365 Days of Christmas

The Safe Road to Santa's Workshop

2011-12-20T13:14:00.002-05:00

Be Safe This Holiday Season - The Safe Road to Santa's Workshop

Where Does Your Holiday Spirit Come From?

2011-12-15T19:08:00.005-05:00

Your Holiday Spirit Comes From Decorating the House

You are a very visual and creative person. You have a clear idea in your mind of what the holidays should look like.

You enjoy using this time of year to express your artistry and impress your friends and family a bit.

You are a comforting influence on those around you. You are the perfect person to host a holiday gathering.

You are grateful for everything you have. More than grateful, you're downright delighted.

Where Does Your Holiday Spirit Come From?

Blogthings: We're Not Shrinks, But We Play Them On the Internet

If you know me, you know this is true. I love decorating for the Christmas season.

Top 10 Christmas Lists

2011-12-15T13:18:00.001-05:00

Top Ten is a generic term used to indicate the ten items that are best, worst, or otherwise notable according to some criteria. Enjoy the top ten lists about Christmas. Where do you find the world’s tallest Christmas tree? How do you nick an elf? Top 10 lists are good, fun, and decisive ways to get an overview of many Christmas topics. 365 Days of Christmas brings a selection of top 10 lists here (at the blog site). Click around, have some fun, and learn a bit more about Christmas.

The Christmas Card Test

2011-12-11T19:24:00.005-05:00

You Are Caring

You are an extremely stable and together person. You don't have a lot of chaos in your life.

You're at a point where you can help others, and you do so happily and willingly.

You are sympathetic and compassionate. You find it easy to place yourself in someone else's shoes.

You are organized and responsible. You take care of yourself so that you're not a burden on others.

The Holiday Card Test

Blogthings: Take a Quiz. Annoy Your Friends.

Christoper Radko Ornaments

2011-12-10T05:30:00.001-05:00

It's Become a Well-Known Tale

A tree ladened with the Radko family's antique ornaments fell when a newly purchased Christmas tree stand broke. Christopher ruined Christmas for his family! So he decided to right that wrong and on a trip to Poland went about trying to find replacements for the ornaments. The first collection consisted of 65 ornaments in 1986.

The Making of an Ornament

Ornaments are produced in several European countries -- Poland, Germany, Italy, and the Czech Republic. Each ornament is still made the old fashioned way and takes seven days to create. Over 10,000 different items have been created over the past twenty years.

The Different Radko Lines

Over the years the Radko name has grown to include numerous products that fall into three lines: mouth-blown glass ornaments, Home for the Holidays (tabletop/decorative accessories), and Shiny-Brite, retro looking ornaments and decorations.

Much to the chagrin of long-time collectors several years ago Radko produced an exclusive line for Target. The Target line was limited and to the expert collector the difference was obvious, but many felt it hurt the brand name in the long run.

It's Easy to Get Overwhelmed

Christmas collectors can be easily overwhelmed when looking at the hundreds of different designs produced every year (1,100 in 2006). Sometimes it is best to focus in on a particular type of ornament or design and go from there. There are lots of choices including whimsical, traditional, or storybook styles, as well as ornaments supporting charities and groups. It would be hard to name an item, character, or culture which has not been represented by a Radko ornament.

Charity and Benefit Ornaments

Every year Christopher Radko has numerous ornaments designated to raise funds for various charities including AIDS, Breast Cancer, Pediatric Cancer, Animal Rights Organizations, Diabetes, Heart Disease, and The Christopher Radko Foundation for Children in Poland.

Other exclusive ornaments are produced specifically for charities to offer for sale as a fund-raising option. These include St. Jude's, the Dave Thomas Foundation, and The M.D. Anderson Cancer Center.

Licensed and Exclusives

In addition to the extensive Radko open ornament line, many stores have the chance to offer exclusives only available at their store, as well as signing exclusives. These are ornaments available only at a Radko appearance.

Over the years Radko has produced numerous licensed ornaments for companies as diverse as Disney, Warner Bros, and Harley Davidson.

Radko Values

The early years of Radko ornaments have risen in value and are difficult to find at a bargain. People usually know what they have! Secondary markets through newsletters, dealers, or Internet auctions are the way to find the older ornaments. Many stores will also have a few retired ornaments in stock, you'll have to let your fingers do the walking when trying to find something specific.

Resources

Author David Olsen has categorized the entire Radko line from the first year 1986 through 2000. The book will be very helpful when shopping the secondary market, plus it serves to whet the appetite for ornaments from the early years.

Christopher Radko Ornaments, Volume 1
A Chat with David Olsen
Christopher Radko Radko Ornaments

Dear Mr. Santa Claus

2011-12-09T18:57:00.001-05:00

Check out this adorable, fun animation for the whole family. I think, it will easily become a Christmas classic. This animated song reminds of the ads and songs from my childhood.

Check out the video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dicixW23rwo.

If you like, please help us spread the word!

'Tis the Season to Be Spendy

2011-12-04T19:13:00.002-05:00

Best Selling Christmas Songs of All Time

2011-12-03T19:42:00.008-05:00

When you talk about Christmas, you can’t ignore the Christmas music that can be heard everywhere in December. After all, music plays a significant role in creating the desired atmosphere.

Best Selling Christmas Songs of All Time

Band Aid - Do They Know It's Christmas? - 1984, 1985, 2004
Boney M - Mary's Boy Child - 1978
Wham! - Last Christmas - 1984, 1985
Harry Belafonte - Mary's Boy Child - 1957
Slade - Merry Xmas Everybody - 1973, 1981, 1983, 1998, 2006
Bing Crosby - White Christmas - 1942, 1977, 1998
Cliff Richard - The Millennium Prayer - 1999
Johnny Mathis - When A Child Is Born - 1976
Gene Autry - Rudolph, The Red Nosed Reindeer - 1999
Bobby Helms - Jingle Bell Rock - 1957

"New Tradition"

2011-12-02T06:32:00.000-05:00

I was introduced to a new holiday song that I want to share with you. Hey Romeo, a country group from Edmonton, Alberta, released a new song yesterday titled "New Tradition."

The group Hey Romeo are the 2011 Canadian Country Music Awards "Group of the Year."

I've included a sound clip here for you to check them out: http://soundcloud.com/heyromeo/new-tradition-hey-romeo.

Christmas Countdown Giveaway

2011-12-01T07:00:00.000-05:00

Happy December! Only 24 days until Christmas.

In between the hustle and bustle of the holidays, let's have some fun. Ifyou like surprises and prizes, HostelBookers has a thing or two in their Santa sack this year, just for you.

Inthe spirit of a traditional advent calendar, HostelBookers is getting fun, merry, and festive by giving away fantastic prizes every day between 1st through 24th of December.

Wecan't promise everyone a white Christmas, but we can offer prizes includingiPad2, free accommodations, Kindle, InterRail tickets, Round-The-WordExpert Flights and much more.

Come play - and win - with us...

Go to HostelBookers Facebook page.
Like Hostelbookers.
Click on the 'Christmas Giveaway' tab and answer a question.

A new question will be posted daily at midnight 00:01 GMT up to and including December 24th.
Winners will be notified by email and announced on the blog once they claim their prize.
Answers will be posted on the Facebook wall and on the blog.

HostelBookers is the leading budget accommodation website in the travelindustry not to apply a service charge and is, on average, 8.7% cheaper thanits nearest competitor. It features over 20,000 hostels, cheaphotels and budget properties on its website inover 3,500 destinations across the world. Follow us on Twitter @hostelbookers.

What Color Christmas Lights Are You>

2011-11-26T07:28:00.001-05:00

You Are Green Lights

Your holidays are a time of rest and solace.

You take time to reflect on the year that's passed.

You also enjoy connecting with friends and family you've lost touch with.

The holidays are your opportunity to remember what's important in your life.

What Color Christmas Lights Are You?

Blogthings: Waste Time at Work!

