Christmas traditions around the world are as colorful and have as much tradition as we do in America.  In India, they celebrate Christmas in much the same way as we do.  It’s an official holiday, people attend church, and Hindu children that go to missionary school participate in the festivities.  The educational system takes a holiday beginning right before Christmas and goes through the first few days of the New Year.  They call it Bada din or the big day, and it revolves around shopping and Santa Claus too.

In Japan Christmas in not an official holiday and has less importance than New Year’s Day.  Santa Claus is not as important to the Japanese as he is to Americans.  New Years Day is the official day to get together with family.  Christmas is more a day for lovers.  They celebrate by having a special date and strolling around looking at Christmas lights erected by companies to make it feel more romantic.  One of the highlights of the Christmas season in Japan is the giving of the Christmas cake, a white-frosted cake symbolizing a birthday cake for Jesus.  It often has strawberries on it.

Christmas in the Philippines is started with nine-day dawn masses that start on December 16.  The Philippines celebrate the world’s longest Christmas season.  Family members eat together on Christmas Eve after midnight mass.

South America is heavily Catholic so the religious aspect is predominating.  Their celebrations are a mixture of traditions from both Europe and Native Americans.  They have traditions that involve gift giving and family Christmas meals are very important.  Villages often act out the events surrounding the birth of the Christ child.  Nativity scenes are a major feature of Christmas in South America.

Australia is known for starting a tradition around 1938 of Carols by Candlelight.  People gather outdoors and sing carols either on Christmas Eve or an evening right before Christmas.  That custom has spread around the world.  Australians celebrate Christmas on December 25th even though it’s the middle of the summer season.  Obviously a few traditions are different because of the hot weather.  It isn’t unusual to see Santa surfing in to the beach for an outdoor barbeque.

In Europe where much of the Christmas traditions originated still, celebrate today as they did many years ago.  People usually stay in close family circles and it’s considered sad if you have to spend Christmas alone.  Gifts are given but Little Jesus gives them or they know their parents are the ones that bought them.  Many people go to Catholic Mass on Christmas Eve and it’s not uncommon for this to be the only time in the year that Church is attended.

Peter brought the Great Christmas in Russia after he finished traveling in the western world late in the 18th century.  After decades under communist rule, Christmas was revived around 1992.  Russia celebrates Christmas Eve with a twelve-course meal to honor each of the apostles and gifts are given on New Years Day by either Grandfather Frost or his helper the Snow Maiden.  Their Christmas traditions also include a “yolka” or Christmas tree.

In Germany, traditions vary by region.  Gifts are given on Christmas Eve after a small meal.  Gifts are brought by someone who resembles Saint Nicholas or by “Christ Kind” who may represent the Baby Jesus.

Christmas starts with Santa Lucia Day on December 13 for Sweden.  Father Christmas brings gifts on Christmas Eve.  Companies often celebrate by hosting a lunch for their employees.  One of the most interesting traditions of the Swedes is the watching of a Disney special on Christmas Eve at 3 PM.

In Norway, they also have a tradition of watching Disney.  Norwegians celebrate on December 24th with large dinners and gifts given by “Juvenescent” to children who have been well behaved.  Boxing Day follows a quiet Christmas day and children go door to door to gather treats, gifts and money much as our children do on Halloween.  The official end of Christmas is January 6th.

Christmas traditions around the world are varied but all have a central theme.  The birth of Christ, gift giving and family traditions are all celebrated in many ways.  We may celebrate in a different way, someone other than Santa Clause may deliver the gifts, but Christmas is still celebrated throughout the world as a special day for family.

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The department stores start decorating for Christmas on the first day of November. It makes you start to think about how you will deck your house this holiday season. There’s the tree, of course, and the lights, but how will you put it all together? Will you do it just the same as last year, or is there something you can add to bring your home a little extra holiday cheer? With a few tried and true ideas and a few fun and interesting ones, you can combine holiday decorating ideas into a beautiful and welcoming home this year. The first thing to think about is the tree, but then there are also do-it-yourself ideas and also experiments with food to try.

