I’ve finally decorated my house for Christmas. The tree is up, the ornaments are hanging on it…and that’s all I’ve done because those are pretty much all of the decorations I have. No kidding! I’ve lived in my house for five years, and that’s all I have in the way of decorations.
You’re probably asking yourself why that is. A few reasons. One, have you seen the prices of Christmas decorations? After Christmas, clearance deals will be the way to go. Two, some of the decorations out there are either gaudy, cheesy, or just meh. I’m someone that may not know what I’m looking for when I’m looking, but I’ll know once I’ve found it. Did that make sense? Gosh, I hope so.
The third reason is that it takes time to amass the collection of Christmas decorations to properly deck the halls and make the house look and feel as merry as you want it to. So, while we’re short on decorations in my household, I can assure you that we’re not short on Christmas spirit.
What Kind Of Decorations Do You Use?
What kind of holiday decorations do you have in your home? Do you have a large, robust tree? Is it real or fake? Do you have twinkling lights all over the house? Does it smell like pine and cookies all day? If any of this is your home, I’m coming over and getting tips.
With the disappointing realization that the holidays will be different this year, thanks to the pandemic that won’t go away, you and your family will probably be going a little stir crazy. Between working from home, paying the bills, getting gifts for the family (by the way, how well are you hiding yours from your family?), cleaning and putting up the decorations, sending out the holiday cards, and everything else, it’s exhausting!
Some Ideas For Things To Do With Your Children This Holiday Season
If the kids are looking for something to occupy their time between online education, their homework, and their chores, there are a few ideas on what they can do to contribute to the holiday decorations this year.
For instance, remember the ornaments of yesteryear that you used to make in school with popsicle sticks? You can do the same with your kids! Or they can string up garland made of popcorn or paper rings or other items. Kids could make a Santa advent calendar, where they glue a cotton ball on his beard to help countdown to Christmas. Check out https://www.countryliving.com/diy-crafts/g5030/christmas-crafts-for-kids/ for more ideas.
Christmas Isn’t The Only Holiday This Time Of The Year!
Let me assure you, my faithful readers. I did not forget about the other holidays in the season. While Christmas gets a lot of attention, Hanukkah is a wonderful holiday with great stories and traditions. Several close friends of mine celebrate Hanukkah, and they love to get out their menorah, dreidel, make latkes. Some are partial to the lovable plush, the Mensch on a Bench. A few creative ideas for the kids can include dreidel suncatchers, menorahs made from recycled materials, or Hanukkah advent calendars. If your kids are needing some Hanukkah craft ideas, go to this website: https://handsonaswegrow.com/hanukkah-crafts-kids/.
Last but certainly not least, Kwanzaa. According to history.com, Kwanzaa is derived from the phrase, “matunda ya kwanza,” which translates to “first fruits” in Swahili. Celebrations often include singing, dancing, African drums, storytelling, and a large meal. It’s celebrated for seven nights, and each night, the family gathers around the Kinara (candleholder) while a child lights a candle, and the seven principles (“Nguzo Saba” in Swahili) are read. The principles include unity, self-determination, collective work and responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity, and faith. Your kids can find lots of great crafting ideas to celebrate Kwanzaa at this website: https://www.activityvillage.co.uk/kwanzaa-crafts.
Don’t Forget About The Importance Of Some Alone Time.
While you’re cooped up in the house for the holidays, these crafts will help distract your kids and give you a moment to regain your sanity and maybe even sneak away for some alone time, whether it’s a shower or just enjoying a cup of coffee. Heck, you might even be able to wrap those presents for the kids! Would you be willing to wrap the presents for the Albuquerque Plumbing team? We’ll watch the kids! Promise!