Welcome to the most magical time of the year! As the festive lights adorn the streets, we find ourselves on the brink of another enchanting Christmas season. In this holly-jolly corner of the internet, I am inviting you to unwrap the joy, discover heartwarming traditions, and bask in the warmth of the holiday spirit. Join me on a sleigh ride through the wonders of Christmas, where each snowflake carries a tale, and the twinkle of lights brings forth a season of merriment. Welcome to my ‘This Sweet Life’ Christmas wonderland, where you will find Christmas movie lists, Christmas playlists, recipe suggestions and so much more!
Christmas to-do List
Need some suggestions on what you can do to make your December extra magical? Check out my Christmas to-do list for some fun activities for the whole family!
Decorate the Christmas tree
Start a chocolate advent calendar
Mail a letter to Santa
Create a ‘good deed’ advent calendar
Hang up your own Christmas lights
Attend a lighting ceremony
Have a Christmas movie marathon
Explore the Christmas lights in your neighbourhood
Eat a candy cane
Wear a Santa hat out for the day
Kiss under mistletoe
Mail letter to Santa
Start a chocolate advent calendar
Create a ‘good dead’ advent calendar
Get a Santa photo
Head to your local Christmas carols
Make a homemade gift for someone
Listen to the carols at home
Sip hot chocolate with marshmallows
Make handmade Christmas cards
Make a decoration for the Christmas tree
Donate toys
Make a Christmas playlist
Create a wreath for the front door
Have fun with Elf of the Shelf
Roast marshmallows
See a ballet performance
Built a gingerbread house
Hang stockings
Deliver a Christmas treat to someone who didn’t expect it
Say Merry Christmas to everyone you meet for a day
Volunteer
Bake Christmas cookies
Read a Christmas book
Have a sleepover under the Christmas tree
Drink Eggnog
Learn an ugly Christmas top and some tacky earrings
Write a Christmas list
Drink mulled wine
Get involved in Secret Santa
Fave a family Christmas photoshoot
Christmas Music
Step into a world filled with the melodic charm of the season, and cozy up with the timeless tunes that define Christmas. I present to you my curated Christmas playlist that transcends generations, and blends classics with modern gems. Whether you’re relaxing with a hot chocolate or busy wrapping presents, let this playlist be the soundtrack to your holiday joy.
Pop these songs onto your Christmas Day list!
“Santa Tell Me” by Ariana Grande
“Like It’s Christmas” by the Jonas Brothers
“All I Want for Christmas Is You” by Mariah Carey
“Mistletoe” by Justin Bieber
“8 Days of Christmas” by Destiny’s Child
“My Gift Is You” by Gwen Stefani
“Snow in California” by Ariana Grande
“Where Are You Christmas” by Faith Hill
“Auld Lang Syne” by James Taylor
“Baby It’s Cold Outside” by Idina Menzel
“The Christmas Song” by Ne-Yo
“I am he Grinch” by Tyler
“Candy Cane Lane” by Sia
“Make It To Christmas” by Alessia Cara
“What Christmas Means to Me” by John Legend
“Hey Sis, It’s Christmas” by RuPaul
“Believe” by Josh Groban
“You’re A Mean One, Mr. Grinch” by Pentatonix
“All I Want (For Christmas)” by Liam Payne
“Winter Things” by Ariana Grande
“Oh Come All Ye Faithful” by Jess and Gabriel
“Feliz Navidad” by El Vez
“Santa’s Coming For Us” by Sia
“One More Sleep” by Leona Lewis
“It’s Beginning to Look a Lot like Christmas” by Michael Bublé
“Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)” by Mariah Carey
“Underneath the Tree” by Kelly Clarkson
