Vintage Christmas Color Wheel

A vintage Christmas color wheel is a classic holiday decoration that was popular in the mid-20th century. It consists of a rotating disc with different colored segments, usually red, green, blue, yellow, and sometimes white or orange. When the color wheel spins, it shines light through the colored segments, creating a vibrant and ever-changing display of colors on the Christmas tree or other holiday decorations.

The color wheel was often placed near the base of the Christmas tree, and the rotating colors would reflect off the metallic tinsel and glass ornaments, adding a mesmerizing and festive touch to the tree. This decorative item was particularly popular in the 1950s and 1960s when artificial aluminum Christmas trees became trendy.

Vintage Christmas color wheels have become collector’s items and are sought after by nostalgia enthusiasts who appreciate the retro charm of mid-century holiday decorations. While they might not be as prevalent in modern Christmas displays, they remain a cherished part of holiday history and a symbol of the past’s vibrant and colorful celebrations.

Light Up Snowman Indoor

An Indoor Snowman or Snowwoman

It may seem odd to have an indoor snowman (or snowwoman) but if you can’t go out in the cold or you don’t have much snow in your area, an indoor snowman is a fun way to enjoy making your own snowman without any snow and without getting your hands cold!

Light up the Snowman

Lighting up a snowman indoors can be a fun and festive way to decorate your home during the winter season or for special occasions. Here’s a simple guide on how to create a light-up snowman indoors:

Materials you’ll need:

  • White styrofoam balls in various sizes (or any other material for creating the snowman’s body)
  • Black felt or construction paper (for the snowman’s eyes, mouth, and buttons)
  • Orange felt or construction paper (for the snowman’s nose)
  • Small twigs or pipe cleaners (for the snowman’s arms)
  • Scarf, hat, and any other accessories you’d like to add
  • Clear string lights or LED fairy lights

Step-by-step instructions:

  • Build the snowman’s body: Stack the white styrofoam balls on top of each other from largest to smallest, creating a snowman shape. You can use glue or toothpicks to secure the balls together.
  • Add facial features: Cut out eyes, a mouth, and buttons from the black felt or construction paper, and stick them onto the snowman’s head.
  • Create the nose: Cut a small triangle from the orange felt or construction paper and attach it to the snowman’s face to make the nose.
  • Add arms: Use small twigs or pipe cleaners and insert them into the middle ball of the snowman’s body to create arms.
  • Dress up the snowman: Put a scarf around the snowman’s neck and place a hat on its head. You can also add other accessories like mittens or a small broom for extra detail.
  • Prepare the lights: Wrap clear string lights or LED fairy lights around the snowman’s body, being careful not to cover the facial features or accessories. Make sure the lights are evenly distributed and secure them in place with tape or by tucking them into the snowman’s body.
  • Plug in and enjoy: Once you’re satisfied with the snowman’s appearance and the lights are securely in place, plug in the lights and watch your indoor snowman come to life with a warm and enchanting glow!

Safety Tips:

  • When using string lights or fairy lights, ensure they are in good working condition and do not have any exposed wires.
  • Avoid using candles or any open flames near the snowman or other flammable materials.
  • Keep the snowman away from curtains, fabrics, and other potentially hazardous areas.
  • Remember to have fun and get creative with your light-up snowman indoor decoration. It will surely add a charming touch to your home during the winter season or any festive occasion!

Other Light-up Christmas Decorations

There are numerous creative and delightful light-up Christmas decorations you can make to add a festive ambiance to your home during the holiday season. Here are some ideas:

Light-Up Christmas Wreath

Create a traditional Christmas wreath using artificial greenery, pine cones, and ornaments. Add battery-powered LED lights or string lights intertwined throughout the wreath for a warm and welcoming glow.

Mason Jar Luminaries

Decorate mason jars with holiday-themed stickers, snowflakes, or paint. Insert fairy lights or battery-operated tea lights inside the jars to create charming luminaries for your windowsills or tabletops.

Light-Up Christmas Tree Centerpiece

Craft a small tabletop Christmas tree using cardboard or craft foam. Add colorful ornaments, beads, and garlands, and wrap string lights around the tree to create a sparkling centerpiece.

Glowing Snowflake Window Clings

Cut snowflake shapes out of translucent vellum paper or plastic sheets. Stick them to your windows and add LED lights behind the snowflakes for a magical, snowy effect.

