Holiday Crafts, Recipes, Info, and Party Ideas

Christmas is filled with all kinds of traditions; but where do they come from, and what do they mean?

The True Meaning of Christmas - some of the meanings and traditions from a secular family that loves the magic and wonder of Christmas.

Celebrate Halloween with this song list of spooktacular rock, pop and country favorites. From haunting tales to fun sing-a-longs, this list includes both perennial favorites and lesser known tunes.

I love Christmas music and somehow I narrowed it down to my ten favorite Christmas songs. I found it interesting to see where these songs came from and the history behind them.

Common Chinese New Year business customs for those new to working with the Chinese. Everything begins with the auspicious colour of red.

Hanukkah doesn't need to take second place to Christmas anymore. Learn how to make your celebration something you and your family will look forward to each year.

I used to think that New Year's resolutions were destined to fail and didn't work. That's why I never made them. This year, I'm doing something different. I've been contemplating my resolutions for several months and I'm ready not just to kick off the new year, but kick off a new lifestyle.

We all have tried and failed to implement a New Year's resolution. Let's be easier and kinder to ourselves and not make them impossible to keep. Here are 9 simple resolutions to try this New Year's or anytime!

These excerpts from Christmas lyrics by Caribbean singer/songwriters are from the secular part of their celebration. The common theme is contentment with and pride in what is distinctly Caribbean.

Is Santa Claus real? This is a question on every young child's mind and dilemma for many a parent. But why destroy the fun and magic of Christmas in the interest of total transparency?

A recipe for an ancient Halloween treat. Trick-or-treaters hoping for a gift of candy might be surprised to be given these soul cakes instead. But baking and giving them observes an ancient Halloween tradition. Find out more in this article.

This is a script for a 7-minute Christmas puppet play for ages 2-6. Items required: animal puppet, elf, jingle bells, table, tablecloth, and chair.

Tutorial for making an easy and beautiful wreath out of inexpensive Christmas ball ornaments. Perfect for indoor or outdoor decorative wreaths.

Easy craft projects that are skeleton and skull-themed just in time for Day of the Dead. Includes a skull coloring page. These crafts use a variety of media and range from child to adult skill levels.

Decorate brown paper bags for Halloween treat bags. Homemade treat bag ideas. Halloween treat recipes.

Collecting Harold Gale Santas is a way to get into the Christmas Spirit. The 15 inch Santa Claus made in 1957 was the first item Harold Gale ever aimed at Christmas shoppers.

Fathers are extremely important, especially to their daughters. The instrumental role he plays in the life of a daughter leaves a mark that can't be changed. Those with great fathers are truly lucky.

Tis the season to be festive, but you're just burnt out. We all have those years. Don't worry about elaborate altars or casting circles; try these ideas for your holiday.

Learn more about the best tree species to use as a Christmas tree this holiday season.

Make your Halloween party a no-fuss affair with some of these impressive desserts, snacks and main dishes. Also, get Halloween treat ideas for your little ghosts and goblins.

A collection of stunning-looking Thanksgiving appetizers, side dishes and desserts that taste just as good as they look. Ideas for your Thanksgiving dinner menu.

Wearing a costume to work is a fun way to celebrate Halloween at the office. But make sure that you follow a few simple costume guidelines so that everyone at work feels safe and respected.

Learn the food, important dates, and activities of Christmas in Mexico

Although Easter is celebrated much the same everywhere, Honduras does Semana Santa in her own traditional and colorful way.

The No-Gift Christmas is an effort to teach my children value in all of the wonders and opportunities that life gives them in relationships, nature, the seasons, activity, helping others, and the sheer power of their imagination.

Not in the mood to go out on New Year's Eve? Did your friends all bail out on you? Still want to have a good time? Find out how to have fun on December 31st on your own.

Add a little fa-la-la-la to your holiday party with these Christmas songs -- romantic, risqué, naughty, and just plain fun to sing along with. Mistletoe, Santa, and spiked eggnog not included.

Happy Independence Day messages, wishes, sayings, and greetings for family and friends, colleagues, clients, bosses, or employees that you can use to express your patriotic feelings.

Why do Chinese wear red during Chinese New Year? How did the name for fifteenth night celebrations come about? These Chinese New Year legends explain all.

If Santa photos are a holiday tradition, then why are some tiny tots so terrified of the jolly old man in red? Learn the answer and see lots of funny photos of kids who can't get away fast enough.

Do you know all of the reindeer names? How about the 10th reindeer name? Join me on this fun adventure to learn all the names and to get an inside peek on all the reindeers' personalities.

The Christmas holiday is a special, magical time of year. I've searched out some wonderful images that perfectly conjure up that warm, cosy feeling of anticipation and celebration...

This is a roundup of several printable templates for lucky red envelopes and bookmarks for kids to color, cut, and assemble for Year of the Pig—Chinese New Year.

