The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year!
christmas
The world celebrates the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ! On this holy day, the message of Love, Joy, Giving, and Peace is heard around the world!
eat, drink and be merry with these Idea Lists
Activities
Activities
Activities
Send Invitations
Find Your Christmas Tree
Tree Lighting Ceremony
Caroling
Make Homemade Gifts
Photos With Santa
Make Handcrafted Ornaments/Cards
Christmas Movies/Tune Playlist
Wreath Making
Bake Cookies/Gingerbread House
Decorate House/Tree/Mailbox
Yankee Swap
Mail Christmas Cards
Mail Letters To Santa
Donate Toys
Elf On The Shelf
Read Christmas Stories
Christmas Eve Services
Advent Calendar
Dress Up in Christmas Costumes
Decorate!
Activities
Activities
Christmas Tree/Lights
Holly/Mistletoe
String Popcorn & Cranberries
Poinsettia
Garland/Swags
Pinecones/Cinnamon Sticks
Candles
Mantle Decor
Nativity
Salt Dough Ornaments
Stars
Christmas Village Scenes
Snowmen
Santa and Elves
Characters
Music Boxes
Stockings
Artificial Wreaths/Topiaries/Centerpieces
Gifts
Activities
Things To See
Craft Fairs
Photo Gifts
Unique Shops
Flowers/Centerpieces
Wish Lists
Online and In-store items
Home Baked Goods
Gift Cards
Food/Drink Baskets
Themed Gift Baskets
Books
Garden Items
Luxury Bath & Skin Care
Remember:
Teachers
Mail Carrier/Paper Carrier
Secret Santa
Pet Gifts
Things To See
Stocking Stuffers
Things To See
Across the US, events are in every city in every state! Take a trip during the month of December! A few ideas include:
Rockefeller Plaza, NY, NY
Magnificent Mile, Chicago, IL
Zoo Lights, Denver, CO
Disney World, Mickey's Very Merry Christmas
Alaska, Art Sculptures And Aurora Borealis
Nutcracker Ballet
Santa Claus, IN
North Pole, AK
Yankee Candle Village, Deerfield, MA
Also look for local:
Christmas Pop-Up Shops
Local Craft Fairs
Light Displays
Tree Lightings
Classic Christmas Movies
Santa Claus
Food
Stocking Stuffers
Stocking Stuffers
Gelatin Molds
Sweet Bread
Turkey and fixings
Spumoni Ice Cream
Chestnuts
Stocking Stuffers
Stocking Stuffers
Stocking Stuffers
Reading/Coloring Books
Jacks Game
Card Games
Art Supplies
Play Dough
Travel Games
Puzzles
Glow In The Dark Sticks/Stickers
Makeup/Hair/Nail Products
Small Tools
Socks
Jewelry
Candy/Nuts
Harmonica
Mittens/Gloves/Scarves
Chocolate Coins/Candy Canes
Gift Cards
Flashlights
Thank You Notes
Merry Christmas!
Holidays Begin At Home
CHRISTMAS Celebrations happen among families, friends, coworkers, communities. Traditions vary widely in celebration of this religious holiday. While traditions are somewhat altered as generations move forward, many Traditions are deeply woven into the fabric of family life, and still enjoyed. Bringing back childhood memories and creating new ones create that Christmas Magic! The smell of baking Christmas cookies, the sound of favorite Christmas Carols, the sight of homes decorated with red and green lights, the feel of prickly branches on the Christmas tree, and the way our taste buds crave our yearly treats, are all small bits of Christmas's Past, that we replay once a year in joyous celebration! Gift giving has become the highlight of this day, as we recall the gifts from the three kings to the baby Jesus in honor of his birth.
SYMBOLS OF CHRISTMAS
Colors Red and Green: Red is symbolic of the Blood of Christ. Green represents everlasting life.
Bells: Used to proclaim the arrival of the baby Jesus.
Star: Represents the Star that led to the baby Jesus on the eve of His birth.
Lights and Candles: Reminders that Jesus Christ is the light of our world.
Christmas Tree: An evergreen tree that symbolizes everlasting life.
