Holidays and Seasons
The complete collection of all the family recipes and activities by holiday, and more can be found here. Simply scroll through the holidays and seasons to find the one you are looking for.
Can’t find one that you want? Just ask! You may see it soon!

Here at 3 Boys and a Dog, we cover many topics to help out the average Mom & Dad – from recipes, to crafts, to homeschooling (or after-schooling) help. Our biggest bulk of it, is family recipes and activities by holiday.
So, we have sorted it all out for you. Hopefully, this will help you find what you are looking for a bit more easily!
Seasons:
We have lots of seasonal holiday content for you – from recipes to crafts, from movies to worksheets, and everything in between.
The seasons are in order from Spring through Winter, simply click the square of the seasonal content you are wanting.
Didn’t find what you want? Then, it is probably holiday-specific!
Family Recipes and Activities by Holiday.:
We currently have content for 22 holidays and special events through the year. Because some holidays don’t always fall on the same day, it was easiest to put these in alphabetical order.
Just like above, simply click the square (title) of the holiday you want content for.
Please let us know if you have questions!
We only have one post for the following family holidays – hopefully, we can expand on them soon!
That’s it! If there is a holiday that you wish I would cover, please send me an email. I’d love to explore a new one!
Holiday Safety Tips
Holidays are a time for joy and celebration, but they also come with their own set of safety concerns. Here are some important safety tips to help you enjoy various holidays safely.
Firework Safety for the Fourth of July
Fireworks can be a spectacular part of Fourth of July celebrations, but they must be handled with care to avoid injuries.
- Keep a Safe Distance: Always maintain a safe distance from fireworks when they are being lit.
- Use Legal Fireworks: Only use fireworks that are legal in your area. Avoid homemade or illegal fireworks.
- Follow Instructions: Read and follow all instructions on the fireworks packaging.
- Supervise Children: Never allow young children to play with or ignite fireworks. Older children should only handle fireworks under close adult supervision.
- Keep Water Nearby: Have a bucket of water or a hose nearby to douse any unexpected fires.
- Dispose Properly: Soak used fireworks in water before disposing of them to prevent accidental fires.
Food Safety During Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving is a time for feasting, but improper food handling can lead to foodborne illnesses.
- Hand Washing: Always wash your hands with soap and water before handling any food.
- Temperature Control: Keep hot foods hot (140°F or above) and cold foods cold (40°F or below). Use a food thermometer to ensure meats are cooked to a safe internal temperature.
- Turkey: Cook turkey to an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Stuffing: Cook stuffing outside the turkey to ensure it reaches 165°F.
- Avoid Cross-Contamination: Use separate cutting boards for raw meats and other foods. Clean surfaces and utensils thoroughly after use.
- Refrigerate Promptly: Refrigerate leftovers within two hours of cooking to prevent bacterial growth.
- Reheat Safely: When reheating leftovers, heat them to at least 165°F.
Christmas Tree Safety
Christmas trees are a beautiful addition to holiday decor, but they can pose fire hazards if not properly cared for.
- Choose a Fresh Tree: If using a real tree, make sure it is fresh and has green needles that do not fall off easily.
- Water Daily: Keep the tree stand filled with water to prevent the tree from drying out.
- Check Lights: Inspect holiday lights for fraying wires or broken bulbs before use. Use lights that are certified for safety by a recognized testing laboratory.
- Turn Off Lights: Always turn off Christmas tree lights before leaving home or going to bed.
- Safe Placement: Place the tree away from heat sources such as fireplaces, radiators, and candles.
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Halloween Safety
Halloween is fun for kids and adults alike, but safety precautions are essential.
- Costume Safety: Choose flame-resistant costumes and ensure they fit properly to prevent tripping.
- Visibility: Use reflective tape on costumes and carry flashlights or glow sticks to increase visibility at night.
- Candy Inspection: Inspect all candy before consuming. Discard any unwrapped or suspicious items.
- Safe Trick-or-Treating: Accompany young children while trick-or-treating. For older children, plan a route and set a curfew. Remind them to stay in well-lit areas and avoid entering strangers’ homes.
New Year’s Eve Celebrations
New Year’s Eve often involves parties and festivities that can include potential hazards.
- Alcohol Safety: Drink responsibly and never drink and drive. Arrange for a designated driver or use ride-sharing services.
- Noise Protection: Use ear protection if attending events with loud fireworks or music.
- Candle Safety: Keep candles away from flammable materials and never leave them unattended.
By following these holiday safety tips, you can ensure that your celebrations are not only enjoyable but also safe. Remember, a little precaution goes a long way in preventing accidents and ensuring that everyone has a happy and healthy holiday season.
Eco-Friendly Holiday Celebrations
Celebrating holidays in an environmentally friendly manner is a wonderful way to honor the spirit of the season while also taking care of our planet. Here are some ways to make your holiday celebrations more sustainable, from decorations to gifts and activities.
