presents. In conclusion, we expect the little guys to be big hits this Christmas.

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Family Feast

Make one of these easy holiday menus for a festive feast your family and friends will love.

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Giving Gifts

See Our Handmade Gift Ideas

A gift is even more special when it's made from the heart. So, why not make one of these handmade gifts for him, her, the kids, or anyone else on your holiday gift list?

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Handmade Cards

A three-part holiday card delivers a pair of favorite photos, plus a simple greeting, and it takes only a little bit of trimming and pasting.

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Icicle Trim

Frances Ruffenach

You might expect to find a decoration like this at Jack Frost's holiday bash, but any kid can make this frosty frill. All you need is tissue paper. Fold one sheet in half lengthwise, then make five-inch wide accordion folds. Along one short end, draw drippy icicles. Cut out. If you need more pieces, cut a fresh straight edge, then draw and cut out more icicles. Layer white tissue over blue, and attach with double-sided tape.

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Jingle Bells

Deck the doorknobs with jolly kid-made bells. It's a great activity for days when it's too wet or chilly to play outside and -- between your craft bin and the refrigerator -- you probably have all the supplies on hand: an egg carton, paint, glitter, glue, and yarn.

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Kris Kringle

No holiday figure is as instantly recognizable as Kris Kringle, the jovial, red-suited icon who has inspired a galaxy of Christmas decorations. Among the most delightful Santa ornaments are playful miniatures made of celluloid, an early plastic, sold at five-and-dimes in the 1920s and '30s. For less than a dollar, you can buy a handful of these treasured reminders of Christmas past on eBay or at rubylane.com. So, why not collect a few and create an easy, inexpensive Santa-scape?

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Light Up the Night

Tiny bulbs create a striking modern display when placed in frosted cylindrical vases. Wrap ribbon around the bottoms of the vases and affix with double-sided tape. Loosely coil a single strand of lights in each vase, and then send the plug end over the back lip of the vase and run it behind so it's hidden. Use lights that have been tested for safety (look on the label), and always unplug the strand when left unattended.

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Making Spirits Bright

Get Our Holiday Punch Recipes

What could be easier than making a punch and letting guests serve themselves at your holiday party? It's festive and delicious, and only takes a few ingredients and moments to make.

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Naughty or ...

We all know what bad boys and girls get in their stockings: coal. But something is different this year. These sparkling nuggets are no ordinary lumps, but gift boxes embellished with paint, paper, and lots of glitter. The faux-coal pieces are just the right size to package earrings, a rolled-up tie, and other small gifts. Looks like landing on the "naughty" list isn't so terrible after all.

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... Nice

Let those kids who have made the "nice" list use our letter to Santa to let him know exactly what they want this holiday season. Even better, it will keep them busy while you're wrapping presents or hanging decorations.Print the "Dear Santa" Letter from a Boy

Print the "Dear Santa" Letter from a Girl

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Oh, What Fun

Stack gumdrops, dot them with sprinkles and other candies in creative ways, and watch the colorful confections come to life as snowmen, Santas, and other icons of the season.

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Peppermint Bark

Gentl and Hyers

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

With only three ingredients and plenty of Christmastime cheer, this recipe for peppermint bark is easy to make and will find its way onto everyone's wish list.

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Quiet as a Mouse

How to Make the Candy Cane Mice

It's the kids who will be doing the nibbling when these sweet mice are around. A combination of two Christmas icons -- mice and candy canes -- these tiny fabric creatures with their red-and-white-striped tails make fitting favors at a holiday dinner or delightful gifts for children to give to friends and relatives.

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Remembering

Remember sweet moments every Christmas with these easy-to-make photo ornaments.

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Snow Globes

How to Make a Snow Globe

The shimmering magic of snowfall is always transfixing, whether it's outside your window or inside this classic toy. Homemade globes let you create a wintry scene straight out of your own imagination.

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Trim the Tree

With a few bags of cotton balls (yes, cotton balls) you can blanket a tree with the softest snow. Thread a needle with 15 inches of fishing line, and sew through two or three cotton balls, leaving gaps between (dab white glue next to each so it won't slide); make loop for hanging. Use a sieve to add a dusting of cornstarch over the branches; cut batting for a skirt.

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Unexpected Accents

Bold notes, such as a carnation centerpiece or red napkins, pop against white table linens and plates. A hint of aqua adds a surprise to your holiday table.

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Visions of Sugar Plums

A well-known reverie from "The Night Before Christmas" comes to life in this easy, whimsical holiday centerpiece.

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Winter Welcome

Give bits of ribbon left over from gift wrapping a new life as merry tree ornaments, or use them to decorate a garland welcoming winter guests. The ribbons' colors and patterns don't need to match exactly, since their simple shape will tie the look together. Begin by knotting scraps into basic bows around a few inches of floral wire. Next, twist the wire to secure the bows to tree branches, indoors or out. To remove the ornaments, untwist the wire, and store flat between layers of tissue paper.

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Xmas Breads

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Stollen, panettone, and fruitcake are longstanding Christmas traditions that are worth revisiting, while these miniature golden fruitcakes are a twist on the traditional recipe and are a snap to make. Wrap them up and give them as gifts for sweet treats everyone will love.

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Yule Log Boxes

These versions of the yule log, a quintessential symbol of the Christmas season, are actually favor boxes; they resemble birch logs, thanks to our clip art wrapped around paper-towel rolls.

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Zesty Garnish

Gentl & Hyers

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

In this case, just add candied lemon zest! It's easy to make (just three ingredients and three steps), and you can add it as garnish or a flavorful topping on desserts or eat it on its own -- it's that delicious.

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Easy Christmas Ideas from A to Z

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Angels at the Table

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Billowing Bows

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Cookies

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Deck the Halls

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Elves at Work

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Family Feast

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Giving Gifts

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Handmade Cards

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Icicle Trim

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Jingle Bells

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Kris Kringle

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Light Up the Night

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Making Spirits Bright

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Naughty or ...

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... Nice

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Oh, What Fun

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Peppermint Bark

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Quiet as a Mouse

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Remembering

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Snow Globes

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Trim the Tree

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Unexpected Accents

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Visions of Sugar Plums

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Winter Welcome

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Xmas Breads

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Yule Log Boxes