Guides about Holidays and Traditions

Clean your home before the new year to "sweep away" bad luck.. Decorate your home with red lanterns.. Fill your home with colorful flowers.

Find a charm that appeals to you.. Look for things that are meaningful to you.. Be alert when you are out in nature.

Try making a breakfast casserole.. Create other dishes that you can make ahead.. Make your meats ahead of time.

Determine whether you will buy or bake the cookies.. Buy multiple store-bought brands and mix them up.. Try custom fortune cookies.

Inspect the pumpkin for any rotten parts.. Scrub the outside of the pumpkin with a vegetable brush.. Rinse the pumpkin under water to remove any dirt.

Measure your room and choose how far apart to space your lights.. Hang the first hook from your ceiling near the outlet you're using.. Space the hooks along the edge of your ceiling.

Purchase at least 2 different rolls of ribbon.. Pick your main ribbon and cut 2-3 strips 3 ft (0.91 m) long.. Fluff your tree before you decorate if using an artificial tree.

Try a shirt dress.. Wear a sarong for versatility.. Opt for a caftan.

Decorate trees with eggs.. Place durable baskets around your yard.. Set up Easter lawn ornaments.

Plan to celebrate on February 13th.. Organize a meetup at your favorite brunch place.. Celebrate with waffles and other breakfast foods.

Grill some meat on the barbie.. Pick up a "slab" of beer.. Try a Tim-Tam slam.

Greet someone without inviting them to eat and drink.. Wish them an easy fast.. Bless them with good health for the coming year.

Get an American flag that fulfills the requirements in the Flag Code.. Choose a prominent location to hang your flag so that it is highly visible.. Place the American flag above any other flags that you're displaying.

Wrap the cardstock into a cone shape with a pointed end.. Use a hot glue gun to secure the cone shape in place.. Trim the bottom of the cone so that it can stand upright on a table.

Ask your local soup kitchen if they need more volunteers.. Volunteer at a local aid organization for a few hours.. Visit a nursing home for a few hours.

Create a fun background to make your trunk look like your favorite movie.. Pick out spooky props for a haunted trunk.. Decorate your trunk in blue crepe paper for an under-the-sea theme.

Decide on the size of your party.. Choose what kind of party you'd like to have.. Pick a theme for a cohesive, fun party element.

Visit the business that issued your gift card.. Take the gift card to a cashier, customer service desk, or the equivalent.. Visit the website of the gift card issuer.

Cut a 1 x 8-inch (2.54 x 20.32 centimeters) piece of felt.. Glue the scarf around your foam cup.. Draw on the snowman's eyes and mouth.

Re-gift general gift cards.. Buffer your expenses with gift cards.. Economize by using gift cards on sale items.

Give him a practical gift.. Give him something he's mentioned in passing.. Give him a gadget.

Plan how you want to walk around the area.. Check the ground first.. Look behind things like trees and furniture.

Get a battery-operated tealight.. Turn the candle so that the flame is pointing away from you.. Draw a simple snowman face using a black permanent marker.

Decide who to invite.. Decide how many cabins you'll need.. Calculate how many nights you want to stay.

Paint eggs. Have an Easter egg hunt.. Provide Easter baskets.

Stick to simple invites.. Choose a color scheme.. Stock up on gift wrapping supplies.

Look up the next date of a meteor shower.. Get out of the city.. Choose an observation spot.

Hang a wreath.. Put down a nice rug.. Make sure there is adequate light.

Keep it simple with a classic Christmas tree skirt.. Use a collar instead if you want to save space.. Create a wintry scene by piling fluffy fake snow around the base.

Remove the tree from the box and securely assemble the base.. Test your vacuum on the tree.. Start vacuuming.

Explain their donation in terms of numbers.. Make a logical argument.. Highlight the convenience of a "virtual" gift.

Decide if you'll wrap the items before putting them in the stocking.. Place small, round objects at the bottom of the stocking.. Fill the leg of the stocking with taller items for the best fit.

Put the bottle in a gift bag.. Wrap the bottle like a piece of candy.. Hide the bottle in a wrapped box.

Sleep in if you have the day off.. Have a movie marathon or catch up on your favorite shows.. Read a book and sip a drink.

