Liven Up the Dark Days Before Christmas with Christmas Crafting Competitions

As the days grow shorter and the nights longer, it can be easy to feel the winter blues creeping in. But the festive season is the perfect time to bring some cheer into your home! 

One fantastic way to brighten up the dark days before Christmas is by organising Christmas crafting competitions with family and friends. 

Not only is this a great way to get into the Christmas spirit, but it also creates lasting memories and unique decorations to cherish for years to come.

Why Crafting?

Crafting is more than just a fun pastime; it’s an opportunity to bond with loved ones, unleash your creativity, and even save money on festive décor. 

Plus, it’s an activity that suits all ages and skill levels, making it inclusive for everyone from toddlers to grandparents.

Getting Started

To host a successful crafting competition, you’ll need a few essential items. Luckily, you don’t have to break the bank! Stores like Amazon, B&M Bargains, The Works, Rymans,Home Bargains, Poundland, and Hobbycraft offer an incredible range of affordable Christmas crafting supplies.

Here’s a checklist to get you started:

Crafting Basics: Scissors, glue sticks, tape, and markers.

Festive Paper and Card: Glittery, patterned, or plain sheets to create cards and ornaments.

Decorative Items: Sequins, ribbons, pom-poms, and stickers.

Natural Materials: Pinecones, dried orange slices, or cinnamon sticks for rustic charm.

Paints and Brushes: For decorating baubles or creating hand-painted masterpieces.

Pre-made Kits: Great for younger participants or those who need a little inspiration.

Competition Ideas

Once you’ve gathered your supplies, it’s time to decide on the competition themes. Here are some ideas to spark your imagination:

Christmas Cards

Challenge participants to create the most festive or funniest Christmas card. Provide a variety of embellishments and let everyone’s creativity run wild.

Tree Decorations

Who can make the most beautiful or quirky ornament for the tree? From hand-painted baubles to felt characters, the possibilities are endless.

Festive Wreaths

Using a mix of natural and artificial materials, see who can craft the most stunning wreath to hang on the front door.

Gingerbread Houses

This can be a very tasty crafting activity. Building and decorating gingerbread houses can add a delicious twist to your competition.

Gift Wrapping

Who can wrap a present in the most creative and eye-catching way? Bonus points for using eco-friendly materials!

Setting the Scene

Make the event extra special by creating a cosy crafting atmosphere. Play some Christmas tunes, light a few candles or fairy lights, and serve festive treats like mince pies and mulled wine (or hot chocolate for the kids). Setting the mood will make the experience even more enjoyable.

Judging and Prizes

To add an element of excitement, appoint a judge or have everyone vote on their favourites in each category. You could offer small prizes for the winners, such as a box of chocolates, a festive mug, or even a homemade certificate for the “Most Creative” or “Best Effort.”

Share Your Creations

Don’t forget to document the fun! Take plenty of photos and videos and share your creations on social media to spread the festive cheer. You might even inspire others to start their own Christmas crafting competitions.

Christmas crafting competitions are a wonderful way to bring people together, celebrate the season, and create something truly special. So gather your supplies, invite your loved ones, and let the crafting begin! This year, make the countdown to Christmas as memorable as the day itself.

How to Make Your Own Glucose-Fructose Syrup-Free Candied Fruit Peel and Mince Pies for Christmas

The festive season is all about warmth, comfort, and indulgence, but it can also be a time to be more mindful of what we put into our bodies. 

Many traditional Christmas treats, like mince pies, often include glucose-fructose syrup, a common sweetener associated with various health issues. 

The good news is that you can easily make your own versions of these festive delights at home, free from over-processed sugars and packed with amazing natural ingredients.

In this blog post, I’ll guide you through making your own glucose-fructose syrup-free candied fruit peel and then using it to create delicious homemade mince pies. 

Both recipes are perfect for those looking to indulge in a healthier way this Christmas while still enjoying the classic flavours of the season.

Homemade Glucose-Fructose Syrup-Free Candied Fruit Peel

Candied citrus peel is a key ingredient in traditional mincemeat, adding a burst of flavour and texture. The problem with store-bought versions is that they often contain glucose-fructose syrup to extend shelf life. Making your own candied peel is surprisingly easy, and you’ll end up with a far superior product that’s free from unnecessary additives.

Ingredients

2 large oranges

2 large lemons

2 large unwaxed lemons (optional for variety)

300g granulated sugar

250ml water

1 tsp vanilla extract (optional)

Method

Prepare the Citrus Peel: Wash the oranges and lemons thoroughly. Use a vegetable peeler to remove the peel in long strips, avoiding too much of the bitter white pith. Alternatively, you can score the fruit into quarters, then peel off the skin in chunks.

Blanch the Peel: Place the citrus peel in a saucepan, cover with cold water, and bring to a boil. Let it simmer for 5 minutes, then drain. Repeat this process twice more to remove any bitterness.

Make the Sugar Syrup: In a separate saucepan, combine the sugar and water. Heat gently until the sugar dissolves completely. Bring to a simmer and let it bubble for 2-3 minutes.

Candy the Peel: Add the blanched peel to the sugar syrup and reduce the heat to a low simmer. Cook for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the peel becomes translucent.

