Personally, I begin to panic every year as the holiday season approaches. It’s not because I don’t love Christmas. I really do love the holiday season, in general. I just cringe at the thought of all of the money that gets spent unnecessarily, especially mine. And as holiday spending has steadily grown out of control, expectations have come along for the ride. What is now considered to be a reasonable amount of presents is completely different than it was when I was a kid. Nowadays, children are getting showered with big gifts, expensive toys, and things I never would have dreamed of receiving as a child.
My mom once told me that, when she was young, she typically got an orange and some candy in her stocking on Christmas. Seriously. And she was thrilled to get it. She also reminded me that she and her siblings would each get only a few small toys as well. The thing is, this isn’t just some story about walking 10 miles to school, uphill, both ways. It is actually the truth. Of course, it happened 60 years ago, and I cannot believe how times have changed. Kids certainly expect a lot more gifts now, and it doesn’t take much to figure out why things have changed so dramatically.
Doesn’t it seem like the holiday season creeps up on us earlier every single year? It is no longer surprising to see stores decorated for Christmas in early November… way before Thanksgiving! This year, several stores even announced that they would open for Black Friday on Thanksgiving Day, and they made many customers upset in the process.
We are inundated with toy store ads and commercials featuring the tippy tops of Christmas trees hidden by huge piles of gifts. In the meantime, I have also noticed that children’s toys have gotten extremely expensive! My 3-year-old recently asked for a Nintendo 3DS for Christmas. After a quick Google search, I determined that it is a nearly $200 gaming system! My brother has also convinced her that she needs an iPad for Christmas. Obviously, that is not going to happen. Still, it’s hard to avoid the trappings of a consumerist Christmas when we are constantly confronted with expectations that are sometimes unreasonable and wasteful.
So, where does that leave us? What should families do to keep holiday spending under control? Should we sacrifice our own financial well-being in order to deliver the Christmas that advertisers portray? Or should we stick to our guns and only buy the bare minimum for our children, family, and friends?
Since my children are so young, ages 3 and 1, we have decided to keep expectations fairly low. This year, we spent approximately $100 per child, and we actually got them some nice things that I believe they will enjoy. The additional money we have allocated to spend on them this year is going straight into their college savings 529 accounts. How did we do it? It’s fairly simple actually. We’re giving them used stuff.
There, I said it. I give my children used toys and clothes for Christmas. Well, not all of their gifts are used. Still, many of the toys and clothes that will be under the tree are second-hand items. Do I feel bad about it? No, absolutely not. In fact, I feel like it makes perfect sense.
This strategy might feel completely tacky to some….but I have to ask you, “What difference does it make?” My kids are so young that they can’t possibly know or care. Once the gifts are wrapped and under the tree, they will easily blend in with the others. My children will never suspect a thing. Buying some used toys and clothing has allowed me to stretch my holiday dollars much further. I am also able to buy them nicer gifts than I would be able to if I paid sticker price for every one.
Maybe giving used items isn’t in your game plan this Christmas. Still, there are plenty of other ways to stop spending so much money during the holidays. Here are some easy steps that may help you save some of your holiday cash.
Make a holiday gift budget and stick to it. Making a gift budget is an ideal way to keep your spending under control. First, decide who you are buying for. Second, determine what you can afford to spend on them and stick to it. Remember that it is not necessary to buy for every last relative and person you know – and it is unreasonable for them to expect you to do so.
Stop buying for siblings and their spouses. Initially, this didn’t go over too well with my family. However, since my siblings and I are all adults, it seemed silly to insist on buying each other gifts. By the time we finally stopped, we were basically just trading gift cards around. It was totally unnecessary, and I was relieved when it finally came to an end.
Make homemade gifts if you can. Choosing not to buy for extended family members, neighbors, and co-workers can save a ton of money if you are able to get away with it. If you feel obligated to give them something, try making them something instead. If you aren’t crafty, bake some cookies or holidays treats and wrap them with holiday wrapping paper or bows.
Stop buying for pets. Do pets really need Christmas gifts? No, they don’t. If you feel obligated to put something under the tree for your pet, re-gift them something that they already have. I’m giving my dog a bag of dog food for Christmas this year. Trust me, he’ll love it.
Don’t try to keep up with the Joneses. Everyone has some Joneses in their life. Don’t try to emulate their bad Christmas spending decisions. Spend only what is a responsible amount for your family. Remember that the Joneses may or may not be able to afford all of the gifts they bought in the first place.
Obviously, there is so much more to Christmas than rampant consumerism. Maybe lowering Christmas expectations will help us all focus on what is really important during the holiday season – spending time with the people we love.
How are you saving on your Christmas shopping this year? What gift-giving limits do you practice?
Save more, spend smarter, and make your money go further
Credit cards can do a variety of things: Buy items, facilitate auto-billing, earning rewards, and more. Some might even call them the Swiss Army Knife of the financial world.
But, can credit cards be used to help build a retirement nest egg? The answer is, yes.
