August 2022 Rudolph Day
- Thread starter Ahorsesoul
- Start date
Following CIJ I think we still have a lot to look at, read, watch and recipes to try so this is just a mix of Christmas thoughts. It is time to get serious about the upcoming Holidays. Planning, cleaning and wrapping need to be in the forefront of our minds.
To start off our August Rudolph Day try some music. Music can alway set the mood for any Holiday.
Soft Christmas music
Faith Christmas Music
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL0pJZBtpt8teyD7SLSJN-PT1kLn5pPXOU
Some Christmas History
https://www.countryliving.com/life/a45594/the-history-of-christmas/
Hand Print Christmas Tree
https://pin.it/1mzNdnp
Using a plain tablecloth have everyone dip their hand into paint and place their hand print on the tablecloth at the place the normally sit. Write in the date. Now use this tablecloth at every Christmas and put on another print. After you get enough prints or if you decide not use the tablecloth cut out each persons set of prints. Frame them and give them to each person or someone in their family
Or do signatures
https://pin.it/3cyjzWp
Crafts
Wrapping paper tree (use old Christmas card for smaller ones)
http://www.alittletipsy.com/2011/11/elmers-craft-tell-party-giveaway-how-to.html
Coat hanger tree-I have made these. They turn out very cute.
https://www.instructables.com/Coat-Hanger-Christmas-Tree/
Instead of Gingerbread Houses
Make a sugar cube House. My aunt made one out of sugar cubes when I was young. She used red Royal frosting to put the house together, cut out pictures to glue on the inside (fireplace, a rug, a cat, Santa next to the fireplace) and she covered the windows with clear plastic wrap glued inside before she put on a cardboard roof that she frosted white and sprinkled with sugar. It lasted for years.
https://www.seriouseats.com/sturdy-royal-icing-gingerbread-house-recipe
Book
For those Harry Potter Fans
Harry Potter and Christmas on Amazon with recipes (free for Kindle)
“The Unofficial Harry Potter Cookbook Presents: A Magical Christmas Menu”(Unofficial Cookbook) Kindle Edition
Different Traditions
https://www.yha.com.au/travel-and-t...ight-strangest-christmas-traditions-on-earth/
Christmas in every US State
https://www.housebeautiful.com/shopping/g24563039/best-holiday-decor-store-in-us/
Tips for Christmas photos
Although not Christmas geared these are great tips. Tip #2 is my favorite, what is yours? This year I am planning on doing photos with us wearing buffalo plaid. What are you planning? I try to take our photo when we have Thanksgiving. So I usually have one tree up with lights (other decorations optional) and something on the fireplace.
Tree
I love Poured Art painting. Give it a try and post your creation. It take time to dry so start now.
Ornament-- this link is giving me problems. Search on YouTube for Acrylic Pour Christmas Ornaments 2020 done by Mixed Media Girl.
Recipe to Try
For my to try recipe this year it is the Norwegian Christmas Kransekake. I was able to sample this when I visited Norway. Excellent. We picked it up at the bakery but only the broken pieces which they sell if you do not want the whole cake. I did order the molds but it can be done without them. Share one of your heritage recipes if you’d like.
Taking ShortCuts
I like to decorate cookies with the my DS and grandson. Right now we just dip cookies from the store and then decorate. Still good and loads of fun. Christmas does not have to be done all homemade! Give yourself permission to take shortcuts. What will you do differently this year to make it easier on yourself?
Repotting a large Christmas cactus. Do you have a Christmas cactus and does it Bloom at Christmas? I do have one from a neighbor that was her mothers. It was at least 35 year old when I received it.
To start off our August Rudolph Day try some music. Music can alway set the mood for any Holiday.
