by bitsofthewilliams | Mar 20, 2025 | EASTER, GIFT GUIDES, HOLIDAYS
As Easter approaches, it’s time to fill your bookshelves with meaningful and engaging reads that celebrate the season. Whether you’re looking for Christian Easter books, inspiring children’s stories, or faith-based reflections, we’ve got you covered! Here are the must-have Easter books for 2025 that will make this season extra special for your family.
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If you’re searching for a thought-provoking read that blends faith and inspiration, Wonder and Wisdom is a must-have. This book beautifully intertwines deep spiritual insights with everyday reflections, making it a perfect companion for Easter and beyond.
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This heartwarming children’s book explains the significance of Easter in a way that young readers can understand. Through a conversation between a father bear and his cub, God Gave Us Easter illustrates God’s love and the true meaning of the holiday. This is a fantastic pick for bedtime reading during the Easter season.
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Easter is a time of reflection and renewal, and Listening for God offers readers a chance to deepen their faith journey. This book encourages mindfulness, prayer, and recognizing God’s presence in everyday life—making it a great devotional for the Easter season.
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Looking for a Christ-centered Easter book for your family? A Jesus Easter provides 25 devotionals that explore Jesus’ journey to the cross and His resurrection. Perfect for family devotion time, this book helps children understand how Easter is a celebration of salvation and hope.
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This beautifully illustrated board book is ideal for toddlers and preschoolers. With engaging rhymes and vibrant images, God Made Easter introduces little ones to the biblical story of Easter, emphasizing God’s love and the joy of Jesus’ resurrection.
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For a fun and festive Easter read, Fancy Nancy: Easter Bunny Bonanza is a delightful choice! Join Fancy Nancy as she prepares for an Easter egg hunt, complete with glitter, fancy decorations, and lots of excitement. This book is perfect for young readers who love all things fancy and festive.
Why These Easter Books Are Must-read
From faith-based devotionals to whimsical children’s stories, these Easter books offer something for everyone. Whether you’re teaching your kids about the resurrection of Jesus or simply looking for a fun holiday-themed read, this list has you covered.
This Easter, make story time meaningful by incorporating these beautiful books into your celebrations. Which book are you most excited to read? Let us know in the comments below!
by bitsofthewilliams | Jan 11, 2025 | HOLIDAYS, Valentines
Love is in the air, and this Valentine’s season, it comes with a touch of nostalgia. Across social media platforms, Pinterest boards, and boutique shop windows, a growing fascination with vintage-inspired Valentine’s Day celebrations is capturing hearts. From retro fashion to classic candy and old-fashioned romantic gestures, this throwback trend is a heartfelt reminder that sometimes the best way forward is a trip down memory lane.
The Allure of Retro Romance
Why is vintage love making a comeback? In a fast-paced, technology-driven world, the simplicity and charm of yesteryears provide comfort. Nostalgia taps into our emotions, evoking memories of a time when gestures of love felt more personal and intentional. This year, the spotlight is on reliving the golden moments of the past, reimagined for modern celebrations.
Retro Fashion: Love in Style
Fashion lovers are stepping back in time with Valentine’s Day looks inspired by bygone eras. Think 1950s swing dresses in soft pastels, 1970s bohemian lace gowns, or 1980s bold red power suits. Accessories like pearl necklaces, vintage brooches, and classic heart-shaped sunglasses complete the look. Whether you’re planning a romantic date or a Galantine’s Day gathering, vintage fashion is a surefire way to turn heads and hearts.
Classic Candy: Sweethearts Make a Sweet Comeback
What’s Valentine’s Day without candy? Iconic treats like Sweethearts conversation hearts and chocolate boxes adorned with Victorian-inspired illustrations are trending again. Bakeries and confectioners are also joining the retro wave, offering heart-shaped cakes, cookies with vintage designs, and old-fashioned candy jars filled with nostalgic sweets like rock candy and peppermint sticks.
