Tag: Holidays

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.

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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.

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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.  

Self-Care Ideas for December

December is a busy month. The holiday season always adds extra commitments to your busy schedule. Remember to take time for yourself. Engaging in self-care is a necessity for your overall well-being. If you need suggestions, check out the following list for self-care ideas for December.

Photo by Nubia Navarro (nubikini) on Pexels.com
  1. Make a commitment to yourself for a stress-free month.
  2. Make a holiday planner (Staying organized is a great way to reduce stress).
  3. Give yourself permission for a lazy afternoon.
  4. Write in a journal
  5. Buy yourself something warm and fuzzy, a blanket or a pair of socks
  6. Make a play list of your favorite holiday songs.
  7. Curl up with a cozy warm blanket and a good Christmas themed book.
  8. Invest in a good moisturizer for the winter months.
  9. Bake something delicious.
  10. Get plenty of sleep. Take a nap or sleep in.
  11. Take a warm bubble bath or a long hot shower.
  12. Light a scented candle, meditate or pray.
  13. Listen to your favorite podcast while giving yourself a facial.
  14. Eat a meal by candlelight.
  15. Get creative, make your own Christmas decorations or ornaments.
  16. Go to a festive community event.
  17. Get outdoors, go for a walk or a hike.
  18. Call an old friend to chat.
  19. Spend an afternoon at the library, search for books, and enjoy the quiet.
  20. Buy flannel sheets.
  21. First official day of winter! Find a new hobby for the winter months.
  22. Start feeding the wild birds.
  23. Binge watch your favorite Christmas movies.
  24. Christmas Eve! Watch It’s a Wonderful Life.
  25. Christmas Day! Merry Christmas! Enjoy your day!
  26. Make a fruit smoothie.
  27. Try a new soup recipe.
  28. Order take-out.
  29. Visit a new local shop or café.
  30. Try a new dessert recipe.
  31. New Year’s Eve! Celebrate you made it through 2021!

25 Days of Christmas: Photo Prompts

Are you trying to get into the holiday spirit? If you are looking for extra inspiration for the Christmas season, check out the following photo prompts.

25 Photo Prompts for the Christmas Season

  1. Selfie in front of Christmas décor
  2. Christmas Tree
  3. Ornaments
  4. Ribbons and Bows
  5. Mistletoe
  6. Christmas Gifts
  7. Candy Canes & Other Christmas Sweets
  8. Christmas Lights
  9. Christmas Cheer
  10. Tradition
  11. Baking
  12. Stockings
  13. Family
  14. Bells
  15. Peace
  16. Red and Green
  17. Wrapping Paper
  18. Nostalgic
  19. Shining Bright
  20. Nativity
  21. Beverages
  22. Peace on Earth
  23. Joy to the World
  24. Santa
  25. Merry Christmas!

Ways to Celebrate Your Baby’s First Christmas

Are you celebrating your baby’s first Christmas this year? Due to the pandemic, numerous Christmas events are canceled, including visits with Santa Claus. But staying close to home doesn’t mean your precious little one’s first Christmas will be unmemorable.

Have fun! Enjoy! Your baby’s first Christmas is the perfect time to start new traditions or revisit old ones. Celebrate every moment. Check out the following list of ways to celebrate your baby’s first Christmas at home.

Write a Yearly Christmas Letter

Write a letter to your baby. Detail all your activities and feelings surrounding your baby’s first Christmas. Next, you can place the letter in an envelope to store in a shoebox or use a journal to make your entry.

Each year, add a letter or entry. When your child becomes an adult, give the letters or journal as part of Christmas gifts. The memories instantly turn into a lasting treasure.

Are you wondering what to write? Consider adding some of these details to your baby’s first Christmas letter.

  • Your baby’s age
  • Date of the letter
  • Favorite new toy
  • Reaction to the Christmas tree
  • Favorite Christmas song
  • Who was there on Christmas

Send a Christmas Card

Unless you want the post date, you do not technically need to send the Christmas card. Similar to the letter-writing activity, give your child a Christmas card each year. Write a small note inside the card.

Ask your friends or family to send your baby a Christmas card. Request your loved ones to write a small note, favorite Bible verse, Christmas tradition, or other activities.

Christmas Ornaments

Buy or make your baby’s first Christmas ornament. The new ornament does not need to be expensive. A plain ornament from your local dollar store is perfect. But remember to add a date. Buying an ornament for your child each year is a beautiful tradition. When your child is an adult, the decorations turn into a treasured gift.

Christmas Season Photos

Get camera happy! Taking lots of photos is one of the best ways to celebrate and remember your baby’s first Christmas.

  • Family Photo: Set your timer or do a selfie to take a family photo to celebrate your baby’s first Christmas. The picture can be casual or dress up in your good clothes for a more formal appearance.
  • Pajama Photo: Buy matching pajamas, strike a pose, and take fun photos.
  • Sibling Photo: Snap a photo of your new little one with older siblings. (Yes, your dog or cat can be part of the picture if your new baby is your first).
  • By the Tree: Hold your little one up to the Christmas tree to hang an ornament. (Depending on the age of your baby, you may have to perform the actual holding on to the ornament.) This simple task is a perfect picture to use your baby’s first ornament.

Make a Christmas Scrapbook

Print out all your photos from the holiday season, save the Christmas cards and other memorabilia to make a scrapbook. Add stickers, photo details, and other embellishments to make the scrapbook a long-lasting treasure.

Observing your baby’s first Christmas is a memorable event. Celebrate every moment of the holiday season with your new little one. Enjoy the Christmas season. Small activities can easily turn into long-lasting memories.

 

Handmade Christmas Wrapping Paper Craft

Are you looking to start a new Christmas tradition? How about making handmade Christmas wrapping paper for all of your gifts? Doing Christmas crafts as a family activity is a great way to celebrate the holiday season. Best of all, making homemade gift wrap is an easy project for all ages.

Materials Needed:

  • Sponges of any size and shape
  • Scissors
  • Butcher paper, newsprint, or other types of packing paper (You can purchase rolls of brown shipping paper at your local dollar store).
  • Paint
  • Containers for paint
  • Markers

Instructions:

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

Homemade gift wrap is an excellent way to provide a personalized touch to your presents. Use your imagination to create numerous sheets of wrapping paper. Set the mood for family fun by playing Christmas music, drinking hot chocolate, and eating snacks.

Christmas Fun: Making Plaster Ornaments

Let’s face it, the Christmas season can get busy quickly. Spending high-quality family time together is essential to enjoy the holidays. When you are you looking for fun, family activities to celebrate Christmas, consider making plaster ornaments.

Plaster ornaments are simple to make. You can hang them on your own tree. Or share them with family members as gifts. Kids will love making an ornament for grandma, grandpa, a favorite aunt or uncle.

Materials Needed:

  • Christmas themed molds or pans (The plaster does not harm them, just wash thoroughly after use.)
  • Plaster
  • Throw away containers for mixing plaster. (Remember not to pour remaining plaster down the sink.)
  • Water
  • Paint in various colors
  • Paintbrushes

Instructions:

  1. Place newspapers or other protective materials on your counter.
  2. Mix plaster as directed. Always add the plaster mixture to the water for a smooth and consistent mixture. (Keep in mind, the plaster hardens quickly. You need to have your molds ready to go. You can add a little extra water to provide a bit more time).
  3. Fill the molds completely.
  4. Place hangers into your mold. (Paper clips or pop can tab work great for an instant, inexpensive hanger).
  5. Allow your ornaments to dry completely.
  6. Gently remove the ornaments from the molds. You may need to tap on the mold to loosen the ornament.
  7. Paint the ornaments. (You can also personalize the ornaments with names).

Even younger children can help with the painting process. Just do not forget to add the date on the back. The Christmas ornaments can quickly turn into a lasting treasure.

Sugar Cookies: A Christmas Tradition

Are you looking for another simple way to celebrate the Christmas season? Baking during the holidays is a long-standing tradition. Sugar cookies are a tasty treat to decorate, share, and eat. Helping to reduce the stress of the holiday mad-dash of baking, sugar cookies can be frozen to decorate later.

Dig out your favorite sugar cookie recipe, find a new one on Pinterest, or grab a tube of dough at your local store. Regardless of your method, sugar cookies are a fun way to celebrate the Christmas season.

  1. Bake your cookies from the method of choice.
  2. Allow your batch of sugar cookies to cool.
  3. Frost cookies.
  4. Decorate

Do you want to get the kids involved in making sugar cookies to celebrate the Christmas season? Set out different types of holiday sprinkles, marshmallows, nuts, and other toppings. Then, ask your children to help decorate the cookies. Making up new designs and colors provides added fun. Enjoy the creative process going into each cookie.

Finally, time to eat the cookies! Put a plate of cookies out as part of family night. Share a batch with a neighbor.

You can always add a nice cup of hot chocolate or milk to the celebration. Now, the next challenge, who gets to pick the Christmas movie for family night?

Ways to Give at Christmas

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

Money

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

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

Food

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

Baby Pantry

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

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

Animal Shelter or Pet Rescue

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

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

Church

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

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

Flowers

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

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

Christmas Cards 

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

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

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

 

 

 

Yes! Go Ahead & Decorate for Christmas Now

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

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

Decorate

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

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

Get Crafty

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

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

Watch Holiday Movies

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

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

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

 

Simple Halloween Ghost Cookies

Halloween (or any holiday) is an excellent time to start new traditions. Whether you are staying close to home due to the pandemic or avoiding the cold weather, making simple Halloween ghost cookies is a great way to celebrate. Anyways, who doesn’t like warm, gooey marshmallow cookies?

Grocery List

  • Cookie dough or the ingredients to your favorite cookie recipe.
  • Marshmallow shaped ghosts
  • Halloween sprinkles (optional)

Instructions

  • Preheat oven.
  • Bake cookies as directed.
  • Remove at the proper time.
  • Place the ghost marshmallows and sprinkles on to the warm cookies. The marshmallow begins to melt from the heat.
  • Serve warm.
  • Enjoy the extra sweet, gooey goodness of simple Halloween ghost cookies.

These simple but tasty Halloween ghost cookies are a perfect snack for family movie night.

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