Category: Christmas

Drawing Prompts for the Christmas Season

Are you and your family spending more time at home this Christmas season? Are you searching for fun, simple activities to do together? How about a daily drawing challenge?

Spending a little time each day drawing can help expand your child’s imagination, increase vocabulary, and enhance fine motor skills. Unsure what to draw? Check out the following drawing prompts for the Christmas season.

  1. Santa
  2. Elf
  3. Candy Cane
  4. Gifts
  5. Star
  6. Angel
  7. Snowman
  8. Snowflakes
  9. Bells
  10. Reindeer
  11. North Pole
  12. Santa’s Sleigh
  13. Toys
  14. Manger
  15. Nativity
  16. Ornaments
  17. Gift Tags
  18. Christmas Stockings
  19. Christmas Wreath
  20. Christmas Tree
  21. Red and Green
  22. Ribbons and Bows
  23. Mistletoe
  24. Christmas Eve
  25. Christmas Day
  26. Snow Globe
  27. Mittens and Scarves
  28. Peace
  29. Love
  30. Animals in the Snow
  31. Welcoming 2021

Drawing is an open-ended activity. There is no right or wrong way to do it. Simply use your imagination.

Self-Care Ideas for December

The holiday season can be stressful. The ongoing pandemic and social distancing increase the strain on your daily demands. During this time, self-care is essential.

  1. Stay hydrated; drink plenty of water or herbal tea.
  2. Go for a long nature walk after a snowfall.
  3. Watch Christmas cartoons.
  4. Go hiking.
  5. Put up Christmas decorations.
  6. Play soft music and take a long hot bubble bath.
  7. Meditate or pray.
  8. Check out beginner yoga or workout videos. (YouTube is a great resource).
  9. Go for a ride and look at Christmas videos.
  10. Call or host a zoom meeting with old friends.
  11. Paint or draw a Christmas scene.
  12. Give yourself an in-home spa treatment.
  13. Declutter a room.
  14. Snuggle under a blanket, sip a warm beverage, and binge-watch your favorite series.
  15. Do crafts.
  16. Keep a journal.
  17. Try a new recipe.
  18. Light candles (or use flameless ones) and put on your favorite playlist.
  19. Sleep in.
  20. Make a new playlist or Christmas one.
  21. Unplug from your devices for an afternoon or the entire day.
  22. Buy a small gift.
  23. Cut out paper snowflakes to hang on your windows.
  24. Christmas Eve—Watch It’s a Wonderful Life or Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer.
  25. Merry Christmas! Relax and enjoy your day.
  26. Play your favorite songs and sing loudly. If you have neighbors, you may want to sing in your car.
  27. Make your favorite food.
  28. Buy a bouquet of flowers to sit in the middle of your table.
  29. Spend a day reading.
  30. Write your New Year’s Resolutions or create a bucket list.
  31. Happy New Year! Toast 2021.

Photo Prompts for December

The last month of 2020 is finally here, time to reflect and enjoy the holiday season. Are you looking to take pictures throughout the month? Check out the following list of photo prompts for December.

  1. Selfie
  2. Contrast
  3. Seasonal
  4. Religious
  5. Sunrise or Sunset
  6. Warm Beverage
  7. Art
  8. Hats
  9. Signs
  10. 3pm
  11. Light
  12. Nature
  13. Mistletoe or Holly
  14. Love
  15. Silver & Gold
  16. Santa
  17. Snowman
  18. Christmas Décor
  19. Red & Green
  20. Snowflakes (Yes, cut out ones work)
  21. Yule (First Day of the Winter Solstice)
  22. Ribbons & Bows
  23. Tinsel
  24. Christmas Eve Merriment
  25. Christmas Day Fun
  26. Day After
  27. Shapes
  28. Blue
  29. Animal
  30. Friendship
  31. New Year’s Eve Toast

Enjoy this month’s photo prompts. Use December’s photo prompts as a way to have fun with your camera. Print the pictures, share online, and enjoy.

Journal Writing Prompts for December

The last month of 2020 is finally here. Are you still keeping your journal? Or are you just starting? Regardless of where you are at with your journal entries, use these writing prompts to help you through December.

