Category: Christmas

12 Last Minute Christmas Eve Traditions to Start this Year

Yes, Christmas Eve is only hours away. But there is still time to start a new tradition with your family. If you are looking to start a new Christmas Eve tradition, check out the following list.

Photo by Jonathan Borba on Pexels.com
  1. Bake: Christmas Eve is the perfect time to bake. Start a family tradition of baking cookies or other sweets together as a family. Leave cookies out for Santa or deliver some of your tasty treats to nearby neighbors.
  2. Track Santa: Track Santa on through the Official NORAD site. Create excitement by tracking Santa at different times throughout the evening.
  3. Read ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas: Cuddle up under fuzzy blankets and read the entire poem A Visit from St. Nicholas by Clement Clarke Moore.
  4. Watch a Christmas Movie: Make popcorn or a homemade pizza then watch your favorite Christmas movie.
  5. Picnic Under the Christmas Tree: Spread out a blanket next to the Christmas tree and host an indoor picnic. The food does not need to fancy. Even hot cocoa and peanut butter sandwiches can turn the night into a lasting memory.
  6. Make a Video: Create a Christmas video to post to your social media accounts.
  7. Strike a Pose: Take a selfie in front of the Christmas tree.
  8. Go to Church: Numerous churches host Christmas Eve services.
  9. Read the Christmas Story from the Bible: Read Luke 2: 1-20 to celebrate the birth of Jesus.
  10. Go Look at Christmas Lights: Pile into a vehicle to spend the evening looking at Christmas light displays around your neighborhood.
  11. Christmas Eve Meal: Plan and make a Christmas meal together. The meal can be a traditional spread with all the fixings or simply hearty stew. The choice is entirely up to you.
  12. Game Night: Put on your favorite Christmas song playlist and play board games.
Photo by picjumbo.com on Pexels.com

Have a great Christmas Eve!              

55 Holiday Songs to Add to Your Christmas Playlist

Do you find yourself singing along to holiday classics or turning up the radio to listen to a new Christmas song? For decades, Christmas music has been a major part of the holiday season. Finding the best songs for your Christmas celebrations is essential for creating a holiday atmosphere to remember. Be forewarned, you may find yourself singing out loud in front of guests.

Please note: “As an Amazon affiliate, I earn income from qualifying purchases.”

Photo by cottonbro on Pexels.com
  1. It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year – Andy Williams
  2. White Christmas – Bing Crosby
  3. Last Christmas – Wham!
  4. All I Want for Christmas Is You – Mariah Carey
  5. The Christmas Song (Merry Christmas To You) – Nat King Cole
  6. Christmas Time Is Here – Vince Guaraldi Trio
  7. Christmas Eve/Sarajevo 12/24 – Trans-Siberian Orchestra
  8. Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas – Judy Garland
  9. Frosty the Snowman – Gene Autry
  10. Angels We Have Heard on High – Josh Groban & Brian McKnight
  11. Let It Be Christmas – Alan Jackson
  12. Underneath the Tree – Kelly Clarkston
  13. Christmas Cookies – George Strait
  14. Sleigh Ride – Ella Fitzgerald
  15. Little Saint Nick – The Beach Boys
  16. Mele Kalikimaka (Hawaiian Christmas Song) – Bing Crosby
  17. Santa Baby – Eartha Kitt
  18. Blue Christmas – Elvis Presley
  19. Run, Rudolph, Run – Chuck Berry
  20. Jingle Bell Rock – Bobby Helms
  21. Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree – Brenda Lee
  22. Carol of the Bells – Trans-Siberian Orchestra
  23. The Chipmunk Song (Christmas Don’t Be Late)
  24. Jingle Bells – Ella Fitzgerald
  25. Christmas, Baby Please Come Home – Darlene Love
  26. Winter Wonderland – Dean Martin
  27. A Holly Jolly Christmas – Burl Ives
  28. Merry Christmas, Baby – Otis Redding
  29. Happy X-Mas (War is Over) – John Lennon
  30. Please Come Home for Christmas – The Eagles
  31. Where Are You Christmas – Faith Hill
  32. Feliz Navidad – José Feliciano
  33. Baby, It’s Cold Outside – Dean Martin
  34. Silent Night – Boys II Men
  35. Merry Christmas Darling – The Carpenters
  36. I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus – Jackson 5
  37. Peace On Earth/Little Drummer Boy – David Bowie & Bing Crosby
  38. Wonderful Christmastime – Paul McCartney
  39. Hard Candy Christmas – Dolly Parton
  40. Deck The Halls – Mannheim Steamroller
  41. Do They Know It’s Christmas?
  42. Santa Claus Is Comin’ to Town – Bruce Springsteen
  43. Fairytale of New York – The Pogues
  44. We Need a Little Christmas – Angela Lansbury
  45. Believe – Josh Groban
  46. Joy to the World – Aretha Franklin
  47. O Come, All Ye Faithful – Faith Hill
  48. It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas – Michael Bublé
  49. Mary, Did You Know – Mary J. Blige
  50. Christmas Isn’t Canceled (Just You) – Kelly Clarkson
  51. When My Heart Finds Christmas – Harry Connick Jr
  52. Pretty Paper – Willie Nelson
  53. Snow – Leslie Odom Jr.
  54. My Favorite Things – Julie Andrews
  55. O Holy Night – Céline Dion

