Santa's Prayer

The sleigh was all packed, the reindeer were fed,

But Santa still knelt by the side of the bed.

"Dear Father," he prayed "Be with me tonight.
There's much work to do and my schedule is tight.

I must jump in my sleigh and streak through the sky,
Knowing full well that a reindeer can't fly.

I will visit each household before the first light,
I'll cover the world and all in one night.

With sleigh bells a-ringing, I'll land on each roof,
Amid the soft clatter of each little hoof.

To get in the house is the difficult part,
So I'll slide down the chimney of each child's heart.

My sack will hold toys to grant all their wishes.
The supply will be endless like the loaves and the fishes.

I will fill all the stockings and not leave a track.
I'll eat every cookie that is left for my snack.

I can do all these things Lord, only through You,
I just need your blessing, then it's easy to do.

All this is to honor the birth of the One,
That was sent to redeem us, Your most Holy Son.

So to all of my friends, least Your glory I rob,
Please Lord, remind them who gave me this job."

Christmas Ride

This video shows a family riding on a Santa sleigh in a Christmas decoration showroom placed at KD Decoratives offices in Huddersfield, UK. The displays are very detailed and have full light, sound effects, and singing.

8 Wonderful Gifts That Don't Cost A Cent

THE GIFT OF LISTENING


You must really listen. No interrupting, no daydreaming, no planning your responses, no second-guessing. Just listen.

THE GIFT OF AFFECTION

Be generous with appropriate hugs, kisses, and pats on the back.  Let these small actions demonstrate the love you have for your family and dose friends.

THE GIFT OF LAUGHTER

Clip and share cartoons and funny stories. Your gift will say, “I love to laugh with you.”

THE GIFT OF A WRITTEN NOTE

It can be a simple “Thanks for the help” note or a full sonnet. A brief, handwritten note may be remembered
for a lifetime, and may even change a life.

THE GIFT OF A COMPLIMENT

A simple and sincere, “You look great in red,” “You did a super job,” or “That was wonderful,” can make someone’s day.

THE GIFT OF A FAVOR

Every day, go out of your way to do something kind.

THE GIFT OF SOLITUDE

There are times when you want nothing more than to be left alone.  Be sensitive to that same need in others and give the gift of solitude when it seems needed.

THE GIFT OF A CHEERFUL DISPOSITION

The easiest way to feel good is to offer a kind word to someone.  Really, just a cheery “Hello,” or “How are you?” can go a long way.

~~ Farmers' Almanac, 2001 ~~

Trees To Dye For

Wrote an article today for the Christmas Examiner on dying bottlebrush trees.  Go check it out.

Top Ten Favorite Things About Christmas 2009

1. My children still believe in Santa Claus.
2. The gifts my children pick out for me from the school's Santa Shoppe or when I take them to the dollar store.
3. The surprises.
4. The happiness and laughter of my children as they open their gifts.
5. The help from agencies so I am able to buy gifts for my children.
6. The time spent with friends.
7. Our annual Open House.
8. I got 42 trees up and decorated. Whoo hoo!
9. The annual baking of dozens of cookies. This year a new friend helped us bake.
10. The fuzzy feeling I get when giving gifts to my friends.

Join Amanda, our hostess, and others as we list our Top Ten lists.

Christmas Thought of the Day - 1/11/10

Christmas is the season of joy, of holiday greetings exchanged, of gift giving, and of families united.
~~ Norman Vincent Peale ~~

Christmas Thought of the Day - 1/10/10

Christmas is doing a little something extra for someone.
~~ Charles Schulz ~~

Santa Claus Is Here!

Performed by HIllary Mason of the Hillarettes.

Christmas Thought of the Day - 1/4/10

A gift is pure when it is given from the heart to the right person at the right time and at the right place, and when we expect nothing in return.

Special Effects to Make Every Gift Original

Here are some easy and inventive ways to make every gift unique:

Give gifts character. For special presents, make tags from scratch. Use cookie cutters as a template and trace onto colored paper and cut out.

Make your mark. Stamp tags with yuletide wishes and images.

Trim with care. Scissors with fancy edges transform scraps of paper into delicate labels.

Stick it on. Dress up plain paper with metallic stickers - stars, snowflakes, hearts, dots - and your presents will twinkle.

Dress it up. Let the kids create designs on plain brown Kraft paper.

Be original. Use maps, newspaper, comics, posters, etc., to wrap your gift.