One of the things that children love about Christmas is decorating the tree. It is possible to have a great family activity by making ornaments for the Christmas tree. It's a fun family activity that will help you create memories that will stay with your children for years to come. You can put up a small, three-foot tree -- exclusively decorated by homemade ornaments -- or you can add a few of the homemade ornaments to your main tree.

Classic Christmas Craft: Pinecone Ornaments
One of the classic homemade ornaments is the pinecone. You can get them from nature (make sure you bundle up if you go outside), or you can buy some at a craft store. (If you are at some craft stores, you can get scented pinecones as well.) You can make ornaments by putting glue on the pinecone, and then rolling it in glitter, which will stick to the pinecone. It is also possible to wind pipe cleaners around the pinecone or use sequins or spangles instead of glitter. We like to set the pinecones on branches, positioning them near lights. However, a pinecone hanger can be made with a loop of yarn.

Popsicle Stick Trees
You can make miniature Christmas trees out of popsicle sticks. Use a long stick or tongue depressor as the trunk. Next, lay additional popsicle sticks horizontally across the "trunk." As you move up the tree, cut the popsicle sticks so that they are progressively shorter -- resulting in a tree shape. Decorate the mini tree with sequins, glitter, small foam cutouts or anything else you can think of. Make a hanger using looped yarn.

Stained Glass
You can make ornaments that look like stained glass with a special kit. They are usually rather inexpensive. The kits come with plastic ornaments that can be painted with transparent colors. (Have your kids wear old T-shirts or a smock when painting.) When dry, the ornaments have the look of stained glass. They are especially attractive when hung in front of lights.