Easy Homemade Gifts to Make for Christmas

2011-11-25T09:30:00.000-05:00

We certainly love to receive gifts but there is more joy from giving gifts. This, unfortunately, can turn into an expensive venture as our list of recipients continues to grow and the prices continue to creep higher. A fantastic way to give Christmas gifts is to make them yourself. This is not only a great cost-saving way to give, it also adds a personal touch to your gifts and is a terrific bonding activity for the whole family. Get your creative juices flowing with these great homemade Christmas gift ideas:

Box of Homemade Christmas Ornaments

This is a great gift idea for anyone as it can be personalized to suit ages and personal interests. You will need a box of plain round Christmas ball ornaments. For a sports fan family, you can paint the ornament to look like a soccer ball, a basketball, a baseball, and so on. You can also paint on personalized season greetings or names. Another idea is to put colorful beads, metallic shreds/tinsel, a feather (to represent an angel), paint (then swirl ornament around to get good coverage), or small toys inside. More ideas include placing a small photo or flower insides.

Box of International Teas (or Coffee)

This is a great way for your family and friends to experience different tastes of the world. Invest in a number of different boxes of tea from different places in the world. Many types of tea can be found at your local supermarket or mass merchandise store, for example, green tea from China, masala tea from India, black tea from Kenya, Earl grey tea from the UK, etc. For more specialized tea, you can find great deals online, especially if you buy in bulk. Then pack them in pretty plastic bags, simple baskets, or mugs. Remember to include a card explaining the different types of tea and where they are from.

Box of Homemade Treats

Roll up your sleeves and get your hands sticky making homemade fudge, cupcakes, truffles, mini loaves of bread, brownies, candy, &/or cookies. These are fun to make, fun to decorate, and fun to eat. Get out the tried and true family recipes to use.

Personalized Wrapping

Get creative with your wrapping too. Many options include pretty but inexpensive plates, mugs, disposable foil pans, colorful plastic wrap, and Christmas patterned Ziploc bags.

Written by Nisha Sharma from Freebies365.co.uk and Storm Litz.

Personalized Christmas Gifts

2011-11-24T13:46:00.000-05:00

With the festive period fast approaching,the spectre of what gifts to buy family and friends is upon us, and withtopping last year’s purchases and buying for those that seem to own everythingalready, the task is becoming more difficult every year. Tailored Christmaspresents are one way to get round this conundrum.

· An old favourite is simply to makesomething from scratch. This method is particularly nice when the present comesfrom a child. The gift actuallymeans something and will more than likely adorn the wall or mantelpiece of aloved one for years to come.

· Personalised mugs, hats, t-shirts, etc. are a great way to make what isusually a pretty standard Christmas gift into a more enduring and meaningfuloffering. The process for arranging this sort of presentis fairly easy and can be done in most cases simply by sending off a relevantphoto. The end result will belie the actual effort put in!

· If you want to really make a pointwith a personalized Christmas gift why not go for a private license plate? For anew motorist or a seasoned driver with a new car, a personalized plate would bea perfect gift.

· A photo frame of the digitalvariety is a great modern take on a classic heartfelt present. By loading upthe frame with snaps of friends and family, before wrapping up for Christmasmorning, you can take the hassle out of the technology for a loved one and givethem a gift that will always be fresh.

· Lastly, everybody likes to let themselves 'go' over the Christmas period, so giving the gift of chocolate is always a winner. We all know about the selection box on Christmas morning but a more refined cocoa present, with a personalised message, from a good chocolatier is a great way to give a custom gift.

Written by Daniel Nicklin on behalf of Search Laboratory Ltd. and Storm Litz.

Clever Personalized Christmas Card Ideas

2011-11-24T09:34:00.000-05:00

Have you been thinking about what you will dofor this year's Christmas card? Are you tired of buying the same boxes of snowmanand reindeer cards? Are you looking for a fresh, fun new idea? Consider sending a more personalized Christmas greeting - a photo Christmas card is a unique way to send holidaywishes to friends and family.

Photo Christmas cards come in many creative styles and colors. Some cards have one focal photo while others feature two or more photos. ManyChristmas photo cards have the option to include a shortpersonal message.

Here are some ideas to help you create a clever personalized Christmas card usinga photo card:

Think 'outside the box' when choosing a photo. Not all photo Christmas cardsneed to have a picture of the kids sitting on Santa's lap or the whole familyposed in holiday sweaters. Capture another fun family moment where your family'spersonality shines through - baking Christmas cookies together, a family skitrip, making the annual gingerbread house, or finding the perfect Christmas tree.
Have trouble getting everyone to smile and look at the camera at the sametime? Consider a photo Christmas card that allows for multiple photos. Choosephotos that give everyone a moment to shine.
Don't forget the pets (they're part of the family too). Put a Santa hat on the dog and some reindeer antlerson the cat and snap that photo.
Optimize your color scheme. While your whole family doesn't need to dress inred or green, having everyone dress within the same range of colors will makethe photo seem more cohesive. Or change all the photos to black & white or sepia toned, so you don't have to worry about the colors clashing. Coordinating the colors will help you choose a Christmas photo card design thatcompliments the color scheme of your photo(s).

The sky is the limit when it comes to designing your personalized Christmasphoto card, so have fun creating some Christmas cheer!

Written by Kevin Phelps from SEO.com and Storm Litz.

My Ugly Christmas Sweater

2011-11-23T08:30:00.000-05:00

You have heard the phrase 'another man's junk is another man's treasure.' Here is an updated version: One man's ugly, tacky sweater is another man's sparkling, fun sweater.

Do you remember the gawdy, over-rated, sparkly, light-up sweaters from about twenty years ago? Guess what? They are back in fashion. In the case of the Ugly Christmas Sweater, the more lights, patterns, sparkles, colors, fringe, reindeer, snowmen, Christmas trees, glitzy, the uglier; the better the sweater is according to Ugly Christmas Sweater.

Each sweater is one-of-a-kind and hand-crafted in Vermont, USA. You can beam with pride that you are wearing a genuinely ugly sweater.

It Is Okay to Say Merry Christmas

2011-11-23T08:00:00.000-05:00

Every Christmas, anti-Christian groups, such as the American Civil Liberties Union, sue some city for erecting a nativity scene on public property. Likewise, fearing they may be perceived as politically incorrect, a handful of retailers replace the word "Christmas" with "Holiday" in their marketing.

It may seem like a small issue, but these things are significant because they diminish the importance of the Christian foundations of America.

Our ideas of justice, mercy, liberty and love for our fellow man are deeply rooted in the Bible, and particularly in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. That's why America has been a light among the nations in the world.

Like the angel who appeared to the shepherds saying: "I bring you good news of great joy," we Christians have a story to tell about the blessings of honoring God. Telling that story can start with wearing and sharing the 2011 Christmas button.

Black Friday Info

2011-11-22T15:53:00.001-05:00

Black Friday Info is a one-stop destination for everything shoppers need for Black Friday 2011. From early access to Black Friday ads to bargain-hunting tips to the best deals from top retailers.

Check Your Christmas Lights

2011-11-22T13:34:00.001-05:00

As a person who usually decorates more than an average of 20 Christmas trees every year, I can tell you from experience it is MUCH easier to check your strand of Christmas lights before you put the lights on the tree or intertwine it with the garland, etc.

There is nothing more frustrating than getting all the lights situated just the way you want and then find out the lights don't work, especially if you have the older lights. Why is it one light doesn't work and the whole strand has to be damaged. On top of that, it is difficult to go through the whole strand to find that one light that is causing all the trouble.

This year I saw a new television commercial for the Light Keeper Pro. It fixes the strand of lights with the simple click click of the device.

I think I need this item. Here is a video that shows just how easy the Light Keeper Pro is.

Have you tried this new item? Does it work? Let me know what you think in the comments.

If interested in purchasing this light-saver, check on Amazon.

(This is not a review. I did not get paid via cash or item. This item was listed as purely incidental.)

