When was the last time you took a good look at the products you use to clean your home? Many of the household brand names we’ve grown up with are ridden with toxins and chemicals that can actually be harmful to our health. Going all-natural may seem like a bit of a pain, but it doesn’t have to happen overnight. Educating yourself, learning how to DIY, and slowly ‘ditching and switching’ over time can not only save you money but give you some peace of mind knowing that you’re keeping those nasty chemicals at bay.
Need a reason or a little extra motivation to change? Here are 3:
- Your health and your family’s health.
- The safety of your children and pets.
- The environment, and the future of our environment.
These are all great reasons to make a small change and kick those toxins to the curb! Many of the bad chemicals (like sudsing agents, ammonia, and fragrances) can cause all sorts of trouble – from itchy and irritated skin to dizziness and respiratory issues, to more serious health risks like kidney damage and even cancer. There are safer alternatives when it comes to cleaners, personal care items, products for kids and pets, and even makeup. Do we have your attention yet? Wondering where to find items made from natural, plant-based ingredients? This list is a good place to start when switching to a chemical-free home.
At Young Living, we are passionate about using only the best ingredients. We’re picky about what goes into our products because we don’t want to expose our families to nasty chemicals like formaldehyde, artificial dyes, or parabens any more than you do. To help you create a toxin-free household, we formulate our products with ingredients we can be proud of.
So, what are you waiting for? Learn about natural products you can use today.
Start with the Kitchen
The first stop on your quest for a chemical-free home? The kitchen! You know a healthy diet is important, but have you considered the impact on your health from the items you use to prepare food or wash cooking utensils? The kitchen is the heart of the home, so the products you use are as important as the food you eat. When washing dishes, cooking and cleaning fruits and vegetables, watch out for toxins everywhere! Swap out harsh, chemical-laden products with these YL solutions made with naturally derived ingredients.
Thieves® Dish Soap: Turn a hated chore into a pleasant experience with our plant-based Thieves Dish Soap. It’s gentle on your hands but tough on grime!
Thieves® Automatic Dishwasher Powder: Feel good about eating off your sparkling-clean dishes when you use Thieves Automatic Dishwasher Powder. This essential oil-infused powder doesn’t leave any toxins behind and is non-GMO to boot!
Thieves® Fruit and Veggie Soak: What you use to wash your produce is just as important as the detergents you use to clean your dishes. For cleaner fruits and veggies, squirt a few drops of this essential oil-infused formula into a basin of water, soak your produce, and then rinse.
Frying Pan: Want to keep food from sticking to your pan but are concerned about the health risks of Teflon coatings? Not to worry—our titanium frying pan leaves no food debris behind, even when you cook without oil.
Upgrade your Personal Care
Next up, take some time to inspect the other products in the bathroom. Many of the personal care products you use daily could also have hidden chemicals or harsh dyes and fragrances. Read the labels on everything from your toothpaste to your shower gel to see where you can make improvements.
Thieves® AromaBright™ Toothpaste: Get squeaky-clean teeth without exposing yourself to fluoride! You’ll love the sweet and spicy mint flavor of this toothpaste.
Maximum-Strength Acne Treatment: Pimples are no match against this cream. Composed of salicylic acid derived from Wintergreen essential oil, this product fights acne without making you flaky.
Charcoal Bar Soap: Want a soap that can really do it all? Cleanse, deodorize, and moisturize with this all-in-one bar soap that smells of orange blossoms.
Bath and Shower Gel Base: Essential oils make baths even more luxurious. Add 5-15 drops of your favorite essential oils to this shower gel base to reap the cleansing and nourishing benefits.
Shutran™ Bar Soap: This soap takes care of business as well as you do. Use it for your face and body for a squeaky-clean wash that doesn’t dry out your skin.
Scour your medicine cabinet
Your medicine cabinet may keep items out of sight, but that doesn’t mean they should be out of mind. Toxic Chemicals may be lurking behind closed doors. Make this small section of your home a little healthier with these simple swaps.
Cool Azul® Pain Relief Cream: Want a natural solution for aches and pains? Try this soothing cream to get the cooling relief you crave for achy muscles and sore joints. Also try Cool Azul® Sports Gel‘s moisturizing gel formula after a tough workout.
