Category: Holidays Page 1 of 13

Stories about the occasions that matter most.

Staying Connected During a Coronavirus Christmas

On December 9, 2020

With Christmas fast approaching, many of us are starting to think about how to celebrate the holiday season amid a global pandemic. ‘Tis the season for binge-watching holiday movies, attending magical light displays and exchanging cards and gifts with your loved ones, but what if you’re spending Christmas alone this year? Or with less family than usual? Things may not seem so merry and bright, but it’s important to remember that alone doesn’t necessarily mean lonely. As the past year has shown us, there are now more ways than ever to stay connected, and Christmas doesn’t have to be any different.

How to Celebrate a Coronavirus Christmas in 2020

Wondering how to celebrate the holiday season in the “new normal”? From virtual movie nights to soaking up some self-care, we’ve compiled our top tips for being home and alone for Christmas this year.

Virtual Movie Nights

Settling down to a classic Christmas movie is one of the biggest highlights of the festive period, and there’s no reason why you can’t still enjoy watching them with family and friends this year. Many popular streaming services now offer the option to watch movies or TV shows as a “party”, meaning that members of your group can watch along at the same time. Want to take your viewing experience to the next level? Why not set up a group chat on your preferred messaging app to talk as you watch? Pour yourself a glass of mulled wine, put on your favorite Christmas pj’s and you’re ready to go!

Christmas Care Packages

Being alone at Christmas doesn’t mean that swapping gifts has to stop, but why not make it a little more personal this year? If you know someone who is going to be home and alone for Christmas, sending a care package can show them how much you care, while also being a great alternative to the usual chocolate and bath-sets. Your package might include treasured mementos of times spent together, some of their favorite foods or even a gift card for their favorite place to shop.

Family Photos

Just because your family live in another part of the country, or even on the other side of the world, it doesn’t mean that you can’t keep them close. It’s understandable to feel down about not being able to spend the holiday season with your loved ones, but if you’re looking for the next best thing, check out our Nixplay smart photo frames. That way, you and your family can spend the day together, virtually. No matter where you are, simply send snaps of your day right through to the frame to bring you all together.

Taking Time to Talk

While we’ve all been caught up with the power of Zoom over these last few months, many of us have forgotten the simple act of picking up the phone. It’s natural to feel a range of emotions during the festive period and sharing how you’re feeling with other people can help to lift spirits and keep you connected. Some people will find it hard to know how to cope alone at Christmas, but you can provide a lot of comfort by listening with compassion and understanding.

Soak in Some Self-Care

Pandemic or no pandemic, many of us lead busy lives, and the holiday season is the perfect time to take a step back and give yourself some much-needed pampering. We all know how stressful big family get-togethers can be, and this is the perfect way to start the new year feeling completely refreshed. So, stock up on your favorite candles, treat yourself to some warm knitted socks and take some time to unwind!

So there we have it, our top tips for staying connected during a Coronavirus Christmas! If you’re looking for a way to stay close to family and friends this year, why not pick up a Nixplay Wi-Fi frame? As the bestselling digital photo frame in the US, it will allow you to share and display your photos easily, instantly and privately, making it easy for you and your family to stay connected during the holiday season. Browse the collection online and order yours in time for the festive period today.

Even more fun & frugal family activities

Our friends over at MoneyCrashers.com have even more grand ideas to get you through the Season. Take a look.

How are you celebrating Turkey Day? We’ve got a play-by-play of the most popular Thanksgiving traditions for you to tick off your list. Learn more.

Thanksgiving Traditions Through The Years

By Alice Murray

On November 18, 2020

In Digital Photo Frame, Holidays, Thanks Giving

In some way or another, American families have been celebrating Thanksgiving since the 1600s. And now, families come together to celebrate Turkey Day. Picture this: it’s the fourth Thursday of November. The bird is roasting in the oven, the mashed potatoes are creamy, and the cranberry sauce is bitterly sweet. The table is set for a feast and it’s time for the Thanksgiving traditions to get underway!

But a successful Thanksgiving Day takes lots of planning – which is why we’ve pulled together a list of the Thanksgiving family traditions that you won’t want to forget.

