Jason Kelce Christmas: 18 Cozy Tree Cutting and Family Ornament Ideas to Start This Year

A Jason Kelce Christmas sounds wonderfully simple, and that is exactly why so many families love it. The retired Philadelphia Eagles center, profiled on Wikipedia, told People in November 2025 that his dream holiday plan is to cut down a real tree, enjoy Thanksgiving, and then put it up and decorate it the very next day. He also shared that his mom adds new ornaments every year, a sweet habit that turns a tree into a family memory book. Kylie Kelce has described the family riding a hayride at a tree farm while Jason does the cutting. The 18 ideas below are inspired by that cozy routine, from picking a fresh fir to painting a new ornament each season. Every project comes with a short supply list and easy steps, so you can start your own tradition this year..

Jason Kelce Christmas Starts With a Real Tree

The heart of a Jason Kelce Christmas is a fresh cut tree and a slow, happy decorating day. Bring the fir home, give it a corner with good window light, and keep the look simple: wooden slice ornaments, a few soft felt pieces and loose red plaid ribbon. Set a crate of wrapped ornaments at the base so everyone can dig in. Like many famous holiday trees, the charm comes from the story behind each piece rather than a perfect theme. Leave a few branches bare, because next year brings new ornaments..

You will need: A fresh fir, a sturdy stand, wood slice ornaments, felt ornaments, 3 yards of red plaid ribbon, a wooden crate.

How to make it: Let the tree settle in the stand. Hang wood and felt ornaments from the inside out. Tuck ribbon into the branches in loose loops from top to bottom.

Pick Your Tree the Weekend of Thanksgiving

A Jason Kelce Christmas begins out among the trees. Kylie Kelce has said the family rides a hayride to the trees and Jason cuts their pick, which is a fun outing for any family. Go early in the season, when the rows are full and the needles are freshest. Walk the aisles, give a branch a gentle tug and choose one that keeps its needles. Measure your ceiling before you leave home and bring the number with you. Our smart tree tricks show how to keep that fir looking fresh all the way to New Year.

You will need: A tape measure, work gloves, an old blanket, rope or ratchet straps.

How to make it: Measure your ceiling height and subtract a foot for the stand and topper. Test needles by running a branch through your hand. Ask for a fresh cut at the trunk before loading.

Make the Drive to the Trees Part of the Fun

The trip itself can be the best memory of the season. Pack a thermos, a playlist of holiday songs and a basket of snacks, then take the long, scenic way to the trees. Snap a photo of the car in front of the rows every year and you will have a fun record of how the family grows. That snowy, vintage mood is the same feeling behind classic farmhouse holiday style, warm, simple and a little nostalgic. Keep blankets in the back seat to protect the seats on the way home.

You will need: A thermos of cocoa, snacks, an old moving blanket, twine, a camera or phone.

How to make it: Lay the blanket over the roof or back seat before loading. Tie the tree trunk first, then wrap twine around the middle. Take your yearly photo before you drive off.

The Jason Kelce Christmas Rule: Let the Tree Rest Overnight

In a Jason Kelce Christmas, the tree comes home first and the decorating waits a day, and that pause actually helps the tree. Cut a thin slice off the trunk, set it in a bucket of water in a cool garage or porch, and let the branches relax overnight. By morning they drop into their natural shape, which makes hanging ornaments much easier. It is the same patient method behind every old fashioned tree that lasts through the holidays. Save the trunk slice, because it becomes an ornament later.

You will need: A pruning saw, a large bucket, cool water, an old towel.

How to make it: Saw a half inch slice from the base. Stand the tree in water right away. Leave it outside or in the garage overnight, then shake it gently before bringing it in.

A Rustic Crate and Burlap Tree Collar

A plastic tree stand is nobody’s favorite view, so hide it with a simple wooden crate and a soft wrap of burlap. Take apart an old crate, rebuild it around the stand, and tuck a length of burlap around the trunk so it looks like a farm bundle. It costs very little and fits the cozy, real tree look perfectly. Add a few kraft paper boxes tied with twine and the entire base looks finished. Browse more tree collar ideas if you want a painted or woven version.

You will need: A wooden crate, a small saw, small nails, a hammer, 2 yards of burlap, kraft paper boxes, twine.

How to make it: Remove one side panel of the crate and slide it around the stand. Nail the panel back in place. Bunch burlap around the trunk and tuck the edges inside the crate.

