Christmas Archives

Top 5 Christmas Home Decor Ideas from a Trendsetting Design Expert

As the holiday season approaches, the excitement for festive decorations grows. This year, the trends for Christmas and holiday decor are a blend of traditional charm and contemporary flair.

We asked resident expert Lesley Bolden, AIFD, senior designer for trends and display at NAPCO Imports, to share some of her best Christmas decor ideas you should consider when decorating your home for the Yuletide season.

1. Woodland themes: Nature’s charm

Woodland themes are all the rage this holiday season. “This style — featuring pine cones, rustic elements, and a harmony of colors — brings the serenity and beauty of nature indoors,” Bolden says. Popular color choices include ice blue, pink quartz, and sage green, offering a refreshing twist to the traditional holiday palette.

christmas decor ideas woodland theme entryway

2. Classic holiday elegance

The timeless appeal of classic Christmas themes remains strong. The iconic red and green color scheme, enriched with black or white accents, creates a warm and inviting atmosphere. Plaids and traditional Santa decorations add a sense of nostalgia and warmth, perfect for a classic holiday setting.

3. Nostalgic décor: A trip down memory lane

The trend of nostalgic décor is growing, with antique-inspired elements taking center stage. Old-fashioned baubles, vintage Santa figures, and retro designs bring a touch of nostalgia, reminiscent of Christmases past.

Flowers, Christmas . Photos by Mike Lawrence for Flowers

4. Nature meets glamour: Metallic finishes

This trend cleverly pairs the rustic appeal of natural elements with the glamour of metallic finishes. Think birch wood combined with champagne gold, or honey-stained wood accented with silver. “This fusion creates a sophisticated yet earthy look, perfect for modern holiday decorations,” Bolden adds.

5. Neutral color palettes: Understated elegance

Neutral color schemes are gaining popularity, especially when paired with natural elements. Cream, white, and beige tones offer a subtle backdrop, allowing decorations like branches, pine cones, and wooden ornaments to shine. “This trend exudes elegance and simplicity,” Bolden says.

christmas decor ideas neutral color palettes

Additional Christmas decor ideas to consider

Mixed foliages: A variety of foliage adds depth and texture to floral arrangements and décor .
Mushroom icons: These whimsical elements bring a fairy-tale touch to holiday decorations.
Candles and candle holders: These create a warm, inviting glow and can be styled to match any theme.
LED light-up décor: Incorporate modern technology for a bright and festive atmosphere.

Lesley Bolden is a member of the American Institute of Floral Designers (AIFD) and has presented at its annual symposium. She researches and sets trends for NAPCO’s vast line of containers, holiday décor, and other gift items. She’s been NAPCO’s senior designer for trends and display for eight years, and has a total of 24 years of experience in the flower industry.

The Final Countdown: Last-Minute Gift Ideas for Christmas

Nobody wants to be that person driving around town from store to store on Dec. 24 looking for last-minute Christmas gifts. You and I both know you’ll wind up at a pharmacy or mini mart buying one of those terra-cotta figurines that has chia growing from it when you water it.

Don’t be that person!

Fortunately for you, if you’re still looking for a gift this late in the game, we did most of the work for you — all except for you having to pay for the gift. Here are our favorite last-minute gift ideas for Christmas that will make your final week of Christmas shopping easy…as long as you don’t wait until the very last minute.

Holiday Signature Tower

Two is always better than one, and these two towers are filled with premium snacks, including several that are “covered” in goodness: chocolate-covered popcorn and cherries, and yogurt-covered pretzels. And if you like your chocolate all on its own, it also offers six signature truffles.

Christmas Brunch Hat Box

You can’t just eat Christmas cookies all day. OK, maybe you can, and kids certainly will if left to their own (just-unwrapped video game) devices. After all the presents are unwrapped — and the youngsters come down from their sugar rush — set out a lovely brunch consisting of triple-cheese and caramelized onion quiche, and Canadian-style bacon. But wait, there’s more! Spread the raspberry preserves on the Wolferman’s traditional English muffins and end the meal — or save it for an after-dinner dessert — with a cranberry orange loaf cake.

Christmas Party Collection

Ain’t no party like a Christmas party ’cause a Christmas party don’t stop! And when you send a gift this substantial, they’ll be partying well into the new year. The Christmas Party Collection is also hefty, weighing in at nearly 40 pounds! In all, this gift is made up of 14 components, from a 5-pound box of Royal Riviera Pears to the Ultimate Meat and Cheese Gift Box to the Grand fruitcake confection. It’s so massive that it arrives in two separate shipments! Now that’s one party they won’t have to worry about running out of food for.

Deluxe Holiday David’s Gift Tower

Two may be better than one, but four, well, four is certainly better than two. Not to take anything away from the aforementioned Holiday Signature Snack Tower, but the Deluxe Holiday David’s Stacked Tower has four tiers! Everything that comes in it, however, is top tier, including Royal Riviera® Pears, chocolate truffles, raspberry galettes, sesame sticks, and three-seed crackers. Did we mention it also includes Harry & David’s famous Pepper& Onion Relish? Yeah, it’s got that too.

last minute gift ideas cocoa mixes collection

Home for the Holidays Mixes Collection

I believe, but don’t quote me on this, that baking cookies on Christmas morning became an official holiday law sometime in 1973. Good thing for this last-minute gift idea, huh? The Home for the Holidays Collection comes with two mixes — gingerbread sugar cookies and peppermint scones. And what goes better with cookies and pastries on Christmas morning than hot chocolate? Wash these treats down with your choice of chocolate truffle, Belgian white chocolate, or salted caramel cocoa.

last minute gift ideas Holiday Cutout Cookies

Buttercream Frosted Holiday Cut-out Cookies

One of the best things about Christmas are Christmas cookies! Instead of going through the hassle of baking and sending your own — who knows how they’re going to turn out — send a box of Cheryl’s buttercream frosted cookies, which are guaranteed to be delicious. Warning: These cookies will go fast because of how irresistibly tasty they are. (Trust us, we know from experience.)

last minute gift ideas lucca sons red white chocolate truffles

Cabernet Sauvignon & Truffle Gift

Whether it’s a last-minute Christmas gift or hostess gift (New Year’s Eve is just around the corner!), the pairing of wine and chocolate in the form of a full-bodied cabernet sauvignon and dark chocolate truffles is a no-brainer. Enough said.

last minute gift ideas fireside date night gift

Fireside Date Night Wine Gift

Sure, this comes with dark chocolate popcorn and chocolate-covered grahams and chocolate-covered pretzels AND dark chocolate truffles AND cocoa-covered almonds — and those sweets are all well and good (delicious, actually) — along with a bottle of merlot, but the pièce de résistance is the sherpa-lined throw blanket. Anything lined with sherpa equals instant coziness. Even without a fire to snuggle up next to.

