Not only do I have five thrifty Christmas ideas for you today, I've also got a FUN giveaway. For this month's Thrifty Style Team series, we've teamed up to bring you a giveaway. Enter to win a $125 Amazon gift card below...perfect for some last-minute shopping. See these thrifty Christmas ideas and enter this giveaway below.
This year, the Thrifty Style Team wants to send a big THANK YOU to all of our wonderful readers. So, for our holiday edition this year, we're doing an Amazon gift card giveaway to show our appreciation to you for joining our thrifty fun every month. See how to enter below.
5 Thrifty Christmas Ideas
Before I chat about the giveaway, I wanted to share my five favorite Thrifty Style Team holiday editions from years' passed. Our monthly series always gives me something to look forward to and is a nice way to think out of the box and get creative. These five ideas are all holiday-style and budget-friendly.
Then, be sure to enter the giveaway at the end of the post!
Easy Holiday Hoops
The above JOY Hoops were some of my absolute favorites. I posted these for 2019's November Thrifty Style Team edition. And...they're made from FREE PRINTABLES! No skills required (except the use of a glue gun. Be sure to check out these fun Easy Holiday Hoops with Free Printables.
DIY Scented Pine Cones
Need a fun project while we're all cooped up during the holidays? These DIY Scented Pine Cones are easy and will make your space feel so festive. They make sweet gifts, too. Plus, they're very budget friendly. See How to Make Scented Pine Cones. This was from the December 2019 Thrifty Style Team Edition.
How to Make Christmas Tassels
And last month, I created lots of festive holiday-themed Christmas tassels. I have a super nifty tool to make creating these a cinch. Be sure to check out How to Make Christmas Tassels.
Vintage Christmas Coffee Bar
My Vintage Christmas Coffee Bar from the 2018 December Thrifty Style Team edition was a reader favorite. This space started with my mother's vintage red canisters and kind of grew from there. It's filled with lots of thrifty tips to create your own coffee area this holiday season. Check out these Christmas Coffee Bar Ideas here.
Vintage Christmas Postcards
And, of course, I had to throw a printable in there, too, right? Make that several prints. These free printable Vintage Christmas Postcards have SIX designs. They're lovely for decor or correspondence this holiday season. Check out these Free Printable Vintage Christmas Postcards here.
Thrifty Style Team Giveaway
Again, we're giving away this awesome gift card to Amazon...spend it on your holiday shopping or just treat yourself! You only have to enter on one of our blogs to be entered. Our coordinator, Julie, will be doing the drawing at the end of the giveaway, on December 19th. The winner will be notified via email.
How to Enter
All you have to do is leave a comment below (on this blog post, not on social media), letting me know your own favorite holiday tradition. THAT'S IT!
Please note, you'll need to make sure your email address is connected to your profile that you're leaving your comment under. If it's not, and you feel comfortable doing so, you can leave your email address within the comment.
Not only are you entered to win by leaving a comment about your favorite tradition, we can all learn some fun traditions from one another. GOOD LUCK!
<<GIVEAWAY CLOSED. WINNER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED.>>
I get matching pjs for my household and then my whole family facetimes on christmas eve to do a big secret santa reveal!
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteholiday collars on dogs
ReplyDeleteMasking christmas cookies and treats ALL month long!
ReplyDeleteOn Christmas all 10 of us get in our PJs, get sleeping bags, curl up with hot chocolate, popcorn or other favorite snacks to watch Its a Wonderful Life & Miracle on 34th Street. Get up Christmas morning to family breakfast before opening gifts.
ReplyDeleteI love piling in to the back of my husbands truck with the kids and nieces as we drive through a local neighborhood to look at all of the Christmas lights. We wear Santa hats and drink hot cocoa- so much fun!!!
ReplyDeleteThat sounds like so much fun!
DeleteChristmas is the best Holiday for me , because of the giving. I love to give prezzies to friends and loved one's. It is just the best thing to do , and the most beneficial for both the giver and the receiver.
ReplyDeleteSinging Christmas carols with kids, which also makes the dogs howl. :)
ReplyDeleteHonestly, one of my favorite Christmas traditions would have to be when my grandma would set up these trays of finger foods and whatnot just for us to open our Christmas presents. ♡
ReplyDeleteSorry about the deleted comment showing, my phone kinda spazzed out a little bit so I had to fix my comment lol
DeleteOur family attends church on Christmas eve to thank God for the birth of His Son, Jesus.
ReplyDeleteAmen!
Deleteas a grandmother now living away from them all in other states I have to say traditions have changed thru the yrs but its fun to see what traditions are being passed along. Several, but one is for each child to have their own small tree to decorate their own way in their room. Christmas Eve Santa puts a gift under that tree that is a quiet toy so when someone wakes in the morning all excited to get the day started they stay in their room w/ their first new quiet gift until the "go ahead" is given for all to start the day :-)
ReplyDeleteMy favorite Christmas tradition is being with the entire family on Christmas morning, reading the Christmas story from the Bible, then having breakfast and exchanging gifts. The time spent together is priceless
ReplyDeleteYes, it is priceless!
DeleteI love the vintage Christmas theme and the cocoa bar is my favorite. I've done one myself and can't wait to share it with my grandbabies!
