Category: Christmas

Christmas Activities on a Budget

For many, Christmas is stressful due to a tight budget. Using a little creativity, you and your family can happily enjoy a budget-friendly holiday season. 

Tree Decorating

Spend an afternoon decorating your Christmas tree. Put on Christmas music or a movie to make the activity more festive. If you need a Christmas tree, check out your local thrift store. When downsizing, many people donate larger artificial trees. 

Make Christmas Ornaments

Yes, you can buy inexpensive ornaments at your local dollar store or at the thrift store. Or you can spend time making homemade ornaments. Salt dough ornaments, construction paper chains, stringed popcorn, canning lid ornaments, and numerous others are simple and inexpensive. Make ornaments as a family activity.

Make Homemade Christmas Cards

Construction paper, glitter, glue, markers, or paint can be found at your local dollar store. Spend time making together making the Christmas cards. When you are finished, hand-deliver the cards. 

Attend a Tree-Lighting Ceremony

Many communities hold tree-lighting ceremonies or present Santa with a key to the city. Attend local events. Generally, outdoor community events are free. 

Attend a Christmas Parade

Christmas parades or light parades are a fun community tradition. Many communities combine the parade with the tree lighting ceremony. 

Attend a Live Nativity

Churches often host live Nativity events. Viewing the Nativity scene does not require you to be a member of the church. Enjoy the evening.Sing carols. Many churches invite people inside to drink hot cocoa and eat cookies. Some churches even set up free activities for children. 

View Christmas Lights

When decorating a home or business, some people go all out. Every part of their property is highly decorated with lights, figures, and other Christmas related items. Take a slow drive around your community and look at the Christmas lights. The outing is a perfect evening activity. Consider packing snacks to enjoy on your night out. 

Visit Santa Claus

 Many places play host to Santa to get you to come inside the business. For younger children, visiting Santa Clause may be a dream come true. Often, candy canes or other small treats are passed out as part of the event. Depending on the business or event, visiting Santa may include live reindeer or photo opportunities. 

 

 

Host a Christmas Movie Night

Pick out a Christmas movie or cartoon to enjoy as a family. Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer or A Charlie Brown Christmas are two popular favorites. Serve hot cocoa, popcorn, or other snacks. 

 

Make Christmas Cookies

Make a batch or two of your favorite Christmas cookies. Christmas cookies would go fantastic with your movie night. 

Go to the Library

When thinking of Christmas activities, visiting a library is probably not on your list. But go to your local library to check out Christmas-related books. Reading to younger children is a great way to spend quality time. Older children may find Christmas stories fun to read. Many libraries allow you to check out movies, DVDs, or other media to make the holiday season more fun. Also, your local library may have a visit from Santa or other Christmas related events for your family to enjoy. 

Being on a budget doesn’t mean you have to skip on family fun. Enjoy the simple things, the memories you make will last forever.

31 Photo Prompts for December

Wintry weather, holiday cheer, and Christmas decorations make the month of December the perfect time to remember in pictures. Spending a little time each day photographing an object makes the memories of the holiday season last for years to come.

December Photo Prompts

  1. Selfie (always start the month with a new selfie)
  2. Red and green
  3. Childhood
  4. Up close
  5. Weather
  6. Up high
  7. Enjoyment
  8. Down low
  9. Love
  10. Snowflakes
  11. Animal
  12. Gifts
  13. Candy canes
  14. Landscape or cityscape
  15. Community
  16. Christmas trees
  17. Gingerbread
  18. Friends
  19. Family
  20. Christmas baking
  21. Religious/Nativity
  22. Christmas lights
  23. Santa
  24. Christmas Eve photo
  25. Merry Christmas! A favorite view of the day
  26. Afterward/cleanup
  27. Leftovers
  28. Far away
  29. Sunset/sunrise
  30. Favorite Beverage
  31. New Year’s Eve photo

31 Journal Writing Prompts for December

December focuses on the holiday season. Christmas decorations, parties, dinners, and other activities quickly fill your schedule. Taking the time to write in your journal is good for you. Do you need some inspiration? Check out the following journal writing prompts.

December Journal Writing 

  1. What do you plan to accomplish today? This week? This month? Go into details to help you plan and organize your December activities.
  2. What does the holiday season mean to you? Do you decorate for Christmas?
  3. What are you looking forward to the most during the holiday season?
  4. What is your favorite childhood memory of Christmas?
  5. What family traditions from your childhood do you incorporate into your Christmas celebrations?
  6. What do you miss the most from your childhood at Christmas time?
  7. What was your favorite Christmas gift? Why was this gift so important to you?
  8. How do you plan to celebrate Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Eve? What type of planning do you need to do to accomplish your activities?
  9. List 10 activities you would like to add to your family’s Christmas season celebrations?
  10. List 5 community activities you would like to add to your Christmas season celebrations?
  11. What is the best part of the holiday season for you? For your family? Why?
  12. What is the worst part of the holiday season? Why?
  13. What Christmas craft would you like to try?
  14. What new recipe would you like to attempt?
  15. What is your favorite holiday recipe of all time? Why does this recipe mean so much to you?
  16. What was the best part of your day? Why?
  17. What are your five favorite Christmas movies? What one is your all-time favorite? Why?
  18. What is your favorite Christmas song? Why?
  19. Today is National Hard Candy Day. What is your favorite hard candy flavor? Why? Have you ever tried to make homemade rock candy? Describe the experience.
  20. Only four days to Christmas Eve and five days to Christmas Day? What do you still need to do? Write out lists to help you achieve your goals.
  21. Today is the Winter Solstice. Describe the current weather outside, go into great detail, write a poem or a short story about the changing season.  Are you planning to do anything special for the Winter Solstice?
  22. The Sunday before Christmas Did you attend church? Did you attend an early Christmas dinner? Write about your day. What was your favorite part?
  23. Are there any last-minute preparations that you need to do before Christmas?
  24. Christmas Eve, what was the best part of the day?
  25. Merry Christmas! Write about your day. Did everything go as planned? How was your dinner? Did you have guests? Or a quiet day? What was the best part of the day? What was your children’s favorite part?
  26.  Are you having a party for New Year’s Eve? What do you need to do to prepare?
  27. What is your favorite New Year’s Eve memory? Why?
  28. What was your favorite personal memory of 2019? Write why the event was so important?
  29. What was your favorite family memory of 2019? Ask your children to tell or write about their favorite part of 2019.
  30. Did you accomplish all of your 2019 goals? What are you looking forward to trying in 2020?
  31. New Year’s Eve, what are your plans? Did you set any New Year resolutions for yourself? Your family?

Celebrating Advent

Tomorrow, December 1st marks the beginning of Advent. Running from the first of December to Christmas Eve, the Advent marks the birth of Jesus. In fact, the word Advent is actually Latin for coming. Advent is a celebration to help people focus and remember the reason for the Christmas season. 

Depending on the day Christmas falls on, Advent can begin on different days. The start of Advent on December 1st only occurs when Christmas falls on a Wednesday. Each Sunday before Christmas has special meaning. 

The Candles of Advent

Each Sunday before Advent, a candle is lite. The candles hold special meanings for the holiday season. 

  • First Sunday: A purple candle, symbolizing hope, is the first candy lite. The first Sunday candle is also known as “The Prophecy Candle” to remember the prophets who predicted the birth of Christ. 
  • Second Sunday: Another purple candle is lite to symbolize faith. The faith candle or “The Bethlehem Candle” focuses on Mary and Joseph’s trip into Bethlehem. 
  • Third Sunday: For the third week into Advent, a pink candle is lite. The pink candle or “The Shephard’s Candle” represents joy. The birth of Christ brought great joy. 
  • Fourth Sunday: For the fourth week, a purple candle is lite. The fourth candle, or “The Angel’s Candle,” represents peace. 

Depending on how you celebrate, a fifth candle may be added to Advent. Lighting a white candle on Christmas Day to celebrate Christ’s birth, the candle represents light and purity. The centered white candle is also known as “The Christ Candle.” 

In some cultures, the colors of the candles do not matter. The action of remembering Advent is an essential part of the holiday season.

The Advent Wreath

The Advent wreath is part of the candle lighting ceremony. The four candles are set on the wreath with the fifth candle (optional) placed in the middle. The wreath consists of evergreen branches woven together in a circular form. The evergreen circle represents eternity. 

Advent Calendars 

Advent Calendars are generally part of celebrating Advent. Counting down to Christmas, an Advent calendar has 24 or 25 openings. Advent calendars vary, including traditional Christ laying in the manger scenes to popular products like Harry Potter mini-figures, Lego, perfume, or jewelry samples.

Other Advent calendars are homemade with chocolate, small toys, or other treats behind each little opening. No matter the type of Advent calendar you use, enjoy the Christmas season. 

 

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Simple Christmas Stockings for Your Dog

Dogs are an essential part of any home. Millions of pet owners treat their four-legged companions as part of the family. Including all of your pets in various activities is a normal part of celebrating. The Christmas season is no exception to the rule.  Dogs and other pets get holiday gifts, Christmas attire, and much more.

When we begin decorating, Christmas stockings are part of the holiday decor. Including your dogs in every aspect of the Christmas season is fun. Placing Christmas stockings for your dogs does not need to be a costly addition to your decorating budget.

Decorating Christmas Stockings for Your Dogs

Start by gathering the necessary materials. Remember, these stockings are for your dogs. You know the best stocking to fit their personalities.

The stockings do not require a lot of items to make.

  • Christmas Stocking of your choice. (Note: I found mine at the Dollar Tree. The price was great. The dog on the front was perfect for this simple craft. They also carry cat ones if anyone wants to make a Christmas stocking for their beloved cats.)

  • Glitter Glue or Fabric Paint
I found this glitter glue at Wal-Mart

Next, simply start outlining the stocking’s features with the glitter glue. Use the glue to write your dogs’ names on each of the stockings.

Outlining the stocking with glitter glue. Use thick lines.

Let dry overnight. Then, hang the stockings as part of your Christmas decor.

 

How to Make a Christmas Organization Notebook

Staying organized during the holiday season is essential. Making a Christmas organization notebook is one of the best ways to keep all your information in one place. Fill the pages with Christmas card lists, recipes, gift ideas, grocery lists, receipts, and much more.

I begin the Christmas Organization Notebook by decorating. When I write out my lists or tape return addresses inside to use later, I want a festive and fun covering. Make the notebook part of your holiday crafts.

Making a Christmas Organization Notebook

Each Christmas Organization Notebook is a personal process. Decorate or leave plain, the choice is up to you. The idea of the notebook is convenience. When you are sipping your morning coffee, you can glance through the notebook to add or cross off items. I leave mine on the end table. When I am relaxing in the evening, I write down what I would like to accomplish the following day. Or add to lists that I need to finish before Christmas gatherings.

Materials I Used:

  • Christmas Cloth (I buy the pre-cut pieces at Wal-Mart. At $1.47, the price is right for simple crafts.)
  • Composition Notebook (I love these notebooks. They are inexpensive with a sturdy cover.)
  • Construction Paper
  • An Envelope ( I actually used an old one)
  • Scissors
  • Marker
  • Embleshiment
  • Hot-Glue Gun
The basic materials for your Christmas Organization Notebook

Measure and cut the cloth to fit around the notebook. Leave room to fold the fabric over to glue down.

Cut the fabric piece to fit around your notebook

Before gluing the fabric down on the inside, cover the inside with construction paper. This step is optional. I like using the green and red construction paper to add to the Christmas theme.

Construction paper covers up the inside information.

Next, begin gluing. Before careful, the contents are hot. There is a reason for the name hot glue gun. When folding the fabric over to glue, you will need to cut the middle to allow the cloth to lay flat.

Next, glue the envelope in the back. I like having one place for all my shopping receipts. Placing them in the envelope, allows me to keep track of spending. I have the receipts on hand in case I need to return anything.

An envelope for the receipts.

Finally, add your embellishments. Since my fabric had snowflakes, I added a large snowflake to front of my Christmas Organization Notebook. I wrote in the year. I keep my notebooks as resources for the following year.

 

I record my purchases in the notebook. I can look back to see what I bought each person on my list. This way I know I do not purchase similar items the following year.

Black Friday Strategies

Black Friday is one of the most competitive selling days for retailers. What does that mean for you, the frugal shopper? A chance to save money on your holiday gift list. Black Friday brings extended shopping hours, early-bird specials, doorbuster, and online sales. Unlimited opportunities are perfect for all of your shopping needs. 

Black Friday Strategies to Get the Most for Your Money

The massive shopping event brings large crowds, long lines, and significant savings. Being prepared is the best way to get the most for your money during Black Friday specials. Consider the following strategies to get the most out of your Black Friday shopping experience. 

Start Early

After you gather your loved ones’ holiday wish lists, begin researching. Learn everyday prices, especially big-ticket items. Electronics, appliances, gaming systems, cameras, and computers often have the best savings opportunities. By knowing the regular price, you can determine which store offers the best deal on Black Friday.

Ads and Apps

Your best resources for saving money on Black Friday are store ads and apps. 

  •  Ads: Use the ads for comparison shopping among different retailers. Most ads will be online before Black Friday. If you cannot find online ads, check your local newspaper for inserts. Remember to take your ads with you when you shop. Many retailers offer a price match guarantee. 
  • Apps: Use downloadable apps to find additional savings. For example,  Slick Deals features coupons, discount codes, coupons, and other ways to save. Using an app on Black Friday allows you to stretch your money further. 

 Favorite Retailers

Do you have a favorite store? Or are you planning to shop at specific retailers on Black Friday? Use their social media and email features to get updates, discount codes, and other chances for further savings. 

  • Bookmark: Use the bookmark feature on your phone or computer to save each of your favorite retailers. By bookmarking each retailer’s website, you can quickly locate the site to view and compare pricing. 
  • Get Social: Take advantage of your social media accounts. Find and follow your favorite retailers on your social network. Numerous retail stores will offer exclusive savings for followers. 
  • Email: Most retailer websites provide you with the option of signing up for email updates. Signing up for emails may result in additional savings. Numerous retailers offer other or special discounts through daily, weekly, or special email updates. 

Use the Buddy System

Do you remember the buddy system in grade school? Use the same idea for Black Friday shopping. 

  • Long Lines: When purchasing big-ticket items, retail stores use lines to keep the crowded areas flowing smooth. If you want more than one deal, ask a friend to stand in another line for you. 
  • Cart Watcher: Moving a cart around a crowded retail store is difficult. When you go shopping with a buddy, one person can watch the cart while another finds the desired item. 
  • Safety: Shopping with a buddy is safer. Even with the extra security, being with another person, enables you to keep a closer watch on your surroundings. 

 Use Black Friday to find the great deals for all your holiday wish list items. Remember to wear comfortable shoes, standing in line is always part of the experience.

 

Planning Ahead: Tips for Black Friday Shopping

Are you already thinking about the 2019 Christmas season? You are not alone. Frugal shoppers are already looking forward to finding deals for the upcoming holiday season. Whether you shop at the store or online, one of the best days to save is Black Friday. 

Tips for a Successful Black Friday

Black Friday is a fun and exciting way to save money for the Christmas season. For many individuals, planning for the day is the start of holiday shopping. 

Plan Ahead

Preplanning is one of the best ways to get the most out of your Black Friday experience. 

  • Make Lists: Before Black Friday, make lists of desired items. Keep the lists on your phone or use a small notebook. Using a list keeps your focus on the wanted items to prevent overspending. 
  • Comparison Shop: Get the store ads ahead of time. Compare your wanted items with the store ads. 
  • Strategize: Use the ads as a way to strategize your shopping to get everything on your list. Take advantage of store apps to help guide you through shopping on Black Friday. 
  • Divide and Conquer: Strategize with friends. If you want items at more than one store, ask friends who are shopping to help. Offer to get their desired items at one location if they get yours at another one. The divide and conquer method is the best chance to get all of the Black Friday shopping lists wants. 

 Be Safe

Safety is essential on Black Friday. Large crowds mean lots of people in enclosed areas. Unfortunately, not everyone follows the rules. Being safe requires extra precautionary measures. 

  •  Use the Buddy System: Remeber when you were little, the teacher or parent stressed using the buddy system for safety. Rules have not changed for Black Friday. Get a friend or relative to shop with you. 
  • Watch Your Purse or Wallet: Be aware of the people around you at all times. Carry your purse inside of your coat or zip your wallet into your coat’s interior. If you place your purse in the cart, slip the child’s safety belts through the handles to lock in place. 
  • Mind Your Money: Keep your money or credit card in your purse until you are at the counter. 
  • Save All Receipts: Regardless of the size of purchase, save the receipt. Along with proof of purchase, a receipt can be used to exchange items, monitor your spending, and check credit card activity. 
  • Check Your Surroundings: Park your vehicle in a well-lit area. Keep your car locked at all times. Be aware of anyone who is around you. Generally, stores add extra security, and police officers are around during Black Friday sales. 

