Tag: holidays Page 3 of 4

6 Ways to Simplify Your Holidays

6 Ways to Simplify Your Holidays

The holidays are fast approaching, which means our to-do lists are getting longer day by day. If you’re feeling the pressure of trying to do it all, it’s important to step back and remember what this season is truly about. 

According to Wikipedia, in modern use, the term holiday means “any special day of rest or relaxation, as opposed to normal days away from work or school.” If this is the case, then why does the holiday season always seem to end up as one of the craziest and busiest times of year? No matter what activities and celebrations you participate in during this season, with some intentionality, it’s possible to tame the chaos and make this holiday season slower, simpler, and more enjoyable.

Here are 6 ways to simplify your holidays:

Delegate

Don’t think of delegating as giving in or giving up. Instead, think of it from a positive perspective. When you delegate, you give others the opportunity to do what they do best. Let them be the expert and handle the task. In turn, you’ll free yourself up to do more things that you enjoy. Remember that your time is valuable, especially during the holiday season. The weeks will go by quickly and you can only do so much. Think about what your time is worth and invest in help when needed.

Focus on community

Even if you want to avoid the hustle and bustle for the season, preferring to hibernate instead, it wouldn’t hurt to do something for your community’s improvement. Pay attention to what the people in your community need and join them. Whether it’s choosing to give back by serving free hot meals or donating to a local toy drive, giving provides opportunities to connect with others in your community. You might also choose to join the caroling group in town, help decorate at the town hall, or attend a community theater production. Make it a point to smile and say hello to others at the events. Small gestures can go a long way in sharing the joy with others in your community.

If it’s overwhelming to think about volunteering or attending another event, choose to connect with your community at a different time of year when there are fewer demands on your attention. Consider which time of year works best for you, find a group in your community, and plan to participate in a different way in the new year. Connecting with others in your community is important all year!

Practice Teamwork & Communication

If you’re doing anything over the holiday season that requires collaboration, this is critical. Often, the source of our stress and messy holiday issues are a result of someone not asking for help or not communicating clearly. Be proactive by talking to your family and loved ones before the season begins. Discuss traditions, share new ideas and be open to each other’s thoughts. Remind each other that just because something has always been done a certain way, it doesn’t mean it needs to stay that way. Although you may encounter resistance to changing things up a bit, share why you think it’s important and try to agree on a new way of doing things this year. Have another discussion after the holiday season while the memories are fresh in everyone’s minds and use that information to plan for next year.

Choose experiences over things

Do you remember the last “thing” you received from a friend or family member? Now, do you remember the last experience you had with a friend or family member? Which comes to mind faster?

Over time, memories of experiences are more likely to stick with us than the physical items we’ve received over the years. Keep this in mind as you contemplate purchasing another gift for someone. If you’re tempted to just go out and purchase another cookbook for your budding culinary friend, consider instead taking them to a cooking class and enjoying the learning experience and the cooked meal with them after. You can also arrange a vacation with them so you can spend some quality time with each other! 

If you’re still tempted to present them with a gift that can be opened, a Nixplay frame is a perfect gift! It will help you relive all of the experiences you’ve enjoyed with that person. Gift it with images already on it or enjoy the experience of sitting with them to set it up and add photos they choose. The experience of giving it can be your gift!

Uphold your boundaries

You’re likely going to get asked to do something this holiday season. Before the season begins, think about or jot down three words you’d like to feel during this holiday season. Think about what’s really important to you during this season. Then, when you get asked to do something, think back to your words and decide if this request will take you closer to or further from what you hold dear to your heart.

Don’t be afraid to say “no” if it doesn’t align with your vision or if the thought of doing it makes you feel overwhelmed or “heavy.” On the other hand, if you’re immediately excited about the request, say “yes” enthusiastically. You might also choose to respond instead with an alternative option that works for everyone. Be confident, speak up, and uphold your boundaries kindly and gracefully. Focus on what’s best for you and your family. Remember, it’s your holiday season, too.

Prioritize sleep and self-care

By upholding your boundaries, you’re creating a holiday season that feels good to you and your family. Though routines, activities, and traditions will change over the years, two things that should remain constant are sleep and self-care. Resist the urge to pack in more to-dos after everyone else is in bed and do your best to stick to a set bedtime so you don’t compromise your health.   