ReplyDeleteAll of our extended family meets on Christmas Eve and we eat our favorite Christmas snacks and goodies. We then attend the evening Christmas Eve service at our church. We finish our night by piling into our cars and driving around looking at Christmas lights. My children are older now but still love this family tradition ❤
ReplyDeleteI love that!
DeleteFor decades the tradition in our extended family was a big dinner on Christmas Day. A few of us in the family changed that tradition and started a Christmas EVE dinner tradition years ago when my four kids were smaller and it felt too overwhelming/exhausting to cook a big dinner on Christmas Day (after being up late wrapping gifts and getting up before dawn with kids). Now, we cook and eat on Christmas Eve, and on Christmas Day we eat leftovers and I get to sit down and relax!! Christmas is now the most relaxing day of the year for this busy mom, and traditions can be changed! :)
ReplyDeleteMy favorite Christmas traditions are putting up the Christmas tree the day after Thanksgiving with my son, reading the Night before Christmas, and making sugar cookies for Santa with him.
ReplyDeleteI love Cookie Day with my daughters! We bake cookies and make a few candies, box them up, and give as gifts to co-workers and family friends. Time together is the best thing of all.
ReplyDeleteOne of our families holiday traditions are all getting in our pajamas on Christmas eve with a cup of homemade hot chocolate and riding around looking at Christmas lights.
ReplyDeleteMy favorite holiday tradition is driving around our town and looking at Christmas lights.
ReplyDeleteStringing popcorn and cranberries with my grand kids to hang on the trees for the birds.
ReplyDeleteOur holiday tradition was Always going to Christmas Eve candle light service at our church but this year with pandemic & everything it just won't be happening this year. :{
ReplyDeleteThank You for this wonderful giveaway opportunity
My favorite Christmas tradition that we do is baking sugar cookies and frosting them. There have been several through the years but yes, some have gone away. My other favorite tradition is getting together with my dad's side of our family, we live in different parts but we all come together at my grandma's house to visit, do a fun gift exchange, and of course eat. We won't be doing that this year, but it's ok.
ReplyDeleteThe annual Christmas Tree lighting ceremony at our church where we hang a picture of our son who was 16, went to Heaven in 2008 so that he will never be forgotten.
ReplyDeleteGod bless you!
DeleteFor Christmas, my family attends Christmas Eve Candle Light/Holy Communion Service. On our way home, we take a drive to view Christmas lights in town and the neighborhood. We return home to have a riveting game of Christmas Trivia. Each year is another great year, it never is boring and it is always different with lots of laughter, hugs and love. And we never forget the cookies for Santa! But before we do that, we read the best story of all, the birth of Jesus to remind why we celebrate this season and then off to bed in our Christmas jammies waiting to see what Santa brings.
ReplyDeleteJoy, you are very aptly named! :)
DeleteMy kids love making the cinnamon hard ornaments (not sure the real name of them🙂) I like them to because they hang and smell so good.
ReplyDeleteWe also like to bake and give to neighbors, family and friends. (This year looked different 😞 we weren’t sure how people would take getting baked goods so we made bags with cookie mix and all the things needed and gave to others) of course we bake for Santa’s cookies to leave out and we sprinkle “reindeer food” that we make for the yard. (A mixture of glitter and oatmeal).
Great time of giving and joy
Bake holiday goodies!
ReplyDeleteI love making my Christmas cake with my daughter using my nannas mixing bowl and tin x
ReplyDeleteAs a family, we have a Lasagna dinner on Christmas Eve. Then we all go to Midnight Mass. My sister-in-law is a cloistered nun, and the last few years,she comes home to be with all of us. We will not be together this year because of the pandemic. Thanks for the chance. (jozywails@gmail.com)
ReplyDeleteBaking together with my children.
ReplyDeleteOn Christmas eve we pile in the car and search for the best Christmas light desplays
ReplyDeleteOur Christmas tradition is always going to church on Christmas Eve and then going to my in laws for dinner. Christmas Day we wake up to a good cooked breakfast and then open presents with the kids.
ReplyDeleteOpening one present on Christmas eve
ReplyDeleteJust being with my family!
ReplyDeleteOur little family always sits down on Christmas eve and plays a board fame. Then we get in our PJ's,pop some popcorn, and watch the Grinch. Such a fun tradition.
ReplyDeleteIt was getting together with family on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, but we moved out of state a few months ago so I'm not sure what, if any, traditions we will be doing or starting.
ReplyDeleteMy favorite Christmas tradition is going to Christmas Eve service at church and them coming home to open one gifts- which is always pajamas that my kids wear that night. It’s grown to my older kids giving my husband and I pj’s as well.
ReplyDeleteGrowing up Christmas was not really a big deal. Yeah, we had a tree and presents, but there was no other decorations or anything. Christmas dinner was usually Ham but other than that nothing really stands out in my memory. Now, I love to get out all of the tree decorations that we collected or the ones my Son, Husband and I made together. They don't always make it on the tree every year, but the memories they invoke are as real as the day they happened. I try to decorate my house with Christmas everywhere. I rarely do a lot of Santa stuff, but like to keep it a Celebration of the birth of Christ.
ReplyDeleteMe, too.
DeleteMy favorite thing is to get the tree up and decorated...each ornament has special meaning. Of past friends and family. ..and the new ones added is on the front so I can enjoy them..my tree is on a slow turning base so I can see all..merry Christmas. Thanks for the chance to win.
