A Christmas tree can tell quite a family story. There is the star painted by a small child who is now taller than you, the decoration with a name squeezed across it, and the slightly lopsided ornament that somehow earns a place every December. You remember who made them, and often the afternoon spent making them, too.

This Christmas, gather the parents, grandparents and children around a table, put out a few craft supplies and see what happens. At A Peace of Art, we love the idea of different generations creating together. A little paint, some clay and time in each other’s company can be the start of a lovely family tradition.

There is no need for everyone to make the same thing. And there is certainly no need for everything to look perfect.

Ornaments with a family story

Personalised tree decorations are a simple place to begin. Choose wooden cutouts to paint, or shape suitable air-drying clay into stars, hearts and Christmas trees. Add a name, the year or a pattern of little fingerprints, and each ornament becomes a record of this Christmas.

With clay, remember to make a hole for the hanging ribbon before leaving it to dry, and follow the product’s drying instructions before painting. Younger children can choose colours and make marks while an adult helps with shaping and finishing. Older children might enjoy lettering or adding finer details.

Make one for each member of the family, including the grandparents. In years to come, unpacking them could be almost as much fun as making them.

Christmas cards worth keeping

Folded card, paint, scraps of paper and ribbon can keep several generations happily occupied. Fingerprints can become a string of Christmas lights, torn green paper can become a tree, and a painted handprint can be the beginning of a very individual festive design.

Let children decide what belongs on their cards. A purple Christmas tree is perfectly welcome at this table.

Grandparents can help write a message, or share stories about the cards they used to make and receive. If a child is too young to write, ask what they would like to say and write down their words. That little message may be the part the recipient treasures most.

Small gifts with plenty of thought

A decorated photo frame, a painted wooden keepsake or a handmade bookmark makes a thoughtful gift for a grandparent. Add a family photograph, a drawing or a few words about something the child loves doing with Granny or Grandpa.

Grandparents can join in the making, too. Working on a gift together gives everyone a chance to contribute: one person paints, another chooses the colours, and someone else ties the ribbon. The finished piece carries a little of each of them.

For supplies, visit A Peace of Art for clay, paint, brushes, paper and ribbon, and ask our team about wooden cutouts and materials suited to your chosen project. Keep the activity manageable, use age-appropriate supplies and leave time for drying before gifts need wrapping.

Enjoy a festive workshop

For families who would enjoy a creative outing, our festive workshop announcement includes Cookies & Clay Christmas, Festive Fabric Wreath, Advent/Trinket Drawers and Decorate a Ginger His and Hers. The programme runs from October to December 2026, with workshops advertised for Port Elizabeth and Bloemfontein.

Contact the team to check the dates, venue and age suitability of your preferred session, and whether parents, grandparents and children can take part together. You can also visit the A Peace of Art Facebook page for workshop details and booking information.

Whether you spend an afternoon at home or join us for a workshop, give yourselves permission to enjoy the making. Put on some Christmas music, share the brushes and let the conversation wander. A crooked ribbon or an unexpected colour choice may become everyone’s favourite detail.

The most treasured Christmas decorations are often the ones made by little hands.