There is a small handful of credit cards with rewards programs structured to allow you to deposit cash rewards into retirement accounts. These rewards are in lieu of cash back, airline miles, or points.
These cards, while relatively unknown, are very attractive products because they offer what no other rewards program offers: Wealth building capabilities.
Unfortunately, the number of cards that offer retirement rewards is very small. In fact, I was only able to find five of them. The cards offer rates and terms comparable with garden-variety rewards cards and some offer slightly higher credit limits than their non-reward peers.
American Express and Fidelity Brokerage Services
American Express has a partnership with Fidelity Brokerage Services and backs three such investment credit cards.
These cards allows the holder to convert the rewards points earned into cash deposited into a brokerage account, a 529 college savings plan or other retirement accounts, like an IRA. They also pay 2% cash back for your retirement account compared to only 1% for traditional cash back rewards programs.
Visa Signature
If you frequent merchants that don’t take the American Express card, then no worries. Visa partnered with Fidelity to offer an investment rewards card, Visa Signature credit card.
This card is more like a traditional cash back card and pays 1.5 points for every dollar you spend up to $15,000 and then 2 points after. This Visa card can be used to fund brokerage accounts, 529 accounts and IRAs.
And, my favorite thing about these American Express cards and the Visa card? No annual fees.
Upromise, Barclays Bank and MasterCard
For those of you who live and love Upromise, you’ve got an option too. Barclays Bank issues a Upromise branded MasterCard with tiered cash back rewards, depending on where and how you use the card.
The cash back can be deposited into a Upromise 529 college savings plan, into a high yield savings account or can be credited toward a Sallie Mae serviced student loan.
Credit Card and Retirement Savings Rules Still Apply
When choosing whether or not to use any credit card, including the aforementioned investment reward cards, be aware that the card issuer will go through their normal underwriting and approval process. These rewards cards tend to be reserved for people who have strong credit reports and credit scores.
When using the cards you’ll want to try your best to spend responsibly. If you revolve a balance, then you’ll start paying interest. When you pay interest on a rewards credit card you’re essentially funding your own rewards program with the interest fees.
Finally, these investment rewards cards are great for supplemental retirement efforts. They are not designed to be your only means of retirement funds.
Fifty dollars here, fifty dollars there will add up over a long period of time but it’s not enough to be your nest egg. And, while these investments can grow over time, they can also lose value because you’re going to be choosing what stocks or funds to buy with the value deposited into an IRA or a brokerage account.
If you’re not comfortable with risk or red numbers then stick to standard cash back credit cards.
John Ulzheimer is the President of Consumer Education at SmartCredit.com, the credit blogger for Mint.com, and a contributor for the National Foundation for Credit Counseling. He is an expert on credit reporting, credit scoring and identity theft. Formerly of FICO, Equifax and Credit.com, John is the only recognized credit expert who actually comes from the credit industry. The opinions expressed in his articles are his and not of Mint.com or Intuit. Follow John on Twitter.
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Christmas is a time filled with joy and wonder. It’s the best season of the year to celebrate all that life has given us.
I wanted to share 93 things you can do on Christmas Day, from spending quality time with your family over a cozy fire in your fireplace or at an outdoor party, playing games around the house (even if it means taking turns), making food for others during holiday celebrations, going outside for walks during snowfall so we stay active and healthy this winter, and even taking a day off from work to do something relaxing.
Are you looking for a list of activities to do on Christmas Day that is fun?
Don’t worry, I got your back. Here is my list of over 90 ideas so you can spend the day with friends and family in style!
To be honest, this is my list of favorite things to do on Christmas Day.
If you need ideas, then start here…
What to do on Christmas day?
There are a variety of things you can do on Christmas day to make the most of the holiday.
You have to decide how you want to spend the day.
We will cover ideas with family, in the kitchen, with kids, at home, and just for you!
Quick Christmas Things to Do
You could help your loved ones decorate the yard with some inflatables– there are plenty of options available, from classic characters like Santa and snowmen to silly options like dinosaurs and unicorns.
If you’re feeling adventurous, you could even head out for a hike in the morning- nothing beats fresh air and stunning views in winter.
Once you’ve worked up an appetite, why not prepare a festive feast? There are plenty of recipes online that will let you show off your culinary skills. Or if cooking isn’t really your fancy, take advantage of convenient delivery services and enjoy Christmas dinner without having to lift a finger.
Once everyone’s bellies are full, it’s time for some fun (or a nap)!
Get the family together for some party Christmas games or put on a movie marathon. Whatever you choose to do, make sure to savor every moment spent with your loved ones- after all, Christmas only comes once a year!
What are some traditions people have on Christmas day?
There are many different family Christmas traditions that people partake in.
Some common traditions include:
Counting down to Christmas
Doing crafts on December 25th
Exchanging gifts.
These traditions are often passed down from generation to generation and are a lot of fun for both children and adults.
Another popular tradition is saying “Merry Christmas” to one another. This usually happens when family members gather together to celebrate the holiday.
Families come from all over to spend time with each other on Christmas day, and the joyous atmosphere is something that can’t be replicated any other time of year.