Super last-minute gift ideas (same-day delivery)

OK, so, you’ve waited until almost literally the very last minute to buy your gifts. Here are three floral options that will arrive the same day you order them. You’re welcome for saving you from having to face the ire of your friends and relatives this Christmas.

Fields of Europe Christmas

This festive arrangement of white lilies, red roses, carnations, and alstroemeria is perfect for a joyous Christmas party or holiday gathering. Tied up with a red bow, this gift is everything we love about the season in flower form!

Santa Paws

For dog lovers and animal lovers, this Santa Paws creation is just so gosh darn a-DOG-able! Complete with a little Santa hat and sitting in a gold holiday ornament container, this arrangement is ready to bring holiday joy wherever he goes.

Holiday Magic Bouquet

At first glance, this arrangement might not seem very Christmas-y. But with its combination of red roses, purple dianthus, limonium, and stock, and burgundy carnations ― plus Christmas greens dusted with gold (not the real stuff, sorry) ― you’d be hard pressed to find a more elegant holiday bouquet out there.

The Greatest Stocking Stuffer Ideas

Shopping for the big presents is easy. The big screen TV for your football lover, the VR headset for your gamer, the snowboard for your wintertime thrill seeker — those all are no-brainers. It’s the little gifts that can be harder to hone in on.

Before you find yourself resorting to a pair of socks or impulse buys at the supermarket checkout, stop. You can do better.

Here are nine thoughtful stocking stuffer ideas that your loved ones will delight in pulling out of their stockings come Christmas morning.

Hand-painted Ornament

Christmas ornaments can run the gamut, from incredibly special and meaningful to fairly generic and forgettable — this one definitely falls in the latter category. The gorgeous collectible hand-painted glass ornament features a charming one-of-a-kind cardinal design by beloved artist Susan Winget, and it even arrives in an elegant keepsake box. This is one Christmas decoration that you’ll have hanging from your tree year after year.

Hot Chocolate Tin Collection

If your Yule log has entered the digital age, then you’ll need something to actually keep you warm while you sit around listening to the crackling sounds of fake flames. Nothing is cozier than a warm mug of hot cocoa on Christmas morning. (OK, maybe being wrapped in a Sherpa-lined blanket while sipping the cocoa.) This Holiday Hot Chocolate Tin Collection includes four festive tins, each filled with a different cocoa flavor (peppermint, white chocolate, milk chocolate, and caramel), making it easy to split between stockings. Just add warm water — not to the stocking, of course — to these mugs. Or, for a creamier brew, use warm milk. (Mustache not included.)

Chocolate Truffles

If you’re looking to sweeten up someone’s Christmas, look no further than this box of Limited Edition Holiday Truffles. Six different seasonal flavors, including gingerbread, candy cane, and crème brulée, all handcrafted in the Harry & David candy kitchen (their version of Willy Wonka’s chocolate factory) perfectly placed in one little box. The chocolate lovers in your life will be thanking you all day (while they wipe the creamy chocolate off their face).

Gnome Salt & Pepper Shakers

We all know someone who loves to make their home a winter wonderland. What better gift for them than some winter-themed salt and pepper shakers? This adorable holiday gnome set will bring some cheer to any table throughout the holiday season.

Malted Milk Balls Jar

Does anyone really know what malted milk balls are? There’s chocolate. There’s some kind of crunch inside. The flavor is a bit nutty. Let’s forget about those particulars and focus on the overall wonderfulness of these delightful gourmet malted milk balls, which come all snuggled inside a reusable quart jar. If you get these, go ahead and turn it into a challenge to see who can catch the most in their mouth. Guess what the winner gets? Another malted milk ball!

stocking stuffer ideas Santa Stocking and Cookies

Santa Stocking & Cookies

This gift will not fit inside a stocking, but that’s OK because it is a stocking — one that comes already filled with, as the name suggests, cookies! A dozen buttercream-frosted holiday cutouts are stuffed in a stocking adorned with Santa’s jolly face, a sprig of (fabric) holly, and a bell. You can try to find a more festive-looking gift than this, but we bet you’ll come up empty (unlike the recipient’s belly will be soon after they get this).

Coffee Assortment

While the kids are sipping on the aforementioned hot cocoa, their parents will be enjoying the wake-up juice you so generously gifted them. (And they’ll need it after little Tiffany and Johnny woke up at 4:30 a.m. to start unwrapping their presents.) These exceptional coffees come in three holiday flavors: butterscotch caramel, toffee nut, and dark chocolate candy cane. After a few hours of the hurricane known as Christmas morning comes blowing through, those adults might want to consider making this cup of java a more potent one.

stocking stuffer ideas Holiday Cookie Dough Popcorn

It’s almost impossible to describe how delicious this flavor of popcorn is, but we’ll give it a go. The good folks at The Popcorn Factory start with cinnamon sugar popcorn — amaze! — then proceed to toss in mini chocolate chip cookie dough bites — our mouths are literally watering — then drizzle it all in white confection — swoon! — and, finally, top the whole darn thing with red and green sprinkles. Go back and read that again, and then tell us this isn’t something everyone on your list would want to find in their stocking on Dec. 25. (You’re lying if you say it isn’t.)

Personalized Wine Glass

It’s the time of the year when wine lovers break out the Beaujolais Nouveau (or another of their favorite wines), and there’s no better way for the oenophile on your list to enjoy a libation than in a personalized, classic modern stemless wine glass. Each one is custom printed with up to three lines of text in your choice of font. With 24 design colors to choose from, it’s easy to mix and match a couple or set of four to warm your wine drinker’s heart on cold holiday nights.

101 Christmas Card Messages & Happy Holidays Wishes

Sending holiday cards is a wonderful tradition, but if you have a lot to send, it can get a bit overwhelming. That is especially true if you can’t find the right words to put in your Christmas card.

If you’re looking for a unique way to send your holiday greetings or just want to find some inspiration for what to write, check out our list of different ways to say “Merry Christmas,” “Season’s Greetings,” and “Happy New Year” to all your contacts.

What to write in a holiday card?

These days, it’s easy to upload a family photo, add your name, and be done with your Christmas cards. But taking that extra step to write your holiday wishes for friends and loved ones makes all the difference. You can still include your beautiful family photos, but also be sure to include a few words to go along with them.

merry christmas wishes holiday cards hand drawn

What you write in your holiday cards will depend on the recipient. If you’re sending Christmas card wishes to close friends and family, you can be informal and casual with your greetings. Choose a greeting inspired by your favorite Christmas song or movie or quote, or write a funny holiday greeting that’s full of personality and festive cheer.

