Category: Family Ideas

Christmas in July: Make Sugar Cookies

Are you looking for another simple way to celebrate Christmas in July? Dig out your favorite sugar cookie recipe, find a new one on Pinterest, or grab a tube of dough at your local store. Regardless of your method, sugar cookies are a fun way to celebrate Christmas in July.

  1. Bake your cookies from the method of choice.
  2. Allow your batch of sugar cookies to cool.
  3. Frost cookies.
  4. Decorate

Do you want to get the kids involved in making sugar cookies to celebrate Christmas in July? Set out different types of holiday sprinkles, marshmallows, nuts, and other toppings. Then, ask your children to help decorate the cookies. Making up new designs and colors provides added fun.

Finally, time to eat the cookies. Put a plate of cookies out as part of family night.

You can always add a nice cup of hot chocolate or milk to the celebration. Now, the next challenge, who gets to pick the Christmas movie?

10 Days of Harry Potter: Personalized Owl Craft

Are you looking for inspiration for Harry Potter themed crafts to celebrate his birthday on July 31st? Create an owl or other animal from felt cut-outs.

At Hogwarts, you can bring an animal. As J.K. Rowling’s character Hagrid states, “Tell, yeh what, I’ll get your animal. Not a toad, toads went outta fashion years ago, yeh’d be laughed at-an, I don’t like cats, they make me sneeze. I’ll get yer owl. All the kids want owls, they’re dead useful. carry yer mail an everything.'” (Rowling, 1998). So what would you bring?

Felt Owl Craft

The felt owl craft is an easy project. With a little assistance, even the youngest family members can create a personalized felt owl.

Material Needed:

  • Pre-cut felt animal shapes or felt to cut (Note: the pre-cut owl shapes are stiffer which makes gluing items on the material easier)
  • Googly eyes
  • Feathers
  • Yarn pieces
  • Material scraps
  • Tacky glue
  • Sequins
  • Paint or permanent markers
  • Pom-pons
  • Pipe cleaners
  1. Gather your desired materials.
  2. Create your personalized owl by gluing desired materials on to the felt cut-out.
  3. Allow your pet creation to dry for at least 24-hours.
  4. Display proudly.

Creating one-of-a-kind owls or other animals is the best part of this easy Harry Potter inspired craft.

 

 

Reference:

Rowling, J. K. (1998). Harry Potter and the sorcerer’s stone. New York: Arthur A. Levine Books

 

10 Days of Harry Potter

In J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter series, the main character, Harry Potter, was born on July 31, 1980. As of this year, 2020, Harry Potter turns 40 years old. Since most people are staying close to home, celebrating 10 Days of Harry Potter is a fun way to pass the time.

Ways to Celebrate Harry Potter’s Birthday

Thousands of people around the globe are part of the Wizarding World fandom. Are you wondering how to celebrate the incredible Wizarding World? Check out the following ideas below:

  • Read the Books: Whether you are reading the series for the first time or the 15th, find a secluded area and immerse yourself into the Wizarding World.
  • Listen to the Audiobooks: If you are a multi-tasker, listen to the audiobooks of the Harry Potter series. The narrators do a fantastic job of making the characters come alive.
  • Watch the Movies: From watching the movies over a week to binge-watching the whole series, enjoy watching the film from the beginning. Watching the Harry Potter series is a great family night activity.
  • Play Games: Board games, video games, or made-up games can provide entertainment while celebrating Harry Potter’s birthday.
  • Do Crafts: On a rainy afternoon, do crafts inspired Harry Potter themed crafts. From drawing to sculpting, making Wizarding World crafts is a wonderful way to celebrate the “boy who lived.” (Rowling, 1998).
  • Food: As Remus Lupin’s character states, “Eat, you’ll feel better.” (Rowling, 2010). Of course, Lupin was offering chocolate after a dementor attack. But still, the idea is the same. Yorkshire Pudding, Bertie Bott’s Every Flavor Bean, Pumpkin Pasties,  and the entire Hogwarts feast are an easy inspiration for trying themed Wizarding World recipes.
  • Host a Birthday Party: With social distancing, celebrating with friends or family may be difficult. But you can still host a birthday party for Harry Potter with your immediate family. Even if your baking skills are not the best, bake a cake, like Hagrid’s. “Anyway – Harry,” said the giant, turning his back on the Dursleys, “a very happy birthday to yeh. Got summat fer yeh here – I mighta sat on it at some point, but it’ll taste all right.”(Rowling, 1998).
  • Photo Session: Whether you have an entire cosplay outfit or your favorite Harry Potter t-shirt, set up a photo session. Use wands and other props. Recreate scenes. Take a lot of photos, print them, and make a scrapbook.