The Christmas tree is the central piece to holiday decorations. There are a couple of options to consider when decorating your tree. Whether you use a real tree or an ornamental one and whether you have a miniature tree or one that nearly touches ten-foot ceilings, the options are the same. Some people choose to decorate elegantly with matching bulbs and clear lights. These trees range from simple to gaudy, but tend to look the same in each family’s home year after year. If it’s time to change the decorations on your tree, call in the troops. Children offer excellent, quality help when it comes to decorating for Christmas. Let go of the urge for symmetry and have your kids get out the craft supplies. They will use bright color and exceptional creative impulses. With clay, paper, popcorn and candy canes, you and your kids can spend a few afternoons in the months before Christmas making the tree decorations. With all of the variation and having nothing match, you will be surprised at how balanced and beautiful your tree will look.

If you did cut your tree, save the boughs that you trim from the bottom. Tree greens are very useful in holiday decorating. You can use them to decorate the background for your nativity set or your miniature Christmas village or train set. If it is convenient, put the ends in water so the needles will stay on the branches for as long as possible. You can also use the greens to make your own wreaths. Lace them with lights or add flowers or holly for added color and interest. As long as you don’t leave them unattended, candles are also versatile decorative items. They may be placed all over the house to create a warm atmosphere. Also try using colors and scents to enhance their usefulness in each room. With a hot-glue gun and candy-canes or holiday-themed miniatures you can decorate your larger candles and candle holders. Making these decorations by yourself is a low-cost way to make your home beautiful. Greenery and candles have a relatively short lifespan, so you will be able to start fresh again next year.

One of the most useful and welcoming Christmas decorations is food. Placing decorative plates and bowls around your home full of fudge, candy canes and cookies says that you have some Christmas spirit. Not only will your guests appreciate a little snack, the Christmas goodies are colorful and add to your decorations. Cinnamon candy can be home-made and the glassy shards are bright red. Sugar cookies can be frosted in red, green, gold, and white. Fudge and other candies can be pressed with colored sugar. To minimize stale food, bake ahead of time and freeze what you don’t put out on your plates. When guests will be arriving, simply pull out the frozen goodies a couple of hours ahead of time. As your guests wander through your gorgeous home nibbling, you will be sure to get many compliments on how cheery you have made it.

Every year the decorating for the holidays starts all over. You and your kids can get into the excitement when you use some creativity and imagine the kind of atmosphere you’d like to have this Christmas. Sometimes it is nice to pull out the familiar decorations from years past, but sometimes it can be fun to start from scratch. Trying out some disposable decorations like Christmas greens, candles and snack food will ensure a fresh feeling in this year’s decorating. Use your imagination and have fun making your home ready for holiday entertaining and celebrations. Make the most of the small things and your efforts will be successful.

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 A vivid memory of my grandmother comes to my mind when I ponder this topic.  In my mind, she exudes the most vibrant energy I’d ever encountered.  To me, she is the epitome of life, and health; she is vitality.  She’s never visited a doctor her entire life, and up until a year ago, no one would have ever even suspected that something or anything could even be wrong with her.  So unexpected was this finding, that we as a family will forever suffer that empty void as a result of losing someone so dear to us.  Not only was she rushed to the hospital, she never came back.  She passed away on November 30.  Having to plan a funeral in December not only felt like a crude punishment, it was most difficult to fathom the thought that Christmas could be just around the corner.  

Christmas, having the connotation to be a time of peace on earth, and good will towards men, was definitely not a time of rest in my mind.  So great was the stress and emotional drain in the aftermath, that no one can really consider it possible to feel peace and comfort for many months down the road.  Having been such a big part of my family’s lives, it didn’t feel like Christmas without grandma sitting on the couch, telling stories and accounts of her past life experiences.  She was always a great story teller; if you’ve ever heard the excitement, and enthusiasm in her voice, you’d almost have to admit that it felt like she relived every memory she retold.  

Every Christmas we can always count on coming home to a house full of excitement, laughter and good quality fun with the family.  But it was not like that at all.  Nothing will ever be the same again.  The previous year’s Christmas would forever be the Christmas my entire family can hold on to as a memory that we celebrated Christmas as a family.  It’s one of those memories that I can, and will never allow myself to forget.  It was a time of joy, love, peace, and goodness.  Now all that we have is a memory, something that we can only reflect on and never experience again.  

Losing a loved one so near Christmas was the worst Christmas I could ever imagine.  It clearly was not the same, and can never be the same again.  It is also important to remember though, that life does and will go on whether or not you’re ready for it.  It is essential to cling on to those who you can lean on to for support in these times of hardship, and sorrow. 