Mineral Sunscreen Lotion SPF 10: Did you know the chemicals in sunscreen absorb into your bloodstream even after just one day of application? Switch to our Mineral Sunscreen Lotion, which is formulated without oxybenzone, avobenzone, or parabens to protect you from both harmful rays and chemicals.
Insect Repellent Wipes: Most drugstore insect repellent contains DEET and other harsh ingredients that you don’t want on your skin. Swap out these products with our synthetic-free wipes to keep those pesky insects at bay.
Mineral Essence™: If you have trouble finding supplements you can trust, this full-spectrum ionic mineral complex is for you. We’ve enhanced it with antioxidants, vitamins, and other food-based nutrients to make it even more beneficial.
Boost your beauty regimen
If you’re like many people, you have an entire arsenal of beauty products that you use to primp for the day. But when was the last time you looked at the ingredients in your mascara or lip gloss? If you see talc, bismuth, petrochemicals, or other synthetic ingredients on the label, toss those products out and try these instead.
ART® Skin Care System: Bring out your natural beauty with this three-piece set that includes a cleanser, toner, and moisturizer. Everyone will be dying to know the secret behind your gorgeous complexion!
Sheerlumé™: Look and feel radiant with this powerful blend of alpine botanicals and essential oils designed to brighten and even your skin tone.
Savvy Minerals® Makeup Remover Wipes: Just say no to makeup removers that require endless scrubbing or leave you with irritated, dry skin. Instead, fall in love with our residue-free wipes that leave your face clean, refreshed, and smelling great!
Savvy Minerals® Mascara: Get enviable lashes that look too good to be real with our Lavender-infused mascara.
Savvy Minerals® Lip Gloss in Abundant: Think stickiness is a sacrifice you must make for a pretty pout? Think again! Our essential oil-infused lip gloss goes on smooth and comes in a sheer, light pink that’s perfect for any occasion.
Savvy Minerals® Eyeshadow Palettes: Make a bold impression or embrace a subtle glamour with our stunning mineral eyeshadow that spreads smoothly and never creases.
Clean without toxins for clearer air
Why stop with your beauty regimen? Look at your cleaning products and air fresheners to discover where you could make changes for a toxin-free home. From choosing dye- and perfume-free soap to purifying your indoor air, you can do a lot to create a chemical-free home.
Thieves® Household Cleaner: Ditch the harsh chemicals and make your home sparkle with this plant-based solution. It’s so versatile, we made 29 cleaners with just one bottle. You can even use it on your wood floors!
Thieves® Laundry Soap: Many people use fragrance-free laundry soap to avoid skin irritation, but scentless soap is dull. Get the best of both worlds when you choose our natural laundry soap that leaves your clothes with the spicy-citrus smell of Thieves essential oil blend.
Lavender Foaming Hand Soap: Clean hands don’t have to be chapped hands. Show your hands some love with Lavender essential oil, vitamin E, and aloe.
Lantern Diffuser: We don’t even want to think about what is in air freshener sprays or candles! Diffusing essential oils freshens the air naturally. Diffuse Peppermint, Lemon, or Tea Tree essential oils for a clean-smelling room.
Be picky with baby products
Your littles ones depend on you for everything from personal hygiene to nutrition, so the products you use for them are especially important. Give your kids the best by choosing products designed with their needs and health in mind.
Seedlings® Baby Wipes: These chlorine- and alcohol-free wipes clean up sticky hands and poopy bums without drying or irritating.
Seedlings® Diaper Rash Cream: Made of 100 percent natural ingredients and infused with Lavender essential oil, this is not your average diaper cream. You’re going to want to stock up on this must-have for every diaper bag.
KidScents® MightyVites™: A healthy vitamin that your kids will eat willingly? Yes, please! MightyVites is packed with the vitamins, minerals, phytonutrients, and antioxidants that support growing boys and girls.
KidScents® Owie™: As its name implies, you can apply this essential oil blend topically to bruises, red marks, and other owies to help improve the appearance of skin.
KidScents® SleepyIze™: Who wants to stay up with a fussy, wide-awake toddler? Not you! Diffuse SleepyIze 15 minutes before bedtime to fill the room with a calming aroma during your child’s nighttime routine.