ReplyDeleteGetting to spend time with family that I don't get to see often because of living out-of-state.
ReplyDeleteI love getting the house all ready Christmas morning by turning on Christmas music and lights before my little girls run out of the hallway into the living room to open presents!
ReplyDeleteMy favorite Christmas tradition,
ReplyDeleteWhen my brother and sister an mom an dad would get together and see what Santa brought the little ones and then open presents. Mom would cool a huge Christmas dinner an my sister an I would help. Then we’d eat an sing songs for awhile. But this will be the 1st Christmas without my mom an it’s gonna be hard for me.
Tammy S
tmoser2009@gmail.com
God bless you!
DeleteMy favorite Christmas tradition,
ReplyDeleteWhen my brother and sister an mom an dad would get together and see what Santa brought the little ones and then open presents. Mom would cool a huge Christmas dinner an my sister an I would help. Then we’d eat an sing songs for awhile. But this will be the 1st Christmas without my mom an it’s gonna be hard for me.
Tammy S
tmoser2009@gmail.com
As cliché as it may sound, getting together with my family, relatives and friends is my favourite tradition.
ReplyDeleteI'm from Venezuela and in latin America, we take very seriously these relationships, we are very close (ie: although not blood related, I also call my friend's relatives, aunt, uncle, grandma/grandpa, etc) and respectful.
Now that most of us live overseas (Canada, US, Spain, Colombia, Argentina, Paraguay, Panamá, England and France) due to the ongoing political situation, we get to share through zoom parties the holidaus and any other event (minor or major) that we would normally celebrate back at home.
Thanks for the opportunity.
Decorating the new house for Christmas so much fun.
ReplyDelete
ReplyDeleteGetting new pjs on Christmas eve and watching Its a wonderful Life.
My girls and I spend the day at my Mom's house, with the rest of my family. Her house may be small, really small, but we all pile in, just so that we can all be together. I hope that I've instilled the rule that family is most important and best gift to receive at Christmas.
ReplyDeleteYes! They won't always be here!
DeleteMine is going to local Nursing homes & decorating & getting gifts for the ones who are there and never have any visitors of family or friends. I cannot stand the thought of them all alone during the holidays. Their smiles are always priceless gift to me. Happy Holidays to everyone of your loved ones.
ReplyDeleteI applaud you!
DeleteDriving around looking at Christmas Lights and reading the Christmas story with my family. Dfahrmeier@wntigers.net
ReplyDeleteMy favorite Christmas tradition is decorate the first week of November. I LOVE Christmas and love to loo at my decor and tree for a couple of months. This year I opted for black and red buffalo check.
ReplyDeleteMerry Christmas and Happy New Year To All!
Thank you Kristi for the chance.
Last night my hubby surprised me with an early Christmas gift. A Cricut Maker! I've wanted one ever since I found your site! Normally I would be making cookies every day until New Year's, but I'm going to be having too much fun with my new Cricut! Thank you so much for all you do for all of us. Merry Christmas!
ReplyDeleteMy favorite Christmas tradition is we drink hot cocoa and listen to Christmas music while we decorate our house for Christmas together as a family.
ReplyDeleteI love opening stockings! It has always been my favorite thing. I don't really care what's in the stocking but it just makes things fun! It was always the first thing we did when arriving to our family Christmas celebration and I've loved it ever since!
ReplyDeleteMy favorite Christmas tradition is decorate the first week of November. I LOVE Christmas and love to loo at my decor and tree for a couple of months. This year I opted for black and red buffalo check.
ReplyDeleteMerry Christmas and Happy New Year To All!
Thank you Kristi for the chance.
At our house we bake Christmas goodies and take to individuals in our neighborhood. A lot of them are elderly widows and senior couples. It's so nice to bring a smile to their faces.
ReplyDeleteWe do a traditional Fondue instead of turkey etc...and prepare a breakfast casserole..for Christmas morning...just heat oven bake for abt 30-40 minutes...
ReplyDeleteOur family Christmas Cookie exchange!
ReplyDeleteI love driving around looking at the lights. Spending time with my grown children. The best tradition is just the feeling of peace.
ReplyDeleteMy favorite holiday tradition is getting together with my six grandchildren and helping them to craft some kind of gifts For their parents and teachers. They love giving something they made. Happy holidays everyone
ReplyDeletePutting up and trimming the tree and nativity. Some traditions vary from year to year but the tree and nativity are always a must!
ReplyDeleteOn Christmas Eve, my kids open up new pajamas & a new Christmas movie or game. We drive around looking at Christmas lights & then stop at a local church & snap a pic in front of a huge Christmas tree. Then back at home we watch that new movie or play that game while wearing our new pajamas.
ReplyDeletekristimriggs@yahoo.com
Having all the family together and handing out presents at midnight
ReplyDeleteTraditions that we are able to keep this year are more important than ever. We will drive around looking at lights after school break starts. (Yes, our district is still safely open.)
ReplyDeleteGoing to see family. We live out of state.
