Surprising Christmas Traditions From Around The World

Christmas is only 2 months away! Part of what makes Christmas so special are the traditions that are passed down from generation to generation. Have you ever thought about what people from other countries do for Christmas? It can be very interesting. Ornaments for Keeps is here to tell you about some fascinating Christmas traditions from around the around the world. 

Surprising Christmas Traditions From Around The World

India

In India, instead of handing out presents, they distribute Christmas candies, referred to as kuswar to their neighbors. They will also prepare a Christmas meal of traditional curry and newrio, which is sweet dumplings stuffed with palm sugar, sweet grated coconut, and sesame seeds.

Philipines

In the Philippines, on Christmas Eve, they will attend mass and then eat a traditional Nochebuena Feast. They don't serve dinner until 11:30 p.m. The foods typically consist of ham, bread, noodles, and rice.

Spain

In Spain, the employers gift their employees with baskets of delicious food and booze around Christmas time. 

Ethiopia

It is a tradition in Ethiopia to fast for a full 40 days leading up to Christmas, just eating 1 meal a day. That meal can only be vegan too. Also, Christmas comes on January 7 there. On Christmas, they will only eat rooster carved into 12 pieces, which can symbolize the 12 disciples and 12 hard boiled eggs, which can symbolize eternity.

Iceland

In Iceland, Santa Claus takes on a whole new meaning. Instead of Santa, they have Yule Lads. Yule Lads are mischievous guys who climb through kids windows for 13 nights wither leaving a treat or rotting potato in the shoes of children, depending on whether they were naughty or nice. 

Italy

Italians who are Catholic will typically eat seafood on Christmas Eve. In America, this tradition is referred to as the Feast of the Seven Dishes. 

A Traditional Christmas Dinner in America 

A traditional Christmas dinner in America may include some of the following fabulous dishes:

• glazed spiral sliced ham
• green bean casserole
• mashed potatoes and gravy
• sweet potato casserole
• corn casserole
• stuffing
• cranberry sauce

We can't forget about the deserts!

• pumpkin pie
• sugar cookies
• gingerbread cookies
• banana cream pie
• apple pie

"Christmas - when eating a cookie or chocolate for breakfast is perfectly acceptable." - Author Unknown

Commemorate Your Christmas Dinner Memories!

There's nothing like eating a home-cooked meal on Christmas with all of your loved ones. Even cooking those meals with your family can make for quite the fond memories to cherish as well. Whether you are baking Christmas cookies with your grandma or helping with the different side dishes that will be part of the magnificent Christmas feast, you can commemorate these memories with an ornament to hang on the tree. From one family to another, we'd like to invite you to start your very own collection of personalized Christmas ornaments. Grab a cup of hot cocoa, your favorite type of Christmas cookie, and browse through our VERY, MERRY Christmas tree ornaments simply by visiting our website. Happy browsing!

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5 Ways to Give Back as a Family This Holiday Season

Christmas is a time for giving. There are people out there, less fortunate than we are that could use a little extra help and kindness around this time of year. It's also nice to be able to teach your kids the importance of giving back around the holidays. Ornaments for Keeps is here to give you 5 ways to give back around the holiday season with your family and an example of how we have enjoyed giving back as a family ourselves.

5 Ways to Give Back as a Family This Holiday Season 

1. Bake goodies for our heroes.

As a family, bake some cookies or casseroles for those law enforcement officers or firefighters that have to work around the holidays and deliver them to the police department or fire station. How special would that be? Your local heroes would probably very much appreciate it.

2. Pack stockings for the homeless.

Purchase some cheap stockings and fill them up with different items with your kids. Stocking stuffer ideas for the homeless may include:

• granola bars
• water bottles
• toothpaste
• warm gloves
• socks

3. Donate toys.

Go through your kid's old toys that they don't play with anymore or have just outgrown and donate them to the less fortunate. That could MAKE a child's Christmas to receive an awesome toy!

4. Adopt a family.

There are many organizations that help you sponsor a family in your area over the holiday season. They may need some extra food around the holidays and this could be a great way to donate to the less fortunate as a family.

5. Donate to a food bank.

Your kids may enjoy picking out food items at the grocery store to donate. Allow them to help pick out items to donate to a local food bank.