Timeless Thanksgiving traditions

Thanksgiving Day has been around for centuries. It started out as a harvest festival, and to this day the center of Thanksgiving traditions remains to be the dinner feast. But the popular national holiday hasn’t always been the way that it is now. The earliest Thanksgiving traditions were much longer than those of the modern day, and celebrations often lasted multiple days. And while the first Thanksgiving likely featured a cooked bird of some sort (and probably more than one), it’s unknown whether one of these was turkey. But what do the Thanksgiving traditions look like now? Find out below.

Fun Thanksgiving traditions for families

Unlike other traditional holidays, like Fourth of July and New Year’s Eve when people opt to head out to celebrate, Thanksgiving is typically spent at home with family and friends. But what are the Thanksgiving Day traditions that people use to celebrate? From family Thanksgiving games, to foodie feasts and Thanksgiving photos, hosts have a lot on their plate before it comes to actually filling the plates with food. And every family is different, of course, but here are some of the common fun Thanksgiving traditions to follow.

People Playing Family Thanksgiving Games

Travel

Thanksgiving is one of the busiest travel days of the year, because the most important Thanksgiving tradition is spending time with family and friends. And with many families being separated across the country, lots of people travel to spend the holiday period with their loved ones – be that by car, train or plane.

Thanksgiving dinner

Possibly the most obvious of the Thanksgiving traditions is the feast – a great section of foods and dishes that are indigenous to the Americas. Combining turkey with potatoes (typically mashed), stuffing, corn, yams, green beans, cranberry sauce and not forgetting the all-important pumpkin pie.

The turkey pardon

Every year, the president of the United States is gifted two live turkeys. One of the most well-known Thanksgiving Day traditions is “pardoning” these turkeys in a White House ceremony so that they can live on a farm.

The wishbone

A big part of the turkey Thanksgiving tradition is the wishbone. Two people receive the honor of grabbing a side of the wishbone and breaking it apart while making a wish – and whoever breaks off the larger part gets their wish!

The parade

The annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York is the world’s largest parade – complete with giant character balloons, floats, street performers and the man himself, Santa Claus! Whether you’re watching street-side or from the comfort of your own home, it’s one that you definitely won’t want to miss.

Giving thanks and helping others

It’s in the name – but Thanksgiving is a time to be thankful for what you have. Which is why it’s a great time to help out those who aren’t quite as lucky. Some people choose to spend their days volunteering at homeless shelters or food banks, while others donate. Many families also like to say a few Thanksgiving prayers, poems or blessings to give thanks.

Thanksgiving photos

To get into the holiday spirit, many people opt to take Thanksgiving photos of the family and feast to commemorate the occasion. From taking group photos and behind-the-scenes shots of the Thanksgiving prep, to snaps of the festive table and casual candid’s, Thanksgiving photos are a great way to document the holiday. They’re also the perfect Thanksgiving tradition for families who are separated and can’t travel. If you have a family member or friend who can’t be with you this year, sharing snaps of your day is a great way to make them feel a part of the celebrations.

Wishing you were spending the holiday with your loved ones, but can’t? If you’re looking for the next best thing, why not pick up a Nixplay smart photo frame? That way, you and your family can spend the day together, virtually. No matter where you are, simply send live snaps of your day right through to their frame and it’ll bring you all together. And as the bestselling digital photo frame in the US, the Nixplay Wi-Fi frame allows you to share and display your photos easily, instantly, and privately – making it easy for families to stay close during the holiday season. Browse the collection online and order yours ahead of the Thanksgiving period today.

Happy Thanksgiving!

How To Celebrate Veterans Day In 2020

By Alice Murray

On November 11, 2020

In Digital Photo Frame, Holidays, Special Moments, Veteran's Day

Following the end of World War I, Veterans Day was marked as a national holiday, dedicated to all of those who served in the war. Since then, Veterans Day celebrations have been in full swing, in honor of patriotism, the love of the country and the sacrifices that were made.

Each year, Veterans Day celebrations involve large parades and community events, as well as parties and smaller, personal touches. But in 2020, things might look a little different. While the Veterans Day parade may not be happening this year, it doesn’t mean the celebrations are put to a halt. There are plenty of Veterans Day celebration ideas that don’t involve large groups of people, or even leaving your home. From Veterans Day photos to patriotic touches, find out how to celebrate Veterans Day in 2020 below.

Alternative Veterans Day Celebrations

Wondering how to celebrate Veterans Day in the “new normal”? Make the most of the occasion and check out our Veterans Day celebration ideas for 2020 below.

