Christmas | Old Fashioned Families

Tons of Stocking Stuffer Ideas Under 5$ for Your Kids You Might Not Think of

December 13, 2012 by Mamma Leave a Comment

Tons stocking stuffer ideas Under 5$ for your kids you might not think of

Are you stuck on what to put in your child’s Christmas stocking? There is always candy, but many of us really want to limit the amount of candy our kids indulge in so that still leaves finding a few other inexpensive items to pad out their Christmas stocking this year.

I have discovered one quick easy way to find dozens of ideas for stocking stuffers online at Amazon I will share with you at the end of the blog post. I have also added a number of ideas based on my experience as a parent, there are plenty of great ideas that won’t cost you a fortune and that you can get online or at your local dollar store.

Art and Office Supplies

There are literally hundreds of ideas that will delight your child and stimulate their creativity.

Tape – Kids love tape, and will be delighted to get a couple of rolls in their stocking. It is a great alternative to glue and your child will have hours of fun creating.

Glitter Glue – Elmers has a great line of glitter glues your kids will love, for a couple of dollars you can get them brilliant colored glues that will make every project look great.

Gel Pens – Kids love these both for homework and just for general art work.

Glue sticks – Less messy than glue, kids will play for hours with these and a bit of construction paper, colored glue sticks are also available.

Colored Ducktape – has your child come home yet with a wallet or flower made out of ducktape? Kids are finding new and creative ways to use these colorful and strong tapes. You can also get them in sheets rather than rolls.

Pencils and Pens- Most kids love to have an abundance of brightly colored pens and pencils, they are inexpensive and can be used for a variety of different things.

Scissors, rulers, and templates – There are literally dozens of cheap art supplies you buy for your kids they will love.

Multi colored pipe cleaners- by now you should be getting the idea, fill their art box with tons of neat craft supplies and they will create.

Personal Items

Colored, shaped rubber bands- Also called silly bands kids go crazy over these shaped and brightly colored rubber bands.

Tattoos – Temporary tattoos for as little as a penny make great gifts for your kids.

Chapstick – Kids go through chapstick in the winter like crazy, so buying a few extra for their stocking will keep them stocked up. Lip gloss for girls can be found for less than $2 as well.

Toothbrush – Most kids will forgive you for buying them toothbrushes for Christmas if you buy them something really cool, like their favorite movie or cartoon character.

Flavored toothpaste – This might be the perfect time to buy those cartoon character toothpastes in a multitude of flavors. Teach them great brush habits and give them something they might not get very often.

Miscellaneous

Playing cards – teach your kids the games you learned as a kid, cards make a great item to tuck in a stocking.

Post it Notes – do your kids constantly snitch your post it notes? Why not buy them a stack or two of their own, the bright colors and little bits of paper are appealing to a wide range of ages.

Dry Erase Markers and board – A mini board will not cost much and kids love having something they can draw on and erase. Pick them up an extra stack of colorful markers to go with.

Magnifying Glass – Kids love to explore and anything that lets them do so is always a big hit, you can get mini magnifying glasses for around $2.

Mechanical Pencils – Most kids are fascinated with these!

Note books – Mini notebooks are perfect for carrying around and writing or drawing in while on the road or anywhere.

Erasers – there is no limit to the erasers you will find online, you can even find lego erasers in bright colors that are perfect for the lego fan.

Secret to finding oodles of Stocking Stuffers at Amazon.com

This really is not much of a secret, just a good way of coming up with some creative ideas to get your child for Christmas. It is just as simple as using the Amazon Filter system to find toys and art supplies at low –low prices that are perfect for slipping into Christmas stockings.

Start by navigating to the Amazon website - and too this toys page – Kids Toys

Choose your childs age, whether they are a boy or girl(or leave blank) then scroll down and click on the price filter, alternatively you can fill in the values below the price filter for how much you want to pay, but you do not have to.

Once you come to your page, look to the right of the top of the page, you will see another sorting filter, click on order from lowest to highest and you will find a nice assortment of toys that will be perfect for putting in your childs stocking.

