Tag: fun

Tips for a Fun New Year’s Eve Party with Kids


Are you and your family staying home for New Year’s Eve? Are you planning to invite other families over to celebrate the new year? Hosting a New Year’s Eve party with kids can be a lot of fun. If you are searching for inspiration, consider the following tips for a fun New Year’s Eve party with kids.

a white wooden perpetual calendar
Photo by Alexas Fotos on Pexels.com
  1. Family-Friendly Theme: Select a theme that your kids will enjoy, such as a pajama party, a movie night, or a game night. Or consider doing a combination of all three to make the evening more fun.
  2. Set the Right Time: Since younger children may not be able to stay up until midnight, consider celebrating the “New Year” earlier in the evening. You can do a countdown at 9 or 10 pm. Then, spend the rest of the night celebrating with your partner or friends.
  3. Kid-Friendly Decorations: Decorate your space with colorful, child-appropriate decorations. You can include balloons, streamers, and confetti. Make homemade decorations together to add to the fun.
  4. Create a Hot Cocoa Bar: Set up a hot cocoa area with different toppings. Whipped topping, sprinkles, and marshmallows are always a favorite. At midnight, consider serving grape juice or sparkling cider to toast the new year.
  5. Finger Foods: Serve a variety of kid-friendly finger foods and snacks like mini sandwiches, pizza, fruit platters, and cookies.
  6. Party Games: Plan games and activities suitable for kids, such as board games, scavenger hunts, or a dance-off. A crafts station is also a great idea.
  7. Kid’s Countdown: Have a special countdown for the kids with noisemakers and confetti.
  8. Noise Makers and Party Favors: Provide party favors like hats, horns, and confetti poppers for the kids to enjoy.
  9. Involve the Entire Family: Let the children be a part of the planning process by helping with decorations or choosing games.
  10. Photo Booth: Set up a photo booth with props for kids to take pictures and create memories.
  11. Relax the Rules: New Year’s Eve is a special occasion, so be a bit more lenient on bedtime and rules, within reason.
  12. Fireworks: If possible, let the kids use sparklers to celebrate the start of the new year.

Remember to tailor the party to the age and preferences of the children attending. With the right planning, your New Year’s Eve party can be a memorable and enjoyable experience for everyone. Happy New Year! Bring on 2024!

Winter Season Photo Prompts

Welcome to the second day of winter! Are you ready to get outdoors and take photos? Do you want to document the season in many ways but just not sure where to begin? If you are searching for inspiration, consider the following winter season photo prompts.

Photo by Kristin Vogt on Pexels.com
  1. Winter Season Selfie
  2. Winter Sunrise
  3. Winter Sunset
  4. Warmth
  5. Silence
  6. Movement
  7. Frozen
  8. Fresh Snow
  9. White
  10. Winter Landscape
  11. Out your window
  12. Twigs/Branches
  13. Bare trees
  14. Snowy trees
  15. Morning light
  16. Natural light
  17. Dusk
  18. Moon
  19. Cold
  20. 5pm
  21. Silhouette
  22. Clouds
  23. Weather
  24. Snowy Streets
  25. Snowman
  26. Snow Angels
  27. Frost
  28. Snow fort
  29. Ice skaters
  30. Sledding
  31. Hiking
  32. Family
  33. Friends
  34. Skiing
  35. Tracks in the snow
  36. Animals in the snow
  37. Blue
  38. Change
  39. Mittens/Gloves
  40. Candlelight
  41. Relaxation
  42. Comfort
  43. Hot beverage
  44. Hat/beanie
  45. Photographer’s Choice

Get outdoors and take photos! Happy Winter!

Christmas Gift Ideas for the Whole Family

Christmas is getting closer. Are you still shopping? Are you trying to find the perfect family gift for someone on your Christmas list? If you are searching for inspiration, consider the following Christmas gift ideas for the whole family:

Photo by Jill Wellington on Pexels.com

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

  1. Family Night Ideas: Board games, video games, or puzzles for family game nights are a wonderful Christmas gift idea.
  2. Long-Lasting Gift: Give a movie or streaming service subscription. A streaming service can be for a month or an entire year.
  3. Get Creative: Personalized family photo album or calendar.
  4. Everyone Eats: Cooking or baking kits for family to enjoy together.
  5. Go Outside: Outdoor adventure equipment like a picnic set, hiking gear, or a tent for the entire family to enjoy together.
  6. Get Reading: Give books to each family member. Or find family-oriented books or audiobooks to enjoy together.
  7. Art Box: Fill a box with art supplies or DIY craft kits to use on cold, snowy days.
  8. Night Out: Give gift cards to a favorite restaurant or entertainment venue. Going out as a family is a great bonding experience with lasting memories.
  9. Movie Box: A family-friendly movie night kit with popcorn, snacks, and DVDs. Or add a gift certificate to order pizza.
  10. Tech Options: Virtual reality headset or a new video game to play together.