Home Gatherings

Missing the traditional Veterans Day celebrations? As long as you’re following the official guidelines, an at-home celebration with your loved ones will do the trick. Decorate the house with stars and stripes, bake a special cake and play some music – but most of all, make sure you’re safe.

Gift Giving

It’s no secret that sending a thoughtful gift is a great way to give thanks, whether it’s a box of candy or a digital photo frame. There are army keepsakes, hat pins and other treasured pieces that are designed for veterans to show off their army pride.

Donating

Want to give a little something back to veterans? There are a huge number of organizations to make donations to, focusing on everything from assistance for veterans to specific charities targeted to Special Forces soldiers. So while donations can be made all year round, this is one of the very special Veterans Day celebration ideas.

Flying the Flag

Parades might be off the cards, but you can still show up by flying the flag. Veterans Day celebrations just wouldn’t be the same without it – but make sure you’re observing the proper rules. Check out Military.com’s US flag code for clarification. Better yet, get the whole neighborhood involved and adorn the streets with stars and stripes.

Neighborhood Posters

Arrange with your neighbors to adorn your streets with homemade posters – the perfect way to get your kids involved with the Veterans Day celebrations. An activity that can be completed in the comfort of your own homes, display your poster in your front window and turn it into a friendly neighborhood competition. You could even contact the local papers and invite them to photograph the winning entries.

Writing to a Veteran

What better way to show them you’re thinking of them? Get in touch with a veteran and organize for you and your new pen pal to share your stories and stay in touch throughout the year. You’ll learn a lot from their experiences, and they can learn from you, too. Or, send a few one-off letters without the commitment, because you never know how much your words could brighten someone’s day.

Family Photoshoots

Got a veteran in your family? Whether they’re long-distance or down the road, set up a family photoshoot to share with them on this special occasion. Sending a distant loved one a family photo is a great way to show them that you’re thinking of them. And as long as you can keep six feet between you, get them involved in the shoot! So take some happy Veterans Day photos and share them with the family to spread the joy and celebrations.

The best way to share your Veterans Day photos with your loved ones? Near or far, your family can stay close with a smart photo frame from Nixplay – the ideal gift for every family member. Helping you see the bigger picture, the Nixplay App means you can share your favorite memories straight from your phone to your smart frame.

And that’s how to celebrate Veterans Day in 2020. Check out the New York City Veterans Day plans for this year here – including processions and virtual broadcasts.

Make this Veterans Day one to remember with Nixplay, even if it’s a year you want to forget.

5 Cool Facts About Singles’ Day

By Mars Salazar

On November 4, 2020

In Holidays

If you asked the universe for steep discounts on the items in your shopping wishlist, you’re in luck: Singles’ Day, the biggest shopping holiday in Asia, is coming up! Its popularity is still growing in the West, but past Singles’ Day events have already seen record-breaking sales figures that have far eclipsed major shopping events in the U.S. Here’s what you need to know about this holiday:

Singles’ Day was a holiday created by college students.

Singles’ Day was reportedly started in 1993 by four male dormers at Nanjing University who, in a bid to break the monotony of singlehood, agreed to hold events celebrating their relationship status (or lack thereof).

The Singles’ Day Shopping Festival started in 2009.

In 2009, the Chinese e-commerce company Alibaba capitalized on Singles’ Day by offering massive promos. 27 merchants participated in its first year, generating around 50m yuan (around 7m USD) in sales.

It’s mainly an online shopping event.

Other Asian e-commerce companies have since joined the Singles’ Day bandwagon, launching their own Singles’ Day promotions. Online shopping discounts are combined with offline entertainment, such as televised events studded with Hollywood a-listers, to further stoke the shopping frenzy.

The sales generated from Singles’ Day is larger than the figures from Thanksgiving, Black Friday, and Cyber Monday combined.

In 2018, over 180,000 brands participated in Singles’ Day, raking in an estimated $30.8 billion in sales over a 24-hour period. In contrast, Thanksgiving Day, Black Friday, and Cyber Monday only generated a combined $16.14 billion in gross merchandise volume.

It’s gradually spreading globally.

E-commerce retailers outside of Asia are slowly but surely adopting Singles’ Day, launching Singles’ Day campaigns of their own. Expect bigger discounts and better deals this year!

Nixplay Single's Day Sale | Valid from 4 -15, 2020

Mars Salazar

Marianne is Nixplay’s Web Content Editor. Her hobbies include exploring new places, playing table tennis, and cuddling puppies. Send her a message at marianne.salazar@nixplay.com.

