#popsicle stick christmas tree craft

[scariusaquarius]

makin' a list.

CHRISTMAS ADVENT BONANZA 2K24 DAY 10: Wish List, Ken 'Okarun' Takakura

Ken 'Okarun' Takakura Summary: It had been a long time since Takakura had made anything akin to a wishlist. You sit down with him, however, to make one together.

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A/n: I have NEVER written for Okarun before so this will be the first time I ever write for him. I hope that you guys enjoy!

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Genre: Romance, Friendship, Humor Rated: Everyone Warning: Fluff, Ken is precious :3, nerding out

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Author: ScariusAquarius

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Ken Takakura hadn't made a wishlist since he was 9. When he had discovered that Santa Claus wasn't actually real, and it was just his parents putting the presents under his tree, Takakura had been devastated. It had made him become slightly jaded by the holiday, and so every year since then, Takakura made it a point to avoid doing anything Christmas-like.

Call him petty, but Takakura was truly betrayed.

That's how he began to become obsessed with the supernatural; researching anything about aliens and UFO's and things that go bump in the night. Coincidently, it was also how he met you.

You were just as obsessed about aliens and UFO's like he was; and when you had sat with him in the library, gushing about his alien book that he was reading; it was the start of something great, at least to him.

It wasn't easy for Ken to make friends, and you were his very first one he'd ever had. To say that Ken Takakura adored you would be an understatement.

Then, he met Momo Ayase, and everything changed. He got his penis and balls stolen, got cursed, got his penis back, then one of his balls back, and it was a whole ordeal that he tried desperately to keep you away from.

But you were always such a caring person, and though Takakura tried to protect you, you still got involved when Takakura suddenly wasn't around as much. Strangely enough, you had taken the news of his newfound power very well.

Nothing had changed despite this new development, but Takakura was thankful for that. In a way, you made him feel normal again. That was why on a Saturday afternoon, the two of you were huddled up in your room; Christmas-themed arts and crafts strewn around the room.

Glitter and marker ink stained your fingers, and Takakura was sitting at the desk, watching you as you made a popsicle-stick version of a gingerbread house. A pen was between his fingers, an empty sheet of paper in front of him; decorated with little reindeer and presents but otherwise blank besides the title you had made for him.

"You haven't made a christmas wishlist since you were 9?"

You didn't look at him, your face morphing into an expression of concentration as you carefully glued the popsicle sticks together; precise with your movements and placements.

"No. Ever since I found out Santa Claus wasn't real, I just never really had a good feeling about Christmas."

You pouted, glancing over at him and making his back tense slightly as you sighed.

"Aw, that's so sad though. You should still do one, you know? Even if Santa Claus isn't real, it'll still be a good way to figure out what you truly want for Christmas."

You did have a good point there, he supposed. Glancing back down at the paper, Ken Takakura was then stuck with a dilemma that he hadn't had to deal with for years.

What was it that he actually wanted for Christmas?

Sparing a glance at you, you had gone back to making your gingerbread house, the room filled with christmas music and the subtle sound of the two of you breathing, and Takakura could feel a blush begin to crawl up his neck as an idea struck him.

Carefully, his pen moved across the paper, and he began to write.

Kenny's Wishlist!

New Binoculars

Cryptology: A to Z

New pair of shoes

A kiss from (Y/n) (L/n)

Takakura swallowed thickly before he carefully, but quickly, but his list into the red envelope you had put onto the desk for him once he was done and sat back in his chair. You glanced up at him, raising a brow.

"Are you already done?"

"Yep."

You made a face at him, rolling your eyes and huffing.

"You better not have just left it blank."

"I didn't, I swear!"

He couldn't keep himself from blushing, clutching the wishlist close, and you shook your head at him, sighing and raising your hands in mock-surrender with a smile.

"Alright, alright, I'm just teasing you is all. Let's go put the envelope into the mailbox."

Takakura nodded, and the two of you stood up, brushing your clothes off, and you grabbed another red envelope from your bag. Takakura looked intrigued, asking as he adjusted his glasses and leaned down a bit.

"Is that your wishlist too?"

You smiled brightly, nodding to him and brushing it clean of any glitter, dust, or debris that had gotten onto it since the time of you making it until now.

"Yep. I got it done right around the beginning of December!"

Takakura hummed, asking you.

"What did you wish for?"

Your smile became soft and gentle, and you looked down at the envelope when the two of you made it to the mailbox.

(Y/n)'s Wishlist!

(first item)

(second item)

(third item)

A kiss from Ken Takakura

...

"Oh, you know...the usual Christmas list stuff."

Takakura didn't exactly know what that meant, but he didn't care. As long as you were happy and kept smiling like that, Takakura could live blissfully ignorant for the rest of his life. Placing his envelope into the mailbox alongside yours, he became shy, adjusting his glasses and voice shaky.

"Hey, would you...maybe...um, want to...get some hot chocolate and watch the new Cryptid show that came out? They're airing the first episode in a little bit."

Your eyes sparkled with excitement, and you nodded, grabbing his hand and making the man damn-near combust as you dragged him inside the house again.

"Yes! Yes! I'm so excited for it, I hear the pilot is gonna be on vampires and the Chupacabra!"

Takakura gasped, momentarily forgetting that your hands were still conjoined by the time you two made it into the kitchen where the hot chocolate Christmas kits were waiting.

"No way, really?! I thought it was supposed to be on werewolves?"

"Nah, werewolves are lame!"

"Hey, that's not true!"

END DAY 10

i didn't know how to end this so forgive me ;askdjf;alsdjf

[biblio-smia]

i love ur writing 🥹 i was wondering if you could write about spending christmas with mike and abby? i think that’d be really cute 🫶

hii thank you so much!! in anticipation of the holiday season here you go <3 please ignore any typos

the air is cold despite the bundles of blankets on you, biting at the tip of your nose and leaving frosty kisses on your cheeks. it's merciless as it pulls you from your peaceful sleep, making you pull up the covers with a groan. your body contracts, folding into itself in an attempt to bask in the warm air you've trapped underneath your blankets.

your alarm goes off and you groan.

your head peeks out to glance at the time. 7 a.m. too early. icy air enters your nose through a deep breath as your brain attempts to catch up and remind you of today's schedule.

you're about to nestle inside your blankets and go back to sleep when your eyes find your clock again.

december 24th.

how could you forget?

there's a few final things to pick up before heading over to mike's: stocking stuffers, some more wrapping paper, pre-made cookie dough (the three of you have decided to make dessert from scratch tonight, but you're sure mike will find a way to mess it up).

another gift for abby catches your eye in glimpses between people, mike's complaining that you always spoil abby ringing in your head (so you buy him another gift, too). you should've gotten a cart or at least picked up a basket but it's too late now that your hands are full. you keep your items close to your chest, fingers going a little numb from the thawing cookie dough, pushing through the overcrowded aisles. it's a relief once you finally check out, exchanging your money for easier-to-carry bags full of your items.

the air is vicious when you step outside, refusing to mellow out. it forces you to hurry to your car, getting inside and turning on the heat hastily. after you rub a little bit of feeling back into your hands, you waste no time in driving over to mike's. 7:58 a.m. perfectly on schedule.

you should've called to announce your arrival before even stepping out of your car. you've knocked and can't expect mike to have been waiting at the door for you, but every second feels like torture when the wind is roughing you up.

your face splits into a grin when the door opens, mike tugging you inside, chilled through his red sweater from just the gust of wind that blew in with the quick opening of his door. he greets you with a warm hug, helps you hang the thick coat that is no longer appropriate for his warm home.

the schmidt house is somehow cozier than it usually feels, adorned with lights and greenery (that you'd helped put up). a christmas tree sits in the corner of the living room, decades old and the perfect size for the space, glittery ornaments reflecting the yellow lights of the small bulbs hidden between the branches of the plastic green tree. there are other ornaments, too - special ones, like old family photos mike still liked to put up, and ones abby had crafted herself. there were even some little snowmen mike had made when he was a kid, out of popsicle sticks and paint. you were proud to say there was an ornament you had gifted mike and abby on the tree, a little reindeer frame with a photo of the siblings inside.

"have you eaten yet? i'm almost done with breakfast." mike offers, resuming his role in the kitchen and attending to the eggs and strips of bacon on the stove.

you shake your head. "i haven't," you admit and mike nods, pulling out three plates from the cabinet.

"you're not allowed to look at these," you motion to the shopping bag you hold, a little lighter now that you've set the cookie dough on the counter. you're on your way to mike's room to set the gifts down before abby spots them when mike scoffs, looking pointedly at the cookie dough.

"you don't believe in me?" he asks playfully, picking up the container to store in the fridge.

"of course not!" you call from the hallway.

you take the small slot of solitude to quickly wrap the gifts you'd bought, knowing you won't have another chance with the busy schedule the three of you had planned. as you'd suspected, mike had been on his last scraps of wrapping paper, forcing you to wrap each gift in a different design. you uncapped a sharpie, wrote abby on one and mike on the other, cleaned up your area, and set the bag aside once again. your timing is perfect - you slip out of mike's room to see mike padding down the hall. you hear the creak of the carpeted wood as he comes up behind you, hand slipping easily on your shoulder as you quietly open abby's door. the two of you slip in to the dimly lit room, overcast sky letting grey shine through.

abby is curled up into herself, arms squeezing the life out of one of many stuffed animals, tightly wrapped blankets suffocating the teddy bear in her arms even more.

you're hesitant to wake her, but you know how upset she'll be if you don't. mike sits carefully and places a hand on the lump of abby that vaguely resembles a part of her arm, attempting to wake her through gentle shaking.

abby stirs but groans, disappearing further under the covers, conserving the warmth she has there.

"abby," mike sings. "it's christmas eve."

you can almost see abby's eyes widen before she even appears, thick blankets and bear thrown aside as abby shoots up. her head moves excitedly as she just now registers your presence in the room, throwing herself into mike's lap and wrapping her arms around him, giggling ecstatically. it's not long before she's moved onto you, gripping onto you tightly like she always does when she doesn't want you to leave.

but you're planning on spending at least a few more hours with the schmidts.

"c'mon, breakfast is ready," you say sweetly, tugging abby towards the bathroom gently.

"i can smell the bacon!" abby exclaims, smiling over at mike. he follows the two of you out, a discreet arm on your back pulling you towards the kitchen to allow abby a chance to wash up.

you expect mike to pull away from you once you arrive, to begin serving the still-hot breakfast he has prepared - but he doesn't. the arm on your back slides, but doesn't leave, as mike wraps his other arm around you, hands joining at your front. he rests his head against you, hold a little lazy but warm nonetheless. your hands wiggle between his, fingers clasping his. mike makes no move to leave and you laugh, elbowing him lightly.

"get off."

this just makes mike hold you tighter.

"mike!"

mike groans against you but doesn't move, forcing you to wiggle your hands out of his grasp and learn how to walk with a new weight attached to you. you eventually make it to the stove, mike giving you the courtesy of freeing your arms and allowing you to begin plating breakfast.

mike doesn't let go until all three plates are full of warm food, straining a little to press a kiss on your face before grabbing two of the plates and moving them to the little dining table. you're just setting down the last one when abby reappears, eyes bright and body cozy in a very festive sweater.

"where's yours?" abby demands, looking pointedly at mike. his mouth forms a little o, getting up from his spot at the table to start heading to his room.

"don't worry," abby continues, uncrossing her arms and looking up sweetly at you as she slides into her seat for breakfast, smile wide as she picks up her fork. "we got you one, too."

with plates cleared and bellies full (and adorned with matching sweaters), abby seizes the opportunity to lay out the schedule for the day.

"okay," she begins, pushing her essentially clean (save for a few crumbs) plate away, folding her hands neatly in front of her. "christmas movies," abby says, looking between you and mike for confirmation. "christmas cookies." you nod when abby's eyes land on you, leaning forward in anticipation. "and... we can go look at the lights?" abby looks at mike hopefully, and who is he to say deny her request?

"there's a neighborhood, like, 40 minutes away that goes absolutely crazy with christmas decorations. abby's been wanting to see it forever." mike informs you before giving abby a smile. "we can go look at the lights."

abby cheers and you laugh, moving to pick up the plates from the table. "so, abs, what movie do you wanna watch first?"

"we can take turns picking!" abby calls as she speeds to the couch, making space for both you and mike as she tugs on the blanket hanging on the back of the couch.