ReplyDeleteWe always got to open up one random present on christmas eve and then watch christmas movies and eat christmas treats until we fell asleep. That has to be one of my most favorite traditions! ����
ReplyDeleteMy favorite Christmas tradition is on Christmas Eve, all the kids search for the christmas pickle hidden somewhere on the tree. The first to spot it will get a present early. We finish the night with cookies and cocoa for all.
ReplyDeleteAs an Indian, Every festivals are a time for celebration, colours and new dresses...Best Childhood memories are the dresses gifted to us during the festivals.
ReplyDeleteBaking coo with my grandsons!
ReplyDeleteI LOVE going to Christmas Eve service at church! My favorite part is when we light candles at the end and everyone sings Silent Night in the candlelight. <3
ReplyDeleteI like driving around my town looking at the light displays.
ReplyDeleteSinging ”Happy Birthday” to Jesus. And going to grandma's on Christmas day after our presents were open.
ReplyDeleteWe always go to my nanas house and have a long brunch then everyone sits around and opens presents (on christmas morning) and then stay all day til dinner playing games and catching up with the family members we dont normally get to see.. its great fun
ReplyDeleteWe started giving our children books Dec 1-24th as an avent calendar last year. This year I found tiny books inside a large book and reading starts our down time before bed.
ReplyDeleteEvery year we get matching Christmas pajamas, drink hot chocolate and watch Christmas Vacation. We also read a new Christmas book every year with our daughter before leaving out Santa’s cookies!
ReplyDeleteI love listening to Amy Grant Christmas music and Evie’s “Come on ring those bells” when I decorate the house and make cookies with my kids. It reminds me of doing the same when I was a little girl.
ReplyDeleteGifting my kids Christmas jammies and a new ornament each Christmas Eve!
ReplyDeleteSloppy Joes on Christmas Eve.
ReplyDeleteOur family tradition: The kids decorate the Christmas Tree. Always looks beautiful :)
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
DeleteI love bundling the kids up in the car, with some hot chocolate, and driving around town looking at Christmas lights and singing Christmas carols!
ReplyDeletem_pelton@yahoo.com
Listening to Christmas Carols and driving around looking at all the lights. Always special!!
ReplyDeleteWatching Christmas movies all month long.
ReplyDeleteAfter dinner my family plays a few games and then head to the Christmas Eve service at church. When we get home we read The Night Before Christmas followed by each of us opening one Christmas gift.
ReplyDeletebaking a variety of Christmas cookies with my Mom. It started with my Grandmother and now my daughter joins us. Hopefully it will be a tradition for many years to come.
ReplyDeleteWe have the kids decorate the Christmas Tree. Always looks beautiful: ) gdionicia25@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteWe always go to Church Christmas Eve reminding us of the true meaning of Christmas. It warms your soul and your feet:) Thank you Kristi for sharing your talents all year long!
ReplyDeleteOur tradition is to have Christmas day at home. We have our youngest child open the first gift and we open gifts one at a time rather than all at once.
ReplyDeleteOur family meets the first weekend in December in Burnet, Texas to walk through Main Street Bethlehem put on by the First Baptist Church. They do an amazing job of recreating the ancient city of Bethlehem. We walk through experiencing the sights, smells and tastes of that time and place. In the end you see the manger with Mary & Joseph and the baby Jesus. I am sad that it has understandably been cancelled this year. We look forward to going again next year.
ReplyDeleteEach year "Santa" wraps all the gifts for the kids in special paper he picks out. When they see the tree, they know whose gifts are whose by the paper. Each paper is geared toward what they like.
ReplyDeleteThat's cool!
DeleteBaking Christmas cookies! I am the designated family "cookie girl" and I bake at 15+ kinds of cookies and 10+ kinds of candies...I bring cookie trays to every holiday get together and give cookie boxes away to friends and neighbors.
ReplyDeleteOur family has many Christmas traditions but my favorite and the one I'm so glad my children took to heart is thinking of others and secretly doing something special for a family that might be going without at Christmas time. Spreading holiday cheer and giving from the heart is the spirit of Christmas.
ReplyDeleteSpending time with my family and all my nieces and nephews, sadly this year we’re not able to spend time together as a family. It’s going to be hard.. :’(
ReplyDeleteNcooperyates@gmail.com
I love taking my granddaughters to the Gala of Lights. The living nativity, the fireworks, cookies and hot chocolate make it a great night. This year santa was in a sleigh 10 feet away, but they still enjoyed it
ReplyDeleteMy favorite Christmas tradition is gathering with our family on Christmas Eve. We eat, drink and enjoy stories before heading to Christmas Eve church service. I am so blessed, life is good!
ReplyDeleteLove going to Christmas Eve services.
ReplyDeletewhen my sons were growing up we would lie with our heads under the tree and look up through the branches with all thr other house lights off. We would talk about what we were grateful for and how we were blessed to be family. We now do it with our grandchildren.
ReplyDeleteI enjoy buying matching pajama for us to wear while we drive around looking at lights on Christmas Eve. It's a tradition that I started when the kids were little and has stuck with us through their teens. We also bake and deliver cookies to close friends and family while we're driving around!
ReplyDeleteWe set up our Nativity set on the first day of Advent, with an empty creche, and small bowl of straw. For each kind act or good deed the kids do, they secretly place a piece of straw in the creche. On Christmas Eve, we read the Christmas story and place Baby Jesus in the creche filled with straw.
