Advent: 24 easy Christmas activities 🎄

From the end of November onwards, the playgrounds are abuzz with excitement. As the big Christmas Eve approaches, the excitement builds and builds and builds. Here are some suggestions, one per day, to ease your children's wait and share their fun.

1 December: buying the tree

Christmas means a tree! Let's start here. Young and old go on an expedition to find THE tree. Did you know that this tradition was born in Alsace in the 16th century? Mini fir, large fir, frosted fir, natural or artificial, there is something for every taste and price. You can even adopt a tree, have it delivered, enjoy it and return it. So how do you choose the perfect Christmas tree?

2 December: decorating the tree

Put the tree in the middle of the living room and let your children decorate it as they please. Homemade wonders, angel hair, glittering balls, figurines... It takes at least two hours to make it more beautiful than ever. To inspire you, magicmaman has selected the most beautiful Christmas trees on Pinterest.Banish candles, too dangerous, and only light the garlands of light in your presence because of possible short-circuits.

3 December: Letter to Santa

Get out the paper, pencils and all the toy ideas you've collected over the past few weeks! Draw out with your child the ideas that interest him. This is the time to gently guide his choices: is he sure to have fun with this board game? And what about that stuffed toy? And what about that doll? Once the letter to Santa is finished, put it in the letterbox. Every year, the Post Office receives thousands of letters addressed to "Santa in the sky"... and replies to them, so let your child discover Santa reading his mail! In a few days, your child will receive a card from Father Christmas.

4 December: Christmas songs

Why not learn one or two songs that you will enjoy singing with your family on 25 December? ⇒ Villancicos en Inglés - Christmas Songs

5 December: Christmas customs

Describe to your children some of the Christmas customs of foreign countries? In France, we put our shoes in the fireplace, but elsewhere? In England, we hang all the Christmas cards we receive on the walls. In Germany, we eat roast goose with red cabbage and apples. In Ireland, they leave a glass of whisky for Santa and carrots for the reindeer. In Iceland, the disobedient child will find a potato in his shoe...

6 December: the Christmas primer

What if we invented the "Christmas alphabet" game? A for tree or angel, B for ball, C for presents, turkey (Christmas!), shooting star, foliage, garland, holly, illumination, toy... We'll let you guess what happens next. The one who finds the most names wins. To be adapted to the age of your children.

7 December: generosity

Thinking of the most disadvantaged is also the meaning of this holiday. Help your children sort through their toys and donate some.

8 December: the decoration workshop

You have the afternoon ahead of you. Why not start thinking about decorating the tree. Sit your children around a large table and let them create wonders. Think of pine cones sprayed with gold paint.

9 December: Photo with Santa

Father Christmases invade the streets, we don't know where to turn... It's time to have your photo taken with him to keep a nice souvenir of this year's festivities. We pose as a family and why not everyone in a row... Then, we paste the photos in a small notebook. What a pleasure to see him the following year!

10 December: gifts for the ones you love

Gifts are always nice, and gifts from the heart even more so. The little ones don't need money to make them and everyone will find something to make: a drawing for the nanny, a pearl bracelet for the big sister...

11 December: Previous Christmases

Back in time, we try to remember previous Christmases. What was the menu? How was the log? What kind of presents did we get? How was the tree decorated? It's fun to look at the old photos taken around the fireplace... From one year to the next, the children note all the changes!

12 December: the birds

The cold weather has arrived and the birds are not happy to find their food. Show your children how to help them by putting some butter, an apple or some biscuits on the windowsill. They can also build a wooden feeder on the balcony with your help.

13 December: animated shop windows

As Christmas and the festive season approaches, the shop windows make their appearance. Each one is as sparkling and wonderful as the next, and young and old alike can't get enough of them. It is the occasion to walk around and admire the windows and decorations in the street. Ask your children to give their opinion: the most beautiful window display, the funniest or the most tender. Finally, let off steam on the ugliest one! Let yourself be amazed by the magic of Christmas.

14 December: the Christmas truce

We declare "the Christmas truce": no arguments, the rooms are tidied up and we go to bed without a fuss... This holiday is well worth a twenty-four hour effort of wisdom. And why not more...