“Drummer Boy” by Justin Bieber [feat. Busta Rhymes]
“Last Christmas” by Carly Rae Jepsen
“Santa Claus Is Comin’ to Town” by Bruce Springsteen
“Christmas In Harlem” by Kanye West
“Looks Like A Cold, Cold Winter” by Ingrid Michaelson
“We Three Gentlemen (Medley)” by Lindsey Stirling
“Christmases When You Were Mine” by Taylor Swift
“This Christmas” by PJ Morton
“Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas” by Sam Smith
“Silent Night” by Destiny’s Child
“Christmas Cookies” by George Strait
“Holly Jolly Christmas” by Michael Bublé
“My Only Wish (This Year)” by Britney Spears
“Merry Christmas Baby” by Hunter Hayes
“Jingle Bells” by Gwen Stefani
“Christmas Lights” by Coldplay
“Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays” by NSYNC
“Fairytale of New York” by The Pogues
“I Saw Mummy Kissing Santa Clause” by Bobby Sherman
Christmas Movie List
‘Tis the season for cinematic cheer! There is no cozier way to embrace the holiday magic than with a cup of hot chocolate and a festive film. In this merry compilation, I present give you a selection of Christmas movies that promise to put a twinkle in your eyes, warm your heart, and transport you to a Christmas wonderland. So, grab a blanket, settle in, and let the enchantment of these films add a sprinkle of cinematic magic to your holiday festivities. Let the Christmas movie marathon begin! 🍿
1. It’s a Wonderful Life (1946)
2. Home Alone (1990)
3. Elf (2003)
4. A Christmas Carol (1984)
5. The Polar Express (2004)
6. A Christmas Story (1983)
7. Miracle on 34th Street (1947)
8. White Christmas (1954)
9. The Grinch (2018)
10. Love Actually (2003)
11. National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation (1989)
12. Die Hard (1988)
13. The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)
14. A Charlie Brown Christmas (1965)
15. The Santa Clause (1994)
16. Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer (1964)
17. Frosty the Snowman (1969)
18. Scrooged (1988)
19. Home Alone 2: Lost in New York (1992)
20. The Holiday (2006)
21. A Muppet Christmas Carol (1992)
22. How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000)
23. Christmas with the Kranks (2004)
24. The Christmas Chronicles (2018)
25. Jingle All the Way (1996)
26. Gremlins (1984)
27. The Family Stone (2005)
28. Polar Express (2004)
29. The Bishop’s Wife (1947)
30. Arthur Christmas (2011)
31. Holiday Inn (1942)
32. The Best Man Holiday (2013)
33. Four Christmases (2008)
34. Krampus (2015)
35. Mickey’s Christmas Carol (1983)
36. The Preacher’s Wife (1996)
37. A Very Harold & Kumar Christmas (2011)
38. The Christmas Chronicles 2 (2020)
39. A Christmas Prince (2017)
40. Deck the Halls (2006)
41. Serendipity (2001)
42. Jack Frost (1998)
43. Christmas in Connecticut (1945)
44. The Shop Around the Corner (1940)
45. The Apartment (1960)
46. Serendipity (2001)
47. Babes in Toyland (1961)
48. The Man Who Invented Christmas (2017)
49. While You Were Sleeping (1995)
50. The Christmas Contract (2018)
Create your own Kindness Advent Calendar
Christmas is as much about giving as it is receiving, if not more. Something I have done for the past few Christmas seasons is to create a kindness advent calendar. I get a DIY advent calendar, write out a list of things for the children to do each day and pop them in the advent calendar pockets. Each pocket can be filled with a special task for children to complete, which will bring joy to the lives of others. I have popped some ideas for you below.
