My cousins and I used to have a tradition of building a gingerbread house every Christmas. We would compete to see who could make the most creative design. It was always a lot of fun, with frosting and candies everywhere.
My bf and I like to go for drives at sunset. The view from the car is amazing and we just enjoy the peaceful time together.
Building a fort in the living room can be a blast. Use some sheets, pillows, and chairs. Once the fort is built, you can bring in some snacks and toys. It's like creating a little secret hideaway for the two of you, and kids usually love having their own special space.
In one game of truth or dare, my young cousin chose truth. I asked him what his favorite childhood memory was. He told this long story about a trip to the beach. He described how he built the biggest sandcastle ever and how excited he was when the waves didn't wash it away right away. It was really cute.
Well, in Christmas stories, there are many fun facts. For example, the concept of Santa Claus has roots in different cultures. In some European traditions, there was a figure similar to Santa who brought gifts. The story of Rudolph the Red - Nosed Reindeer was created as a marketing gimmick for a department store but has become an iconic part of Christmas. And mistletoe was considered a magical plant in ancient times, and that's why we have the tradition of kissing under it during Christmas.
One Christmas, I was a little kid. I woke up early in the morning, the whole house filled with the smell of freshly baked cookies. I ran to the Christmas tree and saw a big box with my name on it. I ripped it open and found a beautiful doll. That doll became my best friend for years. It was a simple yet magical Christmas memory.
There are many stories where the presence of Christ during Christmas is associated with light. For example, in some nativity plays, the manger where Jesus was born is depicted as being filled with a warm, divine light. This light not only shows the miraculous nature of his birth but also spreads a feeling of peace and joy. It's a way of showing that Christ's arrival was like a bright light in a world that needed salvation.
Well, often there are acts of kindness. Like in the story where a poor family is helped by their community. Also, there are usually elements of magic. Snow that never melts, reindeer that can fly. And of course, there is always the anticipation of Christmas morning and the joy of giving and receiving presents. In some stories, there might be elves helping Santa make toys. All these elements combine to create a fun and heartwarming Christmas story.
One year at our office Christmas gift exchange, there was a really funny moment. A guy named Tom got a box that was beautifully wrapped. He was so excited as he opened it, only to find a pair of really goofy-looking reindeer slippers. Everyone burst out laughing. Tom was a bit embarrassed at first but then he put them on and started doing a little reindeer dance around the office, which made it even funnier.
One Christmas, a reindeer named Rudolph got a cold. His nose was so stuffed up that it couldn't shine as bright as usual. The other reindeer were worried that Santa wouldn't be able to find his way without Rudolph's bright nose. So they came up with a creative solution. They tied little lanterns to their antlers to light the way. Santa was very impressed by their teamwork and they all had a great Christmas journey together.
One fun fact is that the leg lamp in 'A Christmas Story' has become an iconic symbol. It was based on a real - life lamp that the author Jean Shepherd remembered from his childhood. It's so recognizable that many people try to recreate it during the Christmas season.