Christmas Nature Craft: Leaf Reindeer

Looking for a simple nature craft to do with your kids this holiday season? Here's how to make leaf reindeer!

The Christmas season can be really go-go-go. I know it depends on where you live, but here in South Carolina, the weather is really actually very nice, usually. I am always looking for an excuse to get outside!

So, we decided to take a December nature hunt. Nature hunts are my favorite because we take a bag and gather sticks, leaves, whatever we can find in the woods behind our house.

We bring it home and one of a few things happens.

Sometimes it all just goes in a bucket in the garage for the kids to toss into the pond (they LOVE throwing things in the pond haha).

Other times we do nature painting using our finds in lieu of brushes.

This time, I decided to spread out our leaves and make some leaf reindeer! A nature craft with a Christmas twist.

Pair this nature craft with a paper Rudolph craft or a Pinecone Snowman Craft to keep the fun going!

Leaf Reindeer Craft

What you need:

• Craft paper
• Leaves of various sizes (some antler looking leaves like oak leaves or even sticks are great!)
• Craft glue
• Optional: kids paint and brushes

What you do:

STEP 1: Go on a nature hunt!

Get outside and look in nature. Explore what you see, hear, feel, and even smell!

Gather leaves, twigs, acorns - anything!

We found that oak leaves make great antlers, but use what is native to your neighborhood.

STEP 2: Get arranging

Give each kid a piece of paper and spread out all the leaves. Let them pick leaves and arrange them to make animals!

We started with reindeer for Christmas but also made some other animals.

STEP 3: Glue the leaves down

Apply a small amount of glut to the back of each leaf and press in place to glue down.

STEP 4: Paint accents

This is 100% optional but makes the craft last longer and is great for older kids. Use paint to add eyes or any other details!