"well, i think the youngest should go first," you call back as you dump the plates and cutlery into the sink, mike bringing over the cups you'd all used. mike doesn't even give you the chance to turn on the faucet before you're pushed out of the way. of course, you shove mike's shoulder (though can you really even call it a shove?).

abby pats the seat next to her excitedly and you grab the small case of dvds, finding the festive ones and discussing the various options with abby. she finally chooses the grinch (the animated one, because the real one still freaked her out). mike is just coming over when she's made her decision, taking the dvds from you and sliding the grinch into the dvd player.

mike settles next to you as the animation begins to play, arm landing around your shoulders as you relax between him and abby. the grinch ends quickly, but you all make it through an entire round of turns and almost 3 hours of animated films before mike is gently pulling away from you and standing, eyeing the clock and muttering something about dinner. it's early, but mike is back soon enough after putting something in the oven.

he's been really trying to make this year the best christmas for abby: decorating much more than he normally would, trying to budget for presents he'd normally never look twice at. making you an essential piece of their christmas.

abby adores you, obviously. almost as much (if not as much) as mike does. while mike and abby have bonded more on their own, mike credits you for making the house feel warmer. for making it feel like he has a family again.

he's really trying to not let that thought terrify him.

but he knows abby feels it, too. the more frequently you come over and the longer you stay, the more it feels like you're supposed to be living with them, an integral piece of the schmidt house that just fits.

mike knows he'd like you around for as long as you'd let him. but for now, it's christmas, and mike wants to remember every moment.

there's a small camera in one of the drawers of a cabinet, one that mike made sure to charge before today. he pulls it out now, snaps a quick photo of you and abby cuddled up on the couch, very invested in home alone on the screen. mike smiles at the result that flashes on the small camera screen, setting it down on the table that sits in front of the couch before settling into his designated spot once more.

you glance curiously from mike to the camera, reaching for it carefully to not disturb abby too much. you let go of her gently, power on the camera and point the lens towards mike. you manage to take a photo of him caught off-guard, and another as he realizes what you're doing and smiles. you make a mental note to back up the sd card before leaving as you shut the camera off again, letting it sit on the coffee table for later.

you're about halfway through home alone 2 (it's no longer abby's turn, but you're all picking movies she wants to watch, anyways), when mike shifts out from under you again, whispering that he's gonna start making dinner.

"hey, abs, think you can finish this one by yourself?" you ask quietly, motioning to the movie.

"hmm," abby hums. "only if you guys make mac n' cheese."

you laugh, press a kiss to her forehead. "deal."

mike has already started pulling out pots and pans, various ingredients from the fridge and pantry littering the counter tops. mike stands, hands on his hips and head tilted in confusion as he looked down at a small notebook.

you come over and place a hand on mike's shoulder with hopes to soothe. you peer over to see what is testing mike and find a recipe for breaded chicken.

"what are we making?" you ask.

"i have no clue," mike admits with a sigh, flipping through the book.

"abby requested mac n' cheese," you offer.

"well that i can make." mike shuts the book and you smile, moving to reach for the ingredients you know you'll need. "i've got it," mike insists, though you've learned that that means he doesn't want to bother you.

"i know you do," you say, kissing his cheek. you reach for a medium-sized pot and mike bites his lip. his chest is warm as he steps out of your way, passing you ingredients and giving you directions as you start on dish one, together.

abby groans as she lets her fork clatter to her plate. "i'm so full, but it's so good!"

you laugh, pulling abby's plate away from her and scraping the last little bites of her second helping onto your own plate. "don't worry, we have a ton of leftovers."

"start getting ready, abby," mike says, finishing his own plate and smiling as abby cheers. "make sure to bundle up! it's cold," mike calls after abby, who's already racing down the hallway.

mike shakes his head and you're grinning. the two of you shove the last few forkfuls of food in your mouths, anxious to start heading out before it starts getting too crowded. the sun has almost completely set, the winter days making the days feel shorter. today, though, has called for a packed schedule.

you insist on cleaning up this time, pushing mike towards his room to go get ready. abby and mike reappear as you're pulling on the coat you shed that morning. mike buttons up abby's thick coat, wrapping a thick scarf around her.

of course, mike has one for you, too.

it's a warm, knit black one that you've seen mike wearing on multiple occasions. he wraps it around you twice, tying it off and making sure it's not too tight. you fix the collar of mike's coat, smoothing it flat with your hands. mike's hands linger on your scarf while his eyes have caught yours.

they're still so mesmerizing, a warm shade of brown that reflects the little lights hung up around the house. he's smiling, shyly under your gaze, but it spreads through his face and creates a glint in his eyes.

abby pulls on the crook of your arm, pulling your hand off of mike's chest. "let's gooo!"

"okay, okay," mike laughs, taking his hands off you and reaching for his keys. abby's hand is in yours as you step outside into the freezing afternoon, hurrying to the car with mike right on your trail. the heat blasts before the last door even shuts, all three of you shivering despite your layers.

mike turns up the radio to the inevitable christmas music playing, though it only fuels your festive spirits. the drive is anything but quiet, between the songs on the radio and abby telling you all about the great christmas party her class had just before break, there's enough chatter and laughter to last longer than the forty minute ride.

the roads are pitch black, thick clouds covering the shine of the moon as mike makes the final turn. the world is suddenly light up, huge blowups of famous christmas characters decorating almost every lawn, houses adorned with enough lights that you're sure would triple your electricity bill. there are huge candy canes, little christmas gnomes, even fake snow - no, real snow.

"oh, my god!" you laugh, pointing at the little white dots on mike's windshield.

"it's snowing!" abby cries, begging mike to get out and enjoy it. he yields and finds a place to park near the front of the huge neighborhood. the three of you are out, joining the small crowds of people who have made it out of their cozy houses on christmas eve to come see the lights.

abby is off, though mike warns her not to go too far, the wet snow not enough to keep her from admiring the glowing displays of rudolph and frosty.

you and mike hang back, watching her from the sidewalks, arms linked. snow collects quickly on your coats due to your leisurely paces, but it's too cold to retract your hands from your pockets to wipe it off.

"look!" abby calls from the next lawn over. "hot chocolate!"

sure enough, one kind neighbor is standing with a table full of hot drinks. three of them are picked up and you know the warmth of the drink and its sugar content is going to keep abby going for a while.

you and mike comment on each house, pointing out all the small details, how one house has been made to look one made out of gingerbread, complete with fake gumdrops. you've even began to give each house a rating out of five, as if you were judges on one of those light fight shows that always came on in the evenings.

"what about this one?" you stand in front of a home that looks like a christmas disco, bright flashing lights and colorful, mismatched decorations taking over the small plot of land.

"hmmm," mike hums through a sip of his drink. "i think three stars. maybe two, it's kind of giving me a headache."

you laugh and mike pulls you along to the next house that abby waves you towards, where a real-life santa has stopped, taking a break before his next round of dropping off gifts.

mike pats his pockets, sighing. "i forgot-"

"this?" you pull out the small camera from your pocket and mike grins. the two of you take turns taking photos of abby and santa, all wide smiles as santa picks abby up.

"here, why don't you two get in there?" a voice behind you speaks, an older woman coming up, patting your arms and reaching for the camera.

"oh, thank you," mike accepts graciously, pointing out the right button to click as he hands it over. the two of you join abby, posing next to santa for a few photos, flash almost blinding you a few too many times.

"thank you so much," you say gratefully, taking back the camera as mike joins you and abby begins saying her goodbyes.

"of course, dear. you two have a beautiful daughter." the woman smiles so wide you can't bring yourself to correct her.

"oh, she's not-"

"thank you," you interrupt. "and merry christmas."

"merry christmas," the woman repeats, heading off to rejoin her own friends, who point and coo at abby even from where they stand.

mike is looking at you with a smile on his face, wondering if there's any way you could possibly share his sentiments around the energy you bring when the three of you are together. he doesn't have time to ask, though, as abby comes up to you.

"ready to go?" mike asks, recognizing the tired look on her face.

abby nods and begins walking in front of the two of your, navigating back to the car. you slide your hand, cold from its exposure to the air, into mike's, pulling him into your coat pocket. you give him a kiss, lips warm from the drink you'd finished and the two of you are on your way, following abby closely.

you'd been forced to stomp the wet mush off your shoes before stepping inside, leaving all three pairs of shoes over a towel to avoid getting the floor wet.

the three of you shed your layers, stripping until the three of you sit in the matching christmas sweaters you'd started in.

"more hot chocolate?" you ask from the kitchen, thinking it's the perfect time to start baking some cookies.

"yes, please!" abby chimes as she climbs back under the blankets on the couch.

the hot milk you pour for the drink warms your hands, but the way abby's face lights up as you set the mug in her hands warms your heart. you waited until the drink was cool enough to drink before bringing it over, knowing abby did not have a patient bone in her body. she goes in for a sip immediately, bobbing for some of the melting marshmallows that sit on top.

"thank you," abby grins, licking chocolate from her top lip.

"you're welcome," you laugh, letting her attention to fall back to the tv behind you as you make your way back to the kitchen where two more mugs sit on the counter, steam coming out in little white wisps.

you bring mike's mug over(the one abby got him, the one that says WORLD"S BEST BROTHER), but considering he has cookie dough up to his wrists, you bring the warm cup up to his lips instead. mike takes a careful sip, humming at the taste of the sweet chocolate.

"does this look right?" mike asks with a little desperation in his voice as you set his mug down a safe distance away.

you take a look inside the large bowl he's working with, tilting your head at the mixture that doesn't quite look like the cookie dough you buy from the store.

"i think you added too much milk?" you offer.

"i didn't add milk," mike sighs, trying to keep his sleeves up and out of... whatever what was in that bowl.

you keep yourself from laughing with a bite of your lip, rolling mike's sleeves up for him. "here." you reach for the flour, adding in more and letting mike mix it around until it finally begins to resemble something more akin to cookie dough. you dare to try it, making a face that mike can't discern the meaning of.

"is it good?" mike asks, opening his mouth for a spoonful of the dough from you you.

"well, it's not bad," you say, putting the small spoon in mike's mouth for him to try. mike makes a face similar to the one you're sure you made, staring down at the bowl.

"how about we just make these chocolate chip cookies instead?" you offer, already moving to get the pre-made sugar cookie dough out of the fridge.

"yeah, that'll be better." mike scrapes as much of the cookie dough as he can from his fingers, washing the rest off in the sink and grabbing chocolate chips to add in. you're pulling out sheet trays to place all the cookies out and abby is called over to help cut out shapes to decorate later.

the sugar has taken its affect. abby bounces around, barely unable to wait until the short 12 minutes on the timer go off, staring at the cooling cookies on the counter as if that'd make them cold enough to decorate, faster.

at least she's still up - you're really hoping to see her open a gift at midnight.

"can we decorate them now?" abby asks, gently pressing on one of the sugar cookies to check its temperature. "they're cool."

you press a finger on the surface of the cookie, right next to hers. she's right - they're perfectly room temperature. you nod and abby cheers, taking a bit of a chocolate chip cookie as she starts decorating a cookie in the shape of a christmas tree.

"she is going to crash so hard later," you laugh with mike as the two you of start on your own cookies.

and abby does, in fact, crash hard.

her sugar-fueled energy had finally run out, leaving her head in mike's lap and the rest of her body sprawled out on you. the laughter that echoed in the kitchen had died down, cookies eaten, frosting spread on noses wiped off and licked off lips. you laid against mike's chest, watching the holiday movie playing with half-lidded eyes.

"are you asleep?" mike whispers when he hears your breathing even out for the second time.

"i'm not," you insist, blinking yourself awake.

mike laughs quietly, clearly not believing you.

"hey," he nudges you. "it's past midnight. merry christmas." mike turns his head to kiss your cheek, lips warm against your skin.

"merry christmas," you whisper back, trying to gently recover your hand from under abby to hold mike's.

but abby twists and turns until her eyes slowly blink open and she yawns, curling up closer to you and mike from underneath the blanket.

"what time is it?" she asks sleepily, though she makes no move to get up to go to bed. that's okay - mike will gladly carry her.

"merry christmas, abs. it's past twelve."

mike wasn't expecting abby to shoot up, giddy smile overriding any tiredness she felt.

"it's christmas!" abby cries, checking the clock just to make sure.

"merry christmas," you laugh, arms gently around abby to make sure she doesn't hit the floor in her excitement.

"merry christmas!" abby replies, throwing her arms around your torso and pressing her head in your neck, squeezing hard.

"merry christmas, mike!" abby moves on to mike, wrapping her arms around her neck as she hugs him tight.

abby is out of your reach quickly, untangling herself from the blankets and racing towards the christmas tree. "everyone has to open one!" abby calls, waving the two of you over.

"okay, let's see," you say, taking the blanket off both you and mike as you go to join abby. there's not a lot of presents under the tree, but both you and mike have worked together over the months to make sure that'll change by morning.

"i say, always go for the biggest," mike says, reaching for the biggest wrapped gift with his name on it - which happened to be from abby. you and abby exchange a knowing look and the two of you giggle, knowing exactly what the present mike picked up is.

you remember when abby shyly approached you with an idea in her head and a drawing in her hand. it'd taken a lot of work to put together, but abby had been so proud of you, excitedly helping you wrap it and unable to wait for mike's reaction to the gift.

well, here it was.

mike glances between the two of you with a smile as he tears the gift paper, revealing a sweater, multi-colored and uniquely decorated by abby.

