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Child Adoption in India: Rules, Process and Laws
Child adoption is seen as an increasing trend in India and across the world. Most adoptions are either because the parents are not able to have their own kids or because they want to support and give a new lease of life to a child who has been left alone in the world. Earlier considered a taboo in India, adoption is now considered and spoken about freely in the Indian society.
In India, as across many other countries of the World, there are rules and regulations which govern the adoption of a child.
Who is Eligible to Adopt a Child in India?
In India, the adoption process is monitored by Central Adoption Resource Authority (CARA) which is the nodal agency to monitor and regulate in-country and intra-country adoption and is a part of Ministry of women and child care. Following are the basic conditions which need to be satisfied by the adopting parents in order to be eligible to adopt a child:
A child in India can be adopted by an Indian citizen, NRI or a foreign citizen. The procedure of adoption is different for all three.
Any person is eligible to adopt irrespective of their gender or marital status.
In case a couple is adopting a child, they should have completed at least two years of stable marriage and should have a joint consensus for adoption of the child.
The age difference between the child and the adoptive parents should not be less than 25 years.
When can A Child be Eligible To Be Adopted?
As per the guidelines of the Central Government of India, any orphan, abandoned or surrendered child, declared legally free for adoption by the child welfare committee is eligible for adoption.
A child is said to be an orphan when the child is without a legal parent or a guardian or the parents are not capable of taking care of the child anymore.
A child is considered abandoned on being deserted or unaccompanied by parents or a guardian and the child welfare committee has declared the child to be abandoned.
A surrendered child is one who has been relinquished on account of physical, social and emotional factors which are beyond the control of parents or the guardian and is so declared by the child welfare committee.
In order to be adopted, a child needs to be “legally free”. On receipt of an abandoned child, the District Child Protection Unit puts up an alert with the child’s photograph and details in state-wide newspapers and request the local police to trace the parents. The child is considered legally free for adoption only after the police has given a report stating that the parents of the child are non-traceable.
What are the Normal Conditions to be Fulfilled by Parents?
CARA has defined the eligibility criteria for prospective adoptive parents in order to be able to adopt a child. They are as follows:
The prospective adoptive parents need to be physically, emotionally and mentally stable.
They should be financially stable.
The prospective parents should not be suffering from any life-threatening diseases.
Couples with three or more kids are not considered for adoption except in case of special-needs children.
A single female can adopt a child of any gender. However, a single male is not eligible to adopt a girl child.
A single parent cannot be more than 55 years of age.
A couple cannot have a cumulative age of more than 110 years.
The age of the parents as on date of registration should be as per CARA guidelines in order to be eligible for adoption.
How to Adopt a Child in India?
The adoption process in India is governed by multiple laws and adherence to the same is overseen by the Central Adoption Resource Authority.
The procedure for adoption of a child in India can be understood in the following steps:
Step 1 - Registration
Prospective adoptive parents need to get registered with an authorized agency. Recognised Indian Placement Agencies (RIPA) and Special Adoption Agency (SPA) are the agencies which are allowed to make such registrations in India. The prospective adoptive parents can visit the Adoption Coordination Agency in their area where the social worker will explain the process and take you through the formalities, paperwork and general preparation required for registration.
Step 2 – Home Study and Counseling
A social worker for the registration agency will make a visit to the home of the prospective adoptive parent in order to do a home study. The agency might also need the parents to attend counselling sessions in order to understand the motivation, preparation, strengths and weaknesses of the prospective parents. As per CARA regulation, the home study needs to be completed within 3 months from the date of registration.
The conclusion from the home study and counselling sessions is then reported to the honourable court.
Step 3 – Referral of the Child
The agency shall intimate the interested couple when-ever there is a child ready for adoption. The agency will share medical reports, physical examination reports and other relevant information with the couple and also allow them to spend time with the child once they are comfortable with the details shared.
Step 4 – Acceptance of the Child
Once the parents are comfortable with a child, they will have to sign a few documents pertaining to acceptance of the child.
Step 5 – Filing of Petition
All necessary documents are submitted to a lawyer who prepares a petition to be presented to the court. Once the petition is ready, the adoptive parents will have to visit the court and sign the petition in front of the court officer.
Step 6 – Pre-Adoption Foster Care
Once the petition is signed in the court, the adoptive parents can take the child to a pre-adoption foster care centre and understand the habits of the child from the nursing staff before taking the child home.
Step 7 – Court Hearing
The parents have to attend a court hearing along with the child. The hearing is held in a closed room with a judge. The judge may ask a few questions and will mention the amount which needs to be invested in the name of the child.
Step 8 – Court Order
Once the receipt of investment made is shown, the judge shall pass the adoption orders.
Step 9: Follow Up
Post completion of the adoption, the agency needs to submit follow up reports to the court on the child’s well-being. This may continue for 1-2 years.
Can Parents Ask for a Specific Child?
The prospective parents cannot ask for the adoption of a specific child, hence if you are only looking for newborn baby adoption it may not completely be possible. However, they can give their preferences, which may include:
Age
Gender of the child
Skin colour
Health condition (parents can specify if they want to adopt a child with a physical or mental disability)
Religion
In cases where preferences are specified, it may take more time to match a child of your choice as the conditions will reduce the pool of kids available for adoption.
Laws Governing Adoption in India
Adoption law in India is in conjunction with the personal laws of individual religion and therefore, adoption is not allowed as per the personal laws of Muslims, Christians, Parsis and Jews in the country. However, an adoption can be made from an orphanage under the Guardians and Wards Act, 1890, subject to court’s approval. In this case, the adoptive couple are guardians and not parents of the adopted child. Under this Act, Christians can adopt a child only under foster care and the foster child is free to break away all relations from the guardians on becoming a major.
