The Viral Christmas DIY Everyone Is Making This Year

Are you looking to add a unique and personal touch to your holiday decorations? Making your own ornaments and decor is a wonderful way to unleash your creativity and make lasting memories. We’ll show you the must-try viral project that’s taking over social media, plus several other simple yet stunning ideas to transform your home into a festive wonderland.

The Viral Sensation: Giant Outdoor Ornaments

If you’ve spent any time on Pinterest or TikTok recently, you’ve likely seen enormous, sparkling Christmas ornaments adorning front porches and lawns. This project has gone viral for a reason: it has a huge visual impact but is surprisingly simple and affordable to create. It’s the perfect way to make a statement with your outdoor decor.

What You’ll Need:

  • Large plastic play balls (8-12 inches in diameter), often found in the toy aisle at stores like Walmart or Target.
  • A small, round plastic food container for the ornament “topper” (like a yogurt cup or a small deli container).
  • Metallic spray paint in your desired color (Krylon or Rust-Oleum brands work well and are designed for plastic). Popular choices are gold, silver, red, or green.
  • Strong waterproof glue, such as E6000 or Gorilla Glue.
  • A thick eye hook screw or a U-bolt for hanging.
  • Drill with a small bit (optional, for the eye hook).

Step-by-Step Instructions:

  1. Prepare Your Workspace: Lay down a drop cloth or old newspaper in a well-ventilated area, preferably outdoors. Make sure your plastic balls and containers are clean and dry.
  2. Paint the Topper: Spray paint your small plastic container with your chosen metallic color. Apply thin, even coats, letting each coat dry for about 15-20 minutes before applying the next. This prevents dripping. Two or three coats should be enough for a solid, vibrant finish.
  3. Paint the Ball: Once the topper is dry, do the same for the large plastic ball. You can place it on a stand (like a roll of tape) to make it easier to paint all sides without touching it. Apply several thin coats until you have a smooth, opaque color. Let it dry completely, which may take several hours or even overnight, depending on the paint and humidity.
  4. Assemble the Ornament: Once everything is fully dry, apply a generous amount of strong glue to the rim of the painted food container. Firmly press it onto the top of the large ball, centered over the inflation hole. Let the glue cure for the time recommended on the packaging, typically 24 hours.
  5. Add the Hanger: For the most secure hanger, drill a small pilot hole in the center of your ornament topper and screw in an eye hook. If you don’t have a drill, you can often work the screw in by hand with some pressure. Alternatively, you can glue a U-bolt onto the topper.
  6. Display Your Creation: Your giant ornament is now ready! You can hang it from a tree branch, a porch hook, or simply group a few together on your lawn for a stunning display.

More Must-Try Holiday DIY Projects

Beyond the viral trend, here are other fantastic projects that are perfect for adding a handmade touch to your Christmas decor.

Rustic Dried Orange Garland

This classic project is eco-friendly, smells incredible, and adds a warm, natural touch to any space. It’s perfect for draping over a mantelpiece, wrapping around a tree, or hanging in a window.

What You’ll Need:

  • 3-4 large navel oranges
  • A sharp knife
  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper
  • Twine or jute string
  • A large needle or a skewer
  • Optional: cinnamon sticks, star anise, or bay leaves

Step-by-Step Instructions:

  1. Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to its lowest setting, usually around 200°F (or 95°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Slice the Oranges: Slice the oranges into thin, uniform rounds, about 1⁄4 inch thick. Pat them gently with a paper towel to remove excess moisture.
  3. Slow Bake: Arrange the slices in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 3-4 hours, flipping them every hour to ensure they dry evenly. They are done when they are dry to the touch and slightly translucent.
  4. Cool and String: Let the orange slices cool completely. Use a skewer to poke two holes near the top of each slice. Thread your twine through the holes, alternating with cinnamon sticks or other festive elements if you wish.

Upcycled Disco Ball Ornaments

Give your old, forgotten Christmas baubles a glamorous makeover. This project transforms plain or scuffed ornaments into sparkling disco balls that catch the light beautifully.

What You’ll Need:

  • Old plastic or glass ball ornaments
  • Self-adhesive mirror tiles (you can find these on Amazon or at craft stores like Michael’s)
  • Scissors

Step-by-Step Instructions:

  1. Prepare the Tiles: The mirror tiles usually come in sheets. You may need to cut them into smaller strips to make them easier to apply to a curved surface.
  2. Start Sticking: Peel the backing off a strip of mirror tiles and begin wrapping it around the center of the ornament. Press firmly to ensure good adhesion.
  3. Cover the Ornament: Continue adding strips of tiles, working your way up and down from the center line. You may need to cut individual tiles to fill in the small gaps near the top and bottom.
  4. Finishing Touches: Once the entire ornament is covered, gently polish the mirror tiles with a soft cloth to remove any fingerprints. Hang it on your tree and watch it sparkle.

Personalized Painted Ornaments

This is a wonderful project to do with family and is a great way to create keepsakes. You can write names, dates, or paint simple festive designs like snowflakes, holly, or snowmen.

What You’ll Need:

  • Clear glass or plastic ornaments
  • Acrylic paint pens (like Posca or Artistro brands) in various colors
  • Rubbing alcohol and a paper towel

Step-by-Step Instructions:

  1. Clean the Surface: Before you start, wipe the surface of the ornament with rubbing alcohol to remove any oils or residue. This helps the paint adhere better.
  2. Plan Your Design: Think about what you want to draw. It can be helpful to practice on a piece of paper first.
  3. Start Painting: Shake your paint pens well and carefully draw your design directly onto the ornament. If you make a mistake, you can often wipe it away with rubbing alcohol while it’s still wet.
  4. Let It Dry: Allow the paint to dry completely before handling or hanging the ornament. For extra durability, you can apply a thin coat of clear sealant spray.