Tag: family

Merry Christmas!

For those who are celebrating, I wish you a very Merry Christmas! May you never be too old to search the sky on Christmas Eve!

Merry Christmas, everyone!

What Are Christmas Crackers?

A British tradition,  Christmas crackers are traceable back to Victorian times. Tom Smith, a confectioner, began adding romantic poems to his bonbons. He would twist the wrapping around the sugary treat with the poem inside. Generally, only men would buy the almond-flavored bonbons to give to women as a romantic gesture.

Sitting by a crackling fire one night, Tom Smith came up with the idea to add the snap sound to the bonbon treats. Eventually, the bonbon name was set aside for the Christmas cracker or Cosaques. The novelty of the Christmas cracker was successful.

The Christmas crackers are colorfully decorated tubes filled with small items. Typically the cracker contains a paper hat, a joke or motto, and a small gift. The jokes inside the crackers are usually ridiculous.

When pulling on the cracker, generally two people tug at each end, a little snap occurs. The fun novelty item is perfect for any holiday celebration.

Homemade Christmas Crackers

Yes, you can make your own Christmas crackers.

  • Use paper tubes.
  • Fill inside with goodies. (When you make your own, you can fill the tubes with age-appropriate items. For example, for adults, you could add one dollar lottery tickets or miniature bottles of alcohol. For teenagers, consider adding lip balms, USBs, or small usable items.)
  • Wrap with tissue paper, cloth, or wrapping paper.
  • Secure the ends with string
  • Decorate with individual names or other items

Did You Know?

In the U.K. on December 20, 2001, the children, staff, and parents at Ley Hill School and Pre-School, Chesham presented the world’s largest Christmas cracker. The cracker measured 207 feet long and 13 feet around. Now, that was a Christmas cracker with a loud bang.

Many design Christmas crackers to promote a business. Using company themed items, the Christmas crackers are given away with logos or other designs on the small trinkets inside.

Millionaire Christmas crackers contain expensive jewelry. The specially made bracelets, earrings, and necklaces are given at fancy parties as extravagant gifts.

Whether you make your own or buy Christmas crackers, add them to your holiday party list. Enjoy the party favors at your next gathering.

 

 

 

Reference: The History of Christmas Crackers. https://www.whychristmas.com/customs/crackers.shtml

 

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Start a New Thanksgiving Tradition

Thanksgiving is the perfect time to give thanks for everything in your life. Gathering friends and family for a bountiful meal is a long-standing holiday tradition. Are you looking for a new tradition to go beyond gathering around the dinner table? Consider the following ideas:

  • Donate one or two turkeys and all the fixings for a family in need
  • Volunteer at a homeless shelter or other community organization
  • Donate groceries or money to your local food bank
  • Invite your elderly neighbor over for Thanksgiving dinner
  • Unplug for social media. (Yes, wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving, but then put your device on vibrate.)
  • Bake (or order) an extra pie for your neighbor, dog groomer, hairstylist, postal worker, child’s teacher, bus driver, etc.
  • Stay in your pajamas, eat a buffet-style breakfast, and watch the Thanksgiving parade together
  • Make homemade Thanksgiving decorations, placemats, and name tags
  • Set up a craft area to occupy children while you are preparing the meal.
  • Watch A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving 
  • Binge-watch your favorite series
  • Host a Friendsgiving
  • If the weather allows, get aside as a family, go for a walk, go for a nature hike, or play touch football.
  • Play cards or board games
  • Participate in a Turkey Trot
  • Go on a trip
  • Take a group photo
  • Write your Thanksgiving blessings on leaf-shaped notecards and hang on a tree. Or collect them to save in your scrapbook

Spending time together is the best tradition. Enjoy each other’s company during the downtime of the busy holiday.

 

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Staycation Ideas for the Holiday Weekend

What is a staycation? The term refers to staying at home or close to home during vacation time. The Labor Day weekend generally provides three days off without school or work commitments. The time can be spent on the road heading toward a travel destination. Or you and your loved ones may participate in staycation activities. Spending a leisure weekend with your family may turn into a lasting memory.