Indian citizens who are Hindus, Jains, Buddhists or Sikhs are allowed to adopt a child formally and the adoption is as per the Hindu Adoption and Maintenance Act, 1956 which was enacted as part of the Hindu code bills.
Adoption of abandoned, surrendered or abused children is governed by the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015.
Currently, there is no specific law that governs adoption of kids in India by foreign nationals or NRI’s but the same is governed under Guidelines Governing Adoption of Children, 2015. In the absence of any concrete Act for intercountry adoption, the procedures laid down by the Guardians and Wards Act, 1890 are followed.
What Documents are Required for Adopting a Child?
Following is the list of documents to be prepared for the adoption process:
Adoption application
4 x 6 size photographs – 4 copies of husband and wife together
Marriage certificate and proof of age
Reason for adoption
Latest HIV and Hepatitis B report of the couple
Income certificate
Proof of residence
Investment details
Reference letter from 3 people
Any other document which may be required by the agency or the court
Source: Documents Required - CARA
FAQs
1. Do Adoption Procedures in India Differ from One State to Another?
While the adoption laws are common across India, there are certain adoption guidelines and paperwork requirement that may differ for each State.
2. Is There a Minimum Income Needed for the Adoption of a Child?
As per CARA (Central Adoption Resource Authority), you need to have a minimum average income of Rs. 3000 to be able to adopt a child. If you have other assets like a house or a strong support system, a lower income may be considered.
3. Can I Adopt a Child If I Already have a Child?
Yes, you can. However, under the Hindu Adoption and Maintenance Act, you can only adopt a child of the opposite gender to your child. The Guardians and Wards Act and the Juvenile Justice Act, do not have any such diktats. If the child you will be adopting is old enough to express his views on the matter, his opinion will be taken in writing.
4. Where Can One Find the Application Status for Adopting a Child?
While there is no central database to track applications, you can always keep in touch with the ACA for the status of your application.
5. How to Determine the Health of the Child Shown to Me?
You have the right to take the child for a general check-up to determine his overall health. However, invasive tests should be done only if there is an indication of a serious medical condition.
Also Read:
How to Become a Good Foster Parent
What is Authoritarian Parenting
Most Common Parenting Issues Read more
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21 Weeks Pregnant with Twins or Multiples
When you are pregnant with multiples or twins at 21 weeks, you can tell yourself that you are pretty much in the final league of the journey. The approaching due date will begin to revolve inside your head and make itself known by the substantial progress you’ll see in these couple of weeks. Although things might start making you tired and exhausted a little more than before, all of these are essential in changing your body to accommodate the massive events that are going to occur within some months. Taking proper care of your self and keeping track of the development of your children can keep you a step ahead in all aspects.
The Growth of the Babies at 21 Weeks
With the halfway point way behind you now, the babies also begin to realise that they need to catch up with their growth and keep themselves ready to survive in the outside world. Most of the progress is focused on ensuring all those systems are functioning appropriately.
Food is the key to survival and this also becomes one of the top priorities for the growth of the babies in this week. The digestive system, having appropriately developed, initiates its processing and begins attempts at digesting the food. This is precisely where the black coloured meconium is formed inside the baby and stays there until it is flushed out in the baby’s first poop. The initial digestion processes within the child also generate enzymes and acids to support the function correctly.
The digestive development also reiterates itself to strengthen further the tendency of consuming food. The acts of sucking and swallowing also progress rapidly, as your babies tend to take in a lot more amniotic fluid and may even prefer sucking on their thumbs more than usual. All of these are the methods which assure the body that it is fit to survive outside.
With all these inputs focused on food and digestion ensuring that it can be synthesised, the excretory systems within the babies also begin to function at a higher degree. Kidneys and urinary organs start to process the amniotic fluid that the babies intake and flush it outside again. This is a cycle of sorts that orients the body’s functioning in the right manner.
Apart from these, the endocrinal system and the spleen begin working too, while the muscles and bone structure continues to develop speedily.
What is The Size of the Babies?
Around the 21st week of pregnancy, doctors usually start measuring the babies from head to toe, since their bodies would have begun to stretch themselves properly. This often puts children at a length of approximately 25 centimetres and would be lesser for multiples. Similarly, the weight also seems to be closer to 250-300 grams and can fluctuate for twins or triplets. Your little ones would now be as large as carrots inside your tummy.
Common Bodily Changes
The 21st week of pregnancy is one of the key milestones biologically since it provides a strong signal for the babies as well as the mother to begin adjusting to the upcoming changes before delivery.
Although being so far deep into your pregnancy would have rid you of most anxiety and worry surrounding your babies, your body is still getting used to numerous changes happening within it. The only issue in the matter of the changes is that they are rarely in sync with each other, causing you to handle one after the other. While you may be looking forward to resting in the afternoon, you might be grappled with thoughts around your future and any other aspects concerning the babies. And if you finally end up being successful in putting yourself to sleep, your bladder will perk up and cause you to awaken and make your way to the loo for a random pee time in the middle of the night. Insomnia can strike many women in such situations, making them extremely restless.
If the creation of life for a woman is one of the mysterious processes, the cravings that ensue as a result of it might come as a close second. You might be well aware of the food items you wish to gobble and binge on in these previous months. However, as your little ones begin to initiate their digestion processes, these cravings could either stay the same or might sway entirely in a different direction. The babies now have a direct line to your food consumption via the amniotic fluid. Therefore, if their choices of food differ from yours, there is a good chance your body will signal you to have what the baby wants, which can get confusing.
That thick milky coloured discharge that keeps coming out from your vagina will continue to do so even through this week or maybe some more. While some women expect it to reduce, there usually isn’t the possibility for it. The discharge tends to increase up until you deliver your child since this is the perfect way the body ensures a hygienic vagina and a clean birth canal to keep the baby safe when it travels through it.
