A new survey has revealed that over two-thirds (68%) of people in the East of England are concerned traditional Christmas crafts and activities are at risk of disappearing in today’s modern world. Leading children’s charity The Children’s Society is urging families to help preserve these cherished traditions by reintroducing festive crafts such as Christingles into their holiday celebrations.
Mark Russell, CEO at The Children’s Society, highlighted the importance of such activities:
“Traditional crafts like Christingle-making, gingerbread houses, and wreath-making are more than just activities; they’re a way for families to connect and create lasting memories. In an age where digital entertainment can dominate, these hands-on experiences are invaluable for strengthening family bonds and supporting children’s mental well-being.”
The call to bring back festive crafts
The survey revealed strong public enthusiasm for reviving traditional Christmas crafts:
- Making mince pies: 36% want this tradition brought back.
- Christmas wreath-making: 33% wish to revive this creative activity.
- Gingerbread houses: 32% are eager to see gingerbread-making return.
- Homemade Christmas crackers: 30% hope to bring back this classic tradition.
- Making Christingles: 26% believe this meaningful craft should be reintroduced.
Younger generations are surprisingly keen to embrace these traditions, with 31% of Gen Z and 28% of Millennials preferring hands-on festive activities over digital entertainment during the holiday season.
Here are some additional craft-making projects with ties to Christmas traditions that children can enjoy:
- Pomanders: Making pomanders involves decorating oranges with cloves, ribbons, and sometimes glitter. This tradition dates back to medieval times as a way to freshen the air and has become a festive decoration.
- Salt dough decorations: Using a simple dough of flour, salt, and water, children can craft ornaments for the tree, such as stars, hearts, or even gingerbread men. These can be painted once baked.
- Christmas pudding ornaments: Felt or paper crafts shaped like Christmas puddings can be made into tree decorations or garlands.
- Yule log decorations: Crafting a decorative yule log centerpiece using cardboard or real wood, adorned with greenery, candles, and pinecones, celebrates the ancient winter solstice tradition.
These crafts not only encourage creativity but also help children connect with the cultural and historical aspects of Christmas traditions.
The Christingles connection
A highlight of the survey is the renewed interest in Christingle-making, an ancient Christian tradition originating in the 18th-century Moravian Church. It’s believed the word “Christingle” comes from the German term “Christkindl”, meaning “Christ Child”.
Initially featuring just a candle and a ribbon, Christingle was transformed in 1968 when John Pensom of The Children’s Society introduced the now-familiar orange, red ribbon, sweets, and cocktail sticks. First used in a service at Lincoln Cathedral to raise funds for the charity, this symbolic craft has since become a cherished feature of Church of England services across the country. Christingle events offer a unique festive experience where people of all ages come together to decorate oranges, light candles, and celebrate the season’s warmth and meaning.
Key survey findings include:
- 42% of respondents are familiar with Christingle-making.
- 59% participated in Christingle-making as children.
- Younger generations, including 69% of Gen Z and 71% of Millennials, are the most likely to have engaged in Christingle-making during their youth.
Mark Russell added:
“These figures show a real opportunity to reconnect families with traditions that not only celebrate the festive season but also promote mental well-being. Engaging in these crafts can provide a much-needed break from screens and help alleviate stress and anxiety, particularly for young people.”
Why it matters
The festive season can be a challenging time, particularly as mental health pressures rise. Reviving traditional crafts can bring significant benefits to families, including:
- Strengthening bonds: 61% agree that engaging in crafts enhances family relationships.
- Promoting well-being: Hands-on activities offer a therapeutic outlet and reduce screen time.
- Preserving heritage: Reviving these traditions ensures their survival for future generations.
Christingle services: a tradition of hope
Over 2,000 Christingle events take place across the UK annually, raising vital funds for The Children’s Society to support vulnerable children. These unique services involve decorating oranges with red ribbons, cocktail sticks, sweets, and candles – each symbolising a part of the Christian story. Last year The Children’s Society raised £700,000 through its Christingle celebrations.
All funds raised will go towards providing life-changing support for vulnerable children and young people who face huge life challenges such as abuse, neglect or exploitation.
With thousands attending each year, Christingle events not only preserve a rich tradition but also help fund The Children’s Society’s essential work for children in need.
If you would like to find out more about a Christingle event near you visit The Children’s Society website.
This article is based on a press release from The Children’s Society.
Share this article on Bluesky:
