Tag: Christmas season

Tips for Writing a Christmas Letter

Do you want to include a life update in your Christmas cards? Writing a Christmas letter is a wonderful way to share warm wishes and updates with loved ones. Here are some tips to make your Christmas letter heartfelt and engaging.

  1. Start with a Warm Greeting: Begin your letter with a heartfelt greeting that sets a positive tone.
  2. Personalize Your Letter: Mention specific details or memories from the past year that will resonate with your recipients. This shows you value the relationship.
  3. Share Highlights: Highlight significant events, achievements, or milestones from your year. Whether it’s a new job, a trip, or a personal accomplishment, share what matters most to you. Include your family’s milestones too.
  4. Include Photos: Consider adding a few photos that capture moments from your year. Photos add a personal touch and visual interest to your letter.
  5. Express Gratitude: Take a moment to express gratitude for the relationships and support you have received throughout the year. Christmas is a season of thankfulness, after all!
  6. Look Ahead: Share your hopes and aspirations for the upcoming new year. This adds optimism and a sense of anticipation for 2026.
  7. Keep It Positive: Maintain a positive and uplifting tone throughout the letter. Christmas letters are a chance to spread joy and warmth.
  8. End with Warm Wishes: Close your letter with heartfelt wishes for a wonderful holiday season and a happy new year.
  9. Personalize Each Letter: If you’re sending multiple letters, try to personalize each one slightly to make each recipient feel special.
  10. Proofread: Before sending, proofread your letter to ensure it’s clear and error-free.

Remember, the goal is to connect with your loved ones and share the joy of the season. Purchase Christmas stationary and stickers to add to your letter and envelope. Have fun and enjoy writing your Christmas letter!

Merry Christmas!

Ideas for Your Christmas Season Bucket List

The most magical time of the year has arrived! Are you prepared to immerse yourself in the joyous spirit of the Christmas season? Why not make this holiday unforgettable not just for yourself, but also for your loved ones? Let’s create a merry Christmas bucket list together! In case you’re seeking some inspiration, here are a few jolly ideas to add to your festive agenda.

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  1. Drive around and look at Christmas lights.
  2. Do a Christmas photoshoot.
  3. Buy new Christmas cookie cutters.
  4. Celebrate Advent.
  5. Send out Christmas cards.
  6. Take lots of Christmas photos.
  7. Buy an ugly Christmas sweater.
  8. Host a Christmas Eve party.
  9. Host an Ugly Christmas Sweater Party.
  10. Go Christmas caroling.
  11. Bake Christmas cookies.
  12. Watch as many Christmas movies as possible.
  13. Do Random Acts of Kindness.
  14. Write a letter to Santa.
  15. Get a picture taken with Santa.
  16. Drink Eggnog.
  17. Make a homemade Christmas wreath.
  18. Light Christmas-themed candles.
  19. Donate to a food drive.
  20. Volunteer
  21. Drink hot cocoa out of a Christmas mug.
  22. Attend a tree lighting ceremony.
  23. Wrap gifts with homemade paper.
  24. Read Christmas books.
  25. Watch a live Nativity.
  26. Go to midnight services on Christmas Eve.
  27. Make a Christmas dinner.
  28. Wear Christmas socks.
  29. Buy a Poinsettia.
  30. Buy a Christmas cactus.
  31. Hang Candy Canes on the tree.
  32. Host a Christmas Party.
  33. Create a Christmas Playlist.
  34. Attend a Christmas Concert.
  35. Leave cookies and milk out for Santa.
  36. Make salt dough ornaments.
  37. Host a Christmas tea party.
  38. Decorate a gingerbread house.
  39. Create a YouTube or TikTok Christmas greeting.
  40. Hang mistletoe.
  41. Be a secret Santa.
  42. Have a picnic around the Christmas tree.
  43. Read ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas.
  44. Watch The Nutcracker.
  45. Hang Christmas stockings.
  46. Attend a Christmas parade.
  47. Read the Christmas story from the Bible.
  48. Make paper snowflakes.
  49. Go on a wagon ride at a local farm that is decorated for Christmas.
  50. Host a Christmas bonfire.
  51. Host a Christmas tea.
  52. Purchase a new tree ornament for each family member.
  53. Make green and red paper chains.
  54. Pull on a Christmas cracker.
  55. Make homemade Christmas gifts.
  56. Do Christmas crafts.
  57. Roast Chestnuts on an open fire.
  58. Get dressed up for a holiday party or Christmas dinner.
  59. Spend an evening wrapping presents and listening to Christmas music.
  60. Wear a Santa hat.
  61. Start a new tradition.
  62. Send holiday cards to soldiers.
  63. Track Santa online on Christmas Eve.
  64. Visit a Christmas market.
  65. Wear matching Christmas pajamas on Christmas Eve.
  66. Put together a Christmas puzzle.
  67. Do Christmas Karaoke
  68. Visit New York at Christmas.
  69. Leave carrots outside for Santa’s reindeer on Christmas Eve.
  70. Try a new Christmas recipe.
  71. Sleep under the Christmas tree.
  72. Allow the Christmas tree to be the only light in the room.
  73. Create a Christmas charcuterie board.
  74. Get ready for New Year’s Eve.

Have a fantastic Christmas season!

53 Journal Writing Prompts for the Christmas Season

The Christmas season is a beautiful time of year. Writing extra journal entries saves your memories. Take the time to write about your current and past Christmas memories. If you are searching for inspiration, check out the following journal writing prompts for the Christmas season.

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  1. What does the Christmas season mean to you?
  2. Make a Christmas bucket list.
  3. Write a letter to Santa. Yes- as an adult, you can still write Santa.
  4. If Santa were to write back, what would he say to you and your family?
  5. Write about 10 things that you love about the Christmas season.
  6. What is your favorite part of Christmas?
  7. Is there one thing that you do NOT like about Christmas? Why?
  8. What were your favorite Christmas traditions as a child? Why?
  9. Do you still practice any of your childhood Christmas traditions with your family?  
  10. How do your religious beliefs fit into your Christmas traditions?
  11. What religious traditions do you practice or attend? A live nativity? Christmas community church service? Midnight services?
  12. What community Christmas events do you plan to attend this year?
  13. Write an A-to-Z list of everything Christmas-related. (It’s more difficult than you think.)
  14. How do you plan to give back to the community this Christmas? Do you volunteer during the holiday season?
  15. What was your most memorable Christmas? Why?
  16. What would your perfect Christmas season look like? What events or activities would stand out the most?
  17. What are your favorite types of Christmas decorations in your home? Yard?  Local businesses? Church?  Community? Why do these decorations stand out?
  18. Do you drive around and look at Christmas lights? What display was the best? Why?
  19. 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?
  20. How do you celebrate Christmas Eve? Go into details.
  21. How do you celebrate Christmas Day? Go into details.
  22. Do you host a Christmas party for friends and family? What do you do? Is there a theme?
  23. Do you attend Christmas concerts? What was your favorite?
  24. Do you send out Christmas cards? Do you buy them in the store? Or make them?
  25. What does peace on Earth look like to you?
  26. What was your most memorable Christmas gift as a child? Teenager? Adult? Why?
  27. What gifts would you like this year for Christmas? Why?
  28. If money was not an object, what Christmas gift would you give to your family and friends?
  29. If you could spend Christmas anywhere in the world, where would go? Why?
  30. What is your favorite Christmas song? Why does this song remind you of the Christmas season?
  31. If you were granted 3 wishes for Christmas, what would you pick? Why?
  32. Have you ever peeked at a Christmas gift for you as a child? Or an adult? What was the gift?
  33. What are you most thankful for this Christmas season?
  34. Finish the sentence. Today I was put in the Christmas mood by_____________.
  35. What foods, candy, or other treats remind you the most of Christmas time?
  36. Is there a new Christmas tradition you want to try this year?
  37. What is your favorite Christmas movie? Why?
  38. What is your favorite Christmas cartoon? Why?
  39. Do you plan to bake this Christmas season? Are any of your Christmas baked goods a family tradition? Why do you pick this recipe? Do you plan to try any new recipes this year?
  40. What is your favorite Christmas quote? Why?
  41. Write a Christmas poem or song.
  42. How can you make Christmas feel more special for others?
  43. Describe your favorite Christmas ornament? Why is this one special?
  44. Do you do Christmas crafts? What do you plan to do this year?
  45. What does the magic of the Christmas season mean to you?
  46. How can you make each day feel like Christmas?
  47. Do you do “Elf on the Shelf”? Write out 5 ridiculous Elf poses.
  48. Write about your best and worst New Year’s Eve celebrations.
  49. As a child, did you celebrate New Year’s Eve as a family? What did you do?
  50. Write about your Christmas season. List the highs and lows.
  51. Write a review of 2023. List your favorite and low points of the year.
  52. Do you have any New Year’s Eve plans?
  53. Are you going to make any resolutions for the New Year? What are they?

Have a magical Christmas season.

7 Ways to Give Back During the Christmas Season

The Christmas season is a wonderful time to give back to the community. Small acts of kindness lift your spirits and spread joy to others. If you are searching for ways to give back during the Christmas season, check out the following for ideas.

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1. Volunteer

Volunteering is an excellent way to give back to your community at Christmas. Due to the economy and high grocery prices, many shelters and food banks need extra help during the holidays. Offer your time and assistance to serve meals, distribute gifts or food boxes, or help with organizing donations. Even a couple hours a week is a great help to many community non-profit organizations.

Pet rescues and animal shelters also need extra help during the Christmas season. Volunteer to walk dogs, clean kennels, attend events, or foster an animal. Who knows you may actually find a new furry friend.

2. Donate to a Charity

Research and identify a charity that interests you. If you cannot find one, consider contacting a community agency or church to give you resources. Yes, most charities welcome monetary donations at Christmas time. But other non-profit organizations collect toys, canned goods, or non-perishable grocery items.

Pet rescues and animal shelters also accept monetary donations. Some shelters list needed items on their websites or on Amazon. Purchasing items through Amazon means the donation gets delivered right to the shelter.

3. Host a Holiday Collection Drive

Organizing a collection drive is a wonderful way to get your family, friends, and co-workers to donate to a worthy cause. Ask for specific items like winter coats, mittens, hats, scarves, blankets, or canned goods. Encourage everyone you know to contribute, and then deliver the collected items to a local charity.

4. Sponsor a Family

Contact local charities or community organizations that organize holiday assistance programs. The non-profit often connects you with families who require support. The agency provides a wish list of items they need or desire. Shopping for a family in need is a wonderful way to give back during the Christmas season.

5. Spread Christmas Cheer to the Elderly

Visit nursing homes or hospitals. Call prior to visiting to learn about guidelines. Many people spend the holidays alone or in medical care facilities. Spend some time with residents or patients, and deliver homemade cards or small gifts. A couple of hours provides much-needed companionship.

Reach out to elderly neighbors or community members who may need help with tasks like grocery shopping or decorating their homes for Christmas. A small gesture has a lasting impact.

6. Send Out Care Packages to Military Personnel

Research organizations that coordinate care packages for deployed troops. During the Christmas season, churches or other non-profits collect items to send to military personnel who are unable to come home. Or send a package directly. Put together a package with small gifts, letters of appreciation, and holiday treats to show your support.

7. Spread Christmas Cheer

Simple acts of kindness can make a big difference to someone’s day.

  • Tape quarters to the inside of the wash machine lid at the laundry mat.
  • Offer to shovel snow from a driveway or sidewalk.
  • Buy a coffee for the person in line behind you at the drive-thru window.
  • Hold a door open for someone who is struggling with packages or children.
  • Allow someone with fewer groceries to cut in front of you in the checkout line.
  • Pay for someone’s groceries.
  • Smile.

Remember, giving back is not limited to monetary or material things. The gift of your time is just as important. Show compassion and being present can have a significant impact on someone’s life during the Christmas season.

Merry Christmas! Enjoy the season!

30 Quotes for Christmas 2022

Do you love the Christmas season? If you are searching for inspiration to add to your website, social media posts, or blog, check out the following quotes for Christmas.

  1. “Christmas is like candy; it slowly melts in your mouth sweetening every taste bud, making you wish it could last forever.” – Richelle E. Goodrich
  2. “Christmas is the day that holds all time together.”  – Alexander Smith
  3. “Christmas is the season for kindling the fire of hospitality.” – Washington Irving
  4. “Gifts of time and love are surely the basic ingredients of a truly merry Christmas.” – Peg Bracken
  5. “Christmas gives us the opportunity to pause and reflect on the important things around us.” – David Cameron
  6. “The Christmas tree is a symbol of love, not money. There’s a kind of glory to them when they’re all lit up that exceeds anything all the money in the world could buy.” – Andy Rooney
  7. “We are better throughout the year for having, in spirit, become a child again at Christmastime.” – Laura Ingalls Wilder
  8. “The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear.” – Will Ferrell
  9. “Nothing ever seems too bad, too hard, or too sad when you’ve got a Christmas tree in your living room.” – Nora Roberts
  10. “The best of all gifts around any Christmas tree: the presence of a happy family all wrapped up in each other.” – Burton Hills
  11. “Some Christmas tree ornaments do more than glitter and glow, they represent a gift of love given a long time ago.” -Tom Baker
  12. “Blessed is the season which engages the whole world in a conspiracy of love.” – Hamilton Wright Mabie
  13. “Christmas is doing a little something extra for someone.” – Charles M. Schultz
  14. “Like snowflakes, my Christmas memories gather and dance – each beautiful, unique, and gone too soon.” – Deborah Whipp
  15. “When we recall Christmas past, we usually find that the simplest things – not the great occasions – give off the greatest glow of happiness.” – Bob Hope
  16. “Let us keep Christmas beautiful without a thought of greed.” – Ann Garnett Schultz
  17. It’s the most wonderful time of the year!” – Edward Pola and George Wyle
  18. “As we give presents at Christmas, we need to recognize that sharing our time and ourselves is such an important part of giving.” – Gordon B. Hinckley
  19. “Every time we love, every time we give, it’s Christmas.” – Dale Evans
  20. “I will honor Christmas in my heart and try to keep it all the year.” – Charles Dickens
  21. “At Christmas, all roads lead home.” – Marjorie Holmes
  22. “Christmas is not as much about opening our presents as opening our hearts.” – Janice Maeditere
  23. “Christmas is a stocking stuffed with sugary goodness.” – Mo Rocca
  24. “A good conscience is a continual Christmas.” – Benjamin Franklin
  25. “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’s discarding the meaningless and stressing the true values.” – Thomas S. Monson
  26. “What is Christmas? It is tenderness for the past, courage for the present, hope for the future.” – Agnes M. Pahro
  27. “Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.”   – Romans 15:13
  28. “Christmas isn’t just a day, it’s a frame of mind.” – Valentine Davies
  29. “For it is in giving that we receive.” – Francis of Assisi
  30. “As we struggle with shopping lists and invitations, compounded by December’s bad weather, it is good to be reminded that there are people in our lives who are worth this aggravation, and people to whom we are worth the same.” – Donald E. Westlake

Merry Christmas!

116 Hashtags for Christmas 2022

The Christmas season is going strong. Are you ready to share your business or social media posts? Adding hashtags is a great way to draw attention to your posts for maximum viewing. If you are searching for inspiration, check out the following hashtags for Christmas.