What do people typically eat on Christmas day?
Christmas is a time when many people come together to celebrate. While the exact traditions may vary, there are some acts that remain the same. For example, many people will eat turkey, mashed potatoes, and cookies on Christmas day (source).
If you’re looking to give back to your local community this Christmas, consider donating to your local food bank. Many food banks are able to help those in need during the holiday season and beyond.
Things to Do on Christmas Day with Family
Every year in December, the holiday season brings a rush of family time.
Christmas is a day that you can spend with your family, and there are plenty of things for the whole family to enjoy on this special day.
Here are some activities to enjoy with your loved ones on Christmas Day that you might not have thought about:
1. Spend time with family and friends. This is probably the best part of Christmas day! Enjoying good company is what makes this holiday special.
2. Karaoke Time. If you have a talent (or not) for singing, take turns with your family and friends by caroling the Christmas classics..
3. Watch Christmas Movies. Pick one of the many Christmas-themed movies that are on TV or streaming online to get into the spirit of Christmas. Watch classic holiday films like “It’s a Wonderful Life” or “A Christmas Story.”
4. Game Night. There are a lot of fun and interactive ways to keep you entertained this holiday season, including board games and card games! Start a family competition with bragging rights for the whole year!
5. Eat Christmas Snacks. What is Christmas without the traditional treats? Enjoy some of your favorite holiday foods, like cookies and candy canes.
6. Christmas crafts. There are a lot of fun DIY projects you could do this year to celebrate the holiday season, like making decorations or ornaments.
7. Host a Christmas party. If you’re hosting a Christmas party this year, make sure to get into the spirit of the holiday event by decorating your house and putting up a Christmas tree!
8. Refine Your Christmas traditions. There are some fun family traditions you can do this year, like baking cookies or watching classic holiday movies. Pick a handful of activities you want to do each year.
9. Prepare Christmas dinner. The Christmas meal is a big part of the holiday tradition, and there are lots of different foods you can make for your family this year — from ham and turkey to yummy desserts!
10. Make cookies. If you want to make Christmas cookies, now is the time to start thinking about what kind of treats you’d like to make. You can use a recipe, or you can make up your own recipe.
11. Video Chat with Your Family. Time to say hello to your family that you don’t get to see in person. Get on Zoom, Whatsapp, or Facetime with your family, even if they’re not in the same country.
12. Have a Family Meeting. What are some matters you can do as a family to help you focus on the true meaning of Christmas? Write them down and discuss how you can incorporate these into your holiday.
13. Puzzle. At my aunt’s house, there was always a puzzle on the table. Family members would stop and put a puzzle piece together while chatting and laughing.
14. Stream the Nutcracker Performance. Do you have a favorite performance of The Nutcracker? Be sure to watch it on Christmas day, even if it’s just for an hour or so.
15. Make Gingerbread Cookies. If you want to do something really special for someone, try making gingerbread cookies! Bake up a batch of gingerbread cookies with your family.
16. Craft a Gingerbread House. Cut out gingerbread men, stars, and snowflakes from construction paper or cardstock, then use them to decorate a gingerbread house. You don’t have to use the traditional kit with frosting.
17. Listen to Christmas Music. There’s nothing like listening to some holiday music while you’re baking cookies or hanging out with family and friends on Christmas Day.
18. Play the Game “Secret Santa.” If you’re hosting a holiday party this year, why not play the game “Secret Santa”? Everyone brings an inexpensive gift to the party, and then one person is chosen to be Secret Santa. Everyone draws a number, and the person with #1 picks out a gift from Secret Santa’s pile to open. Then everyone else has to figure out who their Secret Santa is by guessing which person brought them their gift.
19. Ugly Sweater Contest. You might even want to combine it with a white elephant gift exchange!
20. Christmas Scavenger Hunt Game. This is a fun activity for the whole family. Have each person do some research about Christmas traditions from around the world, and then come up with an item to bring back that symbolizes one of those countries. Or press the easy button and pick a ready-to-go Christmas scavenger hunt game.
More Things to Do on Christmas Day at Home
Christmas is a time for family get-togethers and relaxing with loved ones. Whether you celebrate Christmas or not, it’s still a fun day to have some activities that are holiday-oriented.
As the saying goes, “The home is where the heart is.” Here is a list of more fun things to do on Christmas Day at home.
21. Read a Christmas book. Pick up JK Rowling’s latest, The Christmas Pig.
22. Write Letters to Open on Milestone Christmases. Write a letter to your future self on Christmas day, putting any sort of advice you give to yourself as well as predictions you have. Pick milestone years. For example, when you celebrate Christmas with your baby, when your kids leave for college, or even the first Christmas without a parent.
23. Create a “Christmas Bucket List.” What are some undertakings that you want to experience in your life? Create lists for everything. For example, family trips in which everyone gets to pick the destination, a Christmas wedding, or even watching your children give their first speech.
24. Eat Christmas Cookies. Bake some sugar cookies and spread a bunch of frosting over them to make them look like Christmas trees.