Find out how Christmas in France is celebrated. Learn all the French Christmas traditions, customs, and everything else there is to know about celebrating the holidays!

Some of the young women may seem undeserving but who knows how far-reaching, over time, a genuine message of love and hope will be? Send a personalized Mother's Day card to a teenage mother this year.

Valentine's Day is always a fun holiday to celebrate with those we love. This article highlights a tradition that I started in our home a few years ago, and it's a favorite with both my kids and husband. It's easy to throw together and doesn't cost a lot.

The history and origins of Christmas is neither plain nor clear, but much can be found with patience. One researcher's conclusions.

Some Celtic people may or may not be making crop circles in the middle of the night, but Celts and their descendants have surely made outstanding films to enjoy on St. Patrick's Day.

New Year's celebration in Russia is a unique event that encompasses more than just the marking of the new calendar year.

Get ideas to streamline storing away all the Christmas decorations. Take good care of all your special items.

Horror quotes are like a secret language to hardcore fans of the genre. They use the creepy sayings quite often even though people who rarely watch horror never get it.

Do you know a Wiccan mom? Maybe your own mom is Wiccan. If you're struggling with gift ideas for Mother's Day, consider some of these.

Why was Silent Night written? The reason behind its inception may surprise you.

A brief history of Halloween, with the symbolism of bats to the Halloween holiday

Learn to make an interactive Christmas Card that will be cherished for years to come. Great approach to turning store bought or self-made cards into more than just another card. Simple and fun!

More than 220 versions of The Little Drummer Boy have been released around the world since it was first composed in 1928. After some some show biz hanky-panky in the 1940's-50's 'Carol of the Drum' (original title) became a huge hit as the' Little Drummer Boy' - in the early 60's. Since then artists as varied as Johnny Cash, Jimi Hendrix, Bob Dylan, The Cranberries and Bing Crosby - even Marlene Dietrich have sung this popular Christmas carol.

Do you have bells in your craft room and no idea what to do with them? Turn them into beautiful ornaments, wreaths, garlands, elves, and more!

DIY Christmas ball-ornament wreath tutorials on how to make beautiful wreaths.

Don't throw away those old holiday greeting cards. Instead, save them for future craft projects. Learn three ways to make crafts with Christmas cards.

Dive into over 100 Halloween words in this article that are perfect for you and your kids to use this Halloween.

We white people feel entitled to don the garb of any and all cultures, but it's often inappropriate. Here's a list of racist Halloween costumes that we absolutely should not wear.

Learn everything there is to know about celebrating Christmas in Ireland from customs & traditions to festivities & Irish holiday fare.

Most people don’t want to be alone for the holidays. Here are some thoughtful ways you can reach out to people you know or suspect will spend the holidays alone.

Halloween is much more than just costumes and candy, as it has a rich and interesting history.

Crisscrossed ribbons will bring an elegant look to your Christmas tree, and surprisingly, it's probably a lot simpler than you think.

Create a luxurious spa-like candlelight bubble bath experience to relax, unwind, indulge yourself and perhaps set a romantic mood for your partner. Follow these 10 steps to a perfect soak in the tub.

Learn how to repurpose an old light fixture into a spooky Halloween chandelier decoration. Here's how I turned my old light into a Halloween chandelier.

These Christmas wishes provide ideas to make Christmas cards extra special. Take the opportunity to send a message with meaning, whether it be funny or inspiring.

We all learn about Saint Patrick's Day from the time we're little kids. From the beginning, we're cutting shamrocks from construction paper, wearing green, singing Irish songs, and for some of us, drinking beer. But what do we really know about Saint Patrick and the holiday that bears his name?

Driving around looking at beautiful Christmas light displays is a fun pastime in Texas. This is a directory of some of the best.

Thanksgiving Dinner was a big deal when I was growing up. I’m going to share recipes for family Thanksgiving favorites such as potato salad, baked mac & cheese, sweet potato pie, and banana pudding.

The fascinating history and origin of Halloween. Trick or Treat, Jack-o-lanters, and Halloween itself.

This article will describe how a team of three people created a striking display for our church for Easter. The materials required for this project are quite affordable. This project was fun and demanding and was a gift offered to our church to aid our celebration of the resurrection of our Lord.

Halloween party dessert recipes include fun and frightening roach-infested popcorn, gory cake ball brains, chocolate cookie dough rats, zombie and spider cupcakes, cute werewolf snack cakes, and more.

Want to dress like Lara Croft for Halloween, cosplay, or a costume party? In this article you will find tips on how to achieve Lara's signature look.

The History and Meaning of Dia de los Muertos come from a mixture of indigenous beliefs and Catholic traditions. This article explores the celebration of day of the dead not only in Mexico, but also Peru, Haiti and Brazil.

Alone for Thanksgiving? Don't feel left out! Follow these tips for having a great solo Thanksgiving from one who knows the ropes. You deserve to have a wonderful holiday.

