Lovely childcare

[Age 3] Let’s Make It at Nursery or Kindergarten! A Collection of Christmas Craft Ideas

20 years of experience as a nursery teacher / kindergarten teacherhiyoko sensei
I’m Hiyoko-sensei, a former nursery school teacher from Hyogo Prefecture. Ever since I was five, my dream was to become a childcare worker, and before I knew it, 20 years had passed since I achieved that dream. Through singing and playing with the children, I kept working with the spirit of someone in their twenties, even as I increasingly felt my physical limits year by year (haha). From here on, I’d like to share helpful information carefully and thoughtfully, drawing on my on-site experience.

When it comes to December events, there’s Christmas—a time that excites both children and adults.

Many teachers may be thinking, “I want to enjoy Christmas crafts with the children!”

So this time, we’ve gathered wonderful ideas that will heighten the anticipation for Christmas among three-year-olds.

Packed with cute craft ideas featuring Santa Claus, reindeer, trees, wreaths, and more, these activities will make children’s excitement grow even more!

We’re introducing a wide range of ideas—from techniques that promote fine motor development to activities that encourage free expression—so please try incorporating them into craft activities at your nursery school or kindergarten.

Since the children’s creations are treated as works, we use the term “seisaku” (production/craftwork) in the text to refer to them.

[Age 3] Make it at daycare or kindergarten! A collection of Christmas craft ideas (51–60)

Christmas cards made with torn-paper collage

[Craft Play] Let's make a Christmas card that can be expressed with torn-paper collage

Christmas cards made with torn-paper collage

Here’s an introduction to making Christmas cards with chigiri-e.

Chigiri-e is a technique where you tear origami or construction paper by hand and paste the pieces onto drawing paper to create a work of art.

You can enjoy the tactile sensation of tearing the paper, as well as the fun of using those pieces to bring a creation to life! Since having fun is important, it’s best to proceed in a way that suits the child’s stage of development.

Watching children paste the torn pieces while imagining what they could be and turning them into something is truly wonderful.

Why not try this idea as you get ready for a joyful Christmas?

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Decalcomania Christmas Tree

[Arts and Crafts Activity] Let’s make a Christmas tree using decalcomania

Decalcomania Christmas Tree

Decalcomania is a transfer technique, and it’s one that’s often used in early childhood education.

Dab paint onto construction paper, fold the paper in half, press it lightly, and then open it to reveal a beautiful, symmetrical design.

Let’s apply this to make a Christmas tree! After placing the paint and folding the paper in half, lightly sketch half of a tree on the folded sheet and cut along the outline.

When you open it, you’ll have a perfectly symmetrical Christmas tree! It’s an easy way to create a lovely piece, so try incorporating it into Christmas crafts at your nursery or kindergarten.

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Santa Claus with handprints

[Kindergarten/Daycare] December Handprint Santa with a Beard – Art/Craft Project

Santa Claus with handprints

Here’s an introduction to a handprint Santa craft that showcases each child’s unique personality.

In this activity, the Santa’s beard from an illustration or cutout is represented using handprints.

The size of their hands and the way they press them down add originality.

You can also enjoy variations, such as using handprints to create a reindeer’s antlers, not just Santa.

Another lovely idea is to create handprint art regularly and display the pieces side by side at graduation.

Since paint is applied to the hands, please be thoughtful and adapt the activity so that children who dislike certain textures can enjoy it too.

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Christmas cake made from a milk carton

Here’s a Christmas cake craft made from a milk carton—perfect for December activities or pretend parties! First, open the milk carton, cut it into three equal sections, form each into a triangle, and secure the edge with double-sided tape.

Wrap a strip of vinyl tape around the middle, add fruit stickers, and the cake base is done.

For the strawberry on top, roll up a tissue into a ball and wrap it with origami paper.

One milk carton makes three cakes, and combining six of them turns it into a whole cake! For three-year-olds, you can have them try the steps of rolling the tissue and placing the stickers.

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Reindeer made from paper cups

A reindeer made from a paper cup—perfect as a Christmas decoration or ornament! It’s a plus that you can make it easily with familiar materials.

To make it, simply paint the paper cup with paint and stick on the reindeer’s facial parts.

You can use parts the teacher has prepared in advance or even make use of round stickers.

Let the children try painting the paper cup and gluing on the reindeer parts! Even if the painting isn’t perfect or the pieces are a bit crooked, it turns out charming and unique.

Encourage the children to enjoy expressing themselves freely.

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