Having fun is the best way to celebrate the wonderful fictional character, Harry Potter’s birthday.

 

References:

Rowling, J. K. (1998). Harry Potter and the sorcerer’s stone. New York: Arthur A. Levine Books

Rowling, J. K. (2010). Harry Potter and the prisoner of Azkaban. London: Bloomsbury

Christmas in July: Family Movie Night

Time to unplug, step away from the local news, and enjoy Christmas in July with a movie night. Order pizza, make some popcorn or other tasty snacks to make movie night extra special.

Do you need some movie ideas for your family, friends, or just you and your dog? Check out the following list of 50 movies to celebrate Christmas in July. 

 

  • A Charlie Brown Christmas (1965)
  • Holiday in the Wild (2019)
  • Santa Paws 2: The Santa Pups (2012)
  • The Star (2017)
  • Winnie the Pooh: A Very Merry Pooh Year (2002)
  • Elf (2003)
  • National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation (1989)
  • A Christmas Story (1983)
  • The Cat in the Hat Knows A Lot About Christmas (2012)
  • If You Give a Mouse a Christmas Cookie (2016)
  • Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer
  • Frosty the Snowman
  • Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town
  • The Litte Drummer Boy
  • How the Grinch Stole Christmas
  • Micky’s Once Upon a Christmas
  • Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone
  • Mickey’s Christmas Carol
  • The Muppet’s Christmas Carol
  • Polar Express (2004)
  • A Fairly Odd Christmas (2012)
  • Home Alone (1990)
  • I Want a Dog for Christmas, Charlie Brown (2003)
  • SpongeBob SquarePants: It’s a Sponge Bob Christmas
  • Paw Patrol: Pups Save Christmas
  • The Knight Before Christmas (2019)
  • Klaus (2019)
  • Olaf’s Frozen Adventure (2017)
  • The Flight Before Christmas
  • Jingle All the Way (1996)
  • The Preacher’s Wife (1996)
  • Miracle on 34th Street (1947)
  • It’s a Wonderful Life (1946)
  • Noelle (2019)
  • The Christmas Chronicles (2018)
  • ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas
  • Disney’s Olaf’s Frozen Adventure
  • The Year Without Santa Claus
  • Trolls Holiday (2017)
  • Santa Hunters (2014)
  • Nestor the Long-Eared Christmas Donkey
  • My Dad is Scrooge (2014)
  • Chilly Christmas (2012)
  • Saving Santa (2013)
  • Bah, Humduck: A Looney Tunes Christmas (2006)
  • Merry Christmas Drake and Josh (2008)
  • Arthur Christmas (2011)
  • Tom and Jerry: A Nutcracker Tale 2007)
  • Yogi’s First Christmas (1980)
  • In Search of Santa (2004)

 

Enjoy your movie night!

National Ice Cream Day

Did you know Sunday, July 19th is National Ice Cream Day? So, how do you celebrate? Eat ice cream, of course.

Ways to Celebrate National Ice Cream Day

There is no right or wrong way to celebrate National Ice Cream Day. If you need some helpful hints, check out the following.