25. Christmas Movie Marathon. Watch all of the Christmas movies!
26. Listen to Christmas songs. You could listen to some of your favorite Christmas songs while hanging out with friends and family. you’re decorating the tree or wrapping presents.
27. Shop Online for What You Didn’t Get. Buying a gift for your future self is a bit of an existential dilemma: what do you want to have? Truly people didn’t listen to what do I want from Christmas.
28. Send Christmas cards. If you’re going to be sending out Christmas cards this year, now is the time to start thinking about who you want to send them to! Better late than never!
29. Host a Party. Plan an open house for Christmas, and invite friends and neighbors to enjoy food, games, and gifts together.
30. Book Reservations. Those experience gift ideas need to be booked and put on the calendar.
Things to Do on Christmas Day In the Kitchen & Food to Eat
As Christmas Day approaches, now is a great time of the year to start planning what you plan to eat, make and bake in the kitchen. Whether you like cooking or not, there is something for everyone on this list from the kitchen to the backyard.
The Christmas season is a time to celebrate with family and friends. And food brings people together.
So, here are some fun activities you can bake on Christmas Day:
31. Make Christmas Star Bread. This is one of the traditions in our house. Please note, that you need to start this a day in advance. Here is our favorite Christmas star bread recipe.
32. Christmas Morning Brunch. This is a Sunday tradition in our house, but for Christmas, we have the favorite egg casserole prepared in advance for no work needed during opening gift time! Always cooked and ready to be enjoyed once everyone is done opening presents.
33. Bake and Decorate Christmas Cookies. My friend, Haley, over at If You Give a Blonde a Kitchen, always has great cookie ideas. And they are delicious!!
34. Cook a Fancy Meal. Let’s be honest… You more than likely don’t have the extra time to spend time in the kitchen and try a new recipe you have been wanting to try! Christmas is the perfect day to spend time cooking to your heart’s content.
35. Plan a Themed Christmas Dinner. Say bye-bye to classic turkey, ham, and beef! Each year choose a new theme for dinner. Here are some of our favorite themed ideas: Italian, Mexican, Indian, Chinese, Mediterranean, or Costa Rican Casado. Even football favorite appetizers! Every seven years there is guaranteed to be football on.
36. Mix a Christmas Cocktail. Enjoy being by a nice fire and enjoy watching the snowflakes fall. It sounds perfect, right?
37. S’mores by the Fire. Who says, campfires and summer are the only time for smores. Grab the sweet supplies, jackets, and blankets, and nestle around a firepit.
38. Serve Cake for Dinner. Serve your family a big slice of cake for dinner instead of turkey or ham. Can you see their faces of amazement!?!?
39. Make a Christmas Tree Out of Fruit and Vegetables. This is a fun activity for kids of all ages.
40. Cook Frozen Pizza. This doesn’t happen often, but it is always well received by my crowd. Pizza for the win!
Things to Do on Christmas Day with Kids
Christmas Day is a time for family, and often children are the ones who make it so memorable.
To help you find something fun to do with your children on Christmas day we have compiled an extensive list of activities that you and the kids can do together.
41. Open Christmas Gifts. Yes, this is what kids look forward to the most each Christmas. In fact, here are $10 gifts approved by my own kids.
42. Play in the snow. Throw a snowball, build a snowman, or make snow angels. Kids NEED to get outside and burn off their energy.
43. Play hide-n-seek outside. No snow? Don’t worry. Start a game of hide-n-seek outside. The last one to be found picks the next activity.
44. Candy Cane Hunt. First of all, you need a lot of candy canes and some good hiding places. Make sure you count all of the candy canes before to make sure you find them all!
45. Make Christmas Tree Ornaments. This project is perfect for the kids in your life! I love how easy they are to make and that they can be decorated however you choose.
46. Decorate Windows with Paper Snowflakes. This is one of the best activities for kids to improve their motor skills. How many can you make? And what size snowflakes? This is a great project for kids! They can make them any size they want and hang them on the tree or around the house.
47. Visit Local Attractions. Every city may have something cool on Christmas Day that is open. Check out Living on the Cheap for your closest city for local attractions.
48. Art4Kidz Hub. Seriously, they have some of the best videos on how to draw! Hours of entertainment. Plus their artwork can turn into thank you cards!
49. Make Kid Christmas crafts. This is a fun way to do something different from presents. Spend quality time making various crafts. Just make sure to buy the craft supplies in advance!
50. Play kid-approved board games. Time for a family game night or afternoon. Invite friends and family over for a game of Uno, Connect Four, or Apples to Apples! Even Scrabble or Monopoly- so many fun options!
List of Crafty Things to Do on Christmas Day
Christmas is one of the most exciting and fun holidays to be a part of. But everyone loves it when they get something in return for all their hard work, right?
So, spend the day doing the craft projects you always want to do!
Here are some great ways to give your friends and family something special.
