Santa Letters, Unique Gifts, Awesome Decorations – How Will You Make Christmas 2011 Stand Out?

If you’re like me you always want Christmas to be more special than previous years. So every year, as we go through the holiday season I find myself making mental notes about ways to improve something for the next Christmas. In recent years I discovered that ordering personalized letters from Santa for my grandkids adds a magical touch to the holiday for the little ones. They love those letters. I also learned that if I shop for holiday decorations right after Christmas I can save a lot of money. But I have trouble with that.

Here’s what has happened to me in the past. Right after Christmas I found that local drug stores and department offer Christmas decorations at amazing savings. The problem is, at that time these stores only have a hodgepodge of items left.

One year I loaded up on what I could find – thinking that the next Christmas I would have lots of decorating options. But because everything I purchased was miss-matched none of it really worked together. In the end I gave some of the new items to each of my grown kids.

Since then I have learned that you can purchase Christmas supplies year round if you shop online. When you shop at these specialty shops you get a great selection and the savings are unbelievable. Plus, shopping online is extremely convenient. 

You can sip on your favorite cup of tea while you surf from one shop to another. And you can comparison shop between several stores within a matter of minutes. Whether you are in the market for an artificial Christmas tree, garland, tree skirts, ornaments or Santa letters you can find just what you want without ever leaving home.

In fact, did you know that you can even order real Christmas trees online? I found that out last year. Of course, that’s something you will have to wait until later to shop for but it’s wonderful to know that you can get a real tree off the Internet. It will be delivered to your home so that relieves you of the hassle of shopping at the roadside stands and then stressing about how to get the tree to your house.

One of the things that is important to me during holidays is having a fabulous meal for everyone. My family and I enjoy cooking holiday meals as a group. Each family member is counted on for preparing at least one dish. It’s fun to pull together a meal that everyone has contributed to. Every year I try to come up with at least one new food item to try. I’m on the lookout for a great recipe that includes strawberries, Angel Food cake and pretzels. I had a dessert like that once and I loved it. I really want to find that recipe.

Another thing that I am going to start soon is collecting various inexpensive gifts that will be used for prizes. This Christmas I want to add some games to our get togethers and I think I will give things like body powder, lotions, and candles as prizes. Of course the kids will get toys when they win.

So what about you – how will you make this Christmas a special one?

Storing Away Those Keepsake Santa Letters & Decorations

After the holiday season you must put away all those lovely Christmas decorations and the letters from Santa Claus. Of course, some kids will keep their letters from Santa framed and on display year round, but others will allow you to put them away. You want to be sure they are stored so that they will be safe until next year. Nothing is more heart breaking than to find a beloved ornament in pieces. To prevent this follow the tips below.

I use plastic totes to store my decorations. Each tote holds specific decorations. If you are like me and have lots of decorations for both inside and outside you may want to color coordinate your totes. This will make it easier when you pull them out next year. If you are using cardboard be sure it is stored in a dry location. You don’t want your Christmas decorations to get moldy.  

I use one tote for my Christmas tree. I place the tree decorations in the order I place that on the tree. In the bottom of the tote I put the ornaments. Be sure to wrap breakable ornaments in newspaper. Next I put in the garland. Than lastly I put in the lights. I trick I have learned to keep from having tangled garland and lights is wrap them around an empty paper towel roll.

I have a binder that I keep all my kids Santa Claus letters in. It is a nice way to preserve the Christmas memories we make each year. If you will be storing you decorations in a damp place you may want to seal letters and other paper decorations in a sealed plastic bag. You don’t want your kid’s priceless Christmas letters to be destroyed.

If you use a real tree you will either need to plant it or get rid of it. Many communities have Christmas tree drop off spots. Usually the trees are made into mulch and used in local parks. Artificial trees need to be packed up. If possible use the box that the tree came in. If the box is badly damaged you can try to find a plastic tote that your tree will find into. Around the holidays some department and hardware stores will be selling totes and tubs made especially for Christmas trees and holiday decorations. When you’re into all of this cleaning and packing away you may even find a package that was overlooked on Christmas morning so keep an eye out.