What’s your favorite? Merry Christmas!

50 Christmas Shows for the Entire Family

Holiday schedules can easily turn chaotic. Taking time to enjoy the season with your family is essential. Yes, you and your dog count as a family. Curl up under a fuzzy blanket and watch your favorite Christmas movie. If you are searching for a new movie, check out the following list of Christmas movies for the entire family. (Please note: “As an Amazon affiliate, I earn income on qualifying orders.)

Photo by Brett Sayles on Pexels.com
  1. It’s a Very Muppet Christmas Movie
  2. Angela’s Christmas (Netflix)
  3. Trolls Holiday Special
  4. Dr. Suess: The Grinch (2018)
  5. The Cat in the Hat Knows a Lot About Christmas (2012)
  6. Klaus (2019) (Netflix)
  7. Peppa Pig: Peppa’s Christmas and Other Stories
  8. Dr. Suess: How the Grinch Stole Christmas (1966)
  9. Sesame Street: Once Upon a Sesame Street Christmas (2016)
  10. Frosty the Snowman (1969)
  11. All I Want for Christmas is You (2017)
  12. Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer (1964)
  13. Winnie the Pooh: A Very Merry Pooh Year
  14. Elf (2013)
  15. Santa Clause is Coming to Town
  16. Shrek the Halls (2007)
  17. Beauty and the Beast: The Enchanted Christmas (1997)
  18. Arthur Christmas (2011)
  19. The Polar Express (2004)
  20. Miracle on 34th Street (1947)
  21. The Muppet’s Christmas Carol (1992)
  22. The Star (2017)
  23. The Dog Who Saved Christmas (2009)
  24. A Christmas Story (1983)
  25. A Charlie Brown Christmas
  26. Albert
  27. Disney’s A Christmas Carol (2009)
  28. Elliot: The Littlest Reindeer
  29. Merry Christmas Olivia
  30. Trolls Holiday
  31. Home Alone (1990)
  32. A Year Without Santa Claus
  33. Curious George: A Very Monkey Christmas
  34. Dora’s Christmas Carol Adventure
  35. Santa Buddies
  36. Ernest Saves Christmas (1988)
  37. The Santa Claus Movies
  38. Mickey’s Christmas Carol
  39. The Christmas Chronicles 1 & 2
  40. I’ll Be Home for Christmas
  41. Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey (2020)
  42. DreamWorks: Home for the Holidays
  43. The Christmas Project (2016)
  44. Annabelle’s Wish (1997)
  45. Prancer (1989)
  46. Santa’s Apprentice (2015)
  47. Emmet Otters Jug-Band Christmas (1977)
  48. The Little Drummer Boy (1968)
  49. Nester the Long-Eared Christmas Donkey (1977)
  50. Jack Frost

20 Christmas Gift Ideas for Writers

Do you have an inspiring writer on your list? Or do you want to encourage someone to pursue writing? It’s okay to admit, it’s you. Buying yourself a Christmas gift is always a good idea.