51. Photo Book. Photo Books are a great way to preserve memories for special occasions. Plus, they can be shared with other people so everyone is able to see the good times! You can create a printable photo book or a digital photo book.
52. Make Christmas Ornaments. Christmas is the best time of year to wear new ornaments! You can make some really fun and unique ornaments using recycled materials, like bottle caps.
53. Make Christmas Headbands. These are so adorable for little kids and adults alike! They can be made in any colors you choose.
54. Decorate Homemade Gift Bags. Gift bags are a great way to personalize your gifts and make them look extra special!
55. Make A Holiday Recipe Book. Create a recipe book for all of your holiday dinner favorites. You can include the recipes for stuffing, mashed potatoes, green beans, and any other dishes that you love to cook during the holidays. Here is the digital recipe book organizer I use.
56. Create a Card Christmas Tree. Arrange photos and Christmas cards to make a Christmas tree on the wall. Even wrapping paper can be reused to “build” your tree.
57. Make New Year’s Cards. Seriously, it is SO stressful trying to get Christmas cards out in advance. So, let’s start sending New Year’s cards instead.
58. Make a Christmas Tree skirt. This one has been on my list forever. So, I decided to dedicate time on Christmas to finally complete my project.
59. Put Together A Memory Box. This is easy, but thoughtful idea that you can give as a gift to your family. You can fill the box with photos, recipes, and other special items that you have collected over time.
60. Make Salt Dough Ornaments. This is a fun and easy project. I love how they look on the tree, too!
Outdoor City Attractions to Do on Christmas Day
Open the door and enjoy the weather. Whether you go for a walk, play in the snow, or go for a drive, getting some fresh air is always a good idea.
On Christmas Day, many attractions and businesses are closed. So, opt for open parks and space for your wintery fun!
You can even pair the outing with these National Park gifts.
Snow is here, but it doesn’t have to be all about snow. Take advantage of the winter weather and get outside for some fun activities!
61. Run a Christmas 5k. Running has become a prominent form of health and fitness activity in recent years. Have fun during a fast-paced run (or walk) by taking on a Christmas 5k. Challenge your friends and family to join you!
62. Take an ice-skating lesson. If you’ve never tried ice skating before, this is a great way to dip your toes in.
63. Go sledding! You may not have the equipment for traditional snow tubing, but taking a trip down a hill is just as much fun.
64. Go ice fishing! If you don’t want to go too far, make your own pond in the backyard.
65. Play in the snow. This can lead to hours of fun! Don’t dread the snow because you have to shovel it. Think of ways to build a snow fort, throw snowballs or just play around.
66. Play tennis, golf, or pickleball. Not every year will there be snow on the ground. On those sunny days, pick up your racket or golf clubs and get a game or two in.
67. Go cross-country skiing. Time to get some exercise and burn calories. Cross-country skiing is a great way to get outside and hit your fitness goals.
68. Watch a movie in the snow. How fun does that sound? Thanks to technology you can snuggle up while watching a Christmas classic. Make sure to buy a projector ahead of time!
69. Ride roller coasters. Sounds thrilling, right?!?! But check to see if they are open first.
70. Drive Around to See Christmas Lights. A simple and classic activity to do on Christmas day. Go around and find the best light display!
Things to Do on Christmas Day to Refresh Your Soul
Do you often get bored of the same old ideas on Christmas Day? The answer to that question is probably a resounding “yes” if your answer has been anything like mine.
Here is a compiled list of relaxing Christmas Day activities for people who are looking to enjoy their day while rejuvenating their souls.
71. Relax and take it easy. There’s no need to stress out about anything – just relax and enjoy yourself!
72. Enjoy a LuxuriousHotBath. Time to destress from the hustle and bustle of the season. Grab some must-have bath essentials to make your experience more spa-like.
73. Treat Yourself. What is one intention you’ve always wanted to do? Buy it for yourself or give yourself the gift of time and allow yourself to enjoy that experience.
74. Escape on a Christmas Vacation. Do you always want to try something new for Christmas? Let’s make this year the best one yet and plan that special Christmas trip!
75. Take a walk in nature. Enjoy the sun and soak up some Vitamin D!
76. At Home Manicure/Pedicure Experience. While it’s not the same as being pampered in the salon, there are many at-home manicure and pedicure sets, that you can use all year round.
77. Personalized Playlist. Spend time finding new songs that revitalize your mind.
78. Stay in Christmas Pajamas. Even better plan matching PJs for the whole family!
79. Spend time cuddling on the couch. A dream come true for a busy mom or dad!
80. Make a List. Make a list of activities to do or places to go that are not centered around Christmas. Focus on items that you are grateful or blessed to have in your life. This will help you avoid the “Xmas” overload and keep you focused on what is really important.
81. Attend a Christmas Eve Service. What is one church in your area that you’ve never visited? Take the opportunity to attend a service on Christmas Eve.
Ways to Show Generosity on Christmas
Giving is always better than receiving.
Christmas is a time of giving, but it can be difficult to know how much you should give.