If you know the person receiving your card celebrates Christmas, you can relate a religious message in it. Alternately, your message can be more secular, with wishes for a happy holiday season or happy new year.

Going with a short and simple greeting, or combining several of your favorite lines, are ways to create a truly special and personal message. You can even incorporate a heartfelt “Thank you” in your holiday cards to show your gratitude during this special time of the year.

No matter what you want to write in your holiday cards, this list offers plenty of ideas and inspiration to craft your best Christmas cards yet!

Best merry Christmas wishes

There’s something wonderful about the classic “Merry Christmas” wishes. If you want to call out Christmas, here are are some sample card messages with the word “Christmas” in them.

May your days be merry and bright this Christmas season and throughout the new year.
Best wishes for a joyous Christmas and a new year filled with love, happiness, and prosperity.
We hope you’re having a simply wonderful Christmas time! Best wishes to you and yours.
Merry Christmas! May all the joys of this happy season be yours this holiday and into the new year.
May the magic and wonder of Christmas stay with you throughout the new year.
The most wonderful part of Christmas is spending time with family and friends. May your holidays be full of joy and good cheer.
When the magic of Christmas fills the air, we hope you find it everywhere. Merry Christmas!
Wishing you a blessed Christmas and every happiness in the new year.
May the true spirit of Christmas fill your heart and home with joy today and into the coming year.
Have a warm and cozy Christmas and a new year filled with wonderful adventures.

Santa Claus holding envelope with greeting for Merry Christmas a

Happy holidays & season’s greetings

If you’re not sure if your recipients celebrate Christmas, using “holiday season” and “season’s greetings” instead are great options. Here are some ideas you can use to get started writing your own holiday message.

Wishing you joy, peace, and good health this holiday season.
Best wishes for a happy holiday season and a joyous new year.
May all that is beautiful, meaningful, and brings you joy be yours this holiday season and throughout the coming year.
Sending wishes to you and yours for a beautiful holiday season and peaceful new year.
As the holidays approach, it is a great time to remember those who are close to us, helping to bring love and happiness to our lives. Wishing you a happy holiday season.
Our favorite part of the holiday season is thinking of you, who makes this time so special. Wishing you love and happiness this season and into the new year.
Hope this holiday season brings you many great memories and wonderful reasons to smile.
May the light of the holiday season fill your heart, and may the music fill your soul. Happy holidays.
Wishing you a sparkling holiday season and a brilliant new year!
Sending warm wishes of peace and happiness this holiday season and into the new year.

Religious Christmas messages

Adding a religious note to your Christmas cards helps us remember the true reason for this joyous season. Here are some examples of religious messages you can include in your card.

Wishing you God’s wonderful gifts of faith, hope, peace, and love at Christmas and always.
As we take a moment from our busy lives to celebrate the birth of our Lord, we pray your holidays are filled with love and your new year with peace.
His miraculous birth and the gift of His love give us reason to pause and rejoice on His special day. Merry Christmas from our family to yours.
Christmas is a wonderful time to rejoice and share in the warmth of those dear to us. May your Christmas be filled with God’s love and blessings.
May God’s love be your true blessing this Christmas season and throughout the new year.
May God fill your life with love, joy, and peace this holiday season and throughout the new year.
Rejoice, for unto us a child is born. Wishing you God’s blessings this Christmas season.
Glory to God in the highest, and on Earth peace and goodwill toward men.
Rejoice in the miracle of Christmas as your heart fills with the gift of His love.
May you receive the gift of faith, blessing of hope, and peace of God’s love at Christmas and always.

Short & simple holiday greetings

merry christmas wishes Christmas Card Basket Liner

If you only want to include a few words, consider one of these simple and short holiday greetings. These are especially good options if you plan on writing out your cards by hand this year.

Happy holidays from our house to yours.
Wishing you a very Merry Christmas and a happy new year.
Merry everything and happy always.
Hoping your holidays are filled with love, family, and happiness.
Happy holidays and happy 2024! Make it the best year ever.
Best wishes for a new year filled with love, happiness, and success.
Hope you get everything you want under the Christmas tree this year!
Merry Christmas and many blessings in the new year.
May the wonder and magic of Christmas fill you with delight.
Wishing you the happiest of holidays and a fantastic new year.

Funny holiday greetings

A little humor never fails. Make everyone who opens your Christmas cards this year smile with these fun and amusing holiday card messages. Or include your favorite holiday puns, witty quote, or funny greeting.

Wishing you hope, peace, and lots of Christmas cookies.
You know you’re getting old when Santa starts looking younger.
Get your fat pants ready. It’s Christmastime!
Santa has the right idea. Visit people only once a year.
Merry Christmas from one hard-working elf to another.
It’s all fun and games until Santa checks the naughty list. Merry Christmas.
Wishing you a white Christmas. (And when you run out of white, just open a bottle of red.)
Sure, being on the nice list gets your more presents, but being naughty is its own reward.
Only a few more shopping days left until your loved ones find out you have no idea what they like.
We want you to have the happiest holidays ever. (Don’t feel too special, though, we gave this card to a lot of people.)

Inspiring holiday quotes

Crafting an uplifting, moving message for your cards can be a difficult task. Adding one of these inspiring holiday quotes is a great way to accomplish that. Look for other holiday quotes you love to include in your message.

“Out of the silence, music. Out of the darkness, light. Out of uncertainty, promise. Hope was born that night.”
“At Christmas play and make good cheer, for Christmas comes but once a year.”
“Peace on earth will come to stay, when we live Christmas every day.”
“The story of Christmas is a story of love.”
“It’s not what’s under the Christmas tree — it’s who’s gathered around it.”
“May you be inspired by giving, changed by love, filled with peace, and touched by miracles.”
“The best of all gifts around any Christmas tree: the presence of a happy family all wrapped up in each other.”
“One of the nice things about Christmas is that you can make people forget the past with a present.”
“Christmas is a time when everybody wants his past forgotten and his present remembered.”
“At Christmas, all roads lead home.”

Christmas sayings inspired by Christmas songs

Those who love Christmas songs will appreciate these sample greetings that contain the lyrics of some of their favorite holiday music. Use these or your favorite song lyrics to inspire your own Christmas card message this year.

Have yourself a merry little Christmas and let your heart be light!
Joy to the world, the Lord has come. May songs of joy fill your home and your heart this holiday season.
It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas! Hope yours is filled with peace and joy.
Deck the halls with boughs of holly and have a jolly Christmas time!
Feliz Navidad! Wishing you a Merry Christmas from the bottom of my heart.
Hark! The herald angels sing glory to the newborn King!
Have a holly, jolly Christmas! It’s the best time of the year.
It’s the most wonderful time of the year! Merry Christmas and remember to be of good cheer!
Fill your hearts with Christmas cheer! Santa Claus is coming tonight!
Star of wonder, star of night, guide us to thy perfect light.