"woahh!" mike grins, examining the details on the sweater before pulling it on. "it's beautiful. it fits great. it's perfect, abby, thank you. i love it." mike pulls in abby for a hug and she giggles, admiring how the sweater looks on mike. it's... definitely unique, but you know mike will wear it out anyway. the whole thing makes you smile so hard you barely register abby and mike looking at you expectantly, gesturing for you to pick a gift yourself.

"you know, i think i'll pick a small one," you reach for a small bag with both abby's and mike's names on it. you sift through the tissue paper to find a small basket filled with your favorite treats and, most importantly, a small handmade bracelet. you pick it up with a smile, slipping it on and looking up to see abby pull out two matching ones - one for her, one for mike.

"now we all match," abby grins.

'i love it!" you laugh, pulling them both in for a hug, holding up your wrists to look at the three bracelets together.

"okay, last one for tonight," mike says, fighting back a yawn. he's the only one who hasn't fallen asleep (even if only a little bit) tonight and it makes you frown ever-so-slightly.

"mmmm, i choose... this one!" abby reaches for an oddly-shaped, medium-sized gift wrapped in dark red paper with her name and yours written on it. she tears through the paper and the tape holding it together easily, eyes bright once they register the stuffed animal she's been wanting forever in her hands. abby's in your lap again, the little beaver plush you'd gotten her squished in between the two of you as she hugs you tight, thanking you profusely. you laugh, rubbing her back and saying something about the beaver not being able to breathe properly from where it's at right now.

abby lets go, plushie held tight in her hands as she stands, big yawn sending her body into a full stretch.

"okay, i think that means it's time for bed," mike says, rubbing the tiredness out of his eyes. "we'll open more presents as soon as you wake up."

that makes abby grin and she's in bed in no time. you clean up the area under the tree a little, picking up all the trash and putting the gifts aside for safe-keeping.

you enter abby's room to kiss her goodnight, following mike out and quietly moving gifts from mike's closet to their rightful place under the tree. the two of you clean up the living room: folding the blankets, doing any leftover dishes, saving leftovers and wiping off the counters.

the exhaustion is beginning to kick in, evident in mike's tired eyes. but the night is coming to an end and sweet sleep awaits you.

"you're staying over tonight, right?" mike asks, voice quiet and a little shy.

"well, i already brought clothes, so, yes." you're grinning and mike's face splits into a smile. you're following him into his room and into his bed, the two of you knowing how to share the small space comfortably after a few times now.

you're grateful for the warmth mike provides, for the feeling of security his arms give you. it's really been the perfect christmas already and it's only technically only halfway over. the plan for tomorrow is more or less the same, watching movies together and doing any other typical christmas activities you can think of. you're not worried about inadequate sleep tonight - the chances of abby waking up before ten a.m. are more than unlikely.

late nights in, late mornings. spending time with your favorite people in the world. it's an unbeatable feeling, warming your heart and making a dopey smile appear on your face.

mike can tell you're not sleep yet, feels you shift a little beside him. you've turned to look at him better and he's trying to figure out why when you kiss him. it's dark, but you've essentially memorized is face in this exact lighting.

"goodnight kiss?" mike asks cheekily, pulling you closer.

"something like that," you grin. "today was a good day."

"a really good day. it's been so long since we've had that much fun on christmas," mike admits, a little quietly.

you're quiet, too. you run a hand through mike's hair slowly, fingers wrapping around his curls.

"i love you," mike whispers as though it's the first time he's saying it. and even though it's not, it still makes you smile like it is.

"i love you, too." you kiss him again but he doesn't let you go as quickly as before, hanging on to you and capturing you again a few more times first.

"okay," you laugh between kisses, giving mike one final one. "last one. that's your goodnight kiss."

mike groans, tucking his head in the crook of your neck, gently leaving kisses there. "fine," he mutters against the skin of your neck.

"go to sleep," you roll your eyes playfully, letting mike rest half on you, hands on his back and in his hair.

"i am," mike insists, kissing your jaw before settling down, arm thrown over your body.

you're not quite sure who falls asleep first, but it feels like no time at all before abby is in the room, calling the both of you awake to keep opening presents.

though, her expression is worth it all, mouth agape and eyes wide upon seeing all the gifts that have magically appeared under the tree.

you and mike exchange a knowing glance when abby's not looking, very proud of yourselves.

and as the three of you sit, watching abby unwrap her presents, mike can't help but be a little impatient for the last gift you will open, a small little box from him that's been carefully hidden behind all the other presents.

because, while the past day has only further proven it, mike has known for a while that there's not a day he wants to spend without you - a promise that he hopes you'll accept along with that small piece of jewelry.

[useoftoysforchildsdevelop]

10 Delightful Christmas Craft Ideas for Preschoolers and Kids

Certainly! Crafting during the holiday season is a wonderful way to engage children in creative activities and spread festive cheer. Here are 10 delightful Christmas craft ideas suitable for preschoolers and kids:

1. Paper Plate Santa Claus:

a. Materials: Paper plates, cotton balls, red and white construction paper, googly eyes, glue, and markers.

b. Instructions: Have kids transform a paper plate into Santa's face by using construction paper for his hat, cotton balls for his beard, and googly eyes.

2. Popsicle Stick Christmas Tree Ornaments:

a. Materials: Popsicle sticks, paint, glue, and decorative embellishments.

b. Instructions: Paint popsicle sticks green, let them dry, then arrange and glue them into a triangle shape. Add ornaments with paint or small decorations.

3. Handprint Reindeer:

a. Materials: Brown construction paper, googly eyes, red pom-pom, glue, and markers.

b. Instructions: Trace and cut out handprints from brown construction paper, then assemble them to create a reindeer. Add googly eyes, a red pom-pom for the nose, and antlers.

4. Cotton Ball Snowman:

a. Materials: Cotton balls, construction paper, glue, and markers.

b. Instructions: Kids can glue cotton balls onto paper to create a snowman, and then use construction paper for the hat, scarf, and other features.

READ FOR MORE INFO SO PLEASE CLICK HERE & VISIT OUR MAIN WEB PORTAL

[indiagiftsonline]

How to Decorate Your Home for Christmas on a Budget

The very idea of Christmas kindles sentiments of joy and happiness. It is time to start planning and conjuring wonderful ideas to decorate for Christmas. Colorful Christmas decorations instantly come to mind as you prepare to create an aura of festivity. The best news is that affordable Christmas décor can be done by employing creative DIY Christmas ideas.

Christmas time can be stressful as it is packed with activity. You need to prepare for family visitors, plan parties, and complete Christmas shopping in time. Overspending will only add to your stress. You can even use old items from your backyard to create a beautiful space instantly.

Now, you do not need to cross your financial margins to create a gorgeous and inviting Christmas home. The most obvious way to create that festive air is by adding a Christmas tree to your home. It can be big or small and can be created with silver, gold, paper, or just a small rosemary plant. Gorgeous Christmas ornaments can be made by hand such as star ornaments made from Popsicle sticks or paper to be placed on Christmas trees.

Comfortable plaid throws, galvanized metal house lanterns, a red and green wreath, festive ornaments, and a beautifully flocked Christmas tree come to mind instantly when you think of pristine home decor for Christmas with an interesting rustic farmhouse twist.

There are multiple inspiring ways to decorate for Christmas on a budget. These include;

Create your decorations such as garlands, and wreaths out of affordable materials such as cardboard, paper, or felt. Make an attractive yet cost-effective Christmas tree out of an old pallet. Instead of buying an expensive traditional tree from the market, decorate it with free greenery from your backyard, or make a wreath or colorful tassels. You do not have to spend exorbitantly to create a picture-perfect Christmas tree that your family and friends will admire. Make use of a glass vase and mini Santa hat to craft an endearing DIY Christmas topiary. This will add a festive touch to your table.

For budget-friendly Christmas tree decorations, you can even hang stockings filled with dry flowers on your tree decorate it with colorful paper napkins and faux snow, or hang artistic paper Mache fun hats and flowers. Make garlands with bells, pine cones with greenery, and snowflakes, and hang on your mantel. You can also match your stockings to the colors of your mantel.

Choose a special festive theme to make Christmas decorating more innovative and eye-catching. Add cozy blankets and holiday pillows with pops of gold, green, red, or any other fun colors to add warmth. Craft a Christmas-themed pillow to highlight the décor.

Light decorative candlesticks in different colors add a striking and elegant aura for Christmas. By creating this cozy oasis in your home, you can create a peaceful haven where you can unwind and relax from holiday chaos. Christmas lighting is very effective as candles or string of lights can truly turn your place into an enchanting wonderland at night.

Light a few pine-scented candles and decorate your front door to add a festive touch to your home. Scented candles in traditional glass jars give out a heady aroma and make the entire space feel cozier and more tranquil.

You can opt for rustic farmhouse accessories such as vintage skates or, a red wagon, or old-fashioned wooden skis. Paint natural pine cones in vivid colors and hang them on your tree.

Another easy and inexpensive way to create a beautiful tree is to create attractive bows using paper or fabric for your tree. It’s a great way to save money and add a personal touch with branches, clippings, holly berries, evergreens, pine cones, etc. You can even intersperse some deer figurines or other decorative figurines such as miniature fairies to decorate your tree.

Place attractively wrapped Christmas gifts under the tree. Add some colorful ribbon, some ornaments, and some chalkboard gift tags to create lovely yet affordable decor for your tree.

By placing some Christmas vignettes in your home on buffets, dressers, media stands, and coffee tables, you can create a festive and jovial aura for Christmas. Another easy and budget-friendly way to decorate for Christmas is to fill up a bowl or vase with ornaments or pinecones. You can even hang them on a simple branch. To make your place look festive you can brighten your home easily by using a string of lights and command hooks to create a Christmas tree. Also, decorate it with a bright candy cane mesh wreath.

It is not important to spend more money and buy expensive and designer artifacts to decorate your house for Christmas. You can create a lovely festive aura with some Christmas Flower, such as Candle centerpieces with beans in a glass jar, or pom-pom Christmas garland, or asymmetrically hang your garlands to get an aesthetic and eye-catching effect.

Creativity is extremely valuable as you can put into practice DIY Christmas ideas to decorate for Christmas. True and fun-filled celebrations can happen if you know how to decorate for Christmas on a budget by using budget-friendly Christmas tree decorations. These easy yet artistic and affordable Christmas decorations will transform your home into a charming wonderland without incurring any additional cost.

[brandenton-adanet-1996]

Children of all ages will enjoy making a fun popsicle stick reindeer ornament! This easy Christmas ornament craft is perfect for holiday parties, Christmas gifts, tree decorations, school, and home. #christmas #crafts #kids

[withacapitalp]

Day One- Christmas Lights

Eddie’s favorite part of Christmas had always been the lights. 

They just made everything look so cozy. Big, small, white, rainbow, it didn’t matter. He loved them all. 

All his life Eddie had held a secret dream close to his heart, a quiet silly one that made things easier when his Dad would run off, or his Mom would leave him behind. Eddie would dream about the house he was going to have one day, and how it would look at Christmas time. 

There would be a big open living room with squashy comfy couches and wide floor to ceiling windows. He liked to dream about a pretty cherry wood upright piano in one corner, and a nice TV in the other. The Yule Log would be playing on the screen, the volume turned down real low to make sure no one woke up. A dog asleep in a warm bed in front of the fireplace, and the kids piled in mounds of blankets around a half finished board game. 

But the most important part of the dream was the tree. A massive pine with dark spiny branches and a beautiful foresty smell that would permeate through the whole house. There would be ornaments of all kinds- shitty silly ones made at school, special crystal ones that would have to be hung with care, dollar store baubles that were big and slightly gaudy. 

And, the best part, rings and rings of soft white christmas lights, twinkling and gleaming and bathing everything in a wonderful golden glow. 

That was Eddie’s actual dream. Not visions of chaotic rockstar glory like all his friends thought. Just a home, a tree, and a family to share it with. 

Tonight wasn’t exactly Eddie’s secret childhood dream. 

Steve’s house wasn’t warm by any means. There was too much quiet in it, too much loneliness. There was no upright piano, no TV, no dog. 

But there was a tree. A tree that had been put together with care by their family. Fifteen people clustered around one absolutely enormous tree, climbing up slightly terrifying ladders to hang expensive rich people ornaments that Steve hated with an extreme passion. 

And lights, of course. Eddie had brought them himself just to make sure the lights would be absolutely perfect. That mattered the most, and Steve would always indulge Eddie’s little needs.  

When they had finished with what decorations Steve already had, the kids had busted out the popsicle sticks, glitter, and glue. Dozens of absolutely terrible snowflakes and picture frames had been sloppy crafted together, splattered on the glorious looking tree like a toddler’s scribble on the Mona Lisa. Eddie loved the discordant energy of it, and Steve had been ecstatic to see it.

