It’s only September. The weather is still warm in many places, pumpkin spice is just starting to hit the shelves, and most of us aren’t even thinking about pulling out the holiday decorations yet. But if you’re someone who loves a cosy, creative holiday season—or if you’re simply looking for a way to get into the festive spirit early – there’s a surprising activity worth considering: Christmas-themed paint by number kits.
You might be wondering: “Christmas in September? Isn’t it too early?” Not at all. In fact, starting now gives you enough time to work on something meaningful, stress-free, and personal before the holiday rush kicks in. Let’s dive into why paint-by-number kits with Christmas themes are such a delightful idea, why September is the perfect time to start, and how they can add something special to your holiday celebrations.
The Rise of Paint by Number Kits
Paint by number kits have seen a huge resurgence in recent years. What was once a retro hobby from the mid-20th century has transformed into a modern form of relaxation and self-care. Thanks to their simple, step-by-step design, these kits allow anyone – even those who claim they “can’t paint” – to create stunning artwork.
The process is simple: each canvas comes printed with a light outline divided into shapes, each marked with a number. Each number corresponds to a colour in your paint set. By filling in the sections one by one, you gradually see a beautiful image come to life.
For many, it’s less about the final product and more about the experience. Painting by numbers encourages mindfulness, reduces stress, and gives you a sense of accomplishment. And when those kits are themed for Christmas? The end result is both therapeutic and festive.
Why Choose a Christmas-Themed Paint by Number Kit?
Christmas-themed kits stand out for a few reasons:
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Instant Festive Spirit
From snow-covered cottages and sparkling Christmas trees to cosy fireplaces and Santa Claus himself, these kits capture the joy and magic of the holiday season. Painting them helps you get into the Christmas spirit – even when it’s still months away. -
Personal Holiday Décor
Imagine hanging a piece of artwork on your wall that you painted yourself. A snowy winter scene or a cheerful reindeer can add warmth and charm to your holiday decorations. Unlike store-bought décor, this is art that comes with a story: you made it. -
Handmade Gifts with Heart
Giving someone a finished painting you worked on is an incredibly thoughtful gift. It shows time, effort, and care – qualities often missing from last-minute holiday shopping. Plus, framed paint-by-number artworks look surprisingly professional. -
A Creative Tradition
Some families have even started making paint by number sessions part of their holiday traditions. Painting together on a snowy evening can be just as cosy as baking cookies or watching Christmas movies.
Why September Is the Perfect Time to Start
Okay, so why do this now instead of waiting until December?
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Beat the Holiday Rush
The holiday season is busy enough with shopping, cooking, and gatherings. By starting a paint by number kit in September, you give yourself plenty of time to enjoy the process without feeling rushed. -
Time for Multiple Projects
Depending on the size of the canvas, a kit can take days or even weeks to complete. Starting early means you could finish one painting for décor and another to gift. -
Enjoy Fall Creativity
September and October are transitional months. While some people lean into Halloween crafts, working on a Christmas-themed kit lets you savour the anticipation of the holiday season ahead. -
Stress Relief Before the Busy Months
Let’s be honest: as soon as November hits, life speeds up. Painting now gives you a pocket of calm before the chaos of Thanksgiving, Black Friday, and Christmas shopping begins.
Types of Christmas-Themed Paint by Number Kits
If you’re considering picking up a kit, you’ll find plenty of designs to suit your style. Here are some popular themes:
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Traditional Holiday Scenes: Santa delivering gifts, snowy villages, and children ice skating.
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Religious Themes: Nativity scenes, angels, and church candlelight settings.
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Winter Wildlife: Deer in the snow, cardinals perched on frosty branches, owls under the moonlight.
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Quirky & Modern Designs: Whimsical gnomes, cartoonish snowmen, or abstract Christmas trees for a fun twist.
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Classic Still Life: Stockings by the fireplace, hot cocoa mugs, or ornaments glistening on a tree.
Some kits even come with glitter or metallic paints to make the holiday sparkle pop.
Tips for Getting Started
If you’re new to paint-by-number kits – or just new to the idea of tackling one for Christmas – here are some tips:
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Choose the Right Size
Smaller kits are great for beginners or quick projects. Larger canvases offer more detail but will take more time. -
Set Up a Cosy Space
Good lighting, a comfortable chair, and a little holiday playlist (yes, even in September) can make your painting session more enjoyable. -
Take Your Time
The joy is in the process. Don’t worry if it takes you weeks to finish. The gradual progress is part of the magic. -
Frame It Properly
Once complete, a frame elevates your painting into true décor. You can even match frames to your Christmas tree ornaments or interior holiday style. -
Get the Family Involved
Kids can help fill in larger areas, while adults work on detailed sections. It’s a collaborative, screen-free activity.
Turning Paint by Number Kits Into Holiday Traditions
What starts as a personal project in September can easily turn into a cherished holiday tradition. Imagine pulling out last year’s completed painting each December, hanging it up like an old ornament, and then starting a new kit for the year ahead. Over time, you’d build a collection of handmade artwork that tells the story of Christmases past.
Some families even use these kits as a countdown activity – painting a little each day leading up to Christmas, like an advent calendar but more creative.
Where to Find Christmas-Themed Paint by Number Kits
You don’t need to wait until December to find these kits. Many online shops stock holiday designs year-round, and craft stores often start rolling them out in September or October. Etsy sellers also offer unique designs, some with customizable options (like adding a family name or year).
Popular places to look include:
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Amazon
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Etsy
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Hobby Lobby or Michaels
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Specialised paint-by-number retailers online
Final Thoughts: Christmas Creativity Starts Now
While it may feel strange to pick up a Christmas-themed project in September, there’s something joyful about starting the season early through creativity. Paint-by-number kits provide a soothing, screen-free way to embrace mindfulness while also preparing something meaningful for the holidays.
Whether you hang your artwork as part of your décor, give it as a gift, or simply enjoy the act of painting for yourself, a Christmas-themed kit is a wonderful way to bring holiday spirit into your home months before the first snowfall.
So why wait until December, when the season is hectic and time is short? Pour yourself a cup of cocoa – or maybe just an iced coffee for now – set up your canvas, and let the magic of Christmas begin with each brushstroke.
