Just Christmas collects the best holiday resources online for young and old. We feature the Christmas spirit every day of the year. From Christmas crafts and decorations to holiday recipes to Christmas kid activities you'll find holiday resources at JustXMas.com
Christmas Holiday Resources
Christmas Resources – Watch Christmas Shows Online
May 20th, 2013
Now you don’t have to wait to watch some of your favorite classic Christmas shows. Watch these iconic Christmas shows and spend some time reliving “A Charlie Brown Christmas”, “Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer” and “The Grinch Who Stole Christmas” by watching these classic TV shows online.
Christmas Resources – Watch Christmas Shows Online
Christmas Resources – Download Free Christmas Coloring Pages
May 13th, 2013These free Christmas coloring pages will keep your children busy for hours. Simply choose then click on the picture you would like to download. Includes a long list of coloring pictures of Santa, elves, wreaths, reindeer, angels and more.
Christmas Resources – Download Free Christmas Coloring Pages
Christmas Resources – Fruit and Caramel Brie Recipe
May 6th, 2013This fast and easy to make cheese appetizer is a sweet-savory recipe that uses a wheel of brie cheese, jarred caramel sauce and fruit. With a push of the microwave button all ingredients combine to make a delicious melted brie appetizer to pair with crusty toasted baguette slices, perfect for your holiday celebration.
Christmas Resources – Fruit and Caramel Brie Recipe
Christmas Article: Decorating Your Deck for Christmas
April 29th, 2013
Adding Christmas decorations to your backyard deck gives you another way to brighten up your home for the holidays. If you live in a warm climate, you may be eating Christmas brunch on that deck, but even if you live in a cold climate, looking at the holiday display outside your door can bring you instant holiday cheer. From exterior Christmas trees to decorations for your patio set, here are some ways to brighten your holiday.
Christmas Lights
If you’re already stringing Christmas lights, extend your decor to the back of the house. Small white lights are traditional and elegant, but colored lights may be more fun and festive. If you have a deck railing, you might want to try the icicle lights, which hang in vertical rows and resemble icicles. String the lights from your deck railing or trim, or get creative and wind them around patio furniture, external features or outside trees.
Christmas Wreaths
Wreaths bring an aspect of fresh greenery to your decor. It’s common to put wreaths on every door, including exterior doors. Play with size, shape and color when selecting wreaths for outside. You might place an oversize wreath from your deck railing, or scale down and place miniature wreaths at the railing corners. Garlands also add a nice natural touch and are easily wound around deck and railing fixtures.
Holiday Patio Decor
Tablecloths, seat covers and throw pillows in holiday reds and greens will brighten your patio and your day. These are functional as well as festive, particularly if you’re able to get wintertime use from your patio. Add silver and gold elements to make your decor glamorous as well as inviting.
Homemade Christmas Ornaments
While you’re free to use purchased holiday ornaments for the deck, homemade ones are environmentally friendly and can involve the whole family. Think baked applesauce ornaments cut out in the shape of Santa, his reindeer and sleigh, homemade garlands of popcorn and cranberries, or pinecones spray-painted in holiday colors. You may also make cutout paper snowflakes to hang from exterior trees or tape to the exterior door or windows. This way, you’ll be rewarded with a colorful and festive display every time you look outside.
Christmas Figurines
From blow-up Santas to moving reindeer, figurines have gotten very sophisticated. If you’re into larger-than-life Christmas decor, place a couple of your favorite figurines on your back deck for family enjoyment. As a more traditional touch, you may prefer a snowman figurine or a small nativity. If your family does “Elf on the Shelf,” you might enjoy hiding your elf outside.
Seasonal Holiday Plants
Those seasonal plants that look great inside your home — mistletoe, poinsettia and holly — will also accent your patio. Place seasonal plants on the deck floor or on your table. If you live in a tropical environment, consider adding palm trees and stringing these with holiday lights. If you have the space for it, you may place a real or artificial Christmas tree on your back deck. Decorate the tree with lights, garlands and homemade ornaments.
Keep your exterior decor as classy and traditional or fun and informal as you want. This is really your place to get creative what what you want to display as well as celebrate the season. Have fun and have a happy holiday season.
Image courtesy of ehow.com.
About the author: Guest blogger Holly is a soccer enthusiast, travel addict, avid baker and concert goer. She blogs on behalf of Sears and other quality brands she trusts.