15 December: a greeting card

Every year it's the same headache to find a nice card, an original idea or to avoid writing the same sentences as in previous years, but it's always a pleasure! Grandparents who can no longer travel, an uncle abroad, a godmother confined to bed with a nasty flu, a boyfriend who has just moved away... This is the time to wish them a happy holiday and to tell them that we love them and are thinking of them. It is also a time to write your wishes for the new year and to convey positive feelings, hope and joy. To celebrate this new year, you can take your best pen to write a few words or your coloured pencils to draw or colour a Santa Claus. You can also model a heart, a tree, a star in salt dough, then paint them. They will be sensitive to this gesture.

16 December: a show or a film

The big day is approaching and your children are getting more and more impatient. Why not take them to a show: concert, cinema, theatre or puppet show? There are plenty of possibilities during the Christmas period. Ask around, there's sure to be an event or show in your town that you won't want to miss.

17 December: a little imagination

Today, let your imagination run wild. Do the children really know who Father Christmas is? Let them embroider and invent his life as they wish... Just ask them the right questions: Where does he live? Does he have a wife? Does he really come down the chimney? Can his sleigh and reindeer fly?

18 December: a walk in the forest

Let's go for a walk in the forest! The day's harvest (branches, pine cones...) painted in gold or silver will be perfect to give the house a festive look.

19 December: the start of the holidays

If your children are in school, this is the beginning of the holidays, which means the beginning of the party. It's time to sing all the lovely nursery rhymes learnt in class and to look at all the beautiful drawings of Father Christmas, sleighs and presents in the notebooks with the family. And why not end the evening by reading a nice Christmas story?

20 December: Christmas crib

A Christmas crib with real characters is a beautiful and emotional spectacle.

21 December: Christmas from your childhood

Tell your children about your own Christmas... when you were little. It's even better if their grandparents do it. Your imps will be very surprised to know that in those days (not so long ago after all!), the Christmas trees were not overflowing with toys as they are today. They will also understand more easily the link between generations.

22 December: choosing an outfit

What do you wear on the big day? You may have already done some shopping, but if not, the whole family will be looking for the nicest outfits in their wardrobes. The children even have a look at their mother's outfit! There is still time to buy the missing ribbon or the pair of socks to match the shirt...

23 December: Christmas shortbread

It smells good in the house. Disguised fruits, logs, shortbread... Children take over the kitchen and turn into little chefs... Tell them about the American custom of giving homemade cupcakes to neighbours.

24 December: preparing the table

The excitement is at its peak and the Christmas story is also about preparing the table. It is important to have a beautiful Christmas table when you receive your family. Preparing and setting the table together for tonight's guests is a wonderful opportunity for parents and children to bond. If you're short on ideas, keep it simple without breaking the bank - it's best to be manual, your decorations will never look as good as the product of your own hands. Then ask your child to paint the pine cones together in gold or silver, glue the glitter on the candles and make the Christmas candle holders from salt dough. When finished, put the shoes in the fireplace and go to bed! Who will hear Father Christmas putting the presents under the tree?

🔆 Recursos y materiales gratis en inglés, para Navidad.

Adblock test (Why?)

How do you survive the Christmas holidays as a family?

A family reunion should be a pleasant moment of reunion between the generations... Yes, but a few grains of sand sometimes get in the way of conviviality. Follow our expert's advice to ensure that sharing and exchange between your loved ones is a success.

Christmas Eve is just around the corner, and you've probably already decided where you're going to spend the evening. Whether you're the person designated to host the whole family, or whether you prefer to meet at your parents' or grandparents' house, this time of sharing and happiness is sometimes associated with a lot of stress.

Strained family relationships, elderly people to look after, children to look after, teenagers to reason with... it is not always easy to bring together people of different generations, whose expectations for New Year's Eve dinner are not quite the same. How can we manage each age group and ensure a good evening for the whole family?

Smoothing out family tensions

Can't your uncle see your mother-in-law? Do old stories tend to resurface and reopen the debate whenever the family is together? There are solutions.

1. "You can try to establish a Christmas truce, a sort of family pact where each person commits, in writing or verbally, not to give vent to nastiness during the holidays."
2. Does your cousin have a tendency to shout whenever she talks about something that moves her? Put earplugs in your ears, hidden by your hair, to put some distance between them.
3. If you're worried you won't be able to cope with comments made about you, "don't hesitate to take many breaks to isolate yourself in the kitchen or bathroom, then take a deep breath to relieve the pressure.
4. If someone is talking to you about an unpleasant and sensitive subject, look away and take action by clearing your plate, for example. Finally, try to stay close, physically, to the people you like the most.