It still looked pretty now, even prettier with the dark night pressing up against the big glass doors. 

This wasn’t Eddie’s dream. The couch they were sitting on wasn’t terribly comfortable, but everyone else had managed to fall asleep on it anyway. Even Steve was out, lightly snoring against Eddie’s shoulder as he curled up in his arms. When Eddie let himself look away from the lights and down at the man nestled up against him, a rush of stupidly heavy love would barrel him over, flooding him with warmth and joy. 

He had never let himself dream about someone to share his home with, someone to raise those faceless kids he had always craved. Even in his wildest dreams, Eddie never thought he would get to have someone like Steve. 

It wasn’t the same as what Eddie had always wanted, but there was a tree, silly ornaments, and a family to share it all with. A love to share it all with. 

It wasn’t his dream. It was so much better.

[stardewremixed]

Stardewies as kids... Abigail

Glow in the dark stars on her ceiling. Fairy lights in her windows. And posters of Pokémon on her walls.

Butterfly clips in her hair. Bunny slippers on her feet. Borrowing mom's jewelery is always a treat.

Playing in the fields until dusk. Catching fireflies in a jar. Watching the moonlight jellies float home every summer's end.

Carving pumpkins every Halloween. Imagining her school uniform is infused with magical powers... like flight or super speed or... yes, she was caught daydreaming in class again.

Sleeping under the Christmas tree to catch Santa leaving presents. Peppermint nail polish for the holidays. Bows on presents. Shiny paper.

Christmas caroling in the square. Red mittens. Purple knitted cap. Red wool coat. Jingle bells. Handbells. Church choir. Pockets full of stars. Hair full of sunshine. Learning to whistle through her teeth.

Crocus - the first flower of spring and the last flower of winter. Shiny silver spoons and finding marshmallow charms in her cereal. Bubble baths and yellow submarines and rubber duckies dancing on waves.

Trying beading. Losing every one. Coveting the blue ribbon at the egg hunt. Vowing to win every year forward. Dyeing eggs all sorts of colors. Snorting a jelly belly on a dare.

Embellishing sneakers with sequins. Drawing animals with chalk on the sidewalk. Chasing rainbows. Chasing seagulls. Chasing the horizon.

Building castles made of sand. Rolling pie dough with mom by hand. Fruit scented markers. Lip smacked necklaces. Honeysuckle lotion.

Building pillow forts. Conquering playground equipment. Begging Sebastian's mom to build a tree house. Up a tree, down the slides, across the harbor in a rowboat made of driftwood. Digging in the sand for treasure. Pretending she's a Mermaid in the ocean riding a seahorse (really seaweed).

Playing pretend. Writing stories. Making up games. Pirates. Cops and Robbers. Fair lads and maidens. Princesses and frogs. Girl heroes. Singing the theme song to Kimpossible, standing on the back of the couch every Saturday into a hairbrush.

Watching every episode of Wishbone. What's the story? Giggling with books in the back of the library. Reading about adventures of kids in faraway lands doing brave things with their animal companions.

Swinging from the roof on the garden hose. Pretending she can fly. Ending up in the ER. Making all the nurses laugh with her funny faces. Covering her arm cast with colorful stickers. Calling it her battle scar.

Balloon animals. Face paints. Finger paints. Decoupage. Ceramics that are a little bit lopsided. Making pinecone crafts. Building a birdhouse. Popsicle stick towers.

Believing she can be anyone. Do anything. Go anywhere. Braving staring down the school bully, monsters under the bed, or broccoli on her plate with the same intensity. She will be the hero of her own story. Who needs Prince Charming?

[lilabeanann]

This will be my first Advent and Christmas as a confirmed Catholic and I’m so excited to start learning all the traditions and how to live liturgically!

I’ve watched a lot of videos from Catholic women who have shared their traditions and I’m hoping I can still try them even though I’m the only Catholic in my family (who knows, maybe my family will accept my invitation lol).

I’ve written a small list of things I think I can do this year for advent:

- a Jesse tree. I’ll have to either buy the ornaments or make them myself- luckily I’m an artist so I would love to handmake them!

- Advent candle wreath. Hopefully my craft store has thick purple and pink candles 😅…

- good deeds manger. I originally wanted to buy popsicle sticks to make a mini manger but I decided to sculpt it out of polymer clay along with a polymer clay baby Jesus. I’ve never heard of this tradition before but I just adore it! 😭 you add one piece of “hay” for every good deed you do throughout advent and then on Christmas Day, you put baby Jesus in the manger. I like this one because it makes me want to put all of the hay in so I can make Jesus comfortable, while also encouraging me to be a better person 😂

If anyone has any other traditions for Advent you’d like to recommend, please let me know! Be mindful that I’m a single college student and I’m the only Catholic in the family, so I’d like to see traditions that I can actively participate in at my current state of life.

Thank you!~~

[domesticnct]

25 Days of NCT Christmas Kun

(Sorry but he would literally be so perfect UGH)

Christmas with Kun would be so magical, he would truly make it the most wonderful time of year.

It all began a few days after Thanksgiving. Every year you and him would go down to the basement and get all the boxes of decorations from the storage room.

Your little toddler would always try to help you put the tree up by dragging the branches and passing them to you while she sucked on her paci. Your ten year old would always sit on the couch messing with his tablet and watch while you two stacked the boxes.

At first you thought he was being lazy, but moments later Christmas music started playing over the Bluetooth speakers while your son would grin.

He would spring up and as a family you would decorate the whole house.

Kun would lift your daughter up and help her put the star on top of the tree.

That night, he would take the family out to a Christmas petting zoo where the kids would pet and feed donkeys, snuggle rabbits, and ride ponies.

You would end the night with eating at a restaurant before heading back home to watching a Christmas movie.

Christmas week would be full of fun family Christmas activities.

Kun would come home late from work one day with a huge bag from the craft store.

It would be full of paint, glitter glue, stickers, glass ornaments, pipe cleaners, markers, and wooden popsicle sticks.

He would cover the coffee table in old newspapers and would make Christmas crafts with the kids all evening.

If you were lucky enough to get snow the week of Christmas, he would take the kids to the park to go sledding.

You would walk in on him getting the kids dressed up in their coats and winter boots, wrapping their scarves around them, and fitting the sweater around your big Labrador and loading them up into the car.

You took it as an opportunity to do a bit of Christmas shopping.

When you got home, the kids were watching Christmas specials and Kun was in the kitchen making dinner.

You would sneak into your closet and hide the gifts before joining him, but he would kick you out and tell you to spend some time with the kids because he had dinner handled.

You all would sit and have dinner and your kids would tell you about what they wanted for Christmas.

The next few weeks were extremely busy for you two. Kun had planned family outings for every weekend, there was his office Christmas party, your office Christmas party, family gatherings, and school Christmas parties. But Kun would make sure everything was done.

He would stay up late each night with you and your son putting together Christmas gift bags for your sons little class party which he had insisted wasn’t a big deal, they just ate pizza, drank hot chocolate, and watched the polar express.

Kun would cook dinner pretty much every night as he knew you had your hands full with Christmas shopping, looking after your toddler, and driving your son to and from hockey practice. 

Christmas eve would finally come and you would spend it with family who would all come over. They would leave their gifts under the tree, play games, and have your big Christmas feast.

Once everyone left, you and Kun would put the kids to bed, wrap presents, and set out extra decorations such as fake snow, a Christmas train set, and put special ornaments on the tree which you would tell the kids Santa had left.

Kun would let the dog munch on the carrots the kids left for the reindeer to make it look like animals had eaten them, and he would take a few bites out of a cookie and take a few sips of milk.

You two would end the night with a glass of wine, dancing to Christmas music in the kitchen.

The next morning, your son would come into your room bright and early in the morning and drag you two downstairs. Kun would get your daughter from her room and carry her down the stairs.

The two of you had succeeded in making downstairs look like Santa had truly came and Kun had even put in the effort of writing a letter from Santa to the kids thanking them for the milk and cookies though he was sure your son no longer believed in him.

He would sit on the floor with your daughter in his lap showing her which presents were hers. She would squeal with delight and Kun wouldn’t be able to resist kissing the top of her head each time. He really spoiled her.

After the kids were done opening presents, you would go to the kitchen and make a big breakfast, while Kun watched the disney parade with them and played with them.

After breakfast, everyone would play with toys together and you and Kun would sit on the couch sipping coffee just smiling at your two beautiful children.

Eventually your daughter would go down for a nap, and your son would be caught up playing video games so you would clean up all the wrapping paper, do all the dishes, and relax.

A few friends would come to call and would bring more gifts for the kids. You and Kun would give them eggnog and cookies and chat for a while before they left for their respective family dinners.

You and Kun would order Chinese takeout as was the tradition since you two had first gotten married and lived far from family and didn’t feel like making a feast.

Kun would cook a few side dishes he ate on Christmas growing up as his family didn’t celebrate it on the scale that yours did.

Your family had introduced him to big western style Christmas and he had taken it and made it extra special each year.

After dinner everyone would play monopoly together for a few hours before giving up and going to bed.

The next morning, Kun would make sure the Christmas spirit was still alive and well by inviting your son’s friends over and having another mini Christmas celebration because it truly is his most favorite holiday so he wants it to last as long as possible.

[argylemnwrites]

Celebrate Me Home

Pairing: Drake Walker x MC (Riley Liu)

Book: The Royal Romance (It Couldn’t Wait Another Moment universe, set almost 25 years after Why Are We Still Waiting?)

Word Count: ~2000

Rating: PG-13 (brief language)

Summary: This Christmas comes with some new traditions for the Walkers, but others will always stay the same.

Author’s Note:So, instead of finalizing my next chapters of WAWSW? and FoF, I got bit with the holiday fic bug hard. So, both of those fics will be properly back in January, but until then, I hope you all will enjoy a FoF New Year’s fic next week and this Christmas fic set in the very distant future of the ICWAM universe. As mentioned above, this story is set 25 years in the future, so there is some tech mentioned that I don’t think is possible at this point, but hey! It’s the future - it could be a reality in a couple of decades, right hahaha?

I wish everyone a very Merry Christmas, or if that isn’t your December holiday, a calm and joyous time with family friends. I know that the world is in a rough place for most of us yet again, but I hope that you all had a moment or two that were worth celebrating.

Riley wasn’t usually one for sentimentality. It just had never been her style. But as she took in the array of decorations spread out on the card table in front of her, a wave of holiday nostalgia and memories washed over her. 

There was the box of assorted cheap ornaments that she and Drake had picked up that first Christmas they had space for a tree after they moved to Brooklyn. The remaining glass balls had heat stains, any glitter had long since rubbed off, and probably only about a quarter of the ornaments were even left at this point, but they’d always found a spot for them on the tree. Then there was the wooden star topper that Drake had made for their first Christmas as a married couple, cut and sanded and stained bit by bit during trips down to the ranch. Next to it was the Christmas tree skirt that Hana had sewn and embroidered herself, names of family and friends shaped into evergreens.

Of course, Jackie’s creations took up the majority of the table. From her early childhood creations involving construction paper, glitter glue, and popsicle sticks, to her school-aged crafts including a cabin made out of pipe cleaners and a felt reindeer that had long been down to one googly eye, up to her teenage experimentation with different mediums ranging from sculpted clay Santa hats to beaded snowflakes to enamel on metal candy canes. It was a little like seeing her daughter grow before her eyes, both as a person and an artist. Twenty years of her work, evolving bit by bit, year by year.

She didn’t know why she was feeling so sentimental this year. This had been their family tradition for decades, Jackie even making them promise they wouldn’t decorate the tree until she got back starting her freshman year. And sure, they were down in Texas now, but it’s not like they never spent the holidays here when Jackie was growing up. Things weren’t that different.

Except they were. Before this year, none of these decorations had been anywhere other than Brooklyn. Hell, most of them had never left that two bedroom condo that was now another family’s home. It was like packing for the move all over again, and the emotions just hit her in an unexpected way. As she picked up a folded paper sled Jackie had sealed to preserve a few years back, she felt a tear slip down her cheek. 

“Are you sure you don’t need any help, Riley?” Bianca asked as she entered the room, leaning slightly against her walker.

Riley quickly ran her free hand over her cheek, grateful that Bianca’s eyesight wasn’t what it used to be. “No, I’m good. Jackie likes to help with the ornaments since she doesn’t have a tree in her apartment. I’m just getting things ready for her.”

“If you need more ornaments, I think Leona has a couple of boxes in the attic.”

“Yup, Drake and I got them down yesterday. We unwrapped them already - they’re over there,” she said, pointing to the coffee table covered with glass balls, various colors of bells, and a few ornaments that had to have been Savannah’s or Drake’s creations many decades earlier. There were a few of Jackie’s pieces there as well, gifts created for her grandmother and great aunt over the years.

“Oh, yes. Well, we have some Christmas lights you could use if you want some more.”

