Easy Christmas Ideas from A to Z

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.

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.

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.

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

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?

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.

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.

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?

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.