ReplyDeleteMy favorite Christmas tradition is having all the kids and grandblessings over on Christmas Eve afternoon and having food and gifts. Then going to our church for the Christmas Eve service. We sing Christmas songs and on the last song we all hold a lighted candle and sing Silent Night. It’s just so special and always gives me such a feeling of peace as I focus on the night of Jesus’ birth. Thank you for the chance to win this gift card. Merry Christmas to you, Kristi! 🎄❣️🎄❣️🎄
ReplyDeleteOn Christmas Eve, after attending mass, my whole family gets together for snacks and finger foods and games. And after everyone is full and ready to head back home, my mother gives us all one present to open before we leave... new flannel nightgowns or pajamas that she has made us for to wear this Christmas Eve night! As she is getting older, us daughters have pitched in and helped with the sewing and making pjs for the grandchildren as our family is growing. It’s a treasured tradition that we intended to carry on for many years to come.
ReplyDeleteMy favorite tradition is wrapping the kids and grandgoblins gifts in their own special paper (No name tags for anyone to peek at) . Once we get up and have a huge family breakfast, everyone gets their stocking. At the bottom of all of their stocking goodies is a post-it sized square of THEIR special wrapping paper. Then the FUN really begins, everyone goes to the tree and collects their gifts and then we have "rounds" to open them such as oldest to youngest goes first, round 1...youngest to oldest, round 2... sometimes we throw in some trivia ... it really is A LOT of fun and the best part is the memories we all share! Good luck to everyone and have a safe, blessed, Merry Christmas!
ReplyDeleteMy favorite holiday tradition is finding a new nativity for my collection. Some come and go over the years and some are'keepers' meant to pass on to our kids and grands. Love your printables, all over the house!!
ReplyDeleteMy favorite holiday tradition has always been going Christmas caroling - sadly won't be doing that this year due to the pandemic. I also love to decorate an outside tree "for the birds" with birdseed wreaths and ornaments, peanut butter pine cones, and other treats left at the bottom of the tree for the squirrels and raccoons to enjoy.
ReplyDeleteMy favorite holiday tradition is driving around town with my family looking at christmas lights. Every year we make coffee, tea, or coco and grab several blankets because we drive around with our windows cracked or open so its as close to a sleigh ride as we can get.
ReplyDeleteGoing every year to the Gaylord Texan Hotel for all of their holiday activities with my boys, including their annual ICE exhibit.
ReplyDeleteBaking cookies with my grandson.
ReplyDeleteMy favorite Christmas tradition is driving around town with the family to look at Christmas lights. We live in Florida so we usually have our windows open because many of the homes also have music playing.
ReplyDeleteMy favorite is being in the kitchen with my girls (triplet 17 year olds) every year making candy and Christmas cookies!
ReplyDeleteSince the early 90's, my family always gets together on Christmas Eve at my parents house. My dad always made this wonderful "icebox" fruitcake that everyone looked forward to arguing over (not really). This will be the 2nd Christmas without him making the ooey gooey confection, but we still get together. After all, isn't the holiday about love and family? I wish you and yours a very merry and safe Christmas.
ReplyDeleteMy favorite Christmas tradition is Elf on the Shelf. Our kids love looking for him every morning. It is such a joyous way to start each day.
ReplyDeleteWe gather our 4 grandchildren to decorate gingerbread houses. It has progressed from Grandma helping the 2 girls and Grandpa assisting the 2 boys to the point where each of them now design their own and we just admire their creativity. Oldest is now 14 and still wants to do this!
ReplyDeleteOur families favorite tradition is taking our 14 passenger karaoke van around to see christmas lights while singing Christmas carole's the van is decked out with lights and wireless microphones. A karaoke machine. It's so much fun
ReplyDeleteMy mother started our Christmas Eve tradition which began with the Candlelight Service at church then a celebration with the whole family, an appearance from Santa and a holiday spread anyone would enjoy. I am the oldest of 6 so the family has grown enormously (5 new babies last year). My mom would love that we have continued this special tradition. I am sure Mom smiles down on us for continuing her tradition.
ReplyDeleteI began wrapping Christmas story books for my grandson. When he comes over he gets to unwrap them. At first it was one now he opens several since I keep finding awesome Christmas books. We sit down with some hot cocoa and "Storytime with Nanna". I am excited to continue this with his baby brother.
I usally bake a lot of cookies and share them with my family, friends and colleagues. Now that we are still experiencing social distancing, I'm planning a special secret delivery of a little treat box with a personalized handmade tag ;)
ReplyDeleteour family tradition was to have one person slip outside on Christmas eve and shake a set of bells outside the children's bedroom window...while inside the mention of hearing sleigh bells ringing would quiet the kids to listen and dream of Santa.
ReplyDeleteMy tradition is Christmas eve is my mama and her moms birthday! mama always wants a chocolate cake with 7 minute frosting and we always do a snack party with things like sausage balls and sliders and all the good stuff lol we carry on the tradition of making nut rolls that my daddy started a long time ago.When it gets dark we open all our gifts. my main email is meluvchris418 at yahoo dot com
ReplyDeleteWe have our daughter and her 7 year old son living with us. Our tradition has been a month long event, starting with Elf on the Shelf. Putting up the tree after Thanksgiving and decorating it together. We wake early Christmas morning, get our coffee and grandson passes out presents.Christmas ham and all the trimmings in the oven. Look forward to this every year!