People you can depend on will inevitably become the stepping stone of your strength in pulling yourself back together.  The blessings of a loving, and supportive family was the most important thing for me, and I clung on so dear to it.  Reason being, they are most able to relate to you, your feelings, views, and concerns.  In times where your hardships are greatest, you will find that it is your family that you can count on to provide that beacon of light to direct you to safer grounds.  As difficult it is to suffer such a great loss, it is comforting to know that such a powerful strength is still available to you.  I cannot imagine how I could have survived that heartache, had it not been for my family alongside me each step of the way.  You’ll never value or appreciate the full meaning and worth of family until you’ve tested its unconditional love.  

Friends provided the support family was not always able to offer.  Friends and family go hand in hand in extending that hand of friendship and support.  Knowing that I was able to reach somebody at any point in time had I needed to talk, or wanted some moral support, it was that welcoming voice on the receiving end that reassured me that this storm will pass.

Christmas and holidays are special occasions where we spend quality time with loved ones: family and friends.  Although it’s not always possible to spend time with them, take comfort in knowing that there will always be people who genuinely care for us.

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 Movies are one of the best tools to get you in the Spirit of Christmas.  Whether you prefer old movies or the ones most recently released, all can put you in the right frame of mind to enjoy Christmas.  Watch them with your children; get them involved in searching for Christmas movies on TV.  Look in your favorite movie rental business.  Even check the pawnshops for used movies.  Some movies just mean Christmas is here.  Relax in your easy chair, pop some popcorn and gather the children around you, here is my list of favorite 10 Christmas movies that get me in the spirit.

The timeless classic of A Christmas Carol.  I watch all versions in color and in black and white, but I must confess that I love the colorized version.  It teaches important lessons to children so this is one movie you might want to add to your collection of Christmas movies.

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer.  This is a classic and until you hear the song sang by Burl Ives, it just isn’t Christmas yet.  The best part is the abominable snowman putting the Christmas star on the tree.

Who can forget Ralphie’s mom saying, “You’ll shoot your eye out.”  This of course from the holiday classic, A Christmas Story.  Ralphie’s schemes and desperate adventures make his dream of getting a Red Ryder BB Gun for Christmas come true.

Miracle on 34th Street is another one of those must see movies at Christmas time.  The timeless story of the little girl wondering if there really is a Santa Clause is as endearing now as when it was first released.  

It’s a Wonderful Life with Jimmy Stewart shining performance, as the good-hearted George Bailey is one that I truly love.  When his guardian angel-in-training shows up to talk him out of jumping off the bridge and shows him what the town would be like if he’d never been born.  The outpouring of love that George finds is a splendid example of the giving nature of people.

Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas is a recent movie that has been enjoyed by the latest generation.  Those of us who grew up with Dr. Seuss and his works have certainly enjoyed this movie adaptation of his story.  Jim Carey gives an excellent performance as the Grinch.

Home Alone.  One of the most funny and delightful Christmas movies made in the last few years.  8-year-old Kevin is accidentally left behind when his family goes on Christmas vacation.  He is left to take charge of protecting his house against would be burglars.  His wild booby traps and innovative antics are funny.  Home Alone has sequels but the first one is my personal favorite.

Elf is another current movie, released in the last couple of years.  Buddy the adorable adopted elf is innocent, funny, and completely charming.  His steadfast belief in Christmas and Santa Clause will make you laugh out loud.

My two personal favorites are these last two.  The Santa Clause with Tim Allen as single Dad Scott and his son Charlie hears funny noises coming from the roof.  Santa is startled accidentally by Tim Allen’s character and the result is Santa falls off the roof.  Talked into putting on the Santa suit by his son, they finish the toy delivery and return to the North Pole.  Bernard the elf then informs Scott that by putting on the suit, he has accepted the job as the new Santa Claus.  The results are hilariously funny and touching at the same time.

The Santa Clause 2: The Mrs. Clause is the sequel to the first movie and learns to his regret that he has to find a wife by Christmas Eve to remain Santa Claus.  A toy Santa is put in charge of the North Pole and Scott returns to his regular human form to help his son Charlie who is having problems in High School and to find a wife.  This movie is every bit as good as the first one.  I love them both.

If you are having a hard time getting into the Christmas Spirit, pull one of these movies off the shelf and sit down ready to have a good laugh.  They will remind you of the happy times and get you ready for the Holiday season to come.