Dry the Peel: Remove the peel from the syrup using a slotted spoon and lay it out on a wire rack to cool and dry. This can take a few hours or even overnight. If you like, you can roll the pieces in a bit of extra sugar for added sweetness.

Store: Once fully dried, store the candied peel in an airtight container. It will keep for up to a month and can be used in all your Christmas baking!

Homemade Glucose-Fructose Syrup-Free Mince Pies

Now that you’ve made your own candied fruit peel, it’s time to use it in a delicious, homemade mincemeat filling. These mince pies are free from glucose-fructose syrup and artificial additives, so you can enjoy them guilt-free.

For the Mincemeat Filling

200g raisins

150g currants

100g sultanas

100g dried cranberries

1 Bramley apple, peeled and finely chopped

100g homemade candied peel, chopped

100g dark brown sugar

1 tsp mixed spice

½ tsp cinnamon

½ tsp nutmeg

Zest and juice of 1 orange

Zest and juice of 1 lemon

75ml brandy (optional, or substitute with apple juice)

50g butter, melted

Method for the Mincemeat Filling

Mix the Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine all the dried fruits, chopped apple, candied peel, sugar, spices, and citrus zest. Pour over the orange and lemon juice, along with the brandy or apple juice.

Add the Butter: Stir in the melted butter, mixing thoroughly to coat all the ingredients. Cover the bowl with a clean tea towel and leave it to sit overnight to allow the flavours to meld.

Cook the Mincemeat: Transfer the mixture to a saucepan and cook over low heat for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Let it cool before using or store in sterilised jars in the fridge for up to two weeks.

For the Pastry

300g plain flour

200g unsalted butter, cold and cubed

100g icing sugar

1 large egg yolk

2-3 tbsp cold water

Method for the Pastry

Make the Pastry: In a large mixing bowl, sift the flour and icing sugar. Add the cold, cubed butter and rub it into the flour mixture using your fingertips until it resembles breadcrumbs.

Add the Egg Yolks: Mix in the egg yolk, then gradually add cold water, one tablespoon at a time, until the dough comes together. Be careful not to overwork the dough.

Chill the Dough: Shape the dough into a disc, wrap it in cling film, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

Roll Out the Pastry: Preheat your oven to 180°C (160°C fan) / 350°F / Gas Mark 4. Roll out the pastry on a lightly floured surface to about 3mm thickness. Use a round cutter to cut out circles and place them into a muffin or tart tin.

Assemble the Mince Pies: Fill each pastry case with a generous spoonful of mincemeat. Cut out smaller circles or star shapes for the tops and press them lightly onto each pie. Brush with a bit of beaten egg for a golden finish.

Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown. Let them cool in the tin for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Serve: Dust with a light sprinkle of icing sugar before serving warm with a dollop of cream or brandy butter.

The Joy of Homemade Festive Treats

Making your own candied peel and mince pies from scratch is a rewarding way to bring the festive spirit into your home. Not only do you avoid the unnecessary additives found in store-bought products, but you also create treats that are bursting with flavour and made with love.

This Christmas, take a break from the hustle and bustle of the shops and enjoy the slower, more satisfying process of creating your own festive goodies. Your family and friends will taste the difference—and you’ll feel better knowing exactly what’s in every bite.

Happy baking, and may your Christmas be filled with warmth, joy, and delicious treats!

Create Your Own Stunning Christmas Decorations: A Guide to a Festive DIY Christmas

The festive season is upon us! There’s nothing quite like the warm, cosy glow of twinkling lights, glittering baubles, and seasonal greenery to transform your home into a winter wonderland. 

But this year, instead of splashing out on shop-bought decorations, why not embrace the joy of crafting and create your own? 

Not only is it a wonderful way to personalise your Christmas decor, but it also makes for a fun, creative activity to enjoy with family and friends.

So, let’s get started with some fabulous DIY ideas that will help you deck the halls in style!

1. Handmade Ornaments: Baubles with a Personal Touch

There's nothing more satisfying than hanging your own handcrafted decorations on the tree. Making your own ornaments is easier than you might think, and it allows you to create unique pieces that reflect your personal taste.

What you’ll need:

Clear glass or plastic baubles

Acrylic paint, glitter, or metallic pens

Ribbon or twine for hanging

Foliage (small pine cones, holly, or sprigs of pine)

PVA glue

How to make them:

For a simple and elegant design, swirl some acrylic paint inside clear baubles to create marbled patterns.

For a more festive look, fill the baubles with sprigs of holly, pine needles, or even a pinch of fake snow.

Add a bit of sparkle by coating the inside with glitter. Simply pour some PVA glue inside, shake it around, then add glitter before letting it dry.

Finish by tying a festive ribbon on top for hanging.

2. Wreath Making: A Classic Door Decoration

A beautiful wreath on your front door is a welcoming sight for guests and a perfect way to spread Christmas cheer. The best part? It’s easy to create one using natural materials that you might already have around the garden or can forage during a winter walk.

