6 Classic Holiday Crafts That Are Back in Style

In a world of store-bought perfection, there’s a growing desire to bring a personal, handmade touch back to the holidays. People are rediscovering the simple joy and timeless charm of classic crafts from yesteryear. These crafts not only decorate our homes but also create lasting memories with family and friends.

Why Vintage Crafts Are Making a Comeback

Before we dive into the specific crafts, it’s worth noting why this trend is happening. Many people are looking for ways to have a more sustainable and budget-friendly holiday season. Handmade decorations often use natural or recycled materials, reducing waste and expense. Furthermore, these activities offer a wonderful screen-free way to connect with loved ones, slowing down the holiday rush and focusing on creativity and togetherness. It’s a return to authenticity and tradition that feels more meaningful than ever.

1. Dried Orange Slice Ornaments and Garlands

One of the most beautiful and fragrant trends to re-emerge is the use of dried citrus. Slices of oranges, grapefruit, and even blood oranges transform into stunning, stained-glass-like ornaments when dried. Their vibrant colors catch the light beautifully on a Christmas tree or when strung together as a garland across a mantelpiece.

Why it’s back: This craft perfectly aligns with the modern desire for natural, eco-friendly decor. It’s incredibly simple, smells wonderful, and adds a rustic, old-world charm to any home. Plus, it’s a zero-waste decoration, as the slices are fully compostable after the holidays.

How to make them: Simply slice an orange into thin, uniform rounds (about ¹⁄₄ inch thick). Pat them very dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture. Place the slices directly on the racks in your oven and bake at a low temperature, around 200°F (95°C), for 3 to 4 hours. Flip them every hour to ensure they dry evenly. They are done when they are dry to the touch and slightly translucent. Once cool, you can string them with twine to hang.

2. Salt Dough Ornaments

A beloved childhood craft, salt dough ornaments are making a major comeback for their simplicity and versatility. Made from just three basic kitchen ingredients (flour, salt, and water), this craft is accessible to everyone, regardless of artistic skill. You can use cookie cutters to create classic shapes, press your child’s handprint for a keepsake, or sculpt your own unique designs.

Why it’s back: This is a perfect family-friendly activity. It’s inexpensive, non-toxic, and allows for endless creativity. Once baked and hardened, the ornaments can be painted and decorated, providing hours of fun. The finished products have a charming, rustic look that feels both personal and timeless.

How to make them: The classic recipe is 1 cup of all-purpose flour, ¹⁄₂ cup of table salt, and ¹⁄₂ cup of water. Mix the flour and salt, then gradually add the water until a firm dough forms. Knead it for a few minutes, then roll it out and cut your shapes. Don’t forget to poke a hole for the ribbon before baking. Bake at 250°F (120°C) for about 2 hours, or until completely hard and dry. Let them cool completely before painting with acrylic paints.

3. Popcorn and Cranberry Garlands

Nothing says “old-fashioned Christmas” quite like a popcorn and cranberry garland. This tradition dates back to the Victorian era, when families would gather to string these festive strands for their trees. The contrast of the bright red cranberries and the fluffy white popcorn creates a beautiful, natural decoration.

Why it’s back: It’s a nostalgic activity that brings people together. It’s also a great way to practice fine motor skills with older children. The final product is a beautiful, biodegradable decoration that adds a touch of classic charm to the tree, far removed from plastic tinsel.

How to make them: You’ll need plain, air-popped popcorn (stale popcorn works best as it’s less likely to break), fresh cranberries, a long needle, and strong thread or fishing line. Simply thread the needle and push it through the center of a piece of popcorn, followed by a cranberry. Alternate in a pattern of your choosing until your garland reaches the desired length.

4. Clove-Studded Pomander Balls

A pomander is simply a piece of fruit, typically an orange, that is studded with whole cloves. This craft has been around for centuries, originally used to ward off illness and freshen the air in stuffy rooms. Today, they are cherished for their incredible holiday fragrance and decorative appeal.

Why it’s back: In an age of artificial air fresheners, the natural, spicy scent of a pomander is a welcome change. They are beautiful when displayed in a bowl as a centerpiece or when hung with a ribbon. This is a relaxing, mindful craft that engages the senses.

How to make them: Take a firm orange and use a toothpick or skewer to poke holes in the skin. This makes it easier to insert the cloves. Push the sharp end of whole cloves into the holes you’ve made. You can create intricate patterns like spirals and diamonds or cover the entire orange. As the orange dries, it will shrink and release a wonderful aroma that lasts for weeks.

5. Hand-Cut Paper Snowflakes

This is perhaps the most accessible and magical craft of all. With just a piece of paper and a pair of scissors, you can create intricate, unique snowflakes. The delight of unfolding the paper to reveal a one-of-a-kind design is a simple joy that never gets old.

Why it’s back: It requires minimal materials and is perfect for all ages. Paper snowflakes can be used to decorate windows, walls, or even be strung together to create a delicate garland. It’s a quiet, creative activity that encourages focus and imagination.

How to make them: Start with a square piece of paper (standard printer paper works well). Fold it in half diagonally to make a triangle, then fold it in half again. Fold that smaller triangle into thirds. Snip off the uneven bottom edge to create a clean triangle, then start cutting small shapes along all the folded edges. The more you cut, the more intricate your snowflake will be. Carefully unfold to see your creation.

6. Simple Felt Ornaments

Felt is a forgiving and easy-to-use fabric, making it perfect for beginner sewing projects. Creating simple felt ornaments in shapes like stars, hearts, Christmas trees, and gingerbread men is a cozy and satisfying activity.

Why it’s back: The “cottagecore” and handmade aesthetic has brought fabric crafts back into the spotlight. Felt ornaments have a soft, warm texture that adds a cozy feel to holiday decor. They are unbreakable, making them a great choice for families with small children or pets.

How to make them: Choose a few colors of craft felt. Cut out two identical shapes for each ornament. You can decorate the front piece with smaller felt cutouts, embroidery stitches, or buttons. Then, place the two identical pieces together and use a simple blanket stitch or running stitch around the edge with embroidery floss, leaving a small opening. Lightly stuff with polyester fiberfill before stitching it closed. Add a loop of ribbon for hanging.