Sustainable Decorations
Decorating for the holidays can be both festive and eco-friendly by using sustainable materials and practices.
- Natural Elements: Use natural elements like pinecones, branches, and dried flowers to create beautiful, biodegradable decorations. These can be composted after the holidays.
- Reusable Decor: Invest in high-quality, reusable decorations that can be used year after year, such as cloth banners, metal ornaments, and LED lights.
- DIY Crafts: Make your own decorations using recycled or upcycled materials. For example, you can create garlands from old fabric scraps or ornaments from repurposed glass jars.
- Energy-Efficient Lighting: Opt for LED holiday lights, which use less energy and last longer than traditional incandescent bulbs. Remember to turn off lights when not in use to conserve energy.
Eco-Friendly Gifts
Choosing eco-friendly gifts can help reduce waste and promote sustainability during the holiday season.
- Experiential Gifts: Give experiences instead of physical items, such as tickets to a concert, a cooking class, or a membership to a local museum.
- Sustainable Products: Look for gifts made from sustainable materials, such as bamboo, organic cotton, or recycled plastic. Support brands that prioritize environmental responsibility.
- Homemade Gifts: Create homemade gifts like baked goods, handmade soaps, or knitted scarves. These personalized presents often have a lower environmental impact and show thoughtfulness.
- Zero-Waste Wrapping: Wrap gifts in reusable materials like fabric (furoshiki), scarves, or reusable gift bags. Alternatively, use recycled paper or decorate brown kraft paper with natural elements.
Green Activities
Incorporate environmentally friendly activities into your holiday celebrations to enjoy the season sustainably.
- Outdoor Adventures: Spend time outdoors with activities like hiking, birdwatching, or ice skating. Enjoying nature can be a refreshing and eco-friendly way to celebrate.
- Community Events: Participate in community events like tree planting, beach cleanups, or charity runs. These activities promote sustainability and community spirit.
- Eco-Friendly Crafts: Organize craft sessions using recycled materials. Create bird feeders from old cans or holiday cards from scrap paper.
- Sustainable Meals: Plan holiday meals with locally sourced, organic ingredients. Reduce food waste by planning portions carefully and composting food scraps.
Reducing Waste
Minimizing waste during the holidays is crucial for an eco-friendly celebration.
- Digital Invitations: Send digital invitations and greeting cards instead of paper ones. This reduces paper waste and can be more convenient for recipients.
- Reusable Tableware: Use reusable plates, cups, and cutlery for holiday gatherings instead of disposable ones. This reduces plastic waste and adds a touch of elegance to your table setting.
- Composting: Set up a compost bin for food scraps and biodegradable decorations. Composting helps reduce waste and enriches the soil.
- Donation and Recycling: Donate unwanted gifts or decorations to charities instead of throwing them away. Recycle wrapping paper, cards, and other recyclables properly.
Energy Conservation
Conserving energy during the holidays not only reduces your carbon footprint but also lowers your utility bills.
- Efficient Heating: Use energy-efficient heating methods, such as programmable thermostats and insulated windows, to keep your home warm without excessive energy use.
- Smart Cooking: Cook multiple dishes at once to save energy and time. Use lids on pots to reduce cooking time and energy consumption.
- Carpooling and Public Transport: Share rides with family and friends or use public transportation to attend holiday events. This reduces fuel consumption and emissions.
By incorporating these eco-friendly practices into your holiday celebrations, you can enjoy a festive and joyful season while also taking care of the environment. Small changes make a big difference, and together we can create a more sustainable future.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Exploring and celebrating holidays and seasons can bring joy and creativity to family life. At 3 Boys and a Dog, we strive to provide you with a variety of seasonal and holiday activities —crafts, recipes, worksheets, and more—to make each holiday and season special.
Whether you’re looking for an activity to entertain your kids or a recipe to impress your guests, our extensive collection has something for everyone. We hope our organized collection makes it easier for you to find what you need, and we’re always excited to expand our content based on your feedback.
Celebrate every moment and make lasting memories with your family by diving into our seasonal and holiday offerings.
This is a great list of seasonal and holiday compilations Thank you for sharing and for linking up this week to the Thoughtful Spot Weekly Blog Hop.
Thank you so much for your kind words! I’m thrilled that you enjoyed the list. It’s always a pleasure to participate in the Thoughtful Spot Weekly Blog Hop and share these ideas with everyone.
This is a great list of seasonal and holiday compilations 🙂 Thank you for sharing and for linking up this week to the Thoughtful Spot Weekly Blog Hop.
Thank you, Jill! I’m glad you found the seasonal and holiday compilations helpful. It’s wonderful to be part of the Thoughtful Spot Weekly Blog Hop and share these family-friendly ideas.