As the Christmas season draws near, it's easy to get stressed out. There's just so much planning and spending involved in the holiday season. This may be the most wonderful time of year, but it also filled with anxiety and confusion. Don't let these feelings ruin your holiday. Instead of worring about complicated Christmas projects, make a few simple crafts to blow off steam and foster creativity. In fact, these easy Christmas ornaments and decorations are so simple, you can gather up the kids and craft as a family.

For these projects, you don't have to search high and low for materials. Use common items such as posterboard, toilet paper rolls and jingle bells to create your handmade items. You'll love hanging the ornaments on your tree and saving them for yours to come. Plus, projects like Super Snowflakes brighten up a boring space and add Christmas cheer to your decor. Luckily, all of these easy DIY Christmas crafts are easy to make and perfect for beginners. Say goodbye to stress and hello to creativity this holiday season. Take a free afternoon off from the holiday grind and craft yourself the perfect Christmas.

5 Simple DIY Christmas Decorations

Super Snowflakes: If you're a beginner or just need a simple craft to keep you busy, this is the perfect project. Use a full sheet or posterboard or foam core to create your snowflake shape. You can even use a snowflake template for the design - no need to test your drawing skills with complicated shapes and figures. Cover the piece with glue (you can use a spray or apply glue with a brush) and add glitter to the large flake. Cover the completed piece with glossy finish so the glitter really sparkles and shines. Hang your creation from the ceiling or stick it on your wall. Before you know it, you'll be walking in a winter wonderland (without the cold temperatures and snowy boots).

Mini Monet Christmas Ornament Tutorial: Collaborate with your child to create this personalized ornament. In fact, your child will do most of the work for this project. Don't worry, though - they'll have tons of fun in the process of making this craft. Have them create a holiday-themed photo and scan the image into your home computer. Add your own message and print the new image onto transfer paper. Use a hot glue gun to adhere fabric to an embroidery hoop. Transfer the image on to a piece of fabric and hand-stitch it the fabric-covered hoop. Give this ornament to a good friend, grandparent or teacher - it's a cut way to show you and your child care during the holiday season.
 

Gingerbread Man Ornaments: Let's face it - the smell of gingerbread epitomizes the holiday season. You can't walk past a fresh batch of cookies without getting those warm and fuzzy feelings, right? Add a fragrant, fun touch to your tree and make ornaments that look good enough to eat. This is one of those DIY Christmas crafts that kids and adults can make together - just make sure no one sneaks a taste of the dough (glue is one of the ingredients). Use cookie cutters to create the shapes from homemade dough and hang your creations from the tree all season long. Easy Christmas ornaments add a whimsical touch to even the most ornate tree.

Toilet Paper Roll Wreath Ornaments: You only need two empty toilet paper rolls to create easy Christmas ornaments like this one. Using gesso or white acrylic paint, coat the rolls inside and out. Once that's dry, cover the rolls in your favorite color (the brighter the better)! Next, follow the steps and cut out small slits and use your hands to twist the tube and form the ornament. Do this for both rolls and glue them together to create one circular piece. This project shows that DIY Christmas decorations don't have to take forever or cost an arm and a leg. Use what you have in your recycle bin and you'll never run out of creative ideas!

Jingle Bell Garland: Purchase pre-cut fabric strips or simple cut your own for this super simple Christmas craft. You can also use grograin ribbon if that's a better option. Add some store-bought jungle bells to the fabric with some hot glue and string up your garland! This is a fun and easy way to add a little holiday cheer to your Christmas tree. Make some DIY Christmas decorations for your tree - who says ornaments are the only way to go? Be sure to keep it simple when crafting for the holiday season. So often, it's the quick and easy crafts that make the biggest impression.

Remember, if you enjoyed these 5 simple DIY Christmas decorations, then you'll love getting even more projects in our free eBook, 7 Easy Christmas Crafts.