The True Gifts of Christmas: Rediscovering the Meaning Behind Our Favorite Traditions

This post contains affiliate links where I earn a small commission when you make a purchase. Thanks for supporting my blog.

Every December, our family pulls out the boxes of ornaments, the tangled lights, and the cocoa mugs that only appear once a year. It’s joyful and chaotic, a mix of glitter, cookies, and carols, but sometimes, in the rush to make everything magical, I forget why we do it all in the first place.

This year, I wanted to slow things down and help Emilia and Nicholas connect with the meaning behind our Christmas traditions. That’s when I received a new book published by Loyola Press: The True Gifts of Christmas: Unwrapping the Meaning Behind Our Most Cherished Traditions by Megan Alexander.

A Book That Brings Christmas Traditions to Life

In The True Gifts of Christmas, author Megan Alexander takes 25 of our most beloved holiday symbols such as candy canes, stockings, wreaths, Christmas trees, and Santa Claus, and unwraps the stories and symbolism behind each one.

Each chapter explores a single tradition and its deeper purpose, showing how these customs reflect love, generosity, hope, and faith. What I love most is that the book doesn’t feel like a history lesson. It feels like a cozy conversation. You can easily read one story each night with your family leading up to Christmas, making it a gentle and reflective countdown to the big day.

Emilia especially loved learning that the candy cane’s shape and colors have special meanings, while Nicholas was thrilled to “hunt” for candy canes around the house afterward. Every chapter gives you a simple way to bring the message to life, whether it’s crafting, baking, or performing a small act of kindness.

Why This Book Belongs in Every Family’s Holiday Season

The True Gifts of Christmas is a beautiful reset from the holiday rush. Between shopping lists, parties, and school events, it’s easy to feel like the season races by, but this book helps families pause, even for just 10 minutes, to focus on connection over consumption. The writing is warm and accessible, making it easy to adapt for all ages. Emilia can understand the reflections, while Nicholas enjoys the hands-on activities that follow.

How We’re Bringing It to Life

Here’s a glimpse of our upcoming holiday lineup inspired by The True Gifts of Christmas:

🎄 The Christmas Tree – We’ll decorate while talking about how the evergreen reminds us of the everlasting love of God. Emilia will share one “gift” she wants to give that isn’t wrapped, like kindness or patience.

🍬 Candy Canes – We’ll do a candy cane scavenger hunt for Nicholas and end with cocoa while reading the story behind its red and white stripes.

🎁 Stockings and Giving – Each of us will pick a person to surprise with a small act of giving, such as a note, a treat, or a handmade craft.

🌟 Nativity Scene – On Christmas Eve, we’ll reflect on what the true gifts of Christmas have been for our family this year.

🎅 Advent Calendars – I got the kids this Magna-Tiles Advent Calendar for a fun Christmas countdown.

The True Gifts of Christmas isn’t just a great addition to your family bookshelf. It’s a meaningful gift for teachers, grandparents, or friends who love the season but crave something deeper than glitter and wrapping paper.

Closing Thoughts

If you’ve ever wished Christmas could feel just a little slower and a little more intentional, The True Gifts of Christmas is the perfect place to start. It’s not about doing more; it’s about remembering why we celebrate in the first place.

This year, our family is choosing to unwrap not just the presents under the tree, but the true gifts that have been there all along: love, gratitude, and togetherness.

What holiday tradition holds the most meaning in your home?
Tell me in the comments or tag @realmofvibes on Instagram. I’d love to hear your stories and see how your family celebrates the true gifts of Christmas.

Be sure to check out Megan Alexander and Loyola Press on Instagram!

Spreading Joy with CardSnacks: Creative Digital Cards for Every Occasion

In our fast-paced world, staying connected with the people who matter most can sometimes feel like an uphill battle. Between work, errands, and the chaos of daily life, it’s all too easy for texts to go unanswered and for phone calls to get missed. I’ve always taken pride in sending out personalized, handwritten cards. However, with the hustle and bustle of the upcoming holidays, my to-do list has become overwhelming. Between work commitments, family gatherings, and the general chaos of the season, I just haven’t had the time or memory to keep up with this beloved tradition this year. That’s where CardSnacks came to my rescue, turning moments of connection into something meaningful and memorable.

