My Christmas crafts to spread that holiday cheer

Getting into the Christmas spirit hasn’t really been easy for me this year in France. Maybe it’s the fact that it’s just not that cold (40s F) and if we get any precipitation, it’s rain — not snow. Or maybe because I’m not home with my family and friends. Or maybe it’s the Christmas attitude in France. In any case, I decorated the apartment, made Christmas cards and got my own little Christmas going.

Check out my festive Christmas crafts!

I’m no Martha Stewart, so if I spend 50 euros on Christmas crafts from Cultura, you know there’s a reason. (Christmas cookies are a Christmas staple but weren’t really an option being that my oven is the size of my hand and I don’t have any counter space.) Decorations are a big part of getting into the Christmas spirit, so in lieu of cookies, I decided to make a few things. Seeing the beautifully adorned spaces makes me smile, so I stocked up on crafty things and got to work…

I love washi tape and decided to invest in a complete Christmas collection. From red and green to metallics, my coffee table is covered with it all. The Japanese masking tape is great for all kinds of projects, but I decided to use it to make garland and Christmas cards. I’m not a craft guru by any means, but taking the time to do some Christmas crafts while listening to Christmas music lifted my spirits and Tom even helped out too.

Christmas crafts — Meet our washi tape Christmas tree:

Since we’re short on space, our Christmas treee is a washi tape one that’s stuck to the wall. It has some lovely washi tape garland on baker’s twine. It sure takes the term “fake tree” to a whole new place.

Here are my Christmas cards:

Some have trees and others have presents. I like that personal touch — even if it looks like a 5-year-old made them.

Here are little ornaments:

I filled the globes with confetti, feathers and glass beads and then decorated a Christmas stocking with them that’s now hanging on our door along with some more washi tape garland. I think the neighbors love the holiday spirit. Ha ha.

And finally a jar “lantern” with a safe battery-operated candle:

When it comes to Christmas crafts, it doesn’t get easier than this. I made a few of these — they add some nice Christmas flair to the table.

What Christmas things have you been up to? Wishing everyone a very merry holiday season!