Symptoms of Twin Pregnancy at 21 Weeks
On one hand, you might be saying goodbye to the previous symptoms that you had initially. But from the 21st week, the teaser for what might arrive in the final trimester might begin to reveal itself to you.
Many women who are pregnant for the first time, and that too with twins or triplets, tend to freak out when they feel contractions early on in the pregnancy. Some women experience slight ones as soon as in the 17th week, while many tend to experience them from here on out. These contractions are termed as Braxton Hicks contractions. Usually lasting around half a minute or so, any change in orientation or positions tends to fade them away. Just the way the babies are practising different bodily functions, these contractions are your body’s way of exercising the process of childbirth
The uterus has only one job which it continues to do without any interruption. It goes on expanding to make room for all the babies that will soon be jostling for space inside it with their speedy growth. This expansion has also to be accommodated by your skin, which ends up in stretching and pulling itself. Stretch marks, which might have been only in a couple of body regions, might start being visible in other places, too. At times, these could even irritate the skin and causing itching, which can be taken care of with a light massage.
Yes, your breasts will also increase in size with your tummy, now that they know that your due date is approaching in a few months. While the growth usually reaches its full completion around the 24th week, early lactation might commence right now causing you to spot leaks around your nipples or in your bra intermittently.
Twin Pregnancy - Belly at 21 Weeks
Have you been waiting for that beautiful pregnant belly that you keep seeing in advertisements or elsewhere on the Internet? Well, you are in the initial phases of those as your tummy will now begin to resemble more like it in the coming weeks. In the case of multiple babies, since the skin stretches extensively, certain movements of the babies might be visible occasionally.
Twin Pregnancy at 21 Weeks - Ultrasound
Any ultrasound scans that were skipped in the previous week would be completed this week around, along with all the tests and checkups. Your babies would be visible very clearly, with occasional moments where you could see them swallowing and moving around, too.
What to Eat?
The 21st week of pregnancy marks an important juncture in your dietary style. With the babies having taste buds of their own and pretty much consuming what you eat, every flavour that you taste, your baby ends up tasting too. This may create the bedrock for eating habits ahead in life. Which is why it is necessary to stick to healthy food items and stay away from anything that might be a bit too intense in smell or flavour.
Pregnancy Care Tips
Most of the changes that occur in the 21st week of the pregnancy with multiple babies usually revolves around taking good care of your own body and setting up a habit routine to suit the latter months.
Dos
Undertake a screening test for glucose if you can to check for any conditions in advance
Organize a baby shower or celebration if you can, since this would be one of those weeks where you’d still have your energy intact
Dont's
Binging on sweets should be a no-no since those could affect your baby as well as ruin the dental hygiene
There’s no need to stop exercising entirely but you can tone down the intensity by this week
What you Need to Shop For
Knowing that your babies are in sync with your progress, you can go a step ahead and purchase some necessary items, such as:
A moisturiser or a stretch mark cream for your skin
Paraphernalia for the babies right from shampoos to baby oil and so on
The development of twins at 21 weeks pregnant tends to take a speedy curve up ahead and pick up its pace from this week. Reassure yourself that you will be ready for the babies when they arrive and keep your mental and physical health optimal to be at your best when the time comes.
Previous Week: Twin Pregnancy Week 20
Next Week: Twin Pregnancy Week 22 Read more
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Cervical Incompetence
Cervical incompetence or cervical insufficiency is the condition in pregnant women, where the cervix becomes weak and opens up during the early stages of pregnancy. Typically, the cervix opens when the baby is about to be born and not before that. However, in women with an incompetent cervix, it opens up much earlier, posing the risk of premature birth.
What is the Cervix?
The cervix is the bottom-most part of the uterus that connects it with the birth canal called the vagina. During pregnancy, the cervix remains closed, acting as a door for retaining the baby inside the uterus. Only when the baby completes full term does the cervix efface (thins down) and dilate (opens up) to let the baby out through the birth canal in a normal vaginal delivery.
What Does It Mean to Have Cervical Insufficiency?
Cervical insufficiency is a condition in which the cervix becomes weak and opens during the early stages of pregnancy itself. As the baby grows inside the uterus, it gains weight and starts exerting its weight on the cervix. If the cervix is not strong enough, it gives in to the pressure applied by the developing baby. An incompetent cervix can lead to having a preterm baby or even a miscarriage, especially during the second trimester, if not diagnosed in time. It is not a very common condition and occurs in only one in hundred pregnant women.
Causes
There are various causes for incompetent cervix in pregnant women. They are,
Malformations of the cervix from birth, which could mean a deviation from the normal shape of the cervix or the uterus that the person is born with.
Any damage to the cervical walls made during a procedure on it, like dilation and curettage (D and C), biopsy for cancer detection or LEEP treatment for cervical cancer.
Any trauma to the cervix during a previous childbirth.
Previous exposure to Diethylstilboestrol (DES), used to avoid miscarriages during pregnancy, is known to cause problems in the reproductive tract
History of second-trimester miscarriages, without any known reason.
Signs and Symptoms
Pregnant women with an incompetent cervix, usually start experiencing some mild symptoms during the second trimester between the 14th and 20th week. Women who have not had a previous episode of miscarriage due to cervical incompetence may sometimes miss these subtle symptoms. It is very important to discuss with your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following symptoms.
Spotting or mild bleeding from the vagina
Feeling of pressure in the pelvic area
Cramp-like pain in the uterus
Back pain
A clear white coloured discharge from the vagina that turns into pink colour over time
During a regular check-up, the doctor usually checks for the length of the cervix and also for any cervix dilation, to rule out a case of insufficiency.