This holiday season, simplify your card-sending process with CardSnacks. You can easily create and send personalized holiday cards in just a few clicks. Include photos, videos, stickers, GIFs, and more to make each card uniquely yours. You can even add holiday music to your card – CardSnacks has many classic holiday songs. Browse their extensive Holiday Card Categories to find the perfect design or customize your e-card to add a personal touch. Not only can you send holiday cards, but CardSnacks offers a perfect solution for last-minute gifts. If you can’t spend the holidays with loved ones due to distance, send them a heartfelt CardSnack. You can send the cards by text or email. It’s a thoughtful way to show you care, even from afar. Check out their holiday card category here!

The Power of “Just Thinking of You”

A few weeks ago, I struggled to reach my dad. He did not return several of my phone calls and texts. Life gets busy for both of us, but I didn’t want the silence to feel like distance. That’s when I remembered CardSnacks. With just a few taps, I crafted a digital card. It perfectly expressed how much I missed him. It also showed that I was thinking of him. I customized it with a heartfelt message, a cheerful cover, and an upbeat song playing in the background.

The response? Instant. My dad texted me back within minutes, telling me how much the card brightened his day. He admitted it was the nudge he needed to make time for a call. In that moment, CardSnacks wasn’t just a platform for sending digital cards; it was a bridge that brought us closer.

I added GIFs, a personal voice note, a picture of Gino, a background, and text to the inside of the card to my Dad.

Celebrating Friendship in Small but Mighty Ways

Another memorable experience with CardSnacks came when my best friend went above and beyond to help me with Nick’s Individualized Education Program (IEP) for preschool. She spent hours reviewing documents, sharing her expertise, and offering emotional support. I wanted to thank her in a way that felt as special as her effort.

I found the perfect card template in the “Thank You” section of CardSnacks and personalized it with an inside joke, a cute GIF, and a heartfelt note about how much her support meant to me. It was quick to send but packed with genuine emotion. She told me it felt like a hug in digital form.

What Makes CardSnacks Special?

Here are some of the standout features that make CardSnacks my go-to for creating meaningful connections:

  1. Wide Variety of Templates: From birthdays to “just because,” CardSnacks has a template for every occasion. Whether you want to say “thank you,” “congratulations,” or “I’m sorry,” there’s something for everyone. CardSnacks also has every common and obscure calendar holiday. I never knew we could celebrate “National Pickle Day” and “World UFO Day!”
  2. Easy Customization: Add personal touches with photos, videos, stickers, GIFs, music, and text. You can even voice-record a message. The interface makes it simple to craft a greeting card that’s unique to your personality.
  3. Instant Delivery: Cards can be sent via text or email. This option is perfect for last-minute celebrations or spontaneous expressions of care.
  4. Schedule Ahead: This feature is wonderful for those who want to schedule to send!
  5. Group Cards: Collaborate with friends or family to create a card bursting with love and shared memories.
  6. Attach Gift Cards or Gifts: Easily include a gift card or physical gift with your card to make your gesture even more special and practical. CardSnacks offers gift cards to over 400 different retailers. The best part about sending a physical gift through CardSnacks is that you don’t need to know the recipient’s address. When they receive the card, they can simply enter their mailing address. This takes the pressure off you and allows the recipient to choose where they want the gift shipped!

Why CardSnacks Works for Everyone

Life gets hectic, but moments of connection don’t have to be lost. With CardSnacks, you can transform the simple act of reaching out into something extraordinary. Whether you’re bridging a gap, celebrating a win, or simply saying “I’m here,” this app makes it easier than ever to show you care. As a busy working mom, I appreciate the user-friendly interface of the website and app. It makes staying connected to family and friends so much easier.