Holiday messages for friends & family

When sending holiday wishes to your closest friends, family, and loved ones, feel free to get personal. Consider adding a short message about your family, special news, and any important announcements you want to share.

As the holidays once again approach, may the joy and love the holidays bring remind us of the love of our friends and family. Wishing you the very best this season.
Thinking of you fills our hearts with joy at Christmas time. Wishing you a joyous holiday season and a happy and peaceful new year.
Wishing you and your family all the warmth this holiday season has to offer. Have a wonderful Christmas and a new year filled with peace and joy.
As the holidays once more approach, our family would like to send you our warmest wishes. May the true spirit of the season find you and fill your heart with joy.
From all the gifts under the Christmas tree, the best gift is your friendship. Have a Merry Christmas, my friend.
May the wonder of the holidays fill your heart with happiness as you gather together with family and friends. Merry Christmas.
Thinking of you with warm wishes for a very Merry Christmas spent among family and friends.
Dear friend, I hope your Christmas is filled with love and your new year with joy.
There is nothing more special than family and good friends to brighten up the holidays. Merry Christmas.
Wishing you happy holidays and a new year filled with happiness. May the holiday spirit be with you and your family today and throughout the coming year.

A holiday thank you

Wiring your holiday cards for clients, business partners, sponsors, teachers, and others sometimes requires a sincere thank you. Find ideas to express your gratitude with these sample card messages.

As the holiday season approaches, there is no better time to say “Thank you.” Wishing you and yours a happy holiday season and a prosperous new year.
We would like to pause at the holiday season to say “Thank you” for your goodwill and dedication, and wish you a happy and successful new year.
There is no better time than this to say thank you and happy holidays, from our family to yours.
I’m so thankful for you and your support this year. Have a wonderful Christmas and a happy new year.
Your help this year was the best Christmas gift. We can’t thank you enough! Wishing you happy holidays and all the best in the coming year.
Thank you for always thinking of us. We are so grateful for you and your thoughtfulness.
Just sending you a heartfelt thank you for your help and support this year. It means so much to us! Have a wonderful holiday season.
One of the best parts of our business is people like you. Your support means the world to us! We wish you the best this holiday season and throughout the coming year.
Thank you for making our holidays even brighter with your thoughtful gift. It’s always such a pleasure doing business with you. Here’s to a great year ahead!
Wishing you happy holidays with thanks and appreciation for your help, support, generosity, and thoughtfulness, and a sincere wish for a fantastic year ahead.

Beautiful greeting card for New Year celebration on dark backgro

New Year’s wishes

If you happen to be sending out your cards later than you plan, consider including New Year’s greetings instead of the typical holiday messages. Here are some popular New Year’s wishes to inspire your own.

Our New Year’s wish for you and yours is that your year is filled with love. Happy 2024!
Wishing you and yours good times, good cheer, good health, and good fortune in the new year!
When the bells ring in the new year, may your days be filled with peace, love, and everlasting happiness.
As the holiday season comes to a close, we wish you and your family a bright and beautiful new year.
Wishing you a super healthy, crazy happy, and wildly successful new year!
May the dawn of this new year fill your heart with bright, hopeful days as you turn your dreams into reality and your efforts into great achievements.
A new year is a blank page and an opportunity to write a new story for yourself. Hope yours is beautiful.
May this new year give you courage to explore, dream, and discover. Here’s to your best year yet!
Cheers to the years we’ve been blessed to call each other friends and to the new year ahead.
May every day of the new year bring a new opportunity for joy and laughter, warmth and love, and everything you desire.

And, finally, our favorite…

The magic of Christmas never ends, and its greatest gifts are family and friends.

9 Christmas Decorations for Every Room in Your House

When it’s time to decorate for Christmas, one room usually gets most of our attention — the one where the tree is placed. We also tend to focus on where all the other decorations go, from the holiday village to the Christmas throw pillows to the spice-scented candles. However, we think it’s time to up the holiday spirit and add Christmas decorations all over the house. Not only is spicing up each room with a small decorative element easy to do, but it’ll impress guests and give your home — and your family — an even more festive feel.

These pieces don’t have to be ornate or particularly expensive; adding a well-placed wreath, blanket, or centerpiece in often undecorated spots, such as the bathroom or porch, will do the trick without breaking the bank.

Here are nine of our favorite Christmas decorations for every room of your house. Go on, fully embrace the Christmas spirit.

Front door

Holiday Rustic Evergreen Wreath

A wreath and front door go together like hot chocolate and marshmallows, and this rustic evergreen wreath adds a few extra touches that make it both gorgeous and unexpected. First, it’s adorned with cinnamon stick bundles, which means your home will smell like sugar and spice before guests even step inside. And the faux red berries and farmhouse-style striped ribbon add a chic look to a classic decoration.

Patio or Porch or Terrace or Balcony

Holiday Spruce Tree with Lights

If you have a screened-in patio or covered porch, or any kind of outdoor space (even a fire escape for you apartment dwellers), you can decorate it with its own little Christmas tree. It’s the perfect way to let your neighborhood know you’re in the holiday spirit, and to gather around and enjoy some hot apple cider outside. This holiday spruce has warm winter lights and comes pre-planted in a holiday planter; plus, you can even replant it once January hits.

Bedroom

Festive Throw Blanket with Sherpa Lining

Adding Christmas decorations to your bedroom is usually an afterthought (or missed altogether, as it’s typically for hiding presents and you don’t want to draw attention to it), but why not add a festive touch to the room where you sleep? This fun and cheery throw blanket has a classic holiday plaid print and warm sherpa underside. It’s perfect to curl up under as you snuggle in bed while winding down with Christmas movies or, more likely, some online shopping.

Christmas decorations with a sherpa blanket on a chair.

Guest bedroom

Holiday Tea Gift Set

I stayed at a friend’s house last holiday season, and they set the guest room up like a little bed and breakfast. Not only did they leave treats, such as local chocolate bars, and handmade soap on my pillow, but they also supplied me with a seasonal mug for my morning coffee. Little touches like that make friends and family feel extra special during the season.

This set, with two ceramic mugs, a festive teapot, and a wooden chest filled with four different holiday teas, acts as both decor and a special way to welcome guests to your home. Remember to ask them to leave you a great review…

Christmas tea set with a tea pot, two mugs, and a box of tea bags.