ReplyDeleteWe have our daughter and her 7 year old son living with us. Our tradition has been a month long event, starting with Elf on the Shelf. Putting up the tree after Thanksgiving and decorating it together. We wake early Christmas morning, get our coffee and grandson passes out presents.Christmas ham and all the trimmings in the oven. Look forward to this every year!
ReplyDeleteMy favorite tradition was taking my sons and now my granddaughters every year to a local International Christmas shop to purchase an ornament. This helps build a collection for them for when they have their own tree. And, happy memories for us.
ReplyDeleteUntil this year, my aunt comes and spends the weekend and we make cookies, candies, and various other treats. We bag it all up and deliver to family and friends. 2020 sucks thanks to COVID. We have already decided to do it bigger next year, though so looking forward to it!
ReplyDeleteThe kids and I have the tradition of making our holiday ornaments. Our favorite most years have been the snowman theme; every year is a different one. It's been fun to look back at each and reflect on the years passed.
ReplyDeleteI've tried to start family traditions with my family which is just me and my husband, but he just isn't interested. We made a gingerbread house the first year we were married, but it was a flop. We made an easy candy the second year, but I got tired of hearing his complaining so I haven't really tried to have a family tradition since. But the past couple of years we decided that we would celebrate Christmas Day alone together (without extended family) so we could have some quality time together. We see extended family on another day. This year my siblings and I are going to have a Zoom Christmas party! But regardless of traditions or lack of, we have Jesus to be thankful for and grateful to!
ReplyDeletedr.carol@cbpharmacyconsulting.com
DeleteWe love to go through our things and gather stuff to give to those less fortunate. We make sure everything is nice and clean and then we gift wrap them and drop it all off to nursing homes or daycares. We also buy things to drop off at Toy for Tots. My daughter even writes little notes to go with each gift. leslieann2337@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteEvery year, I make a special Christmas ornament for my family to enjoy on their trees.
ReplyDeleteMy Christmas tradition is to bake holiday cookies & candies with my Mom & daughter. Then sharing them with family & friends!
ReplyDeleteWe love to go through our things and gather stuff to give to those less fortunate. We make sure everything is nice and clean and then we gift wrap them and drop it all off to nursing homes or daycares. We also buy things to drop off at Toy for Tots. My daughter even writes little notes to go with each gift. leslieann2337@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteMy husband and I had our 2nd date on Christmas night after we celebrated with our families. Nothing was open of course, so we made a frozen pizza and watched Christmas movies. Now our family tradition is this same thing every year!
ReplyDeleteGathering with my neighbors at a town party with a visit from Santa. Sadly, we won't be able to gather, this year. But, we are doing virtual activities!
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteOne of our favorite traditions is watching the movie Elf while we decorate our cut out cookies.
ReplyDeleteMy favorite holiday tradition is packing everyone in the car and taking a drive around town to look at all the Christmas Lights. We make hot chocolate and Christmas Cookies to take with us, and blast Christmas Carols. The kids love it.
ReplyDeleteOn Christmas eve my kids and I go to my parents' house where we eat Italian food that my dad has prepared...Bakala salad, shrimp, and sometimes squid pasta or smelts. This year I started a new tradition with friends where we hike into the mountains in Nevada and find a Christmas tree. That was a blast!
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteWe always buy the kids a new ornament that has something to do with what they did that year. It's not always easy to find an ornament to coordinate with the year. The year my youngest son had a mass in his chest removed. I struggled to find the right ornament, I finally settled on Scar from Lion King, because he will forever have scars on his chest. I was pretty proud of myself for that one. Lol
ReplyDeleteYes, Chinese Food! It's the one thing we know we won't be served on Christmas when we visit family (rotates among different houses every year)
ReplyDeletemy 3 daughters and I stay up all night on Christmas eve and cook and bake , we always sample everything along the wY, miss those days they are all now moved far away
ReplyDeleteMaking cookies with my sisters and my nieces :)
ReplyDeleteChristmas Past: Lining up in age order on the top step before coming down to see & open Santa's presents - and making sure Santa put Baby Jesus in the manger's "crib".
ReplyDeleteChristmas Present: Visiting my parents over TG weekend together to do their holiday decorating.
Christmas Future: When my boys decorate THEIR trees with the ornaments we made each year featuring their art.
I still make the same sugar cookies (with red and green sprinklers) for my grown children and grandchildren that my mom made for us and my grandmother made for mom and her brothers
ReplyDeleteWe have a stocking on the mantle for Jesus. We leave notes about what we are thankful for or what we are giving Him for the next year. No one reads them and we have over 20 years of notes in it!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great giveaway, and I love your blog! I look forward to the emails! balarus@hotmail.com
My favorite part about Christmas is going to candle light service and singing all the familiar Christmas carols on Christmas Eve to celebrate Jesus birthday! As a child, my dad would always drive us around town to see all the beautiful lights before church. I'm pretty sure my mom was at home playing "Santa" and after he dropped us off at church to prepare for the children's program, he would go back and get mom for church! Seeing all the lights always reminds me that Jesus came to be the light of the world and is the reason for the season!I loved all the excitement in the air, and if it was lightly snowing, it was even better!!