Soft Christmas music
Faith Christmas Music
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL0pJZBtpt8teyD7SLSJN-PT1kLn5pPXOU
Some Christmas History
https://www.countryliving.com/life/a45594/the-history-of-christmas/
Hand Print Christmas Tree
https://pin.it/1mzNdnp
Using a plain tablecloth have everyone dip their hand into paint and place their hand print on the tablecloth at the place the normally sit. Write in the date. Now use this tablecloth at every Christmas and put on another print. After you get enough prints or if you decide not use the tablecloth cut out each persons set of prints. Frame them and give them to each person or someone in their family
Or do signatures
https://pin.it/3cyjzWp
Crafts
Wrapping paper tree (use old Christmas card for smaller ones)
http://www.alittletipsy.com/2011/11/elmers-craft-tell-party-giveaway-how-to.html
Coat hanger tree-I have made these. They turn out very cute.
https://www.instructables.com/Coat-Hanger-Christmas-Tree/
Instead of Gingerbread Houses
Make a sugar cube House. My aunt made one out of sugar cubes when I was young. She used red Royal frosting to put the house together, cut out pictures to glue on the inside (fireplace, a rug, a cat, Santa next to the fireplace) and she covered the windows with clear plastic wrap glued inside before she put on a cardboard roof that she frosted white and sprinkled with sugar. It lasted for years.
https://www.seriouseats.com/sturdy-royal-icing-gingerbread-house-recipe
Book
For those Harry Potter Fans
Harry Potter and Christmas on Amazon with recipes (free for Kindle)
“The Unofficial Harry Potter Cookbook Presents: A Magical Christmas Menu”(Unofficial Cookbook) Kindle Edition
Different Traditions
https://www.yha.com.au/travel-and-t...ight-strangest-christmas-traditions-on-earth/
Christmas in every US State
https://www.housebeautiful.com/shopping/g24563039/best-holiday-decor-store-in-us/
Tips for Christmas photos
Although not Christmas geared these are great tips. Tip #2 is my favorite, what is yours? This year I am planning on doing photos with us wearing buffalo plaid. What are you planning? I try to take our photo when we have Thanksgiving. So I usually have one tree up with lights (other decorations optional) and something on the fireplace.
Tree
I love Poured Art painting. Give it a try and post your creation. It take time to dry so start now.
Ornament-- this link is giving me problems. Search on YouTube for Acrylic Pour Christmas Ornaments 2020 done by Mixed Media Girl.
Recipe to Try
For my to try recipe this year it is the Norwegian Christmas Kransekake. I was able to sample this when I visited Norway. Excellent. We picked it up at the bakery but only the broken pieces which they sell if you do not want the whole cake. I did order the molds but it can be done without them. Share one of your heritage recipes if you’d like.
Taking ShortCuts
I like to decorate cookies with the my DS and grandson. Right now we just dip cookies from the store and then decorate. Still good and loads of fun. Christmas does not have to be done all homemade! Give yourself permission to take shortcuts. What will you do differently this year to make it easier on yourself?
Repotting a large Christmas cactus. Do you have a Christmas cactus and does it Bloom at Christmas? I do have one from a neighbor that was her mothers. It was at least 35 year old when I received it.
Last edited:
Had to continue since it was so long.
Missing someone for the Holiday or any day of the Year.
Honor those who are no longer on this earth with us. I copied the info from this website since it seemed to have disappeared but was still cached.
https://whatsyourgrief.com/creating-new-tradition-after-a-death/ (still was not working for me)
Someone you love has died and now the holidays will never be the same. I’m sorry to put this so plainly, but it’s true and you need to acknowledge it.
Too often, people stumble into the holidays after a death believing things can stay the same. Some passively assume everything will work out, while others think if they try hard enough to be positive and maintain old traditions that PEOPLE WILL ENJOY THEMSELVES, DANG IT.
I hope these approaches work out for some, but I can promise you they won’t suffice for all. The truth is, even if you manage to rebuild your tradition to the closest approximation possible, there will still be sadness. The “King” Elvis Presley said it best:
“And when those blue snowflakes start falling
That’s when those blue memories start calling”
We’ve written posts on how to handle existing holiday traditions after a death, and we’ve written about honoring deceased loved ones at the holidays. Still, we’ve yet to get in-depth about creating new traditions after a loss.
The creation of new traditions and rituals provides you the opportunity to find meaningful and lasting ways to remember loved ones. Further, it allows those who have died to play a continuous role in holiday celebrations going forward.
We’re going to provide you with a few ideas for creating new holiday traditions after a death. We encourage you to think beyond this list and create traditions that are reflective of who your loved one was and how you want to see their legacy continue.