Complications
When a woman with incompetent cervix is not given timely care and treatment, she may face many complications in her pregnancy such as:
Having a pre-term baby- If the cervix opens up during the later stage of the second trimester, there are high chances of the baby being born much ahead of time. In such a case, the baby will require life support and incubator until it grows to a stage where it can function independently.
Stillbirth – A pregnancy loss that happens after week 20 if the pregnancy is called stillbirth. When the baby is born very young it usually does not have the growth and development to survive outside the uterus.
Miscarriage – Babies born to mothers whose cervix becomes weak between the 18th and 22nd week usually have a miscarriage. A fetus cannot survive if it is born before 23 weeks of pregnancy.
While these complications exist, timely remedial measures such as medications, surgical procedures and rest can help many mothers to successfully deliver their full term babies.
How Often Does It Happen?
Incompetent cervix is not a very common condition among pregnant women, and only one in hundred expecting mothers have a weak cervix.
How is the Diagnosis Done?
The doctor usually conducts certain tests during the second trimester to check for any signs of cervical incompetence in a pregnant woman. These tests are conducted based on a previous history of having a pre-term baby or miscarriage, mild symptoms of incompetence or as a general wellness check-up. The diagnosis is usually done in one of the following ways,
Transvaginal Ultrasound: It is a cervical incompetence radiology testing method, where a thin transducer is inserted inside the vagina to capture ultrasound based images of the cervix. The ultrasound of the vaginal area gives an idea about any discrepancy in the length of the cervix (below 2.5 cm), the presence of the foetal membrane in the vagina and the dilation of the cervix. This is usually done around week 15 of the pregnancy.
Examination Of the Pelvis: To check for any prolapsed foetal membrane, i.e. a protrusion of the foetal membrane inside the vagina, the doctor physically examines the cervix. The doctor also can assess the condition of the cervix and the presence of any physical damage in the cervix through this examination. If the doctor feels the foetal membrane in the cervix, it implies that the cervix has opened before time.
Amniocentesis: If the above two tests suggest an incompetent cervix, the doctor generally performs an amniocentesis. It is a simple laboratory procedure, where a small portion of the amniotic sac is drawn to check for any kind of infection in the sac surrounding the foetus.
Treatment
If the doctor diagnoses the cervical incompetence at a less critical stage, he or she generally chooses to treat the expecting mother through one of the following treatment strategies.
Supplementation with Progesterone:
Progesterone is a natural steroid hormone that is administered during the second trimester to prevent miscarriages and premature births. It is usually given as weekly shots or as preparations that can be inserted through the vagina. This treatment option is however not successful in containing multiple pregnancies.
Continuous Monitoring:
For women who have had a history of incompetent cervix or those who have damages in their cervix, the doctor usually examines the length of the same every once in two weeks through an ultrasound scan. During this continuous assessment, if the cervix begins to open up, the doctor immediately conducts a surgery to stitch the cervical opening called cervical cerclage.
Cervical Cerclage:
This is a surgical procedure, administered by doctors on women whose cervix is likely to open up prematurely. In this procedure, the doctor stitches the mouth of the cervix together, in such a way that it withstands the pressure of the developing foetus in the uterus. This greatly helps in containing the baby inside the womb. Doctors even perform this procedure on women with a previous history of this condition, before their cervix becomes weak. This is done as a precautionary measure. However, this treatment option has some restrictions.
A Woman Would Not Be Eligible for Cervical Cerclage Under the Following Conditions:
If she is carrying two or more foetuses in one pregnancy
If the dilation of the cervix has reached 4 cm
If there is irritation in the cervix
If there is any rupture in the foetal membrane
Prevention
There is nothing much you can do to prevent having an incompetent cervix, before conceiving the baby. However, once you become pregnant, you can follow these simple steps to achieve a successful pregnancy.
Get the nutrients right: You can eat lots of fresh fruits, vegetables, and nuts to get the required amount of nutrients during pregnancy. Calcium, iron and folic acid are very critical in ensuring good health for both the mother and the baby.
Consult your doctor regularly: If you have a history of miscarriage or of delivering a preterm baby, you must make sure that you have a regular check-up with your doctor. The doctor will periodically monitor the condition of your cervix through ultrasound and suggest the necessary precautions for a safe delivery.
Limit physical activity: If you are at the risk of having cervical incompetence, then try to avoid any exertive physical activity. You can opt for bed rest, especially after the second trimester.
Avoid sexual activity: You doctor might advise you to avoid sexual activity throughout the pregnancy if you have a weak cervix.
Management of Cervix Incompetence
Learn more about this medical condition and about the precautions that you can take to overcome this problem and achieve a successful pregnancy. Those who have a history of cervical incompetence tend to feel guilty or depressed and go through a lot of emotional stress. Proper care and support from the doctor and the concerned family members can go a long way in keeping the woman stay positive through the pregnancy. Cervical cerclage is a very effective strategy for dealing with incompetent cervix and the success rate of these methods are very high in successfully delivering full-term babies.
Also Read: Cervix Position in Early Pregnancy Read more
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Is your Body Secretly Magnesium Deficient?
Magnesium is a key mineral for good health and its deficiency can lead to a series of health problems. Find out the symptoms of low magnesium levels in the body and learn to manage it. Eating a magnesium-rich diet and taking magnesium supplements can help you prevent deficiency.
Our bodies require a number of essential minerals to stay healthy and one of them is magnesium. However, its deficiency is common and can cause complications. The worst part is that symptoms are not prominent. This makes it tricky to diagnose, so the problem often goes undetected.
What is Magnesium Deficiency and What’s The Daily Required Amount?
When magnesium levels in the body are below normal, a person is said to be suffering from magnesium deficiency. To understand this, it’s important to know what the normal magnesium level in the human body is supposed to be. According to USDA’s recommended daily allowance, the required amount of the mineral is 310 to 320 mg for women and 400 to 420 mg for men. However, some experts insist that levels should be twice the amount.