"It's not how much we give but how much love we put into giving." - Mother Teresa

We Have Enjoyed Giving Back as a Family

"We do a couple of fundraisers a year for different organizations. We are currently doing one for Bishop Guertin High School in New Hampshire. It's the fourth year we have done this. They order 200 ornaments and I design a new one for each year. They bake for 5 hours and then the detail is painted on. They are then dipped in epoxy twice to get that shine. It is a four-day process. We can't take any more fundraisers this year but if anyone is interested next year, check with us early. " -  owner of Ornaments for Keeps

Ornaments for Keeps is Here for Your Tree Decoration Needs!

Personalized Christmas ornaments can brighten up your tree and allow you to reflect on the memories your ornaments may represent. We encourage you to start your own family traditions at Christmas. It can bring a smile to your family's faces and make your Christmas all the more special. We invite you to begin your very own collection of personalized Christmas ornaments. Check out our website at OrnamentsforKeeps.com.

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5 Christmas Gift Ideas for Your Favorite Teacher!

Christmas is right around the corner and you know what that means... PRESENTS, PRESENTS, PRESENTS! There's a pleasure you can get when finding the perfect Christmas present for your friends, family, co-workers, even your TEACHERS! Ornaments for Keeps understands how difficult it can be to find the PERFECT present for your favorite teacher. Perhaps you haven't spoken with them on a personal level and you're just not sure what they like. Don't fret, we have prepared a list of Christmas present ideas that could be PERFECT for your favorite teacher.

5 Christmas Gift Ideas for Your Favorite Teacher!

1. Coffee Mug

What teacher doesn't like coffee, hot chocolate, or even tea? All of these delightful beverages can go great in a brand new coffee mug for Christmas!

2. Gift Cards

The great thing about getting your teacher a gift card, whether it be to Amazon, Target, or Wal-Mart, is it allows them to purchase what they really want for Christmas. Teachers have busy enough lives, treating themselves to a little shopping spree can be just the thing they need!

3. A Planner for the New Year

Teachers plan so much for their students throughout the year, that a new planner for the new year can go a long way.

4. A Hand-Written Letter of Reasons Why Your Teacher is Your Favorite

Showing your teacher what makes them your favorite teacher through a hand-written letter can mean the world to them. Teachers work hard so something like this can be really touching.

5. Last but not Least, a New Christmas Ornament for Your Teacher's Tree

A personalized Christmas ornament can allow your favorite teacher to remember each year how good it made them feel to receive such a thoughtful gift from their student. Christmas ornaments are the gifts that keep on giving because each year the ornaments commemorate some touching memories to reflect on.

Looking for Personalized Christmas Ornaments for Your Favorite Teacher?

Personalized Christmas ornaments can make your teacher feel special. No matter who you may be buying a personalized ornament for, whether it's for a new baby, sporting event, special friend, or wedding, Christmas ornaments can become a very special keepsake.

Each year as our family decorates our Christmas tree, the personalized family ornaments we hang bring smiles and reflection. When our children grew up and left home, we gave them their personalized ornaments to start their own family Christmas tree tradition!

I invite you to begin or continue your tradition and collection of personalized Christmas ornaments. Grab a cup of coffee, sit and browse our wonderful selection!

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5 Cute Things You Can Do With Your Dogs for Christmas

Christmas is such a magical time of the year! The entire family should get together and spend this time together, INCLUDING your dogs. Our dogs are family too, right? Ornaments for Keeps is here to let you know there are many cute and fun things you can do with your pets around Christmas time. It's their Christmas too. Here are a few things you can do with your dogs around Christmas time.

5 Cute Things You Can Do With Your Dogs for Christmas

1. Wear your BEST Christmas pajamas and dress your dog in Christmas pajamas too. 

There is such a cute selection of Christmas themed pajamas out there, not only for you, but for your fur babies too. This could be you and your fur baby's new Christmas tradition. What a great memory to make!

2. Make homemade Christmas themed dog treats.

What dog wouldn't love some homemade dog treats around Christmas time? There are an abundance of recipes online you can try. Make your dog some homemade candy cane shaped dog treats this year. This smells like a new, fantastic Christmas tradition to us!