This doesn’t mean that Christmas has to be all about presents or expensive gifts for your loved ones, but you can still show your gratitude with small acts of kindness. Here are some ways to do that:
82. Volunteer at a Homeless Shelter. This is a great way to serve and be appreciative of what you have been blessed with. Find your nearest homeless shelter and volunteer to serve a meal, or help set up cots for a cold night. Maybe set fundraising parties to help gather monetary donations.
83. Take a Meal to Someone. Many people don’t want to cook on Christmas because they are by themselves or unable to spend hours in the kitchen anymore. Bless them with a cooked meal and your decorated Christmas cookies.
84. Write Thank You Notes. We all know this needs to be done. So, practice writing thank-yous before you start playing and using the gift you received.
85. St. Nick’s Giveaway Day. St Nicholas was known for giving out toys to all the children. Pay it forward by passing along toys, clothes, or other furnishings you don’t need anymore.
86. Be a Santa. Adopt a family for Christmas and provide gifts, food, or other items that they would enjoy.
87. Random Acts of Kindness. Write a list of ways you can bless people with random acts of kindness. Small actions go a long way toward making someone’s day, especially around the holidays.
88. Serve Others. Visit a nursing home or assisted living facility. Bring them cookies, sing Christmas carols with them, read to them and spend time with people who may not have the opportunity to see you on another day.
89. Pray for Others. What is one way to pray on this day that would make someone else’s life better?
Things to Do on Christmas Day for Adults
Christmas is an exciting time of the year, but it can also be a very stressful holiday due to work and family commitments.
There are many different activities that adults can enjoy on Christmas day.
90. Cook a Traditional Meal. One popular option is cooking a traditional Christmas meal. This can be a great way to learn about other cultures and traditions.
91. Ice Skating. There is no shortage of places to go ice skating on Christmas Day.
92. Ugly Sweater Time. Wearing an ugly sweater is always a festive tradition, and it can be especially fun on Christmas Day when everyone else is dressed up too. Just make sure you’re prepared for people to make fun of your outfit!
93. Be Alone. Some people prefer to spend Christmas day alone, either because they don’t have any family nearby or because they simply want some time to themselves. There are plenty of activities that can be done by oneself without requiring any specific skills or knowledge. For example, reading a good book, watching a movie, or taking a walk in the park are all enjoyable ways to spend the day.
Honestly, as an adult, you can choose any of the above activities that would be a perfect way to celebrate Christmas day.
What are some unique or interesting ways to celebrate Christmas day?
There are many unique ways to celebrate Christmas.
Honestly, it comes down to your preferred traditions. This is something you will find over the years about how you want to spend the day.
One popular way is to place an elf in your child’s bedroom to monitor their behavior! Another fun tradition is singing carols or skating on the ice. If you’re looking for something a bit more unique, consider driving down a festive pathway or reconnecting with old friends over dinner.
No matter how you choose to celebrate, make sure to enjoy yourself and have some fun!
More tips for making the most of Christmas day
Christmas is a time for family, friends, and fun.
Christmas day can be a lot of fun, but it’s important to make the most of it!
The best tips for making the most of Christmas day include spending time with your family and having a good time.
Here are some important tips to keep in mind when celebrating.
Tip #1 – Watch for Stressors
Make sure to take a break from the “seasonal grind” and forget to enjoy the holidays yourself.
Before Christmas day arrives, make a list of the stressors you tend to experience on this joyous holiday. Make a conscious decision to avoid the stressors as much as possible. If you cannot completely avoid one of them, then limit your time and plan for decompress time afterward.
Tip #2 – Spend Quality Time with Family
Christmas is a time of celebration and family gatherings.
However, you must make sure you are spending quality time with your loved ones can make the holiday much more enjoyable.
This may be easy or difficult depending on your family situation. Yes, spending time with your family and friends during the holidays is important- especially for kids! Just make sure you can look back and enjoy the day.
Tip #3 – Get Outdoors
On Christmas Day, go outside and enjoy all the fitness opportunities that a cold day has to offer.
Many people stay inside their buildings and homes for the holidays, but outdoor time is actually beneficial. The colder the weather, the better, because when your body is cold even a small outing helps release some of the heat that has been gathering in your body.
Getting outside will help you stay away from any possible triggers, too!
Tip #4 – Spend Less Money
It’s Christmas, the most wonderful time of the year.
Christmas is often a heavy financial burden for many individuals who are required to buy gifts and arrange an evening meal for loved ones.
All the extra expense can sap people of the energy and life they relish in the rest of the year, hence leading to depression which leads to a number of other health complications.
So, plan your Christmas budget ahead of time, so you can walk away happy.
Tip #5 – Remember the True Reason for Christmas
Christmas Day is one day of the year that is meant to be enjoyed and celebrated.
Yet, we tend to forget the true reason for the season – the birth of Jesus Christ.
While we are called to celebrate in community, keep the real reason at the center of your get-togethers with family and friends, and enjoy some of the traditional festivities.
What activities are open on Christmas day?
First of all, before you go, check online or call to see if the business is open.