Remember that self-care isn’t just about getting massages and having long weekends away (although it certainly can be!). Practicing self-care can be as simple as starting the morning in bed with five quiet minutes of deep breathing. Or maybe it’s incorporating in a 10-minute walk in the middle of the day. The bottom line is, it doesn’t have to be glamorous. Anything that helps you stay focused on your physical and mental health will help. When you prioritize these things, you’ll show up more alert, focused, and energized, and you’ll be more likely to enjoy your holiday season.

With some thoughtful planning and intentional conversations with your loved ones before the activities and commitments begin, you have the power to make this holiday season simple. Do your best with the suggestions here and give yourself the freedom to experiment with what feels right for you and your family.

independence day blog

5 Great Places Where You Can Celebrate The Fourth Of July

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!

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.

easter arts and crafts

Easy Easter Crafts Your Kids Can Do

Easter is one of the best times to try new arts and crafts projects, with all the colorful eggs, adorable chicks and bunnies, and vibrant springtime themes. Get your kids’ creative juices flowing by taking on these Easter-themed projects:

Pompom chicks

Not only are pompoms very easy to make, but they’re super adorable, too. Just get a ball of yellow yarn and wrap it around your fingers–the more times you wrap the yarn around your fingers, the fluffier your pompom will be. When there’s a thick enough loop of yarn around your fingers, remove it from your fingers and keep it in place by tying another piece of yarn in the middle. Cut through all the loops, and trim the ends until you have a nice ball of fluff. Glue on a pair of googly eyes, and cut out the chick’s feet and beak on orange felt paper, and you’ve got the most adorable fluffball on your hands.

Easter egg potato stamps

Keep young kids entertained at your Easter party by letting them get crafty! Cut a few potatoes in half and carve designs on them using a knife (make sure an adult is doing this part!). The kids can then dip the sliced potatoes into colorful paint, then stamp them on paper. Encourage them to get creative by preparing colored pens, ribbons, small twigs, and other materials they can add to their egg-inspired artwork.

Salt dough egg ornaments

Give your garden an Easter touch with some eggs-tra colorful decorations! Mix flour, salt, and water together to make the dough, knead it properly, and roll it out. Cut out egg-shaped ovals from the dough, add a hole in each egg, and bake it at 250F for two hours. Paint the eggs after they’re dried and cooled, and add a layer of paint sealer to make sure the eggs’ design will last for a long time. Thread some twine or ribbon through the eggs’ wholes, and hang them on the plants in your yard. If you’re hosting an Easter egg hunt at home, these will make for the perfect decoration.

Bunny ears hairpin

Can’t pull off actual-sized bunny ears? This cute little hairpin will be a great alternative. Trace and cut out two small circles and four bunny ear shapes on white felt paper, draw two smaller bunny ears on light pink felt paper. Sew together two white bunny ears, and glue on a pink bunny ear. Repeat the process to make the other ear, and make the bottom of the ears pointed so they won’t look bulky when attached together. Next, attach the bunny ears to a white felt circle by creating a slot in the middle of the circle and inserting the bottom of the ears. Then, slide a hairpin on to the other white felt circle and glue it under the felt circle with bunny ears.

Bunny napkin rings

Planning an Easter party? These napkin bunny rings will add an adorable touch to your table setting. Wrap some burlap around a cut-up toilet paper tube, seal it with hot glue, and glue on two burlap bunny ears. Repeat the process depending on the number of your guests. It’s a small addition that will make your guests more excited for the Easter festivities.

Don’t forget to document your Easter crafts with lots of photos! Display them on a Nixplay frame so the memories of the fun holiday will always be within reach. Don’t miss the chance to get up to 25% off selected frames, only until April 21!

190314_StPatricksDay_Blogs_MainImage_1600x900_2

St. Patrick’s Day Traditions Around the World

Are you as excited for St. Patrick’s Day as we are? While the St. Patrick’s Day celebrations in the U.S.A. should not be missed by fans of the holiday, it’s also worth noting that it’s also celebrated by other countries in a grand manner. In fact, it’s one of the most celebrated holidays in the world, with festivities spanning all the corners of the globe.