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On the surface, teenage boys seem like they would be easy to shop for at Christmas time.  Unfortunately, this isn’t always true.  For those of you who are struggling to find the perfect gift for the teenage boy on your Christmas list, read on to find some helpful Christmas gift ideas.

1.  Team Jersey

Most teenage boys are into some sort of sport – whether it is basketball, football, baseball, or even NASCAR – he is sure to have a favorite team or sports figure.  Buy him a jersey from his team.  To make this gift even better, find a jersey with the number of his favorite player.

2.  Jewelry

Yes, that says jewelry.  Many guys are into some form of jewelry.  For rocker guys, tribal or beaded necklaces will be a hit.  These guys might also like stud or hoop earrings.  Preppy guys often like to wear fashionable rings or bracelets.  If you aren’t so sure about jewelry, try a watch.  With such a wide variety of watch styles available, it should be easy to find one to fit any teenage boys taste.

3.  Best buy gift certificate

Teenage boys love their gadgets and entertainment equipment.  A gift certificate to Best Buy will give him an excuse to look at all of their TV’s, stereo equipment, and computers.  He can also find his favorite music and video games here.  If you don’t have a Best Buy in your area, the teenage boy on your list can still go shopping there on line.  

4.  Jeans

Teenage boys love their jeans.  Just make sure you buy the style he likes.  Some teenage boys like snug-fitting jeans, while others like their jeans to be baggie.  Yet others prefer carpenter or painter jeans.  Whatever the style, he is sure to have worn out the ones he has and in need of more!

5.  Snowboard

Winter provides the perfect opportunity for snowboarding and simple snowboards can be purchased at a relatively low price.  Most teenage boys love the thrill of conquering a new challenge – and snowboarding gives him a way to release some energy and jazz up the winter months.

6.  Portable CD player

What teenage boy doesn’t love his music?  No matter his taste in music, the teenage boy on your list is most likely passionate about his bands.  Buy him a portable CD player and he can listen to his music anytime, anywhere – and spare you from having to listen to it, as well.

7.  Paintball gun

Some natural instinct in teenage boys drives them to want to hunt each other down!  Feed this instinct by purchasing paintball guns and paintballs.  Many low-cost complete kits can be purchased at retail stores.  Just be sure he is wearing old clothes when he goes outside to enjoy his paintball gun – his clothes will surely be filled with paint when he is done.

8.  Video game magazine subscription

Teenage boys are suckers for video games.  If he has a game system, such as X-Box, PlayStation, or Nintendo, purchase a subscription to the corresponding game system magazine.  These magazines provide great information and screen shots about upcoming games, ratings of current games, and demo discs.  With demo discs, he can play portions of games before they ever come out, which helps him decide what games he really likes – and what games will just be a waste of your money.

9.  Car accessories

If the teenage boy on your list is old enough to drive and has his own car, buying car accessories is a sure win.  This could even be a great gift for the teenage boy who is not driving yet.  Every teenage boy dreams of owning his first set of wheels.  By car wax and other cleaning supplies for him so he can pamper his new toy.  Or, buy him seat covers or other decorative accessories to give his car that personal touch.

10.  Black light lamp

A current trend among teenage boys is black light lamps.  Get him one for his room and see what strange glows it creates.  Many posters and other decorative accessories are also available that light up nicely with a black light.

Finding the perfect gift for a teenage boy can be daunting, but with a little creativity and shopping savvy, it is possible to find a gift that will make him say, “DUDE…that is so cool!”

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This season host your own cookie trading party.  Here are some starter recipes, fun Christmas cookies even you can make:

Shortbread Cookies

These melt in your mouth classics can be made for your cut outs or rolled in to balls.  Roll the balls in your favorite topping, like crushed almonds or coconut.  Christmas balls are the easiest fun Christmas cookies even you can make.

INGREDIENTS:

1/2 pound unsalted butter (yum!)

1/2 cup brown sugar

2 cups flour

1/2 teaspoon vanilla

pinch of salt

PREPARATION:

Mix well, roll out in to about 1/4-inch thick, and cut into shapes. Or, roll into small balls then roll in finely chopped nuts or coconut; place on lightly greased cookie sheet and flatten with the bottom of a glass.

Bake at 300° F. for approximately 20 to 25 minutes.