Kids Room

Cozy Bundle Gift for Kids

This gift basket has two fun pieces of Christmas decorations for a kids room — a soft, gnome-covered throw blanket and plush polar bear — and your child will love the added coziness they bring to their room as the holidays roll along. Of course, they’ll also love the extras that come with it, including a tin of hot cocoa and chocolate-covered popcorn.

Christmas towel, stuffed animal, and mug.

Living Room

Holiday Garland

Nothing creates a warm and cozy holiday ambience like a garland draped over a fireplace mantel, and this Christmas decoration features natural pine cones, faux red berries, and noble fir. If you want to make it even more festive, add a strand of Christmas lights or some LED candles around it. But no matter how you decorate this garland, it will surely feel like the centerpiece of the room (and may even outshine the tree).

Christmas decoration garland on a mantel piece.

Kitchen

Raspberry-filled galettes are always a welcomed gift, but it’s the jar these cookies come in that will end up grabbing everyone’s attention. This adorable ceramic jar is perfect for the center of a kitchen island or kitchen table. Made to look like a stack of wrapped Christmas presents, it can be used as a place to store holiday treats — such as your famous secret recipe sugar cookies — for years to come.

Christmas decorated cookie jar with a plate of cookies in front.

Dining Room

Holiday Trees with LED Lights

A dining room table isn’t complete without a centerpiece that ties it all together — especially for a holiday meal. Candlesticks are beautiful, but the ones you’ve been using the past few years have probably burned down to unlightable stubs. Don’t let that get you down. Add a holiday touch with this trio of LED Christmas trees. Each lantern comes in a different shade — evergreen, ivory, and mint — and the star cutouts combined with the lights exude a warm glow. They’re a beautiful way to add more holiday spirit to your next get-together.

Bathroom

Holiday 4″ Poinsettia

My mother always puts a seasonal plant on her guest bathroom windowsill, and it’s such an easy way to add a special touch to a space that isn’t so easy to decorate. This small, bright red poinsettia plant is perfect for that or to add on the side of the sink next to some holiday-scented soap. Plus, it comes wrapped in a felt container that looks similar to the wood on a birch tree.

Christmas decorations with a poinsettia next to ornaments.

How to Design a Festive Holiday Tablescape

The holiday season brings with it family, fun, and food — and the place in our home where all that comes together is our table.

Of course, you can still have a meaningful and festive holiday gathering without going overboard in decorating your holiday table, but with just a few well-planned and expertly executed touches, you can make this focal point of your home the centerpiece of your holiday celebration.

In this guide, we provide design ideas for how you can turn your Christmas table into a place where friends and family can come together and enjoy this special time of year with one another.

Co-create the holiday table

The holiday table plays a central role in our celebrations. Think ahead of time and choose a theme and style with which to decorate your table — from the centerpiece to the tablecloth, the accessories to the place settings. Then, make a plan to achieve the look for your perfect table!

Explore designs for your extended holiday table

We’ve selected four popular Christmas table design ideas. Pick one that fits your aesthetic, and then add or subtract elements that most appeal to you and fit the look you’re going for.

1. Farmhouse chic

Beautiful holiday table setting with candles

This popular chic yet homey, rustic look can be achieved by using a simple and neutral color palette and decorating the table with elements from nature. Whites, grays, and beiges should predominate, while accents like pinecones and simple greenery, combined with place settings of earthenware, pottery, and clear or mercury glass, should feature prominently across the surface.

Explore ways to create an extended holiday table in the modern farmhouse style with centerpieces and accessories that tie the whole look together.

Farmhouse chic gift & craft ideas

christmas table design ideas Paperwhites Bulb Garden — Paperwhites Bulb Garden

Christmas table design ideas Personalized Christmas Hurricane — Personalized Christmas Hurricane

Christmas table design ideas tabletop tree — DIY Holiday Flower Tree

2. Classic sophistication

Nothing is more elegant than a refined holiday table. Stick to a classic, crisp white tablecloth and accessorize with red roses, poinsettias, and holly. Long candles and crystal stemware set the tone for a special gathering.

Take a look at how you might create this classy look for your holiday table with red and white centerpieces and elegant elements that will have everyone feeling the yuletide spirit.

Christmas table scape, elegant formal dinner table setting, tabl

Classic sophistication gift & craft ideas

Christmas table design ideas Personalized Cocktail Napkins — Personalized Cocktail Napkins

Christmas table design ideas Personalized Puzzle Piece Cutting Board — Personalized Puzzle Piece Cutting Board

Christmas table design ideas glitter vases — DIY Glitter Vases

3. Fun & festive

Festive table setting with beautiful dishware and Christmas deco

If you don’t want a super “put together” look, you can always just go the “mix and match” route. Start with bright colors and then bring in some iconic elements, such as candy canes, reindeer ornaments, and Christmas tree candles, and before you know it you’ll have created a winter wonderland right there on your table!

Nothing is off limits with this design; the goal is just to have fun. Break out some of your old holiday decor favorites and combine them with some new festive items, and Santa himself just might want to join you!

Fun & festive gift ideas

christmas table design ideas Cheerful Christmas Cottage Centerpiece — Cheerful Christmas Cottage Centerpiece

Christmas table design ideas Reindeer Personalized Ornament — Personalized Reindeer Ornament

christmas table design ideas Christmas Tree Candles — Christmas Tree Candles

4. Winter blues

Appropriate for Hanukkah or Christmas (or any time, for that matter), blue is a beautiful color for a winter table. Dress your table up or down with a base of white with royal or midnight blue accents and a dash of silver sparkle. Add a string of white lights to your centerpiece to get that holiday glow.

Get the right kind of “holiday blues” for your extended table. Start with one iconic element — whether it be the flower arrangement or plates — and work out from there. With the same color running consistently through your decor, you’ll have no problem pulling off a cohesive look.

Winter blues gift ideas

christmas table design ideas Winter Wonderland Candle Set — Winter Wonderland Candle Set

Christmas table design ideas Christmas Appetizer and Dessert Plate — Personalized Christmas Appetizer and Dessert Plate

christmas table design ideas Holiday Radiance Bouquet — Holiday Radiance™ Bouquet

Your table is decorated. Now what?

It’s time to celebrate, of course. From food to activities to traditions old and new, enjoy everything the holiday season has to offer around your beautifully decorated table.

13 Best Christmas Gifts for Teens for 2024

One of the toughest tasks for any adult during this busy holiday season — right up there with decorating that perfect Christmas tree while at the same time wrapping gifts and not burning those cookies — is shopping effectively for the teenagers in your life.

The tastes of a teen are a mystery to most adults, so to simplify your gifting quest we consulted Chassie Post, a television style correspondent on “Entertainment Tonight,” E!, and “Live with Regis & Kelly,” as well as an editorial stylist for Glamour and host of “Shop All Day,” a new program from the “TODAY” show.