Go natural with pet care
When swapping out chemicals with natural products throughout your home, remember your pets too. Many pet products contain synthetic dyes, colorants, or GMO ingredients that can irritate your furry friends. With these natural products, you can pamper your pooch or kitty without worrying about any side effects.
Animal Scents® Ointment: Flea bites, rashes, and other skin irritations put a damper on any pet’s mood. Boost their spirits with this soothing salve on your pet’s fur.Animal Scents® Shampoo: Composed of five essential oils and other plant-based ingredients, this shampoo really packs a punch! It does more than just clean fur—it conditions and strengthens it too.
Animal Scents® T-Away™: Is your furry companion not its usual, happy-go-lucky self? Try dabbing on a drop of this essential oil blend behind each ear for an aroma to brighten your pet’s mood.
I started ditching and switching almost 6 years ago, and it has made a huge difference in our health. Now the heavy chemical smells in toxic products is something I can’t stand and I’m glad we do without them in our home. I encourage you to start ditching and switching if you haven’t already. I truly believe you will start noticing a difference in all areas of your health.
Want more ideas for getting rid of toxins in your home? Learn how to make great-smelling perfume and cologne from your favorite essential oils or discover even more plant-based cleaning products? What were your first steps for switching to a toxin-free household?
Tell us in the comments!
When a New Year arrives, many people think about starting a diet or eating healthier. It’s time to detox from all the Christmas cookies, pies, and cakes. But where do we start? So many of us tend to struggle. Take a look at what your diet and health have been like for the last 12 months. Think about these questions and write down your answers in a notebook so that you can look back at them again a year from now:
How does your weight compare with a year ago?
Do you feel healthy and have a lot of energy, or are you tired all the time?
Do you take vitamins or other nutritional supplements?
Do you eat at home most of the time? If so, what types of foods? Whole fresh foods, boxed foods, or TV dinners?
Do you dine out frequently? What types of restaurants do you like and what kinds of foods do you choose?
How physically active are you? Do you exercise regularly?
Do you eat healthy portions, or do you stuff yourself with every meal?
Do you smoke?
How much alcohol do you drink each week?
It's important to take an honest look at your health and dietary habits so you can set goals for this year.
Do you want to lose weight? Do you want to be able to run up and down the stairs without getting winded? Do you want to reduce cholesterol or lower your blood pressure? Decide what you want to achieve over the next month and over the next year.
One possible goal for your first month could be a resolution to take your lunch to work four days per week for each week this month instead of eating lunch in restaurants every day. Another example of a monthly goal would be to walk for 30 minutes four days per week each week this month.
Following are some areas to consider as you make your goals.
Determine your Dietary needs
Write down your goals in a notebook or in a food diary (more on that diary later). Goals are so much more powerful when written down, and they become even more significant when shared with others.
Here are some ideas you might want to consider:
- Do you have high blood pressure? If so, you may wish to reduce sodium in your diet by avoiding canned and packaged foods.
- Are you overweight? You need to decrease your calorie intake or increase your amount of physical exercise. You can choose a low-carb diet or a low-fat diet, just be sure to watch your calories and portion sizes.
- Do you have diabetes? If so, then you need to reduce your sugar intake.
- Do you have high cholesterol? Increase your intake of soluble fiber like the fiber found in oatmeal. It will help lower your cholesterol levels.
- Reduce your intake of saturated fats and increase your intake of omega-3 fatty acids from fish, flaxseed, walnuts, and Canola oil.
Consider Dietary Supplements
A healthy diet should give you all of the vitamins and minerals you need, but many people take vitamins just to make sure. There are several formulations available, but most people take a simple multivitamin and multi-mineral supplement. Speak with your health care provider before you take any additional supplements or if you have any health conditions.
Design Your Healthy New Diet
Here's what you need to know to design your new diet:
- How many calories do you need each day to reach your weight gain or weight loss goal?
- How do your eating patterns fit your lifestyle?
- Do you feel better with three large meals per day or five smaller meals per day?
- Will you continue to eat in restaurants often?
- What types of fruits and vegetables do you like?
A healthy diet should give you 4.5 cups of fruits and vegetables per day, 28 grams of fiber per day for adult women and nearly 34 grams for adult men, 1.6 ounces of protein per day for women and 2 ounces for men, and a small amount of omega-3 essential fatty acids. To stick with your new diet, you'll want to include the foods you enjoy. If you love hamburgers, that's OK. Make them at home with whole grain rolls and cut down the size of the burger patty or use ground turkey. Add lots of lettuce, onion, and tomato. Serve your burger with a salad instead of fries.