Typically, you can find convenience stores, gas stations, movie theaters, and some restaurants open on Christmas.
Also, many local attractions may be open as they are focused on the activities they can provide.
Just be prepared for possible long wait times and always be sure to tip well.
Best Holiday Memories for the Season
Ultimately, those are the fun things to do on Christmas day are activities to experience.
Christmas is a time of joys and festivities, giving gifts to friends and family, and decorating your home with Christmas lights or greenery. But the best day always comes when it’s over!
Just remember…
Have Fun!
Remember that Christmas is a time to enjoy and celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. It is not just about shopping, eating, and being with family.
Relax! Take a break from your hectic schedule and enjoy the priceless gifts you have been given.
Find More: 101 Fun Things To Do With No Money
Know someone else that needs this, too? Then, please share!!
Turn your apartment into Santa’s workshop to provide proof that Santa is real this holiday season. Here’s how.
The ho-ho-holidays are here and it’s time to start making a list and checking it twice. The little ones are anxiously awaiting Santa’s arrival to see if they made the naughty or nice list and parents want to keep that magic alive and prove that Santa is real.
So, how do you make your kids believe that Santa did in fact make a special trip from the North Pole to your apartment? From special wrapping paper to reindeer tracks, we’ve prepared a (nice) list of ways for you to prove that Saint Nick and his elves are real.
How to make it look like Santa visited your apartment with 11 easy hacks
The lore of Santa Claus is one of the most beloved Christmas traditions. It’s more than just the gifts he leaves behind; it’s the anticipation and the magic of believing he is real. Caregivers and parents alike can use a few pro hacks to bring remnants of Santa’s workshop to the apartment.
1. Eat the cookies
It might be the oldest trick in the book, but it’s crucial that you have the kids leave out a plate of Santa’s favorite cookies on Christmas Eve and then leave an empty cookie plate behind come Christmas morning.
If you have kids that are skeptical, consider leaving out cookies you dislike and would never eat. When the cookie plate has been licked clean, the kids may believe that it was indeed St. Nicholas as you would never eat a sugar cookie with extra frosting and sprinkles.
2. Coordinate with your apartment neighbors to leave clues around the complex
When you live in an apartment, you might not have full access to a yard to leave proof of Santa outside. However, you can coordinate with other parents or neighbors on your floor or in your building to leave undeniable proof that Santa is real.
For example, you work together to leave a trail of Santa’s footprints down the hall. Or, you could all go to the common outdoor area and plot to make it look like the reindeer watched over the sleigh in the night.
Regardless of what you do, coordinating with other neighbors in the apartment is a fun way to extend the pretense that Santa is real.
3. Make Santa’s footprints
If you have a fireplace or chimney in your apartment, you can make fake Santa footprints and leave them near the fireplace and Christmas tree. If you don’t live in a place with a fireplace, don’t sweat it! You can leave footprints close to the Christmas tree and presents or even get extra festive and leave a trail from one door to the next in the hallway to show that he visited everyone in the building.
All you need to do is take some flour or powdered sugar, dip a large shoe in it and pat it down like footprints up and down the hallway. Your children will know that mom and dad never have messy feet or shoes in the house so it’s obviously Father Christmas leaving snowy footprints behind.
4. Sprinkle red glitter outside
We all know that Rudolph guided the sleigh that snowy night, so it’s fun to leave a little proof of that special reindeer’s visit. Take some red glitter and sprinkle it outside in spots where the reindeer sleigh was parked. You can take your kids outside and show them the remnants of Rudolph’s red nose.
5. Make sled tracks in the snow
If you live in a city where you’ll have a white Christmas, you can leave sleigh tracks in the snow as proof that Santa is real. Take a 2×4 and drag it through the snow to make it appear as if the sleigh touched down, parked for a bit and then took off again. When you live in an apartment, you’ll want to do this magic trick in a common area and explain to the kids that he parked here so he could deliver the gifts to all of the children in the building.
6. Feed the reindeer
We leave out cookies and milk for Saint Nick, but the reindeer get hungry, too. On Christmas Eve, leave out a box of carrots or celery for the reindeer. When the kiddos are fast asleep, chomp up and split out some veggie remnants so it looks as if the flying creatures had a midnight snack. This is another hack that’s great to coordinate with other apartment caregivers.
7. Send a note from Santa himself
All of the children write and send Santa a letter with their wish lists, but how often does Santa respond? In the weeks leading up to Christmas Day itself, get a holiday postcard and mail it to your own house addressed to your children. Have a friend or neighbor write the note so it’s different handwriting and have the postcard say that Santa received the wishlist and he and his elves are busy making the presents. This can be a fine way to go the extra mile and build anticipation for Christmas Day.
8. Play “Elf on the Shelf”
Leading up to Christmas Day, you can participate in the fun game of Elf on the Shelf. The pesky little creature from the North Pole can leave little treats around your apartment in the 12 days leading up to Christmas. Your kids will love searching for and finding that tricky elf each day counting down to Christmas.