DeleteHi! I love all of your printables and tech device backgrounds! My favorite Christmas tradition when I was a kid was my families annual Christmas Eve party. Now that I have my own kids, I think our advent books and boxes are my favorite. I put candy, crafts, small toys, and activity cards in 24 boxes for my kids to open each day until Christmas. I also wrap 24 of our Christmas books for them to open each night. The joy and wonder in their faces each time they get to see what’s in their boxes or open their books is so precious to me. 😊
ReplyDeleteWe have always loved giving what we call “back to back” gifts. You sit back to back while opening your gift as you both have the same thing! 😉❤️
ReplyDeleteOur family lights a candle on our advent wreath each Sunday of Advent. We sing a Christmas Carol and read a Bible verse that goes along with the meaning of that candle. It quiets our hearts for a few minutes during the busy season.
ReplyDeleteSadly, being "older" and now disabled, most of our traditions have gone the way of the Dodo, either due to financial constraints or the kids now being adults and scattered far and wide. One of my favorites from years past was the Christmas Eve box. Each year we'd get the kids all a new set of Christmas PJ's, a special Christmas themed stuffie friend, slippers and a robe. The kids always got to open these boxes Christmas eve, then run to change into their new jammies! We'd then all sit down with Hot Cocoa, some cookies and a chosen Christmas Movie. I know our one "established" son observes a similar tradition with his kids now.
ReplyDeleteSince the kids were little we made it a tradition to open gifts at midnight since we celebrate Christmas eve with the family and we roast a lechon (pig) and the family gets together. Today, my boys are full grown men and we still carry on this tradition. I wish everyone a very safe and wonderful Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. May 2021 be a better year for us all.
ReplyDeleteI always do Christmas pjs on Christmas Eve......even now that my kids are grown! My grandkids are teens and young adults and they all get them!
ReplyDeleteI enjoy sharing gifts with our friends and neighbors. We binge watch Christmas movies and enjoy the family time.
ReplyDeleteMaking my husband's family traditional Polish sweet bread. I was taught how to make it from my mother in las and she had been taught to make from her mother in law.
ReplyDeleteHello! I have two favorite Christmas traditions. Even though me and my siblings are all grown adults and have kids of our own; my mom picks out and gifts us a new children's picture Christmas book each year. I love that I have an awesome collection to enjoy with my daughter each year.
ReplyDeleteThe other tradition I love is that each year we get a new puzzle and family board game. The puzzle we do throughout the holiday season, the game we open on Christmas eve and play it together as a family.
Both of these traditions are full of time together, relaxation and good skills for learning.
After our church Christmas Eve candlelight service, the family all comes over for a light dinner with delightful appetizers and sweet treats. The candles are lit everywhere in the house, as well as the Christmas lights and it’s just a beautiful time together. 😊
ReplyDeleteOur Christmas Tradition is too watch Christmas themed movies on Christmas Eve / put the turkey on slow to cook over night / have an egg nog drink before going to bed and pop the sockings on the childrens bed after midnight then pray they sleep in until at least 6 O Clock xxxxxxxxx Merry Christmas to everyone and there families and stay safe during these difficult times xxxxx
ReplyDeleteEver since my kids were little we made Christmas cookies to give neighbors and friends, and these are special cookies that my mother in law made with her kids. Now that my kids are grown and have kids of their own, my grandchildren help me make the cookies, and e have do much fun, flour everywhere, sprinkles on the floor , we have a ball, laughing and me telling stories to them about their parents as kids. A fun time I look forward to every year
ReplyDeleteWe do not live near family members as do some of our friends. So Christmas Day evening We all gather together to enjoy getting together and as the children have grown enjoy seeing and hearing about what they are doing as we often don't see another often
ReplyDeleteThese years it's more about remembering past traditions that we enjoyed with our families. My favorite is spending hours making Christmas goodies for the rest of the family. Still have wonderful memories of the many things my mom made all of us for Christmas gifts. Love cherishing those memories as they still warm my heart.
ReplyDeleteMy favorite holiday tradition is having the kids open up 1 present on Christmas Eve (always new pajamas) and then we take pictures in front of the tree, drink hot cocoa, and play games.
ReplyDeleteAs a single mom for the last 10 years, we struggled for a while and didn't really have Christmas, unless it was with help from friends or family, or salvation army, we didn't have a tree for up for three years. I finally got a handle on some of it. But the one thing constant in all the struggles was we always went different places and looked at Christmas lights together. We also like to take pics with the different places. We don't have a lot and I pray everyday that God will make a way for us each and every day. I am praying now that I can get our bikes out of law away and not lose them.:(
ReplyDeleteOne of my favorite traditions is making Christmas desserts and sweets. I also love that my family makes sure to visit any Christmas lights around us.
ReplyDeleteAdopting a family in need, giving gifts, and food for the Christmas Holiday. My young kids learned so much from this tradition that they now pass on to their kids!
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ReplyDeleteOne of my favorite traditions is making Christmas desserts and sweets. I also love that my family makes sure to visit any Christmas lights around us.
tiffinymarie@hotmail.com
When my son was young, my favorite holiday tradition was adding a new Christmas picture book each year. Now that he is a man, I get them out and read through them remember the special times we had. Hopefully, I will have grandchildren to continue the tradition.