More Tips:
- Choose crunchy raw green beans instead of chips and serve them with a little of your favorite dip.
- Replace high-fat hot dogs with soy dogs.
- Choose whole-grain bread and pasta instead of white bread and white pasta.
- Skip the sugary desserts and have a small dish of fresh berries with a dab of whipped cream or non-fat whipped topping, then add a sprinkling of chopped walnuts.
- Use lemon juice instead of oil for a salad dressing.
- Choose low-fat ground turkey instead of high-fat ground beef to cut back on saturated fat. (But remember to read the label—not all ground turkey is low in fat.)
Shop and Cook
Make a grocery list before you go shopping. Stay away from the snack food aisles and the prepackaged foods aisles when you shop. Choose fresh fruits and vegetables, whole-grain bread, lean meats, fish, and legumes. Avoid foods high in saturated fats, sodium, trans-fats, and sugar.
The best cooking methods are essential for healthy nutrition, too:
- Sautéing is better than deep-frying. Frying foods adds fats and calories and doesn't add any nutrition.
- Steam your vegetables instead of boiling them to mush. Steaming will preserve the vitamins found in the vegetables.
- When you cook your healthy meals at home, be sure to make extra to take to work or school the next day.
Keep a Food Diary
If you're serious about making changes and improving your health, keep a simple food and exercise diary. It will help keep you motivated and help you get back on your diet if you have a temporary setback.
Be sure to note the portion sizes and write down the calories you eat every day. Add up the number of calories per day and your total for the week. If you need to lose weight, one long-term strategy is to decrease the number of calories you need to eat each day by about 500. You can make your own food diary or keep track of your healthy new diet online.
Get Fit
Good nutrition is just one part of a healthy lifestyle. Another component of health and fitness is exercise. If you lead a sedentary lifestyle, you need to get out and get moving. If you want to lose weight, it is important to increase aerobic activities like walking or running. If you need to increase your strength, then you need to start resistance training such as lifting weights.
There are health clubs, gyms, and personal trainers, as well as at-home equipment to get you fit and healthy.
Do you smoke? If so, you'll do yourself a favor by quitting. Smoking has been connected to many chronic diseases, plus you will save a lot of money over the next year if you quit smoking. How much alcohol do you drink? Some studies have linked light or moderate drinking to reduced mortality from cardiovascular disease (although other studies dispute these findings). "Moderate drinking" is an average of 1 drink a day for women and 2 drinks a day for men. Drinking more than this can be detrimental to your health. If you find yourself drinking an average of more than 5 ounces of wine, 1.5 ounces of liquor, or 12 ounces of beer each day, then you may need to decrease your consumption of alcohol.
Reduce Your Stress
Stress is detrimental to your health. Stress includes daily events like constant deadlines at work; long drive times with excess traffic; more activities than time to do them; and emotional trauma like death or divorce. Reducing the stress in your life will lead to a happier and healthier life.
Stay Motivated
Sometimes getting started with a new healthy diet and fitness plan is the easy part. Many of us hit occasional roadblocks due to busy schedules, loss of motivation, or weight loss plateaus.
Those are the times when we feel like we do everything right, but the scale doesn't seem to budge. When this happens, don’t give up. Think back to why you made the goal in the first place and find the inspiration you need to get back on track. Be sure to celebrate your small successes too! Reward yourself (with non-food items) for the progress you make toward reaching your goals.
Share below if you’ve made some goals this year. Remember, there is power in writing them down and sharing them! Be strong!
Happy New Year!
This week on my Facebook page “Freedom-n-Joy Essentials", I am talking about “YL for Athletes”. If you are an athlete or if exercise is part of your regular routine, or would like to start, this is for you. Click here to join!
Here’s the question of the day: Do you like to exercise? I can say that I don’t know too many that do enjoy it, but we all know that staying active is one of the best ways to keep our bodies healthy. Did you know that regular activity and exercise can also improve your overall well-being and quality of life? I used to be a regular runner, but I’ve experienced some joint issues over the last few years that have led me to cut back. Some days it was a struggle for me to get started but once I found myself on back roads running and building up a good sweat, I felt so refreshed and rejuvenated.