How Does Magnesium Affect The Body?
Magnesium plays a key role in the biochemical and regulatory functions of the body. Most of the organs make use of this vital mineral, the heart, kidneys, bones and muscles being the main ones. It was once thought that magnesium was just important for bones and heart, but research has proven it encompasses a lot more. In fact, it occurs in more than 300 enzymes, which makes it an important part of the detoxification chain. Simply speaking, magnesium protects the body from the damage caused by environmental toxins and heavy metals. Additionally, it’s an energy-giving mineral and activates nerves and muscles. Keeping an eye on symptoms of low magnesium levels in the body can help you prevent complications.
Magnesium also plays an instrumental role in the synthesis of DNA and RNA, helps in digestion of carbohydrates, fats and proteins, and stimulates neurotransmitters. The role of magnesium for good health cannot be ignored, you must look for signs of magnesium deficiency and start consuming your required daily dose as soon as possible. You could see those as yet unexplained discomforts slowly fade away!
What Does Magnesium Deficiency Cause?
A deficiency of any nutrient throws up symptoms in time and can lead to health conditions. There are a number of side effects of low magnesium that can manifest themselves in the form of symptoms including repeated headaches, loss of appetite, anxiety, insomnia, fatigue, depression and bowel disease. As the lack of magnesium in the body progresses, the signs can take a more serious turn. Deficiency can lead to conditions like heart disease, kidney disease, liver disease, hypertension, diabetes, infertility and musculoskeletal conditions.
How to Start a Magnesium Deficiency Treatment?
The best way to counter a deficiency is to modify your diet and include foods rich in magnesium. Leafy green veggies like spinach, beans, nuts and seeds (of sesame, sunflower and pumpkin) as well as dark chocolate, fish, yoghurt and bananas make excellent sources of magnesium. Supplements can also be consumed.
Identifying whether you’re indeed magnesium-deficient is the first step. You have to be watchful about signs and symptoms no matter how slight they may be as they’re often regarded as ‘invisible’. Read more
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How to Decorate Your Home This Christmas - 11 Amazing Ideas
Decorations are the most fun way to get your home ready, and your loved ones in the holiday spirit. With the season of joy right around the corner, here are some ideas you can list down to decorate your home in the upcoming weeks!
How to Decorate Your Home This Christmas - 11 Amazing Ideas
This holiday season, don't hold back when decking up your home - decorate the doors, the staircase, the ceilings, and even the windows! Here are some simple, elegant, and stunning Christmas decoration ideas for your home.
1. Ornament Wreath
An ornament wreath is a super stylish DIY Christmas decoration idea. You can make the perfect holiday statement with these wreaths. They are very easy to make, and look glittery and shiny - perfect for the season!
What You Will Need
Wreath frame
Glue gun
Garland made of tinsel
Ornaments like balls, bells, cutouts, etc. of various sizes
How to Do
You can start by covering the frame in tinsel. This step will only take you 5 minutes.
You can then glue your ornaments to the wreath frame using the hot glue gun. Start with the larger ornaments and fill the frame with ornaments of your choice. Your DIY wreath is ready!
2. Mini Wooden Christmas Trees
Wondering how to decorate your living room for Christmas? These mini wooden Christmas trees are one of the best homemade Christmas decoration ideas, as you can also involve other members of your family while making them and make a fun day of it.
What You Will Need
Wooden blocks of triangles
Craft paints
Paintbrushes
Liquid leaf (gold)
How to Do
You can start by painting the blocks of triangles with colours of your choice. Let them dry.
You can then paint smaller leaf caps of gold with smaller brushes at the tops of the blocks.
Add small dots on the blocks for an extra touch.
3. Pine-Scented Candle
Candles serve as one of the perfect Christmas home decor ideas, especially for your living room - your house will smell incredible and inviting to all your guests!
What You Will Need
Glass jars
Soy wax chips
Wax dye (green)
Candle oil (pine-scented)
Candle wicks
Glue
Scissors
A pot for melting
Heat-proof bowls with pouring spout
How to Do
Take a large pot and melt 10 cups of soy wax chips on medium heat. Add a few drops of pine-scented oil into the melted wax. Divide the wax and pour into two separate heat-proof bowls.
Add a few drops of green dye into one of the bowls. Take a candle jar and place a wick at the bottom. Use a glue stick to keep the wick in place.
While the wax cools, keep the wick upright.
Once the wax is completely cooled, your candle is ready for use.
4. Glitter Jar Candles
There's something magical about glitter during Christmas season. This adorable DIY Christmas decoration idea is just what you need to set the mood right - the candles and the glitter will make your home feel cosy and pretty.
What You Will Need
Clean mason jars
Silver or translucent coloured glitter
Clear glue
Flat brush
Tea lights or flameless candles
How to Do
Using the flat brush, apply glue on the insides and the bottom of the mason jars. Make sure that the entire inner surface is well coated with glue.
Next, immediately take the glitter and put it inside the mason jars. You can add in heaps of the glitter at once, close the lid, and shake the jar till the entire glued surface is covered with glue. Simply empty the jar to remove the excess glitter. Let the jars dry for an hour or two.
Once dry, put in the tea lights or candles in each jar and light them up!
5. Reindeer Garland
Adding to your list of homemade Christmas decorations, these reindeer garlands are fun to make and can be the perfect Christmas tree addition!
What You Will Need
A template of a sleigh and reindeer
Light brown cardstock
Dark brown cardstock
Red cardstock
Brown and red twine
Jingle bells
Hot glue and scissors
How to Do
Download your favourite template of a reindeer and a sleigh. Trace and cut out the shape on the brown cardboard, and the sleigh on the red cardstock.