Managing children

Their eyes are full of stars, and their excitement is sometimes overwhelming. To help children have a good time, play with them in the first half of the evening. This is the time to get out the board games and play a game together. You can also ask them to help prepare a simple dessert in the kitchen, to keep them occupied and valued. You can then put them to bed at 9.30pm without forcing them to hold out, on edge, until midnight. In this way, tantrums and fatigue are avoided.

Giving teenagers space

Christmas Eve is supposed to be a fun time, but teenagers don't always see it that way. Think about talking to them before the party to understand what their expectations are. Depending on the situation, make sure there is something for everyone. In some cases, teenagers can have dinner at a separate table, and at a different time, and then come back to have dessert with the rest of the family. Give them space and don't force them. They have the right to isolate themselves if that's what they need to escape the tensions too.

Respecting family elders

Depending on their state of health, and the general situation, it is important to respect the elders of the family and give them the importance they deserve. Older people like to feel life around them, to be at the centre of everything. If they are healthy, they can play with the children, and help each other. Sometimes these people need special attention, a scrupulous respect for dinner and bedtimes... you have to adapt.

Creating the right atmosphere

To ensure the right atmosphere when you receive your family at home, show them that you have put your heart into it: a few decorative elements, some light, a little music... all these small details contribute to the success of the evening. A simple effort in clothing and decoration may not seem necessary, but it is. Paying attention to the food and drink tastes of each guest is also important.

The aim is also to have fun, you shouldn't put yourself through too much work, we're not here to suffer. With a little organisation, every member of the family can enjoy the magic of Christmas.

🔆 Recursos y materiales gratis en inglés, para Navidad.

Adblock test (Why?)

Thanksgiving in an American family, in the United States

Thanksgiving is a holiday celebrated in some countries around the world, mainly in North America: Canada, the United States, but also in Liberia. It takes place on different dates in different countries. The most important celebration is the American version, as it is celebrated and expected by the whole population.

A historical origin

Thanksgiving dates back to the autumn of 1621, when it was decided to celebrate the first harvest in Plymouth. These harvests would ensure the future of the colony.

English dissenters had disembarked from the Mayflower the previous winter. These Pilgrim Fathers founded the colony of Plymouth, Massachusetts. The first winter was terrible. Scurvy, cold and hunger killed half of them.

In the spring, Indians from the Wampanoag tribe offered them food. They taught them how to fend for themselves and the art of fishing and hunting. They showed them how to grow and harvest corn. They showed them the virtues of certain plants and those to avoid. The pumpkin also played an important role during the winter.

Thus, during the first harvest in 1621, three days were dedicated to Thanksgiving. The Indians were invited to come and share a meal in gratitude for their help. Wild turkeys, unknown to the settlers at the time, were offered and eaten, as well as game.

For some, the origin to be considered dates back to 1623. In that year, a day of prayer and fasting was declared because of the drought. A few days later, rain fell and saved the crops. A day of thanksgiving was declared at the end of November.

Since then, several Thanksgiving Days have been declared. It was declared a national day in 1863 by Abraham Lincoln. The last Thursday in November was chosen as the date for this holiday. Franklin Delano Roosevelt changed the date to the fourth Thursday in November in 1939. It was not until 1941 that Thanksgiving was declared a national holiday.

Turkey, queen of the day

Thanksgiving is one of the most important holidays of the year. Great parades take place on this day, especially in New York: the Macy's department stores', for example, organises a large 3-hour parade with customised floats and artists. On this day, all American families gather for a big traditional family meal at home. This big meal is also offered to American soldiers based abroad.

The turkey is the queen of the feast, and the main dish. It is stuffed with chestnuts, apples, oysters or sausages, for example. It is usually accompanied by mashed potatoes and sweet potatoes or a squash gratin. Green beans and corn are also on the menu. A cranberry sauce is added to the mix. The famous pumpkin pie closes the meal.

Since 1989, a more folkloric tradition has emerged: the President of the United States must pardon a turkey in front of journalists on the eve of Thanksgiving.

Departure for Christmas

This time of year is a time for giving and charity. Many meals are served to the homeless by both anonymous people and celebrities. Associations distribute millions of frozen turkeys to disadvantaged families.