Do I still exercise? Yes, I do take daily walks even though it is hard at times to get up early and walk in the dark. Once I’m finished though I feel so much better about myself knowing that I’m keeping my body healthy. I’ve also heard it said that “I exercise because I love to eat sweets”. Well, that can be true.
Here are just a few of the ways physical activity can help you feel better, look better and live better. Because why not?
It’s a natural mood lifter
Regular physical activity can relieve stress, anxiety, depression and anger. You know that "feel good sensation" you get after doing something physical? Think of it as a happy pill with no side effects! Most people notice they feel better over time as physical activity becomes a regular part of their lives.
It keeps you physically fit and able
Without regular activity, your body slowly loses its strength, stamina and ability to function properly. It’s like the old saying: you don’t stop moving from growing old, you grow old because you stop moving. Exercise increases muscle strength, which in turn increases your ability to do other physical activities.
It helps keep the doctor away
Stand up when you eat your apple a day! Too much sitting and other sedentary activities can increase your risk of heart disease and stroke. One study showed that adults who watch more than 4 hours of television a day had an 80% higher risk of death from cardiovascular disease.
Being more active can help you:
Being more active can help you:
lower your blood pressure,
boost your levels of good cholesterol,
improve blood flow (circulation),
keep your weight under control, and
prevent bone loss that can lead to osteoporosis.
All of this can add up to fewer medical expenses, interventions, and medications later in life!
It can help you live longer. It’s true that 70 is the new 60… but only if you’re healthy. People who are physically active and at a healthy weight live about seven years longer than those who are not active and are obese. And the important part is that those extra years are generally healthier years! Staying active helps delay or prevent chronic illnesses and diseases associated with aging. So active adults maintain their quality of life and independence longer as they age.
Here are some other benefits you may get with regular physical activity:
- Helps you quit smoking and stay tobacco-free
- Boosts your energy level so you can get more done
- Helps you manage stress and tension
- Promotes a positive attitude and outlook
- Helps you fall asleep faster and sleep more soundly
- Improves your self-image and self-confidence
- Helps you spend more time outdoors
The American Heart Association recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity each week. You can knock that out in just 30 minutes a day, 5 days a week. And every minute of moderate to vigorous activity counts toward your goal.
So, this is easy! Just move more, with more intensity, and sit less. You don’t have to make big life changes to see the benefits. Just start building more activity into your day, one step at a time.
Why not make this one of your goals this year. Ask a friend to keep you accountable or do it together. I can almost guarantee that by the end of 2021, you are going to feel different in the way you think, and your body will thank you. So let's get moving together!
Happy New Year!
If you are like me, you are ready to say good-bye to 2020 and start a brand-new year, praying and hoping 2021 will be better with great things on the way. I know it’s been a rough year for so many. Many have lost their jobs, lost a loved one, or lost hope and become weary. It is easy to become negative and lose all perspective, but let’s try to stay away from the negative thoughts and think of all the positive things that took place. What are some positive things that came out of 2020?
When I think of positive things, I am quick to remember our first grandchild who was born in May. She always brings a smile to our faces and we can’t imagine life without her. I’ve learned to not take life for granted, appreciate the things that I have, and not long for the things I wish I had. It is healing to spend time with friends and family and make new memories even during hard times. Through times like this, we grow stronger and become more grateful if we chose correctly.
I would love to know some of your highlights and what you have learned this past year. Please share below!
New Year’s Resolutions
It’s exciting to make New Year’s resolutions and imagine how it would feel to reach your goals. Perhaps you have a goal of losing weight or reducing stress. The challenge lies in sticking with the resolution as January drags on, motivation slumps, and distractions arise. Most of us fail. But, it is possible to succeed, so give yourself the best chance of keeping your New Year’s resolution by preparing, starting small, and setting attainable goals.
Keeping Resolutions
The statistics are grim. Only 8-12 percent of people are able to achieve their New Year’s resolutions. This means that most people fail to meet their resolutions. Lack of preparation and unrealistic goals play a large part in this common failure. But some people are able to stick with their resolutions, so how do we join this group?
