Category Archives: Merry Miscellaneous

Amazing Synchronized Christmas Lights

Happy Christmas Eve, everyone! Tonight Santa will make his big trip around the world, and I’m sure many of you are spending today wrapping your last few gifts, cooking a delicious meal, or perhaps spending some time with loved ones. Whatever you’re busy with today, if you need a short, festive break, check out the videos below of Christmas lights synchronized with songs—some with Christmas carols and some with songs a little less traditional, but fun nonetheless 🙂 These awesome videos will have you tapping your toes and wondering exactly how many lights these folks have on their houses!

I think the Star Wars house is my favourite with the “Carol of the Bells” house a close second. Let me know which video you liked best in the comments!

12 Easy Ways to Spread Christmas Cheer

Christmas is just 12 days away! In the days leading up to Christmas, most of us still have many things to do, such as cookie decorating, holiday shopping, planning Christmas dinner, making trips to the grocery store, and more. With so much to do in a limited amount of time, it is easy to get swept away in the business of it all, neglecting the true meaning of Christmas.

Hopefully you’ll find these 12 ideas practical to implement into your daily routine in these 12 days before Christmas. If you like, you can choose one idea a day. To help you remember your “daily duty,” add a reminder to your calendar, phone, or write the task out on a sticky note.

1. Pay It Forward

Photo Credit: Christopher Cornelius. License: CC BY 2.0

Pay for someone’s drink at a coffee shop, meal at a restaurant, or drive-thru order. Do it anonymously and ask the server to give a message to the recipient. You could say something like “Merry Christmas!” or “Enjoy the coffee!”

2. Be Cheery When Waiting in Line

No doubt you’ll be standing in line somewhere: the grocery store, the mall, the gas station, or even the post office. Instead of anxiously standing in line, wondering why the cashier isn’t moving faster, take a moment to notice the people around you. Ask a simple question to the person in front of you, such as “I’m so excited about the holidays. What’s your favorite part about Christmas?” Even a smile can help brighten someone’s day.

3. Give Cookies to Local Law Enforcement

Photo Credit: Iryna Yeroshko. License: CC BY 2.0

Take a box of cookies or a gift basket to your local fire station or police station along with a note thanking them for their service to the community. If you’re health conscious, give them a fruit basket instead.

4. Let Others Go First

Hold the door and allow someone to go ahead of you when you are boarding an elevator or entering a store. When entering or standing in a checkout line, allow someone with fewer items to go ahead of you. These simple gestures may mean a lot to someone. All you need is a bit of patience and a smile.

5. Sing Christmas Carols


Buddy the elf says it best: “The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear.” Spread Christmas joy by singing to your kids—or if you have the courage, grab a few friends and start singing in the middle of a shopping mall. Maybe you’ll get the crowd to join in!

6. Give an Extra Tip

If you are dining out anytime soon, give your server an extra tip. Write a quick, kind note on the receipt like “Merry Christmas” or “Happy Holidays.”

7. Be Considerate When Driving

Photo Credit: Dennis Hamilton. License: CC BY 2.0

Show kindness to other drivers on the road. If you have tendency to speed, slow down and be considerate, letting other cars ahead of you instead of speeding ahead of them. Likewise, don’t get grumpy when other people cut in front of you. Your negativity affects you, not the other driver. Choose to let it go and enjoy the rest of your day.

8. Pack a Lunchbox Surprise

If you have kiddos, put a note in their lunchbox or even their backpack. You can write a riddle, joke, encouraging words, or a simple “Have a nice day!” (You can do this for spouses, too!)

9. Pause Under the Mistletoe

Photo Credit: Bart Everson. License: CC BY 2.0 Edited.

Take a moment every day to let your loved one know you care. A simple smooch when leaving for work or when you get home is a good way to stay connected.

10. Write a Love Note on the Mirror

Use a dry erase marker to write an encouraging note for your family members on the bathroom mirror. If you’re artistically inclined, draw a festive scene to brighten their morning!

11. Send Hugs & Kisses

Photo Credit: hairyhenderson. License: CC BY 2.0

Pack your spouse’s or your kid’s lunch with a hug and a kiss—a Hershey’s Hug and Hershey’s Kiss, that is! You could also tuck the sweet treats inside a coat pocket, briefcase, or backpack. Place the chocolates inside a small Ziploc bag if you’re concerned about them melting before they are discovered.

12. Give Unexpected Gifts

Give gifts to miscellaneous people, such as your hairdresser, vet, or pharmacist. Something as simple as a ribbon-wrapped chocolate bar can brighten someone’s day.

Mary

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Category: Merry Miscellaneous

Gävlebocken: The World’s Largest Yule Goat

As evidenced by some of my Etsy selections and by my own personal Christmas tree, I LOVE julbocks [Swedish yule goats]. So it should come as no surprise that I also adore Gävlebocken, the massive julbock that is constructed each year at Castle Square in Gävle, Sweden. And when I say “massive,” I mean it—Gävlebocken weighs 3.6 tons and is 13 meters tall!

Dag 15 #gävle #gavlegoat #gavlebocken #gävlebocken #jul #visitgavle #christmas #sharegavle

A photo posted by Gävlebocken (@gavlebocken) on

A holiday tradition since 1966, Gävlebocken is erected each year at the beginning of Advent, and he is made of straw and adorned with red ribbons, similar to his smaller counterparts. Gävlebocken is usually accompanied by a shorter goat, referred to as his little brother or Lillbocken.

For some weird reason, Gävlebocken is a favourite target of vandals, particularly arsonists 🙁 The poor goat has been burned down or otherwise destroyed 27 times in his history. The organization who creates the goat each year [Southern Merchants] has taken measures to try and ensure Gävlebocken’s survival, including installing a 24-hour webcam, coating the goat with ice, and soaking the straw with a variety of anti-flammable liquids.

Speaking of Gävlebocken’s webcam, you can view the live feed yourself here!

Screen capture of Gävlebocken’s webcam from the middle of the night

Besides watching Gävlebocken’s webcam, it’s also fun to follow him on social media—he has a lot of personality for a straw goat. Check him out on Instagram [gavlebocken] or Twitter [@Gavlebocken]. Gävlebocken even has a blog, which is particularly amusing. For example, yesterday he wrote about his little brother and said “[He] is the cutest little strawgoat you can imagine, and sometimes we play hide and seek or tag the Goat. Great fun!” Oh, and don’t fret—he posts online in Swedish and English, so you can keep up with all the goaty goings-on.

Dag 11 #gävle #gavlegoat #gavlebocken #gävlebocken #christmas #jul #sharegavle #visitgavle

A photo posted by Gävlebocken (@gavlebocken) on

Intrigued by Gävlebocken? Shoot him an email at gavlegoat@merjuligavle.se to tell him God Jul or visit him this holiday season:

Slottstorget
802 50 Gävle
Sweden

Becky’s Favourite Christmas Songs

Listening to music is one of my absolute favourite pastimes—be it while I’m working, hanging out at home, or seeing a band live. So during the holiday season, I certainly enjoy turning on the festive tunes. Below are some of my favourite winter songs, perfect for when you’re baking, trimming the tree, or just enjoying the company of your loved ones during this special time of year. Give ’em a listen!

What’s your favourite Christmas song? Let me know in the comments!

Surfin’ Santa

We’ve all seen Disco Dancing Santa, but what about a surfin’ Santa? Apparently in Varazze, Italy last week, a man dressed as Santa Claus decided to go surfing when the bad weather made for good waves. Don’t believe me? Check out the video below:

You can also see some photos of Santa catching some waves here.

Ho, ho, hang ten!

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