Many masses and prayers punctuate this day. They are said to give thanks for the blessings received throughout the year.

The day after Thanksgiving is also a special day. This Friday, known as "The Black Friday", is the occasion of major sales in practically all shops. It marks the start of the Christmas shopping season.

This period is ideal for a language stay in an English-speaking country. It allows you to immerse yourself in the daily life of an American family, and to better understand the culture by participating in the most important holiday of the year.

It is also an opportunity to taste the specific cuisine of Thanksgiving.

Some anecdotes

Americans travel the most at this time, by plane or by car. Indeed, they come from all over the United States or elsewhere to be with their families. Friends are also welcome around the table. It is very important for them to be together on this day.

Many Americans eat turkey on this day. Thanksgiving is therefore also called "The Turkey Day".

Different regions have different side dishes. In the north-east of the country, maple syrup is used to coat the turkey. In Baltimore, sauerkraut is a must, in memory of its German origins. Cornbread with oysters comes from the south-east of the USA.

The same applies to desserts. Pecan pie replaces pumpkin pie in Georgia. Sweet potato pie is a staple on North Carolina tables.

🔆 Recursos y materiales gratis en inglés, para Acción de gracias.

🔆 También te puede interesar:

Adblock test (Why?)

What is the difference between the novel and the short story?

Novel and short story, the difference?

This is another question that comes up quite often and that is not so easy to answer, although it seems obvious to many of us. What is the difference between a novel and a short story? And don't laugh, I know literary bloggers who don't know the difference!

Short stories and novels are similar in that they both tell stories and both formats share storytelling characteristics.

However, there are fundamental differences between the two types of fiction writing.

Writing a short story requires a different approach and application.

Short stories evoke a storytelling art that offers a whole experience in one reading.

So what is the difference between a novel and a short story?

The difference between a novel and a short story is mainly visible in the length of the story. On the other hand, these two types of writing must be understood differently.

A novel is a long form of writing as opposed to a short story.

This is the fundamental difference between the two. Let us examine them in more detail.

The Short Story

Definition

A short story is a story with fewer characters and focuses on one main incident.

A short story is a short literary form.

It is not characterised by many characters, which is a characteristic of a novel.

The main character of a short story, of course, is supported by a few other characters who add importance to the story.

Thus, it is easy for the reader to remember the characters who appear in a short story.

Length of a short story

The precise definition of the word count varies, but as a general rule, a short story can be up to about 7,500 words (sometimes 10,000).

Types of short stories

Here are some literary styles/movements, with examples of authors and the years in which they wrote:

• Realism: depicting the subject in detail and true to life, without artistic conventions (Kate Chopin, O. Henry, Anton Chekhov, 1850s to early 1900s)
• Modernism: experimentation with narrative form, style and chronology (inner monologues, stream of consciousness) to capture the experience of the individual (James Joyce, Virginia Woolf, Katherine Mansfield, 1910-1920)
• Science fiction: Presenting imaginary futures or dystopian worlds in which humans face profound technological, social or environmental changes (Ray Bradbury, 1940s-1950s)
• Magical realism: Combining a realistic story or setting with elements of surrealism, dream or fantasy (Gabriel García Márquez, 1960-1970s)
• Postmodernism: Using fragmentation, paradox or unreliable narrators to explore the relationship between author, reader and text (Donald Barthelme, Jorge Luis Borges, Julio Cortázar, 1950-1970)
• Minimalism: Writing characterised by brevity, simple language and lack of plot resolution (Raymond Carver, Ann Beattie, Amy Hempel, 1980-1990)

The novel

Definition

A novel is a story that has many characters and explores many incidents. A novel is a long literary form.

It is usually divided into several chapters, sometimes numbered and sometimes unnumbered.

The story of a novel is usually told over many years of the main character of the novel.

Many other characters are also associated with the main character.

These characters appear and go in a novel. However, it may not be very easy for a reader to remember all the characters appearing in a novel. This is due to the large size of a novel.

Length of a novel

Novels are longer stories, usually between 7,500 words and 17,500-20,000 words.

Types of novels

Novels come in every style imaginable, with each author bringing their own unique voice to the table.
There are a handful of major sub-genres that tend to make up a significant portion of the market, although there are many other genres (and mixes of genres).