4 Ideas For A Fun Family Night In | Nixplay

Can’t Go Out? Here are 4 Ideas for a Fun Family Night In!

By Nixplay Team

On September 25, 2020

In Holidays, Lifestyle, Special Moments

Who says you can’t have tons of fun from the comfort of your own home? Sure, going out can be exciting and provide you with a much-needed change of scenery, but given the current climate and safety precautions people are taking, staying in is becoming more and more common- especially among families. With all the adjustments taking place, such as students adapting to remote learning and parents getting used to working from home, it’s nice to have a night in to look forward to at the end of the week. With a little creativity, there are plenty of ways to make a family night in feel like a family night out. Keep reading to gather some ideas on how to make your next family fun night a success.

1. Camp Out, Living Room Style

Camping in the great outdoors is an old family tradition for many, but why not create a new one by bringing the campsite to your living room? Pull out those sleeping bags, pitch a tent and get your favorite scary stories ready to tell around the fireplace or a faux campfire. Speaking of campfires, is there even a point if you don’t have s’mores? With all the prep work you’ve been doing to make this family night in perfect, grabbing the ingredients to make these tasty treats may have slipped your mind. Have no fear, with an app like goPuff, you can order all the fixings needed to make the perfect s’more, and maybe even an adult beverage or two. You can even have them delivered to your living room so you don’t have to miss out on any of the fun! Not only is camping out living room-style a great way to spend quality time with your family, but it also guarantees you’ll avoid any stormy or rainy weather – as well as hungry bears ransacking your tent after you’ve fallen asleep!

2. Get Creative in the Kitchen

Going out to eat, especially if you have a larger family, can be quite costly. It may also be tough for everyone to agree on where they want to go based on different tastes. A family night is the perfect time to gather around your favorite cookbook and get creative in the kitchen with your crew. Whether it’s making an old family recipe like Grandma’s famous chocolate chip cookies, or trying something completely new like sushi from scratch, the kitchen is a place where memories are made. Assigning each family member a task ensures everyone is included, as this makes the final product that much better. It’s likely you’ll have many laughs and may even make something totally inedible, which is why it’s important to keep a frozen pizza or two handy just in case! But however your culinary creation ends up, it’s still a bonding moment you’ll remember for years to come.

3. Take Game Night to the Next Level

Sure, board games and card games are fun and will keep your family entertained, but why not take things to the next level by creating a scavenger hunt?? This will take a little extra prep work but it’s sure to make a lasting impression on your family. It’s totally up to you when it comes to how creative you want to get, but the more thought you put into it, the more exciting it will be. Begin by creating clues based on areas in or around your home. Be sure these clues are tailored to the ages of your family members. For example, if you have little ones, you’ll want to make things more basic, but if you’ve got teens or adults participating, you’ll want your clues to be a bit trickier. You can break up into teams or make it every person for themselves. Either way, whatever prize you choose should provide the winner with bragging rights for a while, or at least until the next hunt! If you’re looking for inspiration on how to plan your family scavenger hunt, check out this article.

4. Have a Dance Party

When in doubt, dance it out! This idea may sound crazy, but you’d be surprised at how much fun you can have while dancing. Cutting a rug has many benefits that stem beyond breaking a sweat. Not only are you getting some cardio in, but you’re supporting your mental health as well. Dancing helps to boost your mood and is one of the most inclusive activities you can partake in. A dance party at home provides you with an opportunity to learn about other cultures as well. For example, you may want to explore the world of salsa dancing or learn the Viennese waltz. There’s also nothing wrong with getting down to a little hokey-pokey every now and then. Whatever your interest, moving your body to music is a great release for everyone in your family. If you want to invite a couple of friends over to include them in the fun, check out these social-distance approved dances on YouTube.

These ideas are just a few of the ways in which you can take advantage of this time together – and with a little creativity and some help from the internet, the possibilities are endless!

Want to make sure it’s a night to remember?

Regardless of the current climate and safety precautions, we’re taking to protect our families, staying home doesn’t have to mean being stuck at home. There are so many fun activities you can plan for family members of all ages and priceless memories to be made. Want to make sure these precious moments can be looked back on for years to come.? Don’t forget to get snap-happy with your camera when spending time with those who matter most. A few pictures and videos can make the world of difference when creating memories, and a Nixplay digital photo frame is the best way to savor them forever.