Who knows, with a quick study of Post’s insider reports, a bit of imagination, and a few keen purchases, you yourself may even receive the priceless gift of the teens in your life viewing you as trendy.

The personal touch

“One big trend, really for girls and boys, is all things personalized,” Post shares. “I don’t know what it is, but all the teens’ rooms I walk into have their names in it. This sort of gift just always feels unique and thoughtful as well.”

christmas gifts for teens teen boy playing on phone in bedroom

Personalized gifts also allow the giver to include more details than just a birth name — a nickname, favorite color, writing styles that match certain personalities, or, depending on the size of the item, even short phrases. Personalized food gifts fit the bill as well, especially those that incorporate favorite themes and flavors.

TikTok trends

For the aspiring social media stars in your life, TikTok trends are always surefire wins. Don’t want to download the app to brainstorm? A simple web search can instantly provide results of trending TikTok video topics.

Post says exposing yourself to the TikTok universe may even land you a bonus gift idea for an adult in your life. “You know the scenario: You’re often really trying to rip the phone away from teens at dinner. And they’ll say, ‘Just look at this TikTok,’ and you’re like…’Oh, that’s actually really cool!'”

Beauty & fashion

“All things beauty are back,” says Post, noting it as one of the largest social media trends. “My teen niece, she and her friends talk about it all the time; they watch TikTok videos on it. Anything in that realm, you can’t lose, and you’ll definitely score some extra points if there’s a little sparkle involved.”

Though not cosmetic beauty based, Post also mentions that fashion-related gifts can be a winner with teen boys, as more young men are taking an interest in high-style athleisure products and jewelry.

The donut itself is a mega-trend. Donut T-shirts, donut-shaped pillows and pool floats…donuts are just everywhere.

chassie post

TV style correspondent, host, and lifestyle editor

Taylor Swift is easily one of the most recognized entertainers on the planet (who became somehow even more so this fall during her romance with one of the NFL’s biggest names), and Post says Swift-y gifts are sure shots. “Any gift that can even possibly, gently have anything to do with Taylor will just make a girl’s year.”

Try a Taylor poster, one of her current massive-selling album reissues, or, due to Swift’s proclivity for gleaming outfits and makeup, anything shiny and wearable, Post says.

Think outside the box

Gifts that include an element of surprise are big these days — in fact, Post notes, any teen gift cool factor jumps when a fun unboxing experience is included.

Also, gifts that demonstrate dry humor and involve seemingly random items, such as one certain universally loved pastry, are go-tos. “Cheeky gifts are great. I don’t know what it is, but the donut itself is a mega-trend. Donut T-shirts, donut-shaped pillows and pool floats…donuts are just everywhere.”

Specialty sweets

When in doubt, always aim for a teen’s sweet tooth, Post says — especially treats that involve unique textures and luxury elements. Cake pops, she says, fall squarely within this zone, as do macarons, cocoa bombs, and any type of treat that involves interactive-opening elements — which, surprise, are all more social media trends!

Christmas gifts for teen girls

Rose gold bath bombs

These bath bombs include a healthy dose of teen girl faves: beauty and skin care elements, sparkle and shine, all-around luxury vibes, and natural ingredients like vanilla, coconut, lavender, and jasmine.

Monarch butterfly keychain

This item, Post says, is distinctly reminiscent of Taylor Swift, an artist who has featured butterfly images in her album art for years on end. And bonus teen girl points for the keychain’s golden gleam!

christmas gifts for teens Wooden Phone Stand

Personalized wooden phone stand

This classy and durable alderwood phone stand — perfect for video chats or extended streaming sessions — features both a practical design that accommodates charging cords and heart-embossed personalization.

christmas gifts for teens Donut Worry Candle

Donut candle

With scents of fresh strawberry, cream, donut frosting, and vanilla layered in a one-of-a-kind design, this candle isn’t going stale any time soon. Post sees it as situated “nicely between the cheeky style and donut trend, which we’ve seen absolutely everywhere.”

Macarons

Macarons are one of the food world’s most high-end treats, perfect for any teen girl’s special holiday get-together with her closest friends. This pack of pastel-shaded French favorites features an assortment of 10 different fruit flavors, some featuring frosting.

Christmas gifts for teen boys

Chicken wing cake box

Chicken wings, a classic favorite guy food in the heat of any sports season, have never been this sweet. Post concurs, noting the confetti-burst box and unheard-of cake design shape as elements that would appeal to every teen boy on her Christmas gift list.

Stone bead stretch bracelet

Featuring a natural matte design that avoids excessive flash and a stretch band to fit all wrists, this sodalite and onyx bracelet is an entry-level jewelry piece that, Post says, “checks the box for the ‘cool guy’ category.”

christmas gifts for teens Sports Jersey Laptop Sleeve

Personalized sports jersey laptop sleeve

With a personalized jersey-style name space featuring varsity lettering and color combo choices to match those of their own school, the custom sports jersey laptop sleeve is a blowout victory for the teen athlete (and a perfect way to make sure that expensive laptop doesn’t get lost!).

christmas gifts for teens basketball and hoop

Roses basketball & mini hoop

Featuring a dark rose, sport-chic pattern that Post says embodies the athleisure trend so popular among teen guys, this hoop and ball made by round21 and designed by Canadian artist Craig White is an easy layup for the basement, bedroom, or garage.

Christmas gifts for all teens

Embroidered tech organizer

Tangled or lost cords and supplies are the bane of the teen tech world. This personalized neoprene organizer includes durable cord wraps, built-in charger harnesses, and an expandable side zip pouch.

christmas gifts for teens Sport Jersey Personalized Fleece Blanket

Sports jersey personalized blanket

For any teen athlete, or simply a sports fan with a favorite team or player, this personalized plush blanket with over 50 customizable color combos is a classic gifting victory sure to outlast any trend shifts.

Boba tea party kit

Boba tea, a snack trend that has almost 100 million related views on TikTok, is an East Asian favorite that is sweeping the nation — but the average cost of getting one of these drinks from a coffee shop is pushing $6. This DIY kit, featuring strawberry, lychee, taro and mango flavors, is bound to satisfy all taste buds, and do so at a fraction of the price.

Breakable Christmas cupcake

Designed to serve 17(!) people, this interactive Belgian chocolate combo is a great dessert centerpiece for a teen group holiday hangout. With red and green chocolate pretzels, chocolate gems, and green chocolate with white frosting, it’s a sure hit (get it???).

7 Easy Ways to Prepare for Christmas in the Summer

You might be thinking July is waaay too soon to be worrying about Christmas. And yet the holidays have a way of sneaking up on us, making us woefully unprepared, stressed out, and utterly tired of running around with a long to-do list and an even longer shopping list.