Christmas Article: Planning Christmas Nuptials for December
April 22nd, 2013
Not every bride dreams of a June wedding. A wedding in December offers many charms and advantages. Some couples choose December because they love the romance of snowy winter weather or the magical feel of winter holidays. Budget-minded couples know that December is still considered the “off-season” for many wedding venues and vendors, which means there are lots of great deals to be had. No matter why you’ve chosen December as your wedding month, you’ll still have a sleigh full of decisions to make when it comes to colors, flowers and wedding décor.
Wedding Colors
If you love the idea of a traditional Christmas wedding, by all means use red and green as your main colors. If you’re planning a church ceremony, the pews and altar may already be decorated in festive, style which can save you money.
Silver and white or cream and gold are elegant combinations for any winter wonderland-themed wedding. Blue and white or blue and silver are two more classic winter combinations that invoke a sense of crisp, clear winter days.
If your dream winter wedding includes natural elements such as pinecones or Christmas trees, consider rich hues like burgundy and forest green, or a deep pink paired with a mossy green.
Winter Flowers
Flowers can be expensive at any time, but flower prices rise in the winter because most are out of season and more difficult to come by. Poinsettias and amaryllis are flowers that make a bold statement and both are abundant during December. White hydrangeas are full, meaning you wouldn’t need a lot of them, and they pair beautifully with other more traditional winter blossoms.
One way to stretch your flower budget without settling for skimpy bouquets and centerpieces is to incorporate seasonal plant material into your designs. Holly, lacy cedar boughs, mistletoe, ferns and ivy can add texture, color and much-needed presence to your wedding floral arrangements. A simple boutonniere of ivy or holly would be handsome for groomsmen, and bridesmaids could carry an elegant bouquet of greenery with just a few flowers tucked in for contrast.
Winter Décor
The possibilities for romance and whimsy are practically endless for a winter wedding; that’s another way of saying “it’s amazing what white tulle wrapped around some twinkle lights can do.” Clear lights and white tulle definitely say winter, but you can get creative with this classic duo and use your wedding colors to liven up the décor. How about blue lights and white tulle, or green lights and pink tulle? Use tulle-wrapped lights as bunting for the aisle or tables, drape it on walls to add sparkle and color to your reception area or hang it from the ceiling to create a canopy effect.
Of course, there’s more to wedding décor than fabric and lights; wreaths, snowflakes, candles and glass bowls filled with elegant ornaments will all extend your theme and add to the sense of welcome every wedding couple strives for.
Getting married near Christmas or Hanukkah doesn’t obligate you to stick with the customs or colors of those traditions. But if those traditions inspire you, there’s no reason not to embrace them–just don’t let your wedding get lost in them. The most important thing about a December wedding is that it truly reflects the style of you and your beloved.
Image courtesy of bridalcookie.com.
About the author: Lindsey is a professional writer living in the Indianapolis area and she writes on behalf of Sears and other deserving brands. Currently, Lindsey is completing work on her master’s degree.
Christmas Resources – Create Your Own Christmas E-Cards Online
April 15th, 2013Create your own Christmas e-cards online with this easy Flash tool. Three shapes are provided (gingerbread man, gingerbread woman and Christmas tree) along with decorations for each figure, choose your favorite decorations and create an original card to send for the holidays.
Christmas Resources – Create Your Own Christmas E-Cards Online
Christmas Article: Christmas Presents for Tweens
April 8th, 2013
Shopping for a tween is always a challenge. At Christmas, when you want to find a perfect and memorable gift, that challenge is even bigger! Thankfully, this year’s shopping just got easier. Simply consult this list of the six gifts that tweens are craving this holiday season, and you’ll have the perfect present in no time flat.
Personalized Jewelry
Any young girl will be thrilled to open up an initial necklace, a monogrammed pendant or even an engraved ring on Christmas morning. Personalized jewelry is a classic look that’s also experiencing a major comeback this season. So you’ll be buying your tween a beautiful piece she can wear immediately and continue to treasure for many years to come.
Craft Sets and Art Supplies
If the tween you’re shopping for is artistic, pick up some unique, high-quality art supplies. Prismacolor pencils are every sketch artist’s standby and come in an impressive range of colors. For the 3-D artist, consider a themed origami set, complete with thick, brightly colored paper and easy-to-follow instructions.