You can do the same with art supplies and office supplies as well -

Office Supplies for Stocking stuffers

Stocking Stuffer Art Supplies

Filed Under: Celebrations, Christmas Tagged With: stocking stuffers for under $5, stocking stuffiers, stocking stuiffers for kids

50 Ways to Have a More Old Fashioned Family Christmas

December 12, 2012 by Mamma 2 Comments

Most of us would agree that Christmas has become the opposite of what it is supposed to be, a time of joy, celebration and family turned into a stressful few weeks that at least some of use wish would never come at all.

Most of us just wish we could go back to celebrating Christmas the way it used to be celebrated, and that we could bring back the time when Christmas was all about simple celebrations, family and honoring the real reasons for the season.

It seems easier said than done, and all too easy to get caught up in the commercial trap that Christmas has become. Perhaps this list of ways to have a more old fashioned family Christmas will inspire you to put the joy back into your Christmas celebrations.

Having a more old fashioned family Christmas does take time and effort, it means being willing to spend time making rather than buying and spending time with family rather than providing a gift overload.

Tips for a More Old Fashioned Christmas

Spend Less Money

1) Set a Budget for Christmas – one that you can afford and stick to it.

2) Make Cookies and Goodies Instead of Buying Them – use them for gifts as well

3) Make as Many of Your Gifts as Possible- if you do not know how to sew, perhaps you can make birdhouses or birdfeeders, there are thousands of ideas online for gifts that require no skill and are affordable to make or Try these books from Amazon -

Homemade Christmas Gifts and More – Frugal Christmas Gift Ideas For The Whole Family

A Homemade Christmas: Creative Ideas for an Earth-Friendly, Frugal, Festive Holiday

4) Give Less Gifts-Stop looking at the lists, and the area under the tree and thinking it is not enough. Set a limit on the number of gifts you buy and stick to it. Give the gift of time and love instead.

5) Invite Fewer People – Nobody says your home has to be the party of the year , every year. Nor do you need to host the entire family for Christmas and make everything yourself. It is ok to set limits on guests, spending and the amount of time and stress you are willing to invest.

6) Make Your Own Christmas Cards – Paper, glue, glitter, crayons, pens or paint is all you need to create beautiful handmade cards.

7) Stay Home – Do not plan long trips at the holidays, it makes them more stressful and expensive. You will find your holiday to be less expensive and more relaxing if you just stay home for the holidays.

8) Have a Gift Exchange – Christmas gifts are really for the kids, but we all love getting a gift or two under the tree so hold an exchange among the adults in your family.

9) Make Your Own Decorations – Save money and make your home look old fashioned, by making all of your own decorations. Paper chains, salt dough ornaments, bows, candles, popcorn and cranberries, all of these were used back before Christmas became so commercial to decorate homes. Disney’s Christmas Crafts for Kids:: More Than 75 Festive Ideas for Making Decorations, Wrapping, and Gifts

10) Plan Free Activities – Play games, do puzzles, watch TV, go for a walk or listen to Christmas Music as you decorate or bake, it is a great way to get in the spirit and is free!

Spend More Time

christmas house © by dfbphotos

1) The holidays are a time of celebration, and there is no better way than celebrating with family. Commit yourself to spending time with family during this season and letting it be a blessing to both you and those you spend that time with. Joy to the World: Advent Activities for Your Family

2) Make Cookies with Your Kids- Do it for fun not because it is expected; better yet teach them how to make cookies!

3) Make Christmas Ornaments – These are fun to make, easy, and can be given away as a way to brighten someone else’s Christmas. Even the kids can help make ornaments to give to teachers and their friends.

4) Have Christmas Dinner on Christmas Eve and spend the entire Christmas day with your family. Either volunteer or get down on the floor with your kids and play with them, either way they will get the message that relationships are more important than performance.

5) Go Caroling – Take your family Christmas Caroling to a nursing home or homeless shelter

6) Drive around and look at the Christmas lights, play Christmas music and stop for hot cocoa

7) Making Popcorn Garlands- Take the time to enjoy this age old tradition with your kids

8) Play Christmas music and teach the kids how to sing your favorite Christmas songs.

9) Involve everyone in choosing a tree and decorating it, even better go out to the woods and cut your own this year.

10) Have your kids draw pictures, make cards and color pictures to send to family and the troops overseas.