Riley suppressed a frown. Drake didn’t want to admit it, but his mother was definitely forgetting more things than could be attributed to just her age. “The wires were frayed, remember? So Drake threw them out and bought some new ones.”

“That’s right. Of course he did.”

The silence that followed was slightly awkward. Even after months of living here, it was still hard for Riley to find things to talk about with Bianca. And Riley knew that as strange as it was for her to be living on a ranch in Texas, it had to be so much weirder and harder for Bianca and Leona to have them there. Decades of daily rhythms thrown straight to hell with two extra bodies around the house. Having to face the fact that with aging, independence and self-reliance whittled away, to the point where your son and his wife had to move in with you.

“I hope you don’t mind that we’re putting out our decorations, too. We don’t want to-”

“Of course that’s fine, dear. More decorations just make things more festive! Hell, even Leona gets into the holiday spirit this time of year, and we both know that’s saying something.”

Riley smiled at her mother-in-law. At least she was still sharp enough to make some little quips.

“Anyway, I mainly came in here to let you know that Leona has a pot of her spiked cider going in the kitchen.”

“Thanks, Bianca. I’ll probably wait until Jackie gets here. Drake messaged that they should be back in just a few minutes.”

“Oh, wonderful! Well, let me know when she gets here, dear. We’ll get her a mug, too.”

Riley watched as Bianca shuffled down the hallway. She wasn’t sure if she was trying to put on a chipper face for the holidays, or if she was more at peace with Drake and her living there than she had been originally. Regardless, Jackie’s presence would probably put everyone in better spirits. Even Leona had warmed to her over the years. Last time she’d been down to Texas, Riley had found the two of them hate-watching cooking shows together late at night, snarking about anything and everything.

Truth be told, Riley was feeling a little guilty about Jackie having to come down here for her holiday break. It was the first year that Jackie didn’t get to go “home” for Christmas, or at least not to the only home she’d ever known. And sure, she was gaining independence, moving off-campus for her junior year, renting an apartment, lining up a graphic design internship for the summer. Riley knew that it wouldn’t be long before Jackie had her own place she considered “home.” But right now, she was still a college student, and Riley just worried that the move was unfair to her daughter, leaving her feeling adrift and homeless, even if it really was their only option.

Lost in her own worries, she was startled by the flash of headlights in the window. Just a few moments later, Jackie strode through the door, wearing a loose flannel shirt and some light wash jeans. Her puffy brown winter coat was shoved in the top of her duffel bag, which was dumped by the door with her laptop bag as she threw her arms around Riley. Riley clutched her tightly, reaching up slightly to run her hand over the back of her head.

“Hey, Mom.”

“It’s so good to see you in person. How was your flight?” Riley asked as she pulled back, guiding Jackie onto the couch.

“Fine, napped most of the way,” she said as she leaned back, tossing her hair over her shoulder, the red streaks glowing warmly from the Christmas tree lights.

“Finals go okay?”

Jackie nodded as Drake walked through the door, the rest of her luggage in his hands. “Don’t leave your stuff where anyone could trip on it, kiddo,” he said, nodding his head towards her hastily deposited bags.

Jackie rolled her eyes, but pushed herself off the couch. “You gonna show me what room I should put my shit in, old man?” she teased as she bounded over and threw her bags back over her shoulders, prompting Drake to roll his eyes as well. 

“Just because I didn’t know some of the musicians on your playlist does not make me-”

“You knew none of them! Not one! It was so pathetic, Mom.”

Riley chuckled as Jackie followed Drake up the stairs, teasing him as they went. A minute or so later, Drake came back downstairs, sinking onto the couch next to Riley with a sigh.

“She called you out on not keeping up with the latest musical trends, huh?”

Drake shook his head as his hand landed on Riley’s knee. “Among other things. Next time, you can pick her up from the airport. I swear she saves up a list of things to tease us about for months.”

“Who could have ever predicted that your daughter would be snarky and sarcastic?”

He chuckled as he gave her knee a squeeze. “Seeing as those traits come from you just as much as me, Liu, I think it’s only fair you share some of the payoff here.”

“Well, as soon as you finish teaching me to drive stick, that’ll be an option. But for now, I’ll just have to settle for her teasing here. Is she coming down soon? Bianca will want to see her, and Leona has cider going in the kitchen. Spiked, by the way.”

Drake nodded. “Thanks for the heads up. But yeah, she said she just had to grab something, and that she’d be right down.”

Sure enough, a few moments later, Jackie came racing down the stairs, a white box clutched in one hand. “So, I know I didn’t add any ornaments to the collection the last couple of years, but I figured this year deserved one. So here, before we start decorating,” she said, passing the box to Riley and Drake.

Riley opened the box and slowly pulled out a beautiful glass ornament, patches of green and blue that almost looked like-

“Is that a globe?” Drake asked, clearly seeing the same resemblance that Riley had noticed.

Jackie nodded. “Uh huh. This guy in my History of Media Art elective is mad into glass blowing, so I had him help me make this. But look.” Jackie reached down and flipped a switch along the ornament topper, illuminating several fiber optic strands. One glowed in eastern Europe, close to the Mediterranean, clearly in the vicinity of Cordonia. Two were close to each other in the northeastern United States, obviously representing New York City and Providence. And one last fiber lit up central Texas.

“Yeah, I thought it would be good to represent all the key locations for our family. And if I move somewhere else when I graduate, I have an extra cable strand in there that I can wire into the battery pack.”

Riley felt Drake clutch her knee a little tighter as she swallowed, trying not to cry. “It’s spectacular, sweetie.”

“It really is, kiddo.”

There wasn’t much else to say. Jackie was their daughter, and much like both of them, she was never going to be one who liked to sit around talking about emotions and feelings. They were all basically of the opinion that actions speak louder than words and whatnot. But this ornament said so many things that they all were feeling about the move. And while she missed their life in New York and knew that Jackie probably missed having a home to go back to there as well, they were still connected, bonded no matter where they were living. And as the light in Cordonia reminded them, the bonds of love and family had always bridged wide distances when it came to their lives. Texas was just another piece in the puzzle.

Drake pushed off the couch and wrapped Jackie in a hug as Riley stood and gently placed the newest ornament on the card table, one more snapshot both into their daughter’s growth and the lives they had built together. She hugged Jackie as well, then slung an arm across her shoulder, guiding her towards the kitchen.

“Come on, let’s have you say ‘Hi’ to your grandmother and Aunt Lee before we start decorating.”

“Thanks for waiting for me with the ornaments.”

“Of course, Jackie. It’s our family’s tradition.”

And so, the three of them moved down the hall. This Christmas was going to be different from what they were used to, that was for sure. But they were together, and at the end of the day, that was the truly important part.

Perma: @mom2000aggie @octobereighth @kingliam2019 @lovingchoices14

TRR/TRH: @iplaydrake @princessleac1 @twinkleallnight @gkittylove99 @ladyangel70 @marshmallowsandfire @axwalker @sirbeepsalot @iaminlovewithtrr @forallthatitsworth @marshmallowsaremyfavorite @hedgehogs-dilemmas

Drake x MC: @walkerdrakewalker @petiteboheme @mskaneko

ICWAM: @sunnyxdazed @thequeenofpixels​

[plus-size-reader]

Pretty

12 days of Christmas Special 2

Henry Bowers x Plus size!reader (Sister)

Word Count: 1281 words

Warnings: none

Summary: How the Bowers siblings spend Christmas

——————————————————————————————————

Christmas in the Bowers house had always been sort of strange.

Butch had never really cared much for the holidays, and often worked through Christmas eve because of that. He didn’t like Christmas, and since your mom had left, he hated it even more so.

Which left you and Henry alone for most holidays during your childhood, which necessarily wasn’t the worst thing for you.

It was no secret that your brother could be moody and mean on occasion but he wasn’t all bad. You never doubted that Henry loved you, and he proved that even more around the holidays.

Henry didn’t really care for Christmas.

All throughout his childhood, there was basically no Christmas but when you were born, that changed a little for him. He went back and forth on how he felt for you, but overall, he was pretty protective.

...And when it came to Christmas time, he wanted you to have more than he had as a kid.

He knew that Butch tended to ignore the holidays, even now, and wouldn’t do anything for you. Not only that, but if you were lucky, he would ignore the two of you when he’d had too much to drink or a hard day at work.

It had always been that way.

When the two of you were younger, Henry would go out of his way to try and play Santa. He would make you little crafts and toys and wrap them in newspaper so you’d have something under the tree.

However, he didn’t have to do that anymore. Now that the two of you were older, Christmas was easier on you both.

For starters, you didn’t believe in Santa Clause anymore, so he didn’t have to jump through hoops to keep that illusion alive for you. That was for the best, as Henry didn’t have energy to do that anymore.

...And it didn’t hurt that Henry had his own money now.

He didn’t have to make you flimsy Popsicle stick houses and paper dolls anymore. If he wanted too, Henry could go out and pick up whatever he wanted for you, and in that way, Christmas was better.

Though, your father still didn’t want to be a part of it. Butch refused to even get you a Christmas tree this year, because he didn’t want to look at it.

For him, it was nothing more than a nuisance.

Of course, Henry wasn’t going to make you go without a tree. It was a tradition that he knew you loved, something you’d been doing since you were children. You had always gone to the Derry tree lot and picked out a live tree.

It broke your heart to hear that you weren’t going to have one this year, so naturally, Henry took it upon himself to make it all better.

He started by having the boys come in so that they could get it all figured out. Patrick complained at first, but at the end of the day, he decided to just do as he was told without starting a fight with your brother.

While it was no secret that your father hated the holiday season, that didn’t stop the Bowers gang from putting together the perfect christmas for you.

It took a little bit of convincing i.e threatening on Henry’s part to get the boys to help him out but once he did, they all got to work trying to make it all work.

That meant buying ingredients for cookie dough and cutouts, shopping, anything to make your holiday the best that it could be.

...But first, there was one thing you needed.

“Oh hey, I didn’t know you guys would be here” you hummed, shocked that the guys were standing in your kitchen. It may not have been shocking normally, but this was a Saturday at ten in the morning.

You didn’t even know they got up this early.

“Go get dressed, we have plans today” Henry prompted, eyeing you incredulously from where he was standing. You were still wearing your pajamas and that wasn’t going to work for what he had planned today.

There was a strange tone in his voice, something you hadn’t been expecting, but you knew better than to ask questions. Whatever it was, you were sure it wouldn’t take too much time.

Henry would probably drop you off at the house a little later so he could hang out with the guys at the quarry. Even knowing that though, you went to get dressed just as he’d said and didn’t ask where you were going until the car stopped again.

The Trans Am jolted slightly as Belch pulled into a parking space, causing you to lean a little too much into Patrick’s side.

You were going to apologize to him, but before you could, you glanced out the window to see where you were. You didn’t want to get too excited but you couldn’t help yourself.

It was the Christmas tree lot. 

You really didn’t think you’d be able to come here this year but there was no denying it. Every year, the Derry Christmas tree lot stayed the same, and it was perfect.

To you, Christmas wasn’t Christmas without it.

You couldn’t help the small gasp that left your lips when you realized where you were, your eyes snapping up to Henry’s face as if to clarify what you were assuming.

When he nodded, a small smile creeping onto his lips, it was over. You scrambled to get out of the car, urging Vic to get out as quickly as he could so that you could start looking through the aisles.

From where you were sitting, you couldn’t get there quick enough and didn’t even bother to wait for the boys to get out of the car before taking off.

On occasion, the boys would tease Henry for going so far for your benefit but you were his little sister and he had always done this for you.

It was second nature by now.

...And seeing how happy this made you, they understood why this had been so important to him.

“Christmas trees huh? Who knew” Patrick shrugged, watching the way you buzzed around happily, smelling the fresh fir and pine trees and feeling the needles beneath your fingers.

It was funny, of course, but more than anything, each of the four males were just enjoying the obvious happiness this was giving you.

When Henry told them that you liked going to pick out a Christmas tree every year, they never expected you to like it this much.

“We used to go with mom. I think that’s why she likes it so much” Henry shrugged, heading in your direction without much more than that, only to be followed by the rest of them.

You didn’t like talking about your mother, because she hadn’t come to see either of you in years, and there was no reason for you to care about her. However, there were certain things that just brought back those happy memories.

“You find one you like?” Henry asked, coming up behind you. You were looking at a pretty big fir tree, with big full leaves and a bright green color.

It was a nice one, one that you’d have to put in your bedroom to avoid the wrath of your father but a nice one nonetheless. Even if it was going to be a bitch to transport, if this was what you wanted, he’d figure it out.

“Yeah, isn’t this one pretty?” you hummed, gingerly feeling the needles. It was going to be difficult to get home, but at least you’d gotten one thing right.

It was pretty.