Movie Tickets
Give your tween a bit of independence; allow him to choose a movie on you. Every kid will jump at the chance to see the latest comic book movie or the newest on-screen musical.
Watches
Tweens are just reaching the age at which they have an independent life and a schedule that’s all their own. Help them stay on track with a stylish, functional watch. WeWOOD makes eco-chic wooden watches in a variety of finishes, from olive green to bleached maple for a uniquely personalized gift.
Christmas Shows on DVD
Treat your tween to a collection of her favorite Christmas specials on DVD or—for the truly plugged-in kid—instant download. Every kid will enjoy watching these Christmas shows all year long (just don’t expect them to admit to it).
Fashionable Bags
The days of the basic black bookbag are long gone. Tweens are now sporting bright and colorful messenger bags and backpacks from designers like the Olsens, Betsey Johnson and LeSportsac. Send your kid back to school in style with a new bag in one of this year’s hottest colors, such as emerald green, bright blue, tangerine or deep gray, and know he’ll walk the school’s halls with confidence.
Whether the tween you’re shopping for is an artist, a film buff, a fashionista or anything in between, finding the ideal gift can be simple. Take the stress out of Christmas shopping by sticking to this list of tween-approved presents. On Christmas morning, you’ll be rewarded with excited shrieks and the crumpling of wrapping paper as your tween opens the perfect package.
Image courtesy of parenting.com.
Kristine always has a hard time waiting for Christmas to come. But in the meantime she stays occupied with various baking projects and her puppy.
Christmas Resources – Gift Giving Traditions Around the World Infographic
April 1st, 2013This gift giving infographic shows you gift giving traditions around the world, it is filled with fun and unusual facts about how people in other countries celebrate gift giving.
This interactive gift giving map, brought to you by Cloud 9 Living, is meant for world travelers, study abroad students, those living in or visiting a foreign country; and anyone with curiosity about cultures, traditions and etiquette standards around the world.
The map specifically covers gift giving traditions in China, India, Japan, Brazil, Turkey, Zimbabwe, Italy, Sweden, Bolivia, Tibet, Morocco, Russia, Samoa, Israel and the English Commonwealth. With holidays ranging from Diwali to Christmas, and traditions from gifting yogurt to pulling on earlobes; everyone will learn something new.
Christmas Article: Should You Be a Two-Tree Household This Christmas
March 25th, 2013
As your family has grown, chances are your Christmas ornament collection has as well. Where once you set up a tree as a beautiful focal point in your home, now that you have had kids for a few years, the sentimental, hand-made ornaments are taking over. One way some households are getting around this is to have to trees in their home, one for the pretty and trendy ornaments and one for the more meaningful family ornaments. Here’s how you can go about becoming a two-tree household if your tree is overrun with ornaments.
The Practical Side
Having a house with two trees works well to help you showcase your decorating skills and your family’s treasured ornaments, but if you are buying fresh trees it can get expensive quickly. By using an artificial Christmas tree for at least one of the trees, you can cut some of this expense, since you can re-use the tree year after year.
An artificial tree might fit better into your central focus tree, as well, because you can choose a color and shape that matches your decorating ideas. You can even choose something unique, like an upside down tree, if it suits your fancy.
Creating a Focal Point Tree
With a focal point tree, you can have a tree that Martha Stewart would be proud of. This tree will be the main attraction among your Christmas decorations. To begin, choose a color or theme to use as you decorate. You should try to keep the tree as consistent as possible. Then, choose décor that matches this theme.
For example, gold is a popular color at Christmastime, so why not make a golden tree? You can decorate your tree with gold balls of a variety of sizes, then add some gold garland and ornaments and top it with a golden star. A few silver or white pieces or even a white ribbon draped from top to bottom will add some contrast to the tree.
The key to an attractive focal point tree is to choose just three or four ornament types, so the look stays consistent. These ornaments are the main decorations on the tree. Add lights and garland that match the idea well, and you have a beautiful tree that will serve as the center of your Christmas celebration.
Family Tree
Next, you will need a family tree. This is where you can put your family ornaments, such as the ones your children have made at school, the ones given to you to celebrate milestones for your family or any other ornaments you love that don’t match your central focus tree. Place this tree in your family room, and put your family’s gifts underneath it to make Christmas morning homey and special.