Don't Go Broke for Christmas

2011-11-22T11:00:00.000-05:00

Inexpensive Resources So You Don't Go Broke for Christmas

Haha, remember that old song, I’ll Be Home for Christmas, – well, I wonder if the spirit of ol’ Bing would update that to 'I’ll be broke for Christmas.' Hey, I’m not complaining because I know a lot of people out there are in the same spot. This year has really sucked in the financial department. I think we feel it more around Christmas time because we want to be generous this time of year. We want to splurge and shower our friends and loved ones with wonderful gifts, delicious things to eat, delightful toys, great fun, dashing parties, and merriment – the whole ball of wax. But alas…what’s a Christmas time junkie to do when she’s short on cash?

Well, I don’t know if it will help but I’ll give you my own version of Christmas on the cheap. Here’s what I do (in no particular order):

1. I comb the thrift shops, discount stores, consignment stores, library sales, dollar stores, and clearance shelves.

2. I check the grocery store flyer's for whatever is on sale. For example, if roast beef is less than $2 a pound, well then, that’s my Christmas meal.

3. I use my old Christmas cards to make collages, framed art decor, boxes, gift tags, etc.

4. I go for walks and collect pine cones, sticks (for primitive tree), greenery and put them in baskets and vases around the house to help give it that Christmas look.

5. I handmake many of my gifts (bake brownies & cookies, create gifts in a jar, scrapbook pages/albums, & scrapbook jewelry, cards, ornaments, etc.) for the mailman, mechanic, teachers (when my kids were in public school), neighbors, the local fire station, the local police station, the local senior citizen center, etc.

6. I invite friends for a potluck movie marathon. Four friends each bring a dish of some sort, add three movies, hot cocoa, and you’ve got a party.

7. I drive around the neighborhood at night and admire the Christmas lights and displays.

8. If I’m exchanging gifts with friends, we set a limit, like $5 and we stick to it. You can find some great inexpensive gifts that people will cherish: fuzzy Christmas socks, nice pen set, note cards,

9. A hand-written letter listing what you admire most about the person is an awesome gift.

10. I’ve also been known to give coupons for 3 hours of pet sitting or kid sitting, a home-cooked meal, an afternoon of shoveling snow, 3 hours of cleaning, or an afternoon of driving so they can go shopping and do errands.

I take whatever talents or resources I have available and I turn them into the most Christmas-y thing I can think of . . . and you know what, it works.

WOW Tours - The Christmas Village

2011-11-22T07:00:00.000-05:00

Let's kick of the Christmas season with a bang. Today I am hosting a giveaway.

Today I'm the hostess for the WOW (Women On Writing) Tours. A group of women bloggers each host a day this week to introduce you to author Melissa Goodwin.

I'm so excited to share with you . . .

Please let me introduce to you: Melissa Ann Goodwin.

Her Bio:

Melissa is a native New Englander, now living inSanta Fe, New Mexico with her husband, artist J. Richard Secor. She has writtenextensively for Fun for Kidz, Boys’ Quest, and Hopscotch for Girls. She was aregular feature article contributor to the Caregiver's Home Companion for morethan five years. Her work has appeared in Guideposts’ Angels on Earth,Caregivers’ Home Companion, Caring Today, The Lutheran Digest, The PeakMagazine, The Andover Townsman, and the Martha’s Vineyard Gazette. The ChristmasVillage is her first novel.

I was lucky enough to receive a signed copy of The Christmas Village yesterday. I was up part of the night reading this great book.

About The Christmas Village:

"When Jamie Reynolds comes to his grandparents' Vermont home for Christmas, he just wants things to go back to the way they were before his dad disappeared. Time and again he is drawn to Grandma's miniature Christmas village, where he imagines that life is perfect. Late one night, the village comes to life before his eyes, and his fantasy of escaping into it becomes very read indeed. Jamie discovers that the village is called Canterbury, where the year is 1932. He becomes fast friends with Kelly and Christopher Pennysworth, and is taken in by Ida, who runs the local boarding house. But he also makes a dangerous enemy of the mysterious and menacing Jim Gordon, whose return to town is nothing but trouble. As Jamie desperately races against time to find his way back home, he is suddenly faces with a terrifying choice: to go ahead with his plan to leave, or to stay and help his friends, at the risk of never going home again."

The book is an easy read and full of fun adventures. It is a wonderful story about Jamie and his imagination.

The book keeps you fully entertained as the mystery of Canterbury and Jim unfolds. Melissa's writing style is fresh and vivid.

My rating (1, lowest; 5, highest): 5

Join the fun and come along on the adventure of The Christmas Village.

For more information on Melissa and her fabulous book, check out these resources:

Melissa's blog, Writer Yogini.

The book has it's own blog, The Christmas Village Book.

The book's Facebook page.

The author's Twitter page.

If you can't wait to read The Christmas Village, click here to purchase the book now.

Now onto the giveaway . . .

Leave a comment (about the book, about the blog, about Christmas) this week and I'll announce the winner on Sunday, November 27th. Only four days left to enter the giveaway to receive a copy of The Christmas Village.

Start of 2011 Christmas Season

2011-11-21T12:37:00.000-05:00

Thanks to so many that have left me comments and personal emails regarding my whereabouts. I appreciate all the concerns. Sadly, my health has taken a big turn for the worse this past year. Also, since I started homeschooling my children (and remember, I am single mother) it has been very difficult to find time for me and things I want to do.

But, here I am.

I have LOTS of Christmas reviews, Christmas songs, Christmas stories, and Christmas ideas to share with you, so please come back and visit often.

Merry CHRISTmas!

Largest Indoor Christmas Tree in UK

2011-11-16T08:00:00.000-05:00

Largest Indoor Christmas Tree in the UK is featured at the Ideal Home Show Christmas 2011

The largest real indoor Christmas tree in the UK at 15 meters high and over 7 meters wide, is set to be unveiled as the central feature of this year’s Ideal Home Show at Christmas at London’s Earls Court.

Towering over the show, the 30- year-old Norwegian Sitka Spruce, will be dressed in a selection of festive decorations and illuminated with stunning lighting provided by Philips. Over 12 runs of 20 meters of cable will be used to illuminate the tree, which will be powered by a series of low wattage, energy efficient Living Colors Philips LED lights.

The 8-foot-tall balsam fir chosen as Grand Champion will be supplied by Elveden Estate, near Newcastle, and is the largest indoor Christmas fir Tree that you will see anywhere indoors in the UK this year. The giant tree will be transported to London’s Earls Court on a flatbed truck, and installed on a steel tree stand.

After its life as the largest indoor Christmas tree, the wood will be cut and donated to young London based furniture designers and recycling enterprises to be used in furniture making. Any leftover product will be chipped and recycled at Elveden Estate.

A Gift of Thoughtfulness

2011-11-15T05:34:00.000-05:00

Yes, I'm aware that it's the thought that counts.

But, I am also of the age where I detest clutter. Though, I do enjoy collecting things and even lining up the various tchotkes and other well-intentioned gifts that I have gotten for Christmas. Now, I guess, a part of me has turned into a scrooge because if I get one more body lotion, one more scarf, or one more tea towel, I am going to scream. I do donate these items and feel very good about bringing them to Goodwill. Please think about sending a simple card before sending me one more bar of soap that I don't need. You see when you give me one of those items then I get the impression that the gift has nothing to do with me and everything to do with your being able to cross me off your checklist.

I, too, have been guilty of picking up five scented candles, four boxes of chocolates, three pairs of generic earrings, two extra scarves, and a dog collar with a dog treat when I get exhausted and simply want to be finished with my gift shopping. These items just simply seem to scream from their cluttered shelves and tables "Grab a few of me and be done with it." Well, this year I am going to resist the temptation of those chaotic tables and shelves and leave extra time to select items that have personal meaning for the people that I give gifts to. I mean, how many scarves can you really wear with the one winter coat? How many tubes of lotion can you stuff into your night table drawers?