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  1. #Christmas
  2. #Christmas2022
  3. #MerryChristmas
  4. #ChristmasSeason
  5. #Holiday
  6. #HolidaySeason
  7. #Holiday
  8. #Holidayseason
  9. #Christmasseason
  10. #Christmasdecor
  11. #ChristmasTime
  12. #TistheSeason
  13. #ChristmasEve
  14. #ChristmasDay
  15. #Christmas
  16. #HappyChristmas
  17. #ChristmasIsComing
  18. #ChristmasLights
  19. #ChristmasDecorations
  20. #ChristmasTree
  21. #ChristmasLove
  22. #ChristmasStory
  23. #HollyJollyChristmas
  24. #ILoveChristmas
  25. #WishYouAMerryChristmas
  26. #ChristmasTraditions
  27. #ChristmasIsHere
  28. #MerryandBright
  29. #Christmasvibes
  30. #Handmade
  31. #Homemade
  32. #HomemadeChristmas
  33. #ChristmasCrafts
  34. #HyggeChristmas
  35. #AllThingsChristmas
  36. #ChristmasWithFriends
  37. #FamilyChristmas
  38. #HappyBirthdayJesus
  39. #CelebrateChrist
  40. #Nativity
  41. #AwayIntheManger
  42. #ChristmasCheer
  43. #HolidayCheer
  44. #FestiveSeason
  45. #ChristmasMagic
  46. #MagicalTimeOfYear
  47. #ChristmasTraditions
  48. #Traditions
  49. #FavoriteTimeofYear
  50. #ChristmasCountdown
  51. #Advent
  52. #AdventCalendar
  53. #ChristmasStyle
  54. #ChristmasNight
  55. #ChristmasGoals
  56. #HolidayLights
  57. #DeckTheHalls
  58. #FaLaLa
  59. #ChristmasPresents
  60. #ChristmasGifts
  61. #ChristmasGiftIdeas
  62. #Winter
  63. #FirstDayofWinter
  64. #Snow
  65. #IBelieve
  66. #Believe
  67. #IBelieveInSanta
  68. #DearSanta
  69. #Santa
  70. #SantaClaus
  71. #MrsClaus
  72. #Rudolph
  73. #Reindeer
  74. #NiceList
  75. #NaughtyList
  76. #NautyorNice
  77. #StNick
  78. #Stockings
  79. #ChristmasStockings
  80. #StockingStuffers
  81. #StockingStufferIdeas
  82. #ChristmasEveCelebrations
  83. #ChristmasEveDinner
  84. #ChristmasEveService
  85. #ChristmasParty
  86. #ChristmasDinner
  87. #HolidayParty
  88. #ChristmasBaking
  89. #ChristmasCookies
  90. #ChristmasCandy
  91. #ChristmasCake
  92. #ChristmasMusic
  93. #ChristmasFood
  94. #ChristmasPudding
  95. #EggNog
  96. #HolidayVibes
  97. #HolidayStyle
  98. #HolidayNails
  99. #HolidayGoals
  100. #HolidayMakeUp
  101. #JingleBells
  102. #BabysFirstChristmas
  103. #ChristmasFeast
  104. #ChristmasMood
  105. #ChristmasJoy
  106. #Peace
  107. #SpreadKindness
  108. #Joy
  109. #Love
  110. #SilentNight
  111. #ChristmasWreath
  112. #ChristmasPJs
  113. #MeetMeUnderTheMistletoe
  114. #Blessed
  115. #FelizNavidad
  116. #BeMerry

Christmas 2022: The Extra Christmas Stocking

The Christmas season is here! Are you ready to spread joy with family and friends? The holidays can be tough financially, mentally, and spiritually. If you feel a sense of gratitude for everything in your life, consider sharing with others.

