I don’t remember naming our tree every year growing up, but somehow this tradition has trickled into many of our homes. It’s fun and simple and perfect for any stage of life! Whether you have a tiny, fake dorm tree or towering giant from the farm, it could use a good name! (You can find […]
Okay, so this one isn’t a particularly unique tradition, but it sure is fun! We’d like to share some (actually 25) of our favorite Christmas movies and TV specials in case you’re in a Christmas movie marathon rut. Lots of cheesy Christmas goodness for kids and grownups too. We noted if the movies are currently […]
Mariah: I’ll never forget going with some college friends to Temple Square in Salt Lake City, and witnessing the moment all the Christmas lights were switched on. It was one of the most beautiful sights I’ve ever seen, the dreary evening suddenly bursting into color and glow. Christmas lights enhance the magic of the season, […]
Most of you have probably done some version of a Christmas Name Drawing before, whether it is with your friends, your family, or a Secret Santa setup. The basic principle is everyone’s names are put into a hat and each person draws one name. Whoever they draw out of the hat is the person they […]
So they tell you not to eat the yellow snow….(that’s some good advice right there!) But what about the other snow? I remember always playing in the snow with my siblings, building snowmen and forts, and making snow angels. However, there’s a lot less excitement for me now, especially because I was just hired on […]
It’s not just cliche–Christmas really is the season of giving. Like many other families we look for ways to serve even more during this time of year because, as the kindly gentlemen collecting donations in A Christmas Carol stated: We choose this time, because it is a time, of all others, when Want is keenly felt, […]
Elf Yourself brings a good laugh into our home in December. Elf Yourself is a website owned by Office Depot. You upload pictures of yourself (and your family, friends, co-workers, dog) and the faces ends up as one of the dancers’ faces in a short, comedic musical video. You can have up to five faces […]
Gingerbread houses are one of the iconic parts of modern day Christmas. Most cities have gingerbread house decorating contests and many malls use elaborate houses as decor for window displays. There is something so festive about the little homes frosted and draped in candies! Not to mention the cute little gingerbread people who they belong […]
You may have noticed by now that we Crouch girls love to bake. It’s a family thing. 🙂 Christmas is the perfect excuse to try out new recipes! There are parties, potlucks, family get-togethers, and all kinds of fun holiday get-togethers that revolve around food. I always make my favorites but also love trying new […]
Holidays are so exciting your first year of marriage. You get to choose traditions for a whole new family! My husband Joey and I received inspiration for one of my favorite Christmas traditions while we watched our first Christmas Devotional together 10 years ago. In that devotional, one of the speakers mentioned that President Thomas […]
***This Post contains affiliate links. We may get a small commission based on your purchases at no extra cost to you. Thanks for supporting This Blue Dress! In my opinion, it is never too hot to whip up a steaming mug of chocolate to sip. However, I will agree; it tastes the best after spending […]
Looking for a fun Elf on the Shelf alternative or a simple tradition that helps your family focus on kindness? Tara and Maegan both use Kindness Elves in their homes in December. Check out their individual takes on this sweet tradition! Our Kindness Elves Traditions Jingles the Elf (Tara’s Family) I wanted to do something […]
Christmas – There is snow, cuddling by fires, gifts, shopping, good food, and time with loved ones. It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year! Christmas – There is snow, cuddling by fires, gifts, shopping, good food, and time with loved ones. It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year! But the reason it is […]
Last year, my family attended a special Christmas event at a nearby Southeast Baptist Church called Bethlehem Marketplace. It turned out to be one of the most beautiful and impactful interfaith experiences I’ve ever had. The church set up a giant tent-like facility where visitors would walk through to experience what it may have looked […]
There are so many beautiful stories and books centered on Christmastime! Today we’re sharing two traditions to help you enjoy some Christmas stories with your family and loved ones! Post updated November 2020 with new book lists and tradition ideas! Christmas Book Traditions Reading Christmas Stories Each Night by Candlelight My family hasn’t done this […]
