Friday, December 9, 2011

17 Tips for December Magic


A bowl of wee twinkle lights and we have instant magic! There are lots of things you can do that don't cost a lot of money but can add a bit of holiday festiveness to your inner and outer space.

1. Write a letter to Santa! Doesn't matter how old you are. Write one and mail it:)


2. Pop some real popcorn and watch a special Christmas video. How about renting White Christmas or The Bishop's Wife starring Cary Grant and Loretta Young.



3. Treat yourself to a new pair of pj's. You will feel special. Lots to choose from this time of year.

4. Make some spiced apple cider. Your home will smell WONDERFUL!


4 cups cider or apple juice
1/2 an orange, sliced
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon or a whole stick or two
1 teaspoon whole cloves
1/4 teaspoon ground allspice

Combine ingredients in medium saucepan and stir over medium heat until sugar has dissolved. Bring to a boil then reduce heat a little and let simmer for about 20-30 minutes more, stirring occasionally. Strain before serving.

5.How about
Cranberry Infused Vodka! Takes two weeks, best get on it:)

6.Put together some yummy simple
homemade cocoa mix. Keep some for yourself and also give as gifts:)

7. Candles! Put them on your deck or baclony or front step or inside every where! Get some mason jars, half fill with epsom salt and nestle a candle inside! See them here. Love them.

8. Put your Christmas cards somewhere different this year. Hang them on a string or ribbon strung high across a doorway or mantle or along a staircase or down a hall or...

9. Make some tomato soup and a grilled cheese sandwich, turn on the TV and veg for a bit:)


10. When was the last time you played a board game?Can you remember how much fun it was? Invite some friends over and have a lot of laughs. As much as people say they don't like them....they do!
Here are the top 15 board games:)

11. Hang candy canes on your tree.

12. Bundle up after supper and go for a slow walk in your neighborhood one night. The sky is so bright this time of year and on a cloudy one, the world seems close and quiet.


13. Buy some birdfood and put out a tray of seed. The chickadees will keep you company.


14. This is an old one but, bake some cookies and deliver a plate of them to someone who doesn't expect it. You will MAKE their day. Unexpected treats can change the world!


15. Connect with a friend with whom you are long overdue connecting with. Pick up the phone. A simple gift for both of you.


16. Give something to a food bank near you.

17. Enjoy the Season, whatever it means to you. It is an opportunity to spread good cheer and reflect on what is important.The days are short and the nights are long.

10 comments:

Debra She Who Seeks said...

Vodka can be infused with any kind of fruit. Plums are especially good with it, I've found! *hic*

aliceinparis said...

Debra, I've never tried to make it but am seriously thinking of giving it a go. Raspberries might be good too.

Daina Scarola said...

I love all these ideas!! Thank you : )
I did buy a new pair of pjs a couple months back and wear them every night. Because we're not home for Christmas this year, we haven't gotten into the festive feeling. Your ideas will help!

aliceinparis said...

Daina, new jammies make bedtime sweeter:)

Laurita said...

Super post! I love all these ideas, and I'm getting started on them right now.

Snap said...

Wonderful post!!

nycstylelittlecannoli said...

love love the lights photograph! am trying to shoot my tree with the lights on and one day I will get a photo I actually like!! :)

Anonymous said...

I love the bowl of twinkle lights. I have an extra string and will do the same.....Dee

aliceinparis said...

I hope that some of these tips find their way into your lives!

Cathy Olliffe-Webster said...

Fantastic ideas! Just reading them puts me in a festive state of mind.