Christmas Houses

Holiday Crafting at Frost Farm: A Cherished Tradition

When the Frost Farm gears up for the holidays—I mean we GEAR UP. By November 1st, I’m in full craft mode, planning what new decorations I’ll be making for the season. This isn’t just a festive hobby—it’s a family tradition rooted in love and legacy.

I’ve always kept true to my Christmas roots. My grandma was my entire inspiration when it came to the holidays. She loved a true Christmas—colorful decorations, anything that lit up or moved, and Santas as far as the eye could see. Over the years, she passed down some of her most beloved treasures to me: her magical Christmas Village and her vintage Annalee collection. To this day, they’re among my most prized possessions. I miss her deeply every Christmas, but honoring her spirit through holiday traditions keeps her memory alive in our home.

One of my favorite ways to pass that magic down is by crafting Christmas houses with my kids. I want them to have their own little start to a collection—one they’ve helped create, just like I did.

Our Christmas House Tradition

Every October, I head to Michaels and stock up on the wooden birdhouses—they’re always 50% off that time of year. Then I wait for the Ashland miniatures to hit their website (usually late October). These tiny figures are key! I order an absurd amount (no shame), all at 50% off too. We use a ton of them, and I always return what we don’t use.

I also grab garland ties (in tree green) from Amazon—these mimic the faux garland we use on our railings and make the houses look like miniature versions of our real-life decorations.

We block out an entire day for this project. The kids can not get enough of it. We go out on the farm and gather little sticks to make tiny wood piles, and scoop up some sand for front porches. I try to get as creative as possible—and watching the kids’ imaginations run wild is the best part.

We’ve even done this same craft for Halloween, and the results were incredible!

Tips for Your Own DIY Holiday Village

Shop early: Michaels typically discounts birdhouses and Ashland miniatures in October. Order extras—you can always return the leftovers.
Think mini: Use garland ties, tiny bottle brush trees, mini wreaths, and dollhouse accessories.
Get outdoors: Twigs, bark, moss, and pebbles from your yard or local park make great natural accents.
Make it a full day: Put on Christmas music, light a candle, and make it an experience—not just a craft. Plenty of snacks!

This tradition has become one of the most meaningful parts of our holiday season. It’s about creativity, connection, and carrying forward the spirit of someone I loved so dearly. I hope my kids remember these days as fondly as I remember mine—and maybe one day, they’ll pass the magic along too.

Here’s a few of the Halloween houses we did!