What you’ll need:

A wire wreath frame or a circular base (you can make one from a coat hanger)

Fresh foliage (holly, ivy, eucalyptus, or pine branches)

Floral wire

Dried fruits, pine cones, cinnamon sticks, and ribbons for embellishments

How to make it:

Start by attaching your greenery to the wire frame using floral wire. Overlap the sprigs to cover the entire frame.

Once you’ve covered the base, add dried fruits, pine cones, and cinnamon sticks to bring texture and fragrance.

Tie a festive ribbon at the bottom for a finishing touch, and your wreath is ready to hang!

3. Homemade Garlands: A Touch of Rustic Charm

Garlands aren’t just for draping around the tree — they can add festive flair to your mantelpiece, staircase, or windowsills.

What you’ll need:

Twine or jute string

Fresh or dried orange slices, cranberries, cinnamon sticks, and greenery

A large needle (if using cranberries) and scissors

Optional: fairy lights for an extra sparkle

How to make it:

For a rustic garland, simply string together dried orange slices, cranberries, and cinnamon sticks using twine. Alternate with sprigs of greenery for a fuller effect.

To add extra cheer, intertwine fairy lights along the garland, bringing a cosy glow to your home.

4. DIY Candle Holders: Create a Warm Glow

Nothing sets the festive mood quite like the soft flicker of candlelight. Making your own candle holders is an easy way to add some sparkle to your Christmas table setting.

What you’ll need:

Mason jars or old glass jars

Epsom salts, glitter, or faux snow

Tea lights or small pillar candles

Ribbon, twine, and seasonal embellishments like holly or pine cones

How to make them:

Coat the outside of a jar with a thin layer of PVA glue, then roll it in Epsom salts or glitter for a frosted effect.

Once dry, tie a ribbon around the top, adding sprigs of holly or a small pine cone for extra charm.

Pop a tea light inside, and your candle holder will cast a lovely, festive glow.

5. Upcycled Decorations: Sustainable and Chic

If you’re looking to be more eco-friendly this Christmas, consider upcycling old decorations or repurposing items you already have around the house.

Ideas to try:

Transform old wine corks into mini Christmas trees by stacking them in a pyramid shape, painting them green, and adding a star on top.

Use old fabric scraps to make bunting or sew your own Christmas stockings.

Repurpose glass bottles as candle holders by filling them with fairy lights or fresh greenery for a chic, minimalist look.

6. Salt Dough Ornaments: A Family-Friendly Craft

Salt dough ornaments are a classic craft that’s perfect for families. It’s an inexpensive, fun way to create personalised decorations, and it’s a wonderful activity to keep the little ones busy.

What you’ll need:

1 cup of plain flour

½ cup of salt

½ cup of water

Cookie cutters, paint, and glitter (optional)

How to make them:

Mix the flour, salt, and water to form a dough. Roll it out and use cookie cutters to cut out festive shapes like stars, trees, or snowflakes.

Make a hole at the top of each ornament for hanging. Bake at a low temperature (about 100°C) for 2-3 hours until fully hardened.

Once cooled, decorate with paint and glitter, then thread a ribbon through the hole to hang on your tree.

Final Thoughts: A Joyful, Handmade Christmas

Making your own Christmas decorations is not only a great way to save money, but it also brings a touch of personal warmth and creativity to your home. Whether you’re crafting with friends, family, or enjoying some solo time with a hot cup of cocoa, these DIY decorations will fill your home with festive cheer and lasting memories.

So, this year, why not take a break from the hustle and bustle of holiday shopping and try your hand at creating your own stunning Christmas decorations? Your home (and your guests) will thank you for it!

Happy crafting, and have a wonderfully festive Christmas!

Homemade Christmas gifts and crafts with the help of Bonne Maman

Bonne Maman jars are an ideal choice to fill with all manner of seasonal goodies. 

If you do have time to bake at home, these sweet treats are wonderful stored and served to family and friends or when prettily tied with festive ribbons and tags make delicious homemade gifts and presents.

 No time to bake? Discover the limited-edition Hazelnut Chocolate Christmas jar and gift with twinkling fairy lights so your loved one can enjoy and then upcycle the jar to create their own special decoration.

These Hazelnut Chocolate Truffles are a luxurious homemade gift using Bonne Maman award-winning Hazelnut Chocolate Spread. Easy to make yet very indulgent, simply package in a gift box for your loved ones. The Bonne Maman Hazelnut Chocolate Spread also makes a delicious Christmas gift when presented with a box of homemade Thumbprint Shortcakes, just neatly stack them up and tie with a ribbon. 

The Mini Shortbread Mince Pies recipe is a new take on the traditional favourite, featuring Bonne Maman Apricot Conserve. Updating a French staple, Cranberry & Pistachio Tuiles work well with Strawberry, Raspberry, Wild Blueberry or Blackcurrant Conserves, and are great as an after dinner morsel; whilst the utterly delicious, no bake Choc Cherry Truffles are full of Black Cherry Conserve with a great vegan option available also. Create a mini Rudolph Reindeer Cake as an adorable gift or to leave out for Santa on Christmas Eve.

Available while stocks last, the limited edition 360g Xmas jar is available in all major retailers at a rrp of  £3.60. 

https://www.bonnemaman.co.uk