Measure the long side of the box to see how much paper you need.. Cut the wrapping paper in a square to size.. Place the gift box facing down on top of the wrapping paper.

Ask your dad what he wants to do on his birthday.. Give your dad a relaxing day at home if he wants to unwind.. Take a trip

Shop for them, not you.. Get them something functional.. Avoid artificially colored treats.

Pick an overcast day.. Choose a beach with fine sand.. Add equal parts water to the sand if it is too dry.

Look at your finances.. Create a savings plan.. Research vacation costs.

Remember that "if it grows together, it goes together.. Give your guests options.. Pair a pinot noir with your turkey and side dishes.

Prepare the ceremonial candle, wine, and spices.. Recite the prayer over the wine.. Recite the prayer over the spices:

Decide on the time and date.. Hide eggs according to the age of your guests.. Choose your egg hunt location(s).

Consult your local pet store.. Consider what your dog likes and enjoys.. Choose something unique.

Do a fun activity together if you're in the same home.. Make your mom's meals for the day.. Connect over video call if you're in separate homes.

Consider buying LED lights instead of incandescent bulbs.. Make sure to buy decorations marked for outdoor use.. Use or purchase GFCI outlets.

Invite your single friends.. Send out funny invitations.. Make a playlist.

Clean out closets, drawers, and cabinets to find things you aren't using.. Gift knick knacks and decor that are creating clutter in your home.. Offer excess produce that you grew or purchased.

Consider not decorating the tree initially.. Decorate the tree with your cat firmly out of the way.. Choose ornaments less likely to be attractive to your cats.

Try a simple evergreen garland for easy elegance.. Create a snowy effect with a white-dusted evergreen garland.. Use an ornament-laden garland for a fun and festive look.

Give her your undivided attention.. Do a chore that she would normally do.. Help her with a project.

Write a message in white pencil, then paint over it with watercolor.. Paint watercolor hearts, then write messages in them with black marker.. Use heart-shaped cookie cutters and paint to stamp designs.

Go through her underwear.. Check her size.. Gauge her tastes.

Say "chag" for "holiday.. Use the word "sameach" for "happy.. Combine "chag" and "sameach.

Start planning 4-6 months before your trip.. List your entire budget.. Plan your stay in October or November to avoid crowds.

Make a list of people to send cards to.. Choose an appropriate card design.. Order a custom printed card.

Make her some Mother's Day coupons.. Create a personalized Mother's Day card.. Write her a poem.

Pick a resolution you haven't attempted before.. Make only one resolution.. Focus on one behavior.

Choose a venue if you don't want to host at your house.. Host at your home or office to save money.. Decide on a theme to give the party a more unique feel.

Paint faces on your pumpkins as a classic idea.. Use stencil silhouettes for a creepy effect.. Spell words by painting a different letter on multiple pumpkins.

Determine the ideal size range of the skirt.. Use larger sizes for ornate skirts.. Avoid skirts that could be tripping hazards.

Volunteer at a local charity or organization.. Participate in a holiday fundraiser.. Support a holiday event in your community.

Watch your food tables.. Refrain from giving carcasses to your cat.. Keep rich sauces from your cat.

Decorate for Christmas.. Buy a present for yourself.. Get in the festive spirit with Christmas carols.

Find your participants.. Schedule the procession.. Buy or make the dresses for Lucia and the Maidens.

Go swimming to cool off.. Play a sport with your friends.. Ride a bike or go for a walk with a friend in the evening.

Decide if you want to adventure alone.. Travel with a group if you want to share your experience.. Create a budget.

Send your regards with a sampler tray.. Order a gift basket.. Keep it simple with candy.

Give a cash gift to friends or family.. Pay attention to exclusions to taxable gifts.. File a Form 709 if circumstances apply.

Find a blank mask to decorate.. Paint the mask, if desired.. Decorate the mask.

Keep as many of your existing traditions as possible.. Decorate your home for Easter.. Call or video-chat any family and friends you're missing.

Ensure the person who you give a dog to wants a dog.. Give an adoption kit.. Think about the recipient's lifestyle.

Visit Santa's Village starting in December to play Christmas-related games.. Open the tracker on Christmas Eve to see Santa's path.. Follow along with how long Santa takes at each location.

Spend time with supportive friends and family.. Seek emotional support from a trusted friend or family member.. Connect with your local community.