11) Play the Christmas Elf game

12) Make a Gingerbread house

13) Watch your favorite Movies and TV specials with your kids

14) Make simple bird feeders to hang out on Christmas Day

15) Take family pictures around the Christmas tree, feel free to have fun with it, be goofy or include the family pets, have your pictures turned into Christmas cards, or better yet make your own.

christmas cookies © by seelensturm

Decorate Your Home With Vintage Decorations and Bake Old Fashioned Treats

1) Most kids today probably have never had homemade popcorn balls, taffy or candy, take the time to share your old fashioned favorites and family traditions with your kids.

2) Make your own Egg Nog

3) Teach your kids how to make Snow Candy

4) Look for vintage decorations at estate sales or second hand stores

5) Make your own ornaments, from popcorn garlands to sprayed or painted pine cones decorated with glitter, hang unshelled walnuts, or tie simple red ribbons on your tree.

6) Decorate outdoor trees, hang apples and other treats for the wildlife, and string some popcorn outdoors for the birds.

7) Make paper chains, one year my daughter and I cut out strip after strip, decorated them with stamps, paint and glitter then stapled them together to make long paper chains. She has never forgotten that and wants to do it every year.

8) Tie bows on the trees outside as well as around your house; this is an inexpensive activity with a very old fashioned twist.

9) Making your own wrapping paper – use newsprint or butcher paper, paint, stamp or decorate to make your own wrapping paper. Shopping bags are great for re-purposing as well.

10) Have a cookie decorating party; this is something we try to do every year. Get the decorations out, and get the whole family together. Serve eggnog and see which person can make the most creative cookie!

Play More!

1) Take your child sledding if you have snow anywhere close

Giving A Hug © by Christina Welsh (Rin)

2) Learn and play the Elf Game with your child, this game is easily found on the Internet

3) Get the board games out and challenge everyone to a game of Life or Monopoly

4) Have family bowling nights on the video game console

5) Look up a few party games like musical chairs, or pin the bead on Santa, add some prizes and have a few laughs.

6) Have a caroling party – Invite the whole family and plan to stop by the nursing homes as well as through your neighborhood.

7) Teach your kids how to play some of the card games you played as a kid.

8) Go build a snow man together

9) Play a game of charades but make it themed, like biblical stories or Christmas Characters

10) Make Christmas Play dough and use Christmas cookie cutters to make fun ornaments

11) Get Santa hats for everyone- wear them when you get your pictures taken or out on the town when you go shopping!

12) Help your child build with their legos, or color in their coloring book on Christmas Day.

13) Sit in front of the fire and tell stories with your kids

14) Decorate a tree outdoors for the animals

15) Watch Frosty the Snowman, Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer, A Charlie Brown Christmas and all the other classics with your kids.

Christmas is a time to remember everything we have to be thankful for, not to find more things to regret. If you are looking for a simpler Christmas then start by crossing off everything unimportant of your list and add in a few of the Old Fashioned Suggestions listed above. Here are a few books at Amazon to help with even more ideas!

Have Yourself a Very Vintage Christmas: Crafts, Decorating Tips, and Recipes, 1920s-1960s

Country Home: An Old Fashioned Christmas

Old Fashioned Country Cookies (Gooseberry Patch) (Everyday Cookbook Collection)

Old-Fashioned Country Christmas (Gooseberry Patch)

Filed Under: Celebrations, Christmas, Old Fashioned Living Tagged With: bake Christmas cookies, homemade christmas, homemade decorations, Old Fashioned Family Christmas

4 Fun And Easy To Make Homemade Christmas Decorations

December 17, 2010 by Mamma Leave a Comment

Homemade Christmas decorations are some of the most unique. They are also a lot of fun because you can enjoy them with your family. Below are 4 fun and easy to make homemade Christmas decorations:

Popcorn Stringing

If you like strung popcorn, it’s really simple to make. Start with a big bowl of popcorn (unbuttered, of course) and string it piece by piece using a standard sewing needle and thread. Make sure there’s plenty of popcorn because, if you’re stringing it for garland, you’re going to need a lot.

Cranberry Stringing

Much like the popcorn stringing method, many people used to string cranberries using a standard needle and thread. Again, make sure there’s plenty to go around if you’re going to use it as garland. Most importantly, and I know it’s tempting, don’t eat all the decorations. Save some for the Christmas tree.