Remember to consider the interests and preferences of your family members when choosing the gifts! 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.

Photo by Bob SpringBob54 on Pexels.com
  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!

Ideas on How to Celebrate Thanksgiving Alone

Are you celebrating Thanksgiving alone this year? Many people spend the holidays alone for various reasons. Celebrating Thanksgiving alone can still be a special and meaningful experience. If you are searching for some ideas on how to celebrate Thanksgiving alone, consider the following.

Photo by EKATERINA BOLOVTSOVA on Pexels.com
  1. Cook for Yourself: Prepare your favorite Thanksgiving dishes. Divide the ingredients to make smaller portions or save the rest for leftovers. Enjoy the process of cooking and savor the meal.
  2. Meal Bundle: Many restaurants or markets offer meal bundles for Thanksgiving. Simple heat and serve. Preorder your meal and enjoy.
  3. Go Out to Eat: Yes, there are restaurants open on Thanksgiving. Simply find one that you like and go out to eat. Or order takeout to bring your meal home.
  4. Reflect and Give Thanks: Take some time to reflect on the things you are grateful for this Thanksgiving. Write them down. Start a journal or simply express your gratitude to yourself.
  5. Virtual Gatherings: Connect with friends and family via video calls. Share the day with loved ones, even if you cannot be physically together.
  6. Create Traditions: Establish new traditions for yourself. Watch a Thanksgiving movie, read a book, do crafts, decorate for Christmas, or just relax.
  7. Volunteer: Consider volunteering at a local shelter or food bank to give back to the community and make the day more meaningful.
  8. Self-Care: Use the day for self-care activities such as meditation, journaling, or practicing a hobby you love.
  9. Enjoy Entertainment: Watch a Thanksgiving parade, or a movie, or listen to music that puts you in a festive mood.
  10. Plan: Use this time to set goals or make plans for the upcoming holiday season or the year ahead.

Remember, celebrating alone can be an opportunity for self-reflection and self-appreciation. Make the most of the day in a way that brings you joy and contentment. Happy Thanksgiving!

Fun Thanksgiving Traditions to Start this Year

Are you thinking ahead to Thanksgiving? Do you want to start a new tradition this year with your family and friends? If you are searching for inspiration, consider the following fun Thanksgiving traditions to start this year.

Photo by Tima Miroshnichenko on Pexels.com
  1. Gratitude Jar: Have each person who is attending Thanksgiving write down things they are thankful for on slips of paper. Place all the notes in a gratitude jar. Pick a person to read them aloud during Thanksgiving dinner.
  2. Turkey Trot: Participate in or organize a “Turkey Trot” or a fun run on Thanksgiving morning. The early morning activity is a great way to stay active before the big meal.
  3. Thanksgiving Crafts: Set up a crafting station. Use a corner table and place crafting supplies for making Thanksgiving-themed decorations, place cards, or handprint turkeys with the kids. Not only is this a fun activity but young children focus on the crafts while you concentrate on the meal.
  4. Recipe Swap: Do you have mostly adults attending your Thanksgiving meal this year? Ask each family member or friend to bring a dish from a different culture, creating a diverse Thanksgiving meal. Also, ask each family person to bring the recipe to share with others.
  5. Football Game: Play touch or flag football in the backyard. If the weather is too cold,  watch a football game together.
  6. Thanksgiving Movie Marathon: Choose some classic Thanksgiving-themed movies or family favorites. Thanksgiving weekend is a great time to start watching holiday classics. A movie marathon is the best way to relax after a big meal.
  7. Volunteer: Give back to the community by volunteering at a local shelter or food bank to help those in need. The experience is uplifting.
  8. Thanksgiving Scavenger Hunt: Create a Thanksgiving-themed scavenger hunt around your home or backyard with clues and riddles. Place small trinkets as treasures. Children and those young at heart love searching for goodies.
  9. Gratitude Tree: Create a “gratitude tree” by placing a branch in a vase. Cut out paper leaves and attach strings on the end. Ask guests to write on the paper leaves. Write things you are thankful for or what you like most about this Thanksgiving.
  10. Thanksgiving Parade: Watch the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade on TV. Or, if available, consider attending a local Thanksgiving parade. Being outdoors is a great way to start your Thanksgiving holiday. Many Thanksgiving parades end with a visit from Santa Claus.
  11. Family Photo Session: Take lots of photos. Capture your day with candid photos. Ask for group photos too. Organize a photo booth with props for fun pictures.
  12. Board Games: Play board games or card games together after the meal. Even set up games at the kid’s table.

