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Family Christmas Mom Life Family Rhythms

Tiny Hands, Big Memories: Our Homemade Ornament Tradition

Annabrodea Medina
Annabrodea and her toddler making ornaments together
My little one and I set out to make homemade ornaments—messy hands, giggles, and all. Here is the simple recipe we used to create treasured memories.

A December Afternoon to Remember

The twinkle lights were glowing, Christmas music played softly in the background, and flour dusted the counter like a fresh snowfall. It was one of those afternoons where the simple things became magical.

My little one and I set out to make homemade ornaments—messy hands, giggles, and all. What started as a craft quickly became a memory I know I’ll treasure every time I see those little handprints and footprints hanging on our tree.

Toddler hands playing with dough on a flour-dusted counter
Toddler hands playing with dough on a flour-dusted counter

The Joy of Creating Together

We did each step side by side—measuring, pouring, mixing. Tiny fingers stirred with excitement, and laughter filled the kitchen when flour puffed into the air. The process wasn’t perfect, but it was ours.

It reminded me of Ecclesiastes 3:13:

“That each of them may eat and drink, and find satisfaction in all their toil—this is the gift of God.”

Even simple work like mixing flour and salt becomes a gift when done with family.

Annabrodea helping her child cut out ornament shapes
Annabrodea helping her child cut out ornament shapes

How to Make Homemade Ornaments

If you’d like to create your own family tradition, here’s the recipe we followed:

Ingredients

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup salt
  • 1 cup water

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 200°F.
  2. Mix all ingredients together until it forms a dough.
  3. Roll and cut into desired shapes or press little hands and feet to make prints.
  4. Place on a baking sheet.
  5. Heat for 10 minutes (or longer if your design is thicker).
  6. Once cooled, decorate if you’d like—or simply hang them plain for a rustic touch.

Finished homemade ornaments drying on a tray
Finished homemade ornaments drying on a tray

Faith in the Small Things

As I pressed my child’s little hand into the dough, I thought about how fleeting these years are. Tiny hands don’t stay tiny for long. But through traditions like this, we capture a piece of the season—and a piece of their childhood.

It also reminded me of Deuteronomy 6:6-7:

“These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.”

Faith is woven into everyday moments—even in holiday crafts.

A Tree Full of Memories

When the ornaments were finished, we hung them on our tree. Suddenly, our Christmas tree wasn’t just glowing with lights and tinsel—it was glowing with memories. Each little print was a reminder of God’s goodness, of family love, and of the magic found in simple traditions.

Recap: The Gift of Holiday Traditions

Making these ornaments was more than just an afternoon activity—it was a celebration of family, faith, and the holiday season. We laughed, we worked together, and now we have keepsakes that will hang on our tree for years to come.

This Christmas, don’t worry about perfect decorations. Instead, look for ways to create lasting memories. Because at the end of the day, it’s not about what’s on the tree—it’s about the love, faith, and joy shared around it.

“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men.”

— Luke 2:14