Take some twine. Using hot glue, wrap it around the necks of the reindeer. Finally, glue the end of the twine to the back of the sleigh.
You can glue a red jingle bell to make it look like Rudolph’s nose. You can then place this garland on your mantle or on your tree.
6. Spoon Mini Trees
Plastic spoon mini-trees are a cute DIY Christmas decoration that you can make using old spoons that were ready to be discarded!
What You Will Need
Paper mache Christmas tree form
Plastic spoons
Spray paint of your choice
Hot glue
How to Do
Take the plastic spoons and cut the handles off.
Lay the top part of the spoons face down on some old newspaper, and spray them with a variety of paints. You can use green, gold, brown, or even chalkboard black.
After the paint is dry, starting from the bottom, glue each spoon on to the paper mache tree, using glue. Decorate with garlands.
7. Frozen Branches
These DIY frozen branches are one of the prettiest Christmas decorations to make at home. Now, you can make your room look like a winter wonderland!
What You Will Need
Branches of trees
Tacky glue
Plastic diamonds/silver-coloured chunky glitter
How to Do
On a sheet of newspaper, place the diamonds or the chunky glitter. This will ensure they stay in one place for use.
Take the small branches and put some tacky glue on them.
Take these branches and roll them in the diamonds or glitter. Gently shake off the excess and let them dry for about an hour. Keep doing it till all the sides of the branches are covered.
Your winter wonderland branches are ready!
8. Indoor Campfire
Christmas decoration ideas just got a lot better - imagine a beautiful campfire in the comfort of your own home! Here's how you can make it.
What You Will Need
Lace strips
Tree branches
Aluminium foil
Fabric stiffener
Paintbrush
Yellow and red string lights
Rocks
How to Do
Start by wrapping each branch with aluminium foil. This is done to ensure that the lace does not stick to the branches when it dries.
Take a strip of lace and apply fabric stiffener. Make sure the strip is saturated.
Wrap lace around each branch, starting from one end to the other, and leave no spaces in between. Use as many laces needed to cover the branches completely.
Do this for all the branches and let dry. Make sure all the branches covered with lace are completely dry.
After the laces dry off completely, pop the cast out, and take out the foil. Repeat this for all the branches.
Arrange the rocks to form a circle and fill the centre with string lights. Arrange the branches to form a cone. Plug in the lights, and watch your fireplace light up!
9. Bowtie Pasta Garland
This cute DIY Christmas decoration is great to make with your little one!
What You Will Need
Bowtie pasta
White glue
Paintbrush
String
Coloured glitter of your choice
How to Do
Take the pasta and brush it with glue. Give it a thick coat.
Roll the pasta in the glitter of your choice and make sure it sticks. Allow the pasta to dry. Make sure all sides are coated well with glitter.
Tie them together using yarn or twine.
10. Honeycomb Wreath
Looking for the perfect Christmas tree decoration ideas? This honeycomb wreath will amp up the look of your tree and give it a rustic charm. Here's how you can make it.
What You Will Need
Paint
Glue
Colourful glitter of your choice
Mailing tubes of different girths
Bowl
Bells and ornaments
How to Do
Cut each of the tubes into two-inch cylinders. You should be left with small cylinders of varied sizes.
Paint each of these cylinders in your favourite colours, and let them dry. Once dry, add a thick coat of glue on them and roll them in glitter. Tip: If you have painted one cylinder green, it would look best with green-coloured glitter.
Take a large-sized bowl and place it upside down. Place alternate-sized tubes with the sides touching each other around the bowl, and glue each of the cylinders by their sides.
Paste ornaments inside cylinders randomly by sticking them to one side of the surface. Your honeycomb wreath is ready!
11. DIY Fairy Lights Christmas Tree
Source: Pinterest
While Christmas is incomplete without an actual, beautiful tree, you can create a miniature one for the kids' room to give your little one an extra happy vibe before the festivities begin. Here is a fun and easy Christmas tree decorating idea:
What You Will Need
Fairy lights (long)
Tape
A pair of scissors
How to Do
First, plug in the fairy light to the socket to figure out where you can create the tree.
Place the light horizontally on the wall and take it to one end. Secure it with tape. Follow a zig-zag path and continue securing the corners with tape till you reach the top.
Once you reach the top, you can place a bell or a star to complete the tree.
You can add carnations, bells, etc. to add a bit of flair to your tree.
With these easy and fun Christmas decoration ideas, you and your family can have a gala time with sprucing the place up for the big day. Which one will you try out first? Let us know in the comments!
Also Read:
Creative Christmas Tree Decorating Themes
Awesome Christmas Cake Decorating Ideas
Best Christmas Gift Ideas for Everyone Read more
Suggested for you
5 Recipes You Can Make with Peas While They Stay Fresh and Sweet
Winter is the time for snuggling under a blanket and relishing good, warm food. Food is the perfect therapy for foggy winter mornings and chilly winter nights. Although we can indulge in eating at any time of the day all year round, there is something about winters that makes us appreciate our food a little more - maybe it’s because the winter season offers us our favourite foods. Yes, you know them all - gajar ka halwa, sarson da saag, methi ke laddoo, makhane laddoo - all these mouth-watering Indian dishes make us fall in love with this cold season even more. But there is one more item of food that is awaited in winters - PEAS!
Peas are available all year round, but the best time to relish peas is during winters, as peas at this time are sweet, soft, and fresh - just the way we like. Most of you would love eating peas raw and fresh from the farm, but that doesn’t mean you can’t experiment with them. If you love to eat peas, we’re certain that you’ll also enjoy the various dishes made with peas. So, here we bring you some pea recipes that you can try this winter.
5 Pea Recipes That You Should Make This Winter
Here are 5 tasty pea recipes that you can make during winter.