Choose the traditions that best suit your interests. Make Thanksgiving a memorable and enjoyable day for everyone. Happy Thanksgiving!

65+ Scary Movies to Watch on Halloween

Halloween is less than a week away. Are you thinking about watching some scary movies to get you in the mood? The time is perfect to grab your favorite snack and curl up under a blanket. If you are searching for inspiration, check out the following scary movies to watch on Halloween.

Photo by Toni Cuenca on Pexels.com

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

  1. The Offering (2023)
  2. The Invitation (2022)
  3. Scream Franchise (1996-2023) Perfect for a weekend of binge-watching, there are 6 Scream movies.
  4. Talk to Me (2023)
  5. The Night House (2021)
  6. The Invisible Man (2020)
  7. Saint Maud (2021)
  8. Don’t Breathe (2016) & Don’t Breathe 2 (2021)
  9.  A Nightmare on Elm Street (1984) There are actually nine movies in this franchise including A Nightmare on Elm Street 2: Freddy’s Revenge, A Nightmare on Elm Street 3: Dream Warriors, A Nightmare on Elm Street 4: The Dream Master, A Nightmare on Elm Street 5: The Dream Child, Freddy’s Dead: The Final Nightmare, Wes Craven’s New Nightmare, Freddy vs. Jason, &  A Nightmare on Elm Street (2010) Another scary franchise to binge-watch for Halloween.
  10. The Cabin In the Woods (2011)
  11. Malignant (2021)
  12. The Conjuring (2013)
  13. The Swarm (2021)
  14. The Lodge (2019)
  15. It Follows  (2014)
  16. 13 Ghosts (2021)
  17. The Changeling (1980)
  18. Eyes Without a Face (1960)
  19. Annabelle (2014)
  20. The Mist (2007)
  21. House of Wax  (2005)
  22. Signs (2002)
  23. The Blair Witch Project (1999)
  24. Poltergeist  (1982)
  25.  Friday the 13th(Starting in 1980, the Friday the 13th franchise is another great series to binge-watch).
  26. A Quiet Place 1 & 2
  27. Don’t Look Now
  28. The Thing (2011)
  29. Demon House (2018)
  30. 28 Days Later (2002)
  31. Get Out (2017)
  32. Saw  Franchise (2004-2023) The Saw movie franchise is another series to enjoy over the weekend before Halloween.
  33. Carrie (1976)
  34. Poltergeist (1982)
  35. It (2017)
  36.  It: Chapter Two (2019)
  37. Alien (1979)
  38. The Amityville Horror (1979)
  39. The Exorcist (1973)
  40. Pet Sematary
  41. The Shining (1980)
  42. Creepshow (1982)
  43. The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (1974)
  44. Dawn of the Dead (2004)
  45. The Omen (1976)
  46. Candyman (2021)
  47. The Last House on the Left (2009)
  48. The Howling (1981)
  49. As Above, So Below (2014)
  50. Night of the Living Dead (1968)
  51. The Witch (2015)
  52. When a Stranger Calls (2006)
  53. Evil Dead (2013)
  54. Paranormal Activity (2007)
  55. Psycho (1960)
  56. Doctor Sleep (2019)
  57. Us (2019)
  58. 1408 (2007)
  59. Scary Stories to tell in the Dark (2019)
  60. The Descent (2005)
  61. Slither (2006)
  62. Misery (1990)
  63. The Birds (1963)
  64. M3GAN (2023)
  65. No One Will Save You (2023)

Have a spooky Halloween!