New traditions can be simple things you decide to do on your own or more elaborate rituals that you create with your family. As you think about this, remember traditions are meant to be repeated year after year—so choose something that your family can realistically keep going. Even better, create traditions that can be handed down to future generations.
16 Ideas for Creating New Holiday Tradition After a Death
1. Food:
2. Music
3. Memory Tablecloth:
This is an awesome idea that I saw here. Every year, lay out a special tablecloth and fabric markers or sharpies. Ask holiday guests to write down their favorite holiday memories, especially those that involve family members who are no longer present.
4. Light a Candle:
As a family, light a candle at the beginning of the holiday season and allow it to burn throughout. If you’re not comfortable with a real candle, use a fake candle or a special light-up decoration.
5. Candle Ceremony:
On the night before the holiday or on the night of the holiday, gather everyone for a candle ceremony. Give everyone an unlit candle. The first person lights the first candle and shares a memory. They can share a memory of their deceased loved one(s), a memory from past holidays, or a time during the year when they felt their loved one’s presence—you decide (it’s your tradition after all)! After the first person shares their memory, they light the candle of the next person and that person shares a memory… and so on and so forth. Once the last candle is lit, do something to close out the ceremony (such as sing a song or say a prayer).
<img data-pin-description="The creation of new traditions and rituals provides you the opportunity to find meaningful and lasting ways to remember loved ones. Further, it allows those who have died to play a continuous role in holiday celebrations going forward. #holiday #grief #tradition" data-pin-title="16 Ideas for Creating New Holiday Tradition After a Death" src="https://whatsyourgrief.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/white-home-decoration-candles-1024x683.jpg" alt="candle ceremony grief at holidays" class="wp-image-12447" width="719" height="479"/>
6. Blessing:
If a blessing is traditionally said at any point during the holiday, add a lyric, quote, verse, poem, or saying that reminds you of your loved one. Choose something that really reflects your loved one, even if it’s silly or out of context.
7. Secret Signal:
Create a secret signal for your family members to give one another when something reminds them of the person who has died. This could be a signal used at any moment, happy or sad, throughout the year.
8. Give to Charity:
Every year, chose a charity to give a gift to in your loved one’s name. Keep the same process for choosing the charity each year—maybe you decide over Thanksgiving or you gather on the first Sunday of December, for example. Allow everyone to offer suggestions and then choose as a family. If you don’t want to just make a monetary donation, look for shelters doing “adopt a resident” programs or opportunities to buy gifts through an angel tree.
Missing someone for the Holiday or any day of the Year.
Honor those who are no longer on this earth with us. I copied the info from this website since it seemed to have disappeared but was still cached.
https://whatsyourgrief.com/creating-new-tradition-after-a-death/ (still was not working for me)
Someone you love has died and now the holidays will never be the same. I’m sorry to put this so plainly, but it’s true and you need to acknowledge it.
Too often, people stumble into the holidays after a death believing things can stay the same. Some passively assume everything will work out, while others think if they try hard enough to be positive and maintain old traditions that PEOPLE WILL ENJOY THEMSELVES, DANG IT.
I hope these approaches work out for some, but I can promise you they won’t suffice for all. The truth is, even if you manage to rebuild your tradition to the closest approximation possible, there will still be sadness. The “King” Elvis Presley said it best:
“And when those blue snowflakes start falling
That’s when those blue memories start calling”
We’ve written posts on how to handle existing holiday traditions after a death, and we’ve written about honoring deceased loved ones at the holidays. Still, we’ve yet to get in-depth about creating new traditions after a loss.
The creation of new traditions and rituals provides you the opportunity to find meaningful and lasting ways to remember loved ones. Further, it allows those who have died to play a continuous role in holiday celebrations going forward.
We’re going to provide you with a few ideas for creating new holiday traditions after a death. We encourage you to think beyond this list and create traditions that are reflective of who your loved one was and how you want to see their legacy continue.
New traditions can be simple things you decide to do on your own or more elaborate rituals that you create with your family. As you think about this, remember traditions are meant to be repeated year after year—so choose something that your family can realistically keep going. Even better, create traditions that can be handed down to future generations.