Let your kids have a heyday decorating this, and you will be making memories while enjoying your holiday together. Since you have your decorative tree on display elsewhere, it won’t matter as much if the bottom two feet of the tree are covered in glitter and clay ornaments. Your kids will love it, and you will love having a dedicated space to display their treasures with love.
When you stop and think about it, it makes sense that more and more households are becoming two-tree households. After all, Christmas is about family and memories, but it’s also a chance to harness your inner Martha Stewart. With two trees, you can do both.
Image courtesy of publicdomainpictures.net.
About the author: Guest blogger Holly is a soccer enthusiast, travel addict, avid baker and concert goer. She blogs on behalf of Sears and other quality brands she trusts.
Christmas Article: The Little Christmas Gifts
March 18th, 2013
Shopping for Christmas gifts can be stressful, and determining what to get someone you don’t know well can be even more challenging. If your brother or sister has a new significant other, you may be stumped as to what to buy. In general, it’s best to avoid overly personal gifts because taste can vary. Stick to gifts that nearly anyone would enjoy to ensure that your sibling’s significant other will love it.
Mugs
A new mug can be a great gift for someone you don’t know well. Steer clear from cheesy slogans (unless you know the person’s sense of humor) and stick to a cool pattern. Or find a mug with the logo of a school or organization with which the person is associated. To complete the gift, add a pound of specialty coffee or a container of gourmet hot chocolate mix.
Jewelry
For your sibling’s girlfriend, a great new piece of jewelry is the perfect gift. Find a piece of jewelry that fits her general style. Perhaps a pair of chandelier earrings would look great with her favorite outfit, or a gorgeous piece of costume jewelry would suit her bold style.
Hat and Mittens
If you live in a chilly climate, there’s no such thing as too many pairs of hats and mittens. Look for a matching set in a luxe fabric or a fun color. To stay on trend, find a knit slouchy hat or a striped wool cap.
Food and Drink
A great gift for someone you don’t know well is food or drink. Get a box of specialty chocolates or other candies. Those who are handy in the kitchen can bake a batch of biscotti or make some homemade granola. If the significant other is a foodie, look for exotic ingredients or gourmet foods. Alternatively, a bottle of wine or some beer from a local microbrewery will hit the spot.
Candle
A candle can be another great gift idea for your sibling’s significant other. Look for matching pillar candles in the person’s favorite scent. Or purchase some cool, modern candlesticks and matching tapers.
No matter what you decide to purchase, your sibling’s significant other will appreciate the gesture. Avoid overly personal gifts such as clothing or perfume, which rely too much on personal preference. Instead, get a meaningful gift and write a nice note to accompany it. It’s a present that anyone would love.
Image courtesy of countryliving.com.
About the author: Kristine always has a hard time waiting for Christmas to come. But in the meantime she stays occupied with various baking projects and her puppy.
Christmas Article: What Are the Best Flowers to Pick for Your Christmas Decoration
March 11th, 2013
For the Christian World Christmas is a very important and sacred time of the year. Many things are said and written for this holy day during the years and each of them is for a reason. No matter how far away from one another the members of the family are working and living they are always together for Christmas.
The children love the idea of Santa and the presents he brings. The most delicious food and drink are served, the snow is slowly falling while everybody is having warm conversations around the fireplace. And the air of each home is flavored with the aroma of hot chocolate, vanilla, orange and cinnamon. What a great time of year it is!
The thing that is essential for the Christmas spirit as much as the presents are the decorations. Most of the people connect it with the Christmas tree but it is more than this.
The flowers are part of every important event in people’s lives and the the same can be said of the Christmas holiday. Half of the world that celebrates this holy day during the winter do not always connect this time of the year with the blossoming of flowers due to the fact that it is usually snowing and very cold outside for any plant to grow. In fact there are several flowers in the Western culture that are a significant and inseparable part of the Christmas spirit and atmosphere.
The first flower, which is actually the most popular of all, is the poinsettia. The poinsettia is one of the best gifts that people enjoy during the holidays, it is bright and red, a color that is often used when decorating for Christmas. poinsettia became victim of the fashion during the last years as well as many other symbols. The poinsettia can be seen in many modifications these days. They start from orange and go through yellow, purple and ruby frost. The trend to paint the plants in the most unusual artificial colors is very common for the poinsettia as well. Today this flower is popular all over the world, but according to the information it origins are from Mexico, where it can still be seen growing wild. The story says that it became common for the Christmas holiday as it was brought as a present by a poor girl in Mexico to the child of Christ, the girl had nothing else to bring to the church and on her way there picked some of the flowers growing on the street.