DIY Christmas Lanterns

Decorate glass or metal lanterns with holiday-themed stencils, ribbons, or paint. Place battery-operated pillar candles or LED string lights inside the lanterns for a cozy and safe illumination.

Light-Up Christmas Canvas Art

Create festive holiday scenes on canvases using acrylic paints. Embed LED lights or fairy lights within the artwork to make the elements of the painting come to life with a warm glow.

Twinkling Christmas Garland

Enhance a standard Christmas garland with battery-powered twinkle lights. Drape the garland along the staircase, fireplace mantel, or across a bookshelf for a magical touch.

Illuminated Christmas Village

Build a miniature Christmas village using cardboard, craft foam, or even recycled materials. Place battery-operated tea lights inside the buildings to bring the village to life with a cozy radiance.

Light-Up Christmas Stockings

Embellish your Christmas stockings with battery-powered LED lights or fairy lights. Hang them on the mantle, and they’ll add an extra twinkle to your holiday decor.

Light-Up Mason Jar Snow Globes

Create your own snow globes using mason jars, water, faux snow, and small holiday figurines. Add LED lights inside the jar to illuminate the scene and give it a magical feel.

Remember to prioritize safety when making light-up Christmas decorations. Always use battery-operated lights or LED lights to avoid any fire hazards, especially when using materials like paper or fabric. Enjoy the creative process, and have a merry and luminous Christmas!

 

Christmas Candy to Make at Home

There are plenty of delicious Christmas candies you can make at home to enjoy during the holiday season. There are countless other Christmas candies and treats you can experiment with, based on your preferences. Enjoy the holiday baking and have a sweet Christmas! Some of the options below can be made with children, others use the oven and others are definitely for adults (such as rum balls and eggnog truffles). Here are a few popular options:

Peppermint Bark

Melt white chocolate, spread it on a baking sheet, and sprinkle crushed candy canes on top. Let it cool and harden before breaking it into pieces.

Gingerbread Truffles

Combine crushed gingerbread cookies with cream cheese, roll the mixture into balls, and dip them in melted chocolate. Decorate with festive sprinkles.

Homemade Caramels

Cook together sugar, butter, corn syrup, and condensed milk until it reaches the desired caramel consistency. Pour it into a greased pan, let it cool, and cut into bite-sized pieces.

Chocolate-Covered Pretzels

Dip pretzel rods or twists in melted chocolate (you can use white, milk, or dark chocolate) and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Sprinkle with crushed candy canes or colorful sprinkles while the chocolate is still wet.

Peppermint Patties

Mix together powdered sugar, softened butter, peppermint extract, and a little milk to form a dough. Roll it into small balls, flatten them, and dip them in melted chocolate. Let them cool until the chocolate hardens.

Holiday Peppermint Patties

Mix powdered sugar, melted butter, peppermint extract, and a few drops of food coloring (optional) to form a smooth dough. Roll the dough into small discs and let them firm up in the refrigerator. Dip the patties in melted chocolate and let them set.

Maybe you are wondering whether it is worthwhile making Christmas candy at home? If you are hesitating, remember, it can be a fun and rewarding activity for several reasons:

Personalization

When you make Christmas candy at home, you have full control over the ingredients, flavors, and decorations. You can customize the candies to your liking, incorporating your favorite flavors and experimenting with different combinations. And you can ensure that no allergens find their way in.

Festive Atmosphere

Making Christmas candy is a great way to get into the holiday spirit. The process of creating treats, decorating them, and enjoying their festive flavors can bring joy and excitement to your home. It can also be a fun activity to do with family and friends, creating lasting memories together.

Thoughtful Gifts

Homemade Christmas candy can make wonderful gifts for loved ones. You can package the candies in decorative boxes or jars and give them as thoughtful, homemade presents. It shows your care and effort, and recipients will appreciate the personal touch.

Cost Savings

Making Christmas candy at home can often be more cost-effective than buying pre-made treats. You can buy ingredients in bulk and make larger quantities of candy for a fraction of the price of store-bought options. Plus, you can save money on packaging by using your own creative and inexpensive solutions.

Quality and Freshness

Homemade candy allows you to use high-quality ingredients, ensuring the freshness and taste of the treats. You have control over the ingredients you use, avoiding any artificial additives or preservatives that might be present in store-bought candies.

Bonding and Creativity

Making Christmas candy can be a creative outlet, allowing you to experiment with different flavors, textures, and decorations. It can also be a bonding experience as you involve family members or friends in the process, sharing laughs, stories, and the joy of creating something delicious together.