While it’s decidedly too early to be putting up your Christmas decorations and wrapping presents, there are a few things you can get checked off your list now to make this year’s holiday season preparations more enjoyable and manageable.

1. Take advantage of summer deals

With lots of retailers offering their Black Friday and Christmas in July sales, the summer has great deals on a variety of items, including electronics, clothing and apparel, jewelry, tools, and vacation packages. It’s also a good time for purchasing home décor, including holiday decorations, as many shops and online retailers are starting to plan for their Christmas season and want to downsize their stock of last year’s items.

One smart move is to time your holiday shopping spree with one of the tax-free weekends taking place in July and August in more than a dozen states. (Another? Sign up for the Celebrations Passport to get free shipping on all your orders from the 1-800-Flowers.com Family of Brands.)

2. Get a head start on holiday DIY projects

Making of handmade christmas toys from felt with your own hands. Children's DIY concept. Making xmas tree decoration or greeting card. Step . Decorate the toy

If you like to make your own holiday gifts or decorations, now is the perfect time to start working on them. Gather your materials, ideas, and plans, figure out what you can make ahead of time and what materials you need to complete the projects, and get started.

The thing about DIY projects is that they tend to take more time then you initially planned, and that’s especially true around the holidays, when you have so many other to-do items on your list. Getting at least some of them done early will not only give you a head start on the holiday season but will make the projects more enjoyable.

Some Christmas DIY ideas include:

3. Create a holiday shopping list & budget

Santa already has his Christmas list. Do you? Starting your holiday shopping list in advance will ensure you don’t forget someone — and that you budget accordingly.

Start with your family and close friends, neighbors, work friends, important clients, teachers, coaches, babysitters, hosts and hostesses, and anyone else you typically buy for.

Don’t forget your kids’ bus driver or car pool drivers, mailman and trash collectors, hairdresser, dog walker, doctor, nurse or caregiver, priest or pastor, church group, carolers, and anyone else you regularly see and want to honor or thank this holiday.

Once you have your list and budget, add a couple of extra gifts (or gift cards) just in case you forgot someone.

You can also use this free downloadable holiday shopping list and budget planner to help you along.

4. Plan your Christmas cards in the summer

While it might be too early to purchase your Christmas cards, this is the perfect time to start planning them, especially if you want your cards to feature a family photo.

Decide on a theme for your photo and get it taken now while the weather is nice and you can get great pictures outside. If you’d rather have a fall or winter backdrop in your photos, book your photography session now before the spots fill up. Figure out what your family will wear, the type of photo you want, and other important details.

You can also order your holiday stamps, make your holiday address labels, or customize an address stamp so you’re ready to send out your Christmas cards on time this year!

5. Test new recipes for your holiday menu

christmas in summer strawberry santa hats

A week before Christmas is not the time to experiment with a new Christmas cookie recipe, or any other recipe for that matter.

Whether you’re hosting this year or just bringing a dish along, now is the perfect time to research and try out new holiday recipes. Doing this so far ahead of the holiday season will help you not only find the best recipes but give you enough time to perfect them.

Additionally, you can get a good idea of how much time each recipe will take to make, where you’ll need to go to get all the ingredients, and, most important, if your family actually likes it.

6. Make travel arrangements early

The holidays are one of the busiest times of the year for travel, so it makes sense to plan as far ahead as possible.

With so many people being on the move, reservations can dry up quickly, so the earlier you can book, the better. Doing so will allow you to not only get a better price but is a great way to budget the travel costs ahead of all the usual holiday expenses (gifts, decorations, etc.).

7. Start a new family Christmas tradition

The holidays can get a bit hectic, with so much to do, so many places to visit, and so many people to see. That’s why it’s so important to make time for family.

Finding the right Christmas traditions for your family to enjoy year after year is essential. Whether it’s baking cookies together for a cookie exchange, making your own Christmas decorations, sending letters to Santa, having a Christmas movie marathon, hosting an ugly sweater party, going out to see the lighting of the Christmas tree, or caroling in your neighborhood, there are many great ways to spend quality family time during the holidays.

If you’re having trouble coming up with ideas, take a look at our list of fun Christmas traditions for kids or ask your friends and loved ones to share their favorite holiday traditions with you. Then decide on what would be fun for your family, plan it out, and put it on your calendar.

How Christmas Is Celebrated Around the World

Every country has things that make it stand out and differentiate it from all others. Language, geography, food…these are just a few features that separate one nation from another. But one thing that remains constant, no matter where on Earth you go, is the near universal love of Christmas. And the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ is merrily adapted and re-interpreted to reflect each nation’s beliefs and culture.

We all know the traditions of Christmas within the United States, but what happens on and around Dec. 25 in other parts of the world is quite different. Here is a “12 Ways of Christmas” roundup that offers a virtual journey, with universal themes of feasts, family, music and concerts, candles, nativity plays, trees, and, above all, togetherness.

Belarus

The Belarussian festival of Kaliady dates back to pagan winter solstice celebrations. Meaning “calendar,” Kaliady encompasses three important dates: two Christmas dates of Dec. 25 and Jan. 7, and New Year’s Day in between. In a nod to its Soviet past, Belarus puts more emphasis on New Year’s than on a religious holiday. Nevertheless, some cherished traditions remain, such as New Year’s trees and the exchange of gifts. Grandfather Frost (“Dzied Maroz” in Belarussian), often accompanied by his granddaughter Snegurochka, arrives bringing presents for the children. The New Year’s Day feast is grand and traditionally consists of a dish called an olivier salad (right) made of green peas, potatoes, eggs, mayonnaise, and ham.

How to say “Merry Christmas” in Belarus = “Z Kaljadami”

christmas around the world with olivier salad

Bolivia

Bolivia is predominantly Catholic, so the religious aspect of Christmas is very important to the people there. On Christmas Eve, in towns across the country, large processions carry a heavy altar with a statue of Jesus through the streets. After midnight Mass, families return home to a large Christmas meal of picana (left)— a stew made with chicken, beef, and pork — tropical fruit, and salads. To help make the season bright, Bolivia and other Latin American countries have a law called aguinaldo, which requires employers to provide a bonus in December that equals 30 days of normal wages. Many families spend their bonuses on gifts and extra special groceries for Christmas and New Year’s.

How to say “Merry Christmas” in Bolivia = “¡Feliz Navidad!”