25 Staycation Ideas for Labor Day Weekend

  1. Host a family BBQ
  2. Go hiking
  3. Visit a local landmark
  4. Attend a community event
  5. Go on a picnic
  6. Visit a dog park
  7. Volunteer
  8. Go swimming
  9. Read a book
  10. Eat ice cream
  11. Make banana splits
  12. Go for a walk
  13. Go stargazing
  14. Go miniature golfing
  15. Visit older family members
  16. Go to a farmer’s market
  17. Visit a petting zoo or farm
  18. Relax in a hammock
  19. Host a bonfire
  20. Visit an art gallery or museum
  21. Host a craft day
  22. Go for a bike ride
  23. Go on a local tour
  24. Visit mom and pop style restaurants or businesses
  25. Have a movie or game night

 

50 Summer Photo Ideas Checklist

School’s out, summer is in full swing, time to make some lasting memories. Go outdoors, enjoy the summer sun, explore, and discover the world around you. As you are heading out, grab your camera or use your phone to capture life’s simplest pleasures.

Take a moment to snap a picture of your family or friends. Set up poses and have fun. Silly photos make great scrapbook additions.

50 Photo Ideas for Memorable Summer 

Do you need some inspiration on when to take a photo? Consider the following checklist.

  1. Having a picnic
  2. Eating a Sno Cone
  3. On a nature trail
  4. Holding sparklers (safely)
  5. At a petting zoon
  6. In front of the library
  7. Laying in a hammock
  8. Standing in the water at the lake
  9. Eating ice cream
  10. In front of a flower garden
  11. Wearing silly sunglasses (check out your local dollar store)
  12. On a boat
  13. In a strawberry patch
  14. Building a sandcastle
  15. Playing in the sprinkler
  16. At a parade
  17. At a farmer’s market
  18. Laying in the sand
  19. Wearing red, white, and blue for the 4th of July (Do not hesitate to go overboard)
  20. In front of a historical landmark
  21. On swing sets
  22. At a splash park (pose under the falling water)
  23. Eating watermelon
  24. Sitting around a bonfire
  25. Eating S’mores
  26. On a slide at the park
  27. In a tent
  28. Posing on a park bench
  29. Wearing beach attire
  30. Holding hands at sunset
  31. Drinking summer slushies
  32. At an art museum
  33. On family movie night
  34. Relaxing under a big shade tree
  35. Listening to music at a local concert in the park
  36. Swimming a pool (use beach balls, floaties, or other pool-related items as props)
  37. Making/showing off summer bracelets
  38. Standing on rocks
  39. At an amusement park
  40. Floating on inner tubes
  41. Inside a blanket fort on a rainy day
  42. At a BBQ
  43. Painting and hiding rocks around town
  44. Lounging in lawn chairs
  45. Laying on matching or themed beach towels
  46. Drinking lemonade
  47. Playing beach volleyball
  48. In the middle of your sidewalk chalk art creation
  49. Putt putt golfing
  50. A group selfie (do this one multiple times throughout the summer months)

Just remember, when you are out having fun, follow all rules for public areas. Safety should always be your first priority.

Low Cost (or Free) Activities for Family Summer Fun

The school year is finally winding down. Warmer weather is the perfect time to engage in family activities. Do you need ideas for summer family fun for both sunny and rainy days? Check out the following list.

Rainy Day Activity Ideas

Rainy days do not need to be boring. Checking the weather ahead of time will help you plan for your rainy day fun.

  • Family Movie Night: Pick a movie, make pizza, or make popcorn.
  • Board Game Night: Video games are fun. But for a night, unplug from technology and host a board game night. Make snacks, make root beer floats, and enjoy each others’ conversation as you play games.
  • Go to Your Local Library: Check out the latest summer books, movies or other media. Most libraries host summer reading clubs or other events. Participating in a group is the perfect way to meet new friends while learning.
  • Craft Day: Check out Pinterest for summer craft ideas. Many craft supplies may be found at your local dollar store. Picking up a wide variety of craft items is a low-cost alternative for a rainy day.
  • Summer Journal: Summers go by fast. Set aside time to write. Even a local stop can easily turn into a page in your scrapbook. Jot down information about the place. Add pictures, stickers, and other memorabilia to your summer scrapbook. On a rainy day, relax and relieve the memory.
  • Summer Bucket List: Create a summer bucket list. Write down all the activities for you and family to enjoy over the warmer months.