Some of the main types of novels you might need to know about:

• Mystery novels: these revolve around a crime that needs to be solved.
• Science fiction and fantasy: both of which deal with speculative world building.
• Horror/thriller: these novels are often designed to induce a sense of fear.
• Romance: these are novels that are primarily about love.
• Historical fiction: as the name suggests, historical fiction is simply a fictional story set in a real, past time in human history.

Difference between novel and short story

Definition of a novel and a short story

• A novel is a story that has many characters and explores many incidents.
• A short story is a story with fewer characters and focuses on one main incident.

Literary form

• The novel is a long literary form.
• The short story is a short literary form.

Writer

• A novel writer is known as a novelist.
• A short story writer is known as a short story writer.

Characters

• A novel usually has a number of characters.
• A short story usually has only a few characters.

Main character

• A novel can have several main characters.
• A short story focuses on one main character.

Chapters

• A novel is a long piece of fiction and is therefore divided into chapters.
• A short story consists of only a few pages and is therefore not divided into chapters.

Climax

• A novel has a climax, but it goes through a number of different incidents.
• A short story also has a climax, but it does not describe many incidents like a novel.

Point of view

Point of view is another difference.

• In a short story, the story is told through the eyes of the main character, no matter how many characters are present.
• In contrast, a novel offers more flexibility. The story can be told in the first person, which creates more intimacy, but it can be restrictive to experience the whole story from the protagonist's point of view.

The result of these two aspects is the short, incisive character of the short story, unlike the novel, from which it draws its strength.

🔆 Otros cuentos:

Adblock test (Why?)

Recipe for making Black forest cake

Cooking recipes - How to make Black forest cake?

Ingredients:

For the chocolate cake

• 150 g flour
• 50 g potato starch
• 200 g sugar
• 100 g bitter cocoa powder
• 6 eggs

For the filling and decoration

• 500 ml liquid cream
• 500 g Cherries or Morello cherries in syrup
• 100 g chocolate vermicelli
• 50 ml Kirsch

Steps for making Black forest cake:

Prepare the chocolate cake: put the bitter cocoa powder, potato starch and T 45 flour in a bowl and mix together, then sift well.

Put all the whole eggs in a bowl with the sugar and beat them with electric beaters for at least 10 minutes until they become light and fluffy.

Gradually add the powders and mix with a spatula until the mixture is smooth, taking care not to overcomb.

Butter or oil or line a 22cm diameter cake tin with baking paper and pour in the chocolate cake mixture.

Level the surface well and bake in a preheated oven at 180°C (gas mark 6) for about 35 minutes until it is completely cooked, even on the inside, using a toothpick test.

Take the chocolate cake out and let it cool completely before removing it from the mould.

When it is completely cool remove it from the tin and cut off the top bump so that the surface is perfectly flat but keep the "leftovers" aside because you will need them later.

Prepare the filling: put the liquid cream in a bowl and whip with electric beaters until stiff.

In another bowl put the morello cherries drained from the syrup and in another bowl all the syrup where you will add the kirsch liqueur.

When the chocolate cake is completely cooled, cut it horizontally into three parts.

Brush each layer of the genoise with the syrup and kirsch liqueur mixture and fill it with the whipped cream and morello cherries in syrup.

Fill all the layers in this way and cover the cake completely with the remaining whipped cream.

Decorate the outside of the cake with chocolate vermicelli and decorate the surface with whipped cream, chocolate vermicelli, morello cherries in syrup and the crumbled gingerbread that you have previously cut.

The black forest cake can be stored in the refrigerator for a maximum of two days.

🔆 Other recipes

Adblock test (Why?)

Tips for preparing a magical and unforgettable Christmas party

Christmas is undoubtedly the most awaited party of the year. This moment of sharing requires a minimum of organisation. In order to make this evening magical and memorable, here are some tips. Obviously, the most important thing is to have fun in order to end the year in a pleasant way, whether it is with friends or colleagues.

Anticipate and set a date for Christmas Eve

Organising a company Christmas party requires a minimum of organisation. During the festive season, the calendar of reception halls is usually full. Therefore, a quick reservation is essential. It is best to start looking as early as August. Then it is important to decide on a date, whether the reception will take place during the day or in the evening. The Thursday before the holidays is the ideal day, as weekends and school holidays are reserved for the family.