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Christmas is a great time to give.  As you attend Christmas church services, participate in social gatherings with your family, and other community events, think about all the people around you.  Do they need extra kindness this Christmas?

For many, filling Christmas stockings with goodies is a major part of the holiday celebrations. As you begin to play the honorary role of Santa Claus, consider making an extra Christmas stocking to share with others. One simple act of kindness at Christmas can create a positive impact on someone’s whole holiday season.

Are you wondering who may need a filled Christmas stocking? Consider all the people; you encounter daily. If you still wondering who to put on your list, consider the following people for an extra Christmas stocking.

  • Friends: Yes, you can make adult-themed Christmas stockings with a nice bottle of wine or lots of high-quality chocolate.
  • Extended Family Members: Do you know an older relative who is living alone? Or perhaps, do you have elderly neighbors who always greet you with a smile? Surprise them with a Christmas stocking filled with goodies.
  • Children: Do you know a family who is struggling? Are they able to give Christmas stockings? Giving a child a Christmas stocking creates a lasting memory. (Remember you may need to ask permission to give a child a Christmas stocking. Some foods and toys may not be allowed.) Leave the Christmas stocking somewhere special with a note from Santa Claus.
  • Teacher: The pandemic, health guidelines, switching between online and in-person learning, teachers are remarkable and deserving of an extra Christmas stocking
  • Bus Driver: Every day, you trust the bus driver to get your child safely to school. The person deserves a special Christmas treat.
  • Childcare Provider: High-quality childcare providers are in demand. If you are lucky enough to find a great person to care for your child, brighten the provider’s day with an extra Christmas stocking.
  • Dog Walker: Rain or shine your dog walker is always on time to take your precious four-legged friend for a walk. For added fun, make the extra Christmas stocking a gift from your dog.
  • Your Dog’s Pal: When you go to the dog park, does your dog always find the same pal? Give your dog’s pal an extra Christmas stocking filled with doggie treats and toys (and you can give one to the owner).
  • Customer Service Representative: An extra Christmas stocking for the bagger at the grocery store, the waitress at the local cafe, or the barista who always gets your morning order correct. Or the friendly cashier who always seems to be happy.

The Christmas season is a great time for giving gifts. A Christmas stocking filled with holiday-themed goodies is an easy way to spread joy. Merry Christmas!

75 Songs for the Christmas Season

Music is one of the joys of Christmas. Artists have been writing about the holiday season for decades. If you are looking to add some Christmas cheer to your holiday party or dinner, check out the following songs. (Be careful, you may find yourself singing out loud!)