CardSnacks has a special holiday promo for personal plans! Use the code LASTMIN24 by 12/25/24 to get $10 off in-app personal CardSnacks subscriptions with no shipping deadlines. Click here to take advantage of this offer!

If you haven’t tried CardSnacks yet, now is the perfect time. It’s a small gesture that makes a big impact. CardSnacks can be the spark that lights up their day and fosters more genuine communication.

Have you tried CardSnacks, yet? What experiences have you had sending virtual greeting cards? Let me know in the comments!

Save 30% with Code HOLI30: Perfect Holiday Cards from Basic Invite

Sponsored Post: all opinions are my own

Our Christmas card and New Year’s Eve party invitations are absolutely perfect, thanks to Basic Invite!

What do I love about using Basic Invite?

  • Unlimited Color Options: Basic Invite is one of the few websites that offers almost unlimited color options with instant online previews. Once you select a design, you can customize the color of each element on the card. With over 180 colors to choose from, your invitation will be exactly how you want it. This unique feature sets Basic Invite apart from other online stationery companies.
  • Customized Printed Samples: Basic Invite allows you to order a customized printed sample of your actual invitation before you place your final order. This way, you can see the paper quality, how it will print, and ensure that the card is perfect before sending it to your family and friends.
  • Wide Range of Envelope Colors: With over 40 different envelope colors to choose from, you can make your envelope match the invitation. All envelopes are “peel and seal” so they can be closed quickly and securely. This year, I upgraded to the “Desert Shimmer” envelope to make our mail truly stand out!
  • Address-Capturing Service: Basic Invite offers an address-capturing service that allows you to share a link on social media to request your friends and family’s addresses. These addresses are stored in your account and can be selected during the design process. Basic Invite even offers recipient address printing at no cost on all card orders. For an additional fee, they will even send your cards for you.

Foil Cards: Available in gold, silver, and rose gold, you can choose between flat or raised foil on all of Basic Invite’s foil designs. This year we decided to get gold-raised foil on our Christmas card. It adds a touch of elegance and beauty.

[Our Christmas Card for 2024 made on Basic Invite, Photographed by Jillian Spencer Studios]

Basic Invite makes it so easy to design cards and envelopes and add addresses. I love all the different templates and options. Creating cards shouldn’t be difficult, and I appreciate their website is user-friendly.

Tell me in the comments – have you ordered your Christmas cards yet? Do you need to order New Year’s Eve party invitations?

What do you think of our Christmas card? We were blessed to have Jillian of Jillian Spencer Studios in Roxbury, NJ capture our family this year. Support this local New Jersey mom by visiting her website, Instagram, and Facebook.

Then, once you get your photos from Jillian, be sure to visit Basic Invite here and check out their social media channels: Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and X.

Use code HOLI30 for 30% off your Basic Invite cards!

My First Flocked Tree with King of Christmas

Sponsored post. All opinions are my own. I may earn a commission should you purchase from the links in the blog. Thank you!

As the holiday season approaches, the excitement of decorating our homes with festive cheer is palpable. This year, I decided to elevate my Christmas decor by choosing the 7.5’ King Flock® Slim Artificial Christmas Tree with 650 Warm White LED Lights from King of Christmas. Here’s why this tree stood out to me and why it might be the perfect addition to your holiday celebrations too.

The Allure of a Flocked Tree

One of the primary reasons I chose this tree is its heavily flocked branches. The flocking gives the tree a beautiful, snow-covered appearance, reminiscent of a winter wonderland. This feature adds a touch of magic and elegance to any room, making it feel like a cozy, snowy retreat right in your living room.

Pre-Lit Convenience

Another significant factor in my decision was the 650 warm white LED lights that are pre-strung on the tree. This feature saves a tremendous amount of time and effort, allowing me to focus on other aspects of decorating. The warm white lights provide a soft, inviting glow that enhances the tree’s overall aesthetic.