16 Ideas for Creating New Holiday Tradition After a Death
1. Food:
- Holiday Dish: Choose your loved one’s favorite dish (or recipe) and make sure the dish is present at your celebration year after year. For example, my family makes “Autie’s Beans”. Why are they “Autie’s Beans”? I have no idea, I’m pretty sure “Autie’s Beans” are just plain ole green bean casserole!
- Favorite Dessert: Instead of choosing a dish, choose their favorite dessert to make every year.
- Breakfast: If the holiday dinner is crazy, crowded, and hectic, start a tradition of having your loved one’s favorite breakfast foods with your immediate family.
- After-Dinner Drinks: If the person who died wasn’t a part of the family celebration, start a tradition of meeting friends and family in the evening to remember the person who died over hot cocoa or eggnog.
- Cookie Recipe: This is my personal favorite: Use your loved one’s recipe to make Christmas cookies. I used my mother’s recipe this year and shared them on Facebook with my far-away family.
2. Music
- Holiday Playlist: Have a go-to list of holiday songs that remind you of your loved one.
- Sing: Start a tradition that involves singing your loved one’s favorite holiday songs. My family always sings Silent Night just before going to bed on Christmas Eve and it always makes me cry. (Here’s a post about when holiday songs become sad). You could also try traditions like these:
- Have a caroling party before the holidays where you invite all your family and friends.
- Have a sing-a-long after holiday dinner.
3. Memory Tablecloth:
This is an awesome idea that I saw here. Every year, lay out a special tablecloth and fabric markers or sharpies. Ask holiday guests to write down their favorite holiday memories, especially those that involve family members who are no longer present.
4. Light a Candle:
As a family, light a candle at the beginning of the holiday season and allow it to burn throughout. If you’re not comfortable with a real candle, use a fake candle or a special light-up decoration.
5. Candle Ceremony:
On the night before the holiday or on the night of the holiday, gather everyone for a candle ceremony. Give everyone an unlit candle. The first person lights the first candle and shares a memory. They can share a memory of their deceased loved one(s), a memory from past holidays, or a time during the year when they felt their loved one’s presence—you decide (it’s your tradition after all)! After the first person shares their memory, they light the candle of the next person and that person shares a memory… and so on and so forth. Once the last candle is lit, do something to close out the ceremony (such as sing a song or say a prayer).
<img data-pin-description="The creation of new traditions and rituals provides you the opportunity to find meaningful and lasting ways to remember loved ones. Further, it allows those who have died to play a continuous role in holiday celebrations going forward. #holiday #grief #tradition" data-pin-title="16 Ideas for Creating New Holiday Tradition After a Death" src="https://whatsyourgrief.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/white-home-decoration-candles-1024x683.jpg" alt="candle ceremony grief at holidays" class="wp-image-12447" width="719" height="479"/>
6. Blessing:
If a blessing is traditionally said at any point during the holiday, add a lyric, quote, verse, poem, or saying that reminds you of your loved one. Choose something that really reflects your loved one, even if it’s silly or out of context.
7. Secret Signal:
Create a secret signal for your family members to give one another when something reminds them of the person who has died. This could be a signal used at any moment, happy or sad, throughout the year.
8. Give to Charity:
Every year, chose a charity to give a gift to in your loved one’s name. Keep the same process for choosing the charity each year—maybe you decide over Thanksgiving or you gather on the first Sunday of December, for example. Allow everyone to offer suggestions and then choose as a family. If you don’t want to just make a monetary donation, look for shelters doing “adopt a resident” programs or opportunities to buy gifts through an angel tree.
9. Go Somewhere Where You Feel Close to Your Loved One:
Start a tradition of visiting your loved one’s grave or another place where you feel close to them on the holiday. Choosing a designated time, like first thing in the morning, may make it easier to plan and uphold this tradition.
10. Moment of Silence:
At your holiday celebration, allow people an opportunity to share the name of loved ones they’ve lost and then have a moment of silence to remember those people.
11. Tell Stories:
Every year on my daughter’s birthdays, I tell them about the day they were born. Why not start a tradition of telling special holiday stories on the holiday? Instead of reading the kids ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas when you tuck them into bed, start the tradition of telling them a story from a holiday when their loved one was alive.
12. Add an Extra Plate:
Always add an extra plate to your dinner table to symbolize your loved one’s presence in everyone’s hearts and minds.
