Category: Holidays Page 6 of 14

Stories about the occasions that matter most.

The First-Timer’s Guide To Oktoberfest

On September 26, 2019

Oktoberfest should be on every traveler’s bucket list! This grand celebration draws millions of people from all over the world, and the crowds are only getting bigger and bigger each year–and we haven’t counted the other Oktoberfest celebrations in other destinations around the world! If you’re attending this year, here’s some basic intel so you’re as prepared as can be when you join the festivities.

Book a table before going there.

Admission to the Munich Oktoberfest is free, as well as table reservations at most tents. However, since it’s all free, you can expect that tables at the beer tents will quickly be booked. The beer tents are usually closed for overbooking on Fridays and Saturdays, but a reservation will allow you to enter without any hassle.

Note the beer serving hours.

Sorry to disappoint, but beer isn’t exactly a free-flowing affair during Oktoberfest. In fact, beer is only served until 10:30 p.m (though some tents serve alcohol until 12:30 a.m.). The beer isn’t exactly dirt-cheap either–the cost ranges from 10.8 euros to 11.8 euros, so you’d want to get your money’s worth.

Check the schedule of attractions.

Oktoberfest isn’t just an occasion to get drunk–it’s also a time to have lots of fun! If you need a break from munching on Bavarian delicacies and drinking beer, you can check out the several attractions on the festival grounds. From sky-high swings to ghost trains to intense roller coasters, you won’t run out of thrilling options to try from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 p.m.

Consider dressing like a local.

You can wear whatever you want to the festival, but we highly suggest you get in the Oktoberfest spirit by outfitting yourself in German garb! After all, it’s not always every day when you can dress up in Lederhosen shorts or a Dirndl dress. Take advantage of the occasion!

Brush up on your German.

It wouldn’t hurt to learn a few German words before joining the festivities! Some important phrases: ‘Ein Ma, bitte!’ (One beer, please!), ‘Prost!’ (Cheers!), and ‘Ich habe so einen Katter’ (I have a killer hangover).

Don’t forget to stay safe, have fun, and take lots of pictures! Display them on a Nixplay Frame so you can replay your Oktoberfest memories over and over again! Take advantage of our Oktoberfest Sale and get up to 25 percent off some of our bestselling frames, only until October 9!

5 Great Places Where You Can Celebrate The Fourth Of July

By Mars Salazar

On July 3, 2019

In Holidays

The Fourth of July is one of the biggest holidays in the U.S.A, marked by concerts, parties, and fireworks galore. But you have to admit: Some places are simply better than others at celebrating Independence Day. Here are the best cities to celebrate the Fourth at:

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Philadelphia played a pivotal role in the United States’ independence: It was where the Declaration of Independence was written and signed in July 1776. You can expect several days of festivities in commemoration of the Fourth of July, with fireworks, parades, concerts, and other activities for the whole family. Don’t miss the chance to visit the National Museum of American Jewish History, as well as the Bartram’s Garden House, for free, and cap off the day at the Benjamin Franklin Parkway for the annual concert and fireworks.

New Orleans, Louisiana

Celebrate the Fourth of July in a uniquely American way at New Orleans! Stroll around the French Quarter, then camp out on the banks of the Mississippi River (or go on a river cruise) for the annual can’t-miss fireworks display featuring dueling barges. You can also check out the annual ESSENCE Festival, the largest celebration of African American music, beauty, entrepreneurship, and lifestyle. 2019 marks ESSENCE’s 25th anniversary, so you can expect workshops, experiences, and performances from some of the most iconic names in the music business.

Washington, D.C.

President Trump has outlined an all-new celebration for the Fourth of July, which he had christened “A Salute to America.” The program includes fireworks over the Potomac River, a military parade with tanks and “incredible flyovers,” and a speech from Mr. Trump himself. You can also watch a baseball game at Nationals Park, pay homage to the past presidents at the National Portrait Gallery, and check out the original copies of the Declaration of Independence, the U.S. Constitution, and the Bill of Rights at the National Archives.

Boston, Massachusetts

Given Boston’s rich history, it’s not surprising that it’s one of the best places to spend the Fourth of July at. Every year, thousands of people flock to the city for the Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular for an evening of music and fireworks. Make sure to be there early to secure a great view of the stage!

Nashville, Tennessee

Music fans shouldn’t miss the chance to celebrate at Nashville! Aside from a full day of family-friendly activities, soccer matches, and free concerts from an amazing lineup of artists, you can’t miss the showstopping 30-minute fireworks display choreographed to a medley of songs by the GRAMMY award-winning Nashville Symphony. Tip: Go to Ascend Amphitheater or Riverfront Park for an amazing view of the fireworks!

PS: Celebrate Independence Day with Nixplay! Get 15% off selected frames beginning July 4!

Mars Salazar

Marianne is Nixplay’s Web Content Editor. Her hobbies include exploring new places, playing table tennis, and cuddling puppies. Send her a message at marianne.salazar@nixplay.com.

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How To Make Your Fourth of July Party More Memorable

By Mars Salazar

On July 1, 2019

In Holidays

The Fourth of July is the best time to showcase your love for the country and your appreciation for its history. But aside from barbecues, picnics, and fireworks, how else can you make your Independence Day celebration an extra memorable affair?

Well, you’ve come to the right place. Read on for some easy, fun ways to spice up your Fourth of July party!

Have An All -American Feast

Make sure your party’s food matches the theme perfectly. You can play with a red, white and blue color palette, only serving dishes in these colors. Make sure to have a lot of USA flag toothpicks on hand for extra patriotism!

