When I was growing up we always left cookies and milk for Santa. We also left carrots for the reindeer; I mean, they have to do a lot of work, too, flying all night. I was always worried they’d get really hungry! My parents assured me that they loved carrots and that they were good for their eyesight.

One group that I didn’t really think of as a child were the elves. I’m not sure how they didn’t cross my mind, but they didn’t. But they really shouldn’t go hungry, either. So with Bubbles I’ll be starting the tradition of leaving out tiny little snacks for them, something like these cute elf donuts. I also made a special little box to serve them in, that’s shaped like a gift. Both are easy to make.

Elven Gift Box with Frosted Elf Donuts

When I was in middle school or so, the women in our family would sometimes set aside Thanksgiving afternoon as Christmas crafting time. After the guys retired to the living room for naps and football my Aunt would set out the project she had selected for us. We did gift bags, ornaments, snowmen made from socks, and lots of other stuff.

DIY Bottle Cap Snowman Ornament Craft #CIJ13

Christmas cards are one of my favorite parts of the holiday. It’s great to hear from friends and family that I don’t get to see frequently. I love when everyone sends photo cards, especially, as I truly get to see those folks. I like to display them, but sometimes it can get a little tricky to figure out how to do it without looking like you’ve opened a card shop.

In the past I’ve tried running wide ribbon down the center of a door or along door casings and attaching the cards to them. It looked okay, but last year Bubbles was very interested in the ribbons and many of the cards ended up being pulled off repeatedly. I thought about setting them on top of the entertainment center but we usually do family Christmas photos and a few decorations up there – no room for cards.

Most of you know how much I love Christmas. And Pinterest. I sit and pin things – crafts, recipes, DIY, gift ideas, etc. – all year long. Tear ideas out from magazines and toss them in my Christmas file folder. By the time I’m done I have dozens, if not hundreds, of awesome projects laid out for myself.

And then Christmas comes.

Christmas in July - 31 Days of Crafts, Recipes, DIY, Gift Ideas & More

The season is my favorite time of year but it’s so busy. There are parties and services, shopping and envelope-addressing, cooking and baking (and eating!). And of course we want to carve out time for special activities and events to make memories for our children and family. Who has time to make those cute snowmen or make a ribbon tree?

I found that I didn’t, and that I was a little disappointed that all these great ideas were just sitting there gathering dust. So I decided that it would be fun to make some of these things ahead so they’re ready to go during the holidays. For the recipes, at least I’ll know what ones turned out well and which ones didn’t so I don’t waste any of my baking time later.

Whether you choose to work on any of these projects now or just pin them for the holidays, I hope you enjoy my 31 Days of Christmas Crafts, DIY, Recipes & More.

DIY Hanging Christmas Card Holder
Bottle Cap Snowman Ornament Craft
DIY Frosted Elf Donuts & Matching Elf Gift Box
DIY Christmas Gift: “We Whisk You A Merry KISSmas” plus a free printable
Free “Build Your Own Snowman” Printable
Mini Clay Pot Snowmen Craft
Christmas Candy Munch Mix Recipe
DIY Santa Belly Ornament
Gourmet Christmas Marshmallows Recipe
Printable December Bucket List
125+ Stocking Stuffer Ideas for All Ages
DIY Wedding Invitation “Our 1st Christmas” Ornament
Easy Salt Dough Ornaments

What is your favorite creative Christmas project?

Stocking Stuffers For Teens

Stocking Stuffer Ideas for Teenagers

Earlier I shared some last-minute toddler stocking stuffers. But what about the rest of the family? Here are some stocking stuffer ideas for teenagers – some would say, the hardest group for which to buy!

Gas gift cards
Car fresheners
Car care wipes
Jewelry
Makeup
Nail Polish
Lotion
Candy
Protein bars
DVDs or Blu-ray movies
Video Games
Key chain
Desktop calendar
School supplies
Lip balm
Deodorant
Toothbrush
Toothpaste
Perfume/cologne
Face wash
Fast food gift cards
Floss/floss pics
Music CDs
Hobby supplies (guitar pics, scrapbook stickers, etc.)
Socks
Bath poof/scrub
Snacks
Cell phone case
iTunes gift card
App Store/Google Play gift cards

Views From the Ville

DIY Frosted Elf Donuts with Matching Elf Gift Box #CIJ13

Bottle Cap Snowman Ornament Craft #CIJ13

DIY Hanging Christmas Card Holder #CIJ13

It’s Christmas in July! 31 Days of Crafts, Recipes, DIY & More

What is your favorite creative Christmas project?

30 Stocking Stuffer Ideas For Teenagers

Stocking Stuffers For Teens

What are your stocking stuffer ideas for teenagers?