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Crafting Joy: Easy Pinecone Christmas Trees & Festive Family Fun

The magic of the holiday season is truly upon us! With only a few weeks left until Christmas, the excitement for winter break is palpable in our home. As parents, we all look for engaging and creative ways to keep our little ones entertained during these extended days at home. That’s where delightful holiday crafts come into play! Today, I’m thrilled to share a charming and incredibly easy project that has become a quick family favorite: DIY Pinecone Christmas Trees. Get ready to transform simple pinecones into adorable festive decorations, perfect for spreading holiday cheer throughout your home or gifting to loved ones.

Our Beloved “Craft & Snack” Time: A Holiday Tradition in the Making

If you were to ask me about the absolute best part of my day, hands down, it’s when my kids settle down for snack time. It’s a precious window where I intentionally step away from my work, put distractions aside, and we simply connect. These moments of togetherness are invaluable, creating a sense of warmth and belonging that truly defines family life. With the festive season and winter break rapidly approaching, I’ve been busy planning a host of fun Christmas crafts for kids, perfectly paired with our daily snack time. It’s the ideal way to foster creativity, build memories, and enjoy each other’s company without the usual daily rush.

I wish I could take credit for the wonderfully witty phrase that has now become a staple in our household, but it was actually my son, Joseph, who coined it. One afternoon, during what he perceived to be an interminable wait for craft time, he pleaded, “Mommy, can we craft now?” I gently reminded him that we needed to finish our snacks first. Without missing a beat, and with a touch of his signature sassy charm, he declared, “Why can’t we craft AND snack?” His ingenious suggestion immediately resonated with me. It was a lightbulb moment! Why indeed couldn’t we combine two of our favorite activities? From that day forward, “Craft & Snack Time” has been our special daily ritual, especially cherished during the holidays when we have more leisure time. It’s more than just a phrase; it’s a testament to the spontaneous joy and simple pleasures that make family life so rich and rewarding.

Fueling Festive Fun: Why Jif® Power Ups™ Are Our Go-To Holiday Snack

Ensuring my kids are well-nourished, especially when their energy levels are through the roof during holiday excitement, is always a priority. Our typical snack time spread usually includes a fresh fruit alongside another enjoyable, yet wholesome, treat of their choice. Lately, we’ve fallen absolutely in love with the nourishing and satisfying Jif® Power Ups™. These aren’t just any snacks; they are thoughtfully crafted without corn syrup, making them a choice I feel great about. Their convenient format also makes them perfect for our family’s often-busy holiday schedule. Whether we’re heading out to see Christmas lights, visiting family, or simply enjoying a brisk walk, Jif® Power Ups™ are ideal for on-the-go snacking, providing sustained energy for all our festive adventures.

Jif® Power Ups™ come in two fantastic varieties, catering to different preferences and needs. We regularly stock both the delightful Creamy Clusters and the convenient Chewy Granola Bars. The Creamy Clusters offer a rich, melt-in-your-mouth experience that satisfies sweet cravings without guilt, while the Chewy Granola Bars are robust enough to keep hunger at bay – I often keep a few in my bag for my own snacking emergencies! Currently, our household favorites include the Jif® Power Ups™ Creamy Peanut Butter Chewy Granola Bars, which deliver that classic, beloved peanut butter taste in a satisfying chewy bar, and the Jif® Power Ups Apple Cinnamon™ Creamy Clusters, which offer a warm, comforting flavor profile perfect for a chilly winter day. Both options provide a nutritious boost, making them the perfect accompaniment to our creative “Craft & Snack Time.”

DIY Pinecone Christmas Trees: A Simple & Festive Craft for All Ages

Now, let’s dive into the fun part: creating these charming pinecone Christmas trees! This craft is incredibly adaptable for various age groups, allowing younger children to practice fine motor skills while older kids can express their creativity with more intricate designs. It’s a wonderful way to bring a touch of natural, rustic charm into your holiday decor, or to create thoughtful, handmade gifts. Here’s everything you’ll need to get started:

What You’ll Need:

• Green Paint or Spray Paint: While brush-on green acrylic paint works well for younger children, I personally prefer spray paint for a smoother, more even coat and quicker drying time. Choose a festive shade of forest green or even a shimmering metallic green for extra sparkle.
• Pinecones: Gather various sizes! Larger pinecones make grander trees, while smaller ones are perfect for tabletop decorations or ornaments. Ensure they are clean and dry before painting.
• Small Pom Poms: These will serve as your colorful ornaments. Opt for a variety of festive colors like red, gold, silver, and white.
• Glue: Craft glue or a hot glue gun (with adult supervision) for permanent decoration. For younger kids, washable school glue is perfect for temporary placement and repositioning.
• Small Plastic or Ceramic Planters: These act as the “pots” for your pinecone trees, giving them a finished, elegant look. Terra cotta pots, small plastic cups, or even painted tin cans can work wonderfully.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Prepare and Paint Your Pinecones

Begin by painting your pinecones. If using spray paint, ensure you’re in a well-ventilated area, preferably outdoors, and lay down newspaper or a drop cloth to protect your surfaces. Hold the can about 6-8 inches away and apply thin, even coats, rotating the pinecone to cover all surfaces. For a truly authentic “Christmas tree” look, focus on painting the tips and outer edges of the pinecone scales, allowing some of the natural brown to show through, mimicking the depth of evergreen branches. If using brush-on paint, have the kids use brushes to carefully dab paint onto the scales. Once painted, set them aside to dry completely. This might take a few hours, especially with thicker paint applications, so patience is key!

2. Decorate with Festive “Ornaments”

Once your painted pinecones are thoroughly dry, it’s time for the most exciting part: decorating! If your intention is to gift these beautiful pinecone Christmas trees or to ensure they last for many seasons to come, I highly recommend using a stronger craft glue or a hot glue gun (always with adult supervision for the latter). Apply a small dot of glue to each pom pom and carefully press it onto the pinecone. A little tip for better adherence and a more natural “ornament” effect: place the pom poms further back into the crevices between the pinecone scales. This helps them nestle securely and adds depth to your decoration.

However, if the primary goal is simply to enjoy the process and unleash creativity, especially with younger children, don’t worry too much about permanent adhesion! My kids absolutely delighted in just placing the pom poms (and often removing and repositioning them, much to their amusement, which led to a lot of giggles!) randomly around the pinecones. This open-ended play is fantastic for developing fine motor skills and encouraging imaginative expression. Remember, the joy is often in the journey, not just the final product!

3. Assemble Your Pinecone Trees

Finally, once your pinecones are adorned with their colorful pom poms, gently place each one on top of its chosen planter. You can secure the pinecone to the planter with a dab of glue for extra stability if desired, especially if they will be moved frequently. Arrange them on your mantel, windowsills, or as festive centerpieces. You can even add a sprinkle of glitter for extra sparkle, or attach a small star to the top for a classic Christmas tree finish. These handmade decorations add a personal and heartwarming touch to any holiday setting, reminding everyone of the special moments created during “Craft & Snack Time.”

Pin This Festive Craft for Later!

Don’t let this wonderful idea slip away! Be sure to pin this tutorial so you can easily find it for future holiday crafting sessions or whenever you need a fun activity during winter break. These pinecone Christmas trees are a timeless classic that families will enjoy creating for years to come.

Smart Shopping: Save on Jif® Power Ups™ at Publix!

As a savvy shopper, I always keep my eyes peeled for great deals, especially during the holiday season when budgets can feel a bit stretched. That’s why I was so pleased to discover the fantastic savings available on Jif® Power Ups™ at Publix! It’s truly a win-win: you get to stock up on nourishing, kid-approved snacks, and you save money at the same time. You can Save $.75 off any one Jif® Power Ups™ Creamy Clusters or Chewy Granola Bars 5 ct. This incredible offer is valid until 1/31/19, giving you ample time to head to your local Publix and take advantage of these savings. It’s the perfect opportunity to grab your family’s favorite varieties and ensure your pantry is well-stocked for all your “Craft & Snack Time” adventures this winter break.

Embrace the Festive Spirit with Family, Crafts, and Delicious Snacks

This holiday season, let’s cherish the moments of togetherness, creativity, and simple joys. Crafting these adorable pinecone Christmas trees is more than just an activity; it’s an opportunity to bond with your children, create lasting memories, and add a personal touch to your festive decor. And with nutritious and delicious snacks like Jif® Power Ups™ by your side, you’re all set to make this winter break truly special and energetic. So gather your supplies, grab your snacks, and get ready to craft, snack, and celebrate the most wonderful time of the year!