  • Go Out for Ice Cream: Due to social distancing, many ice cream establishments allow for drive-thru service only. But you still can get your favorite flavors. Grab an ice cream cone, banana split, sundae, or your favorite flavors in a bowl to enjoy. If there’s a park close by, enjoy your choice while sitting in nature. After you finished, walk the paths and have fun being outdoors.
  • Create a Sundae Bar: Hos ta special Sunday afternoon treat for your family by creating a sundae bar. Pick up your favorite gallon of ice cream. Next, add a variety of toppings, including whip cream, sprinkles, nuts, candies, and flavored syrups. Finally, begin the creative process of making the perfect bowl of ice cream.
  • Ice Cream Sandwiches: If you want a more straightforward approach to celebrating National Ice Cream Day, eat ice cream sandwiches. The chocolate cookie filled with ice cream is a perfect treat. For younger children, you can always cut the ice cream sandwich into two smaller pieces.
  • Ice Cream Floats: Vanilla ice cream and root beer are two traditional float favorites. But, you can experiment with your favorite flavors to find the perfect combination to enjoy on National Ice Cream Day.
Vanilla Ice Cream and Orange Soda
  • Your Favorites: Often, after a long day, a little splurging is necessary to relax. Scroop a bowl of your favorite flavor of ice cream and binge-watch a television series or movie.

Whether you go all out with a massive ice cream sundae creation or simply enjoy your favorite, celebrate National Ice Cream Day. Often, small celebrations turn into the biggest memories.

National Sugar Cookie Day

Did you know today, July 9th is National Sugar Cookie Day? What is the best way to celebrate Sugar Cookie Day? Make cookies. Sugar cookies are often a holiday treat, especially around Christmas. But with everyone staying close to home these days, making a batch of sugar cookies is a great afternoon activity.

Dating back to the mid-1700s, the sugar cookie was a creation of German Protestant settlers in Nazareth, Pennsylvania. First known as the Nazareth Cookie, the original was crumbly, buttery, and round. Today, bakers take great pride in creating masterpiece designs out of sugar cookie dough.

If you don’t have a personal sugar cookie recipe, check out Pinterest, the wonderful go-to site. Basically, sugar cookies consist of common pantry ingredients including sugar, flour, eggs, vanilla, butter, and baking powder. Decorating and designing sugar cookies are the best part.

Take a moment, enjoy National Sugar Cookie Day. The tasty treat can easily be part of a family fun night. Board games anyone?

 

Reference:

(2020). National Sugar Cookie Day. https://nationaldaycalendar.com/national-sugar-cookie-day-july-9

Ways to Celebrate the 4th of July at Home

Are you staying home for the 4th of July? You are not alone. Finances, the weather, social distancing, or health concerns are keeping many people at home this year for Independence Day. Staying at home doesn’t necessarily mean a boring holiday. With little preparation, you can make this 4th of July memorable for your family.

Ideas to Celebrate Independence Day at Home

Enjoy being at home with your family on Independence Day. Create new family traditions or expand on older ones.

Food and Treats

One of the best parts of any holiday is food. The 4th of July is an excellent time to get outdoors.

  • Host a BBQ: Whether you host a BBQ for just your family or a few friends, grilling out on the 4th of July is a tradition. In addition to grilled hamburgers and hot dogs, potato salad, macaroni salad, beans, and chips are perfect for hosting a BBQ.
  • Picnic: If you want to stay close to home but get outdoors, go on a picnic. Local and state parks are open. Being outdoors is a wonderful way to get fresh air and enjoy the sun.
  • Sundae Bar: Buy a couple different flavors of ice cream and all the fixings. Red, white, and blue sprinkles are a perfect holiday topping. Whipped topping, chocolate chips, flavored toppings, and nuts are other welcomed favorites for ice. Allow your children to create their own masterpieces.
  • Piñata: Buy a piñata as part of your holiday celebration. Your children will enjoy the candy and prizes.

