The holidays are just around the corner, and if you’re like most moms, you’re probably on the hunt for creative and engaging activities to keep those tiny hands busy.
Look no further! We’ve designed a delightful DIY Christmas-themed activity using popsicle sticks that will not only entertain but also boost your child’s creativity and motor skills.
How to Use the Popsicle Stick Christmas Activity
Using this popsicle stick craft activity is more than just a fun pastime; it’s a developmental treasure trove for your little ones.
Arranging and following patterns not only enhance their problem-solving and logical thinking abilities but also lay the groundwork for critical pre-reading skills.
At first glance, it might seem like a straightforward task, but for toddlers, visually processing a pattern and recreating it is a significant developmental milestone.
Handling the popsicle sticks refines their dexterity and hand-eye coordination, further developing their fine motor skills.
And, discussing the significance of each Christmas symbol can introduce them to cultural and social aspects of the holiday season, enhancing their social awareness. Choosing colors and improvising on designs also allows their creativity and imagination to flourish. This seemingly simple craft activity is a holistic approach to nurturing multiple facets of a child’s development – so follow the step by step below for how to use this free printable resource.
- Print the Templates: Start by downloading and printing our free PDF with the Christmas patterns, available at the end of the blog post.
- Gather Your Supplies: Aside from the templates, all you need are popsicle sticks (colored ones add an extra dash of fun!). If you want to preserve the popsicle stick designs into Christmas crafts, then add glue but this is an optional extra step for the activity.
- Pick a Pattern: Have your child select which Christmas pattern they want to start with.
- Lay It Out: Using the printed pattern as a guide, let them arrange their popsicle sticks on top to match the design.
- Stick Together (Optional): Once satisfied with their layout, they can glue the sticks together to create the picture. Allow it to dry.
- Display or Play: Depending on your child’s choice, they can either use their creation as a decorative piece or use it as a plaything.
This activity is most suitable for children aged 3-7 years. Younger kids might need some assistance, while older kids can take on the challenge of making more intricate designs or even coming up with their own patterns!
Popsicle Stick Christmas Pictures
This free printable Christmas craft stick pattern mats set includes 7 different pictures, for kids to copy and re create, or use to make their own Christmas crafts. Take a look at each one below and download the free PDF file at the bottom of this blog post.
For some of the pictures, you will need to cut the popsicle sticks to complete the picture. For younger kids, I would recommend an adult does that step before beginning.
Candy Cane
A classic symbol of Christmas! Have your kids replicate the twisted red and white stripes using their popsicle sticks.
For this picture, you will need one full length white popsicle stick, and a 2nd which has been cut into 3 smaller piece. Add stripes with a red marker.
Reindeer
Oh, how the kids will giggle creating their very own popsicle stick reindeer. Those antlers might just be the cutest thing ever!
All you need for this popsicle stick picture is three brown craft sticks (natural unpainted craft sticks works well enough for brown) – Add two eyes with black marker, and a red square piece of tissue for a nose.
Christmas Present
It’s all about the joy of giving. This picture is a great way to talk to your kiddos about the essence of gifting during the holidays.
For this christmas picture, you will need 5 full sized craft sticks (We used blue and yellow but you can choose any colour) and two smaller pieces cut from each end of a popsicle stick.
Wreath
Craft a festive wreath with a pop of red berries using popsicle sticks. This can even double up as a mini door decoration!
For this Christmas popsicle stick picture you will need 3 green craft sticks cut in half, and you can use 3 small red pom poms for the berries.
Snowflake
Every snowflake is unique, and so will be your child’s rendition of it. Encourage them to design their very own popsicle stick snowflake using 4 popsicle sticks.
We used white, but you can also use blue or whatever color you prefer. Add designs using a marker, or add gems.
Related: Easy Glitter Popsicle Stick Snowflake Craft for Kids
Christmas Hat
Santa’s hat is iconic! Let your kids craft their version and maybe even narrate stories of Santa’s travels.
For this popsicle stick Santa hat you will need 2 red, 2 white and 2 more small pieces cut from the end of a popsicle stick.
Christmas Tree
A festive staple! Have the children recreate a Christmas tree, and maybe even add some mini ornaments if they’re feeling extra creative.
For the popsicle stick Christmas tree, you will need 1 brown, 1 full green, and 5-6 green popsicle sticks with each one cut slightly smaller.
Use small dot stickers to add decorations to the tree.
Related: Popsicle Stick Christmas Tree Craft
Download the PDF
Want to get started right away? We’ve made it super easy for you. Just click below to download a free printable PDF of the popsicle stick Christmas patterns. Simply print, and you’re all set!
Terms of use: free for personal use and free for classroom use. Not for commercial use.
Engaging in holiday-themed crafts is not just about the fun; it’s about creating memories, developing skills, and soaking in the festive spirit. This popsicle stick Christmas activity is an easy way to bring the magic of the season into your home. So gather those sticks, print out the patterns, and let the merry crafting begin!
More Christmas Crafts and Activities for Preschoolers
We have lots more engaging Christmas crafts and activities for preschoolers, here are just a few of our favorites…
- Winter PomPom Mats Free Printable Fine Motor Activity for Kids
- Free Printable Christmas Playdough Mats
- Winter & Christmas Color By Number Pages for Kids {Free Printables}
- Paper Plate Snow Globe Craft
- Rock Painting Mix n Match Stone Snowmen
- Handprint Reindeer Christmas Craft for Kids
Anna Marikar, mum of four and seasoned blogger, has spent over a decade sharing her parenting journey and passion for kid-friendly crafts and free printables.
Her easy-to-follow craft ideas and practical parenting advice have transformed In The Playroom into a cherished resource for parents.
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