82 Activities to Add to Your Halloween Bucket List

The nights grow cooler, the leaves burst with color, pumpkins are growing everywhere, and the spooky season is officially here. Hurry, gather your friends and family together. October is the perfect time to participate in Halloween activities. If you are searching for inspiration, check out the following activities to add to your Halloween bucket list.

  1. Visit your local pumpkin patch. Bring home a pumpkin, two, or several.
  2. Decorate for Halloween.
  3. Carve pumpkins.
  4. Paint a pumpkin.
  5. Roast pumpkin seeds.
  6. Learn the history of Halloween.
  7. Make a scarecrow.
  8. Try a new pumpkin recipe. (Pumpkin bread is delicious.)
  9. Go to the library or bookstore to find Halloween-themed books. (Perfect to read late at night with the lights off.)
  10. Make homemade Halloween cards to pass out to family and friends. (Cute Halloween cards are a wonderful treat for residents at your local nursing home.)
  11. Make monster cookies.
  12. Create a Halloween wreath for your front door.
  13. Make Halloween slime.
  14. Make Halloween play dough.
  15. Plan and make a homemade Halloween costume.
  16. Make two loaves of pumpkin bread. One to keep and one to give away to a friend.
  17. Create a Halloween diorama.
  18. Watch classic monster movies.
  19. Paint zombie, monster, or pumpkin-themed rocks to hide around the neighborhood.
  20. Make a Halloween-themed meal.
  21. Host a movie night with Halloween-themed snacks.
  22. Watch Halloween cartoons.
  23. Make Halloween masks.
  24. Host a Halloween crafting session.
  25. Make Soul Cakes.
  26. Dance to “Monster Mash” & “Thriller”
  27. Eat candy corn.
  28. Tell ghost stories around a campfire.
  29. Create a Halloween-themed gingerbread house.
  30. Join or watch a zombie walk.
  31. Make pumpkin pancakes.
  32. Participate in a Halloween fun walk or 5k event.
  33. Make paper Mache pumpkins.
  34. Take an evening walk with flashlights. (Many local or state parks host events around Halloween)
  35. Make popcorn balls.
  36. Visit an escape room.
  37. Make orange and black tie-dyed T-shirts.
  38. Go on a haunted hayride.
  39. Get your face painted at a Halloween event.
  40. Host a Halloween scavenger hunt.
  41. Watch “Hocus Pocus”
  42. Watch “Ernest Scared Stupid”
  43. Attend a Boo at the Zoo event.
  44. Host a Witches’ Tea.
  45. Attend a pumpkin weigh-off competition.
  46. Walk or drive around to see the different pumpkins and Halloween decorations.
  47. Tell or write a spooky tale.
  48. Host a Halloween cartoon movie night.
  49. Purchase a Halloween mug.
  50. Drink hot mulled cider, cocoa, or a Pumpkin latte out of your new mug.
  51. Binge-watch your favorite Halloween-themed series. (The Adams Family or the Munsters)
  52. Get Halloween-themed nails.
  53. Create a Halloween playlist.
  54. Try bobbing for apples.
  55. Do a 1000-piece Halloween puzzle/
  56. Visit a haunted house.
  57. Watch “Ghostbusters”
  58. Create a Halloween-themed charcuterie board for family night.
  59. Host a Halloween-themed craft day.
  60. Attend a pumpkin weighing contest.
  61. Go through a corn maze.
  62. Attend a trunk or treat event.
  63. Go on a haunted tour or ghost walk.
  64. Wear Halloween pajamas.
  65. Dress up your pet in a Halloween costume.
  66. Read the Harry Potter books.
  67. Watch the Harry Potter movies.
  68. Host a Halloween-themed picnic.
  69. Wear Halloween socks.
  70. Host a Halloween-themed photoshoot for you, your friends, your family, or your dogs.
  71. Attend a Halloween parade or other community event.
  72. Host a Halloween party for kids.
  73. Host an adult Halloween party.
  74. Play Halloween charades.
  75. Give out Boo gifts.
  76. Visit an Octoberfest.
  77. Tell silly Halloween jokes.
  78. Mix a non-alcoholic Halloween cocktail.
  79. Host a blindfolded taste test challenge or do a Fear Factor challenge.
  80. Watch: “It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown.”
  81. Create a Halloween village.
  82. Pass out candy on Halloween night.

Happy Halloween!

9 Fall Family Photo Ideas

The official start of Autumn is just around the corner. Are you thinking about gathering your family or friends together for fall-themed photos? The colorful leaves make a perfect backdrop for photo sessions. If you are searching for inspiration, consider the following fall family photo ideas.