So, join me in this challenge and call to action.

I'm a Favorite

2010-12-23T16:26:00.009-05:00

Alexandra, the author of the blog ropcorn.com, informed me that my blog was chosen as one of her favorite Christmas blogs. Each week she shares three new themes, three new blogs, three new favorites. I am totally honored and amazed that she chose this blog. Thank you, Alexandra!

2010 Christmas Card

2010-12-20T12:59:00.000-05:00

Check out my awesomely beautiful Christmas cards at my main blog, All Things Cherished. You can find the whole card here.

8 Holiday-Related Injuries

2010-12-15T03:52:00.009-05:00

8 Holiday-Related Injuries That Are Surprisingly Common

The holidays are all fun and games until someone gets hurt. With all the hype and demands surrounding Christmas time, it’s no surprise that thousands of people are injured every year from falling off a ladder while stringing lights, cutting their finger while carving a turkey, or bumping their head in a fender bender outside of the mall. With a little more patience and a lot more caution, everyone could drastically reduce their chances of holiday-related injuries.

H&S Candies . . . and a Giveaway!

2010-12-14T20:00:00.004-05:00

It’s the most wonderful time of the year
so why not enjoy the most wonderful chocolate?!

H&S Candies newest chocolate for the season is “Heart of Christmas” chocolate. H&S chocolate is the perfect, delicious gift for all of your friends and family. Unwrap an inspirational message with each scrumptious bite. A portion of sales goes to Samaritan's Purse, a charity that provides aid to victims of war, poverty, natural disaster, and disease.

Now for even more chocolately goodness . . . Let's have a Chocolate Giveaway!

The person who shares THIS post the most (via StumbleUpon, Twitter, AddThis.com, Facebook, blog post, etc). What you need to do to enter is let me know in the comments section how you shared about this contest. Only one comment for each way you shared please.

Ugly Sweater Store

2010-12-14T19:20:00.004-05:00

The Ugly Sweater Store is the original online store to purchase "ugly" sweaters for Christmas, Halloween, and everything in between. Of course, what is considered "ugly" is really in the eye of the beholder, so they offer a variety of sweaters on their site.

The idea of the Ugly Sweater Store materialized in 2008 while spending too much time on the congested highways of Chicago. Ugly sweater parties are a growing trend and everyone wants to have that perfect ugly sweater, but who has time to scour stores for the right sweater? Ugly Sweater Store will do the shopping for you.

All of their sweaters are unique and hand-picked with an expert eye for "ugly." We know that the more beads, bells, and bling, the more likely you are to be the talk of the party.

Heinous stripes, reindeer, candy canes, bells, beads, applique galore (and so much more) go from the trash heap to Holiday Fashion Chic.

Gummibar's New Christmas Album

2010-12-09T16:52:00.002-05:00

The Internet sensation, Gummibär has been hard at work this holiday season recording his new Christmas album called Christmas Jollies! The new five track album includes five Christmas favorites including Jingle Bells, Santa Claus Is Coming to Town, and O Christmas Tree. This one is sure to ring in the holiday cheer with kids and adults alike. The album can be purchased on iTunes or the official Gummibär website (where you can also stream the full songs for free before purchasing).

Merry Christmas from your favorite animated gummy bear!

Christmas Gift Suggestions

2010-12-05T02:08:00.004-05:00

To your enemy, forgiveness.
To an opponent, tolerance.
To a friend, your heart.
To a customer, service.
To all, charity.
To every child, a good example.
To yourself, respect.

Christmas Tree for the Desktop

2010-12-04T18:57:00.000-05:00

Go to my main blog, All Things Cherished, to get a Christmas Tree for your desktop.

Go Joy

2010-12-04T11:34:00.001-05:00

‘Tis the season for giving and sharing. Visa’s theme for the holiday season is “Go Joy” which means spending time with friends and family and creating new traditions. To help create these joyful memories, Visa is helping add joy to your holiday season.

Visa Signature cardholders will definitely want to check out Visa Signature’s Holiday Collection each day to see how you can get exclusive discounts on some of season’s most popular gift items.

If you don’t have a Signature card, Visa is offering great holiday deals from merchants such as Brookstone, The Gap, Sears, The Banana Republic, and so much more. Check out the discounts and exciting deals.
Visa is also offering a weekly $5,000 giveaway on Amazon. When you purchase something on Amazon with your Visa card, you’ll be entered for a chance to win a $5000 shopping spree so you can buy everything you’ll need for a cozy holiday shopping spree. You can find out more at Amazon.

Countdown to Christmas

2010-12-04T11:07:00.001-05:00

Hey mom, how many days until Christmas? Dad, when is Santa coming? Have you heard this once or twice before? If you have kids I know you have heard this more than twice before! :)

Next time they ask, you can answer - Christmas is in 10 days, 12 hours, 15 minutes and 10 seconds. Better yet, hand them your iPhone and let them figure it out for themselves. A new iPhone application is ready for this Christmas season. The name of the app is called Holiday-3-2-1.

Holiday 3-2-1 is much more than an image and a counter (like all the other countdown apps) - it is a complete children's activity application with true interaction for the kids to be entertained while they watch the seconds tick away towards their favorite holiday. Holiday 3-2-1 comes with interactive scenes for Easter, Independence Day, Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas.

This app is available right now. Holiday 3-2-1 is good clean family fun for all ages! More information can be found at JayPee Softworks.

I wish I had a cellular phone that has applications.

The Wreath Factory

2010-11-27T08:01:00.000-05:00

Check out all the beautiful and striking wreaths, from traditional to modern, at The Wreath Factory at Otter Creek.

Letters By Santa

2010-11-26T07:29:00.034-05:00

Letters by Santa offers parents, grandparents, and loved ones the opportunity to send a personally created letter to whomever they choose. The letters come postmarked from the North Pole (Alaska) with a write up of a few good deeds that the child or person has done in the past year. It's a great way to keep the spirit of believing in Santa alive and kicking. Come check out the site.

Letters by Santa is offering my readers a special coupon code -- STORM -- for $3.00 off the regular price.

Stocking Stuffer Ideas

2010-11-24T19:37:00.001-05:00

Need some stocking stuffer ideas? Not sure what to put in your loved one’s stocking this year? For those that want to be creative and personable, think of what would make the other person smile.
You can make your loved one's holiday extra special this year, by adding in a mix of useful stocking stuffers, sentimental stocking stuffers, and personable stocking stuffers.

To make Christmas last a little bit longer, open stockings later in the day. To make the festive feeling last even longer, wrap each stocking stuffer before filling up the stocking on Christmas Eve.

Young Kids (Elementary Age) Stocking Stuffers:

crayons
coloring book
markers
pencils
yo-yo
Matchbox cars
punching ball/balloon
small action figures
stuffed animals
stickers, sticker book
paint
glue
glue sticks
lip gloss
chapstick
comb
brush
mirror
costume jewelry
hair ties
hair bows
hair clips
mini photo album
notepads
small baby doll
Polly Pockets
Silly Bandz
Christmas socks
balls
Play Doh

Teen Girl Stocking Stuffers:

lipstick
fingernail polish
fake nails
compact mirror
necklace
bracelet
ring
bobby pins
travel-size hair spray
brush
perfume
lotion
body wash/shower gel
CDs
concert tickets
pens
notepads
note cards
gift cards
cell phone cover
MP3 cover
cell phone charm
photo frame
craft kits

Teen Boy Stocking Stuffers:

cologne
aftershave
body wash/shower gel
pocket knife (for fishing or hunting)
comb
concert tickets
pens
cell phone cover
MP3 cover
CDs
boxers
gag gifts
flashlight
key chain

Women Stocking Stuffers:

perfume
body wash/shower gel
lipstick
mascara
blush
eye shadow
fingernail polish
lotion
candle
photo frame
necklace
bracelet
ring
earrings
barrettes
hair clips
CDs
gift cards
cell phone charm
pens
notepads
note cards
homemade coupons (bubble bath without interruption, back massage, breakfast in bed, do chore without being asked, etc.)