Decide where you want to hold the party.. Fix a date.. Invite the guests.

Purchase simple magazine racks to hold your bags for easy access.. Place your gift bags in wicker baskets for simple long-term storage.. Repurpose empty water bottle boxes for a cheap storage option.

Take a step back and reassess your major life goals.. Break those ambitious goals into smaller, achievable stepping stones.. Figure out how to track your performance.

Cut floral wire.. Place beads on the ends of the wire.. Curve the ends of the wire.

Set a spending limit to start setting up your shopping budget.. Factor in other holiday expenses to get a full picture of your spending.. Make a list of everyone you need to buy a gift for.

Video chat with your dad if you don't live with him.. Order takeout from his favorite restaurant to enjoy a nice meal.. Visit a park or go hiking if he loves the outdoors.

Navigate to the Gift of Prime page on Amazon.. Select a 3-month or 12-month membership.. Click the yellow "Add Prime to Cart" button.

Put up a Christmas tree.. Hang a few festive wreaths.. Pin up stockings.

Send out invitations 3-4 weeks before the party.. Tidy up your house and yard.. Borrow additional seating if needed.

Don't buy candy.. Don't decorate your house.. Turn off your porch lights.

Purchase photo books or albums as a gift.. Give a quality set of jewelry or crafting tools.. Earn points with the gift of adhesive.

Hold a family meeting.. Ask them where they want to go.. Guide their options.

Gift a great raincoat.. Consider quick-drying underwear.. Give lightweight warmth.

Make a gift using photos.. Get something engraved.. Present a handwritten letter.

Welcome Maslenitsa on Monday.. Play games on Tuesday.. Feast on Wednesday.

Make a list of the things you want a few days before.. Put on some Christmas tunes.. Pick your paper.

Give yourself healthy limits.. Keep snacks out of reach in your home.. Plan to stay on top of physical activity.

Invest in a compression shirt or vest designed for gynecomastia.. Conceal your chest with men's shapewear or performance apparel.. Wear a swim shirt or rash guard.

Find a company that will ship to the recipient's location.. Choose an arrangement that you want to send.. Include a custom note to personalize the flowers.

Use clothespins to secure Christmas cards to evergreen garlands.. Pin the cards to a strip of festive ribbon.. Wrap festive ribbon around a Styrofoam wreath, then pin your cards to it.

Choose a theme that reflects the recipient's personality.. Pick out some of the person's favorite food.. Add some small decorations or toys.

Choose 2–3 colors to feature in your design.. Wrap lights around the branches for a little extra twinkle.. Fill gaps and the bottom branches with bulb ornaments.

Write letters to the kings requesting gifts.. Make crowns for the kids to wear.. Go to a parade.

Mix together the ingredients for the dough.. Prepare the salted egg yolks.. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (180 degrees Celsius).

Use your computer to create and print a letter template.. Use fabric glue to add letters or shapes to the cuff of a stocking.. Sew the letters onto the stocking with a needle and thread.

Set a date.. Plan details that are age-appropriate for your expected guests.. Plan your haunted path.

Invite guests a week or two ahead of time.. Encourage male guests to wear traditional clothes like lederhosen.. Let female guests come in their best dirndls.

Decide on a seating arrangement.. Wear comfortable clothing.. Make room for two bags.

Say "Happy birthday" in a different way to make it special.. Craft a unique greeting based on the person's age and experiences.. Write out a personal message for a more specific birthday wish.

Know when to choose a fir transplant.. Go for a pine seedling.. Consider a spruce transplant.

Hide miniature figurines in the eggs.. Insert small packages of bubble making mixture into eggs.. Add a bouncy ball inside the eggs.

Ride public transit or order a cab to get to the party or bar.. Select a responsible friend to be a designated driver.. Have friends over to your place for the holiday.

Find out how many people are coming.. Decide what you'll be making.. Make a shopping list.

Decide who you want to invite.. Plan the food.. Pick music your parents will love.

Start with a positive greeting.. Keep your audience in mind.. Write in your own voice.

Notice the symptoms.. Follow the coal method.. Try the wax method.

Go to IKEA's website to sign up at home.. Stop at a digital screen to sign up when you're at the store.. Type in your name, address, and other personal information to register.