Choosing the theme of the evening

Whether it is a family or corporate Christmas party, the theme is essential to set the tone (evening, cocktail party, gala dinner, tea party, etc.). This theme should be reflected on the invitation, the envelope, the decorations and the gift packages. It is possible to keep it simple and opt for a "white Christmas". It's easy to work around this theme by not forgetting the great classics like eggnog, mulled wine or gingerbread biscuits. Some people go for originality and choose an opposite theme, such as "tropical" for a Christmas in Hawaii. This idea is especially suitable for warmer regions. In any case, it is best to choose a theme that your guests can relate to.

Determining the budget

It is important to keep in mind that a party means spending money. There is no need to go overboard. It is possible to organise a convivial Christmas party without breaking the bank. For companies, this party is an opportunity to thank employees for their efforts. So the event has to be just right. If the budget is tight, here are some tips:

• Focus on the important things, such as a good meal. A breathtaking setting is not a must.
• Instead of a formal party, it's better to have a cocktail party in the conference room at midday.
• Some companies turn the party into a fundraising event to help local organisations. A way to keep the Christmas spirit alive!

Finding the right venue

The choice of venue depends largely on the budget, but also on the theme. For a company Christmas party, it is better to go outside the business environment if the budget allows. If this is the case, it is recommended to :

• Find out the capacity of each interesting room.
• Determine the time of the party.
• Determine the equipment needed, especially for the entertainment.

Thinking about the decoration

The decoration depends on the theme. For a "white Christmas", a tree in this colour with silver or white garlands and baubles is more suitable.

• To keep the natural Christmas tree longer, put it in a bucket filled with sand and mixed with water.
• To avoid being pricked by thorns when disposing of the tree, it is advisable to put it in a bag dedicated to this purpose.
• Turn the small branches of the tree into a table bouquet or a wreath. Then add a candle to create a warm atmosphere.
• In the other corners of the room, don't hesitate to use (scent-free) candles, baubles and mistletoe.

Next, think about decorating the windows and doors. Simply hang branches of fir on the top of the windows to have garland supports. For the table, holly and fir branches can be used as a centrepiece. Three colours are enough to avoid overdoing it: red candles, green baubles and golden pine cones.

As far as the tablecloth and napkins are concerned, it is best to keep to the same tones as the table decoration. There is nothing like a white tablecloth with golden stars scattered around it. This can be accompanied by red or green napkins with gold or white ribbons! Christmas Eve is the perfect time to bring out the silverware.

Thinking about the music and the meal

At home or at a company Christmas party, music is essential. Depending on the budget, you can hire a DJ, entertainers or a band. When choosing the entertainment, it is important to take into account the age range of the guests. For the meal, there is nothing like hiring a caterer to make the most of the party. A standing aperitif is sufficient for a company Christmas cocktail party. For a family Christmas feast, it is essential to provide a sufficient buffet. Some caterers offer special menus for those on a diet. In any case, an estimate is required before signing a contract. It gives an overview of the menu and the prices charged.

For a Christmas meal with family or friends, it is possible to serve an exotic or country-style meal if the theme is appropriate. However, it would be wrong to skip the traditional turkey, chestnuts, foie gras and log. As far as drinks are concerned, alcohol* is allowed if a shuttle service has been provided. Otherwise, it is better to opt for non-alcoholic drinks or mocktails. In any case, it is best to opt for self-service drinks so that you don't have to play bartender all evening.

Gifts: not to be forgotten

Christmas is above all a time for presents. It would therefore be unlikely to organise a reception without gifts. However, there is no question of ruining yourself or your guests. To avoid this, it is important to specify the maximum amount for gifts on the invitation.

To make the Christmas party unforgettable, you should not forget the photos. It is possible to find professionals on the Internet who rent photo booths. Also, the services of a photographer would not be out of place for a company Christmas party.

🔆 Recursos y materiales gratis en inglés, para Navidad.

Adblock test (Why?)

Christmas Eve with your family

We all know that Christmas is an occasion for families to get together and have fun. It is a great moment of happiness! In order to enjoy this moment, it is essential to prepare in advance. Discover in this article the secrets to spend a wonderful Christmas with your family!

Tips for decorating your home for Christmas!

Christmas is one of the most important holidays of the year. It's a time for family reunions and good times. To get in the mood, it is imperative to decorate your flat in Christmas colours. The magic of Christmas comes from the interior and exterior decorations of the house. Twinkling lights are a symbol of the festive season. During the Christmas season, city streets are lit up at dusk. Why not do the same at home?