- Donate animal food to your local rescue shelter
- Donate an item of clothing that no longer fits you to charity
- Make Christmas cards for your neighbours
- Sort through your toys and donate any that you no longer play with to charity or your local church
- Write a letter to your sibling or a school friend telling them why you love them
- Make cookies for your teachers
- Tidy your bedroom
- Do a job for Mum
- Leave chalk Christmas messages on the pavements around where you live
- Do a job for Dad
- Write a note and mail them to the houses with great Christmas lights saying thank you for lighting up their house for you to see
- Make a new friend at school
- Say Merry Christmas to as many people as you can today
- Send a care package to someone in need
- Write Christmas cards for your teachers and ballet, sports teachers etc
- Hand out candy canes at your local aged care home
- Clean up the area where you live by picking up rubbish
- Write a thank you letter for your postman
- Take everyone in your class a candy cane
- Make a Christmas card for the admin staff at your school
- Give out a compliment
- Smile all day
- Ring an elderly relative and have a nice chat with them
- Make a tree decoration and give it to a stranger
- Donate this week’s pocket money to charity
How to Create a Christmas Eve Box
What is a Christmas Eve Box? The night before Christmas can be just as much fun as Christmas Day! Typically, a Christmas Eve Box contains treats, a small toy and novelty items for children to enjoy on Christmas Eve. It is common to create a box for each child or a family box that can be enjoyed between siblings. I actually give my children their Christmas box on the first of December, so they can enjoy their new goodies for the whole month.
Here are some ideas of what I include in my children’s Christmas Eve box….
- Christmas pyjamas
- Christmas memory games
- Small soft toy
- Christmas mug
- Hot chocolate and marshmallows
- Christmas cookie
- Christmas cookie
- Christmas activity
- Christmas decoration
- Christmas book
Christmas Craft Ideas
1. DIY Ornaments:
Create personalised ornaments using materials like clay, felt, or clear glass bulbs. Add your touch with paints, glitter, or even family photos.
2. Paper Plate Santa Claus:
Turn a simple paper plate into jolly old St. Nick! Paint, cotton balls, and construction paper can bring this craft to life.
3. Holiday Wreath Making:
Gather evergreen branches, pinecones, and festive ribbons to craft your own beautiful wreath. Add a personal touch with ornaments or tiny decorations.
4. Sock Snowmen:
Transform ordinary white socks into adorable snowmen. Fill them with rice, add buttons for eyes, and use colourful felt for scarves and hats.
5. Christmas Tree Garland:
Cut out various shapes of trees from coloured paper or felt, and string them together to create a festive garland for your home.
6. Pinecone Reindeer Ornaments:
Turn pinecones into reindeer by adding googly eyes, red pom-poms for noses, and pipe cleaners for antlers. Hang them on your tree for a woodland touch.
7. Handprint Wreath:
Trace and cut out handprints from green construction paper. Arrange them in a circle to create a wreath, and add a festive bow for a finishing touch.
8. Gingerbread House Decorating:
Have a gingerbread house decorating session with friends or family. Use colourful icing, candies, and sprinkles to create a delicious masterpiece.
9. Snow Globe Craft:
Fill small jars with water, a dash of glitter, and a festive figurine or miniature tree. Secure the lid tightly, and voila – you have your own snow globe!
10. Felt Stocking Sewing Project:
Sew personalized felt stockings for each family member. Decorate them with buttons, sequins, or even their initials for a special touch.
Christmas Lunch Menu
Christmas is a time of year when there can be a lot of food preparation, and with it comes certain dietary requirements and preferences to suit all of the family. In our home we have a variety of different needs, so on Christmas Day I’ll be cooking lots of different options. I thought this would be a great time to share with you what I’ll be preparing for our Christmas Day menu. I choose to prepare food beforehand and make a cold Christmas menu. This way I don’t spend the whole day in the kitchen and can enjoy the day with my family.
See links to recipes and more details below….
Morning Tea –
Fruit Mince Pies, I found a recipe on Taste.com that I will use as my base. I have chosen to take the brandy out and use fruit juice instead, all of the ingredients I use will be organic and I’m swapping the brown sugar for coconut sugar. Oh, and I am going to add in dried cranberries because the children LOVE them!
