Cool Ways To Prepare For The Holidays

Christmas tree snowflakes poster in interior

While many of us are enjoying the cool winds of the season, malls are already packed with items for the Christmas rush. Christmas is one of the most awaited days of the year and it is just smart to prepare early. Preparation is not an overnight process and you will surely regret it when things are half-baked. Early preparation means that when Christmas day arrives, all you have to do is sit and relax. 

Why prepare early for Christmas

It is a fact that the Philippines has one of the longest Christmas in the world. When -ber months set in, you will surely hear Christmas songs being played in malls, radio, and even public transportations. Early preparation is the best way to save money, refrain from stress, and avoid headaches. 

Have you coordinated with your family members on how to celebrate Christmas this year? Of course, we understand that families have traditions that they want to keep in terms of the annual celebration of Christmas. It is still recommended to plan ahead so that to avoid missing any important details. Preparing a few days before Christmas will leave you stressed out, unsatisfied, and panicking. All you want to happen is for the day to be finished. That’s what we want to avoid. 

Prepping for Christmas

Many of us love Christmas and preparing for it is natural and innate. Each individual or family has their own style of prepping and probably the simples that easiest way to start is to make a list. Once you have a list, everything else will be easy and smooth. Proper planning, coordination, distribution of job assignments, and budgeting can extremely help in preventing any untoward events or incidents. 

Work within the budget

Celebrating Christmas means that you have to spend cash. You need to work out your budget so that you can prepare smartly. Remember all the things that you need including food, decors, gifts, attire, greeting cards, and even the fare to and from the malls or supermarket. Work out what you will need to spend and write them all down. This will give you a better idea of how to manage your funds without wasting any cash on unnecessary items. 

Fill in your calendar

December is a busy month for many of us. Make sure to start filling your diary or calendar with the various activities that you need to do. Examples are parties, school events, company lunches or dinners, and others. This practice will prevent you from missing anything. Do not forget any school activities of your kids. If you are planning to order food, make a note when you can order and when you can pick it up. The more organized you are, the better you will feel for the celebrations. 

Make a guest list

Preparing for the Christmas celebration is not easy. Therefore, it is just right to keep track of the people who will attend. Knowing the number of attendees will help you get organized. Make your list and check it twice. Go and find out who will come or not. Start planning for the items that will be needed such as toiletries, extra plates, utensils, food, and drinks. Do not forget the relatives and friends who will stay so you will need extra bedding, beds, pillows, and blankets. 

Send the invites

Send out the invites to know your loved ones that you will be hosting the celebration for Christmas. Be sure to make a note that they will give you their response a few days or a week before the most anticipated day. This will allow you to prepare enough food and drinks so everybody will be satisfied and contented. 

Prepare food early

There are certain food that can be prepared early and kept frozen such as gravy, stuffing, and others. Doing this will save you time and effort to attend to other important things for the celebration. If you can order online, do so to give you more time in prepping. 

Ask for help 

You need not do everything by yourself. Give your family members their respective tasks and monitor them from time to time. With their help, everything will be smooth and organized. Happy holidays!

A Brief History Of The Advent Calendar

Christmas is just around the corner and it is time to bring out the decors from the storage. While checking the old decors, you also saw the old Advent calendar. This calendar has become a mainstay during the Christmas season. It helps us count down the days from December 1 to the 25th. Over the years, they have evolved in terms of appearance and inclusions. Instead of the traditional little doors that conceal pictures or Bible verses, they now have small gifts included. Read on to learn more about this fantastic Christmas decor and tradition. If you don’t have an Advent calendar yet, maybe it is time to buy or create one for your home. 

The meaning of Advent

Advent is the four-week period beginning on a Sunday that is nearest the feast day of St. Andrew the Apostle. The word “Advent” came from the Latin word for “coming”. Experts also believed that the celebration of Advent began as early as the 4th century. This was the period when people convert to Christianity and prepare themselves for baptism. These days, Advent is practiced as a count down to the birth of Christ on December 25. 

The Advent calendar

In contrast with the real date of Advent, the Advent calendar begins on December 1 and marks the 24 days before Christmas. These days, the calendar includes paper doors that open to show an image, a verse in the Bible, or a piece of chocolate or even cheese. This practice dates back to the 19th century when German Protestants marked their doors or lit candles to count the days until Christmas day. 