Paper Chains

One of the greatest memories of decorating for Christmas, as a child, has to be the traditional paper chains. Using green and red construction paper, cut horizontal strips of each color. Fold them into a circle and seal with tape. Scotch tape is recommended and, if you use this when your child is young, the smell will always remind them of Christmas. It will likely become “Christmas tape” to them. Once you have a complete circle, take another strip in an alternating color and run it through the first circle. Next, fold it around and seal with tape. Complete this step until you have a big strand of paper garland in red and green. You and your child will enjoy doing this together and it will create wonderful memories for you both.

Lighted Wreath

If you love the look of a lighted wreath, but don’t quite have a budget for one of the more expensive ones, consider another option. You can purchase a plain green wreath very inexpensively. A small strand of lights can cost anywhere from $1.00 to $3.00. But, put them together and you have the look of a professionally lighted Christmas wreath. For this project, you could use either clear or multi-colored Christmas lights. Simply take the plain green wreath and wrap the lights around in a design similar to the stripes on a candy cane. Once you’ve gone all the way around, tuck the last light into the green of the wreath. Make sure that you place it near an electric outlet because there won’t be a lot of extra cord. Now that you’re ready, plug it in and see your very own design. A red bow is a nice touch, but not necessary. As people drive by, they will see a beautifully lit wreath in your window and they will have no idea that you saved a few bucks by wrapping the lights yourself.

Filed Under: Celebrations, Christmas Tagged With: Christmas crafts, Christmas stocking

Caring For and Planting a Balled in Burlap Christmas Tree

December 16, 2010 by Mamma Leave a Comment

Tis the season when lots of people drag a real tree into their house and decorate it. Some people buy live trees that are balled in burlap instead of a cut tree. A live tree is a great idea, but many people make serious mistakes when it comes to handling a live tree, and they end up losing their money. The information in this article also pertains to any live tree you are planting, be it now during the winter, or during the summer.

1. Before you even take the tree in the house, dig a hole for the tree where you expect to plant it after the holidays. Put the soil in a wheelbarrow and park it in the garage. You’ll need loose soil to backfill the hole, and the ground might be frozen after the holidays.

2. Keep your live tree in the house for as short a time as is possible.

3. Keep the ball plenty moist while in the house, but not in a tub full of water. You don’t want the ball to dry out completely, but by the same token it shouldn’t be soggy all the time either. Just moist. You can wet it thoroughly, but then don’t water again until the water is almost gone.

4. After Christmas move the tree outdoors as soon as possible and plant it immediately. If you were not able to dig the hole earlier, the ground is frozen, and the tree cannot be planted, leave it outside and pack bags of leaves or bales of straw around the ball. Find a way to heel it in in such a way that the amount of sun and wind the root ball receives is minimal.

5. Try and plant the tree immediately if you can. You do not want to store the tree on top of the ground during the winter if you can avoid it. Putting it in your garage is not a good idea either, it is likely to dry out in there. The absolute best place for the ball is in the ground, even if the ground has frozen after you dug the hole. Just set the tree in the hole and backfill with loose soil. Make sure there are no air pockets around the ball. Backfill only with small particles of soil. If this cannot be done because the soil is frozen, just set the tree in the hole and backfill as soon as the weather permits.

6. Check the ball for nylon string. Cut and remove any nylon string. Sometimes the diggers wrap the string around the stem of the tree. If the string is a cotton type, like sisal twine, you can leave it on the ball but remove it from the stem. If the burlap is nylon it should be cut in many places or removed. If the ball is wrapped with a wire basket I recommend leaving it on. It will help to secure the tree and keep it from rocking back and forth with the wind. The roots will find their way through the wire and the burlap. Just cut the burlap where you can.

7. Do not plant the tree too deep. This is the number one reason for plants that do not survive. They should not be planted any deeper than they were in the nursery. The top of the ball should be one to two inches above the ground level. If you have heavy, wet, clay soil, you should plant it even higher and build a bed up around the ball. When you plant them too deep the plants literally suffocate.

8. Do not fertilize the tree at the time of planting. You can fertilize it in the spring, but only with an organic fertilizer. If you have compost available, mix some in while planting. Fertilizer can do more harm than it can good. I always recommend organic fertilizers. It’s hard to make a mistake with organics. It’s always a good idea to stake trees when you plant them. If the wind is constantly rocking them back and forth they will have a difficult time establishing new roots in their new home.

Filed Under: Celebrations, Christmas Tagged With: burlap rootball, live Christmas tree, planting live Christmas tree