Games

Keeping children busy on the 4th of July helps produce lasting memories. If the weather permits, play games outdoors. Do you need some ideas? Go old school.

  • 3-Legged Race
  • Burlap Bag Race
  • Water Balloon Toss
  • Scavenger Hunt
  • Crafts
  • Slip and Slide
  • Playing in the Sprinkler

Crafts

Are you looking for a low-key 4th of July celebration or a place for children to relax in the shade? Setting up a craft table is simple. Just remember to stick to the red, white, and blue theme.

  • Tie-Dye T-Shirts: Purchase red and blue dye to add color to white t-shirts. Provide rubber bands to make different markings on the shirts. A tie-dye t-shirt is a perfect take-home gift or memorable experience.
  • Make Necklaces: Red, white, and blue pony beads are inexpensive. Provide trays of beads to all your children, and guests make necklaces or bracelets.
  • Make Crowns: Posterboard, glitter, red, white, and blue construction paper are great for making crowns.

Bonfire

Host a bonfire. Roast marshmallows for S’mores and enjoy an evening under the stars.

Fireworks

With many fireworks canceled, you may want to set a few off for your family to enjoy. Sparklers are always a fun tradition for the entire family to enjoy. If you are setting off larger fireworks, be courteous, and let your neighbors know your plans.

The 4th of July is a time to celebrate freedom. But there is no right or wrong way to celebrate Independence Day. Ordering pizza and watching fireworks on television can be a fun-filled night for your family.

Celebrating the Summer Solstice

Most people associate the first day of summer with the 3-day Memorial weekend. But technically this year, on June 20, 2020, the northern hemisphere will officially begin the first day of summer. Staying light longer, the sun will finally reach the furthest northern point in the sky. The summer solstice marks the longest day of the year. After the summer solstice, the days will begin to lose light.

Ways to Celebrate the Summer Solstice

Different cultures have a wide range of traditions to welcome the summer. Unfortunately, due to recent health mandates, social distancing, and stay at home guidelines, many festivals and celebrations are canceled this year. But do not let all the restrictions keep you from celebrating the summer solstice.

  • Go Hiking: Numerous parks are open to the public. Yes, social distancing still applies to the trails, but you still can enjoy the great outdoors. Hike a new trail. Spend an extra hour outdoors. Hiking is good for the entire family. Even young children can enjoy easy trails. Of course, don’t forget your dog.
  • Go for a Walk: A simple walk around the block can be refreshing. Walk to your local park. The playground equipment may still be inaccessible. But enjoy the different paths throughout the park. If you are working, go for a short walk on your lunch break.
  • Enjoy Nature: Take a leisurely stroll in your local park to enjoy nature. Take along binoculars and a camera to capture your view. If you are allowed, pick wildflowers, collect rocks, and other nature items to use for craft projects later.
  • Meditate or Pray: Sitting outside in nature is the perfect time to reflect. Give yourself time to meditate or pray.
  • Watch the Sunrise or Sunset: Taking a moment out of your day to simply watch the sunrise or set, gives you a chance to relax and destress.
  • Cook a Feast: Okay, a simple BBQ or a picnic will do the trick. But cooking a meal and enjoying the celebration as a family is a great way to honor the changing season.
  • Host a Bonfire: If you haven’t used your fire pit this year yet, the summer solstice is the perfect day to start. Build a small fire, watch the sunset, and marvel at the stars. Oh, and don’t forget the chocolatey, marshmallow goodness of S’mores.
  • Celebrate Virtual: Due to restrictions, many popular sites, including Stonehenge, are celebrating the summer solstice online. Watch the sunrise or set, listen to music, or watch an event.

Regardless of the way you celebrate the solstice, enjoy the summer day. Summer goes by quickly. Soon, the cold weather will return.

Art Ideas: Collages

When making a collage, there is no set pattern to follow. Every art collage is unique with various materials. Yes, you can make up theme collages. For instance, make a collage with all red items or one with nothing but pictures of your favorite animals. Still, each collage is a personal piece of art.

