If you’re anything like me, you know that there’s something truly magical about decorating for the holidays. It’s that time of year when our homes transform into cozy, festive spaces filled with twinkling lights, pine scents, and warm colors. But this year, instead of running out and buying a ton of mass-produced decor, why not spend some family time making DIY holiday decorations? Not only does creating your own decorations add a personal touch, but it also brings the whole family together to share in the fun (and OK, maybe a little bit of paint-splattered chaos).

Before we jump in though, hi. I’m Jenna Rainey—and I’m hell-bent on teaching everyone to find their inner creative voice. That’s what I love most about art—it’s for everyone, no matter your age, skill level, or experience. I’m glad you’re here. Now let’s dive in.

Why Painting Is the Perfect Family Holiday Activity

I know I might be biased, but painting might just be the ultimate family activity. You don’t need to be a professional artist or have a studio full of supplies to create something beautiful (trust me, I started with basic tools myself). Plus, the holidays are the perfect excuse to try some festive themes!

Fun Family Activities for All Ages

One of the best things about painting holiday decorations is that everyone can join in. Kids, grandparents, and everyone in between can get involved. Again, you don’t need to worry about perfection—this is all about creative expression and having FUN (and if your kid’s snowman looks more like a marshmallow, that just makes it all the more unique!).

I love seeing families come together to create. Whether it’s little ones splashing paint around or adults fine-tuning the details, there’s something incredibly special about a group project like this. Each person can put their unique spin on the artwork, so no two pieces are ever alike. Plus, it’s so special watching children be creative.

Limited Supplies Needed

Like I already mentioned, unlike some art projects that require specialty tools, DIY holiday decorations can be as simple as a set of watercolor paints, brushes, and some quality paper. You can even get creative with what you already have around the house. Don’t have fancy brushes? Q-tips and sponges work wonders in a pinch. (And yes, I’ve definitely used a toothbrush for snow splatter effects!)

Want a list of the painting tools I use? Head here!

Follow a Tutorial or Do Your Own Thing

Lastly, one of my favorite things about DIY holiday decorations and painting projects is that you can approach them in whatever way feels right for you. For those who want a bit of structure, following a tutorial make for a great starting point. It’s like having a recipe to guide you, but you’re free to add your own “ingredients” along the way. 

Or, if you’re feeling adventurous, you can ditch the tutorial and let your creativity run wild! This is especially fun with kids (I paint with my son all the time!)—just give them some paper and let them paint their unique version.

I’ve created tons of winter-themed painting tutorials that walk you through each step, so even if you’ve never held a paintbrush in your life, you’ll be able to create something beautiful (and festive!). To make it even easier, I’ve gathered a few tutorials for some of my favorite holiday-themed art projects. Let’s take a look!

Winter-Themed Tutorials to Try Together

If you’re ready to dive into some DIY holiday decorations, here are some of my best winter tutorials to get you started. Each one is designed to be beginner-friendly, so don’t worry if you’re new to painting or crafting—these projects are all about fun!

1. Handmade Holiday Cards

Nothing says “I care” quite like a handmade card. This tutorial walks you through painting festive holiday cards that are perfect for gifting or hanging up as decorations. (Bonus: this is also a great project for using up extra paper or practicing different color combos!)

2. Holiday Gnomes

These little guys are a hit with kids and adults alike! In this tutorial, I’ll show you how to paint whimsical holiday gnomes with easy-to-follow steps. They’re adorable as DIY holiday decorations or as little gifts.

3. Watercolor Christmas Village

Next, you can use this tutorial to create a charming watercolor village that looks straight out of a storybook (in my opinion). This is one of my favorite projects because you can add tiny details like snow-covered rooftops and glowing windows—perfect for creating that cozy winter vibe. You can find the tutorial here!

4. Simple Winter Landscape

If you’re drawn to the serenity of winter landscape scenes, this tutorial is for you. I’ll walk you through creating a simple winter landscape that’s serene and elegant. This piece works beautifully as a standalone decoration or framed gift.

5. Watercolor Christmas Wreath

Next, this watercolor wreath tutorial is perfect for adding a festive touch to your holiday decor or cards. In this video, I walk you through each step, making it easy for anyone to follow along. With lush greens and pops of red, this piece adds a classic holiday feel that works as decor or a heartfelt card design. (And I promise—it’s simpler than it looks!)

6. Brush Lettering Holiday Phrases

Lastly, in this tutorial, I teach you how to brush letter holiday phrases like “Merry Christmas,” “Happy Holidays,” “Falalala,” and “Ho Ho Ho.” These are perfect for your holiday cards, name tags, or even DIY wall art. 

My Complete Beginners Guide to Watercolor Painting

Are you excited to try some of these tutorials? If you’re totally new to watercolor and want to learn the basics before you dive in, make sure to grab my FREE Complete Beginner’s Guide to Watercolor Painting. This ebook covers everything from choosing the right brushes, to mixing colors and a list of all the supplies I use (and what to look for when buying your own supplies!). It’s perfect for anyone who wants to build confidence with watercolors before getting started with DIY holiday decorations.

You can find the guide here, and I promise it’s packed with tips and tricks that will set you up for success. (And yes, even if you’ve never held a brush in your life, this guide is designed just for you!)

Bring on the Holiday Fun!

Whether you’re crafting as a family, making gifts, or just decorating your space for the season, creating DIY holiday decorations can be a worthwhile endeavor. Plus, if you’re feeling the itch to lean into more creative activities, check out my Creativity Playbook. My playbook is a thorough database that's equal parts productivity hacks and strategies combined with art exercises and prompts to help you be more creative (and have more fun doing it!).

Lastly, now that you’re here, let’s stay connected! Follow me on Instagram, I’d love to see what you’re creating, so don’t forget to tag me in your posts—I can’t wait to cheer you on!