Photo by Lucie Liz on Pexels.com

Do you need Christmas gift ideas for all the writers on your list? Check out the following list. There is something for everyone.

Photo by Kaboompics .com on Pexels.com

Please note: “As an Amazon affiliate, I earn income from qualifying purchases.”

  1. Journals: Writers tend to carry some sort of writing paper wherever they go.
  2. Pens: Every writer needs a good pen.
  3. Online Courses: Check out Udemy or other online courses to help inspire and educate your inspiring writer.
  4. Books on Writing: From publishing markets to correct grammer, books on writing are always a good resource tool.
  5. Literary Magazines: Yes, a writing magazine is a great gift that last throughout the year. But you can also purchase magazines that interest the writer.
  6. Noise Cancelling Headphones: Sometimes you just need to tune the world out and write.
  7. Writer’s Mug: Hot tea or coffee is a great companion when you are writing your thoughts.
  8. Kindle or Other E-Reader: For writers, reading is just as important as writing.
  9. Bookends: Who doesn’t love a creative pair of bookends?
  10. T-Shirts: Time to be comfy.
  11. Post It Notes: Get ready, you may find sticky notes everywhere.
  12. Planner: Time to get organized.
  13. Messenger Bag: A nice bag is essential when trying to find inspiration at a local coffee shop or park.
  14. Writer’s Gloves: Writer months require warm hands to type.
  15. Paperclips: Be careful, you may spend more time stringing the paperclips together than using them in your writing.
  16. Pencil Sharpener: A box of pencils and an electric pencil sharpener are a wonderful gift.
  17. Desk Lamp: Proper lighting is critical for spending long intervals at the computer.
  18. Book Light: Yes, a book light is a great Christmas gift. Many writers like to relax at the end of the day by reading a book in bed.
  19. Desk Organizer: A useful tool when you have multiple projects going at once.
  20. Editing Software: A great resource tool to catch errors before turning your writing piece into a professionsl.

Happy Writing! Merry Christmas!

40 Ideas for Your Christmas Bucket List

Are you trying to get into the holiday spirit? If you are searching for inspiration, check out the following Christmas bucket list ideas for you and your family to enjoy.

Photo by freestocks.org on Pexels.com
  1. Countdown to Christmas with an Advent Calendar (Yes, there’s still time to start one.)
  2. Host a Christmas craft day.
  3. Visit a live nativity
  4. Host a Christmas movie night
  5. Decorate your home, porch, yard
  6. Put up your Christmas tree
  7. Play classic Christmas music
  8. Write letters to Santa (Yes, you can do this as adult.)
  9. Make homemade hot cocoa (Great for movie night.)
  10.  Make and send out Christmas cards
  11. Ride a holiday train
  12. Game night with Christmas music playing
  13. Watch a tree lighting ceremony
  14. Do random acts of kindness
  15. Take photos with Santa
  16. Drive around and look at Christmas lights
  17. Read a Christmas book by your tree
  18. Make cookies for Santa
  19. Go caroling
  20. Bake cookies to deliver to friends, neighbors, and relatives
  21. Make a birthday cake for Jesus
  22. Go on a sleigh riding
  23. Read the story of Christmas (Luke 2: 1-20)
  24. Make homemade ornaments
  25. String popcorn
  26. Make paper chains
  27. Make pinecone bird feeders
  28. Host a potluck style Christmas gathering for family and friends
  29. Attend Christmas Eve service
  30. Make a special Christmas morning breakfast
  31. Buy Christmas socks
  32. Be a secret Santa
  33. Participate in Operation Christmas Child
  34. Watch a holiday play or performance
  35. Go to a Christmas concert
  36. Have slumber part under the Christmas tree
  37. Take a family Christmas portrait
  38. Volunteer
  39. Donate food to a local charity
  40. Host a Christmas tea or brunch

Have a great Christmas season!

