No matter where you live in the world, city or country, large population or small, this December can become one to remember always. Try and imagine yourself a year from now, looking back on this December. What kinds of things will make you smile to remember them? Or are there things you could do to make the next year you proud? How about things that will just give you a good laugh?

Sometimes, the best memories and proudest moments come from helping others in need, cheering up those around us who are struggling with illness or other personal troubles, or solving a problem in our midst that seems really difficult, but maybe just needed an extra hand, time or some good thinking.

A neighbor may need help shoveling snow.
There’s a gift exchange, but you’re not allowed to spend much money on it, so you make a gift of homemade cookie mix in a jar (see picture) that everyone loves.
A friend may be sick and may need your notes.
There’s a long line for lunch every day and it makes everyone grumpy; if tables took turns in random order, maybe people would not get so annoyed when waiting their turn.
Another elderly person in your community might enjoy hearing a story read out loud to her.
A child next door could use your hand-me-down jeans.
Maybe there’s a kid at school who sits alone at lunch, or never smiles in the hallway – how powerful your smile or shared lunch might be!?!

Whatever you choose to do this December to make it a December to Remember, share it with us! When we tell each other stories, we inspire each other. We get ideas for how we can each make a difference in our world.

Here’s to making this December one to Remember!

Happy December, girls!

Here’s what you will need:

• White paper gift bag – large enough to fit your head!
• Pencil
• Ruler
• Paint
• Star stickers
• Ribbon

Here’s what you will do:

1. To make one, first remove the handles from a white paper gift bag large enough to fit your head (we used 10-inch-tall bags). Use a pencil and a ruler to mark vertical lines about 1 inch apart down all sides of the bag and across the bottom, then paint every other stripe red. (For painting, place the open bag over a small bucket or similar object.)
2. When the paint has dried, fold over the open end of the bag a few times for a hat brim, then paint the brim blue. Allow the paint to dry.
3. Add a few silver star stickers to the brim, and the hat is ready to wear. (If the hat is too large, wrap a ribbon around it at the base, behind the brim, and cinch it snug.)

If you cannot have fireworks for some reason, you can make these Fireworks in a Jar!

What are you doing for July 4th? Tell us in the comments section below

(Photo Credit: ChicaCircle)

You can make these for the Fourth of July!

FIREWORKS IN A JAR!

Here’s what you will need: 

• Glass jar and cup
• Oil
• Food Coloring
• Fork

Here’s what you will do:

1. Put warm water into the jar.
2. Put oil in the cup and add drops of food coloring.
3. Mix the oil and food coloring to make smaller drops of food coloring (food coloring will not mix with the oil).
4. Pour the oil mixture into the warm water and watch the fireworks in a jar show!

Happy Fourth of July!

(Special thanks to our BFFs at ChicaCircle for the photos and ideas!)

In the United States, Memorial Day honors those who serve their country, to keep it safe and free. How are you celebrating Memorial Day this year? Do you know any service women or men? What is your fave Memorial Day celebration? Tell us in the comments section below!

(Photo Credit: cwwycoff1)

Here are a few Earth Day facts:

1) Earth Day started in 1970.

2) This year over 1 billion people in 192 countries are celebrating Earth Day.

3) Earth Day is now the most widely celebrated holiday in the world!

So, are you doing anything special at home or in school for Earth Day? Give a shout about it right here with all your iTwixie BFFs! Just write something in the comments section below.

HAPPY EARTH DAY from iTwixie!

(Photo Credit: EraPhernaliaVIntage)