Secret Kiss Cookie

Fun Christmas cookies even you can make with a surprise.  A cookie with a chocolate kiss is wrapped inside.

INGREDIENTS:

1 cup butter, softened

1/2 cup granulated sugar

1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla

1 3/4 cups flour

1 bag chocolate kiss candies, unwrapped (7 ounces)

powdered sugar

PREPARATION:

Cream together your butter, sugar, and vanilla. Blend in Flour. Wrap one tablespoon of dough around each chocolate candy kiss. Bake at 350° for about 15 minutes, or until dough is set but not browned. Roll each cookie in powdered sugar while still warm.This recipe makes about 2 to 3 dozen cookies.

Thumbprint Cookie

Colorful fun Christmas cookies that even you can make let your kids do the thumb work.

INGREDIENTS

1 cup butter, softened

3/4 cup granulated sugar

2 teaspoons vanilla

1 teaspoon almond extract

2 1/2 cups flour (more if dough seems too thin)

finely chopped pecans, almonds, or other nuts, optional

Jam

PREPARATION:

Beat butter with an electric mixer at medium speed until creamy. Add sugar and the next 3 ingredients, blending well. Chill dough 2 1/2 hours. Roll dough into small balls, then roll in the chopped nuts; place on lightly greased cookie sheets.

Make an indention in the middle of each cookie and fill with jam. Bake at 300° for about 25 to 35 minutes, or until firm and lightly browned on the bottom.Makes about 6 dozen

Candy Cane Cookies

These cookies make a great classroom treat.

INGREDIENTS

1/2 cup butter

1/2 cup shortening

1 cup sifted confectioners’ sugar

1 egg

1 1/2 teaspoons almond flavoring

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

2 1/2 cups sifted all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon red food coloring

PREPARATION:

Preheat oven to 350.

Cream the shortening and butter; mix in sugar, egg, almond and vanilla. In a separate bowl, mix flour and salt and add to shortening mixture. Divide dough in half.

Blend red food coloring into one half.  Roll 1 teaspoon of the red dough and 1 teaspoon of the white dough on lightly floured board into 4 inch strips. Place strips side by side and press lightly together and twist. Do not pinch. Curve top of rope down in to the shape of a candy cane. Make one complete cookie at a time. If the dough of one color is shaped first, the rolls will become too dry to twist.

Bake 9 minutes or until lightly browned. Remove while still warm. Sprinkle with 1/2 cup crushed peppermint stick candy and 1/2 cup sugar (optional).  This recipe will make two dozen.

Black Forest Cookies

Dried cherries and chocolate; fancy and easy!

INGREDIENTS:

1 1/2 cups chocolate chips

1/2 cup butter

1/2 cup shortening

1 cup sugar

2 eggs

2 teaspoons vanilla

2 cups flour

1/2 cup cocoa powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 cup dried cherries

PREPARATION:

In small bowl over saucepan of hot (not boiling water) melt 1/2 cup of the chocolate chips; let cool.

Beat butter, shortening and sugar until fluffy; beat in eggs one at a time. Beat in vanilla, then melted chocolate.

In a separate bowl stir flour, cocoa, baking powder and salt; stir into butter mixture. Stir in cherries and remaining chocolate chips. Drop by tablespoonfuls about 2 inches apart onto greased baking sheets. Bake at 375 for about 12 minutes or until edges are firm and centers still soft.

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They are a familiar part of every Christmas. You line them up along the mantle, across the TV and on top of the refrigerator. Sometimes the only updates you get from old friends and distant family are in the yearly Christmas card. More often than you might like to admit, a Christmas card is the only news your friends and family get from you over the year. We are busy people and we get busier all the time. Christmas cards are somehow the one bit of writing on the list of communication “to do” list that we actually get done. For that reason, it is nice to make them special. Are you looking for unique Christmas card ideas to personalize your updates and warm wishes this year? With just a little time and creativity, you will send out treasured, eye-catching and heartwarming Christmas cards.