Old-Fashioned Romantic Gestures
Forget texts and emojis—this year is all about penning heartfelt love letters, hand-delivering flowers, and planning surprise picnics. Couples are rediscovering the joy of slow, meaningful connections, exchanging vinyl records instead of playlists and sharing quiet moments under string lights instead of swiping through TikTok.
DIY Vintage-Inspired Decor
For those planning a special night at home, vintage-inspired decor is taking center stage. Lace tablecloths, antique candle holders, and pastel floral arrangements set the mood. Pinterest is buzzing with DIY ideas, from creating your own Victorian-style cards to crafting garlands with old postcards and photos.
How to Embrace the Nostalgic Trend
Ready to infuse your Valentine’s Day with a dose of vintage charm? Here are some ideas:
- Plan a Retro-Themed Date: Host a 1950s-style diner dinner complete with milkshakes and burgers or a 1920s-inspired speakeasy night with jazz music.
- Create a Memory Box: Fill a decorative box with photos, love notes, and mementos from your relationship.
- Go Analog: Capture your day with a Polaroid camera or create a scrapbook instead of sharing moments online.
- Dress the Part: Visit a thrift store or raid your parents’ closet for vintage outfits that scream romance.
Why This Trend Is Here to Stay
The appeal of nostalgic Valentine’s Day celebrations goes beyond the aesthetic. They remind us of the universal truths of love: thoughtfulness, connection, and the joy of making someone feel special. By blending the charm of the past with the creativity of the present, this trend is creating timeless memories that will be cherished for years to come.
So this Valentine’s Day, let’s raise a toast to love, vintage-style. Here’s to Sweethearts candies, handwritten love letters, and the kind of romance that never goes out of style.
xoxo
Barb
by bitsofthewilliams | Mar 22, 2024 | GIFT GUIDES, HOLIDAYS
Easter is a time of renewal, joy, and celebration, and what better way to mark this special occasion than by crafting the perfect Easter basket for your little one? As we prepare to fill our 5-year-old Sophia’s basket with treats and treasures, let’s also take a moment to reflect on the true meaning of Easter.
Pic from 2023
Meaning of Easter: Easter is a religious holiday that commemorates the resurrection of Jesus Christ. It’s a time for Christians around the world to rejoice in the triumph of life over death and the promise of salvation. But Easter is also a time for families to come together, to embrace traditions old and new, and to celebrate the arrival of spring.
Before we delve into the delights of assembling our Easter basket, let’s take a quick look at some essential keywords that capture the essence of this joyous occasion:
Now, let’s get down to the fun part: packing the Easter basket! Here are some ideas to help you create a basket that’s sure to delight your little one:
- Sweet Treats: Fill the basket with an assortment of chocolate eggs, bunny-shaped candies, and marshmallow treats. Don’t forget to include some healthier options like fruit snacks or yogurt-covered raisins.
- Cuddly Companions: Add a plush bunny or chick to the basket for some extra cuddly fun. These soft toys are perfect for snuggling up with on Easter morning.
- Creative Crafts: Include a DIY Easter craft kit to inspire creativity and imagination. From decorating eggs to making Easter cards, there are plenty of crafty activities to keep little hands busy.
- Egg-cellent Surprises: Hide a dozen colorful plastic eggs filled with stickers, small toys, or even coins. These egg-cellent surprises will add an extra element of excitement to your Easter egg hunt.
- Thoughtful Touches: Consider adding a personalized touch to the basket, such as a handwritten note or a special photo. These little gestures of love will make the Easter basket even more meaningful.
As we pack our 5-year-old’s Easter basket with love and care, let’s remember the true meaning of Easter: a time for joy, renewal, and family. Whether you’re celebrating with religious traditions or simply enjoying the arrival of spring, Easter is a time to cherish the moments spent together and create lasting memories. So here’s to a hoppy Easter filled with laughter, love, and plenty of Easter basket surprises!
