Fun Christmas Ideas

It is so hard these days when everyone has everything they need, to figure out what is the best or most novel  gift to give a friend for Christmas.  

Here are two novel ideas:  Eiland Arts, Merchantville's old railroad station converted into a gallery and music venue coffee shop is holding an artists and artisans Christmas Market December 13 and 14, so you can pick up something special for your loved one or friend, and see some lovely and unique items too!

OR

JolaBokaFlod

Imagine this: It's Christmas Eve and after receiving a brand-new book from your family, you wrap yourself up in a blanket in front of the fire with a mug of hot cocoa and spend the rest of the evening reading.

That's exactly how Icelandic people celebrate Christmas each year. This tradition is known as Jolabokaflod, which translates roughly to "Christmas book flood" in English.

Jolabokaflod started during World War II, when paper was one of the few things not rationed in Iceland. Because of this, Icelanders gave books as gifts while other commodities were in short supply, turning them into a country of bookaholics to this day, according to jolabokaflod.org. In fact, a 2013 study conducted at Bifröst University found that 50 percent of Icelanders read more than eight books a year and 93 percent read at least one.

You can buy or make a book for a loved one.  Okay, unless you are an artist with some hand-made book experience behind you, you are probably going to buy a book.  A friend and I were in A. C. Moore the other day and he bought his niece an artists sketchbook and an art set.  What a great idea!  A. C. Moore, located in Deptford as well as on Cuthbert Boulevard in Collingswood, just opposite Newton Creek Park, has writing journals as well as sketch diaries, but the sketch books are such a fun idea.  There are all kinds of art supplies and craft supplies there to get for gifts too!  As a child, I was delighted when my mother bought me paint by number sets and art supplies.  I can't tell you how proud and delighted I was the year she bought me an easel and a paint box with paints plus a How To Draw workbook.  So I suggest you think outside the toy box and go for arts and crafts, for grown-ups too!