How it all began

The first printed Advent calendar can be traced back to the early 1900s and was created by Gerhard Lang. Around the same time, a German newspaper included in their publications an Advent calendar to serve as a gift to their readers. Gerhard Lang’s creation was inspired by the calendar that his mother created for him. This was modified by Lang and included tiny doors that are commonly seen in Advent calendars today. Unfortunately, production ceased because of the Second World War. The production was eventually continued by Richard Sellmer and he was considered to be the leading producer of Advent calendars. In the United States, Advent calendars were made popular by Dwight D. Eisenhower.

What are included in Advent calendars?

Traditionally, Advent calendars contain pieces of chocolates, a quote, or an image. However, you can be modern and include different items according to your taste. Over the years, the appearance of Advent calendars evolved. There was even a 4-foot, Christmas tree-shaped structure carved from burr elm and walnut wood in 2005. The world’s largest Advent calendar was created in 2007 at the St. Pancras train station in London. The calendar measured 232 feet and 11 inches tall, and 75 feet, and 5 inches wide. 

What makes Advent calendars even more interesting is that the appearance can be versatile as possible. With a little creativity and resourcefulness, you can easily create a calendar that will make any home look great. Moreover, both kids and adults will surely adore Advent calendars as they can be personalized. 

The Colorful History Of Greeting Cards

4 Pcs. Christmas socks boho pattern greeting card

Probably at least once in your life, you were able to receive a greeting card. You may still remember the feeling of receiving it from your crush or even from a friend whom you haven’t since for a long time. Who does not love receiving a greeting card? For many people, it is one of the best gifts to receive on their birthdays or holidays. A thoughtful message scribbled on the card can mean a lot to the one receiving it. Just like the greeting cards, they have a colorful history that many are not aware of. Read on to know more about how it all began. 

How it all began

Little did we know that greeting cards are already in existence since the early Egyptians. During that time, the Egyptians used papyrus scrolls to send letters. This was also the practice of the Chinese who exchanged messages at New Year. Since then, other cultures have created their own version of greeting cards. 

During the 1400s, handmade greeting cards were being sold and exchanged across Europe. The Germans spent more effort in sending greeting cards. They used woodcuts where the design was hand-carved onto it to create a print on paper. In Italy, intricate lace effect filigrees were applied to the cards and were sent on certain occasions, especially Valentine’s Day. The card was expensive and was used only by the wealthy. 

The popularity of greeting cards

The advancement of printing technology has helped a lot in making greeting cards more affordable. In 1843, Sir Henry Cole decided to create the first commercial Christmas card. Being one of the elites in Victorian England, Cole had a very long Christmas list. This prompted him to create a way to reduce time and effort. The cards he created depicted three scenes, a family gathered celebrating Christmas and the charitable acts of clothing the poor and feeding the hungry. There were 1000 copies printed in black and white before being hand painted. However, the price of the cards is still a little bit pricey, especially for the working class. 

Greeting cards these days

Since the 1860s, companies have been mass-producing greeting cards. With the available printing technology, the quantity increased while the price decreased. In the 1930s colored printing was introduced that made the greeting cards even more popular. Today, greeting cards are used all over the world and on every occasion. It was also revealed that the industry is worth around $7.5 billion and the average person sends an average of 55 cards per year. In fact, in Canada alone, there are around 40 million Valentine’s Day cards bought every year.

The Beauty Of Personalized Greeting Cards

4-Pcs. Seasons greeting from manila greeting card scaled.

Looking for the perfect gift for your loved ones may be quite challenging. You may not have seen each other for some time and may not be aware of the things they love these days. Personalized greeting cards are probably the safest to give. Not only that you will be able to send your message, but they can also be personalized to fit your taste. 

A timeless gift with personalized greeting cards

Greeting cards are a wonderful way to show your feelings and send personal messages to your family and friends. Whatever the occasion is celebrated, personal greeting cards never go out of style. Whether you choose birthday cards with inspirational messages or Christmas cards with fun quotes, the value of greeting cards lasts a long time. 

If you are having a hard time looking for the perfect gift, personalized greeting cards can reinforce your love, support, or provide messages that are difficult to say personally.

Perfect for many occasions

The good thing about personalized greeting cards is that they can be customized to fit a wide range of occasions. In 365 days in a year, there are many reasons to send a card to your loved ones. Examples are birthdays, graduation, wedding anniversary, Christmas, Valentine’s day, and other celebrations. 

Personalized design and messages

If you go to card shops or bookstores, you will see prepared greeting cards that are tailored for every occasion. All you have to do is buy them, write your personal messages, and send them to their respective recipients. This is also true with greeting cards that can be purchased online. What makes it interesting these days is that greeting cards can be tailored according to your preference. You can choose the font, color, image, and layout that matches your messages.