30 Quotes for Christmas

Do you need a Christmas quote to add to your website, blog, or social media posts? The following quotes are also great for writing inside Christmas cards.

Photo by Gary Spears on Pexels.com
  1. “Christmas is the day that holds all time together.” – Alexander Smith
  2. “Nothing ever seems too bad, too hard, or too sad when you’ve got a Christmas tree in the living room.” – Nora Roberts
  3. “Some Christmas tree ornaments do more than glitter and glow, they represent a gift of love given a long time ago.” – Tom Baker
  4. “Christmas is the spirit of giving without a thought of getting. It is happiness because we see joy in people. It is forgetting self and finding time for others. It is discarding the meaningless and stressing the true values.” – Thomas S. Monson
  5. “Christmas waves a magic wand over this world, and behold, everything is softer and more beautiful.” –  Norman Vincent Peale
  6. “I love the Christmas-tide, and yet, I notice this, each year I live; I always like the gifts I get, But how I love the gifts I give!” – Carolyn Wells
  7. “Christmas, children, is not a date. It is a state of mind.” –  Mary Ellen Chase
  8. “Christmas is most truly Christmas when we celebrate it by giving the light of love to those who need it most.” – Ruth Carter Stapleton
  9. “Santa Claus is anyone who loves another and seeks to make them happy; who gives himself by thought or word or deed in every gift that he bestows.” – Edwin Osgood Grover
  10. “Probably the reason we all go so haywire at Christmas time with the endless unrestrained and often silly buying of gifts is that we don’t quite know how to put our love into words.” – Harlan Miller
  11. “As for me, I like to take my Christmas a little at a time, all through the year.” – David Grayson
  12. “Christmas isn’t a season. It’s a feeling.” Edna Ferber
  13. “God never gives someone a gift they are not capable of receiving. If he gives us the gift of Christmas, it is because we all have the ability to understand and receive it.” – Pope Francis
  14. “Christmas is joy, religious joy, an inner joy of light and peace.” –  Pope Francis
  15. “I will honor Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all the year.” –  Charles Dickens
  16. “Christmas…is not an external event at all, but a piece of one’s home that one carries in one’s heart.” – Freya Stark
  17. “For it is in giving that we receive.” – Francis of Assisi
  18. “Christmas is, or course, the time to be home-in heart as well as body.” – Garry Moore
  19. “I love the excitement, the childlike spirit of innocence and just about everything that goes along with Christmas.’ –  Hillary Scott
  20. “Christmas, my child, is love in action. Every time we love, every time we give, it’s Christmas.” –  Dale Evans
  21. “Christmas is doing a little something extra for someone.” – Charles M. Schulz
  22. “I don’t think Christmas is necessarily about things. It’s about being good to one another, it’s about the Christian ethic, it’s about kindness.” –  Carrie Fisher
  23. “Faith is salted and peppered through everything at Christmas. And I love at least one night by the Christmas tree to sing and feel the quiet holiness of that time that’s set apart to celebrate love, friendship, and God’s gift of the Christ child.” – Amy Grant
  24. “T’was the night before Christmas, when all through the house, not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse.” –  Clement Clarke Moore
  25. “Happy, happy Christmas, that can win us back to the delusions of our childhood days, recall to the old man the pleasures of his youth, and transport the traveler back to his own fireside and quiet home!” – Charles Dickens
  26. “Maybe Christmas, the Grinch thought, doesn’t come from a store.” – Dr. Seuss
  27. “Christmas is a season not only of rejoicing but of reflection.” – Winston Churchill
  28. “The earth has grown old with its burden of care, but at Christmas it always is young, the heart of the jewel burns lustrous and fair, and its soul full of music breaks the air, when the song of angels is sung.” –  Phillips Brooks
  29. “A good conscience is a continual Christmas.” –  Benjamin Franklin
  30. “Mankind is a great, an immense family. This is proved by what we feel in our hearts at Christmas.” – Pope John XXIII

Have a wonderful Christmas season!

