What's in a Tradition? 15 Stories of Holiday Habits

by Amber Dickson Dec 24, 2018

Holiday traditions — *Shutterstock / Zivica Kerkez*

Have you ever wondered why traditions are so prevalent and feel so important around the holidays? As it turns out, traditions reinforce important belief structures. They comfort us with a sense of belonging, and help us express gratitude! Traditions cement existing bonds, and create new ones. If those aren't reason enough for you to hop on board the Tradition Train, consider it this way: traditions usually involve food, and are usually just plain fun.

Christmas traditions vary in their details but the reasons behind them are remarkably similar. Read on for fifteen real-life stories on the importance of tradition, from my community to yours.

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No Tag? No Problem! Print These DIY Holiday Gift Tags

by M.E. Gray Dec 21, 2018

Free printable gift tags for your holiday wrapping needs!

I literally never remember to purchase gift tags at Christmastime - and I'm not using the term "literally" for extra drama here. I actually cannot recall a single time I've ever picked up gift tags at the store, put them in my shopping basket, and taken them to the register to check out. What usually ends up happening when I'm wrapping presents is I realize my mistake, try to find a nice-enough piece scrap of paper, scribble the recipient's name on the back, throw on a little Scotch tape, and call it a day. Janky, I know. Hence why I love printable gift tags!

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How to Make a Simple Wooden Box Shelf

by Chris Gardner Dec 20, 2018

How to make a simple wood box shelf — This post is sponsored by the Home Depot

Storage. We all need more of it. No matter how much room you have, an organized system will always top square footage.

Recently, I was looking for a way to clean up all the bottles in our liquor cabinet. It's not that we drink too much; in fact, it's the opposite. We buy specific products to try a new cocktail recipe. And we'll make it once, and end up with all this extra liquid to store in perpetuity until we can figure out what to do with it.

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How to Stay Present During the Holiday Season

by M.E. Gray Dec 19, 2018

Despite what's depicted in Hallmark movies, the holidays can actually be a really stressful time of year. Not only that, but if you're not careful, added anxiety and pressure can cause you to miss the season all together. With Thanksgiving in the rear view and Christmas coming around the corner fast, how in the world are we supposed to stay in the present and enjoy what this season has to offer? While we may never regain the magic of the holidays that we felt as children (the whole no-Santa thing kind of ruins it, amiright?), there are ways to claim and nurture some new warm and fuzzy feelings. Here's how you can make the most of the season by soaking up the present.

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How to Get Great Results from Your Random-Orbit Sander

by Chris Gardner Dec 18, 2018

Random-orbit sander 101 — This post is sponsored by Home Depot

Everyone likes a smooth, sanded surface on a project, but no one (and I mean absolutely no one) like the tedious process of getting it done. Motorized sanding machines speed up the process greatly, but many of them can be hard to control, or wind up leave swirl marks in the finished surface.

Not so with the random-orbit sander. As the name suggests, its pad follows an entirely random pattern, so you can control the amount of wood removed, and leave your surface free of spirals.

They're great for all kinds of DIY projects, and the only handheld sander I'd recommend for your toolbox.

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Give the Gift of Self-Care with Bath Salts That Smell Like a Christmas Tree

by Rachel Jacks Dec 18, 2018

Make DIY Christmas tree bath salts — Photo: Rachel Jacks

Though the holidays are supposed to be a relaxing, fun time, for many of us they end up being stress-fests. Between shopping for gifts, preparing holiday meals and treats, and managing family interactions, it can be too easy to end the year feeling worn-out and frazzled. But that's where self-care comes in. Taking the time to give yourself a break can make a huge difference, and if that break takes the form of a hot bath for you, you can incorporate the rejuvenating scent of evergreens via these Christmas tree bath salts. Or package these bath salts up with some other bath luxuries, and give them as a gift!

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5 Ways To Wrap Gifts Using Office Supplies

by Faith Provencher Dec 17, 2018

5 Ways To Wrap Gifts Using Office Supplies | For Curbly by Faith Towers Provencher #creative #gift #wrapping #holiday — Photo: Faith Towers Provencher

Sometimes I get sick of using the same old gift wrapping supplies every year - they just never seem to run out! So this year I decided to get a little creative with my Christmas gift wrap by using office supplies to decorate plain brown kraft paper packages. And it was surprisingly easy! Click through to see five different ways to wrap gifts using office supplies.

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Upcycled Glass Bottle Holiday Centerpiece

by Faith Provencher Dec 17, 2018

Upcycled Glass Bottle Holiday Centerpiece | Curbly #holiday #upcycled #centerpiece — Photo: Faith Towers Provencher

Believe it or not, we're already halfway through December and if you're hosting a party this holiday season, it's high time you picked out a centerpiece idea for your bash! We can help... today we're sharing a super easy candle centerpiece that uses upcycled bottles and colorful berries. Keep reading to check out the tutorial!

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16 Gift Wrap Ideas that Prove the Wrapping is the Best Part

by Holly Wade Dec 15, 2018

At this point in the month, you might be finished with the shopping and have moved on to the gift wrapping (which is actually my favorite part). Make your gift wrap stand out under the tree with these gift wrap ideas that will make the wrapping just as fun as the buying! Whether you want to DIY or just wrap up a fun wrapping paper, there's an idea to fit your style and aesthetic. From gift toppers to tags to paper patterns, these cute gift wrap ideas are as fun to wrap as they are to open!

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Do This: Make Cookie Cutter Ice Cubes!

by M.E. Gray Dec 14, 2018

Sometimes I'll have an idea in my head for something I want to try, and that idea will just never leave. It was last Christmas that I wondered to myself, "Can one make ice cubes in cookie cutters??" The previous holiday season got busy fast, so I never got around to testing that hypothesis out. This go round, as I dusted off my holiday cookie cutters, I decided it was time. I tested my theory. The results? Success! Holiday ice cubes - oh yeah!