Men Stocking Stuffers:

wallet
lottery tickets
gift cards
cologne
aftershave
boxers
game tickets
concert tickets
key chain
flashlight
pocket knife
pens
CDs
bumper stickers
office supplies

With a bit of planning, it's easy to give your loved one a Christmas stocking that's extra special this year.

References:
Suite101: Stocking Stuffer Ideas
Suite 101: Christmas Stocking Stuffers for Children
Suite 101: Dollar Store Stocking Stuffer Ideas

The Real Magic of Santa Claus

2010-11-20T13:24:00.005-05:00

Is Santa Real? Eventually all kids will ask. This time need not be one of sadness and disappointment for the child or the adult.

The Real Magic of Santa Claus, will answer their questions honestly, but in a way that won’t leave them disappointed. The book is a lesson in love and sharing. Children come away realizing they are part of something special.

Not only does the author tell a bit of the history of the man (who lived over 1,000 years ago), but he offers fun statistics about Santa (like how much milk he must drink if he gets a glass at every child's house) that make it clear to children Santa can't be real.

Or can he? The author gently explains how Santa Claus is real.
This is an excellent resource to introduce children to the real meaning behind the magic of Santa Claus. Anthony answers questions truthfully. The book allows the reader to come to their own conclusion. Readers soon discover that the answer opens up a new chapter in their lives.

Santa is not a man in a red suit -- he's based on a true figure who has taught us to be generous and caring -- but readers do find that Santa is real.

The Real Magic of Santa Claus

Written and Illustrated by Anthony Canamucio

acanamucio@yahoo.com

Food Safety Tips for Preparing Your Turkey Dinner

2010-11-14T14:14:00.000-05:00

‘Tis the season to be jolly and Christmas is just around the corner. Have you started planning the all-important Turkey dinner?

Whether you've got the whole family coming round or you're just cooking for two, you’ll need to remember a couple of food safety tips to ensure that your cooking is safe and stress free.

Defrosting the Turkey

Put your turkey into a dish, one large enough to catch ALL of the juices as it thaws. Be sure to remove the giblets too, as soon as possible, as this will help speed up the thawing process.

Place your turkey in the refrigerator ensuring it doesn’t touch any other foods. If you don't have enough room in the fridge, you can place the turkey in any cold room, i.e. the garage.

As your turkey thaws, pour away the liquid regularly. This will stop it overflowing in the dish and dripping onto other surfaces. It's a good idea to keep your children and pets away as you do this.

Important Tips

· Ensure you’ve left enough time in your plan for defrosting.
· Make sure your bird is properly defrosted all the way through.
· Check the middle cavity of the bird for ice crystals.

How to Store the Turkey

You must remember to keep your raw turkey away from other foods; this will stop harmful food bacteria from spreading. Ideally, you should keep your raw turkey at the bottom of the fridge so it can't drip down onto any other foods.

How to Prepare the Turkey

· Always wash your hands after touching raw poultry.
· Remember to clean anything the turkey has touched thoroughly.
· Don’t use the same knifes or chopping boards for raw turkey and vegetables

Cook the Turkey

If your turkey isn't cooked properly it will be full of harmful bacteria that will make anybody that eats it ill with food poisoning.

A large turkey can take hours to cook through properly, so make sure you plan well in advance.

Is your turkey cooked?
· Is all the meat white (not pink)?
· Do the juices run clear after piercing with a fork?
· Is the turkey boiling hot all the way through?

Adapted from Highspeedtraining.co.uk. Highspeedtraining.co.uk compiled this guide to help you cook a safer Christmas dinner. We also award real, accredited food hygiene certificates to people who take part in our online food hygiene and safely courses.

Christmas Banner

2010-11-14T13:31:00.001-05:00

How excting it was to receive my very own Christmas banner, personalized exactly the way I wanted!

You can personalize your sign by color, by type of material (vinyl banner, corrugated plastic, static cling, poster paper, PVC, matte vinyl banner), by size (12"x18" to 24"x48" to custom sizing), by template, and by adding your individual wording and graphics.

To order your own Christmas sign, go to Signazon.

Nicole, the SEO Manager of Signazon, was very patient and treated me like I was their number one customer. My order took less than a week to arrive.

The great thing about the vinyl banner is that it is a low cost decoration that is completely weatherproof and can be reused for many years.

The website is quite easy to navigate.

Some of my favorite banners/signs are:
Christmas Banner
Holiday Party
Holiday Wishes
Christmas Peace

The banner I chose:

Christmas Ornaments

2010-11-14T08:16:00.000-05:00

Christmas Ornaments is a new website but the owners have been in the Christmas ornament business since 1983, providing discerning holiday shoppers with unique and distinctive holiday gifts, collectibles, and Christmas ornaments. Their holiday decorations and ornaments come from more than five dozen companies.

Some of my favorite ornaments:
Holy Family
Scrapbooking
Paw Print Dog Bone
Close Brother and Sister
Army
Angel Bell
Tasty Tudor
12 Days of Christmas Set
Ornament Stand
Holiday Around the Tree

The ornament I picked:

I picked the Noah's Ark ornament since I am an avid Noah's Ark Collector. It's part of the Old World Christmas Collection. I can't wait to hang my new ornament up on my tree.

Celebrity Holiday Cards that Make a Difference

2010-11-09T19:52:00.000-05:00

Tiny Prints holiday cards are known for standing out, but this year they're also taking a stand against a painful childhood disease. These stylish ornament cards were designed by some of your favorite celebrities to benefit the Epidermolysis Bullosa Medical Research Foundation, a volunteer organization dedicated to researching and curing the genetic skin disorder that affects thousands of children each year. It's your chance to send these holiday ornament cards that stand out and make a difference. Select any of the exclusive designs from the collection created by Reese Witherspoon, Courteney Cox, Rachel Zoe, Jennifer Garner, Kate Beckinsale, or Brooke Shields.

Christmas Gift Alternatives to Video Games

2010-11-09T19:24:00.000-05:00

Everyone knows that kids love video games. They're on nearly every child's wish list between the ages of 7-17. But at some point, you have to wonder if kids play video games just a bit too much. So this year, instead of getting them another Xbox 360 or Wii game, consider these electronic alternatives to video games.

Christmas Collectibles for the 2010 Holiday Season

2010-11-09T19:22:00.002-05:00

Everyone knows about the typical Jesus nativities for Christmas, but what about a Santa nativity? Sometimes the best Christmas decorations are the unique ones that few other people have or the ones that you make yourself. Traditional Christmas decor with Jesus and other religious themes is definitely beautiful, but when you are looking to spice up the holiday season with more than eggnog and a wreath, swapping Santa for other more traditional Christmas characters is a new and exciting way to accomplish this.

Read more.

10 Regrettable Christmas Toy Crazes

2010-11-09T19:07:00.000-05:00

As if the travel and family commitments didn't make Christmas crazy enough, the holiday season is often marked by a conspicuous consumption and pursuit for certain random products that's downright insane. Every year or two, some new fad hits the scene and sends kids into a frenzy and their parents into a fury, and just as quickly, those crazes are forgotten as shoppers move onto the next big thing. In a sense, every toy craze is regrettable, but the ones listed here are probably the worst. Go to Online Degree for the full story.

Thanks, Anna, for sharing.

Personalized Free . . . and a Giveaway!

2010-11-06T18:32:00.004-04:00

You can find over 1,300 personalized Christmas ornaments at PersonalizedFree.com. There is a HUGE sale going on NOW so don't miss out. All orders ship in 2-3 days and they ship worldwide.

About Personalized Free

Wendy Simonsen runs her own business of personalizing Christmas ornaments at home with her family.