Be sure that no food products are packed up. This will attract rodents, bugs, and mold to your decorations. Wash out tins that had held cookies or candy. Don’t keep reindeer food either; just make a fresh batch next year. After all, that’s another fun activity for you and your family.

Don’t be sad about having to put away all those holly jolly decorations. Next Christmas will be here before you know it. When it does finally arrive all of your decorations will be waiting for you organized and safe.

Santa Letters Are Only The Beginning Of Holiday Preparations

Knowing what to buy for kids during Christmas is usually not too hard. Those letters to Santa Claus are usually quite clear. Using them as a gift-buying guide is one of the fringe benefits of helping your kids write the letters. And the finishing touch to any Christmas tree is a pile of beautifully wrapped gifts underneath. Part of the fun of getting Christmas gifts is ripping off the paper to see what is hidden inside. You want you gifts to look as if they were a package from the North Pole.

Sometimes the shape of a gift can make it hard to wrap. You can buy gift boxes to accommodate most gifts. If you can’t find a gift box that your gift will fit into you still have options. While you are dropping off your Santa letters at your local post office, buy a shipping box in the appropriate size. You may want to check with your local stores, they sometimes have cardboard boxes they can give away for free.

Now that you have the gift in the perfect box you can begin. If you are giving a gift that is breakable use tissue paper or newspaper to cushion the sides on the bottom and sides of the box. You don’t want the gift to break from bouncing around in the box. Nothing puts a damper on the holidays like giving or receiving a broken gift.

A trick I have used over the years is to color coordinate the gifts. All the gifts that will be leaving my house are wrapped in one color and the ones that are going to be opened at home are wrapped in a different color.  If you have gifts going to several different places pick a color for each destination. For example all the gifts going to office friends could wrapped in silver paper and the ones going to Granny’s in red paper and so on.

Once you have your gift wrapped in pretty paper you must make a gift tag. You can use the self sticking gift tags you pick up at most stores that sell gift wrap. These are simple to use just fill in the to and from spaces. Sometimes I mark gift tags on gifts going to children from the real Santa. Be sure that you write clearly. You don’t want to be unsure who gets what gift.

Last thing to add is a ribbon. Ribbons come in all sorts of patterns and textures. You will want to use a color of ribbon that will match your paper. Don’t tie you ribbon too tight- you don’t want it to rip your wrapping paper. You can tie something like a candy cane or bell to the top of the gift. Kids like to find small bags of reindeer food attached to their gifts. I also add a new ornament to all my brothers and sisters gifts. This adds a personal finishing touch.

While your kids are anxiously waiting for their letters from Santa to arrive you can drastic them by allowing them to help with some of your wrapping projects. Kids always enjoy that and they can sometimes get very creative in the way they wrap things. It’s a good idea to let them practice their craft on gifts for pets or gifts that won’t be leaving your home.

Letters To Santa And Homemade Christmas Ornaments Make Christmas Special

Writing letters to Santa and making Christmas salt dough ornaments with your children is a great way to connect during the sometimes hectic Christmas season. We all know how important Santa letters can be. These ornaments can last for years as a reminder of the memories you made that year. Salt dough ornaments are so simple to make that even the youngest members of your family can participate.

The recipe is very easy to throw together and you probably already have the ingredients in your pantry. These ornaments are not for eating. Keep the dough in an air tight container until you are ready to use it so that it doesn’t dry out.

2 parts flour
1part salt
1part water

Mix the ingredients in a bowl. If you want colored dough add food coloring until you reach your desired hue. On a floured surface knead the dough. You can let the kids write their Christmas letters while you’re during this.

You need to work on a floured surface. You can roll out the dough and uses cookie cutters to make shapes. This is the easiest method for very young children. Older children might enjoy forming their own shapes.