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

  1. “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” by Bing Crosby
  2. “Away in the Manger” by Nat King Cole
  3. “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year” by Andy Williams
  4. “White Christmas” by Bing Crosby
  5. “Sleigh Ride” by The Ronettes or “Sleigh Ride” by Ella Fitzgerald
  6. “What Christmas Means to Me” by Stevie Wonder
  7. “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing” by Nat King Cole
  8. “Last Christmas (I Gave You My Heart)” by Wham!
  9. “All I Want for Christmas Is You” by Mariah Carey
  10. “How Many Kings” by Downhere
  11. “It’s True” by Sara Groves
  12. “Let it, Snow! Let it, Snow! Let it Snow” by Dean Martin
  13. “The Christmas Song (Merry Christmas to You)” by Nat King Cole
  14. “Home for the Holidays” by Perry Como
  15. “Christmas Time Is Here” by Vince Guaraldi Trio
  16. “Christmas Eve/Sarajevo 12/24” by Trans-Siberian Orchestra
  17. “Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town” by Frank Sinatra or “Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town” by Bruce Springsteen
  18. “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” by Judy Garland
  19. “Frosty the Snowman” by Gene Autry or “Frosty the Snowman” by Jimmy Durante (Both are fun reeditions!)
  20. “Angels We Have Heard on High” by Ella Fitzgerald or “Angels We Have Heard on High” by Josh Groban & Brian McKnight
  21. “Let It Be Christmas” by Alan Jackson
  22. “Underneath the Tree” by Kelly Clarkston
  23. “Christmas Cookies” by George Strait
  24. “Little Saint Nick” by The Beach Boys
  25. “Christmas Time All Over Again” by            Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers
  26. “Carol of the Bells/What Child is This?” by Point of Grace
  27. “Mele Kalikimaka (Hawaiian Christmas Song)” by Bing Crosby
  28. “Santa Baby” by Eartha Kitt
  29. “Blue Christmas” by Elvis Presley
  30. “Run, Rudolph, Run” by Chuck Berry
  31. “Santa Looked a Lot Like Daddy” by Garth Brooks
  32. “Jingle Bell Rock” by Bobby Helms
  33. “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” by Brenda Lee
  34. “Carol of the Bells” by Trans-Siberian Orchestra
  35. “The Chipmunk Song (Christmas Don’t Be Late)”
  36. “Jingle Bells” by Ella Fitzgerald or “Jingle Bells” by Dean Martin (Both are great!)
  37. “Christmas, Baby Please Come Home” by Darlene Love
  38. “A Soldiers Silent Night” by Father Ted Berndt
  39. “Winter Wonderland” by Dean Martin
  40. “A Holly Jolly Christmas” by Burl Ives
  41. “Merry Christmas, Baby” by Otis Redding
  42. “Happy X-Mas (War is Over)” by John Lennon
  43. “Please Come Home for Christmas” by The Eagles
  44. “Where Are You Christmas” by Faith Hill
  45. “Feliz Navidad” by José Feliciano
  46. “Baby, It’s Cold Outside” by Dean Martin or “Baby, It’s Cold Outside” by Norah Jones and Willie Nelson
  47. “Merry Christmas Darling” by The Carpenters
  48. “Underneath the Tree” by Kelly Clarkston
  49. “I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus” by Jackson 5
  50. “Santa I’m Right Here” by Toby Keith
  51. “Peace On Earth/Little Drummer Boy” by David Bowie & Bing Crosby
  52. “Wonderful Christmastime” by Paul McCartney
  53. “Hard Candy Christmas” by Dolly Parton
  54. “Gold and Green” by Sugarland
  55. “Deck The Halls” by Mannheim Steamroller
  56. “Do They Know It’s Christmas?” by Band Aid
  57. “Fairytale of New York” by The Pogues
  58. “We Need a Little Christmas” by Angela Lansbury
  59. “Believe” by Josh Groban
  60. “The First Noel” by Andy Williams
  61. “I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas” by Gayla Peevey
  62. “Joy to the World” by Aretha Franklin
  63. “O Come, All Ye Faithful” by Faith Hill
  64. “It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas” by Michael Bublé
  65. “Mary, Did You Know” by Kenny Rogers
  66. “Christmas Isn’t Canceled (Just You)” by Kelly Clarkson
  67. “When My Heart Finds Christmas” by Harry Connick Jr
  68. “Pretty Paper” by Willie Nelson
  69. “You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch” by Thurl Ravenscroft
  70. “Christmas Day at my House” by Patty Loveless
  71. “Snow” by Leslie Odom Jr.
  72. “Beautiful Star of Bethlehem” by The Judds
  73. “My Favorite Things” by Julie Andrews
  74. “Santa Claus Is Back In Town” by Elvis Presley
  75. “O Holy Night” by Céline Dion or “O Holy Night” by Nat King Cole (Both versions are wonderful.)

Is your favorite song on the list? Merry Christmas! Keep singing!

54 Activities for Your Christmas Season Bucket List

The Christmas season is almost here. Are you ready to join in the festive fun? Do you want to make this Christmas season memorable for you and your family? Start by making a Christmas season bucket list. Ask every family member to participate. If you need inspiration, check out the following ideas for your Christmas season bucket list.