  1. How did last month go for you? Write about your highs and lows for November.
  2. Write down 10 things you hope to accomplish in December.
  3. How is the pandemic in your area? Are the cases rising or decreasing? What are your concerns about the ongoing health crisis? Go into details.
  4. How has the pandemic changed your daily routine?
  5. Free write for 10 minutes. Set a timer and just let your thoughts flow.
  6. What one day from your past would you like to relive again? Why? Go into details.
  7. What major change would you like to implement in your life? What is stopping you from achieving your goal?
  8. What anxieties do you have about the future?
  9. What was the best part of your day today? Why?
  10. What was your biggest challenge or obstacle today? Why?
  11. What activity do you do to relieve stress?
  12. Go outdoors. Memorize what you see. Go back in and write the scene. Remember to focus on your five senses as you write.
  13. What were you doing at 11 am? Go into details.
  14. Write a book or product review.
  15. Write about a difficult time in your life. How did you get through it?
  16. What does your dream home look like? Go into details.
  17. Write about your day from the point of view of your dog or cat.
  18. Write a restaurant or small business review.
  19. What is one thing you want to do right now but can’t?
  20. Write a letter to your future self.
  21. Write about your extended family, your grandparents, great-grandparents, aunts, uncles, etc.
  22. Describe the view out your window. If it’s dark, write about the night.
  23. Write about your best Christmas as a child.
  24. Christmas Eve–Write about your day.
  25. Merry Christmas! How did you spend the holiday?
  26. What did you learn the most in 2020?
  27. Write a list of at least 10 things you want to personally accomplish in 2021.
  28. Write a list of at least 10 things you want to accomplish as a family or at your place of employment
  29. Write a bucket list for 2021.
  30. What are you hoping for in 2021?
  31. What are your final thoughts for the last day of 2020?

 

Journal Prompts for the Christmas Season

The Christmas season is the perfect time of year to keep a journal. Write down your past memories, traditions, and daily fun. Do you need some journal prompts for the Christmas season? Check out the following list to get you started.

  1. What does the Christmas season mean to you? Go into detail.
  2. What is your favorite part of Christmas? Why?
  3. How does your religious belief fit into your Christmas traditions?
  4. What religious traditions do you practice or attend? A live nativity? A midnight outdoor service?
  5. How will this Christmas season be different?
  6. Is there an annual Christmas community event that you cannot attend this year due to the pandemic? Describe your past experiences at this particular event.
  7. What Christmas stands out the most to you?
  8. What are your favorite types of Christmas decorations in your home? Yard? or Community? What?
  9. What Christmas traditions did you love as a child? Do you still practice them? Why or why not?
  10. What smells remind you the most of the Christmas season? Why?
  11. Did you have Christmas stockings as a child? What was usually inside of your stocking? Do you still do stockings with your family? Why or why not?
  12. What is your favorite Christmas song? Why does this song remind you of the Christmas season?
  13. Finish the sentence. Today I was put in the Christmas season by_____________.
  14. What foods, candy, or other treats remind you the most of Christmas time?
  15. Are you to drive around and look at Christmas lights? What was your favorite? Why did this display stand out the most?
  16. Is there any new Christmas tradition you plan to do?
  17. What is your favorite Christmas movie? Why?
  18. What is your favorite Christmas cartoon? Why?
  19. What one new thing did you do, watch, or bake this Christmas season?
  20. Did you get your family everything on their Christmas list? (Yes, your dog does count). Are there any last minute gifts you need to purchase?
  21. What do you plan to bake or purchase as part of your Christmas celebrations? Why did you make these choices?
  22. Are you ready for your Christmas celebrations? What last minute things do you need to do to prepare?
  23. Christmas Eve—write about your celebrations.
  24. Merry Christmas! Write about your day.
  25. Did your Christmas celebrations go as planned?
  26. What are your hopes for next Christmas?
  27. What was your biggest challenge celebrating Christmas during a pandemic?
  28. Write about your 2020 Christmas season.
  29. Write about 2020, the good and the bad.
  30. How do you plan to celebrate New Year’s Eve?
  31. Write about your hopes and resolutions for 2021.

Ways to Give at Christmas

Are you looking to give at Christmas time? 2020 has been a challenging year for individuals, families, and organizations. Giving to help ease the strain provides a happier holiday for all. The gesture can be small. Christmas time is the right moment to show people you care. Do you need ideas on ways to give at Christmas? Check out the following.

Money

Almost every organization or charity accepts monetary donations. Under many circumstances, your donation is tax-deductible.

If you want to give to a person in need, consider slipping a gift card in the mailbox or other secure location. For added fun, do not put your name on the envelope. Often a secret gesture provides the best feeling.

Food

  • Donate food to your local pantry or shelter.
  • Make or purchase fruit baskets to deliver to neighbors.
  • Make cookies to distribute.
  • Fill a laundry basket with food to give to someone in need.

Baby Pantry

A baby pantry caters to families with young children. Pantry donations are always needed, especially around the holidays. A baby pantry is generally open on specific days. If you are donating, do your research to help give at the right time. Some pantry items include:

  • Diapers
  • Pull-ups
  • Baby wipes
  • New baby bottles and nipples
  • New pacifiers
  • Baby formula
  • Baby food
  • Books
  • Toddler snacks

Animal Shelter or Pet Rescue

Animal shelters and pet rescues cater to numerous types of animals. Many organizations rely heavily on private donations. Many will post needed items on their social media pages if you check out your local pet organization. Along with money, you generally can donate the following:

  • Pet food (dry and canned)
  • Kitty litter
  • Pet dishes
  • Toys
  • Pet beds
  • Cages
  • Bleach
  • Laundry detergent
  • Cleaning products

Church

Due to the pandemic, many churches are experiencing less than normal donations. Consider putting extra money into the offering. Even the smallest amount is helpful.