Remember, making Christmas candy is not only about the final product but also about the joy and satisfaction that comes with the process. So, if you enjoy cooking, baking, and indulging in sweet treats, making Christmas candy at home can be a delightful and rewarding activity during the holiday season. With that in mind, here are a few more christmas candy treats to make:

Christmas Fudge

Combine condensed milk, chocolate chips, and your choice of add-ins like nuts, marshmallows, or dried fruits. Heat the mixture until the chocolate melts, then pour it into a greased pan and let it set before cutting into squares.

Snowball Cookies

Make a buttery cookie dough with flour, powdered sugar, butter, and vanilla extract. Roll the dough into small balls and bake until golden. While still warm, roll the cookies in powdered sugar to coat them.

Coconut Snowballs

Mix together shredded coconut, condensed milk, and vanilla extract. Roll the mixture into small balls and coat them in more shredded coconut. Chill in the refrigerator until firm.

Candy Cane Marshmallows

Make a batch of homemade marshmallows and add crushed candy canes to the mixture before pouring it into a pan to set. Once cooled and firm, cut the marshmallows into squares and dust them with powdered sugar.

Candy Cane Marshmallow Hot Chocolate Stirrers

Skewer marshmallows on candy cane sticks and dip them in melted chocolate. Let the chocolate set, then use them to stir hot chocolate for a festive twist.

Peppermint Marshmallow Pops

Skewer marshmallows with lollipop sticks. Dip them in melted white chocolate and immediately sprinkle crushed candy canes on top. Allow the chocolate to set before serving.

Peanut Butter Balls

Mix together peanut butter, powdered sugar, and melted butter. Roll the mixture into small balls and chill them in the refrigerator. Dip the chilled balls in melted chocolate and let them set.

Christmas Crack

Line a baking sheet with saltine crackers. In a saucepan, melt butter and brown sugar together, then pour it over the crackers. Bake in the oven until the caramel is bubbly. Remove from the oven and sprinkle with melted chocolate. Let it cool and break into pieces.

Rum Balls

Mix together crushed cookies, chopped nuts, cocoa powder, powdered sugar, and a splash of rum. Roll the mixture into small balls and coat them in powdered sugar or cocoa powder.

Christmas Muddy Buddies (Puppy Chow)

In a large bowl, mix Chex cereal with melted chocolate and peanut butter. Toss the mixture with powdered sugar and add festive-colored M&M’s or other candies.

Chocolate-Covered Cherries

Drain maraschino cherries and pat them dry. Wrap each cherry in a small amount of fondant or marzipan. Dip the wrapped cherries in melted chocolate and let them set.

Holiday Popcorn

Pop plain popcorn and toss it with melted white chocolate. Add crushed candy canes, holiday-themed sprinkles, or dried cranberries for extra flavor and color.

Cinnamon Sugar Pecans

Toss pecan halves in melted butter, then coat them in a mixture of sugar, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Spread them on a baking sheet and bake until toasted and fragrant.

Chocolate-Dipped Apricots

Dip dried apricots in melted dark or milk chocolate and let them cool on a parchment-lined baking sheet. You can also sprinkle them with chopped nuts or coconut flakes before the chocolate sets.

Christmas Toffee

Cook together butter, sugar, and a pinch of salt until it reaches a toffee-like consistency. Pour the toffee onto a lined baking sheet, spread it out, and sprinkle it with melted chocolate and crushed nuts. Let it cool and break into pieces.

Almond Butter Crunch

Cook together butter, sugar, and corn syrup until it becomes a caramel. Stir in chopped almonds and spread the mixture on a lined baking sheet. Once cooled, break it into bite-sized pieces.

Eggnog Truffles

Combine white chocolate, eggnog, and a pinch of nutmeg in a saucepan. Stir until the chocolate is melted and the mixture is smooth. Let it cool, then roll it into balls and coat them in cocoa powder or grated white chocolate.

Pretzel Turtles

Arrange pretzels in clusters on a baking sheet. Top each pretzel with a caramel candy and bake in the oven until the caramel softens. Remove from the oven and press a pecan half onto each caramel. Let them cool and set.

These are just a few more ideas to add to your list of homemade Christmas candies. Remember to adjust the recipes according to your preferences and dietary restrictions. Have fun making these Christmas candies and enjoy the festive season! Enjoy the process of making these sweet treats and savor the festive flavors!