Hashtags for the Christmas Season

Christmas is a wonderful, magical season. If you are sharing business or personal posts on social media, hashtags are essential for maximum viewing. Check out the following hashtags for inspiration for the Christmas season.

Photo by Brigitte Tohm on Pexels.com

#Christmas (simple but effective)

#Christmas2021

#Holiday

#Holidayseason

#Christmasseason

#Christmasdecor

#ChristmasTime

#MerryChristmas

#Christmasvibes

#Handmade

#Homemade

#HyggeChristmas

#HappyBirthdayJesus

#CelebrateChrist

#ChristmasIsComing

#ChristmasCountdown

#Winter

#FirstDayofWinter

#Snow

#IBelieve

#Believe

#IBelieveInSanta

#Santa

#SantaClaus

#MrsClaus

#Rudolph

#ChristmasMood

#ChristmasEve

#ChistmasMagic

#HappyHolidays

#ChristmasCheer

#Love

#Peace

#Joy

#PeaceOnEarth

#ChristmasList

#NiceList

#NaughtyList

#ChristmasPJs

#FamimlyChristmas

#FriendsChristmas

#LetItSnow

#ChristmasJoy

#ChristmasEve

#ChristmasDay

#AllThingsChristmas

#SpreadKindness

#TisTheSeason

#ChristmasSweater

#OhChristmasTree

#Nativity

#ChristmasStory

#MeetMeUnderTheMistletoe

#Blessed

#FelizNavidad

#ChristmasDinner

#ChristmasFood

#BeMerry

Non-Candy Stocking Stuffers

Are you shopping for Christmas? Are you looking for ideas for Christmas stockings? If you are searching for non-candy stocking stuffers, check out the following list.

Photo by Any Lane on Pexels.com
  1. Gift cards (always a hit with teens)
  2. Money (another hit for teens)
  3. Books
  4. Bookmarks
  5. Themed socks
  6. Lego figures
  7. Pokémon cards
  8. Hot Wheel or Matchbox cars
  9. Drawing pencils
  10. Mini sketch pads
  11. Watercolor paints
  12. Colored pencils
  13. Markers
  14. Crayons
  15. Activity pads
  16. Bouncy balls
  17. Action figures
  18. Toy soldiers
  19. Toy farm animals
  20. Plushies
  21. Earbuds
  22. USB
  23. Memory cards
  24. Themed shoelaces
  25. Jewelry
  26. Hair clips or barrettes
  27. Scrunchies
  28. Ornament (This makes a great yearly tradition)
  29. Finger puppets
  30. Mini puzzles
  31. Harmonica
  32. Kazoo
  33. Glow sticks
  34. Craft items (beads and string)
  35. Rubber stamps and ink pads
  36. Key rings
  37. Nail polish
  38. Nail accessories
  39. Travel mug
  40. Bubbles
  41. Reusable straws
  42. Mini flashlights
  43. Booklight
  44. Silly Putty
  45. Play dough
  46. Journal
  47. Colored gel pens
  48. Sharpies
  49. Bubble bath
  50. Lip balm
  51. Hand lotion
  52. Washi Tape
  53. Post-It notes
  54. Aftershave/perfume
  55. Make up
  56. Magazine
  57. Comic books
  58. Glow in the dark stars
  59. Small Bible
  60. DVDs
  61. Slinky
  62. Gloves or mittens
  63. Earmuffs or hats
  64. Wallet
  65. Change purse
  66. Scarves
  67. Phone case
  68. Phone charger
  69. Mouse pad
  70. Bandanas
  71. Sunglasses
  72. Dinosaur figures
  73. UNO deck
  74. Playing cards
  75. Flashcards

Journal Writing Prompts for the Christmas Season

Do you want to add some Christmas entries to your journal? Christmas is a magical time of year. Writing about your current and past Christmas seasons is a great way to preserve your memories. If you need inspiration, check out the following journal writing prompts for the Christmas season.

