Sometimes a small aside becomes the thing people want to hear about most. Case in point: the cheeseball photo we shared after John’s third triathlon nearly two months ago, which included a throwaway line about turning his medals into Christmas ornaments. That casual comment sparked far more questions than the race itself, so here’s a quick, cheerful tutorial on how we turn race medals into tree-ready ornaments.
We were surprised by how many of you asked for details, photos, and step-by-step instructions, so two months later here we are. It’s a delightfully simple craft that’s perfect for a lazy afternoon — or for doing while you half-watch a reality TV show and try to tell contestants apart.
The idea first came up when John ran a “Tacky Light Run” one holiday season. Those night runs take participants through neighborhoods that go all-out with decorations, and the finisher medal already looks a lot like an ornament. The ribbon that comes with many race medals is thick and formal, but it didn’t take long for us to decide the medals belonged on the tree instead of in a box.
Here’s how to convert medals into ornaments in a few easy steps:
Step 1: Collect the medals you want to use and check with the person who earned them to make sure they’re okay with turning them into ornaments. John was totally fine with it — otherwise they’d languish in a closet anyway.
Step 2: Snip off the original ribbon that’s threaded through each medal. This frees the medal for a thinner, more decorative ribbon that suits your tree.
Step 3: Cut a short length of ribbon — we typically use about 7 inches — loop it through the medal where the old ribbon went, and tie a secure double knot. Choose ribbon that complements your tree’s color scheme or that evokes the memory of the race.
Step 4: Step back and admire your handiwork. If it feels right, give yourself a playful crafting nickname — we personally like to pretend we’re long-lost crafty relatives.
Step 5 (optional): If you want photos but it’s not winter, head outside and find a pine tree that looks festive. You don’t need to set up your whole holiday display for a quick snapshot — a summer pine will do the trick for a cheerful picture.
Bonus option: If you prefer a metal ornament hook, simply thread a hook through the medal’s loop instead of knotting ribbon. These hooks come in several thicknesses; sturdier ones give a more finished look and hang more reliably. They’re quick to use and make the medals feel more like traditional ornaments.
That’s it — an easy, meaningful way to celebrate races year after year. If you have friends or family who race, their medals could easily fill an entire tree. We love how this project gives each medal a new life on the tree, turning personal achievement into a holiday memory.
Psst — we’ve shared other ornament ideas before, including ones made from wood slices, glittered glass, and a whole batch of homemade varieties for a tabletop tree. We also occasionally talk about favorite holiday decor picks and other crafty projects on our site and in podcast episodes where guests share decorating tips and creative ideas.