Have Fun 

Yes, Black Friday is about finding the best deals. But you can have fun while you shop. 

  • Use Your Voice: Sing to the Christmas carols playing on the loudspeaker. Singing along to Christmas favorites is a great way to spread holiday cheer.
  • Talk: Engage in friendly conversation with others while standing in line. 
  • Eat: Go out to lunch or dinner. Remember to stay hydrated, shopping can be exhausting. Stopping for a simple meal is a must on any shopping excursion. Use the stop to analyze your list and figure out your next move. Anyways, a rich chocolatey dessert can be part of your Black Friday shopping tradition. 

Participating in Black Friday is a great way to kick off your holiday shopping. Grab a friend and make the day memorable.

Merry Christmas

Wishing everyone who is celebrating today….a very Merry Christmas!

100 Ideas for Christmas Stockings

The week before Christmas is generally the busiest. Are you ready? Are the gifts wrapped? Do you have all your stocking stuffers? Check out these 100 stocking stuffer ideas to help find the perfect items for everyone on your list.

100 Stocking Stuffer Ideas

  1. Gift cards or phone cards
  2. Rolled quarters decorated with holiday paper and ribbon. (This is great for college kids who do their own laundry).
  3. Lip balm
  4. Hand cream
  5. Makeup bag
  6. Makeup/Perfume
  7. Nail polish
  8. Earrings
  9. Necklaces/Bracelets
  10. Hand sanitizer
  11. Toothbrush
  12. Bubble bath
  13. Bath bombs
  14. Sleep mask
  15. Art pens
  16. Mini sketch pads
  17. Journal
  18. Gel or glitter pens
  19. Pencil sharpener
  20. Pencils
  21. Post it notes
  22. Mini notepads
  23. Booklight
  24. Paperback book
  25. Stickers
  26. Decorative Tape
  27. Crayons
  28. Mini coloring books or activity pads
  29. Markers
  30. Glow sticks
  31. Playdough
  32. Modeling clay
  33. Do-it-yourself craft kits
  34. Water paints
  35. Paintbrushes
  36. Acrylic paint
  37. Mini canvases
  38. Designer scissors
  39. Colorful erasers
  40. Stuffed animals
  41. Mini Lego sets
  42. Trading cards
  43. Calculator
  44. Jump rope
  45. Yo-yo
  46. Bubbles
  47. Toy cars
  48. Water bottle
  49. Coffee mug
  50. Hair brushes
  51. Combs
  52. Travel sized hair products
  53. Hair ties and accessories
  54. Mittens or gloves
  55. Hats
  56. Scarves
  57. Slippers
  58. Festive socks
  59. Earmuffs or headband
  60. Golf balls
  61. Golf Tees
  62. Magnifying glass
  63. Small photo frames with or without a picture
  64. Mini photo books
  65. Keychains
  66. Car air fresheners
  67. Earbuds
  68. Concert or community event tickets
  69. Movie tickets
  70. Lottery scratch off
  71. Theme park tickets
  72. Monthly subscription to Netflix or Hulu
  73. Favorite magazine or note of a new subscription to the magazine
  74. Comic book
  75. Temporary tattoos
  76. Small figurines or action figures
  77. SD cards
  78. USB Flash drives
  79. Carphone charger
  80. Fidget spinner
  81. Wallet or money clip
  82. Desk supplies including colorful paperclips, stapler, and staples
  83. Bath time toys
  84. Eyeglass cleaning kit
  85. Sunglasses
  86. Flameless candles
  87. Votive candles
  88. Christmas ornament (Make this a yearly tradition)
  89. Trail mix packs
  90. Microwave popcorn packs
  91. Hot cocoa packets
  92. Lifesavers
  93. Fruit snacks
  94. Variety packs of crackers
  95. Cookies
  96. Snack-sized packages of chips
  97. Bubblegum
  98. Breath Mints
  99. Jerky
  100. Christmas themed candy, Candy Canes, and Harry Potter Chocolate Frogs