Collage Base

The base of the collage is simply the area where you glue your various objects. Everyday school glue works well for collage art projects. You can use regular glue, glitter glue or glow in the dark glue to add special touches to your art

Now, the base can be a plain piece of paper or any of the following.

  • Cardboard box
  • Shoebox
  • Small wooden box
  • Piece of wood
  • Egg cartons
  • Posterboard (use different sizes or colors)
  • Card stock
  • Canvas

The choice of the base is completely up to you.

Collage Material

Finding items to glue on to your base is easy. In fact, many things are probably in your home right now.

Check out the following list below to find the perfect combination for your next collage project.

  • Yarn pieces
  • Feathers
  • Pipe cleaner pieces
  • Sequins
  • Beads
  • Fabric pieces
  • Confetti
  • Geometric shapes from fabric or construction paper
  • Beans
  • Noodles
  • Cereal
  • Rice
  • Egg or nutshells
  • Pieces of ribbon
  • Toothpicks
  • Foil pieces or strips
  • Buttons
  • Straw pieces
  • Leaves
  • Burlap pieces
  • Ric-rac
  • Small seashells
  • Cotton balls
  • Pompons
  • Stickers
  • Magazine pictures
  • Pieces of corrugated cardboard
  • Used stamps

Are you ready to start your collage project? Are you going to have a theme? Or simply begin gluing items on a base?

 

Art Ideas: Painting

Are you looking for art ideas to keep your children busy? Finding different projects are a perfect way to keep your children busy during rainy days, social distancing, and self-isolation. Art is an endless activity. One of the most accessible art projects to implement is painting. With a little creative twist, different painting activities can keep the boredom away.

Painting

Painting goes beyond simply applying paint with a brush on canvas or paper. Check out these other ideas for painting.

  • Texture Paint: Adding sand or sawdust to small amounts of paint creates texture paint. The difference in textures is a great learning tool for implementing a unique art medium.
  • Finger Paint: Use your fingers to create art. Finger painting is a fun way to create pictures. Finger paint on newspaper, magazines, canvas, poster board, or paper. Each provides different results.
  • Sponge Painting: Cut a sponge or two up into multiple size pieces or shapes. Dip the sponge in the paint to create different results.
  • String Painting: Dip string or yarn into the paint, place on paper, fold the paper in tow, then pull the string through the folded paper. The results are different every time.
  • Diluted Paint Art: Color a picture with crayons. Press hard with the crayons to apply a thick layer. Then, dilute your desired paint color with a little water and paint your entire picture. Another variation of diluted painting starts with a piece of black construction paper. Use light-colored crayons to create an image. Then, dilute white paint to finalize the project.
  • Marble Painting: Place a piece of paper on a tray or cookie sheet with sides. Dip your marbles in the desired colored paint. Place a marble on paper, gently lift the sides of the try from side to side. Your marble will create tracks with paint. Using more marbles with various colors creates a wide range of results.
  • Pot Scrubby Painting: A pot scrubby is generally a wire mesh used to wash pots and pans. The pot scrubby can come with a wooden handle, but most are just a bunch of wire. Dip the pot scrubby in paint and apply it to paper. The results will vary depending on the thickness of your scrubby.
  • Cloth Painting: Remnants from your favorite craft outlet work great for this project or a plain old t-shirt. Cut your desired amount of cloth for the project. Secure the piece of fabric with an embroidery hoop or tape to a flat surface. Next, paint a picture on the fabric. Remember, cloth paintings usually take longer to dry.
  • Nature Art: When out for a walk, collect rocks, sticks, leaves, or acorns. If you do not live near a wooded area, you can purchase rocks at your local dollar store. Next, paint on the items from your nature walk.

Painting is a fun way to pass the time. Indulging in art expands the imagination, vocabulary, fine motor, and social skills. Now the tough question, what project are you going to do first?