Choosing Attainable Goals
Avoid getting carried away with New Year’s resolutions; creating a whole new you at the start of the year won’t work. Choose one area to focus on and start with something small and specific. If you successfully meet your goal, then you can choose a new one and start working on that. If you want to lose weight, don’t make your resolution, “I’m going to lose weight this year.” Instead, choose a specific amount of weight to lose in a specific time period and keep it realistic, “I’m going to lose 10 pounds in the next three months.” In addition to making your goals generally realistic, you need to make them realistic for you. If you aren’t in the habit of working out, it’s not realistic to resolve to work out for an hour six days a week. Instead, aim for 30 minutes three days a week, then gradually increase your workouts as you get used to the new routine. Your goals should also be measurable. It should be easy to determine whether or not you’ve met them. Set specific goals and times when you’ll evaluate how you’re doing. Your goal may be to go to the gym every Tuesday and Friday at 6:00 pm. At the end of the month, see how many times you met that goal and what happened on days you missed going to the gym.
Preparing for Resolutions
Good preparation is crucial for successfully sticking with a New Year’s resolution. Here are some tips for preparing:
- Research – Take time to learn about the change you want to make. Go to the library or look online for information about the subject, whether it’s becoming vegan, taking up running, or quitting smoking.
- Plan for success – Get things ready so when the time comes, you’re prepared to start. If you want to take up yoga, then sign up for a class, buy a new mat, and get comfortable yoga clothes.
- Anticipate problems – There will be challenges and problems along the way, so think about what those might be and make a list. Are there certain times of day you don’t feel motivated? Certain situations where you’re likely to choose something that hinders your goal? Identify potential problems and work out ways to deal with them.
- Choose a start date – New Year’s Day is a common time to begin resolutions but pick a time that works for you. Plan to start at a time when you’re likely to be enthusiastic, well-rested, and supported by positive people.
- Make a commitment card – Write down your resolution on a notecard that you can carry with you or place somewhere you’ll see it often. Keep it short and positive to help you stay motivated.
Dealing with Failure
There are ups and downs in the process of achieving resolutions; you’re likely to experience both successes and failures. Don’t beat yourself up if you fail by missing a walk or sneaking a cigarette. Instead, take note of the triggers that contributed to the setback and learn from them. Use small failures to improve your plan for meeting the goal. Perseverance is key; keep on trying and you’ll make progress.
Tips for Success
Set yourself up for success with these tips:
- Reward yourself – Rewards are great encouragement and motivation. Set small, frequent rewards as you get started, then move to less frequent rewards as you get used to the new routine.
- Have a support system – Find a friend or trainer who can hold you accountable and encourage you when you don’t feel motivated.
- Snowball successes – Break down your resolution into even smaller goals that are easy to achieve, especially at first. Start with something you can achieve in the first two or three weeks. Small goals help you see successes more quickly, which builds your confidence and helps you stay motivated to meet more goals.
- Don’t overdo it – If you’re getting ready to start a resolution to lose weight, don’t overindulge in holiday treats. Adding extra pounds and reinforcing bad habits will just make it harder to meet your goals once you start.
- Be patient – Progress isn’t linear. You may see rapid gains, then hit a plateau or start slowly and then achieve significant breakthroughs. There are highs and lows along the way, but the important thing is to keep going and realize that it takes time to make lasting changes.
- Schedule it – Put your workout on your calendar or schedule time to clean out a closet. Scheduling it into your busy day helps you make time for achieving your goals.
- Do something – Don’t slip into all or nothing thinking. Hit the gym for twenty minutes instead of an hour if that’s what you have time for. Doing something is better than nothing and helps you build towards new habits.
Be the best you yet by setting yourself up for success with your New Year’s resolution. Praying that 2021 will be a year full of wellness, purpose, and abundance!
2020 has been a rough year for so many of us. It is easy to dwell on the things that were taken from us such as planned vacations, weddings, large gatherings, and time spent with friends. But we should also think about the good things that came about this year. I could name a few things that if it wasn’t for this virus, this or that wouldn’t have happened. There is always something to be thankful for even in the midst of our sorrows.
Every year Christmas brings me so much joy. This year I almost didn’t feel like decorating but I was determined to not let the difficult year rob me from that joy. So, our house is decorated & warm and we are truly grateful.