If you do not have a home church, do your research. Find a church in the community that offers support to the homeless or low income. Many churches host soup kitchens or other outreach programs. When you donate, you can specify how you want your donation put to use.

Flowers

A bouquet of flowers may seem frivolous to some individuals. But often, a small gesture can make someone’s day. Christmas flower arrangments are beautiful. Flowers can be sent almost anywhere, including:

  • Your child’s teacher
  • A former teacher who inspired you.
  • Nursing home with instructions to give to a resident who doesn’t receive visitors or cards from family.
  • An essential worker
  • A neighbor
  • Your favorite waitress or waiter at a local restaurant.

Christmas Cards 

Sending Christmas is a small token to show people in your life that your care. 2020 has been a tough year for many individuals. But when take a moment to write a note inside a Christmas card, people realize they are not alone.

  • Family
  • Friends
  • Service Members
  • Nursing homes
  • Teachers
  • Community members

Giving is part of the Christmas season. Small gifts or cards can make someone’s day. Not to mention, give you a sense of satisfaction and the holiday spirit.

 

 

 

Make Putting Up Your Christmas Tree a Grand Event

Are you getting ready to put up your Christmas tree? Make the tree decorating a family fun event. (Yes, your dog counts as a family member). Spend an afternoon or evening decorating your Christmas tree together.

Ways to Make Putting Up Your Christmas Tree a Grand Event

Due to the ongoing pandemic, most community events will not take place this year. But you can quickly turn Christmas decorating into a grand affair. Check out the following list for ideas to make lasting memories while merely putting up your Christmas tree.

  • Homemade Ornaments: Make homemade ornaments for your tree. For example, salt dough ornaments are simple to create. Before putting up your tree, make a batch of salt dough ornaments. You and your family can easily cut the decorations into specific shapes with cookie cutters. Bake, paint and date your ornaments as directed. Then, on the day of putting up your Christmas tree, you can hang your new ornament creations.
  • Special Ornaments: Purchase a new ornament for each family member. If you are on a tight budget, dollar store ornaments work wonderfully. Date or add different embellishments to your decorations to create a one of a kind appearance.
  • Make Your Garland: String popcorn, create paper chains, or use other materials to create your tree’s garland.
  • Play Christmas Music: Set your radio on the Christmas music channel or create playlists full of your holiday favorites.
  • Listen to an Audio Book: Listening to children’s Christmas stories is always fun. Playing the stories in the background will add extra fun to your Christmas tree event.
  • Watch Christmas Shows: Play old classic Christmas shows while decorating the tree. Frosty the Snowman, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, Polar Express, or A Charlie Brown Christmas are all wonderful holiday programs for your whole family to enjoy.
  • Bake Christmas Goodies: Before setting up your tree, bake holiday-themed goodies. Cookies, pretzels, hot cocoa, or other treats help make putting up your Christmas tree a grand event.
  • Countdown Ceremony: Before plugging in your Christmas tree, have a countdown ceremony. Children love the hype of a countdown ceremony.
  • Photo Time: Wear matching holiday pajamas or ugly Christmas sweaters to pose in front of the tree. Creating a new Christmas tree ceremony selfie can be a new tradition for you and your family.

Remember to take lots of pictures while putting up your Christmas tree. Print your photos and create a special scrapbook. 2020 is definitely a year to remember.

 

Yes! Go Ahead & Decorate for Christmas Now

Many recognize November as the beginning of the holiday season. On social media, posts suggest celebrating the Christmas season before Thanksgiving is not acceptable. After a long year of COVID restrictions, celebrating with your family should be a daily event. There is no right or wrong way to celebrate the holidays. Simply have fun and enjoy the season in a way that makes you happy.

Are you looking for ways to start celebrating early? Check out the following list for ideas.

Decorate

Begin decorating early. Do you have boxes with Christmas decorations in storage? Take your time to look through each box. Decorate as you go. Overdecorate. Use all of your decorations. Spread your Christmas decorations throughout your entire living space.

  • Put up your Christmas tree.
  • Decorate hallways and doors.
  • Purchase small trees for your young children’s rooms. (Dollar store Christmas trees work perfectly for this set up).
  • Set a small Christmas related plushie on the dash of your car.
  • Decorate outdoors, including your porch, trees, or mailbox.
  • Set up a nativity scene indoors or outdoors.
  • Arrange a centerpiece on your dining room table.