13. Holiday Memory/Gratitude Box:
Leave a box, slips of paper, and pens out, and ask friends and family to write down their favorite holiday memories, memories of loved ones, or gratitudes. Ask them to put their slips in the box and read them over dessert. If you feel as though your family has had an especially tough year, writing down gratitudes might help people to shift their perspective a little bit.
14. Remembrance Ornaments and Trees:
Buy a new ornament every year that reminds you of your loved one. This could be an ornament that you think is pretty, a photo ornament, or an ornament that symbolizes something about your loved one. If children are affected by the loss, invite them to help you select the ornament or even allow them the opportunity to make the ornament themselves. You can also try:
15. Stockings and Garlands:
Set out slips of paper and pens and instruct people to write any of the following of the slips of paper:
Or have a designated stocking or garland (here are some awesome garland ideas!) where people can share their slips.
16. Put Regrets to the Fire:
Henry Havelock Ellis said, “All the art of living lies in a fine mingling of letting go and holding on.” In addition to the memories and traditions you keep with you, you may also be holding onto things like regret, guilt, and feelings of resentment. Start a holiday tradition of lighting a fire, writing down your regrets from the past year, and then throwing your regrets into the fire to symbolize a fresh start.
I suggest if your family likes to help out an organization during the Holidays or if you want to bring cookies to businesses do it now. They get swamped with goodies at Christmas. You could do a Christmas in August plate of goodies now. Next year you can do it in July.
Start a tradition of visiting your loved one’s grave or another place where you feel close to them on the holiday. Choosing a designated time, like first thing in the morning, may make it easier to plan and uphold this tradition.
10. Moment of Silence:
At your holiday celebration, allow people an opportunity to share the name of loved ones they’ve lost and then have a moment of silence to remember those people.
11. Tell Stories:
Every year on my daughter’s birthdays, I tell them about the day they were born. Why not start a tradition of telling special holiday stories on the holiday? Instead of reading the kids ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas when you tuck them into bed, start the tradition of telling them a story from a holiday when their loved one was alive.
12. Add an Extra Plate:
Always add an extra plate to your dinner table to symbolize your loved one’s presence in everyone’s hearts and minds.
13. Holiday Memory/Gratitude Box:
Leave a box, slips of paper, and pens out, and ask friends and family to write down their favorite holiday memories, memories of loved ones, or gratitudes. Ask them to put their slips in the box and read them over dessert. If you feel as though your family has had an especially tough year, writing down gratitudes might help people to shift their perspective a little bit.
14. Remembrance Ornaments and Trees:
Buy a new ornament every year that reminds you of your loved one. This could be an ornament that you think is pretty, a photo ornament, or an ornament that symbolizes something about your loved one. If children are affected by the loss, invite them to help you select the ornament or even allow them the opportunity to make the ornament themselves. You can also try:
- Having a tree for your loved one: Consider buying a small tree specifically for these remembrance ornaments. This will give people an opportunity to look at the ornaments all together, ask questions, and reminisce. You might even consider having a specific tradition for decorating and lighting this tree.
- Create a remembrance tree: If you will have a lot of people at your celebration, or if you have a lot of visitors throughout the season (or if you work at a grief center or hospice), put up a remembrance tree. Set up a table with sharpies and ornaments people can write on close to the tree. Allow anyone who passes through to write the name(s) of their deceased loved one(s) on an ornament and invite them to hang their ornament on the tree.
15. Stockings and Garlands:
Set out slips of paper and pens and instruct people to write any of the following of the slips of paper:
- memories
- moments that made you think of/miss your loved one
- words of encouragement to other family members
- words of appreciation for other family members
- gratitudes
Or have a designated stocking or garland (here are some awesome garland ideas!) where people can share their slips.
16. Put Regrets to the Fire:
Henry Havelock Ellis said, “All the art of living lies in a fine mingling of letting go and holding on.” In addition to the memories and traditions you keep with you, you may also be holding onto things like regret, guilt, and feelings of resentment. Start a holiday tradition of lighting a fire, writing down your regrets from the past year, and then throwing your regrets into the fire to symbolize a fresh start.
I suggest if your family likes to help out an organization during the Holidays or if you want to bring cookies to businesses do it now. They get swamped with goodies at Christmas. You could do a Christmas in August plate of goodies now. Next year you can do it in July.