Feel free to share your Easter basket ideas and traditions in the comments section or you can find me on Instagram @bitsofthewilliams and leave your ideas in the comment section on the video. Below is also a link to my Amazon storefront that you can browse ideas. Be sure to check out my next post on packing my 10 year old Easter basket.
Happy Easter Friends!
by bitsofthewilliams | Oct 30, 2023 | GIFT GUIDES, HOLIDAYS
In an era dominated by digital entertainment, traditional board games have managed to retain their charm, serving as timeless avenues for fostering creativity, social skills, and critical thinking in children. As we venture into 2023, the world of board games has expanded to encompass a diverse array of options that cater to various age groups and interests. Whether it’s fostering strategic thinking or encouraging collaborative play, the best board games for kids in 2023 offer an enriching and engaging experience for the young minds of today.
A simplified version of the classic Settlers of Catan, Catan Junior introduces young players to the concept of resource management and strategic thinking. With an adventurous pirate theme and straightforward rules, this game encourages kids to trade resources, build ships, and establish their pirate hideouts. It’s an ideal choice for fostering a competitive spirit while promoting cooperation and decision-making skills.
Combining the magic of Disney with the engaging gameplay of Codenames, this edition is a delightful way for kids to expand their vocabulary and association skills. Players work in teams to identify Disney characters and objects based on clever clues provided by their teammates. Codenames: Disney Family Edition fosters teamwork, communication, and critical thinking while immersing players in a world of beloved Disney characters and stories.
Inspired by the popular Ticket to Ride series, First Journey simplifies the gameplay for younger players, allowing them to embark on an exciting railway adventure across various continents. By collecting train cards and claiming routes, children learn about geography, planning, and decision-making. This game encourages a sense of exploration and introduces young minds to the concept of strategic route building.
Introducing young children to the basics of programming, Robot Turtles is a board game that combines fun and education seamlessly. By using simple commands and directions, kids guide their turtles through a maze, honing their problem-solving skills and logical thinking. This game serves as an excellent introduction to the world of coding, promoting an early interest in technology and logic-based activities.
Ideal for cultivating deductive reasoning and teamwork, Outfoxed! challenges young players to work together to solve a mystery. With a captivating storyline of a stolen pie, players gather clues, eliminate suspects, and use their critical thinking skills to identify the guilty fox. This cooperative game fosters communication, collaboration, and analytical thinking, making it a hit among families and educators alike.
Board games continue to play a pivotal role in the development of children, offering a myriad of benefits beyond mere entertainment. The best board games for kids in 2023 not only provide hours of fun and excitement but also nurture essential skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, collaboration, and decision-making. By embracing these engaging and educational board games, parents and educators can create an environment where learning is synonymous with enjoyment, fostering holistic development and a lifelong love for learning in young minds.
by bitsofthewilliams | Dec 4, 2021 | HOLIDAYS, UNCATEGORIZED
Welcome to the topic How to Spend Christmas Alone.
The holiday season is a special one for most people for various reasons. It means spending time with family, playing games, and just having a good time together for most people. But sometimes, we can find ourselves having to spend Christmas day alone due to work, travel restrictions, or anything else. However, there’s no reason to worry because this guide should help you have fun even by yourself on Christmas!
Do Things You Love
If you’re feeling particularly down about being alone on Christmas, don’t dwell on it! Focus on the things that make you happy even when you do them yourself. For some, this can be cooking, video games, watching a (Christmas?) movie, or anything else that gets your spirits up throughout the year; we believe it’ll do the trick just fine this time around too. After all, you have the whole day to yourself, and how often is it that we find ourselves in our adult lives with the freedom to spend any single day doing anything we want without restrictions, so get creative and have fun with it!
Connect With Others Online
The feeling of loneliness can often get you down no matter what you do it feels like, so there’s no reason to be that way! We all know how easy it is to call or text or facetime someone in this ripe digital age, and we recommend doing just that. Get your family to set up a device with a place on the family dinner table and have supper together just like you would if you were there; it is sure to relieve the sense of feeling like you’re completely by yourself since you’re not.