1. Matar ki Kachori
Matar ki kachori is one of the classic delicacies everyone enjoys, especially in north India – it is a perfect snack to indulge in on a cold winter evening. You can have it with a hot cup of chai or with ketchup, green chutney, or curd.
Ingredients
For the kachori dough
All-purpose flour (maida) - 1 cup
Semolina (rawa) - 1 tsp
Water
Oil
Salt to taste
For the stuffing
Fresh peas - 2 cups
Grated ginger - 1 tsp
Thinly sliced green chilli - 1
Cumin seeds - ½ tsp
Turmeric - ¼ tsp
A pinch of asafoetida
Red chilli powder - ½ tsp
Coriander powder - ½ tsp
Garam masala powder - ½ tsp
Dry mango powder - ¼ tsp
Chopped coriander leaves
Crushed fennel seeds - ¼ tsp
How to Make
Stuffing
Boil or steam the peas and allow them to cool.
Take the boiled peas, ginger, and chopped chilli in a blender.
Blend them well to form a coarse paste and keep aside.
Heat 1 tsp of oil in a wok on a medium flame.
Once the oil heats up, add cumin seeds and asafoetida, and let them splutter.
Add blended peas to it and stir well.
Add dry spices, salt, and coriander leaves to the mix and give it a nice stir.
Once the mixture is cooked, turn off the flame.
Dough
Take semolina (rawa) and all-purpose flour (maida) in a large bowl, add salt and some oil, and mix well.
Slowly add water to it, and knead well to form a dough. Keep the dough aside for 15 - 30 minutes.
Extract a small ball from the dough and place it on a rolling board.
Dust some maida on it, and roll the ball to a medium-sized circle using a rolling pin.
Place a scoop of the prepared stuffing in the centre of the flattened dough and brush some water on its edges.
Next, bring all the edges together and pinch them.
Dust some maida on it again and roll it to get a medium-sized disc.
Repeat the steps to make a few more.
Heat oil in a deep wok on medium flame; once the oil is hot, drop a rolled kachori in it from the edges of the wok.
Deep fry it till it turns golden brown.
Fry all the kachoris in a similar fashion, and serve hot with green chutney.
2. Nimona
We know the name nimona may sound strange, especially if you’re hearing the name of this yummy matar recipe for the first time, but once you try and taste it, we are sure you’ll make it every winter. Yes, we are emphasising on winters because nimona tastes best when made with fresh green peas harvested in the winter season. So, here is the recipe for this favourite delicacy of Uttar Pradesh.
Ingredients
Chopped onion - 1
Chopped potato - 1
Finely chopped tomato - 1
Fresh green peas - 2 cups
Mustard oil - 2 tbsp
Grated ginger - ½ tsp
Chopped garlic - 1 tsp
Chopped green chillies - 2
Bay leaf (tejpatta) - 2
Cloves - 4
Cumin seeds - 1 tsp
Turmeric - ¼ tsp
A pinch of asafoetida
Red chilli powder - ½ tsp
Coriander powder - ½ tsp
Garam masala powder - 1 tsp
Water
Chopped coriander leaves - 2 tsp
How to Make
Blend the chopped onions, tomatoes, garlic, ginger, and green chillies in a blender to make a fine paste. Keep aside in a bowl.
Next, grind green peas to form a coarse paste. Remember - do not add water while grinding.
Take 2 tbsp of mustard oil in a pan and heat it on a low flame. Once the oil is hot, add chopped potato cubes to it and sauté them till they turn golden.
Keep the potatoes aside on a plate lined with a kitchen towel, allowing it to absorb the excess oil.
To make the nimona gravy, take the same pan. You can add more oil to it if it seems less.
Heat the oil and add bay leaves, cumin seeds, and cloves to it. Let them splutter.
Add the ground onion and tomato mixture to it, and stir it well.
Keep sautéing the mixture until it turns lumpy, and you notice oil releasing from the sides of the mixture.
Now add all the dry spices to it and mix well.
Finally, add the coarse peas’ paste and salt as required, and mix well with the onion-tomato masala.
Add water as required and cover the pan with a lid, allowing it to simmer. It should take 10 - 15 minutes for this matar recipe to cook to perfection.
Stir it in between and add more water if required.
Once it’s cooked, add chopped coriander leaves and turn off the flame.
Serve hot with phulkas.
3. Methi Matar Malai
While nimona tastes delicious, you’d not make it for a house party, would you? If you want to cook something special and fancy with peas, here is a perfect gravy dish that you can make easily.
Ingredients
Chopped fenugreek leaves (methi) - 2 cups
Boiled green peas - 1 cup
Fresh cream - ½ cup
Milk - 1 cup
Garam masala - 1 tsp
Oil - 2 tbsp
Sugar - ½ tsp
Salt as required
Water
Chopped coriander leaves (for garnishing)
For the paste
Chopped onion - 1 (medium-sized)
Chopped green chillies - 1 - 2
Grated ginger - ½ tsp
Cumin seeds - 1 tsp
Cashews - 1 cup
Chopped garlic - ½ tsp
Small cinnamon sticks - 2
Cloves - 4
Green cardamoms - 2
Black peppercorns - 2
How to Make
Preparation
First, wash the chopped fenugreek leaves, then sprinkle ½ tsp salt on it. Keep it aside for 15 minutes.
Later, squeeze out the excess water from the methi leaves.
Paste
Heat oil in a pan on a low flame; once it’s hot, add cumin seeds to it.
Once the cumin seeds change colour, add cinnamon sticks, cloves, cardamoms, and peppercorns to it.
Next, add ginger, garlic, and green chillies, and sauté.
Add chopped onions and sauté them until they turn soft and translucent. Turn off the flame, and transfer the onion mixture on a plate, allowing it to cool.