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DeleteI love making an Advent calendar for my former foster son. He gets scripture and a small gift; this year I added a little exercise that we do together on our nightly phone calls. I found some small foldable houses in a local Dollar General that I mounted on foam board for his calendar=)
ReplyDeleteMy Christmas tradition is to travel to North Carolina from Nebraska to spend 2 weeks with my daughter and her family. The grandkids and I make Christmas crafts and cookies, wrap gifts and spend time at the park, weather permitting
ReplyDeleteMy husband's family gathers at his parents, every year, and we eat (I bring the holiday salads,)
ReplyDeleteopen gifts & play games. It's been so fun as the families have grown and now there are great
grandchildren in the mix so that keeps it lively and the wonder of Christmas continues.
I love to spend time with my family at my Parents house Christmas Day. This is the one time of year that we all seem to be able to be together.We spend time talking and catching up with each other and the cousins all play together. This year is going to be different because of Covid we are not getting together this year. We have all agreed that the health and safety of everyone is more important. Merry Christmas
ReplyDeleteMy favorite tradition is going to Church as a family on Christmas Eve and heading back to one of our family's house for a night of appetizers (dinner is next day, so it's fresh and fun little foods) and laughing and talking about fun memories from the year before. It literally makes me giddy thinking about years past but also a bit sad for this year. But! I think this year we are baking a birthday cake for Jesus and letting my girls start a new tradition with just us.
ReplyDeleteWe go caroling to invite people around town to a Christmas Eve church service. After the service we go home and have soup and hot chocolate (and Christmas cookies!!). Looking to start some fun traditions with our littles (4 & 2) that they’ll remember after they’re grown.
ReplyDeleteLove decorating our home. Also spending time with family.
ReplyDeleteSleeping in, and then reading from Luke.
ReplyDeleteGoing to the tree farm and cutting down our own Christmas tree :)
ReplyDeleteOur family attends a Christmas Eve Candlelight service and I always....always cry ..... it's beautiful and memorable.
ReplyDeleteEvery year since my oldest daughter was five, we've taken an evening with each of our girls to take them individually out for late night hot chocolate and shopping so they can find the perfect gift for the special ones on their list. I always love watching them count up their allowance money, make their list and budget and then helping them work through it. It is proof that it truly is better to give than receive and I love watching them glow over each gift they give to one another.
ReplyDeletehollycpearson@gmail.com
My mom, sisters and sisters-in-law exchange Christmas ornaments every year. My tree is FULL of meaningful memories and reminders of my family! <3
ReplyDeleteMy favorite Christmas tradition is to watch a different Christmas movie each year when decorating/putting ornaments on the tree. I've introduced some of my favorite Christmas movies to my kids AND we've made some new favorites over the past couple of years. kara.thomas512@yahoo.com
ReplyDeleteOver the years as my children have grown older and have families of their own (and in-laws) I find it harder and harder to have a family tradition. After having a big dinner at Thanksgiving we get together after all their families have opened their gifts and come to my house for more gifts and we just have finger foods since the kids are too excited to eat anyway.
ReplyDeleteWe do Strawberry Waffles on Christmas morning with ice cream or whip cream!
ReplyDeleteMy favorite is I wrap Christmas themed books and put them under the tree. Each night my daughter gets to unwrap one and we read it together. It's great family time. Another favorite is driving around looking at Christmas lights in the neighborhood.
ReplyDeleteI love getting a new ornament for the kids and hubby each year representing something they've done or an interest. This year had to be the 2020 ornament on Amazon that had toilet paper and sanitizer on it of course! lol
ReplyDeleteI love decorating and the memories!
ReplyDeleteI make sugar cookies once a year at Christmas! Everyone loves and expects them!!!
ReplyDeleteJust one favorite? Tough! I would say making and gifting my homemade caramels ranks right up there with setting out my nativity collection.
ReplyDeleteWe always have a "Yankee Swap" party and exchange horrible gifts, it's always so fun, and I make my famous champagne punch. This year we will not have the swap but I am going to deliver punch to all my friends who usually attend the party and we will have a virtual toast.
ReplyDeleteI give my children a new Christmas blanket each year,in my thinking you can never have enough blankets
ReplyDeletePiling into the car on Christmas Eve with our cups full of hot cocoa and marshmallows. We then drive around town and see all the lights and listen to Christmas music.
ReplyDeleteOur grown children come "home" for on Christmas Eve for brunch and then exchange gifts. I still do stockings for them.
ReplyDeleteMy favorite Christmas tradition happens on Christmas morning! My Dad makes everyone breakfast and my mom always makes sausage balls, my favorite. We always have The Christmas Album playing in the background; a CD I grew up listening to. It’s nothing fancy but it’s my favorite tradition. To sit down and enjoy a quiet, intentional breakfast with my family. Now that I’m married I do Christmas with my family first and then we head over (in our Christmas jammies) to my parents house to enjoy breakfast together. Love this time of year!
ReplyDeleteMy sisters and I and my Mom always would get together after a thanksgiving and bake tons of cookies and appetizers and freeze them for Christmas. After my mother died, we have continued getting together each year and spending a weekend baking. We make much less sweets than we used to (who needs that much anyway.), but it is a wonderful sisters weekend that we always look forward to.
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