Avoid Social Apps
Social media has us constantly comparing our lives with those who paint a very unrealistic picture of a perfect life. This is likely to be particularly adverse at a time where you’re alone while your peers are posting pictures and videos of family gatherings and whatnot. To overcome the sense of loneliness this issue causes, we highly recommend a complete detox of digital items for the day to see if that helps you feel better.
Do Charity Work and Volunteer
If you feel like you need some face-to-face interaction, we think this might be the best way to go about it to brighten up your mood as well as that of other, less fortunate people in your neighborhood. It has been proven through scientific research that volunteering and doing community work, just generally being kind, makes people feel a lot happier, and this holiday season, we think you should consider giving back to the community. In return, not only are you getting rid of your loneliness, but you’re also taking away a pleasant feeling of having helped those in need, something we all should occasionally do regardless of our social situations.
With that, we’ve wrapped up our guide for spending the holidays by yourself. We hope things turn out well for you and that you have a great time this Merry Christmas!
Have any questions regarding the topic How to Spend Christmas Alone? Feel Free to comment below.
Also Read: 10 Classic Foods to Eat on Christmas
by bitsofthewilliams | Dec 4, 2021 | CHRISTMAS, HOLIDAYS
Welcome to the topic The Best Ways to Spend Christmas.
Sometimes, Christmas can feel like that one day of the year where you have a bit too much to do, but this may not always be the case. We often wonder what to do for fun on this festive holiday, and maybe we even feel like we’re just doing the same thing as last year. If this is how you’re feeling this year, don’t fret because we have just the guide for you!
Looking at Christmas Lights Around Town
Every person has their take on Christmas decorations, especially in terms of the lights. These lights in your neighborhood are something worth appreciating by just going on a walk around town and observing what every creative individual has come up with. Especially at night, few things can compare to the magical feeling of looking at an entire illuminated neighborhood full of Christmas lights. Remember to keep warm though, if you’re going out at night, especially with the family, taking the car would be a better option for this.
Christmas Movies
Let’s face it; it’s not Christmas if you haven’t yet watched the Home Alone series for the 20th time in a row! Or perhaps you watch the new releases for the holidays every year, in which case we hope this year won’t be any different for you! We recommend watching A Boy Called Christmas, Love Hard, and Robin Robin, all of which are bound to give you the feel-good feeling you’re looking for while maintaining that wholesome holiday theme without which a Christmas movie would be incomplete.
Donating and Charity Work
For the holidays this time around, consider giving back to the community through some donations or, if you feel like it, volunteering at the places around your neighborhood that need the help. Every holiday season, it’s pretty easy to find places that are short on manpower that could use the help right now and even throughout the rest of the year. In terms of suggestions, we recommend checking out the Salvation Army, Goodwill, and Soles4Souls. Scientifically proven to make people happier, we’re sure it’ll brighten up your day to help brighten up someone else’s, too!
Singing Christmas Carols
If you’re one of the rarer types that just can’t get enough of the Christmas jingles and carols, we think that’s great, and you should lean into it! Grab your coat and your keys, go for a stroll, and carol to your heart’s content with a friend or family member. Happiness is contagious, and your holiday spirit is bound to cheer up those around the neighborhood, maybe even inspire them to join you!
Go Ice-Skating
If you’re tired of all the Christmas and holiday season prep, or you’ve had just a few too many lazy days this time around, some exercise is bound to do you good. Ice-skating is the perfect way to have some fun while doing so! Going for a jog, or perhaps a gym session doesn’t seem like it has the holiday spirit you’re probably looking for, so grab a friend and hit your local rink for a fun, festivity-filled evening!
Have any questions regarding the topic The Best Ways to Spend Christmas? Feel Free to comment below.
Also Read: 5 things to do in Tampa Bay with kids on a weekend getaway