Photo by Harrison Haines on Pexels.com
  1. Autumn Leaves: Search for the perfect setting of colorful Autumn leaves for your photo backdrop. Surrounding your family with colorful fall foliage is an excellent photo idea. Encourage younger children to find a bright leaf to hold in the photo.
  2. Pumpkin Patch: Visit your local pumpkin patch. Not only can you pose among the pumpkins, but you can also take one home for Halloween fun.
  3. Sweaters: Dress in cozy fall sweaters. Use matching or coordinate complementary sweater colors for a fun family photo. Remember Christmas is coming. Wearing ugly sweaters for one photo is a great Christmas card idea.
  4. Harvest Themed: Props are fun to add to your photo session. Pick an area with colorful leaves, wooden fences, fields of corn, or rows of sunflowers for your harvest-themed background. Fill baskets full of apples, corn, gourds, or other harvest-themed items to incorporate into your family photos.
  5. Bonfire: Pose your family or friends around a bonfire’s warm, golden light. Always practice safety precautions, but a small bonfire is a perfect prop for a family photo. Plus, after your photo session, you get to eat S’mores.
  6. Hayride: Visit your local apple orchard, a relative with a hay wagon, or other public farms and go on a hayride. Document the fun and laughter. Take photos on the wagon or next to bales of straw.
  7. Falling Leaves: Rake a pile of colorful leaves. Start with candid shots by letting your kids play in a pile of fallen leaves.  Playful shots are a perfect way to remember and celebrate the fall season. Sitting in the pile of leaves is a great way to capture fall family photos.
  8. Costumes: If your photo session is close to Halloween, consider dressing up for fun, family photos. Ask your family to pick their favorite costume or choose a theme.
  9. Golden Hour: Schedule your photoshoot during the magical golden hour for beautiful lighting.  Plus, a fall sunset creates a spectacular backdrop for your photos.

Remember to have fun capturing memorable fall family photos.

10 Fall Equinox Activities for Kids

The Autumn Equinox is almost here. Do you want to do something special with your kids to welcome the fall season? If you are searching for inspiration, check out the following fall equinox activities that kids might enjoy.

Photo by Charles Parker on Pexels.com
  1. Nature Scavenger Hunt: Make a list of fall-themed items for kids to find outdoors. Remember to only collect items in allowed areas. Use small brown paper lunch sacks or recyclable bags to collect your nature items including acorns, pinecones, and brightly colored leaves.
  2. Leaf Art: Collect colorful fall leaves and use them to create crafts. (If you did the nature scavenger hunt first, use your findings for leaf art). Ideas for leaf art include rubbings, collages, or pressing the leaves for decorations.
  3. Apple Picking Your Local Orchard: Visit an apple orchard or cider mill for a fun day of picking apples. Most orchards or cider mills host a variety of family-friendly activities during the autumn season. Later use your apples to bake homemade treats.
  4. Pumpkin Decorating: Visit a pumpkin patch to find the perfect one to decorate. Use paints, markers, and other craft supplies to decorate pumpkins.
  5. Fall-Themed Baking: Spend an afternoon in the kitchen. Bake seasonal treats for the whole family to enjoy. Pumpkin muffins, apple pies, or cinnamon-spiced cookies are great choices.
  6. Read: Visit your local library or bookstore to find fall-themed books. Read your fall-themed books aloud. Many books contain stories about changing leaves, harvest, or animals preparing for winter.
  7. Go for a Nature Walk: Take a leisurely walk at your local park or nature preserve to observe the changes in the environment during the fall season. For extra fun, pack a picnic. Enjoy a meal in the outdoors.
  8. Autumn Crafts: Create autumn-themed crafts. Pinterest is an excellent resource for finding kid-friendly crafts such as paper plate scarecrows, pinecone animals, or paper pumpkins.
  9. Star Gazing: Get outdoors and look up at the stars. If needed, drive away from the city lights to find the best area for star gazing. Pack a thermos full of hot cocoa. And enjoy an evening under the stars.
  10. Bonfire: Host a bonfire night. Sit outdoors and enjoy the warmth of a cozy bonfire on a cool autumn evening.

Remember to adjust the autumn-themed activities based on the age of your child. Try to do activities that interest your kids. Have fun and enjoy celebrating the fall equinox as a family event.