Easy Setup and Storage

The tree’s design includes hinged sections and Power Pole Technology, making setup a breeze. There’s no need to connect multiple wires; simply assemble the sections, and the lights automatically connect. Additionally, the tree comes with a metal stand, an off-season storage bag, and protective gloves, ensuring that it remains in pristine condition year after year.

Slim and Stylish

The slim profile of this tree is perfect for smaller spaces or for those who prefer a more streamlined look. Despite its slim design, the tree stands tall at 7.5 feet, making a grand statement without overwhelming the room. We don’t live in a big home, so the slim design is exactly what we needed.

Quality and Durability

King of Christmas is known for its high-quality products, and this tree is no exception. The blend of realistic and classic needle tips gives it a lush, full appearance, while the durable construction ensures it will last for many holiday seasons to come.

Other KOC Products

King of Christmas offers a variety of luxurious ornaments, including glass and themed sets, perfect for adding a touch of elegance to your holiday decor. Additionally, they provide wreaths and garlands that complement their trees beautifully, creating a cohesive festive look throughout your home. For those looking to enhance their holiday ambiance, King of Christmas also offers decorative picks and sprays, which can add extra flair to your tree, wreaths, or garlands. Their collection of tree toppers and tree skirts ensures that every detail of your Christmas setup is covered, making it easy to create a picture-perfect holiday scene. With such a wide array of high-quality products, King of Christmas truly is a one-stop shop for all your holiday decorating needs.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the 7.5’ King Flock® Slim Artificial Christmas Tree with 650 Warm White LED Lights by King of Christmas has been a delightful decision. Its stunning flocked branches, pre-lit convenience, easy setup, and elegant design make it a standout choice for anyone looking to add a touch of winter magic to their holiday decor. If you’re in the market for a new Christmas tree this year, I highly recommend considering this beautiful option from King of Christmas.

Happy decorating and may your holidays be filled with joy and warmth!

Basic Invite Customized Cards – 15FF51 for 15% off

Sponsored post. All opinions within are my own.

Our Christmas card and Cookie Exchange party invitations are perfect, thanks to Basic Invite.

What do I love about using Basic Invite?

Basic Invite is one of the few websites that allows almost unlimited color options with instant previews online. Once you select a design, you can change the color of each element on the card. With over 180 colors to choose from, the invite is sure to be exactly how you want it. This is what sets Basic Invite apart from almost any other online stationery company.

Basic Invite is one of the few websites that allows you to order a customized printed sample of your actual invitation before you place your final order. You can see the paper quality, how it will print, and make sure the card is perfect before sending it to your family and friends.

Basic Invite has over 40 different envelope colors to choose from. With so many options, you can make your envelope match the invitation. All of the envelopes are “peel and seal” so they can be closed quickly and securely. This year I upgraded to the “Empire Shimmer” envelope so that our envelope can really stand out in the mailbox!

Our Cookie Exchange card made on Basic Invite

Basic Invite offers an address-capturing service that allows you to share a link on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or any other social media site to request your friends and family’s addresses. The addresses are stored in your account and can be selected during the design process. Basic Invite offers recipient address printing at no cost on all card orders. For an additional fee, they will even SEND your card for you.

Foil cards are available in gold, silver, and rose gold. You can choose flat or raised foil on all of BBasic Invite’s foil designs.

Basic Invite makes it easy to design cards, and envelopes, and add addresses. I love all of the different templates and options. Creating cards shouldn’t be difficult, and I truly appreciate the user-friendly website.

Our Christmas Card for 2023; made on Basic Invite, Photographed by Capture This Photography

Tell me in the comments, did you order your Christmas cards yet? Do you need to order Christmas party invitations? Do you like our Christmas card? I also chose and love the Gold Shimmer envelope upgrade I chose.

Be sure to visit Basic Invite here and check out their social media channels; Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and Twitter.

Make sure you use code 15FF51 for 15% off your Basic Invite cards!