The holiday season is a time for celebration, togetherness, and joy. But it can also bring about stress and overwhelm—especially for parents and caregivers juggling multiple responsibilities. What if we told you that crafts, the fun and creative activities that many of us enjoy, can help reduce stress and anxiety? Whether you’re looking for a mindful activity to share with your children or a simple craft to enjoy on your own, these projects are the perfect way to unwind and get into the holiday spirit.
The Therapeutic Power of Crafts
Crafting isn’t just about creating something beautiful—it’s about engaging in a calming, mindful activity that helps us focus on the present. Crafts and creativity are proven to help ease stress and combat anxiety. The simple act of using your hands and expressing your creativity can boost your mood, keep your brain sharp, and even help alleviate the symptoms of depression, anxiety, sleeplessness, and stress. Plus, crafting gives us a moment to pause, focus, and practice mindfulness, making it a perfect tool for managing stress, especially around the holidays.
Here are some of our favourite holiday crafts to help you cope with stress, relax, and spend quality time with loved ones.
Holiday Craft: DIY Toilet Paper Roll Snowmen
This adorable and easy-to-make craft is perfect for both kids and adults. These DIY snowmen can be decorated in countless ways, making them a wonderful activity to do together as a family or for a little personal fun.
Materials Needed:
- Toilet paper rolls
- Pipe cleaner
- Small googly eyes
- Small pom poms
- Ribbon
- Glue
- Sharpies or markers to decorate
- Scissors
TIP: This craft can be created by just using the toilet paper rolls and markers! You can use the markers to draw on the face, scarf, etc.
Instructions:
- Start by gluing on two googly eyes, about a quarter of the way down the toilet paper tube.
- Cut a length of ribbon (about 8 inches long) and tie it around the toilet paper tube below the eyes to make a scarf.
- Using the Sharpies, draw a carrot nose, a coal mouth, and buttons on the tube.
- Cut a 3-inch piece of pipe cleaner and glue pom poms onto either end of the pipe cleaner to make earmuffs.
- Once the glue is dry, bend the pipe cleaner and place the earmuffs around the top of the toilet paper tube. Glue the two pom poms onto either side of the toilet paper tube to hold the earmuffs in place.
- And you’re done! Now you have a cute, recycled toilet paper roll snowman!
- These little guys only take a few minutes to make, so go ahead and make a bunch! You can stand them up on your mantel or hang them on your Christmas tree!
This fun DIY Toilet Paper Roll Snowman craft was created by Craftaholics Anonymous®. You can follow their step-by-step instructions with photos on their website HERE.
DIY Glitter Jars
Glitter jars are a great DIY tool for calming both the mind and body. They provide a sensory experience that encourages mindfulness, helping children and adults alike focus on the present moment and let go of stress.
Materials Needed:
- Mason jars
- Assorted glitter
- Glue (glitter or white)
- Hot water
- Food coloring (optional)
Instructions:
- Fill the mason jar halfway with hot water.
- Add two tablespoons of glue into the jar and shake to mix (don’t forget to put the lid on first!).
- Pour glitter into the jar until about a ½-inch layer forms at the bottom.
- Fill the rest of the jar with hot water, leaving about an inch at the top for shaking room.
- Screw the lid on and give it a shake!
- Add more glitter and food colouring if desired.
MINDFULNESS TIP: Shake your glitter jar for a few seconds, then place it on a flat surface where you can watch the glitter settle. As the glitter settles, allow yourself to settle too. Shake and wait as many times as needed to feel calm. While watching the glitter fall, focus only on the present moment—this helps us let go of thoughts about the past or future, which can negatively affect our mental health. Let the floating glitter soothe your mind and ease immediate stress.
CLICK HERE TO WATCH A TUTORIAL ON OUR YOUTUBE CHANNELDIY Stress Balls
Making your own stress ball is a fantastic hands-on project that helps release physical tension and stress. Plus, it’s a fun activity for kids to participate in, making it an ideal family craft.
Materials Needed:
- Balloons (minimum 2)
- Filling (flour, rice, seeds, etc.)
- Funnel
- Scissors
- Sharpies for decoration (optional)
Instructions:
- Take the first balloon and stretch it as much as possible.
- Fill the stretched balloon with your chosen filing using the funnel.
- Tie the end of the balloon tightly.
- Take your second balloon and cut the ‘neck’ of it off using scissors (TIP: this balloon should be a colour you or your child likes as it will be the colour of the stress ball).
- Stretch the second balloon over the filled balloon to secure it. (TIP: put the outside balloon on so the opening is at the other end from the tied end).
- Decorate with Sharpies if desired, and let your new stress ball work its magic!
HOW IT HELPS: Stress balls are a tool to relieve anxiety, stress and other mood disorders. Stress balls help relax us by taking tension out of our hands. If you or your child experience stress or anxiety, this is a great coping tool to create together.
Crafting for Stress Relief This Holiday Season
The holiday season doesn’t have to be stressful. Take time to relax and connect with your loved ones—or with your own creative spirit—through these simple and enjoyable crafts. Whether it’s creating glitter jars for mindfulness, making stress balls for stress relief, or getting creative with toilet paper roll snowmen, these crafts are designed to bring you peace and joy. So, gather your materials, get crafting, and let creativity be your tool for relaxation this holiday season!
Remember, you don’t have to be a crafting expert to enjoy the benefits of creativity—just a willingness to slow down, enjoy the process, and let go of stress.