Personalized Free is proud to boast their 11th year in business online. Their family-run, home-based business is owned and operated by an entrepreneur stay-at-home mother and father team. Real people personalize each adorable ornament by hand with precision and love.

My Review

I love this ornament (though, this is not the ornament I originally picked). . . the personalization that includes my favorite hobby and my name makes this ornament the perfect gift for me.

At Personalized Free, the ornaments are cute, whimsical, fun, and, of course, personalized.

The site is super easy to navigate. You can search by occupation, hobbies, pets, sports, state, transportation, and many other themed categories. You can search by person -- grandparent, child, aunt, friend, etc.

The customer service provided by Wendy is top-notch. She is very patient and kind.

Personalized Christmas ornaments make great gifts for everyone on your gift list.

I have ordered from Personalized Free for several years because of the unique, heirloom-quality, personalized Christmas ornaments.

Giveaway

Wendy wants to help you jump-start either your Christmas decorating or Christmas shopping by giving you a chance to win one ornament of your choice, personalized however you wish, shipped to you for free!

To be entered into this giveaway, go to Personalized Free, check out the enormous selection, come back here, and tell me what ornament you want in the comments section. This will be the actual ornament you receive if you win, so take your time and pick out your favorite ornament.

This giveaway is open to all entrants, in the U.S. only, ages 18 and over, until 9 PM EST on Saturday, November 13th. A winner will be chosen by random number generator, notified by email, and posted online shortly thereafter. Have fun and good luck!

Bonus Entries (you may have one additional entry for each task you accomplish):

Subscribe to the Personalized Free blog, Life in the Ornament House.
Become a Personalized Free Facebook fan.
Follow Personalized Free on Twitter AND tweet about the giveaway.
Sign up for the Personalized Free newsletter (gray box on our website).

Some of the NEW original ornaments available:

Some of my favorite ornaments:

Hotel Chocolat

2010-11-06T15:13:00.004-04:00

The Christmas chocolate gift collection at Hotel Chocolat is brimming with exquisite gift ideas for everyone on your list this Christmas season, from stocking stuffers to jaw-dropping chocolate hampers for those extra-special people in your life.

What I Received

My Review

When the package arrived, the festive atmosphere was instantly set with the smell of chocolate in the air and the wonderfully decorated packages; no wrapping paper needed. I felt very spoiled and royal to receive such luxurious chocolates. The chocolates themselves are adorable, classy, ravishing . . . and oh so delightfully delicious. Yum!

Included with the package of chocolates was a thank you card . . . how sweet!

There are many chocolates available:

There are many chocolate selections, many exclusive choices to pick from -- who would of thought there were so many different sizes, shapes, and products of chocolate. There are chocolates available for vegetarians, vegans, and diabetics. This is the only site where I have seen such a huge selection.

You can search by type of chocolate or by person or by occasion.

The only drawback is the time it took to cross the ocean -- Hotel Chocolat is located in England -- to reach me, but the chocolates were received in plenty of time. However, I'd suggest ordering early.

There are two stores now open in Boston, MA, USA. If you are within driving distance, I highly suggest you go to the store.

Hotel Chocolate, Chestnut Hill, MA, USA

The additional complements of the site are the sharing of chocolate recipes; the many chocolate celebrations available, such as birthday gifts, dinner party gifts, thank you gifts, and more; and the exclusive availability of chocolate products.

Tiny Prints

2010-11-06T11:21:00.002-04:00

Showcase your family at its best with hundreds of customizable holiday and Christmas designs.

Tiny Prints has brand new, beautiful, classy, elegant Christmas cards this year. You can personalize 100s of cards with your photographs and your words. You can choose from contemporary, vintage, classic, and whimsy designs. There are many options, such as color changes, layouts, and formats for each card.

I am so impressed with the variety of cards available for the holidays and Christmas. I looked at 1,476 cards in the Christmas section because I am fastidious and wanted to give a thorough and complete review.

Some of my favorite cards:
Reindeer Imposter
Crafted Nativity
Caring World
Happy Everything
Chic Collage
Boroque Snowflake
Patchwork Wreath
Merry Circle
Winter Zephyr
Sweet Center
Historic Charm
Posted Wreath
Round Wreath
Beautiful Believe
Precious Tree, and
Graceful Whirls,
and many more (but I won't continue to bore you with my favs).

Can you guess what card is the one I ordered?

After narrowing down the list, which was very difficult to do with so many fabulous choices, my daughter, Cassandra, 9, joined me. We went through my favorites and picked the one we liked the best. We chose the card (1.) that most fittingly expressed our thoughts (we were able to chose our own words) and (2.) that was most suitable for the photos we thought were most appealing and enhanced our lives from the past year.

Take the time to browse through the wide variety of Christmas cards featuring traditional holiday symbols such as garland, Christmas trees, gingerbread, snowflakes, wreaths, reindeer, and holly. Whatever your family Christmas tradition may be, they have a card to complement it and your photograph. When you add a picture of your family, the cards are sure to be cherished by those who receive them. Tiny Prints will even mail your cards for you.

Tiny Prints Christmas cards stand apart due to the one-of-a-kind designs!

Your Wish Is Their Command

• If you aren't 100% satisfied, they'll reprint your order for free.
• Their customers rank them in the 95th percentile (for U.S. companies).
• Easily personalize and instantly preview your cards.
• Luxurious, eco-friendly paper, custom-made in Italy.
• Premium printing methods and top quality products.

Need Help? No Problem
• Enjoy online shopping with a personal touch.
• Etiquette experts are ready to answer questions seven days a week.
• Professional designers assigned to almost every order.
• Contact us at 877-300-9256, info@tinyprints.com, or chat.

Designs To Love From Artists You Adore
• Shop thousands of exclusive designs by style, color, or event.
• New items added each week.
• Find cards from famous design studios and independent artists alike.
• More than 11,000 product reviews to help you shop.

My Review

It was a straight-forward process. The quality is first-rate! You have the choice to click on "live chat" throughout the process of picking your card and adding your personal touches. I did not do this since I had no trouble placing the order. The Tiny Prints site is easy to navigate and well organized. There are many holidays and occasions to choose from -- birth announcements, birthday cards, invitations, thank you cards, wedding stationary, and much more -- but Christmas, of course, is my favorite. There are a lots of extras -- etiquette tips, mail service, party ideas, sample verses, etc. -- that make the site #1 in my book. Even on the tightest of budgets, these cards are affordable and a great package deal! I LOVE all the personal touches we were able to add to make the card more precious and more personalized.

Cassandra's Review (in her own words):

• The process was quick and easy.
• There were LOTS of cards to choose from.
• The service satisfied my picky mom. :)
• It was fun to see all the different cards.
• It was exciting to put all the personal touches on the card.
• I had a great time with my mom.

Read more raves and reviews.

Click the box above or in the side column to look at all those wonderful cards and place your order. Let them know in the comments box that Storm sent you.

Tony's Stocking

2010-10-20T21:46:00.003-04:00

The interesting thing about Tony’s Stocking – a shippable, corrugated cardboard box shaped like a Christmas stocking -- is that it goes right through the mail, as is, no wrapping, no tape. Just stuff it and ship it. The best thing is there is no extra charge for shipping this unique shape. When was the last time the box you shipped it in delivered as much excitement as the gift inside?

Tony’s Stocking, a unique, patent-pending stocking-box, is the innovative invention of Cathy Staller, whose son, Tony, is in the Air Force. When Tony was stationed away from home his first Christmas season, Cathy crafted a special stocking-shaped box out of cardboard and duct tape, filled it with goodies, and sent it to him. Despite its “homemade” appearance, that first stocking brought so much joy to everyone who saw it that we decided to make it available to everyone. Nothing reminds us more about family and home than the traditional holiday stocking. Last year, hundreds of Tony’s Stockings were stuffed by volunteers and shipped to our troops overseas.

Tony's Stocking can be found at ShipShapeUSA.

Spread joy this Christmas, before your presents are even opened!