The biggest advantage of the poinsettia is that it is easily grown. The plant has to be watered as the soil gets dry and it must be kept at an average warm temperature in a room for the best blooms.
Azaleas and amaryllis are the second most common flowers of Christmas. They are both blooming very soon after they are planted and thus you will have nice colorful and fresh flowers for the holiday. They do not enjoy hot and dry places. They have to be watered periodically, but they do not like too much humidity when living indoors.
The Christmas cactus is also very nice as a decoration for the holidays. It sounds a little strange but the Christmas cactus is known for years as one of the traditional flowers for the holiday season. The Christmas cactus is an excellent choice to include in a Christmas gift basket.
Last but not least is the cyclamen plant. They are beautiful because they have many buds coming up from the surface of the plant yet with still enough green leaves for contrast, which make them very a great choice for decorating your home during the holidays.
Image courtesy of Shutterstock.
About the author: Angela is a devoted housewife who finds inspiration in every home improvement project and decoration idea.
Christmas Article: Perfect Christmas Decorations for Your Fireplace
March 4th, 2013
Your fireplace is probably one of the coziest centerpieces for a family gathering, which makes it the perfect place to focus some of your Christmas decorating attention. After you pack up the Thanksgiving decorations, pull out the Christmas decorations and buy any new ones you may need to create a gorgeous, cohesive display for your fireplace. Draw inspiration from these ideas for stunning displays with minimal effort.
Traditional Colors: If you go for classic decor throughout your home, you may want to stick to the traditional red and green colors when decorating your fireplace. Set up mini lighted Christmas trees with tiny red ornaments, or perhaps a poinsettia on each end of the mantel. Red candles can also bring a festive feel. If your mantel is too small for these larger plants, then try an evergreen garland, white mini lights, and a few fresh pomegranates for a natural look in the traditional colors.
Pristine White and Gold: Red and green may not be up your alley, so in this situation, decorate in white and gold to bring a crisp, clean look to the fireplace. Fill large hurricane vases with shimmery gold ball ornaments, put gilded pinecones on white pedestals, and weave a string of white lights through a gold garland. This clean decor scheme can make your mantel look very classy this Christmas.
Thematic Decorations: Take a look at your Christmas stockings and draw on them to inspire the theme for your whole mantel. For example, if your stockings are knitted with a Fair Isle snowflake motif, then find snowflake decorations that will incorporate these on the mantel as well. Set them across a backdrop that draws on the other colors in the stockings, or even get balls of yarn in these colors to decorate. Other types of themes you can use include a particular color, texture, or time period.
Garden Life: Bring the outdoors in for the holidays by decorating your mantel with the beautiful plants associated with Christmas. Poinsettias and holly are two of the most beautiful options, with their bright colors that match other holiday decor. If you’re feeling a little mischievous, you can sneak some mistletoe in as well. And of course, fresh evergreen clippings not only look gorgeous, but smell wonderful as well.
Rustic: Bring the feel of a country cottage or old manor house to your mantel with rustic décor. Search antique stores for holiday decorations from a particular era to create a unique display. Alternately, if you have decorations that have been in your family for generations, like a nativity set or a handmade item, make that the focal point of your mantel to continue the tradition. Don’t be afraid to be unique and let your mantel be one of a kind.
Extension of Other Decor: Especially if your Christmas tree is in the same room as your fireplace, you may want to just make your decorations an extension of what you have on the tree. Carry over the same theme, colors, and materials to create a unified look for your home as a whole. The benefit of using this technique is that you don’t have to come up with a completely different set of materials to decorate the mantel.
Regardless of the style you choose, your goal is to make your fireplace one of the focal points of your Christmas decor. Then all you need is to gather your favorite people around and light a fire. The times you spend together will feel warm and festive, and you may even start some new family traditions.
Image courtesy of stockphotosforfree.com.
About the author: Guest blogger Holly is a soccer enthusiast, travel addict, avid baker and concert goer. She blogs on behalf of Sears and other quality brands she trusts.