Sending letters these days may be obsolete but greeting cards can still give the excitement that many people are looking for. Personalized greeting cards are the best gift to give to your loved ones whom you haven’t seen in a long time. Take time to compose your messages and you can even look for a service that offers personalized messages.

Message from the heart

Greeting cards are the perfect way to express exactly how you feel. There are greeting cards that use not just words but also designs that can communicate your feelings. You can also use your photos as well as those of your loved ones to personalize the greeting cards. Add humor with funny quotes or messages or even images from your favorite cartoons or shows. What matters most is the message that you want to say even though you cannot say it personally. 

Final thoughts

Greeting cards have been used for many years. They have made people around the world smile. In fact, sending greeting cards is one of the most common gifts sent to loved ones. Whether you are sending it on their birthdays, anniversaries, or Christmas, greeting cards can deliver the message or greeting that cannot be felt even if you use email or e-greeting cards.

4-Pcs. Seasons Greeting from Manila Greeting card

4-Pcs. Seasons greeting from manila greeting card scaled.

Send your loved ones something special on any occasion. In Artdesign, we offer stylish and trendy greeting cards that will make them smile. This is a great way to say the words that you cannot say personally. We have creative designs that are perfect for any event or moment. What makes the greeting cards even more interesting is the chance to customize them so you can show how much you care. Personalize your greeting cards with your preferred design or pattern. You can also add the message that comes straight from your heart. This is another creative way to show your love and concern. Try it out now!

Size: A6 (4.1 x 5.8 in)

4-Pcs. Have yourself a merry greeting card

4-Pcs. Have yourself a merry greeting card

Send your loved ones something special on any occasion. In Artdesign, we offer stylish and trendy greeting cards that will make them smile. This is a great way to say the words that you cannot say personally. We have creative designs that are perfect for any event or moment. What makes the greeting cards even more interesting is the chance to customize them so you can show how much you care. Personalize your greeting cards with your preferred design or pattern. You can also add the message that comes straight from your heart. This is another creative way to show your love and concern. Try it out now!

Size: A6 (4.1 x 5.8 in)

4-Pcs. Baby its cold outside greeting card

4-Pcs. Baby its cold outside greeting card

Send your loved ones something special on any occasion. In Artdesign, we offer stylish and trendy greeting cards that will make them smile. This is a great way to say the words that you cannot say personally. We have creative designs that are perfect for any event or moment. What makes the greeting cards even more interesting is the chance to customize them so you can show how much you care. Personalize your greeting cards with your preferred design or pattern. You can also add the message that comes straight from your heart. This is another creative way to show your love and concern. Try it out now!

Size: A6 (4.1 x 5.8 in)

4 Pcs. All I want for Christmas greeting card

4 Pcs. All I want for christmas greeting card

Send your loved ones something special on any occasion. In artdesign, we offer stylish and trendy greeting cards that will make them smile. This is a great way to say the words that you cannot say personally. We have creative designs that are perfect for any event or moment. What makes the greeting cards even more interesting is the chance to customize them so you can show how much you care. Personalize your greeting cards with your preferred design or pattern. You can also add the message that comes straight from your heart. This is another creative way to show your love and concern. Try it out now!

Size: A6 (4.1 x 5.8 in)

4 Pcs. Merry and bright greeting card

4 Pcs. Merry and bright greeting card

Send your loved ones something special on any occasion. In Artdesign, we offer stylish and trendy greeting cards that will make them smile. This is a great way to say the words that you cannot say personally. We have creative designs that are perfect for any event or moment. What makes the greeting cards even more interesting is the chance to customize them so you can show how much you care. Personalize your greeting cards with your preferred design or pattern. You can also add the message that comes straight from your heart. This is another creative way to show your love and concern. Try it out now!

Size: A6 (4.1 x 5.8 in)

4 Pcs. Christmas Tree greeting card

Christmas Tree doodle pattern greeting card

Send your loved ones something special on any occasion. In Artdesign, we offer stylish and trendy greeting cards that will make them smile. This is a great way to say the words that you cannot say personally. We have creative designs that are perfect for any event or moment. What makes the greeting cards even more interesting is the chance to customize them so you can show how much you care. Personalize your greeting cards with your preferred design or pattern. You can also add the message that comes straight from your heart. This is another creative way to show your love and concern. Try it out now!

Size: A6( 4.1 x 5.8 in )