See if there are any local events planned.. Check out spooky or odd local museums.. Take a tour of local hauntings and legends.

Print out a picture of a head.. Laminate the paper.. Fill a large jar with water.

Send your cards in the regular mail by December 15th.. Choose First Class Mail if you ship December 16th to 18th.. Go for Priority Mail Service if you ship on December 19th.

List all the categories of holiday spending you anticipate.. Review your accounts before and after shopping.. Bring your budget list.

Visit the nation's capital for the National Independence Day Parade.. Check out Boston's celebrations.. Visit Philadelphia for historic re-enactments.

Celebrate Saint Mikulas Day.. Write letters to Ježíšek (Jesus).. Prepare for your festivities.

Unroll the wrapping paper on a large flat work surface.. Place the gift box upside-down onto the reverse side of the paper.. Fold the paper around the box to determine how much paper to cut.

Choose a sweater with a thick weave to make it easier to hang the ornaments.. Gather an assortment of ornaments and a variety of bows.. Lay out the sweater on a flat surface to space out the ornaments.

Research your options.. Set up a Honeyfund if you want money for your honeymoon.. Create a Tendr account if you just want cash.

Place your wreaths in bubble wrap or a trash bag.. Arrange your wreath in the bottom of a hat box or large container.. Stack multiple wreaths on top of one another if there's enough room.

Identify your message to the recipient.. Make a list of items that might help you convey that message.. Talk with people who know the person well to help you choose.

Go to your local farm.. Choose the longest lasting Christmas tree variety.. Choose the freshest tree you can find.

Find out where you can get your child's picture made.. Dress them up.. Have them think about what they'll ask for.

Throw an anti-Valentine's bash.. Order an anti-Valentine's Day cake.. Invite someone out to dinner.

Decorate your Christmas tree.. Make Christmas cookies.. Read a book or watch a movie about Christmas.

Host a sleepover with a few of your friends.. Go thrifting to find bargains or unique items.. Have a craft party.

Navigate to the main American Express website.. Click the "Cards" tab at the top left of the homepage.. Click "Gift Cards" under the "Prepaid Cards" dropdown menu.

Make a budget. Make smart shopping decisions.. Plan for smaller portions.

Explore your feelings about turning 50.. Accept that you're turning 50, with grace.. Take stock of your accomplishments.

Buy items that are small or flexible.. Pick candy and cheap toys for the outer layers.. Choose small gifts for the middle layers.

Hang the lights, garland, and tinsel first so they won't get in the way.. Replace worn wires or ribbons so the ornaments will be more secure.. Weave heavier ornaments to the branches with dark green pipe cleaners.

Cut the arms.. Make the angled pieces.. Paint the wood.

Craft a Christmas tree ornament with buttons and embroidery floss.. Build a snowman with Styrofoam balls, toothpicks, and pipe cleaners.. Make snowflakes on wax paper with hot glue, then peel them off.

Get a pack of hinged plastic Easter eggs and pop them open.. Connect the top of your first egg to the bottom of your second egg.. Continue to connect the eggs until you get the length you want.

Prepare your eggs.. Pour the confetti onto a plate or into a shallow bowl.. Paint the egg with a generous coat of Mod Podge.

Choose the type of furniture to gift.. Consider the current style in your home.. Explore furniture options based on hobbies.

Choose your retailer.. Look for a retailer that offers perks.. Think of the right occasion.

Figure out your budget.. Ask your grandparents what they would like.. Buy a gift based on their interests.

Invite people who might not have otherwise met.. Ask your neighbors to the party.. Balance people density with space.

Mark your calendar for the spring equinox.. Start your spring cleaning ahead of the festival.. Buy a new set of clothes.

Choose quicker alternatives to traditional Thanksgiving foods.. Purchase pre-made Thanksgiving meals.. Remove things from your traditional Thanksgiving day menu.

Unpack your summer clothing.. Purchase a new swimsuit.. Pick up a new bottle of sunscreen that is best suited for your skin.

Select a full-size artificial tree if you have lots of space.. Go with a slim Christmas tree if you have limited space in your home.. Opt for a half-wall design to fit a Christmas tree in a tight space.