One common practice for individualizing Christmas cards is to include a family picture. It really is a great idea. The recipients gaze long and hard at those photos, trying to figure out how you and especially your children have changed so much. To make your Christmas cards truly unique, try experimenting with those family photos. Instead of dressing up and making a visit to the photographer, look through the candid shots you’ve taken. They are often more natural and show your family as they really are. Maybe you ride horses or bicycles. You’ve probably got pictures of your kids at the zoo or playing basketball. You might have a vacation picture of your family together, but you might just want to reprint and put pictures of individuals together. The mixed and matched photos will give the impression of a patchwork quilt, full of memories and love. The cards can be quickly printed in order to make as many copies as you need.

If you have a little more time, the collage idea can be taken to a different level. You probably have stashed away somewhere all of the Christmas cards you’ve received for the last six or seven years. Pull those out and start looking through them. You’ll get one more chance to relive them, but then be ready to tell them goodbye. Cutting up the cards and reassembling them will create beautiful and unique patterns. Glue the random pieces to a stiff piece of paper and you will be inventing new designs and patterns to suit your own taste. To finish these cards off, you can add photographs or trinkets to the outside. As long as you can find big enough envelopes (and you can experiment with size) you don’t even have to keep the chunks of old cards within the confines of a traditional card’s shape. Let your imagination run wild. These cards will definitely stand out of the row along the top of someone’s television.

When the work of constructing the outside is done, a truly unique card will have your inscription on its inside, instead of one from the greeting card company. Don’t be afraid to write things that you really think and feel instead of the traditional “Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.” Use your sense of humor and let the real you shine through. Have your family help you too. The more personality you stuff into those cards, the better. It may require more time and effort than usual, but your work will be worth it. Who knows? With your homemade cards, you may just spark some effort on the other end as well. In return you may see some traditional letters and more frequent information from your loved ones.

You may not look forward to choosing Christmas cards when you take a look at the huge Christmas card selection at the local department or greeting card store. There are so many to choose from, and yet they all seem the same. You’ve been looking at cards long enough that the sentiment in them is hardly personal and even far from relevant to your own personality. Instead of buying a package of Christmas cards this year, try making your own. Starting with the couple of ideas here, you’ll be able to think of many more to individualize your handiwork. It is guaranteed that no one will have seen them or anything like them before. You’ll get a smile, maybe a chuckle, and even possibly a letter in return.

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 Everything has a theme, or idea. Easter’s theme is colorful, light shades. Television shows have theme songs. Brand names and businesses have signature moves and themes. Christmas’s theme is the mix of red and green.

Christmas trees will always be a main attraction in any household. You invite the family over for the day; have the turkey in the oven, carols playing through the stereo system, decorations hung throughout the rooms, the smell of steaming hot chocolate filtering through the kitchen. And then everyone goes into the main room and sees a stick with leaves with an angel glued on top because it wouldn’t stay on any other way. Doesn’t exactly fit the picture, does it?

Trees should be the center of attention in a room; it should be the first thing you notice and the easiest thing to remember in detail. Themed trees are an even more amusing conversation starter.

Your tree should represent you and your sensibilities. If you want to start simple, try going for a snowflake themed tree. You can get snowflake shaped lights to string along, thin garland with glittering ‘snow’, or any other kind of decoration that can support your theme.

If you want something a bit more difficult, try a kid’s tree, if it’ll be in a children’s room or if there are lots of kids coming over. You can tie on crayons, toys, dice, playing cards (the ace of spades, perhaps?), or plastic cars. Rather than an angel on top, try an anime figure from a television show that your kid likes or that is quite popular at the moment.

Perhaps for something more oriented for adults, a vehicle themed tree is in order. Each decoration could be a plastic car of a different model, color, or brand. An oil bucket could steady the base of the tree, and a car hood ornament could be the top angel.

A musically themed tree could draw the eye as well. Ornamental, glittering markings such as treble clefs, or bass clefs could be your angel. You can purchase miniature instruments at most music stores, usually in the form of key chains. Pencils and erasers can be decorated with musical items too, and they’ll add a different kind of look to your tree.

For something more personal, you could find something that your friends associate with you and act on it. Are you an addicted to shopping? Most malls will either give away free or sell for a small fee little items with the name of the mall on it. Key chains are normally the most common, and they work perfectly! Miniature shopping bags (or actual ones that are a bit on the small side that can be hung at the bottom of the tree) are cute, inexpensive and will look perfect for a humorous decoration. Receipts will add to the look (especially if they have some nearly outrageously expensive prices on them!) as long as they don’t have Christmas gifts on them, right along with price tags. Shoeboxes could decorate the bottom of the tree, or heavy catalogues for the season, with perhaps a jewelry box or two hung above. You could top the tree with a Paper Mache angel made out of flyers you received in the mail.