The Jason Kelce Christmas Ornament Habit: One New Piece a Year

Jason Kelce says his mom adds new ornaments every year, and that habit is easy to copy with wood slices. Cut slices from the trunk or buy a bag, sand the faces, and let each family member paint a tiny scene. Write the year and initials on the back with a fine paint pen so the front stays clean and simple. Over time the tree becomes a timeline of your family. Our wood slice crafts show more designs, from snowflakes to tiny cabins.

You will need: Wood slices with bark, fine sandpaper, acrylic paints, small brushes, a paint pen, a drill, jute twine, clear sealer.

How to make it: Sand each slice smooth. Paint a fir tree and berries, then let it dry. Write the year on the back, drill a small opening, seal and add a twine loop.

Needle Felted Animals for Each Kid

Soft felt ornaments are perfect for a family tree because little hands can hang them without breaking anything. Little animals like this mouse in a green vest are made from wool roving and felt pieces, and each child can pick a different animal. Make a new one every year and the felt family grows along with yours. Keep them low on the tree where the kids can reach. For simpler versions with cut felt and glue, try our felt crafts.

You will need: Gray and white wool roving, felting needles, a foam pad, colored felt pieces, black wool bits, ornament hooks.

How to make it: Roll and needle a small egg shape for the body. Felt on ears, a nose and black eyes. Glue on a felt vest and add a hanging loop.

Dress an Outdoor Tree With Red Ornaments

The fun of decorating does not have to stop at the front door. A bare yard tree hung with shatterproof red ornaments looks bright against fresh snow and cheers up the entire street. Use the ornaments that no longer match your indoor tree, and add a few oversized ornaments near the bottom branches for impact. Hang them on wire hooks and tie each one twice so the wind cannot steal them. It is an easy afternoon project for the day after decorating.

You will need: Shatterproof red ornaments, floral wire, a step stool, garden gloves.

How to make it: Thread wire through each cap and twist tightly. Hang the biggest ornaments low and the smaller ones high. Space them evenly so the tree looks full from the road.

Pile Up Plaid Throws for Decorating Night

Decorating day is long, so make the living room a cozy base camp. Stack plaid and red wool throws in a basket by the sofa, scatter a few pinecones and spare ornaments on the coffee table, and keep the music going. The mix of plaid and natural textures fits a Jason Kelce Christmas perfectly, relaxed and homey instead of fussy. When the tree is finished, everyone can curl up and admire it together. Find more ways to use plaid decor around the house.

You will need: Two or three plaid throws, a large basket, pinecones, spare red ornaments.

How to make it: Fold the throws loosely and stack them in the basket. Group pinecones and ornaments in a shallow tray. Keep the area clear so people can sit and rest.

Hot Cocoa for the Decorating Crew

Nothing keeps a decorating crew happy like a warm mug. Set up a small cocoa bar on the kitchen counter with a big pot of cocoa, mini marshmallows and a few fun toppings. Cut snowflake shapes from large marshmallows with a small cookie cutter for an easy finishing touch. Serve it in red mugs on a gingham napkin and the entire table feels festive. If you want to go bigger, our cocoa bar guide has more topping and display ideas.

You will need: Milk, cocoa powder, sugar, large marshmallows, a small snowflake cutter, red mugs, gingham napkins.

How to make it: Warm the milk with cocoa and sugar, whisking until smooth. Cut marshmallows into snowflakes. Pour into mugs and float a snowflake on top.

A Cookie Plate for Little Helpers

Kids work harder when there are cookies waiting, so plan a big plate of holiday cookies for decorating breaks. A mix of jam rings, almond squares and spice cookies makes the snack feel extra special. Keep the cookies on a side table away from the tree so sticky fingers get wiped before touching branches. Between rounds, show the kids a few ornament hanging tricks, like starting from the top and working down. A short break keeps everyone smiling until the last ornament goes on.

You will need: Assorted holiday cookies, a large plate, a few fir sprigs, napkins, wet wipes.

How to make it: Bake or buy a few kinds of cookies and arrange them on a plate with some fir sprigs. Set the snack station across the room from the tree.

Gather Pinecones on the Tree Trip

While you are out choosing a tree, fill a bag with fallen pinecones. They are free, they smell lovely, and they turn into all kinds of decorations. Bake them on a low heat to dry them out and open the scales fully. Then use them plain in bowls, wire them into garland, or add a dab of white paint to the tips for a snowy look. Our pinecone crafts show plenty of ways to turn one bag into a season of decor.