Photo by Brett Sayles on Pexels.com
  1. How do you plan to spend the holiday season?
  2. Create a holiday bucket list. Add at least 10 activities.
  3. Describe what Christmas means to you. Go into details.  
  4. What Christmas traditions did you have growing up?
  5. Do you still incorporate any of those traditions with your family or friends today? Why?
  6. What new Christmas activities do you plan to try this year? Why?
  7. What is your favorite Christmas memory from childhood?
  8. What is your favorite Christmas memory as an adult?
  9. What do you feel was your worse Christmas? Why?
  10. Write a letter to Santa Claus. Yes, you as an adult write a letter to Santa.
  11. What is your favorite Christmas song? Why?
  12. What is your favorite Christmas show? Why?
  13. Write an A-to-Z list of everything Christmas-related. It’s harder than you think.
  14. How do you plan to give back to the community this Christmas?
  15. I love the holiday season because______________________. Free write your answer for at least 15 minutes.
  16. What was your best Christmas gift as a child? As an adult?
  17. If you were granted 3 wishes for Christmas, what would you pick? Why?
  18. Have you ever peeked at a Christmas gift for you as a child? Or an adult? What was the gift?
  19. What are you most thankful for this Christmas season?
  20. If you could give a Christmas gift to your community, what would you pick?
  21. Today is the first official day of winter. How does winter add to the Christmas season?
  22. Do you attend church services regularly or attend Christmas related services? How does your spiritual beliefs help you celebrate the Christmas season?
  23. What are you hoping to see over the next couple of days when celebrating Christmas?
  24. Christmas Eve! What do you plan to do?
  25. Merry Christmas! Write about your entire day.
  26. Did you go shopping for the day after Christmas bargains? Or spend the day just relaxing?
  27. Write about your best and worst New Year’s Eve celebrations.
  28. As a child, did you celebrate New Year’s Eve as a family? What did you do?
  29. Write about your Christmas season. List the highs and lows.
  30. Write about 2021.
  31. Happy New Year’s Eve! What are you plans?  

Journal Writing Prompts for December

The last month of the year is finally here. Are you ready to keep writing in your journal? If you are searching for suggestions, check out the following journal writing prompts for December.

Photo by Judit Peter on Pexels.com
  1. How did November go for you, your family, work, school, and community? List your highs and lows for the month.
  2. What are you hoping to accomplish during the last month of 2021? List 5 goals.
  3. If you could relive one day over in 2021, what day would you pick? Why?
  4. What new hobbies are hoping to try over the winter months?
  5. What skill are you hoping to develop in 2022? Why is this important?
  6. Free write for 15 minutes.
  7. What one moment from today made you smile? Why?
  8. Are you satisfied with your current circumstances? Why or why not? What would you like to change?
  9. What has been on your mind lately? Why does this seem to be taking over your thoughts?
  10. List your biggest priorities for the day, week, the rest of the month, and next year.
  11. Did you overreact to any situation this week or month? Why?
  12. Who is your biggest inspiration at this moment? Why is this person so important to you?
  13. What is the best advice you could give someone right now? What is the best advice someone recently gave you?
  14. What is your biggest strength? Why?
  15. Why do you perceive as your biggest weakness? Why?
  16. If you knew tomorrow was the last day on Earth, what would you do? Why?
  17. What is the most important relationship in your life right now? Why?
  18. What have you been doing in your spare time lately? Do this activity bring you joy?
  19. What is one thing that you need in your life right now to improve your mood or situation? Why?
  20. Where would you like to travel next holiday season? Why?
  21. Happy First Day of Winter? What is the winter season like in your area? List highs and lows.
  22. What is one new activity you want to try next year? Why?
  23.   What do you do to stay healthy? Physically? And mentally? Do you need to take further steps in 2022? Why?
  24. Christmas Eve! How do you celebrate?
  25. Merry Christmas! How did the day go for you? What was your favorite moment?
  26. What are some of your favorite memories of 2021?
  27. For 2022, you plan to do more of________________. List at least 5 things.
  28. If you could have changed one thing in 2021, what would it be? Why?
  29. If you had to summarize 2021 with 5 words, what would you pick? Why?
  30. What do you hope to see in 2022?
  31. New Year’s Eve! How did you celebrate?