[queenbirbs]

on this winter night with you | Ethan Ramsey x MC

Book: Open Heart

Pairing: Ethan Ramsey x MC (Sloane McTavish)

Summary: Ethan attempts to decorate his apartment for Christmas and worries himself into the ground about it, as per usual. 

WC: 1.8k

Warnings: alcohol mention 

Notes: Takes place during book two. Title from Gordon Lightfoot’s “Song for a Winter’s Night.” 

------

“This looks stupid,” he mutters to himself for what might be the fortieth time. 

Still, Ethan can’t resist reaching out and shifting the small pile of presents again. As if another inch to the right will suddenly make them fit in amongst the other decor on his mantle. They should be in their traditional place under the tree, but Jenner nearly consumed an entire bow when he turned his back. And with how much time he wasted watching wrapping tutorials on his phone -- twenty-seven minutes, according to the video length and the amount of times he replayed it -- he doesn’t have the energy to deal with that again. 

Especially when he’s spent so much of the afternoon fighting with the lights. When he pulled them from the dark tomb of his guest bedroom closet, they were wrapped neatly around a divider -- thanks to his dad, who gifted them to him years ago. Somehow, in the short trek to the living room, Ethan managed to tangle them into an incomprehensible mess. 

And there went another sixteen minutes. 

He has studies published in several dozen medical journals; he wrote his own textbook before the age of 27; he’s been the keynote speaker at the North American Diagnostics Conference for two of the past five years. But Ethan doesn’t even want to know how long he struggled with wrapping the lights around the tree, before he realized he could just pull the damn thing away from the corner. After wrestling it back into said corner, he plugged in the cord. Only to find that the lights were set on some bizarre, rapid blinking pattern that he couldn’t seem to switch off. 

There must be a joke out there about a doctor reading a wikiHow article on how to set up a Christmas tree. He sure isn’t laughing, though. Because for all his troubles, his apartment looks like the set of a low-budget holiday special. 

“This looks stupid.”

From the floor, behind the makeshift barricade around the tree, Jenner grunts in agreement. Ethan bites back the sigh that begs to form, figuring that he’s met his quota already. It’s irrational to be nervous about something so trivial -- it’s all tinsel and plastic pine needles, after all. But that’s not counting for what’s at the bottom of the box on the coffee table. Which is why he wants this to be perfect. Which is why he should stop worrying over the decor and see to dinner. 

He’s only gotten to slicing the tomatoes when Jenner races to the front door. 

“--the state with the worst drivers, I swear,” Sloane says to no one in particular as she opens the door. “I read an article about it in The Atlantic.” 

Bundled up in her coat and his scarf, she shakes the snow from her hair. Fat drops of ice plod onto the rug. She bypasses the coat rack and drapes hers across a barstool, then dumps her bag and scarf onto the island, muttering all the while about Massachusetts drivers. Her heels clatter to the floor as she kicks them off and moans in relief. It should be silly that, despite the panic he feels at her early arrival and the slight annoyance at the mess she’s made of the foyer, he’s still hit with that familiar pang of affection for this woman. He likes being on this side of the fence when it comes to their relationship. The side where it’s just the two of them, with no workplace rules or curious onlookers to spy on them. The sex is fantastic, don’t get him wrong, but there’s something thrilling about the domesticity. He certainly wasn’t ever able to say that about his other relationships. 

Now, if he could emit any sort of verbal greeting from where he’s frozen in place at the counter.

“You’re early,” he declares, wincing at the lack of subtlety. 

“Patient transfer went without a hitch. Must’ve been one of those Christmas miracles I hear so much about. So Naveen said I could head out.” 

Sloane pops open the fridge and pulls out a bottle of wine. Passing behind him, she gives his hip a quick squeeze before locating the corkscrew. She glances up through the curtain of her hair at him and grins, reading his nervous energy as easily as a book. He’s never been good at hiding much from her which, looking back, was probably for the best. “I texted you.”

“I… you did?” 

Popping the cork, she shoots him another look as she pours them each a glass. He takes his and tries not to seem too eager to have a sip. Reflections on the bottle pull her attention from him and to the odd light show playing in the living room. Ethan watches as she rounds the couch and lets out an amused chuckle.  

“What’s with the textbooks?” 

“Jenner kept trying to eat the ornaments. And the tree skirt. And the tree.”

“Most people get those weird, little fences.”

“I’ll get a ‘weird, little fence’ next year.”

“Don’t. I like it. It’s very…” she tips her head to the side, as if she’s assessing an art piece and not the Great Wall of Oxford University Press, “...you.”

“Thanks. I think.” Coming to stand beside her, he gestures to a plastic storage bin on the coffee table. “I didn’t have a chance to hang the ornaments yet.”

“Good. We can do it together.” Bumping her nose against his arm, she drops a kiss to the fabric there, and then another on his jaw. “After dinner, though, because I’m starving.” 

Leaning down, he hauls her close with his arm around her waist and captures her lips with his own. After a long, long moment, he pulls away and lets them both catch their breath. 

“Me too,” he says, grinning when she rolls her eyes at his antics. 

“Yeah, I got that. C’mon, you take care of the main course and I’ll handle dessert.” 

------

“Isn’t this supposed to accompany dessert?” he questions as he reads the label. 

“Hush. It’s Christmas Eve. We’re both adults with high-stress jobs working on a veritable sinking ship that we’re choosing to go down with.” Sloane ticks off the reasons with her fingers, though she only gets as far as those two before he passes the bottle of Marchese dell’Elsa to her. “And it’s Christmas Eve.”

“You already said that.” 

“Enough backtalk.” She uses her stern voice, but the effect is diminished by the sleeves of his sweater sliding back down over her hands. “It’s time for the best part.” 

Reaching into the plastic bin, she pulls an ornament free from the tissue paper. It’s a green, silk ball, shot through with a gold stitching that’s coming loose. Ethan thinks it’s old enough to be his paternal grandmother’s. A woman he has few memories of, but the ones he has -- orange parquet floors, low, throaty laughs, and the spicy scent of menthol cream -- are fond. Sloane moves over to the tree and settles it near the top.

Frank Sinatra’s Christmas album and the hiss of the gas fireplace accompany them as they make slow work of emptying out the bin. Glittery snowflakes and chipping snowmen hang amongst the cheesy doctor phrases his dad insists on gifting him.  

“Aww look at you,” Sloane drags out the word as he lifts out one of the last ornaments. Crafted from popsicle sticks glued together, the makeshift frame holds a glossy picture of Ethan clutching a first place trophy for the fourth grade science fair. “What was your project?” 

“A lemon volcano.” 

“That’s so cute. Mine was on the different decomposition rates of plastic in fresh versus saltwater.”

“Nobody likes a braggart,” he mumbles, prompting a laugh from her as she snatches the ornament from his hand and hangs it dead center on the tree. 

She turns back to rifle through the bin for any small baubles they may have missed, only for her to lift out a gold key tied with a ribbon. Confusion draws her brows together as she inspects it. Though he despises hyperbole, he can’t deny the near-feeling of his heart in his throat. He gulps down what’s left in his glass and sucks in a breath. Sloane moves to place it on the tree when he reaches out to stop her. 

“No, wait -- it’s… it’s for you,” he manages to stutter out.   

She shifts to face him.

“What?”

“This year has been challenging. Probably the hardest and most grueling in a long time.” Ethan rubs his palm along his jaw, unable to suppress the smile that comes with his next words. “But you -- you made it all worth it. I can’t help but be thankful that I’m here with you, at the end of this awful year. And I know that we don’t know what’s going to happen with the hospital, or where we might be next year, but I don’t really care about any of that right now.” 

And hadn’t that been a revelation, that the career he’d spent a decade dedicating his life to cultivating had fallen to the wayside when it came to his future with Sloane. Because that’s what he wants, at the end of the day, at the end of this mess. “Having you here with me -- I’ve gotten used to it. And I’d like for you to continue being here with me. If you want to, that is.”  

Her green eyes are wide as they flicker from his face to the key and back again. The lights shimmer against the auburn waves that have come loose from her bun. She clears her throat and gives her head a little shake, as if waking herself from a daydream.  

“I -- what are you saying?”

“I’m saying that I lied about needing to donate my clothes. I mean, I am still doing that, but the reason wasn’t just for a yuletide cleaning. I was making space. For you to move in with me.” 

He steps forward and settles his hands on her waist, kissing her once on the forehead. The smirk appears on his face, unbidden. “I thought I was being pretty obvious, what with leaving the top drawers empty and moving my suits to the guest closet.”

“I thought you were going to embrace the leather jacket look you picked up in Brazil and expand your wardrobe beyond grandpa sweaters and khakis,” she serves right back.

Ethan rolls his eyes at the dig. 

“Big talk for the thief currently wearing one of these so-called ‘grandpa sweaters.’” 

Sloane snuggles close, right into the space where she fits so well against his chest. Her fingers trace over the key. 

“My answer is yes, by the way.”

The confirmation warms him, right down to the center of his chest. Or maybe a little to the left. Cupping her face, he slides his lips along hers, sighing with content when she deepens the kiss.  

“I’m glad to hear it.”

------

Author’s notes and what-have-yous:

Another fic that’s mostly dialogue? Absolutely unheard of from me. Another fic that should’ve been posted in a timely manner? Yet here we are, day after Christmas. Oh well. 

Was the hospital talk vague enough for it to be obvious that I… haven’t exactly finished book 2? I got to chapter 14 and then work hit me like a category five hurricane for two and a half months, so I haven’t gotten a chance to actually play the last few chapters. I’ll get around to them eventually. 

Also: the Atlantic article is fake, though MA did receive the worst driver award back in 2014. As of 2020, Massachusetts was rated as the best for drivers (using data from 2017 through 2019).

Happy holidays and warm wishes to everyone still chugging through this wild, wild year. 

[useoftoysforchildsdevelop]

Jolly Fun for Little Hands: Creative Christmas Craft Ideas for Preschoolers

Christmas tree crafts for kids :

The Christmas tree is the first attraction for all kids during Christmas. You can use coloring paper, popsicle sticks, handprints for making a colorful Christmas tree. Then add some light, ornaments to make it more fascinating. Kids will feel like wow! Wow! There is an eco-friendly and adorable Christmas tree named pinecone Christmas tree. Use pinecone in the backyard and then use hot glue to add the pinecone with corks, finally paint it to complete the best artificial Christmas trees.

READ FOR MORE INFO SO PLEASE CLICK HERE & VISIT OUR MAIN WEB PORTAL

[be-ready-when-i-say-go]

From: Cace, Jae, and Calum

Cace and Calum meet at a Christmas and for being in their mid to late twenties that’s feels right. But things change when a baby gets involved and Calum just wants his best friend to enjoy her time, especially at the holidays. 

Female OC. Uncle Cal. Baby fluff. Enjoy! 

Enjoy the Christmas 2020 Blurb Masterlist

Enjoy my full masterlist

Support me on Ko-fi.  (Trying to put money together for textbooks next semester!)

__________________

Calum giggles mostly to himself, his index finger wrapped up in the fist of his nephew laying on his lap. Well, he’s not technically his nephew by blood but the bond is still all the same. Calum never misses an opportunity to show off his picture to anyone that will give him the change too. Jae looks so much like Cace it’s insane but he gets it now, all the comments he and his sister used to get, and even now. Calum met Cace only two years ago while at a Christmas party thrown by someone that he can’t remember. They found each other by fate, as Cace liked to say. 

Calum had been nursing his one drink for only half an hour before flipping the switch, rather than sulking, he was going to enjoy himself. Nothing too far, or too crazy but Calum knew he was definitely going to need a ride back home and he was going to enjoy the night. And it was in that, going back for another drink that Calum tripped. Nearly face planted with someone caught him with a laugh. “Let me guess, you’re not normally this much of a klutz.”

 He laughed in return, still holding onto the girls forearms. “Give or take.” His balance returned soon, but his hold never fell away. He wasn’t sure if he had seen her around before, outside of the party. She looked so familiar. But in the drunken cloud taken over his brain he couldn’t answer his own curiosities. 

“Cace,” she states. 

“Calum.”

“And you might want a water at least one before going for whatever else tickles your fancy on this spread.” She guided him towards the drinks and snacks and quickly tossed him a bottle of water. “Drink up, buttercup.”

“Thanks,” Calum said, watching her turn to head back to the depths of the dance floor. “Hey, Cace,” he called out. When she turned, eyebrow raised and head cocked to the side, Calum had a shot prepared, raising up into the air. “Oh, don’t make a man drink alone.”

 Cace walked back over with a grin on her face. “You know it’s bad luck to cheers with water right?”

Calum’s sly grin never wavered and he pulls up a second shot prepared. “Just give me two minutes to finish this water and no bad luck for us.”

And that brought them to grabbing lunch on Cace’s breaks--while she’s no singer, she does know her way around a contract--hanging in studios, the two of them taking day trips to get away from the noise of the city. Calum would ask for advice and Cace, being a year and a half older, happily gives it. But for all the advice she can give, Cace’s track record in the dating department wouldn’t ever show for it. 