"The best of all Christmas gifts around any Christmas tree: the presence of a happy family all wrapped up in each other." - Burton Hills

3. Show your dog some Christmas love and hang an ornament to represent them.

Ornaments for Keeps has a GREAT selection of personalized dog themed Christmas ornaments to choose from. Honor your dog this Christmas and commemorate the memory of getting to share Christmas with them.

4. Include your dog in your family Christmas card.

There are so many adorable Christmas cards out there where families included their fur babies in the photo. Try including your dog in the Christmas card. Dress them up in a cute dog Christmas sweater or drape some pretty garland around your dog. This can make for a Christmas card you will never forget!

5. Get your dog a present to "unwrap" at Christmas too.

Last but not least, your fur baby deserves a present to open to right? Whether it be a NEW dog toy or some new dog treats, include your dog in the excitement of opening presents at Christmas.

In Need of the Perfect Ornament to Represent Your Fur Baby on the Christmas Tree?

Ornaments for Keeps specializes in creating unique, personalized Christmas ornaments. No matter if your ornament is for a new baby, sporting event, special friend, or wedding, Christmas ornaments can become a very special keepsake. Each year as our family decorates our Christmas tree, the personalized family ornaments we hang bring smiles and reflection. When our children grew up and left home, we gave them their personalized ornaments to start their own family Christmas tree tradition! We invite you to begin or continue your tradition and collection of personalized Christmas ornaments. Grab a cup of coffee or hot chocolate, sit and browse our wonderful selection of personalized Christmas ornaments!

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Phone: (573) 893-3272
www.ornamentsforkeeps.com

Honor Our First Responders!

Our first responders work tirelessly to keep us safe! No matter what they are going through in their own personal lives, they show up and protect the good people of their towns from whatever trouble may be out there. First responders risk their lives every day for people they don't even know. Isn't that reason enough to recognize them around the holidays? Recognize commemorate the hold work your first responders put in to protect your family by hanging a Christmas ornament on your tree this year that represents what they do. Ornaments for Keeps recognizes our first responders and here are a few ways you can do that too around Christmas time.

Ways to Recognize Your First Responders Around Christmas Time

1. Take the time to think of your first responders around Christmas.

Many first responders don't get to spend Christmas with their families and friends because they are busy working and protecting people and dedicating their time make sure everyone else is safe. Honor them by thinking of them while they are away from their families on such a meaningful holiday.

"A true police officer fights no because he hates what's in front of him but because he loves who stands behind him." - Unknown

2. Hang an ornament on your tree that represents your first responders and the time they sacrifice for your protection.

We have an abundance of first responder ornaments to choose from. Each of our ornaments are customized and unique. Decorate your tree with ornaments that were made to signify the passion and effort our first responders put in every day to protect us.

"Fear leaves once you realize saving a life is miraculous! Fire is just a thing, people are the priority." - Unknown

3. Donate to local charities that are first responder based.

There are multiple first responder based non-profit organizations, such as the Fraternal Order of Police or the Fire Fighters Association of Missouri. Each of these non profit organizations try to create better communities through education.

"The day we learn to allow an ambulance to pass through in traffic, might be the first step towards being a truly responsible society." - Boman Irani

In Need of a Customized First Responder Christmas Ornament?

Ornaments for Keeps specializes in personalized Christmas ornaments. We love to create meaningful and thoughtful gifts you can give to your family, friends, and other loved ones. No matter who you may be giving a personalized Christmas ornament to, whether it be for a new baby, sporting event, special friend, or wedding, Christmas ornaments can become a very special keepsake. Each year as our family decorates our Christmas tree, the personalized family ornaments we hang bring smiles and reflection. We invite you to begin or continue your tradition and collection of personalized Christmas ornaments. Grab a cup of coffee, sit and browse our wonderful selection of personalized Christmas ornaments.

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The PERFECT Ornament for the PERFECT Couple

Whether you are in a serious relationship or you just got married, the first Christmas you spend with your beloved partner is special. Many memories are made and those memories should be commemorated and cherished. Christmas is a special time of year where love is celebrated and people are brought closer together. In this blog, Ornaments for Keeps will explain 3 ways to commemorate special memories with your significant other or spouse through personalized Christmas ornaments.

