Happy Christmas Eve, everyone! Tonight Santa will make his big trip around the world, and I’m sure many of you are spending today wrapping your last few gifts, cooking a delicious meal, or perhaps spending some time with loved ones. Whatever you’re busy with today, if you need a short, festive break, check out the videos below of Christmas lights synchronized with songsâsome with Christmas carols and some with songs a little less traditional, but fun nonetheless đ These awesome videos will have you tapping your toes and wondering exactly how many lights these folks have on their houses!
I think the Star Wars house is my favourite with the “Carol of the Bells” house a close second. Let me know which video you liked best in the comments!
Christmas is just 12 days away! In the days leading up to Christmas, most of us still have many things to do, such as cookie decorating, holiday shopping, planning Christmas dinner, making trips to the grocery store, and more. With so much to do in a limited amount of time, it is easy to get swept away in the business of it all, neglecting the true meaning of Christmas.
Hopefully youâll find these 12 ideas practical to implement into your daily routine in these 12 days before Christmas. If you like, you can choose one idea a day. To help you remember your âdaily duty,â add a reminder to your calendar, phone, or write the task out on a sticky note.
Pay for someoneâs drink at a coffee shop, meal at a restaurant, or drive-thru order. Do it anonymously and ask the server to give a message to the recipient. You could say something like âMerry Christmas!â or âEnjoy the coffee!â
2. Be Cheery When Waiting in Line
No doubt youâll be standing in line somewhere: the grocery store, the mall, the gas station, or even the post office. Instead of anxiously standing in line, wondering why the cashier isnât moving faster, take a moment to notice the people around you. Ask a simple question to the person in front of you, such as âIâm so excited about the holidays. Whatâs your favorite part about Christmas?â Even a smile can help brighten someoneâs day.
Take a box of cookies or a gift basket to your local fire station or police station along with a note thanking them for their service to the community. If youâre health conscious, give them a fruit basket instead.
4. Let Others Go First
Hold the door and allow someone to go ahead of you when you are boarding an elevator or entering a store. When entering or standing in a checkout line, allow someone with fewer items to go ahead of you. These simple gestures may mean a lot to someone. All you need is a bit of patience and a smile.
5. Sing Christmas Carols
Buddy the elf says it best: âThe best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear.â Spread Christmas joy by singing to your kidsâor if you have the courage, grab a few friends and start singing in the middle of a shopping mall. Maybe youâll get the crowd to join in!
6. Give an Extra Tip
If you are dining out anytime soon, give your server an extra tip. Write a quick, kind note on the receipt like âMerry Christmasâ or âHappy Holidays.â
Show kindness to other drivers on the road. If you have tendency to speed, slow down and be considerate, letting other cars ahead of you instead of speeding ahead of them. Likewise, donât get grumpy when other people cut in front of you. Your negativity affects you, not the other driver. Choose to let it go and enjoy the rest of your day.
8. Pack a Lunchbox Surprise
If you have kiddos, put a note in their lunchbox or even their backpack. You can write a riddle, joke, encouraging words, or a simple “Have a nice day!” (You can do this for spouses, too!)
Take a moment every day to let your loved one know you care. A simple smooch when leaving for work or when you get home is a good way to stay connected.
10. Write a Love Note on the Mirror
Use a dry erase marker to write an encouraging note for your family members on the bathroom mirror. If you’re artistically inclined, draw a festive scene to brighten their morning!
Pack your spouseâs or your kidâs lunch with a hug and a kissâa Hersheyâs Hug and Hersheyâs Kiss, that is! You could also tuck the sweet treats inside a coat pocket, briefcase, or backpack. Place the chocolates inside a small Ziploc bag if youâre concerned about them melting before they are discovered.
12. Give Unexpected Gifts
Give gifts to miscellaneous people, such as your hairdresser, vet, or pharmacist. Something as simple as a ribbon-wrapped chocolate bar can brighten someoneâs day.
As evidenced by some of my Etsyselections and by my own personal Christmas tree, I LOVE julbocks [Swedish yule goats]. So it should come as no surprise that I also adore Gävlebocken, the massive julbock that is constructed each year at Castle Square in Gävle, Sweden. And when I say “massive,” I mean itâGävlebocken weighs 3.6 tons and is 13 meters tall!
A holiday tradition since 1966, Gävlebocken is erected each year at the beginning of Advent, and he is made of straw and adorned with red ribbons, similar to his smaller counterparts. Gävlebocken is usually accompanied by a shorter goat, referred to as his little brother or Lillbocken.
For some weird reason, Gävlebocken is a favourite target of vandals, particularly arsonists đ The poor goat has been burned down or otherwise destroyed 27 times in his history. The organization who creates the goat each year [Southern Merchants] has taken measures to try and ensure Gävlebocken’s survival, including installing a 24-hour webcam, coating the goat with ice, and soaking the straw with a variety of anti-flammable liquids.
Speaking of Gävlebocken’s webcam, you can view the live feed yourself here!
Screen capture of Gävlebocken’s webcam from the middle of the night
Besides watching Gävlebocken’s webcam, it’s also fun to follow him on social mediaâhe has a lot of personality for a straw goat. Check him out on Instagram [gavlebocken] or Twitter [@Gavlebocken]. Gävlebocken even has a blog, which is particularly amusing. For example, yesterday he wrote about his little brother and said “[He] is the cutest little strawgoat you can imagine, and sometimes we play hide and seek or tag the Goat. Great fun!” Oh, and don’t fretâhe posts online in Swedish and English, so you can keep up with all the goaty goings-on.
Listening to music is one of my absolute favourite pastimesâbe it while I’m working, hanging out at home, or seeing a band live. So during the holiday season, I certainly enjoy turning on the festive tunes. Below are some of my favourite winter songs, perfect for when you’re baking, trimming the tree, or just enjoying the company of your loved ones during this special time of year. Give ’em a listen!
What’s your favourite Christmas song? Let me know in the comments!
We’ve all seen Disco Dancing Santa, but what about a surfin’ Santa? Apparently in Varazze, Italy last week, a man dressed as Santa Claus decided to go surfing when the bad weather made for good waves. Don’t believe me? Check out the video below:
You can also see some photos of Santa catching some waves here.