Start by sending your best wishes to the newlyweds.. Thank the happy couple for including you in their big day.. Welcome one of the newlyweds to the family, if it's appropriate.

Pick a four hour time window.. Send out invitations.. Create the holiday mood.

Choose gutter hooks to quickly hang lights along your gutters.. Opt for shingle tabs to position the lights on top of your roof.. Use adhesive clips or hooks if you have siding or other smooth surfaces.

Clean your home on the eve of Puthandu.. Gather foods of the six different tastes.. Decorate the entrance to your house with kolams.

Study women who made history, created inventions, or spread ideas.. Learn about the important roles that women play in society.. Research the current issues women face in the modern world.

Pick a live tree for an eco-friendly option with a good scent.. Choose a fake tree for convenience and longevity.. Place the tree in a prominent spot or window.

Begin lighting the menorah at sunset or nightfall.. Place your menorah near a doorway or in front of a window.. Set your first candle in the far right space.

Remove the lights from the tree.. Find replacement bulbs.. Locate the blinking bulbs.

Put the blouse on over your arms so the opening is in the front.. Tie the strings in the front of the blouse into bows.. Step into the skirt and tie the back panel tightly above your chest.

Visit the S&H greenpoints website to see the merchandise the company offers.. Decide if you want to redeem your stamps for greenpoints or cash.. Register at the greenpoints website.

Choose a spot that won't get washed away.. Dig a well for easy water access (optional).. Scoop up clean sand.

Hide and jump out at someone for an easy scare.. Fill your candy bowl with fake, hairy spiders and insects for a creepy trick.. Trick people with a fake hand for a unique prank.

Talk to them about things they're missing.. Find newer models and upgrade their existing gear.. Look in their kitchen for broken or old equipment.

Gather your materials.. Cut three pieces of hemp based on wrist or ankle size.. Tie the hemp strands together in an overhand knot on one end.

Revisit your start together.. Pick a gift that builds on the familiar in a new way.. Go outside your comfort zone.

Decorate early. Carve a few jack-o-lanterns. Set up a sign if trick or treaters often skip over your house.

Find a gift that matches her interests.. Personalize a homemade gift for her.. Let her choose her own gifts.

Cut a piece of paper into an 8 inch (20.3 cm) by 12 inch (30.5 cm) rectangle.. Orient your paper landscape style.. Attach a cracker snap to the top of the paper.

Find a space to work.. Wrap your gifts on a table or desk.. Get comfortable.

Gather your supplies.. Place your hurricane lamps on either side of your mantel.. Drape your garland over the mantel.

Draw on eggs with permanent markers.. Roll the eggs in paint for a marble design.. Paint eggs using metallic paint.

Allow yourself to feel without judgment.. Vent your feelings in a healthy way.. Talk with other people who can't or don't celebrate with their mothers.

Gather twice as much sand as you'll need.. Sift sand to remove unwanted rocks and debris.. Rinse out organic matter and other unwanted particles.

Cut a piece of cardboard into a rectangle.. Cut a notch in one side of the cardboard.. Wrap the lights around the rectangle.

Check the root ball for damage.. Limit the amount of time your tree is indoors.. Keep your tree in a cool spot.

Interview a veteran to better understand the holiday's importance.. Learn about World War I.. Ask your parents or grandparents what they remember about wartime.

Pick a theme.. Choose road-safe decorations if you plan on driving.. Get creative when decorating a stationary vehicle.

Take a look through your cloth stash.. Cut the fabric into 3/4 inch (around 1.5 cm) strips.. Lay a cinnamon stick on the work space in front of you.

Use battery-powered lights for simplicity and ease.. Untangle the lights and test them before starting.. Plan out how you'll hang your lights to make sure they're long enough.

Let 50g butter warm to just below room temperature.. Beat in the sugar.. Cream the butter-sugar mixture (optional).

Place 2-3 sheets of tissue paper or cellophane flat on a table.. Add any embellishments or fillings to the wine glass, if desired.. Set the wine glass down in the center of the paper or cellophane.

Give shoes to frequent runners.. Offer gifts that improve foot comfort.. Select a self-massaging machine as a gift.

Pin a length of ribbon to your wall for an easy display area.. Hang cards off a vintage picture frame with ribbon for a rustic feel.. Make a fake tree out of yarn and nails for a cute wall display.