Let’s make this Christmas a memorable one. There are more things to do on Christmas day than open presents. Spend some quality time with the people you love the most because it’s not often you are all together under the same roof.
Here are 25 ways to make Christmas time fun
1. Create decorations. By Christmas morning, you probably already have all of your lights strung and ornaments hung but you can always add to the collection. Set up a craft table with glitter, glue, and paint to decorate glass balls or string a needle through popcorn to make an extra piece of garland.
2. Marathon movies. If you were too busy to sit down and watch Elf and Home Alone earlier in the season, you should gather your family around to watch the classics. With the help of Netflix, you can even skip through the boring parts.
3. Go ice-skating. Hold the hand of someone you love while you skate around the rink. You can wear all of the new winter gear you unwrapped while you’re there.
4. Attend a tree lighting ceremony. You don’t have to live in New York City to see a beautiful, bright tree. Find a local tree lighting ceremony and watch from the sidelines while sipping hot chocolate.
5. Get a picture taken with Santa. You are never too old to get an Instagram worthy photograph with Saint Nick. You could even find a location that takes pictures of your pet with Santa.
6. Bake cookies. If you have a holiday party scheduled for later in the day, you can bring them to share! Otherwise, you can keep them all for yourself and eat them until the new year.
7. Spend time outdoors. If you are lucky enough to experience a white Christmas, you should release your inner child by building a snowman, making snow angels, or going sledding on a neighborhood hill.
8. Read Christmas cards aloud. Sit your family in a circle and read from the cards you were sent. Then take turns saying what you love most about the sender.
9. Donate toys. It’s the season of giving, so don’t accept all of your presents without giving something in return. Clear out some space for your new stuff by giving the old stuff to people who will appreciate it.
10. Hide an elf on a shelf. If there are any little kids in your family, place the elf somewhere around the house and see how long it takes them to spot him.
11. Volunteer. Hand out food or blankets at a soup kitchen. Spend time at a children’s hospital or an animal shelter. Give to others because they deserve happy holidays too.
12. Build a gingerbread house. Try to make it look as similar to your actual house as possible. Then eat it the next day when it’s time to take down the decorations.
13. Spend time with God. After all, the day is all about celebrating His son! Spend some time in the morning in prayer. If you do not have the time to listen to a service, read through a few of your favorite passages from the bible.
14. Drink eggnog. It's a classic holiday refreshment! Sip on some eggnog or make your own festive drink. You can even rim the glass with red and green sprinkles.
15. Drive around to look at the lights. You will be impressed by how much work some of your neighbors put into their decorations. Plus, you can get inspiration and ideas for your own home next Christmas.
16. Track Santa. There are websites that will tell you the current location of Santa. Pull the site onto a computer so all the little kids in your family can watch him move from place to place.
17. Listen to Christmas songs. You might be sick of the repetitive music by the time Christmas day arrives, but you have to get into the holiday spirit! You can turn on a playlist from your laptop, you can dust off vinyl records, or you can watch the yule log flicker.
18. Go Christmas caroling. If you would rather be the one doing the singing, knock on neighborhood doors. Sing until your lungs give out.
19. Decorate ugly Christmas sweaters. Grab pipe cleaners, glitter paint, pom-poms, and a hot glue gun to decorate a plain old sweater. Challenge your family to see who can make the most obnoxious one.
20. Watch old home videos. Christmas is a time to cherish your family and friends. Looking through pictures and watching videos from past holidays is a perfect way to bond over the memories.
21. Trade secret Santa presents. If your family is huge, save money by putting together a secret Santa ahead of the holidays. Then, on the 25th, you can deliver gifts and discover who picked your name!
22. See a Christmas play. Or, if there aren’t any playhouses nearby, then you can see a holiday movie in theaters. There’s always one or two around this time of year.
23. Find someone to kiss beneath the mistletoe. Make sure you take a boomerang to post on Instagram!
24. Play board games. They don’t have to be holiday-based board games. You can play Scrabble, Clue, Charades, Head’s Up, whatever you would like. As long as you are spending quality time with your loved ones, that is all that matters.
25. Say thank you. Thank your loved ones for more than your gifts. Thank them for how much they have done for you over the year. Thank them for being a part of your life.
Make lots of memories this Christmas as you spend time with your family.
Wishing you a Merry Christmas!!