Hold A Burger-Eating Contest

There’s nothing All-American quite like a juicy hamburger, so it’s only fitting to celebrate Independence Day with a burger-eating contest. The first to finish the whole burger wins!

Hold A Patriotic Paw-ty

Events are simply more fun when there are dogs involved. If you have a spacious yard, you might want to consider throwing a dogs-allowed Fourth of July party. Ask your guests to dress up their pooches in their best red, white, and blue, and give prizes to the best-dressed furry guests.

Help The Kids Create Fourth Of July Rockets

Can’t set off fireworks where you live? That’s totally fine. Join in the fun by creating rockets made of paper, decked out in patriotic hues. For busy moms and dads, this should keep the kids busy for quite a while! When they’re done, hold a contest to see which rocket can fly farthest.

Host A Historical Quiz Night

Rev up your guests’ competitive sides with a trivia game about American history! Have questions with different difficulty levels, and prepare themed prizes for the winners.

PS: Display your favorite Fourth of July memories on a Nixplay Frame! Get 15% off select smart frames, beginning July 4!

Mars Salazar

Marianne is Nixplay’s Web Content Editor. Her hobbies include exploring new places, playing table tennis, and cuddling puppies. Send her a message at marianne.salazar@nixplay.com.

How To Make Father’s Day Extra Special

By Nixplay Team

On May 30, 2019

In Holidays

The best dad in the world deserves nothing but the best things life can give. It’s just what he deserves, having given you the support you need to become a decent, independent adult. Father’s Day is the perfect time to spoil him. You don’t have to give him an expensive present, though we’ll sure he’ll appreciate whatever you give him. Let him know how much you can by making Father’s Day extra special through these simple ways.

Let dad sleep in.

If there’s one thing all dads need more of, it’s sleep. For Father’s Day, give him the luxury of a few more extra hours of precious shut-eye. A well-rested dad is a happy dad!

Make dad’s favorite meal.

Forgot to make a reservation at dad’s favorite restaurant for Father’s Day? That’s nothing a trip to the grocery can’t fix. You probably know your dad’s favorite dish—all you have to do is buy enough ingredients to serve it to the whole family for lunch or dinner. Make sure to get the recipe right!

Wash dad’s car for him.

Washing a car is necessary, but so, so tiring. Spare dad this arduous task on Father’s Day and present him with a squeaky clean car upon waking up. (Make sure you don’t get a scratch on his precious vehicle!) You can also take the car to an auto garage for a proper wash, vacuum, and detailing. Add a new car freshener to give his set of wheels a fresh feel.

Write him a sweet letter.

As we get older, we become more reluctant to tell our family how much we love and appreciate them. That’s natural and part of growing up. That’s why a lot of parents hold on to their kids’ handmade mementos—they’re concrete reminders of their children’s love. Take a page out of this by writing dad a heartfelt letter for Father’s Day. Take out your pen and paper, and write down everything you’ve always wanted to tell him, straight from your heart. This will make him teary-eyed, guaranteed.

Take out your favorite family photos.

A digital frame filled all of your loveliest moments as a family will definitely make your dad smile. Scan your old film photos and upload them on a Nixplay Frame along with digital images of your more recent family events and vacations. He’ll be absolutely delighted to have his favorite images at his fingertips–no need to wipe the dust off the photo albums in the attic!

Don’t miss Nixplay’s Father’s Day sale and get up to 25% off selected frames, only until June 16!

6 Superpowers All Moms Have

By Mars Salazar

On April 29, 2019

In Holidays

Mothers love with a fierceness that can overcome any obstacle. This love propels them to achieve amazing feats for the sake of their families, granting them superhuman abilities that make everyone love and respect them. Here are a few of their most notable superpowers.

Super Strength

To start, giving birth can be an excruciatingly painful process. It’s an ordeal that can drastically change a woman’s body, possibly resulting in torn parts, broken bones, and a host of surgical procedures. It’s a very impressive task that definitely warrants a hug (or two!).

Healing

When you’re feeling under the weather, who do you call first? Most likely your mom, that’s who. She just knows how to deal with any health mishap, be it a small scrape or a bad fever.

Magical Storage

Need a bandaid? Your mom probably has a few in her purse. Feeling peckish? There’s a granola bar with your name on it inside your mother’s tote. Looking for a pen? Your mom’s bound to have one or two, plus a notebook to boot. Whatever you need, you can expect to find it in your mother’s bag.

Super Searching

Your mom knows where everything in the house is. Your favorite socks? In the second drawer in your closet. A screwdriver? In the box on the shelf in the garage. Sheet music of your favorite Broadway songs? In a folder under your sister’s bed. It’s like her brain has a built-in GPS.

ESP

Moms just know when there’s something fishy happening at home. You’ve probably been caught red-handed doing things you weren’t supposed to do, like drawing on the wall or eating some chocolate after you’ve already brushed your teeth. Their spider senses are amazingly on point, and they’re always right.

Time-bending

Ever wondered how moms manage to wake up at the crack of dawn to prepare breakfast for the family and send off the kids to school before going to the office, then rushing after work to attend a PTA meeting, prepare dinner for the family, and help the kids with their homework? If that’s not a superpower, we don’t know what it is!

This upcoming Mother’s Day, honor your Supermom with a Nixplay frame! Get up to 25% off selected frames, only until May 13!

Mars Salazar

Marianne is Nixplay’s Web Content Editor. Her hobbies include exploring new places, playing table tennis, and cuddling puppies. Send her a message at marianne.salazar@nixplay.com.