Wreath: Made round to represent that God has no beginning or ending.
Angels: The announcers of Jesus' birth.
Tree Topper: Points to Heaven, where Jesus lives today.
Christmas Ball Ornament: Made round to represent the earth which God created.
Nativity: Depicts the birthplace of Christ.
Stockings: A reminder of the original Santa Claus, who placed gifts in stockings drying by the fire, for
children he knew. He was later made a saint, hence, Saint Nicholas.
Candy Cane: White represents purity, representing sinless Christ, born of a virgin. Red represents the
blood of Christ. The shape of the candy cane forms the staff of the Good Shepard, Jesus, and turned
upside down, forms the letter "J" for Jesus.
Poinsettia: A plant whose flower forms a star, and are red which represents the blood of Christ, or white
which represents purity, and leaves of green representing life everlasting.
Holly: Prickly leaves with red berries represents the crown of thorns Jesus wore.
Mistletoe: Represents romance, fertility and vitality.
Tinsel: From a tale of a poor family waking up to discover the sparkle of a spider's web that had been
spun overnight, decorating their bare tree.
Gifts: Exchanged as a reflection of the gifts given to Jesus by the three Kings, and are a reminder that
our Lord and Savior is the greatest gift of all.
Not everyone who celebrates on December 25th are followers of Christ. While they continue with traditions as passed down through the generations, it is noted that non Christians reference the celebration as "Happy Holidays" rather than "Merry Christmas". Also noted, that some pagan rituals were adapted to Christianity, and used today in celebration.
Recommended Resources:
Stress Free Preparation
Shop early! OCTOBER is not too soon to start by making your list, adding ideas, and looking for deals! Set your budget per person, adjust according to your current financial situation and stick to it! Wrap as you buy and record gift on list. Remember Black Friday and Cyber Monday may be great deals, but items may sell out fast.
Plan Ahead! DECEMBER is likely to be a very busy month. Refrain from making appointments during the month, to be free for social events!
Time to Create! Start in October for hand-crafting gifts, cards, planning parties. Allow time for alternate ideas!
Decorate! December 1st is the official start of the Christmas Season. Light the lights and hang the wreath! Decorate to your heart's desire!
Send out Christmas Cards! Prepare a list of names and addresses, buy cards and stamps. Mail after December 1st and before December 20th.
Get your Tree! If you are using an artificial tree, put it up when you decorate, and leave it until New Year! If you plan to chop your own tree, it is best to do so with the plan to keep it for 2-3 weeks max. If your real tree was previously cut, be sure to cut an inch or so off the stump to open up the trees pores for ability to drink water. Treat the water and add water every day!
Bake Christmas Cookies! Fresh baked cookies are best served warm! To bake them as gifts, many recipes will keep for at least 2 weeks. To bake throughout the month of December, freeze the dough or the baked cookies.
Plan Christmas Dinner! Whether you are the host or a guest for Christmas Eve or Christmas Day, make plans to buy food items prior to December 24th!
After the big day is over, you might want to take advantage of deals on wrapping paper, cards, bows, and decorations for next year. Use those gift cards! Light those candles! Soak in those bath bombs! Eat those cookies! Share those photos! Enjoy the memories!
TWELVE DAYS OF CHRISTMAS
About the 12 Days of Christmas:
The original Christmas Carol was published in England in 1780. It is about a series of gifts, given during the 12 days after Christmas. Each gift was more grand than the first. Christians mark the 12 days that it took the wise men to travel to Bethlehem for the Epiphany, recognizing Jesus as the son of God. December 25 through January 6th mark the 12 days of Christmas.
Verses of The Twelve Days Of Christmas
Day 1: A partridge in a pear tree
Day 2: Two turtle doves
Day 3: Three French hens
Day 4: Four calling birds
Day 5: Five golden rings
Day 6: Six geese a-laying
Day 7: Seven swans a-swimming
Day 8: Eight maids a-milking
Day 9: Nine ladies dancing
Day 10: Ten lords a-leaping
Day 11: Eleven pipers piping
Day 12: Twelve drummers drumming