You can add mirror pieces, glass beads, or glass gemstones. They will look dazzling on a lit up Christmas tree. These can also be used for the eyes and other accents on snowmen and gingerbread men.

A cute idea is to make a nice list with the names of all of your children and their ages. The names can be painted with gold or silver paint after they have baked.  Your kids can make a Christmas wish list. It is fun to look back at these ornaments and read past wishes.

You can make wrapped gift ornaments. You could even write a gift from Santa on the gift tag.  You can write your child’s name or the year in the to space. After you bake them make the ribbons using glitter glue.

My kids each make am ornament to leave out for Santa with the cookies and milk and magical reindeer food on Christmas Eve.

If you have used colored dough you can brush the top of the ornament with water for more vibrant colors. For a frosty effect dust light with flour before you bake. Put the name and date on the back of the ornament. Be sure to put a hole in the dough for a ribbon.

You will need to bake these in low heat between 200 – 250 degrees. Be patient they take several hours to dry depending on the thickness of the dough. After they have finished you can paint and decorate anyway you like. Always store these ornaments in an air tight container and they will last for years.

It’s simple traditions like Santa letters and homemade ornaments that can make special Christmas memories for all. These are the kind of things that kids remember when they grow up. They might forget what presents were bought for them and who came to celebrate with the family on Christmas Day, but they are not likely to forget the fun they had creating letters to Santa and ornaments to hang on the tree.

Turning Letters To Santa Into A Magical Christmas Morning

It is easy in the busy in the world we live in to forget about those in need. This coming Christmas do what you can to help spread the Christmas spirit and bring love into someone’s heart. It doesn’t have to take a lot of time or money to change this Christmas.

You might not realize it but you probably have lots of things around your home that you no longer use or need. You can call area shelters or community resource centers to find out what they are in need of. 

Remember what you donate may be the only gifts some people may receive this year. Don’t donate anything that is broken, worn out, or missing crucial parts. Donating things you already own helps you get better organized.  You will be sure to land on Santa’s nice list for a job well done.

Everyone knows that practically all kids write letters to Santa Claus. Most are hoping to find something special under their Christmas tree. And all children should receive gifts during the Christmas season. If your kids have out grown toys or clothes consider donating them instead of throwing them away. During these unsure economical times there are many families who need the extra help. Before you drop off toys be sure that they have been cleaned first. If the clothes you plan to donate are in poor condition should be thrown away.

While you are out shopping you will notice some stores have bins for donated toys. If you are able to, pick out an inexpensive toy to add to the bin. Sometimes these toys are the only gift some children for receive Christmas so please do what you.

Some communities have programs where needy kids’ letters to Santa are shared with people willing to fulfill the things wanted. Many times it will include the clothes and shoes sizes they need. Similar programs for feeding a family on Christmas day also exist. If you decide to participate in one of these programs buy quality goods. The people who do this truly make these children’s Christmas letter wishes come true.

Senior citizens are often forgotten during the holiday season. There is something you can probably do in your own neighborhood. If there are any older people near you who live alone and rarely maybe never have visitors do something to brighter their Christmas. It doesn’t have to be anything elaborate. Simple cards with a pair of gloves or even a plate of homemade goodies are good choices. On the gift tag you could write a gift from Santa

The true spirit of Christmas shines through the people who do what they can to help out their fellow man. Kindness and generosity are more precious than anything that can be bought or placed under the Christmas tree. This year let the spirit of Christmas shine through your heart and help those around you.

From Christmas Cards To Letters To Santa – Get Your Kids Involved!

From Christmas Cards To Letters To Santa – Get Your Kids Involved!

Making homemade Christmas cards with your kids is an inexpensive and fun way to prepare for the coming holidays and it can work hand in hand with the creation of letters to Santa. You can use items you already have around the house.  I will give you a few ideas to get you started. From there let your imagination and Christmas spirit take over. Now go and get creative.