Outdoor Activities 

Unplugging from your electrical devices may be necessary to recharge. Keep in mind; switching your mobile device is advisable. You may never know when an emergency may arise.

  • Nature Walk: Go for a nature walk. Look for summer birds, flowers blooming, and other wildlife. Take pictures. Just simply enjoy the sights and sounds of being outdoors.
  • Go Hiking: State and national parks have hiking trails available for the beginner to the expert hiker. Many trails are pet-friendly. Your dog will enjoy the change of scenery.
  • Go Geocaching: Geocaching is a fun way to enjoy the outdoors.
  • Host a BBQ: Invite friends or extended family members to a BBQ.
  • Bonfire Night: Sitting around a bonfire is a great way to spend a summer evening. Make s’mores. Look at the stars. Chase fireflies.
  • Go Dog Walking: Walking your dog is a perfect exercise for both of you. If you do not have a dog of your own, many local dog rescues or shelters need volunteers to walk adoptable dogs. Who knows maybe you will find your new best friend.
  • Local Tourist: Be a hometown tourist for a day. When was the last time, you visited your local museum, art gallery, or other tourist sites?
  • Go to the Splash Park:  Splash parks or splash pads are a great activity to beat the summer heat. Pack a lunch and enjoy an afternoon outdoors.
  • Attend a Free Outdoor Concert/Movie Night: Many communities host numerous community events in the summer. Make an outdoor concert or a movie in the park part of your weekend fun.

Summertime activities can easily turn into long-lasting memories for your family or friends. Enjoy your time together.

 

Journal Prompts for June

Are you keeping a journal? Or do you want to start writing in a journal on a daily basis? Journals are a great activity. Record your memories or daily events. Looking back on journal entries are a way to learn and understand yourself.

June Journal Prompts

  1. What are your summer plans?
  2. What are you grateful for on this day?
  3. What new activities would you like to try this summer? As a family or by yourself?
  4. Describe your family’s day? Or your day? Did the day go as planned?
  5. What can you do to help the environment?
  6. What are your personal goals for June?
  7. If you could do anything this summer, where would you go? Or what activity would you like to try?
  8. Interview your children or grandchildren?
  9. List 5 things to accomplish this upcoming week? List 5 things to accomplish this month. What steps do you need to take to finish your list?
  10. If you could interview anyone in the world, who would you pick? Why is this person so special to you?
  11. Write about your family’s history.
  12. What challenges did you overcome in the last six months? Last year?
  13. Married? Write about your first date with your partner. Single? Write about your ideal date.
  14. Flag Day in the U.S. What does the flag mean to you?
  15. What are your pet peeves?
  16. Father’s Day in the U.S. Write your favorite memory with your father or father figure.
  17. What is your favorite song? Why?
  18. How do you like to relax with your family or friends? When was the last time you participated in this activity?
  19. What is your favorite guilty pleasure? Why?
  20. What is your favorite book? Why?
  21. Summer official begins. What is your favorite childhood memory of summer? Why is this memory important to you?
  22. What is your favorite memory of the beach? Swimming pool? Why is this memory so important to you?
  23. Describe your life 5 years ago.
  24. Where would you like to be in the next year? Next five years? How can you make these goals a reality?
  25. Who is your current role model? Why?
  26. Describe in detail your dream home or summer vacation home.
  27. If you could spend an entire day alone, doing only what you want, what would you do? Why?
  28. What is your favorite summer movie? Why?
  29. What are your current feelings or mood?
  30. June marks the halfway point for the year. What are you looking forward to in the next six months? What activities would you like to accomplish?

Writing in a journal every day is a fulfilling personal activity. The journal does not need to be anything fancy. Pick up a spiral notebook or composition book to record your thoughts. Do not limit yourself to just words. Draw pictures, add memorabilia or photos, personalize your journal each day.

Memorial Day Weekend Ideas

The last Monday in May honors men and women who have died during their service in the United States military. In 1971, Memorial Day became an official federal holiday. Observing the holiday is different for everyone. Many families attend community events, host BBQs, go on a road trip or simply stay home for the extended weekend.