3 Ways to Commemorate Special Memories With Your Significant Other or Spouse Through Personalized Christmas Ornaments

1. Capture that special feeling you had on your first date.

Do you remember that first date you had with your partner? Did you go ice skating, to a movie, or just out to a nice dinner? Memories like that don't come along very often and you should celebrate that happiness by remembering it on Christmas, with your beloved partner. Have a personalized Christmas ornament made for your partner that shows what you did on your first date. This can make for a unique and special Christmas gift.

2. Capture that unforgettable moment when you got engaged.

When the love of your life finally got the courage to get down on one knee and ask for your hand in marriage must have been a life change moment. Why wouldn't you commemorate that moment on your first Christmas together? Capture the date and setting where you got engaged in a personalized Christmas ornament.

3. Capture that feeling you had when you found out you were pregnant for the first time.

How happy were you when you found out you were carrying the love of your life's child? That is a key moment in life that you will want to remember for years to come. Have a personalized ornament made to display your due date. When your child grows up, how special will that be for them to see you chose to commemorate them coming into this world? Don't miss out on opportunities such as these.

Inspiring Christmas Quote of the Day

"My idea of Christmas, whether old-fashioned or modern, is very simple: loving others. Come to think of it, why do we have to wait for Christmas to do that?" - Bob Hope

So Many Unforgettable Memories To Commemorate, So Many Ornaments To Do So

We here at Ornaments for Keeps enjoy what we do. Each year as our family decorates our Christmas tree, the personalized family ornaments we hang bring smiles and reflection. That's what we want for others too. No matter what's going on in your life, whether you just got engaged, got pregnant, your son just had his first big football game, or your daughter just graduated from high school, we have ornaments that can commemorate just about any life-changing, unforgettable event. To browse our awesome Christmas ornaments, view our website today.

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Baby's 1st Christmas, Make the Memory!

There's nothing more special than your baby's first Christmas! This is something you'll want to remember for the rest of your life. Your baby's first Christmas is a great opportunity to start new family Christmas traditions. Your baby deserves his or her very own 1st Christmas ornament! In the true spirit of Christmas, Ornaments for Keeps would like to share a few tips to make your baby's first Christmas special and memorable.

Tips to Try for Your Baby's First Christmas

1. Have Fun With Your Holiday Cards

Take some cute pictures or consider hiring a photographer to take pictures of your baby and create your very own Christmas cards. Who doesn't love receiving a personalized Christmas card containing a photo of a cute newborn baby? This can be a great way to commemorate the memory of your baby's first Christmas.

2. Purchase Cute Christmas PJs

How cute would it be to have matching Christmas pajamas with your baby? This sounds like another great family Christmas tradition.

3. Choose Your Baby's First Christmas Stocking

It's your baby's first Christmas so every little detail can be part of a long time tradition starting for the first time. If you don't see a stocking you like for purchase, try making your own. That can be more fun anyway!

4. Visit Santa

Your baby's first trip to see Santa can be magical! This will be a moment you won't want to forget. You can even commemorate it by getting a personalized baby's first Christmas ornament in the shape of Santa.

5. Make Travel Easier On Yourself

When Christmas arrives, it can mean a lot of traveling for some people visiting loved ones for this marvelous holiday. Make traveling with a baby easy on yourself. Pack enough diapers, try packing one for every hour of travel. However, don't over pack on diapers and formula. This can make for heavy luggage and you don't want to weigh yourself down. Diapers and formula can be bought wherever you are traveling to.

6. Last But Not Least, Get Your Baby's 1st Christmas Tree Ornament

Ornaments for Keeps loves creating baby ornaments. We have a large variety of personalized baby ornaments. We also enjoy finding different types of personalized ornaments to offer you.

A Wide Variety of Baby's 1st Christmas Ornaments

Here at our family owned ornament shop, we have a very wide variety of hand made, customized baby's first Christmas tree ornaments. Personalized Christmas ornaments create special memories for your family. Make your own Christmas traditions! Christmas is a magical time and especially when you add a new baby to the mix. Ornaments for Keeps invites you to begin or continue your tradition and collection of personalized Christmas ornaments. Grab a cup of hot cocoa, sit, relax, and browse through our wonderful selection!

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Phone: (573) 893-3272
www.ornamentsforkeeps.com