I've always loved this song and its message that I should give what I can to my Savior even if it isn't much, but recently I learned this song had another important message that I needed even more.

The SMART system aims to help people achieve their goals, including their New Year's resolutions. Good goals are challenging but realistic and are measurable.

The International Day of Peace is September 21st of each year. Many around the world gear up for this day in many ways - there are many ways to celebrate!

Every Christmas season for 48 years, a coconut was anonymously delivered to the home of Ed Clinch. The prank eventually received international attention. Here is a look at the rest of the story.

Jesus is the reason for the Christmas season. Here is a simple plan to build your own manger to display in your yard. It fold down and stores flat.

Throwing a Halloween party isn't hard, but throwing a GREAT Halloween party? That takes effort...

Tenbury Wells in Worcestershire, prides itself as England's mistletoe capital. An annual event in the run-up to Christmas celebrates this festive plant which grows in abundance in this region.

In the Victorian Era, ideas of Pilgrims, women, and turkeys at Plymouth were created by one widow in her ladies' magazine. Her 40 years of campaigning changed Thanksgiving for the next 150 years.

You don't have to spend a lot of money to get your home ready for Christmas. I've collected a few tasteful and inexpensive holiday decoration ideas to help you get inspired.

Shed the old and prepare to embrace the new. Give yourself a fresh start in the New Year with this simple to-do list.

Appalachian traditions that include Christmas Trees and natural decorations sprang from the mountains that ranger from lower New York all the way south to northern Georgia and Mississippi. Some of these forgotten tradition are making a welcomed comeback.

One of the most important ethnic festivals in the city state, Chinese New Year in Singapore is a dazzling display of lights, food, and auspicious well wishes.

When the Pilgrims arrived in the New World, they were taught how to survive by the Indians, who had lived in the area for a very long time. However, at the time of contact, the world of the Native Americans was very complex and diverse.

Learn how you can help those in need during the Christmas season or all year around. Great tips and information that will help you in your planning.

Are you solo this Valentine's Day? Is your significant other out of town for the day? Whatever the reason, if you are going to be alone, here are 25 ideas to make the day special.

Every child's Halloween party should be full of imagination and fun. Here are some great, sometimes funny, sometimes creepy, Halloween Games!

This easy holiday ornament is a great way to recycle or reuse your favorite seasonal greetings into decorations that you can enjoy for years to come. This project is also a fun activity for kids!

This article contains over 20 easy, printable templates for pig crafts for Chinese New Year celebrations. Busy parents, librarians, and teachers can print these decorations for kids to use in crafts.

Celebrate Groundhog Day on February 2nd! Here are 10 fun ways to celebrate Groundhog Day for kids and adults. From the naturalist to the movie buff to the gourmet cook, there's something for everyone. Check out this article for ideas, recipes and Groundhog Day trivia.

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer has been a Christmas staple for almost a century. This is the story of how Rudolph's modest origins as a simple store give-away in 1939 became a Christmas classic.

Examples of sweet messages you can write in a card to show affection and gratitude to your mom on Mother’s Day.

Memorial Day is more than just a three-day holiday. Learn the meaning and facts behind this day, as well as some ways you can celebrate with family and friends.

Learn the history of Thanksgiving, from it's origins to modern day customs.

Polish Easter traditions in a Polish American family are a blend of old and new. Baking babka and chrusciki (bow tie cookies), spring cleaning, hot-cross buns and traditional Polish Easter Eggs (Pisanki) are some of the Polish traditions that pass from grandmother to granddaughter.

Here are some helpful tips to help you survive Christmas, from buying gifts to cleaning up after all the fun is over.

Christmas carols are a part of the classic tradition of Christmas. The origins of some of these merry tunes are intriguing and mysterious in their creation.

I guarantee that a mother you know is faking a smile, hiding her tears, or sitting in her silent home, dreading this day beyond words. Let's not forget them or those amazing women throughout our lives who have taught us what our own mothers didn't or couldn't.

Decorating ideas for a mad science-themed event with fun experiments. Great for Halloween, kids birthdays, or theme parties.

The Carnival of Venice is an extravaganza of color, Masks and entertainment. held each year this Italian celebration brings back to life renaissance Italy. Includes the History of the Masks.

How do you make Christmas-themed rock decorations with decoupage art? Napkins, glue, and rocks are all you need to make these holiday decorations. How to put Christmas napkins on a rock. They can be placed around the Christmas tree and also make great gifts.

Valentine's Day is typically marketed to men, encouraging them to do more for their wives on February 14th. Why should women be excluded? Men need love, too. Read on to find out how to love your man.

Painting windows in Las Vegas has been my favorite way to celebrate the holidays. Find out what materials to use and how to create these beautiful window paintings yourself!

Tutorials on how to create exceptional Christmas ornaments out of items you have around the house. Beautiful DIY holiday ornaments.