If you need ideas for the weekend, consider the following:

  • Go to a Memorial Day Parade: Many communities hold a wide variety of Memorial Day events. A parade is generally a fixture of the scheduled activities.
  • Moment of Silence or Prayer: Another activity generally involves the United States flag raising ceremony. Depending on the sponsorship of the event, the activity may hold a moment of silence for the fallen or a prayer.
  • Attend a Community Concert: Many communities will sponsor free outdoor concerts with a patriotic theme. Gather your family or ask your friends, pack a picnic lunch, and enjoy the music.
  • Attend a Fireworks Show: Another popular community event is a fireworks show. Enjoy the fireworks display with your friends and family members.
  • Go to a National or State Park: With over 50 National Parks and ten thousand state parks, getting outdoors to view the beautiful scenery is a must. Check your state to find the one closest to your location and go.
  • Volunteer: Volunteering is always a self-rewarding activity. For example, many organizations place flags on the headstones of military members. The process is simple to carry out. The activity provides you with a chance to remember the meaning of Memorial Day.
  • Learn Your Family’s Military History: Search your family’s history. Finding information about family members who served is a rewarding experience.
  • Host a BBQ: Gather your family or friends for a BBQ at your home, park, lake or other areas of interest. When serving, take a moment to toast those who have fallen in service.
  • Be Thankful: Whether you chose to travel, attend events, or stay home, be thankful for your choice.

Celebrating Memorial Day is a great way to enjoy the company of your family or friends. The Memorial Day weekend unofficially kicks off summer. Celebrate, remember, and appreciate the weekend.

 

25 Ideas for Your Spring Bucket List

The weather is slowly turning warmer, time to gather your family or friends to create a spring bucket list. Do you need some ideas? Check out the following list.

  1. Go for a walk and simply enjoy the sunshine.
  2. Spend a day at the playground, nearby park or other local attraction. (Pack a lunch)
  3. When the weather turns to rain, host a spring crafting day.
  4. Turn off all of your devices and listen to a rainstorm.
  5. Host a movie or game night for your family and friends.
  6. Get in your vehicle and go. A Sunday drive with a packed cooler may be the best refresher for chasing away the winter blahs.
  7. Make a birdhouse or bird feeder for your yard.
  8. Visit a museum.
  9. Pack a sack lunch and eat outside.
  10. Paint rocks.
  11. Set up a recyclable area in your home or garage.
  12. Plant flowers or vegetables.
  13. Visit an art gallery.
  14. Go on a nature hike. Take lots of pictures and create a scrapbook of your experience.
  15. While watching the sunset, drink your favorite beverage.
  16. Get a professional portrait of your family or group of friends.
  17. Dye Easter eggs.
  18. Host or go on an Easter egg hunt.
  19. Sit under a tree and read a book.
  20. Fly a new kite.
  21. Blow bubbles. (They have some really cool accessories out now.)
  22. Go on a picnic or host a bonfire
  23. Volunteer to clean up trash at a local park, nature area or other organized community event.
  24. Go on a bike ride with your family or friends.
  25. Walk around barefoot on a warm day.

Even the smallest activity can turn into an adventure.

Photo Prompt Ideas for April

After a long winter, April generally brings warmer weather. Unfortunately, with the changing temperatures, rain is often in the forecast. Just remember the old saying, April showers bring May flowers.

  1. Selfie (Always begin each new month with a selfie. For added fun, do something foolish. After all, it is April Fool’s Day).
  2. Peanut butter and jelly
  3. Sunrise/Sunset
  4. Flowers
  5. Breakfast
  6. Noon
  7. Pink
  8. Umbrella
  9. Favorite food
  10. Trees
  11. View from far away
  12. View from up close
  13. Memory
  14. Relaxing
  15. Monday inspiration
  16. Favorite beverage
  17. Easter decorations
  18. Easter bunny
  19. Your view on Good Friday
  20. Easter eggs
  21. Easter fun
  22. Earth Day inspiration
  23. Black and white
  24. Action
  25. Texture
  26. Friday fun
  27. Nature
  28. Landscape/waterscape
  29. Siloutte
  30. Looking forward to May

30 days are in the month of April. Each day is a chance to tap into your creative side. Use the photo prompts to explore the world around you.