Once it cools, add it to a blender with cashews, and blend to form a smooth paste.
Methi Matar Malai
Heat oil in a pan on a low flame. Once the oil is hot, add cumin seeds and wait till their colour changes.
Then add the prepared onion and cashew paste to it and keep stirring it.
Cook the mixture for 5 - 10 minutes until it starts giving an aroma, and you see oil releasing from the sides.
You can add a little water if the mixture sticks to the pan.
Add chopped fenugreek leaves or methi, and sauté for 3 minutes.
Add half a cup of water and let it simmer for 5 minutes.
Finally, add boiled peas, fresh cream, and milk (if necessary), and let it simmer for 5 minutes.
Add sugar and salt to taste.
Garnish with coriander leaves and your methi matar malai dish is ready!
Serve hot with phulkas, parathas, or naan.
4. Peas and Mint Dip/Puree
Who says you can make only Indian delicacies with peas? If you like indulging in all kinds of foods from all parts of the world, here is one recipe which is popular all over the world! Just like the ever-popular avocado dip, you can make a dip or spread with peas as well. Here goes the recipe –
Ingredients
Fresh peas - 2 cups
Water - 2 cups
Chopped mint leaves - 8
Chopped garlic - ½ tsp
Salt to taste
Pepper
Butter
How to Make
Take water in a pan and bring it to a boil.
Add peas, mint leaves, and salt, and boil for 5 minutes.
Drain the water and let the peas cool.
Grind together the peas, mint leaves, and garlic.
Transfer it to a bowl, and add salt and butter to it, and mix well.
Spread it on toast or bread slices, and enjoy!
5. Matar Barfi
Want to make a dessert with peas - how about matar barfi? Here is a simple way to make matar barfi. So, take note of this recipe and try it yourself!
Ingredients
Ground peas - 2 cups
Ghee or clarified butter - 2 tbsp
Powdered cashews - ¼ cup
Powdered sugar - 1 cup
Grated khoya (mava) - 1 cup
Cardamom powder - ½ tsp
Edible silver (Vark)
How to Make
Roast the cashew powder and keep it aside.
In a non-stick pan, roast khoya until the ghee separates.
Once it’s done, take the ghee in the pan, heat it on a low flame, and add the ground peas. Keep stirring continuously to reduce the moisture in the mixture.
Add khoya and give the mixture a nice stir.
Add sugar, cardamom powder, and cashew powder, and keep stirring it until the mixture becomes lumpy.
Turn off the flame.
Grease a plate or tray with ghee, and pour the peas’ mixture on it, spreading it evenly on the plate.
Allow it to cool and cut it into squares or any shape you like.
Stick vark on it and satiate your sweet tooth.
So, there you have it - 5 easy matar dishes that you can make in winters. Savoury, spicy, gravy, sweet - you name it and we’ve got them covered for you. So, what are you waiting for? Go ahead and try these recipes. Eat these yummy matar dishes now because you know it well that fresh peas won’t last long. Happy p’eating’!
Also Read:
Include These Seasonal Fruits in Your Winter Diet
Hot Dessert Recipes to Keep You Cozy on Cold Nights
Indian Foods That Can Keep You Warm This Winter Season Read more
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
8 hours ago
Q. #asktheexperts I am having vaginal infection from last 2 months my doc have given me antibiotics meds but still I am having it …. 8 months pregnant I am ….is anything I am doing wrong that’s y I am having this infection
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
8 hours ago
A. ok cd. if there is no relief it is better you see your doctor for proper examination particularly physical examination if there is need for doing investigations to find out the problem and treatment ok
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due this month
8 hours ago
Q. Hlo sir / madam
I m 36week 6 days pregnant
My baby’s head doesn’t fix into the pelvis
Lightening or baby dropping not happend
My AFI is 18 (mild polyhydroaminous)
What should I do?? Normal delivery possible?
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
8 hours ago
A. your treating doctor will advise accordingly ok. if there is no relief it is better you see your doctor for proper examination particularly physical examination if there is need for doing investigations to find out the problem and treatment ok
Heenuchauhan has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 5 months
5 hours ago
Q. I got a very pinkish line in t from 2 test which I took after 7 days of missing period am I pregnant?????
Heenuchauhan
Guardian of 2 children
5 hours ago
A. yeah postive
Rashmi has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
4 hours ago
Q. hi,
I have done LFT in which SGOT is 58.80 & SGPT is 96.90,
and Bile test is 8.83.
my gyne is suggesting for pre term delivery in 37 weeks.
and other hospital gyne is saying it's normal.
please suggest what should I do, is it matter of concern?
do I have to do early delivery in as per report?
Read moreRashmi
Mom of a 9 yr 7 m old girl
3 hours ago
A. It is not a pre-term degree once you enter into your nine months you can deliver any time and it will be a full-time delivery so see if your gynaecologist is suggesting you something go for that because she’s monitored your pregnancy throughout these nine months so I think she would not suggest you anything wrong of going a sec for a second opinion you go for what your gynaecologist suggesting but try going ahead with a normal delivery
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Mom of a Newborn child
1 hour ago
Q. y does my baby spit up so much,is it fault of my breast milk
does eating tamird make baby to spit up
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
1 hour ago
A. nothing to do with mothers diet ok. small babies will be having lot of gas because of various reasons it is advisable to do burping of the baby immediately after feeding please give colimex DF drops to the baby they are safe
Dr. Minal Acharya has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
1 hour ago
Q. difference between lactogen 2&3
Dr. Minal Acharya
Nutritionist
1 hour ago
A. dear Mum the difference between lactogen 2 and 3 is related to the age
lactogen 2 is for the age group of after 6 months upto 12 months
lactogen 3 is formulated for the age group of after 12 months upto 18 months
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