If you’d like to experience the holiday at a new destination, pack your bags and paint the town green at these places.

Montreal, Canada

Montreal has been celebrating St. Patrick’s Day since 1824, and they’re not pausing the festivities anytime soon! Don’t miss the 196th Montreal St. Patrick’s Day Parade on March 17, which will feature floats, bagpipes, marching bands, and a whole lot of good green fun.

Sydney, Australia

If you’re in the Land Down Under, don’t miss the chance to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in Sydney! Catch the parade at First Fleet Park, then head to The Rocks for some family-friendly Irish-themed festivities. Don’t forget to take a picture of the Sydney Opera House, which will be lit green for the occasion!

Tokyo, Japan

Tokyo, the capital of Japan, has a penchant for throwing over-the-top street parties, with locals and tourists dressing up in elaborate costumes to partake in the celebrations. It’s no different for St. Patrick’s Day, with an Irish-themed parade taking place in the Omotesando district and an “I Love Ireland Festival” replete with Irish food and drink taking place at Yoyogi Park.

Munich, Germany

Munich is a great place to be at if you’re celebrating St. Patrick’s Day. The weekend of the holiday will see several parades making their way through the city, and there will be Irish fairs and food parks that you can check out. The Allianz Arena will also be lit up in green. Don’t forget to dress up in your best green outfits for extra luck!

Buenos Aires, Argentina

Did you know that Argentina is the country with the fifth largest Irish population? As such, St. Patrick’s Day is celebrated in a grand manner in the Argentine capital of Buenos Aires, with several city blocks closed off for a massive street party. If you’re in South America, Argentina is definitely the place to be for St. Paddy’s Day!

190314_StPatricksDay_Blogs_MainImage_800x450-blogbanner

Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with Nixplay! Get up to 25% off selected frames, only until March 24!

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.

christmas sale blog main 1

The Nixplay Gift Guide Series: 10 Brilliant Last-Minute Gift ideas For Everyone On Your List

Christmas might be the most wonderful time of the year, but it can also easily be the most stressful. Dealing with the crazy December traffic, jostling with crowds everywhere you go, hopping from one party to another, and trying to politely answer your nosy relatives’ questions can take a toll on anyone. Add to that the stress of finding the perfect presents for those nearest and dearest to you, and you’ve got a holiday headache waiting to happen.

As much, as we’d like to help make your Christmas experience easier, we’re sorry to say that we have no control over the traffic situation, nor can we ask your aunt to stop badgering you about when you’ll have kids. We can, however, help your search for the right gift a bit easier. If you’re stuck in a gifting rut, here are 10 gift ideas guaranteed to put a smile on anyone’s face.

Share the love this season and start shopping!

 

1. Plants

181130_Christmas_Blog_Gifts_Plant
Got a loved one with a green thumb?
A small succulent in a cute pot or an indoor plant that’s easy to care for will make them smile.

 

2. Handmade coupons

Print out a bunch of coupons for things or activities you can grant when your loved ones cash them in. They don’t have to be expensive–your coupons can allow the recipient to avail from you simple joys like a 30-second hug or a favorite cocktail.

 

3. Baked goods

181130_Christmas_Blog_Gifts_BakedGoods
Homebaked cookies, baked with love, will always be a hit.

 

4. A fruit basket

They’re always a good addition to the recipient’s pantry.

 

5. A Nixplay Frame

181130_Christmas_Blog_Gifts_NixplayFrame
Share the love and remind your friends and family of all the good times you shared.
PS: Get up to 35% off, only until December 17!

181130_Christmas_BlogInsert_Layout02

 

6. A Spotify or Netflix gift card

Let them enjoy some music (or their favorite guilty pleasure TV series).

 

7. Wine

181130_Christmas_Blog_Gifts_Wine
A fail-safe gift for your party’s host (As long as they’re of legal age).

 

8. A gift card for a spa visit

181130_Christmas_Blog_Gifts_Spa
A manicure or a massage at a great spa will always be appreciated.

 

9. A staycation

It’ll be a well-deserved break from the holiday madness.

 

10. A subscription to their favorite magazine

181130_Christmas_Blog_Gifts_Magazine
Give the gift of knowledge this holiday season.

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.

Page 3 of 4

Powered by WordPress & Theme by Anders Norén