Tony's Stocking

* Made in the U.S.A.

* 90% Solar-powered manufacturing

* Recycled and recyclable materials

* Ships via USPS, UPS, FedEx, and more

* No extra shipping charges for unique shape

* Retail price: $5; wholesale pricing available

* Branding and customization available

Christmas Blogs They Love

2010-10-14T11:16:00.001-04:00

I was lucky enough to be listed at Dobbies.com as part of their favorite Christmas blogs.

100 Days of Holidays

2010-09-20T21:02:00.012-04:00

100 Days of Holidays starts next week. Create a holiday haven that will sparkle all season long the new 100 Days of Holidays e-mail newsletter. The FREE Better Homes and Gardens® holiday e-newsletter arrives daily starting September 24 and runs through January 1, from Halloween to New Years you’ll get an easy-to-read email filled with:

• Free pumpkin-carving stencils
• Complete Thanksgiving menus
• Stunning centerpiece ideas
• 100s of Christmas cookies
• Handmade ornaments you’ll love

What Christmas Means to Me

2010-03-07T14:12:00.001-05:00

The brisk, quiet, star-lit nights
With people on the go
The hustle and bustle of shopping
While praying for it to snow

Decorating the tree and the house
A Nativity Scene on the lawn under the sky
Angels placed all around it
For all to see, who come by

Baking cookies and other treats
Addressing cards to send to friends
It can be busy and hectic
But you hope it will never end

Everyone is usually happy
With smiles all around
People greet others cheerfully
It is such a joyous sound

Children are filled with anticipation
Wondering what gifts they might get
Parents hide these treasured packages
So the children won’t see them yet

Many parties are held
Where people get together for fun
They talk about how exhausted they’ll be
Once the season is done

People go off their diets
And eat much more than they should
It’s difficult to pass up the food
Because all of it is so good

People start getting serious
As the special day draws near
Carolers sing wonderful songs
They are a joy to hear

The special day known as Christmas
Is the anniversary of Jesus’ birth
It’s a day that is held most holy
All around the earth

As we gather in churches on Christmas
Remember to thank God above
For sending His Son to redeem us
And filling our hearts with love

By Beverley Lawyer

Christmas Thought of the Day - 2/18/10

2010-02-18T10:20:00.002-05:00

Christmas is here,
merry old Christmas,
gift bearing,
heart touching,
joy bringing Christmas.
~~ Washington Irving ~~

Santa's Prayer

2010-01-23T14:24:00.000-05:00

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

2010-01-18T15:52:00.001-05:00

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

2010-01-17T15:53:00.000-05:00

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

2010-01-16T10:58:00.000-05:00

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

Top Ten Favorite Things About Christmas 2009

2010-01-12T14:22:00.000-05:00

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

2010-01-11T11:01:00.002-05:00

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

2010-01-10T11:01:00.000-05:00

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

Santa Claus Is Here!

2010-01-06T16:32:00.001-05:00

Performed by HIllary Mason of the Hillarettes.

Christmas Thought of the Day - 1/4/10

2010-01-04T17:00:00.002-05:00

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

2010-01-04T16:57:00.002-05:00

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.

'Twas the Night Before Jesus Came

2009-12-31T13:29:00.004-05:00

'Twas the night before Jesus came and all through the house
Not a creature was praying, not one in the house.
Their bibles were lain on the shelf without care
In hopes that Jesus would not come there.

The children were dressing to crawl into bed,
Not once ever kneeling or bowing a head.
Mom in her rock with baby on her lap
Was watching the Late Show while I took a nap.

When out of the East there arose such a clatter,
I sprang to my feet to what was the matter.
Away to the window I flew like a flash
Tore open the shutters and threw up the sash.

When what to my wondering eyes should appear,
But angels proclaiming that Jesus was here.
With a light like the sun sending forth a bright ray,
I knew in a moment this must be THE DAY.

The light of His face made me cover my head.
It was Jesus. Returning just like He had said.
Though I possessed worldly wisdom and wealth,
I cried when I saw Him in spite of myself.

In the Book of Life which He held in His hand
Was written the name of every saved man.
He spoke not a word as He searched for my name.
When He said, "It's not here," my head hung in shame.

The people whose names had been written with love
He gathered to take to His Father above.
With those who were ready He rose without a sound
While all the rest were left standing around.

I fell to my knees, but it was too late.
I had waited too long and thus sealed my fate.
I stood and I cried as they rose out of sight.
Oh, if only I had been ready tonight.

In the words of this poem the meaning is clear...
The coming of Jesus is drawing near.
There's only one life and when comes the last call
We'll find that the Bible was true after all!

~~ Dianne Donenfeld, 1988 ~~

Christmas Thought of the Day - 12/24/09

2009-12-24T11:28:00.001-05:00

We’ve all heard that it’s more blessed to give than to receive. I know for sure that it’s also a lot more fun. Nothing makes me happier than a gift well given and joyfully received.

~~ Oprah Winfrey ~~

Christmas Thought of the Day - 12/22/09

2009-12-22T12:29:00.000-05:00

Gifts of time and love are surely the basic ingredients of a truly merry Christmas.

Christmas Thought of the Day - 12/21/09

2009-12-21T11:57:00.005-05:00

If I decorate my house perfectly with plaid bows, strands of twinkling lights and shiny balls, but do not show love to my family, I’m just another decorator.

If I slave away in the kitchen, baking dozens of Christmas cookies, preparing gourmet meals and arranging a beautifully adorned table at mealtime, but do not show love to my family, I’m just another cook.

If I work at the soup kitchen, carol in the nursing home and give all that I have to charity, but do not show love to my family, it profits me nothing.

If I trim the spruce with shimmering angels and crocheted snowflakes, attend a myriad of holiday parties and sing in the choir’s cantata but do not focus on Christ, I have missed the point.

Love stops the cooking to hug the child. Love sets aside the decorating to kiss the husband. Love is kind, though harried and tired. Love doesn’t envy another’s home that has coordinated Christmas china and table linens.

Love doesn’t yell at the kids to get out of the way, but is thankful they are there to be in the way. Love doesn’t give only to those who are able to give in return but rejoices in giving to those who can’t.

Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails. Video games will break, pearl necklaces will be lost, golf clubs will rust, but giving the gift of love will endure.

Merry Christmas and lots of love to you and yours!

Christmas Thought of the Day - 12/20/09

2009-12-20T11:54:00.001-05:00

The best of all gifts around any Christmas Tree is the presence of a happy family all wrapped up in Jesus and each other.

25 Easy Healthy Tips for Christmas and the Holiday Season

2009-12-14T18:07:00.005-05:00

The holidays can represent the best time of year for healthy living, as it is a time when many people can focus on a mind-body-soul connection. However, stress, heavy traffic, sold-out store items, and bad weather can interrupt that healthy and wholesome way of life for many. How can you maintain that holiday season joy and love for both yourself and those around you? The following easy, healthy living tips may help you keep your focus during the upcoming holiday season.

Mind (Stress Management)

Spend some time alone. Use this time to meditate, read, or relax. Regain your equilibrium and remember that this time of year is a special time for friends and family.
Avoid unnecessary travel. One way to keep your peace of mind is to stay home. If you need to travel, plan your trips to combine errands or — on longer trips — plan to drive at night and to avoid large cities during rush hours. If you’re caught in rush hour, make sure you have some music or a book on tape to help pass time.
Watch the anger. Stress can lead to anger which can often lead to more stress (and may be linked to heart problems). Help yourself during bouts of anger by counting to ten and visualizing a relaxing experience.
Don’t overspend. Your daughter/son/husband/wife or friends may prefer spending more time with a cheerful you than with whatever you got on sale during Black Friday. Avoid the temptation to overspend and you can avoid stress as well.
Allow someone to help you. Why do you want to do everything yourself? Allow a friend to help you with chores, managing kids, or cooking (try a potluck for the holidays, rather than take on all the cooking yourself). You might enjoy the company and you can avoid stress at the same time.
Balance work, play, and family life. What better time to learn how to balance your life than during the holidays? Parties, family events, and other social activities basically demand that you stop working for at least a few hours. You can continue this practice long after the holiday season.
Be creative. Think outside the box when problems arise. Use humor, rather than anger, to find resolutions. Open your mind to the new and unusual and think about how you might incorporate those new ideas into your life.
Smile. Smiling can make you feel relaxed and happy, even when you don’t mean it. You can tilt your neurochemical balance toward calm by smiling, as smiling transmits nerve impulses from the facial muscles to the limbic system, a key emotional center in the brain.

