You can decorate your tree with family heirloom ornaments or try something new by decorating a tree with Star Trek or superhero-themed ornaments, little trains, or Disney characters, for example. Ornaments can be homemade or store-bought. You can even use things like candy canes! Bringing evergreens into the house during winter actually predates the Christmas holiday. It was a way to bring life into the house. Decorating an evergreen tree as a Christmas tradition began in Germany in the 16th century.
The stockings were hung over the mantle because that’s where they’d put them to dry after a wet winter’s day.
You could also wrap them around a handrail on your stairs along with some fake evergreen garland. Always plug your lights into exterior GFCI outlets—do not run an extension cord from an outdoor outlet through a window. Be sure to use extension cords that are of sufficient size to support the load of the lights. You’ll see a wide range of extension cords if you go to a home improvement store—some are very thin and meant to be used inside only, while others are rated for outdoor use. [4] X Research source Most outdoor extension cords come in 3 sizes: 16-gauge, 14-gauge, and 12-gauge (the lower the gauge, the more current/amps it can handle). You can’t go wrong with a 14-gauge cord in most cases.
Mistletoe is traditionally hung in doorways. If 2 people are caught under it, they’re supposed to kiss! Mistletoe also predates the Christmas holiday, but it has long been associated with it. [7] X Research source Keep in mind that these plants can be poisonous for pets, so keep them out of reach!
You can also spray paint regular tree branches with gold, silver, or sparkly paint, then place them in vases. Candles are also used commonly for Christmas decorations. The traditional Christmas colors are green and red, but you can also use white, gold, and silver, or really any colors you want to make your home festive. You can also make ornaments out of things you have around the house, such as paper or fabric.
While advent calendars were traditionally for kids, you can find many adult-themed calendars these days, such as ones with small bottles of wine.
If you don’t have a local radio station playing Christmas songs, find songs online. You can use streaming music services to listen to them.
For some silly, fun movies, try Elf, How the Grinch Stole Christmas, or even White Christmas or “Miracle on 34th Street. " For some more serious movies, opt for one of the many versions of A Christmas Carol or try It’s a Wonderful Life.
Of course, you can go right to the source and read the story of Christmas in the Bible. You could try classic stories, such as Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol or fun children’s stories and poems, such as How the Grinch Stole Christmas or ‘Twas the Night before Christmas.
Top off the evening with some hot chocolate and marshmallows!
You could also look up videos about the birth of Jesus. You’ll find many that depict the nativity with scripture as the primary text.
Ask your friends if they know of any nearby services or if you can attend one with them.
For song ideas, try ones like “Frosty the Snowman,” “Holly, Jolly Christmas,” “Silver Bells,” “Walking in a Winter Wonderland,” “Jingle Bells,” “The Little Drummer Boy,” “Let it Snow,” or “It’s Beginning to Look a lot Like Christmas. ”
To complete the tradition, have them leave cookies and milk out for Santa on Christmas Eve. When they are asleep, drink the milk and eat the cookies, leaving some crumbs as evidence. [16] X Research source Have your kids leave carrots out for the reindeer and when they’re asleep, nibble on the carrots, leaving gnawed pieces behind.
You can also make yule logs, fruit cakes, or an apple pie. Mincemeat pie is also traditional in many countries. Making decorative houses out of gingerbread, icing, and candy is also a tradition. [18] X Research source
If you’re looking for festive drinks, try drinking, eggnog, sherry or mulled wine. Don’t forget to include some traditional desserts. Don’t be afraid to invite more than just your family. Think about people you know who may be alone on Christmas and ask them to come. Set the table with a Christmas theme with folded napkins, table runners and beautiful plates.
It’s also a good time of year to offer gifts to those in need. For instance, you can give toys to toy drives for families who are down on their luck or send packages to troops overseas. For a bit of fun, try opening one gift on Christmas Eve. Books or pajamas make good Christmas Eve gifts. However, while gift-giving is fun, there’s no reason to get into debt for it. Make sure you spend only what you can afford. [21] X Research source
You can also send Christmas cards to nursing homes or troops overseas to let them know they’re remembered at Christmas.
You won’t have to look hard to find someplace to give, as many charities put up donation centers and boxes this time of year. You could also buy groceries anonymously for a family you know is struggling.
If you want to keep Christmas going throughout the year, try volunteering your time once a week.