Decorate your interiors as well as your exteriors with wonderful garlands. The symbol of Christmas is the Christmas tree, so make a suitable space for one. You can make your own small wooden decorative trees. You can also decorate the interior of your design with Christmas skis and socks, pine cones, Christmas stars, etc.

The dining room should be the focus of your decoration. Indeed, at the end of the year, especially on Christmas Day, people often gather around a table. So to make these moments pleasant, the presentation of the table is a non-negligible detail. It must be well laid out. Make sure you have enough room for the number of people who will be dining with you on New Year's Eve. Clear the table of clutter. Place only a few plates, glasses, cutlery and install a few candles.

Christmas, an opportunity to dress up your look

Christmas is a great time to treat yourself to new clothes and outfits. On Christmas Day, put on the best outfit in your wardrobe: leave room for chic on this special day, whether on Christmas Eve or the day after. Choose outfits that showcase your personality. Enhance these outfits with fancy accessories, which will give them even more candour.

Combining elegance and comfort is a winning combination! So dress up.

Christmas games for a nice family time

Do you want to spend a nice and original Christmas time with your family? Why not organise a lot of games that will make these moments unforgettable? Let your creativity run wild! Pastry workshop, puppet shows, singing contest, dice hunt, Santa's phone game, Santa's beard, these games will only make your moments more enjoyable. Indeed, the organisation of the board games will make the family reunion a joyful moment. The children will be delighted and everyone will be able to participate in the party in their own way! In short, in order to prolong the tender moment of dinner, board games will do the trick.

Have you heard of the living Christmas tree game? Believe us, it's a great game to play on Christmas Eve. To do this, create two teams. In each team, name one person to be the tree. Use paper, embellishments, lights and any other ornamental objects and have the chosen person dress up to create a living Christmas tree. The team that presents the prettiest human tree will be the winner. Oh what a wonder!!!

Apart from the live Christmas tree game, you can also choose a very fun game: Christmas drawing. The Christmas drawing will give you a great time. To make it, get some paper plates and pencils. Everyone is a player here. Place the plates on your heads and one of you guides the process by giving instructions. First, draw a line to make the floor and then draw a tree. After that, draw a chimney next to the tree, adding a sock on top of it. Remove the plates from the heads and look at everyone's masterpiece.

Finally, if the little ones have gone to bed (dreaming of the presents Santa will put under the tree), why not end the evening with some fun games? Games such as Time's Up, Pictionnary, Court-Circuit (there are lots of others!) will allow the evening to end on a high note while waiting for Santa Claus to arrive.

Photo sessions, a good way to immortalise happy moments

To immortalise moments, take photos. There's nothing more important than immortalising moments of joy, especially those you spend with loved ones. Christmas is the time to take pictures of the family, the presents, the turkey, the cat..., and so on. Take the coolest (not to mention the craziest!) photos during Christmas games, or any other moment you think would be useful to capture.

Get yourself a special Christmas photobooth, and you can take some very funny pictures using themed props: Christmas hats, fancy glasses... All these pictures will give you joy in your heart, because you will see later how your family has grown over the years. And you will also enjoy remembering the traditions and stories of this fabulous Christmas.

Reinforce the magic of Christmas with Santa's footprints

To top it all off, leave traces of Santa's visit. If you are spending Christmas with children, it is important that they feel the magic of the holiday. The existence of Father Christmas is a mystery to children.

Dress up as Father Christmas, listen to Christmas songs together, tell Christmas stories if possible, and... leave footprints in the snow, half-eaten cakes, a red hat on the doorstep... In fact, all sorts of signs that Father Christmas has been around. It will only add to the magic of Christmas!

Gifts, the heart of Christmas!

You can't talk about Christmas without talking about presents! One of the first things people look forward to during Christmas, especially children (but not only!), are presents. Indeed, more than a tradition, gifts are the backbone of Christmas. Treat your loved ones to gifts that meet their wishes. This will prove your love for them.

Giving a present is a wonderful thing: try to personalise these gifts as much as possible! This will show the recipients how much you care.

As for the ideal time to give gifts? There are two schools of thought: give them at midnight or the next day, on Christmas Day. It's up to you: stick to your usual routine and the moment is bound to be pleasant.

🔆 Recursos y materiales gratis en inglés, para Navidad.

Adblock test (Why?)