Adding in this lady's site for Ornament ideas. Not sure if it has been posted before. She posts " 10 days of Christmas Ornaments" yearly. Think it goes back to 2011 up 2021 of how to do videos.
On YouTube. Looks like she posts on Facebook. Saw some wire jewelry postings there.
I maybe lost for some time.
On YouTube. Looks like she posts on Facebook. Saw some wire jewelry postings there.
Although we live in Illinois, I grew up in Michigan, it's where my in-laws retired, and it's where I met my late DH. When he passed suddenly (in Indiana) I had to make an instant decision on where I wanted him transported. My immediate response was to take him to my hometown's funeral home, and I arranged for him to be buried in the cemetery next to the Catholic church where we were married. His parents and many family friends are also buried there.
Every year, my DD and I make a "pilgrimage" of sorts to Michigan at some point during Thanksgiving week or shortly thereafter. His birthday fell during that week, so we celebrate with him, by remembering him. We take a Christmas wreath to place at my husband's grave, and stop along the way at some of his favorite places -- his favorite coffee shop for a cup to go, his fav restaurant for a late lunch, the locally owned garden center he favored, another shop where he regularly selected birthday and Christmas gifts for each of us ... We make a day of it, listening to his music and sharing favorite memories. It's been 8 years, but we still take time for remembering him.
Every year, my DD and I make a "pilgrimage" of sorts to Michigan at some point during Thanksgiving week or shortly thereafter. His birthday fell during that week, so we celebrate with him, by remembering him. We take a Christmas wreath to place at my husband's grave, and stop along the way at some of his favorite places -- his favorite coffee shop for a cup to go, his fav restaurant for a late lunch, the locally owned garden center he favored, another shop where he regularly selected birthday and Christmas gifts for each of us ... We make a day of it, listening to his music and sharing favorite memories. It's been 8 years, but we still take time for remembering him.
I have for friends and family who have lost loved ones a ornament. I take a clear ornament and placed a white feather inside. Than I attach a poem called Angel feather poem with the name of the angle on the back. Seeing the ornament on the tree is a nice little reminder to them that their love one is close by.
That is a lovely idea. I might think of something like that for my Mum's tree this year.
I’ve done the photo ornaments (from the stocking factory, I think it’s called) of lost love ones. They have been very well received.
I like cynthialoowho. She’s created some great things.
Can’t wait to really dig into your post! Lots of good stuff!
I like cynthialoowho. She’s created some great things.
Can’t wait to really dig into your post! Lots of good stuff!
I have always wanted to try making one of these. I think I have the rings. Our local Norwegian bakery has them every Christmas and they were featured on the Great British Baking Show one season as well. I seem to remember that the contestants did pretty well.
Happy August Rudolph Day!
I am so out of loop on Rudolph Day - August's task is to find those Ghosts of Christmas Past, those UFOs that have been hanging out in the craft closet and need to be finished up, making a gift or stocking stuffer for someone.
I am so out of loop on Rudolph Day - August's task is to find those Ghosts of Christmas Past, those UFOs that have been hanging out in the craft closet and need to be finished up, making a gift or stocking stuffer for someone.
August's sub-task is to start thinking ahead to Elf on the Shelf. Time to start scanning Pinterest for cool and unique ideas.
I enjoyed looking at the websites. Those Norwegian cookies are neat. The center of that cookie tree would be a cool place to hide a gift.
Excellent. I have an Elf but I do not do anything other than move him around the house.
Happy Rudolph day!
Started a Christmas movie at lunch time and worked on felt ornaments.
Started a Christmas movie at lunch time and worked on felt ornaments.
Hope everyone is having a great Rudolph day!!
Did some online Christmas shopping today. Worked on cleaning my kitchen, just 2 cabinets while my pie was baking. Might see if my husband would watch Home Alone tonight with me.
Did some online Christmas shopping today. Worked on cleaning my kitchen, just 2 cabinets while my pie was baking. Might see if my husband would watch Home Alone tonight with me.
Happy Rudy Day to you all. Can you believe how quickly the year is going? Time to really knuckle down and get things done!!!!
What Christmas movie and did you like it? You do make the coolest felt ornaments.