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  1. Christmas photoshoot
  2. Send out Christmas cards to family and friends
  3. Go to a Christmas community concert (During the Christmas season, many community concerts are free or low cost. You and your family could attend more than one to get you into the holiday spirit).
  4. Volunteer
  5. Decorate your home
  6. Decorate a Christmas tree
  7. Write a letter to Santa (Yes, adults can do this too)
  8. Wear matching Christmas pajamas
  9. Bake and decorate Christmas cookies
  10. Host a family game night
  11. Drive around and look at Christmas decorations
  12. Watch Christmas movies
  13. Make a gingerbread house
  14. Put out cookies for Santa (Don’t forget the carrots for the reindeer)
  15. Hand out Christmas baskets full of homemade goodies
  16. Go caroling
  17. Create a Christmas playlist
  18. Make a YouTube or TikTok Christmas greeting
  19. Do random acts of kindness
  20. Make homemade hot cocoa
  21. Host an ugly Christmas sweater party
  22. Hang mistletoe
  23. Be a secret Santa
  24. Go sledding
  25. Host a traditional Christmas dinner
  26. Have a picnic under the Christmas tree
  27. Make hot cider
  28. Create a hot cocoa bar
  29. Go ice skating
  30. Go to a tree lighting ceremony
  31. Read ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas
  32. Watch The Nutcracker
  33. Get your and your family’s photo taken with Santa
  34. Hang Christmas stockings
  35. Attend Christmas Eve Services
  36. Donate a wrapped toy
  37. Host a Christmas brunch
  38. Donate to an animal shelter or rescue
  39. Foster a pet over the holidays (Who knows, you may find your new best friend)
  40. Attend a Christmas parade
  41. Make paper snowflakes
  42. Read the Christmas story from the Bible
  43. Donate to a food bank
  44. Host a bonfire
  45. Set up the Nativity scene
  46. Host a Christmas tea
  47. Attend a live nativity
  48. Buy a new tree ornament for each family member
  49. Make Christmas crafts
  50. Attend various community Christmas programs and concerts (At this time of year, many activities are free, minimum fee or donation-based)
  51. Make a birthday cake for Jesus
  52. Make green and red paper chains
  53. Make homemade Christmas ornaments
  54. Pull-on a Christmas cracker

Have a wonderful Christmas season! Make memories!

Christmas in July: Start Planning

Christmas in July is a unique way to celebrate the seasonal holiday in the summer. Many people love the second chance to celebrate Christmas including singing carols, decorating a tree, and receiving a visit from Santa. Others use Christmas in July to start planning for the festive season in December.

Photo by Susanne Jutzeler, suju-foto on Pexels.com

Planning for Christmas in July

If you are looking for ways to take advantage of the Christmas in July holiday season, check out the following.

Photo by Nataliya Vaitkevich on Pexels.com

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

  1. Make Lists (and More Lists): Use a notebook or your favorite app to start making lists for Christmas. Gift ideas, cards, and donation recipients are a great place to start with lists. Use your lists as part of the planning process for Christmas.
  2. Take Advantage of Sales: Christmas in July ads are on television, radio, social media, and print. Finding a deal is always a significant step toward finalizing your Christmas shopping lists.
  3. Shop Prime Days: Amazon hosts Prime Days in July. The two-day event, July 12-13 is a great way to start your holiday shopping. Purchase items early. The holiday season often brings shortages of favorite products.
  4. Shop Back-to-School:  In July, department stores begin filling shelves with back-to-school supplies. Markers, crayons, paint, paint brushes, paper, desk lamps, computers, and bags are generally on sale. The savings are perfect for buying early Christmas presents.
  5. Plan Tentative Events: Make a revisable schedule for the holiday season. Plan social gatherings, teas, dinners, and other festive fun. Creating a tentative schedule allows you to make lists for supplies, gifts, and more.

Christmas in July is a great way to get a head start on the holiday season. Have fun! Take advantage of the seasonal sales.