Jae kicks a little but a grin lights up his face. Calum laughs, stroking a finger along his cheek. “Hey, hey, what’s got you all giggly?” Calum’s voice is soft. The couch dips just a little next to him and Calum looks over to Cace. 

Her smile is soft but still clearly holds the exhaustion that she hasn’t been able to shake yet. “How long have I been out?”

Calum keeps a hand on Jae’s tummy before sliding back into the cushions. “Not long enough. You’re off Mum duty. Remember. Uncle Cal and Nephew Jae taking the world by storm--no mum’s allowed.”

Cace scoffs, pushing up to to glance at the clock on the wall. “By the looks of it, it’s been an hour and a half and you haven’t left my house.”

Giving Jae’s tummy a rub, Calum tries to hide his smile. “Little booger here preoccupied me.”

“Oh just admit it, he’s too stinking cute.” Cace stares down at her son, watches the way he giggles and coos at the tickle of Calum’s fingers. “Like really stinkin’ cute,” she states in a whisper. For the moment she tried not to think too much about how she could kill the son of a bitch that got her pregnant only to bolt--though Cace wasn’t sure she’d call it bolting. He had a line of women and as Cace steadily refused to give up her baby, he went onto the next. 

“I know that murdery look in your eyes. You’re exhausted. That guy’s a dick. But you have a happy and extremely healthy baby boy. Take the day, Cace. You deserve it.”

Cace sits up, folding her feet under her. “I love my son. I just wish he wouldn’t have any pain.”

“Jae’s got Uncle Cal, and Uncle Ashton, and Uncle Michael, and Uncle Luke. We’re all he’s going to need--you’ll be there for his first crush and we’ll beat up bullies.”

Cace laughs, hand rubbing gently over Jae’s head as Calum rests Jaue against his chest. “I’ll be there to beat up bullies too.” 

“I did say we,” Calum grins, the twinkling lights of her decor. Her living room’s already been decorated. He helped last weekend with that and even helped her put a tree. “You know what you need?”

“You already told me it was sleep.”

“In addition to sleep,” Calum starts. The tree’s beautiful. Cace always makes sure of that for Christmas. “You need Christmas photos in cheesy matching outfits with your baby boy and we’ll send them out to your family and make really bad Christmas ornaments and we’ll stamp Jae’s little hand on one and you’re going to enjoy this holiday season with your son and your best friend.”

“Do you remember the Christmas party we met at?” 

Calum nods. “Of course I do. And this year will be the absolute opposite of that, but it’ll be good for you, Cace.”

There’s a moment silence. Cace studying the feature of Calum’s face and Calum studying the features of her. She notices the worry on his face, the way it pulls down his lips and makes his eyes dimmer. He notices the bags, but a certain bright spot in her eyes. “Alright, you’ve convinced me. Homemade Christmas ornaments and cheesy photos. I’ll go get dressed.”

“No, no, you stay home. Rest up. I’ll go out and get what we need. Jae can tag along. He gets a vote in the really cringe onesie I buy him.”

“Cal, c’mon. Jae gets fussy sometimes and in a mood. I don’t want you have to tackle that all on your own.”

“Cace, let me do that. For you. Just one day. I know Jae, when he gets fussy I check diaper first, try the bottle second, and if that doesn’t work. you taught me the swaddle. We’ll take five and I’ll make him a cozy bean wrapped in his mum’s smelling blanket,” Calum punctuates the part by tugging on the blanket Cace snuggled up with in her sleep, which admittedly she might be just a tad too big for, “and he’ll be fine. We’ll be fine.”

Pushing to her knees, Cace holds Calum’s cheek in one hand. Calum didn’t have to step in. Surely, there were better things to do than go with Cace to appointments and stay home on nights when she knew the guys were out. And he helped put together the nursery. He got the guys to help him too, but Calum would be on the receiving end of 7 am phone calls to fold baby clothes and lift packages into her house when she got too big to bend over or lift anything.

 “You’re more than a girl could ever ask for, you know?”

“Good thing you didn’t ask for me.” 

Cace rolls her eyes. “Yeah, no, I called it fate. But still, I appreciate you. For everything. It means a lot.”

Calum kisses her cheek. “You’re welcome. Now, text me what size you wear and then go back to sleep. Shower first. I can smell you.”

A chuckle escapes Cace’s throat. “That’s-that’s not me, Cal.”

“Oh, Jae, buddy.”

With Jae in a fresh diaper and the diaper backpack Cace keeps packed at all times on his shoulders, Calum straps Jae into the carseat he bought for his own car. Cace told him to just use the one she had, but Calum wanted one in his car, just in case he needed it for emergencies, for Uncle and Nephew days. His phone shakes in his pocket as he connects the last buckle into the middle. “All good? Snug in there?”

Jae’s on the verge of sleep, and Calum knows the ride will lull him right into the deep sleep. Calum responds to his own question. “Yeah, Uncle Cal, I’m snug as hell. Drunk of some milk. But, oh, boy, was it good.”

I wear a XL. Still have baby weight. Who knows if I’ll loose it all. 

A sigh escapes his lips. Cace hasn’t let the baby weight fixation go. She lost some of it, but the last little bit was still holding strong. You know XL just means extra love, right?

What happened to the e then?

Xtra Love. It’s cool guy spelling. You look great. You had a baby. Give yourself some kindness.

Cool guy spelling for Cool guy Cal.

Yeah, something like that. It doesn’t shock Calum that she doesn’t respond to the other parts of his text. 

Calum makes his first venture to the craft store. It’s the furtherest stop on the agenda today, so he heads there first. Jae sleeps the majority of that stop, even with all Calum’s wondering up and down aisle he doesn’t seem bothered. Calum gathers some popsicle sticks, glue, felt, glitter, various body safe paints, string, ribbon, and everything else he can think of. He knows it’s going to be a mess, but what’s Christmas without a little bit of a glitter bomb. 

Jae sings, or as close to singing, from the backseat as the radio plays. At a red light, Calum glances back. “Huh, that was a nice nap you got in. Let’s hope your mum got the same.” 

Calum knows by the parking lot this store is going to be a bit crowded and noisy. But it’s the first one he could think off that would family matching onesies. Calum figures instead of the stroller he’ll strap Jae to his chest. Hopefully that will keep him calmer seeing as the little guy’s still not totally a fan of a lot of noise. He does alright by prolonged exposure makes him just a tiny bit fussy. 

It’s a good sign when Jae looks around, eyes bright. “Oh yeah, lots of new sights around here,” Calum states softly. The store is not as bad as he originally thought. There’s still a lot of people out and about but somehow they don’t seem to be all swarming the shopping floor. He can only imagine what the checkout line looks like, but that’s more of a worry for later--if he even finds the matching onesies. 

The speakers overhead pump Christmas music through the store. Thought Calum wouldn’t call himself big on Christmas, he finds humming along, fingers brushing along the various fabrics as he weaves through the aisles and racks. Calum gets sidetrack on his way to the Christmas displays spying an intriguing button up--it’s black with a dotted pattern. Up close he can see there’s little snowflakes instead of actual circles. 

He shouldn’t get it, but he finds his size and figures he’ll hold onto it and debate whether or not he’s going to give into the impulse buy. Returning back to his assigned course, Calum debates if he’s going to go for the reindeer onesies or if he’s going to go for the ones decorated in various trees. “Your mum’s going to kill me if I show up with reindeer onesies, but you’d be cute. Maybe death ain’t so bad.” 

It takes a few minutes to consider all the options though, checking out what’s available in all the sizes they’d need. Calum catches the tiny whine Jae starts up with and soothing bounces him. “Okay, bud, I got it. I’ll be quick.”

Calum hopes death comes swift as grabs the reindeer onesies. Calum rushes over to the baby section. He knows without a doubt there are Christmas onesies hanging out. And sure enough, with only a two minutes search, Calum is able to grab Jae a matching outfit too and turns for the registers. On his trek, Calum does put back the button up--he doesn’t need it at the time being. 

The line is long. Jae’s settled for the time being, but Calum knows it might not take much to set him off. The cashier’s seem to be working fast so Calum risks it. He steps into line with a deep exhale. The first couple of minutes is goes by without a problem. And he manages to inch up just a little. However, by the time they get halfway through the life, Jae’s earlier whines start back up. 

Softy, Calum shushes him, running his free hand up and down Jae’s back. “It’s okay.” If this doesn’t work, Calum will just abandon the line and hope once Jae’s settle he can find the outfits again. 

 For a minute Jae seems to be settling and the line shuffles up again. However, they seemingly get stuck under/near a speaker hidden in a ceiling tile because the beef between Heat Miser and Snow Miser gets louder and that in turns sets off Jae. A cry spills from his throat. Not ideal, but Calum looks to see how many people are behind him--there’s only a few in front. But the sound of Jae’s cries tells Calum not to push it. 

“I gotcha, I gotcha,” Calum whispers to Jae, turning and shimmying past the people in line. He mutters a few apologies and though, he would normally find the rack to place the clothes back on, Calum doesn’t want to take too long in case this is a diaper change cry. 

“I know loud noises aren’t a favorite of yours, buddy. We’ll get somewhere quieter, promise.” 

Free from the line, Calum shuffles to the bathroom. “Alright, let’s see what’s causing these tears.” It’s partially a diaper change. Though in a clean diaper, Jae doesn’t settle completely. “Hungry?”

It doesn’t hold interest. Calum tries a few other things before just resigning to the fact that it might’ve been sensory overload on Jae’s part. Calum drags Jae’s blanket over his shoulder  and nestles him into it. Holding him close to his chest, Calum slips the backpack back onto his shoulder. “Okay, we can go chill out in the car. Try another store--hopefully less crowded.”

The cries haven’t completely stopped but they have faded. Calum doesn’t even glance over to where he stuck the onesies. They’re not important right now, an always be attained at some other point. Right on the mat that leads out of the store, Calum catches some voice shouting, “Sir!”

He doesn’t stop, assuming it’s someone trying to reach someone else. however, another, “Sir!” fills the air and Calum slows, turning his head. He doesn’t spot anyone at first, well not anyone that he recognizes are seems to be trying to get his attention but on a second pass over the faces, an older woman at the register holds up a bag. 

“Me?” Calum questions, readjusting Jae quickly and tucking him more into his chest and neck. 

The woman waves him over, before quickly turning back to the cashier. Calum steps a step forward, still unsure of what’s happening. He doesn’t know her. He thinks she might’ve been in the line either in front or behind him, but he doesn’t really know at all. 

“Is-is everything okay?” Calum tries to see what’s in the bag and then mentally runs through his mind of what he could’ve dropped in line. All the bags from the craft store are in the truck. His phone and wallet are in his pockets, along with his keys. 

“I should be asking the little one that,” she grins. Calum studies her face. He’d figure forties at the latest, two younger kids at her side. He wishes he did know her, then this would make this last strange. “Double check that these are all that you needed. Two adult onesies and then one for the baby, right?”

Calum’s heart nearly drops to his ass. “Wh-What?”

“Check that it’s all right,” she returns holding out one bag. The two kids hold bags of their own. “I don’t know if you were getting anything else, all I saw you put back were the onesies.”

“I-I can’t.” Jae wriggles in his arms and Calum sighs for a moment before bouncing him gently. “You really didn’t have to.”

“Well, now, I don’t have to do anything, you’re right. But I wanted too. I’ve been down this road. And the fact that you put your son above all, besides, it’s Christmas.”

Calum doesn’t even think to correct her thoughts on Jae instead he peeks inside the bag to see three outfits and a receipt. “Ma’am, really, I-I don’t know what to say. Thank you. I-I can pay you back.” Calum fumbles for a second to reach his wallet but she stills him with pat on his arm and a smile. 

“No need sweetheart. Take care of that handsome one and enjoy your holidays.” With that, she takes a hand of each of the kids with her and then continues on past. 

Calum watches her, unsure if it’s real or not. Unsure if he’s really living this. Someone, possibly a manager, comes down to the register he’s standing in front of. “Everything okay, sir?”

“I-yeah. Maybe a Christmas miracle?” he exhales facing them. 

It’s another woman with a smile. “She’s a regular here. Does stuff like this all the time.”

“Really?”

“Yeah. The second you got out of line, she was on it trying to get the stuff you put down.” Lined on the front of the registers are a line of gift cards. No good deed should go without something good in return. 

He grabs one quickly. “Can I put 50 on this?”

“Oh, yeah, sure.” The question clearly comes as a surprise. Calum knows by now in all his shock he’s not likely to find the woman in the parking lot. As the machine asks him to remove his card, Calum instructors them to use it for the next person in line. 

“You sure?”

He nods. “Yes, I’m very sure. Thank you, for taking me.” He grabs the bag and hurries back through the door. 

“You really bought reindeer onesies?” Cace sighs, peering into the bag. 