Get Crafty

Do some of your ornaments lack sparkle? Add some glitter and revamp old ornaments and decorations.

  • Make salt dough ornaments
  • Make cinnamon dough ornaments
  • Create ornaments out of clay
  • Make paper chains
  • Thread popcorn and cranberries for garland
  • Make Christmas wreaths to share or keep
  • Make homemade Christmas cards.
  • Create a centerpiece.

Watch Holiday Movies

The Hallmark Channel began streaming holiday movies over two weeks ago. Go ahead, watch, and enjoy the uplifting holiday programs. If you do not have the Hallmark Channel, start searching your other streaming services to find the perfect Christmas programs for you or your entire family. Remember, you can always dig out your DVDs.

Turn watching holiday movies into a special event for your whole family. Serve snacks, hot cocoa, or order pizza. If you cannot be with your family or friends in person, host an online movie event.

If celebrating Christmas early makes you happy, then do it. Enjoy every minute of the holiday season.

 

Christmas Preparations in October

Is the cooler October weather making you think about the upcoming holiday season? Are you on a tight budget this year? Or do you just want to start preparing for Christmas early? Starting Christmas preparations in October is an excellent way to get the most out of the holiday season.

Think Lists (and More Lists)

Whether you use your computer or a spiral notebook, lists are essential to staying organized during the holiday season.

  • Christmas Gift List: Who do you plan on buying gifts for this Christmas? A gift-giving list is a perfect place to start. Don’t worry if you forget someone. You can add to your list as the holiday season draws closer.
  • Size List: If you plan to purchase sweaters, pajamas, or other clothing items, start a size list. Keeping everyone sizes on one list is ideal for shopping, especially if you come across deals.
  • Gift Ideas: Do you already know what your family wants for Christmas? Make a gift-giving idea list for each person. Many stores have clearance items or other cost-saving deals right now. Maybe you will be able to check off a couple of things early.
  • Christmas Cards List: Due to social distancing and other guidelines, many family reunions, birthday parties, graduations, weddings, and other social gatherings were put on hold for a later date. Sending your family and friends Christmas cards lets them know you care. If your crafty, make handmade Christmas cards to send to your loved ones.
  • Food Menu: Make a list of recipes, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day menus. Write out the groceries needed to make everything on your list. The task provides an idea of the cost.

Budget

Use your lists to set a budget for the holiday season. If you get a weekly or bi-weekly paycheck, consider putting a portion of the money aside for Christmas preparations. Check weekly store ads for deals. Shop the clearance section. When possible, buy early.

Start Your Christmas Buying Now

Obviously, buying food at this time is not advisable. But, picking up other items, including gifts, is a great way to prepare for Christmas.

  • Stocking Stuffers: Small items are an easy add-on to your grocery list. For example, right now, many school-related things are on sale. Colored pens, pencils, watercolors, crayons, small notebooks, USBs, earbuds, markers, and other school items are great stocking stuffers.
  • Gifts: Toys, DVDs, clothes, and books are easy early buying gifts. Now bigger items such as electronics, televisions, or computers are often on sale during the holiday season. Waiting to purchase big-ticket items may be beneficial to your budget.
  • Stamps: Depending on the amount of Christmas cards you plan to send out, consider purchasing a book of stamps each week. The price of stamps adds up quickly. Spreading the cost over time is ideal.

Starting Christmas preparations in October can ease the stress of the holiday season.

Christmas in July: Homemade Gift Wrap

Are you celebrating Christmas in July? Do you need more easy crafts to keep kids busy? When staying close to home, being creative is an excellent way to pass the time. Consider making homemade wrapping paper to use later during the Christmas season. The handmade gift wrap is an easy project for all ages.

Materials Needed:

  • Sponges
  • Scissors
  • Butcher paper, newsprint, or other types of packing paper
  • Paint
  • Containers for paint
  • Markers

Instructions:

  1. Cut sponges into various shapes, for example, Christmas trees, gift boxes, stars, and ornaments. (Help younger children cut the sponges into shapes.)
  2. Spread your choice of paper on a flat surface.
  3. Squirt small amounts of paint in your container.
  4. Dip your cut sponge into the paint.
  5. Make sure the paint covers the entire sponge for a precise shape.
  6. Press sponge on to the paper. When you are finished, simply rinse the sponges of the entire paint residue. You can use the sponges more than once.
  7. Continue the process until you reach your desired design.
  8. Allow the paint shapes to dry.
  9. Use markers to add outlines, Christmas songs, Bible verses, names, or other designs to your gift wrap.
  10. Now, wrap your Christmas gifts and enjoy your finalized product.

Homemade gift wrap is an excellent way to provide a personalized touch to your presents. Use your imagination to create numerous sheets of wrapping paper. You can always set the mood by playing Christmas music.