Choose a theme for your Christmas card. Christmas gives us an endless array of possibilities. You can go for an elegant Victorian theme or a rustic woodland theme. Let your preference and style guide you. Most of the time kids have no problem picking a theme

If you wanted to do a Santa cards you could look through sale ads for pictures to cut out and glue onto your card. A real cute idea is to make a trim around the front of the card that looks like Santa’s nice list.  You could also make a Santa face and glue cotton balls for his mustache, beard, and eyebrows.  

Maybe there is a new arrival to your family. In that case you should do a baby’s first Christmas card. Pictures of teddy bears and other cuddly animals look adorable on these cards. Pearlized paint add a sweet finishing touch.

Grandparents love to get anything hand made by their grandchildren. Christmas cards give you the chance to combine the season’s greeting with pictures. I try to find a photo that has my parents and children together. If there are any interest they have in common incorporate that into your card.

Rudolph makes a charming theme. You could include a small envelop that contains reindeer food for the receipt to set out on Christmas Eve. For Rudolph’s nose use glitter or something else shiny to draw attention. Along the border of your card you could make hoof prints or the names of all of Santa’s reindeer.

If fancy is more your style use lace and glue on gemstones. Try to find paper with a metallic sheen. Look for old Christmas cards or catalogs to find pictures that can be used on your card. Look for pictures of fruit or birds. Hand cut snowflakes will look exquisite on these cards also.

Inside your card make sure to put in a personalized message for the person who will be receiving it. Help your child with what to write look through old Christmas cards or search the internet for ideas. Tell them to write something from the heart. Kids usually love working on crafts like this. Let them write special letters to Santa and messages to loved ones in Christmas cards.

Depending on their level of handwriting you may want to write the address on the envelope. Allow your child to put the stamp on and put it in the mail box.

  

Letters To Santa And The Christmas Count Down

Each year my kids and I spend time together writing letters to Santa and making a calendar to count down until Christmas day. We’ve always enjoyed writing Santa letters and we have been creating the Christmas Count Down Calendars for the past four or five years.

We write our calendar on a large white poster board. Around the edges we make a frame in ribbon and glitter. The dividing lines on the calendar are made of Christmas candy sprinkles.

We mark special days during the holidays on the calendar. Every year we mark a day for writing letters to Santa. We make a mini envelope to glue to that day’s place on the calendar. On the envelope my daughter likes to draw a picture of snowmen. She fills in the space around the envelope with red glitter.

The day after letter writing is our mail your Christmas letters day. For this day we place a couple of stamps on the poster board. This year this drew up a clever little map of the trip from our house to the North Pole.

We mark a day for wrapping all the gifts we will be delivering to friends and family. On this day we put a stick on gift tag. Another event we mark is filling and sending out our Christmas cards.

We also mark a day for mixing up our magical reindeer food. That day is covered in gold glitter with a reindeer picture glued on top. This is one of kid’s favorite activities that we do for Christmas.

We have a day for baking cookies together. On the square for this day we glue on sprinkles and mini gingerbread men. We make the gingerbread men out of thin craft foam.

The day that we put up the Christmas lights has a green Christmas light bulb stuck to it. The light bulbs are made of candy cellophane. One year we glued on the lights from a burnt out string we was going to throw away.

We always mark the special day when the letters from Santa arrive. How this day gets noted varies from year to year. Last year we used a gold stick on star.

Of course Christmas Eve is marked with a picture of the real Santa. Christmas is marked with a big shiny present to represent a gift from Santa Claus. You could use any Christmas image that you have around.

To mark off a day we glue cotton balls over it. You can glue whatever you have around the house maybe strips of ribbon or tissue paper to mark off your days. I have the kids rotate turns to be the one to get to mark of a day.

My kids love making this calendar. It gives us a chance to spend time together doing something that we all enjoy doing. As we make the calendar we talk about past Christmas memories and their hopes for this Christmas. Every year we added other holiday events like school plays and holiday parties we will attend. I hope you have fun making this calendar with your children.