Photo credit: “Picana boliviana” by Dayana Christ Martínez Carrasco is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

Costa Rica

Christmas is a cherished occasion in this beautiful tropical country. The holiday season is welcome after the long school year; Costa Rica’s academic year runs from February to November. To celebrate, Costa Ricans often create elaborate nativity scenes in their yards and wreaths made with cypress and red coffee berries. After midnight Mass, known natively as “misa de gallo,” or “mass of the rooster,” families enjoy a traditional Christmas dinner of tamales wrapped in plantain leaves and accompanied by the ubiquitous salsa Lizano, roast pork leg, rompope (eggnog), and Christmas cake.

How to say “Merry Christmas” in Costa Rica = “¡Feliz Navidad!”

Photo credit: “Cena navideña tica – Costa Rican Christmas dinner” by Aleat88 is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

christmas around the world with Costa Rican Christmas dinner

christmas around the world with A Congolese Christmas

Democratic Republic of the Congo

Big musical events and long nativity plays demonstrate the Congolese people’s love of theatrics and Christmas. The play begins with the biblical story of creation and goes right through to King Herod and the slaughter of the innocents. Timing is important, as the birth of the baby Jesus should occur right at midnight, after which there is more singing. (It’s a late night!) Christmas dinner is the best that families can afford, usually chicken or pork dishes, with plenty of time before and after for napping and conversing with family.

How to say “Merry Christmas” in Democratic Republic of Congo = “Mbotama Malamu”

Photo credit: “A Congolese Christmas Is Just Plain and Simple” by Woody Collins is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 2.0

Egypt

Egyptians celebrate Christmas on two different dates: Dec. 25 and Jan. 7 (for Coptic Christians, who make up more than 90% of the Christian population in Egypt). During Advent, Coptic Christians adhere to a vegan diet for 43 days to honor the holy nativity fast. Then, on Christmas Eve, they enjoy a great feast, including beloved dishes such as roast turkey and fatteh (right), a kind of toasted pita casserole. For non-Coptic Christians, presents from Baba Noël (“Father Christmas”) come on Dec. 25, while in the Coptic tradition, gifts of money are typically given to younger family members on Jan. 6.

How to say “Merry Christmas” in Egypt = “Eid Milad Majid” (literally translates to “Glorious Birth Feast”)

Greenland

Trees imported from Denmark are lit up on Dec. 23 and Moravian stars shine brightly in the windows of homes in this Arctic country, where the sun does not rise all winter long. During the season, children go door to door singing carols, and on Christmas Day everyone in the village receives a gift. That evening, women enjoy being waited on by the men, who stir the food and serve them hot coffee. Plenty of roasted seal, whale, and reindeer meat are on the menu, with cobblers and Danish pastries for dessert.

How to say “Merry Christmas” in Greenland = “Juullimi Pilluarit”

Hong Kong

Hong Kong is a vibrant and beautiful city, and the residents really know how to celebrate. WinterFest is known throughout the world as one of the largest outdoor holiday celebrations and puts everyone in the Christmas spirit. During Winterfest, which runs from late November to early January, the West Kowloon Cultural District is transformed into Christmas Town, featuring a giant lit tree, a village of holiday-themed “Santa lodges,” and art and musical activities. The city’s many skyscrapers also have holiday designs on their facades made with Christmas lights. Hongkongers enjoy a nice, long break, as another national holiday, Boxing Day, is observed on the first weekday after Christmas.

How to say “Merry Christmas” in Hong Kong = “Sing Daan Fai Lok”

christmas around the world with hong kong

Japan

While New Year’s is Japan’s biggest holiday, the Japanese have adopted a theme for Christmas that centers on love. Couples celebrate the holiday with a romantic dinner and stroll along decorated streetscapes. Interestingly, “Ode to Joy,” the prelude to the last movement of Beethoven’s “Symphony No. 9,” has become a universal carol throughout the country, likely introduced to Japan by German prisoners of war during World War I. Other traditions include eating strawberry sponge cake and Kentucky Fried Chicken.

How to say “Merry Christmas” in Japan: “Merīkurisumasu”

Malta

This tiny island country in the Mediterranean may be small, but the Maltese celebrate big at Christmas. The holiday culminates with midnight Mass, at which a child is often chosen to deliver the sermon, a tradition called priedka tat-tifel. Leading up to Christmas, you will see elaborate cribs, or presepju (right), displayed in churches and private homes depicting nativity scenes. These are often surrounded by tufts of gulbiena, long white grasses cultivated in dark cupboards in late November. On Christmas Day, everyone gathers for a big meal of baked chicken or pork and imbuljuta tal-qastan — a beloved hot chestnut and cocoa soup.

How to say “Merry Christmas” in Malta = “Il-Milied it-Tajjeb”

Mexico

Mexico is rich in Christmas tradition, with festivities occurring nonstop from Dec. 16 to Jan. 6. Mexicans erect elaborate nacimientos (nativity scenes), and children often dramatize parts of the Christmas story during “posadas,” a celebration that takes place on the nine nights leading up to Christmas. Posada parties include lots of games to play, goodies to eat, and piñatas to break. One fascinating tradition is the “Noche de Rábanos” or “Night of the Radishes,” which takes place in Oaxaca on Dec. 23. Specially grown large radishes are carved into elaborate figurines of the nativity or wild animals, and prizes are awarded to the best ones.

How to say “Merry Christmas” in Mexico = “¡Feliz Navidad!”

The Netherlands

When it comes to visits from the “jolly old man in the red suit,” the Netherlands is a double winner. St. Nicholas, or Sinterklaas, arrives bearing gifts on Dec. 5, while Santa Claus, or Kerstman, arrives on the evening of Dec. 24 with even more treats! St. Nicholas is said to come by boat from Spain, choosing a different harbor each time so that all children get an opportunity to see him. Santa Claus, meanwhile, hails from Lapland (Finland). Other Christmas traditions include decorated trees and a reading of the Christmas story after church services. Dutch families often enjoy a “gourmetten” meal together, which is a raclette-style heating pan put in the middle of a table with an array of meats, cheeses, and condiments.

How to say “Merry Christmas” in the Netherlands = “Prettige Kerst”

christmas around the world with netherlands

christmas around the world with four praying children at Nativity Church in Bethlehem

Palestine territories

For the Christian, Muslim, and Jewish people of Palestine, Christmas marks a season of particular joy and pride, with their home country being the actual birthplace of Jesus. In Bethlehem, about six miles from Jerusalem, a parade comes through the center of the city on Christmas Eve, complete with bagpipes. The Mass of the Nativity takes place within the church that is believed to be built on the spot where Jesus was born. Families and friends look forward to superb holiday food, from qidreh (spiced meat, chickpeas, and rice) to stuffed lamb’s neck and plenty of sweets.

How to say “Blessed be your Christmas” in Palestine territories = “Eedookh Breekha”

Photo credit: “The four praying children – Nativity Church, Bethlehem” by Pierre Janineh is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 2.0