As the festive winter season is officially in session, this means that it’s almost time for winter break with lots of time off to do whatever our hearts desire. Although lying in bed and watching Netflix for two whole weeks sounds tempting, it might get repetitive, so here are 10 Last Minute Easy Holiday Crafts that anyone can do: 

Ps. A total bonus is that all of these creations can be used as a last-minute holiday gift!

Holiday Card Tree

For some extra holiday wall decor and a sustainable way to use your old holiday cards, create a holiday card tree!

Materials Needed:

• Holiday cards
• Adhesive of choice 

Instructions: 

1. Find some old holiday cards (or you can choose to make your own) and arrange them out in a holiday tree shape of your choice. 
2. Once you achieve the desired shape, use an adhesive like tape or blue tack to place cards onto your wall
3. All done! Now you have a simple but personalized holiday card tree 

Clay Ornaments

This is a simple craft for people of all ages. All you need is some  air-dry clay to create your own personalized ornaments.

Materials Needed:

• Air dry clay 
• Markers or paint to decorate with
• Cookie cutter

Instructions: 

1. Take a piece of air dry clay to flatten and roll out
2. Using a cookie cutter and cut into the shape of choice
3. Wait for the clay to air dry
4. Decorate however you like with supplies of your choice (I recommend permanent markers or paint)

Mason Jar Snow Globe

This is a cute winter-inspired room decor that is spill proof since it’s a waterless snow globe.

Materials Needed:

• A mason jar
• Hot glue 
• Holiday figurine of choice 
• Fake snow or glitter

Instructions: 

1. Open up your mason jar and hot glue your holiday figurine of choice to the bottom using a hot glue gun.
2. Add in fake snow or white glitter to create a winter scenery
3. Put on the lid and enjoy your new waterless mason jar snow globe!

Coupon Book

The perfect craft to make if you need a last-minute Christmas gift for mom and dad.

Materials Needed:

• Flashcards
• Markers 
• Staples

Instructions: 

1. Write and draw little chores that you could help your parents out with on each flashcard (ex. One free lawn mowing)
2. Attach all cards together into a little booklet and gift to the person of choice

(ps. You can be even lazier and find an already-made coupon booklet online to just print and cut out)

No Sew Holiday Pillows

An affordable way to get decorative holiday pillows without breaking the bank.

Materials Needed:

• 2 holiday dish towels
• Scissors 
• Glue gun 
• Stuffling / pillow insert

Instructions: 

1. Lay one dish towel design side down and hot glue three sides to the other dishtowel 
2. Place stuffing in the dish towels 
3. One the little pouch is filled with stuffing hot glue the final sides together

Frosted Snow Covered Candles

Spice up your boring old candles and make them winter themed!

Materials Needed:

• Clear glue
• Paintbrush 
• Epsom salt
• Candles (white and red look best!)

Instructions: 

1. Brush on a coat of clear glue to the sides of your candles
2. Roll the candle in epsom salt
3. There you have it! Candles that look winter festive themed!

Puzzle Snowflake Ornaments

Have old puzzles hanging around that you won’t ever piece together? Create snowflake ornaments with them!

Materials Needed:

• Puzzle pieces
• Paint
• String 
• Holepucher
• glitter

Instructions: 

1. Place puzzle pieces in snowflake shape and glue together
2. Paint using color of choice
3. And dip the whole thing or just the edges in some glitter while the paint is still wet 
4. Hole punch the top of the snowflake
5. Tie a ribbon with space in the hole so you can hang your new ornament!  

Candy Sleigh

A delicious craft that can also serve as an adorable gift card holder!

Materials Needed: 

• Hot glue

• Large candy bar (ex. hersheys)
• Two candy canes 
• Miscellaneous mini candy bars
• A chocolate santa

Instructions: 

1. Glue the two candy canes hook side up on your candy bar
2. On top of the large candy bar glue down two or more mini candy bars in the center
3. Last but not least glue the santa in front of the seat made out of the two mini candy bars
4. Not necessary but, if you want to, this can serve as the perfect little gift card holder for gifting!

Muffin Tin Advent Calendar 

Homemade countdown to help you get into the holiday spirit!

Materials Needed:

• 24 slot muffin tin
• Paper printout 
• Double sided tape

Instructions: 

1. Decorate and label 24 pieces of small paper that cover the muffin slots or find a printable on google
2. Insert items of choice into muffin tin (some ideas include candy, mini skin care and makeup)
3. Place double sided tape on the cutouts and stick on muffin tin to cover prices

Hot Cocoa Bombs

A delicious craft that melts in milk to create hot cocoa. 

Materials Needed:

• Half circle molds
• Chocolate chips
• Lighter 
• Hot cocoa powder
• Marshmallows 

Instructions: 

1. Microwave chocolate chips until fully melted
2. Pour small amounts of chocolate into each half circle molds and make sure it’s spread thin and evenly (using a spoon might help)
3. Place in freeze or until fully set
4. Remove chocolate from mold
5. Add hot cocoa powder and marshmallows to a half circle 
6. Grab another half circle and use a light to gently light the edge 
7. Combine both half circles together 
8. Decorate with sprinkles or anything else of your choice

These easy last minute holiday crafts are a great use of your time during winter break. A student from YLHS also expressed, “This can bring your family closer together and a fun way to get creative” Marlena Caldera (11). So grab a family member and start crafting! I hope you all have a wonderful winter break.