Christmas Cake, something my Dad normally makes but he is in Europe this year so the job has been left to me! Again I found a recipe on Taste.com and will do all the alternatives mentioned above under Fruit Mince Pies.
Short Bread Biscuits, I found this really great recipe for healthy shortbread biscuits that don’t contain any of your generic sugar.
Cold Lunch –
Baked Salmon, for the past three years I have been making this Salmon with salsa verde recipe from Taste.com and serving is cold.
Honey Glazed Ham, is the perfect Christmas Day lunch addition and great for leftovers for the days to follow. This one is a fantastic recipe.
Cold Cooked Prawns with Tartar Sauce and Thousand Island, it wouldn’t be an Aussie Christmas without prawns. My favourite sauce recipes are here and here.
Garden Salad, is a perfect addition to any cold lunch. My favourite recipe is here.
Pumpkin and Feta Salad, this would have to be my favourite salad and it just feels like Christmas. This is the recipe I’ll be serving.
Potato Bake is the only warm dish I will be serving. Everyone has their own way they like to make potato bake. Here is my recipe.
Dessert –
Pavlova Ice Cream, is the perfect dessert for an Aussie Christmas. I love this recipe.
Individual Plum Puddings, something more traditional. Recipe with brandy cream here.
Elf on the Shelf Hiding Spots
Welcome, fellow merrymakers, to a world of enchanting hide-and-seek with our favourite festive visitor – the Elf on the Shelf! As the holiday season unfolds, the magic of discovery fills the air, and what better way to revel in it than by exploring whimsical hiding spots for our mischievous little friend? Let the anticipation begin as I showcase 25 enchanting and imaginative places to make your Elf on the Shelf adventures truly unforgettable! 🎄✨
1. In the Christmas Tree: Nestle the elf among the branches, peeking out with mischievous eyes.
2. Inside a Stocking: Slip the elf into a stocking, waiting to surprise whoever reaches in.
3. On a Bookshelf: Blend in with the other books or perch on top, keeping watch.
4. Behind the Cereal Boxes: Hide amidst the breakfast items for a playful morning discovery.
5. In the Cookie Jar: A sweet spot for the elf to indulge in some pretend snacking.
6. On the Mantel: Among the holiday decorations, the elf can oversee the festive scene.
7. Inside a Toy Fort: Create a little adventure scene with other toys.
8. Peeking out of a Gift Box: Wrap an empty box with festive paper, with the elf making a surprise appearance.
9. In the Fridge: Chill out with some cold mischief – just be sure it’s a quick visit!
10. Perched on a Picture Frame: Blend in with family photos, observing the household.
11. On the Bathroom Counter: A cheeky spot for a morning surprise.
12. Inside a Shoe: Tucked inside a shoe, waiting for someone to put them on.
13. Hanging from a Light Fixture: Using a small string or fishing line, suspend the elf for an aerial display.
14. Sitting on the Stairs: An unexpected but visible spot for the elf to be noticed.
15. In the Mailbox: Deliver a bit of magic by having the elf “mail” itself to the house.
16. On the Window Sill: Overlooking the world outside, or maybe creating elf-sized snow angels.
17. Behind the Couch Cushions: A classic spot for surprise and anticipation.
18. At the Top of the Christmas Stockings: Peer down at the goodies below.
19. Inside a Wrapping Paper Roll: Peekaboo! Unroll the paper to find the hidden elf.
20. In a Dollhouse or Miniature Scene: If you have one, the elf can join in on the tiny world.
21. At the Bottom of a Laundry Basket: Nestled among the clothes for an unexpected find.
22. On the Kitchen Counter: Maybe helping with baking or overseeing dinner preparations.
23. Inside a Holiday-themed Mug: Waiting for someone to reach for a cozy drink.
24. In a Plant Pot: a touch of nature in the elf’s hiding spot.
25. Behind the TV Remote: Blend in with everyday items for a subtle yet surprising location.
Enjoy and a BIG Merry Christmas!