You will need: Fallen pinecones, a baking sheet, foil, white craft paint, a small brush.

How to make it: Brush off dirt and lay the cones on a foil lined sheet. Bake at a low heat for about 30 minutes, checking often. Cool, then paint the tips if you like.

Turn the Bottom Branches Into a Jason Kelce Christmas Wreath

When you trim the lowest branches to fit the stand, do not toss them. Those fresh clippings are all you need for a full, fragrant wreath. Bundle small pieces with paddle wire and attach each bundle to a wire frame, overlapping as you go. It is a thrifty and meaningful part of a Jason Kelce Christmas, because the wreath comes from the very tree you cut together. Add a few pinecones and hang it by the door. See our wreath ideas for ribbon and berry add ons.

You will need: Fir trimmings, a 14 inch wire wreath frame, paddle wire, pruning shears, pinecones, jute twine.

How to make it: Cut branches into 6 inch pieces. Bundle three pieces and wire them to the frame. Overlap each bundle to hide the stems, then wire on pinecones.

Hang a Fresh Wreath on the Front Door

The Philly Specials holiday album, A Philly Special Christmas Party, sings about hanging a wreath on the door, and it is a lovely way to welcome the season. A small fir wreath with red flowers looks rich on an old wood door. Use a door hanger or a ribbon looped over the top so the door stays scratch free. For that easy family feel, keep it natural and skip anything too shiny. Pair it with a couple of our front porch ideas for a full welcome.

You will need: A fir wreath, small red faux flowers, floral wire, an over the door hanger.

How to make it: Wire the red flowers in small clusters around the wreath. Hang it at eye level and fluff the needles outward.

Upcycle a Cable Knit Sweater Into a Stocking

An old cable knit sweater makes the coziest stocking you will ever hang. The thick texture looks handmade even if your sewing is simple. Trace a stocking shape onto the sweater body, using the ribbed hem as the cuff so you never need to finish the top edge. Sew around the shape, turn it right side out and add a loop. A red sweater feels classic, but any color works. Explore more sweater upcycles for pillows and mittens.

You will need: An old cable knit sweater, a paper stocking pattern, pins, scissors, a sewing machine, ribbon.

How to make it: Pin the pattern with its top on the ribbed hem. Cut two layers. Sew around the edges, turn right side out and stitch a ribbon loop inside the cuff.

A Green and White Jason Kelce Christmas Stocking

Kelly green and white is a fun palette for a Jason Kelce Christmas stocking, and it looks fresh against a white mantel and pine garland. Knit a simple striped tube with a snowflake band, or ask a knitting friend to make one for each family member. Skip logos and letters so it works year after year. If you do not knit, buy a plain cream stocking and sew on green felt stripes instead. Our stocking patterns cover easy sewn versions too.

You will need: Kelly green and white worsted yarn, knitting needles, a snowflake chart, a yarn needle.

How to make it: Cast on and knit the cuff in white. Work green and white stripes, then the snowflake band. Turn the heel, finish the toe and sew a loop at the top.

Tie a Wooden Star Ornament on Every Gift

Here is a thoughtful twist on the Jason Kelce Christmas ornament tradition: tie one to every present. Wrap gifts in plain brown paper and white string, then add a small wooden star and a sprig of fir. The topper becomes the recipient’s new ornament for the year, so the gift keeps giving long after the paper is gone. It is also a sweet idea for a family ornament exchange on the night you decorate. Make the stars from craft plywood or buy them unfinished.

You will need: Brown kraft paper, white baker’s twine, small wooden star ornaments, fir sprigs, tape.

How to make it: Wrap the gift neatly in kraft paper. Wrap twine around twice and tie a bow. Slip the star loop and a fir sprig under the knot.

Set Up a Brown Paper Wrapping Station

Finish the season with a wrapping station that matches the natural look of your tree. A roll of brown paper, a spool of twine, good scissors and a few dried sprigs are all you need. Set everything on a table so wrapping becomes a relaxed evening activity instead of a late night rush. Brown paper is cheap, easy to recycle and looks lovely under a real tree. Try a few of our wrapping tricks for crisp corners every time.

You will need: A roll of brown kraft paper, jute twine, sharp scissors, double sided tape, dried lavender or fir sprigs, blank tags.

How to make it: Measure paper so it wraps once with a small overlap. Fold the ends into neat triangles. Tie with twine and tuck a sprig under the bow.