TikTok’s Favorite Holiday DIY Is a Blast From the Past (and So Magical!)

This year, it seems like everyone is leaning into nostalgia with their holiday decorations. From old-school colorful lights to tinsel trees, even Ralph Lauren Christmas, I am loving the campiness of it all. The absolute hottest holiday decoration, in fact, is something you might not have thought much about since grade school, and it’ll cost you next to nothing, aside from perhaps an afternoon. You might have seen them all over your TikTok feed — that’s right, this year’s holiday hero is the paper chain garland. 

It’s not just the fact that paper chains are a cute, eccentric decoration; paper chains are also inexpensive, reusable, and completely customizable. All you need to make your own paper chains is construction paper, scissors, and glue or tape. 

First, fold your paper in half twice and cut each piece into four strips. (If you don’t want to spend your time cutting paper, you can even buy precut strips!) About an inch or so wide is fine, though I’ve also seen lots of people create thicker garlands with wider strips this year. 

Once you have your desired number of strips, fold the first strip into a loop. Secure the loop with glue or tape. With the next piece of paper, loop the strip into the pre-existing loop and secure. Continue these steps until you have a long, festive chain that is ready to go on display in your space.

If you want to get a bit more elaborate with your crafts, there are tons of tutorials you can find online that will show you how to make other at-home paper designs, including paper stars, diamonds, and chunky chains. You can also deck your paper garlands out with added decor, like tinsel or ribbon. 

Whether you love the nostalgia of creating paper chains or adore the whimsy they bring to your space, they are sure to brighten up your holiday season.