9. Jingle bells on Christmas Eve
If you’ve ever seen The Polar Express, you know that the sound of bells is significant. When your children are tucked into bed and dozing off, ask a neighbor to jingle some bells near the window or door that the children can hear. The children will see that both parents are in the house and have a clear picture in their heads of the sleigh landing nearby and Mr. Claus eagerly waiting to place the presents under the tree.
10. Use Santa’s special wrapping paper
At Santa’s workshop, there is a special wrapping paper, of course. When you’re leaving gifts for your kids, make sure to use different wrapping paper and hide the remnants of Santa’s wrapping paper. You can wrap all of the gifts from you in one kind and from Santa in another. And for kids who are scrutinous of everything, make sure you sign gifts from Santa in very different handwriting so the sleuths won’t figure it out.
11. Catch Santa in the act
Last but not least — maybe most extravagant — is to actually catch Santa in the act. This trick requires a lot of careful planning and support, but it can be exciting if you do it just right.
You can use apps like Capture the Magic or I Caught Santa or do it yourself, but the point is to have someone dress up as Santa and have your children actually see him in the act of leaving presents under the Christmas tree. How can you deny Santa’s existence when you see him with your own two eyes? Have the kids snap a picture, too, as proof that Santa is real.
Did Santa Claus visit your home before returning to the North Pole?
Most children want to believe that Santa is real for as long as possible. And parents love to see the magic of Christmas come alive on Christmas morning. Whether you try one or all of these hacks to provide proof that Santa is real, you’re bound to have a magical experience on Christmas morning as your kids are busy checking out what the elves made for them this year. Cheers to another happy holiday season!
Are you curious about how to make your rental smarter? It’s not as hard as you may think.
Even if you consider yourself more crafty than techy, doing things like making your own wrapping paper and such, you don’t have to be afraid of technology and how it can enhance your lifestyle. Step out of your comfort zone and consider doing a little upgrading around your space with some luxury smart home gadgets.
Don’t worry if your landlord won’t install upgraded appliances because there are plenty of smart home gadgets you can use at home, even as a renter.
Need some help brainstorming ideas? We got you.
1. Video doorbell
When you rent a home of any kind, it’s nice to have the added security of seeing who’s out front. Adding a Ring Video Doorbell not only lets you see who’s outside, but you can talk to them through the device. Motion-activated alerts can go straight to your phone, and the doorbell works off your Wi-Fi.
2. Smart thermostat
This may require a little support from the landlord, but if you offer to install a smart thermostat, and let it stay in the rental when you move out, they may be all for it. The Google Nest Learning Thermostat is a great choice because it learns your schedule and the preferred temperatures.
Using this information, this thermostat helps run your home temps efficiently. You also have remote control access to make temperature changes, and it looks really cool and minimalistic up on the wall.
3. Smart speaker
There are so many different smart speakers out there, but sound quality can vary. Pairing the speaker with a brand known for its excellent sound quality and seamless integration with other luxury smart home gadgets creates winning luxury.
The Sonos One Smart Speaker works with Alexa, is easy to set up and uses your Wi-Fi to stay connected. You can put one in every room of your apartment, or use two together to create better living room surround sound.
4. Automatic vacuum
There’s always room for improvement when it comes to cleaning your apartment, even if you’ve got the perfect process in place. Automation is the way to go where you can, so you can keep your home clean without having to sacrifice valuable time. Luxury smart home gadgets that do your work for you are the best, which is why the iRobot Roomba is so popular.
The I7 model is also so much more than just a robot vacuum. This guy has smart- mapping and can empty itself. It will even suggest a cleaning schedule for your home.
5. Virtual assistant
Products like the Amazon Echo may have started showing up in homes to play music, but their capabilities have increased so much that having one is like having your own smart assistant. Sound quality is great, but you also have voice control over your music as well as a selection of other tasks.
The Echo can populate a shopping list, turn lights on and off, answer questions and give you the day’s weather. Voice control is the height of a smart home, and the Echo makes that as simple as saying, “Alexa.”
6. Remote-controlled lights
Don’t let the idea of being able to control your lights remotely intimidate you. The apps are always very user friendly, and you’re just changing out the switch when it comes to the Lutron Caséta system.
Hold on to the original switches to put back when you move out of your rental, but until then, you can now set your lights to auto-dim and turn on and off. This is great for when you’re about to walk into a dark apartment at night or want your lights to go on while you’re away.
7. Wi-Fi air purifier
Yup, even an air purifier can fit into the luxury smart home gadgets category if you know how to shop. The ease of control that the smart features of the TruSense Air Purifier provide makes it possible to clear the air in your home while remotely tracking and testing air quality. The device is also controlled through an app on your phone, filtering out allergens, pet dander, smoke, odors and germs from the air.
Live smarter with the right gadgets
Adding a little automation to your home to make your life easier, and get things done faster, is always a good thing. And, so many devices are getting ‘smart’ these days, you have plenty of options. What luxury smart home gadgets are right for you?
When you buy through links in this article, we may earn an affiliate commission.
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