Your personality will be reflected with whatever theme you chose, so take time to choose and make sure it is something you’re willing to spend some money on, although it shouldn’t end up being too much.

Say you’re a teacher and want to jazz up the classroom for the holidays. You might decide to get a tree, most likely a plastic or small on, and theme it with textbooks, both miniature and regular sized. Having a bright red pen and cap hanging will be a cool reminder to students seeing as it’s only used for less that expected marks. Everyday school supplies such as duo-tangs, pencils and pens, calculators, liquid correctors or erasers could dazzle your tree.

Whatever you end up choosing, whether it is a sports gone wild theme or politics and the government, make sure it fits in with the room it’s in. Having a tree with children’s toys on it shouldn’t be in the main room amongst your guests, but it’ll be a treat for your kid to decorate. Think of as a way to surprise your guests—in a good way.

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 You can always tell Christmas is just around the corner when you go to your favorite store and see reindeer-oriented decorations hung up right beside the Halloween ones—in September.

As educators around the globe, it’s our responsibility to push open the wonders of the world to our students, especially when the holidays come around. Students in younger grades constantly get distracted and we’re the ones that get to scrounge around for fun activities to amuse them with.

One of the most famous of said Christmas activities is to write a letter to Santa Claus. We see it happen in advertisements on the television, in the theaters, and it keeps that touch of belief left in us. The kids love it and it gets everyone in the spirit of the holidays. The best way is to get an older class to read the letters and respond to them. It might not seem as heart-warming, but the kids get ecstatic when they open their response.

Another way to keep the younger kids occupied is the craft angle. Coloring might be good for the wee ones, but it won’t work for long. Cutting out snowflakes by folding paper is a classic—and it works too! Tree decorations, cards, and snowmen will keep their little hands busy for a while at least.

The older kids are a bit tougher. They consider themselves old enough so that the ole ‘be good or you’ll get coal in the stocking’ lecture doesn’t work so much and they need those touch more specific tasks and instructions. Coloring just won’t cut it, much to everyone’s dismay. (Although there is a reason that snowflakes are such a classic!)

If there’s a spare bulletin board in the class, try making a mural out of construction paper. One group does the fireplace, another does Santa, another does a table with a glass of milk and cookies, another does the tree, and so on and so on until everything gets stapled up together to make one big mural. It’s a great project because it shows teamwork at its best.

Another fun project is to get a bunch of mini-pumpkins, the ones that you can hold in the palm of your hand. Cut out the middle of it, including the stem (you’ll need a semi-sharp knife, which if why this is meant for older students), and then try to clean out the inside of the pumpkin without widening the hole. Then you get a pair of candles and can stick them inside to make beautiful festive candleholders. It doesn’t take long and makes a good Christmas gift.

If you have a smaller group, or one that you believe can handle things well, try making the candles as well. Each student needs one sheet of wax eighteen by eight and a half inches. Cut the sheet diagonally from eleven inches to seven inches. Take one piece and put a hair dryer on it for a few minutes until it’s warm enough to be maneuverable and place a wick slightly longer than the longest side at the longest side and slowly roll it along until you get one candle with a spiraling upper half. If you do the same with the other piece of wax, you will then have a matching set.

Christmas is celebrated in different ways around the world, and there are plenty of stories on the Internet and in books that can show your students the multiple cultures throughout the planet we call home. Try going for stories that the kids can relate to without going overboard with descriptions. Foreign customs can be hard to understand, so try for moderation.

The Holiday greeting of “Merry Christmas” can be translated into millions of different languages, and each is native to a certain country or region. ‘Joyeux Noël’ is French, ‘Mo’adim Lesimkha’ is Hebrew, ‘Buon Natale’ is Italian, and ‘Feliz Navidad’ is Spanish. There are plenty of activities on the Internet and in books with lists of other languages. There are lots of games, matching, rhyming, and others, that you can create. And pronouncing the words is always fun too!

Whatever you decide to do, you can try to incorporate it in only a few subjects. Not all kids are gung-ho about Christmas, and every day school work still needs to be around. But all in all, make sure it’s fun. The best way to end school for the holiday break isn’t just to tie up loose ends, but to make them into pretty bows too.

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