Every year we buy one new ornament that symbolizes our little family. I love this little activity especially since we seem to grow by one child every year. 😉 My favorite family ornament is below and it is precious to my heart as it illustrates God’s grace and healing and restoration. I was pregnant with Asher that Christmas and that little ornament is a reminder that God does indeed redeem and restore and make all things new.

We also make an ornament every year. Typically I pick up little wooden ornaments from the craft store super discounted (i.e. $0.10!) after Christmas and put them away for the following year. Then we each paint our own and sign the back with our name and year. It’s sweet and simple but a great activity that forces us to slow down and just do something together as a family. I also put together a little collection of great DIY Ornaments that are beautiful, simple and inexpensive to make (below.) They would make great Christmas gifts and in fact, I have made and given away a few of the ones listed below.

+ Pearl Ornament by Do It Yourself Divas
+ Glitter Ornament by Henry Happened
+ French Vintage Inspired Ornament by MotifBrophy
+ Crayon Ornament by The Swell Life
+ Twine Ornament by Bower Power
+ Monogram Glitter Ornament by Pizzazzerie

I have tried the Glitter Ornament and will be making more this year. Super simple but has a big, beautiful impact. A perfect gift.

I have also tried the French Vintage Inspired Ornament. I used an old hymnal and gave them to our church’s elders last Christmas. They were a huge hit and everyone loved them.

I made a set of the Twine Ornaments for my mother-in-law last year for Christmas. The look of those ornaments fits perfectly with her rustic, modern style and she ended up using them as a vase filler all year round.

I really want to try the crayon ornament this year as gifts for niece and nephews! I’ll let you know how they turn out!

Happy ornament making!!