Jae sits in a rocker nearby. The moment Calum got him into the car his nerves completely settled and he went back his is normal bubbly self. Calum gulps down a third of the glass of water. “I didn’t buy it. But yes, reindeers.”

“What do you mean you didn’t buy them?”

“The line was long and I got stuck under the speaker in the store. Jae had been getting a tiny fussy beforehand but the music was the tipping point. So I stepped out of line. Just as I got Jae mostly settled, I figured I’d take him out to the car let him completely reset basically before trying again to snag the clothes. A woman in line saw me leave with him and she paid for it. One of the managers or something said she does stuff like that all the time.”

“She what?”

“Yeah, she paid for it while I in the bathroom. I guess the line was moving faster than I thought but I didn’t want to just ignore Jae, so I just made the call to leave line.”

“A Christmas miracle,” Cace returns. 

“Something like that. Did you rest well?”

“I didn’t wake up until you called and said you were on your way. So yes, much needed.” Leaning into the kitchen table, Cace uses her foot to add extra bounce for Jae. “I noticed there’s a second adult onesies in there.”

“Sue me. I wanted in on cheesy photos too.”

“Good thing phone cameras come with timers,” she grins. “Sticking around for arts and crafts too? I gotta feed Jae in another half an hour. Or am I still in Mum jail?”

“I’ll stick around. But you’re still in Mum jail, so that means I make Jae’s ornament--you sip on the non-alcoholic bubbly and gingerbread cookies you bought.”

“I do vote pictures first. Because there’s bound to be a mess.”

“Nah, it’ll be fine.” It can be that much of a mess, especially if Calum doesn’t bother with glitter. 

“You say that now,” she laughs. “But if you think there won’t be a mess, be my guest. I’m going to sip on non-alcoholic bubbly, eat gingerbread cookies, and enjoy this show.” 

Cace pops open the white grape sparkling juice and a fancy wine glass. Her second trip into the kitchen is for the tin of cookies--actually full of cookies--and settles at the kitchen table. She sits opposite of Calum’s ornament crafting setup. And it takes him until Cace has to feed and rather than fussing about with moving to another room, she drapes the privacy blanket over. The amusement is settled in deep on her face as she watches Calum try to sketch out his design. 

“I will say, I’m glad you’re a musician,” she teases. 

“Ya know what, not everyone can have a Dad who’s like a world renowned artist.”

“Tattoo artist, and trust me the drawing gene skipped me.”

Calum scoffs. “Then you’re talking a lot shit for a non-drawing-gene. But that does explain who you got into legal things.”

Her laughter is sharp. “Something like that. Though I think it might be more about me liking raining on some parades. Besides, who else can you call that will scare your team at just a name-drop?”

Calum points the pen cap in her direction with a nod. “I never suspected that you’d shake grown men to their core. But just the casual mention of you and you’d think they’d seen ghosts.”

Cace winks, readjusting the burping blanket. “I have that effect sometimes.”

“Can I burp him?”

“You’ve stolen my son!”

“Oh c’mon, I’m his Godfather.”

“You now Godfather Cal has a certain ring to it.” Cace turns down her mouth into a frown, dropping the octave in her voice, as she hoists Jae onto . “You come into my house on the day of my daughter’s wedding.”

Calum giggles at her impression but doesn’t push on the burping request. “I still prefer Uncle Cal. Easier to say.”

It’s as Calum can only watch the paint splatter onto the page does he immediately regret not taking Cace’s advice and taking photos first. Jae continues to hammer into the paint and thankfully, Cace doesn’t lose her head about messes. But Calum can only imagine what the green paint is going to look like against her yellow walls. 

“Jae, c’mon, work with me,” Calum sighs, lifting his tiny hand and then presses onto the felt. “Your Mum’s going to murder the both of us. But very slowly.”

Cace gasps from the end of the table. “I can hear you you know! I wouldn’t kill either one of you. Just tell you I told you so, repeatedly. Until you’d wish I have of killed you.”

“Just be glad I decided against opening the glitter.”

“Why would you buy glitter, Calum?” 

“I don’t know. I was in a craft store. I blacked out and when I came to, there was glitter in my basket.”Jae watches the exchange and slams a hand with paint onto the table. Calum’s sigh is audible and she watches him deflate in the chair. “It’ll come out I promise.”

“Or it doesn’t and I can forever mark that as the spot that Uncle Cal and Jae DIY’ed Christmas ornaments and when I’m old and nothing but skin and bones, I’ll pass the table onto him for his kids to make arts and crafts on and it becomes a legacy.”

Calum feels the wet hand on his chest through his t-shirt and cringes. Cace continues on. “Or what doesn’t come out is that stain on your shirt and you forever think twice about not listening to me. The pictures will be a story to remember. When my dad ask me why does Jae have a green nose and I tell him before pictures were taken he and Calum made ornaments and I advised ornaments second but Calum wanted to do that first and I scrubbed my son down as best as I could, but you know how green paint is.”

“You are not helping,” Calum whispers. 

“Oh, no, I’m not. But you’re right. I needed Mum jail.” Her raised eyebrow and pointed sip from her glass tells Calum he’s going to be the one cleaning up and only him. 

He doesn’t want her to be right. But even after ornaments are left to dry and he scrubs down Jae there is still a bit of residue, a hint of what color once took up residency on his skin that don’t completely fade reminds Calum to maybe listen to Cace since she’s the one dealing with a baby day in and day out. Though Calum would’ve liked to think he was a pretty good second. He’s there for a lot but there might be some things he hadn’t had to think through just yet on the whole baby front. 

His t-shirt is ruined and the battle of baby vomit vs t-shirts should’ve warned Calum to not wear anything he holds too precious. But clothes are just clothes in the grand scheme of things. “You’re lucky you’re cute, Jae.”

Calum gets him into the onesie and settles him into the rocking seat to see what he can do about the wall. The table made it with very minimal damage and Calum’s sure with another passover the little that does remain will come out. Cace kneels on the floor, a bucket beside her and the sounds of scrub hits his hears. “Hey, Mum jail, remember,” Calum returns. 

“Oh, I couldn’t let you suffer for that long without helping. I’ll probably have to repaint in some points, or I wait until he gets way older and just let whatever mess he creates exist and possibly turn it into some masterpiece.”

“You said the art gene skipped you.”

She laughs. “I did say possibly. As in an option.”

“I can help you repaint next week.”

“Wanna borrow one of my--what did you call it, an ultimate robe?”

“What are you on about?”

“Undershirt. I call them a white beater. You’ve got tons of them. You called it the ultimate robe in an interview once.”

“You said you didn’t watch those.”

“I don't normally. I saw a clip.”

“And you remembered from how long ago?”

Cace shrugs, dipping her rag into the water at her side. “Who knows at this point? You’re lucky I still remember my own name.” 

The thing Calum’s learned about Cace is that’s it’s true. She can hardly ever remember things about herself, but she’s always got it together for those around her. And that’s why he pushed for her to take today--because she needed the time for herself. And even if it’s hard because of a baby he still wants to be the one there for her. He would always have her back. He’d buy cheesy matching onesies and hold bells behind the camera to get Jae to look up and he’d fake pose decorating an already decorated Christmas tree and he’d hoist Jae into his arms and tickle the little boy’s side and he’d take the most unflattering pictures of Cace only to make it up with the most flattering ones right after if it meant that at the end of it all, she knew he had her back. 

Cace reclines into Calum’s side, Jae seated in her lap. The phone’s still counting down but she’s not worried about that. She looks up, watching Calum watching her. “I’m not the camera,” he teases. 

“Nah, but you’re a close second.” 

Calum kisses the top of her head, mostly aware of the shutter of the camera. “I’ll take that. Though I should be number one. Now actually face the camera once I set this up again.”

“No promises,” Cace laughs. Though she does look at the camera the second time. She can faintly see the slightly out of focus string lights on the trees. And inside the square it’s bound to be picturesque. There’s no walls with green paint or t-shirts ruined, or still open can of cookies that she absolutely thought she had covered and put back up. And maybe it’s okay if perfection only exist inside that square. And maybe it’s okay if her house is a mess and she’s a mess, and Calum’s a mess because at least she had the few people that cared around still.

********

Joy hadn’t anticipated seeing Calum’s handwriting on a letter just yet. His card usually came with him in person. But she doesn’t let the curiosity simmer too long and flips over the white envelope to pop the golden sticker holding it close.  A beautiful white, gold and green card greets her, with Merry Christmas on it. 

When she open the card, a couple photos slip down and she can see the black ink with Calum’s telling handwriting. She spies Cace and Jae standing in front of a tree, a decorating dangling in her hand. The second photo is Cace, Calum and Jae seated on the floor, smiling with the twinkling lights fading in the background. There’s a third of Calum and Jae too. All three of them matching with reminders antlers poking out from the hood of their pj’s. 

The typography of the inside of the card is the same as the outside, Season Greetings. But just above it is a note, from Cace, Jae, and Calum. And then just below the standard greeting of the card is more from Calum. 

Hi Mum, 

I know this card normally comes with me attached but I didn’t want to forget to send these pictures. 

I made Cace take a day and partially it was successful. Another part was disastrous. Disaster struck with paint and ornaments but I know you said you wanted more pictures of Jae too. These felt appropriate. He’s getting bigger, like everytime I blink he’s in a new size. I don’t know how Cace does it. How she just watches him everyday and doesn’t worry that time is moving too fast. Maybe she does worry and does her best just to focus on the day at hand. I don’t know how you did it with Mali and me. I’m sure it was the same thing--everyday just us shooting up with almost no end in sight. You’ll be happy to know Cace and Jae are doing well too. She started work again and takes him most days. Some days she drops him off at a daycare. He seems to handle it well for now. Soon, she says she’ll be dropping him off more than half the week at the daycare. So we’ll know for sure how Jae feels about that when that happens. 

Send me some Oz summer. I wasn’t sure I was ready to jump into onesies just yet and even after this pictures, I still don’t think I am. Love you and miss you. 

Calum. 

[brandenton-adanet-1996]

POPSICLE STICK CHRISTMAS ORNAMENTS - these are so cute and fun to make! Make a snowman, Santa or Christmas tree. Perfect for kids to help make and then you can hang them on the tree as ornaments! Easy Christmas craft for kids. #bestideasforkids #kidscrafts #kidsactivities #christmas #diy #crafts #christmascrafts #ornaments #preschool #kindergarten #craftsforkids

[craftythinkingofficial]

Christmas Arts and Crafts

Christmas Arts and Crafts Ideas

Christmas is about spending time with family and friends and making memorable memories, especially for children. While there are various ways to achieve this���think snow angels and sledding—on some days, indoor activities are the ideal choice. Rather than plopping the kids in front of a holiday movie (although we do that too!), share your love of DIY Christmas Arts and Crafts Ideas with the kids by doing a Christmas craft with their help!

What is the most appealing part of these endeavors? They make for meaningful and personal holiday decor that can be used in any house room and are also great to give as gifts. Performing them every year will become a wonderful Christmas tradition. Bookmark the countless DIY Christmas ornaments that follow if you want to add a bit more decoration to your Christmas tree!

44 Amazing Christmas Arts and Crafts Ideas

1. Santa Claus Advent Calendar

2. Hot Cocoa Kit

3. Felt Wreath

4. Jingle Bells

5. Christmas Treat Bags

6. Candy Pots

7. Paper Plate Santa Claus

8. Balloon Christmas Wreath

9. Pinecone Tree

10. Snowflake ornament

11. Photo Ornament

12. Popsicle Sticks Christmas Craft

13. Paper Plates Christmas tree

14. Handprint Santa and Reindeer

15. Grinch Slime

16. Beading and Pipe Ornaments

17. No-Sew Snowman

18. Toilet Paper Roll Snowman

19. Recycled Ribbon Tree Ornaments

20. Tea Light Ornaments

21. Pasta Christmas tree

22. Santa’s Slime

23. Do It Yourself Pom Pom Ornament

24. Family Handprints on a Christmas Tree

25. Toilet Paper Made of Reindeer

26. Tissue Paper Wreath

27. Felt Ornaments

28. Tree Fashioned from Tin Cans

29. Felt Gnome for Christmas

30. Paper Tree That Isn’t Complicated

31. Dinosaur Cloche

32. Snow Globe

33. Jar of Happiness

34. Candle Holder

35. Crystal Candle

36. Christmas Arts and Crafts

37. Sock-Wearing Snowman

38. Wool Based Christmas tree

39. Wreath of Citrus Fruits

40. Snowy Wreath

41. Christmas Stockings

42. A Christmas Themed Memory Game

43. Snowman in the Tissue Box

44. Gift Bags Made from Recycled Materials

Whatever you and your children decide to make, the most important thing is that you’ll be spending quality time together during the holidays—and who doesn’t want to spend quality time together during the holidays? Start with a few glue sticks and some paint to make one of our favorite Christmas crafts for kids!