Body

Watch your weight. Those candies are tempting and you don’t want to hurt Aunt Cookie's feelings by passing them up. Eat before you attend parties so you’re not so hungry when you arrive.
Drop caffeine and soda. Get a jump start on a possible New Year’s resolution by weaning yourself off caffeine and sodas. Wean yourself away from caffeine slowly, otherwise you might end up with a caffeine-withdrawal headache that could last for a few days. Substitute herbal teas for hot and cold drinks. After a few days without sodas, you might wonder why you thought they tasted so good.
Use locally-grown ingredients. While you may stick with traditional recipes, try to use locally-grown ingredients. Using local ingredients is environmentally sound as well as healthy.
Drink plenty of water. Water can help to keep hunger at bay as well as to help hydrate you when you are subjected to dry air in heated environments. Water also helps your body eliminate toxins, such as those martinis you had the night before.
Keep your body moving. It’s a given that most people eat more during the holidays. If you move more as well, you can keep your metabolism running and help burn those extra calories. Take stairs when possible, stand rather than sit, and offer to clean the table after dinner — not really exercise, but it all counts.
Wash your hands often. Washing your hands often is one of the most important steps you can take to avoid getting sick and spreading germs to others. Carry a small bottle of hand sanitizer if you can’t get to a sink and soap.
Stay warm. If it’s cold, then dress warmly in layers of loose-fitting tightly-woven clothing. This way you can shed some layers if the day warms up or if you spend some time visiting indoors.
Travel safely. Don’t drink and drive (and don’t allow others to drink and drive), wear a seat belt, and don’t speed. You also can put a kit in the trunk for emergencies that includes blankets, band-aids, aspirin, and other first-aid items.
Treat yourself to a massage. Not only can a massage help release toxins physically, it can help you release negative and stressful energy. Think of the massage as a gift to yourself for the holiday season (but you might think about doing this several times per year. You, after all, deserve it.)

Soul

Volunteer. You might gain a grasp on your own fortune when you offer to help others. Work in a soup kitchen, take a meal to an elderly neighbor, or look for local events that need volunteers.
Count your blessings. What better time to be grateful than when you’re stuck in a traffic jam? You can begin by understanding that you’re not alone in that traffic jam and then work up from there. You can end by understanding that you are the only person in this universe who is exactly like you – a unique and amazing creation.
Forget comparisons. One way to spoil your holiday is to compare yourself to who you see as the most beautiful/talented/charming, etc. person in the room. Stop those comparisons and you may begin to feel the love — from yourself and from others.
Let go of expectations. The holidays often provide a time for expectations, especially in the gift-giving department. If you can let go of the material and remember the spirit of the season (better to give than receive), then you might enjoy whatever you do receive with a bigger heart.
Make your heart bigger. This is an exercise in appreciating beauty in all forms and the elimination of a need to nit pick and point out flaws. Everyone is a unique soul, different than you. This does not make them better than you, nor does it make them less than you. Insults and judgments, even if they are not voiced, might only serve to increase your own insecurities. This process may begin with self acceptance.
Let go of the need to control. While you can continue to make that dinner for friends and family, you can stop worrying about whether the gravy is just right or if the meat is overcooked. Relax, enjoy, and understand that the world will go on despite small flaws and even despite the huge mistakes. Go with the flow.
Think of others first. This does not mean that you need to neglect your own needs; however, when you think about others and their needs you might be able to crowd out all those negative thoughts that might creep in over the holidays. Think altruism.
Forgive and forget. Why not start out a new year with a clean slate? If you can forgive someone and forget the slight (real or imagined), perhaps you can enter 2010 with a real smile on your face.

Christmas

2009-12-14T10:55:00.002-05:00

Christmas

C is for Christ!

H is for happiness.

R is for Rudolph.

I is for icicle.

S is for Santa.

T is for together.

M is for mistletoe.

A is for a lot of presents.

S is for sleigh.

Written by Cassandra, my daughter, 8, 12/2009.

Checking Them Twice

2009-12-10T06:56:00.000-05:00

As December speeds by, many last minute buyers feel the urgency to find just the right gift for a particular person. But, in that search for something cool, people often forget about safety. Before you buy this year, you may want to check out what the Consumer Product Safety Commission has to say about that gift that your family or friends really want. After all, it’s no fun to get (or give) a present that isn’t up to par and has to be returned.

Your Cards

2009-12-08T17:32:00.002-05:00

With the holiday season in full swing, I thought it’d be a great time to introduce you to a brand new FREE eCard service called YourCards.

YourCards lets you fully customize your holiday greetings to support your favorite cause or charity while spreading holiday joy to individuals or your entire social network on Facebook or Twitter.

With every card, senders can include a linkable and brandable logo — presenting virtually limitless opportunities for self-expression, networking, and charitable support. Users can point their recipients to check out their favorite foundation to support the animals or charity to raise awareness for diseases in every eCard they send out. By including the logo and URL of a favorite cause or charity, people can spread the important message of giving over the holidays.

YourCards has an array of holiday themed eCards that we would love to have you check out.

The Christmas Hope

2009-12-08T09:53:00.005-05:00

The Christmas Hope is the sequel to the hit films The Christmas Shoes and The Christmas Blessing.

Lifetime Movie Network

RINGS IN THE HOLIDAYS ON

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 13

WITH THREE CHRISTMAS MOVIES Based on

Donna VanLiere’s Best-Selling Novels

The Christmas Shoes – Starring Rob Lowe and Kimberly Williams-Paisley (According to Jim)

Airs 4 pm ET/7 pm PT on Sunday, December 13. The Christmas Shoes follows a young boy, Nathan Andrews, whose Christmas wish is to buy a pair of shoes for his dying mother (Williams-Paisley). On Christmas Eve, his path crosses with a stranger, Robert Layton (Lowe), an attorney who had been drifting away from his family until the recent death of his own mother. With the help of the generous stranger, Nathan is able to give his mother one last precious gift.

The premise of the story originated came from e-mail legend in 1999 and inspired the song by Eddie Carswell, a singer-songwriter from the Contemporary Christian Music group NewSong. The ballad eventually hit the #1 spot on the Billboard Charts. Soon after, author Donna VanLiere wrote The New York Times Best-Selling novel, and, in 2002, the television movie based on the book debuted on CBS to rave reviews.

The Christmas Blessing – Starring Neil Patrick Harris and Rebecca Gayheart

Airs 6 pm ET/3 pm PT*on Sunday, December 13. In The Christmas Blessing, Nathan Andrews (Harris) has grown up and is a medical resident. After losing a teenage boy on the operating table, he returns home and faces the memories of his mother’s passing. Nathan takes a position as a local coach and becomes taken with a beautiful teacher, Megan Sullivan (Gayheart). He forms a special bond with her student Charlie, who has also lost his mother, and together they both hope for a Christmas miracle.

The Christmas Blessing debuted in 2005 on CBS. Rob Lowe makes a special appearance, reprising the role as Robert Layton.

The Christmas Hope – Starring Madeleine Stowe, James Remar, and Ian Ziering

Airs 8 pm ET/9 pm PT* on Sunday, December 13. The third film in the trilogy follows Patricia (Stowe) and Mark Addison (Remar), a couple in a troubled marriage. When Patricia, a social worker, brings home a foster child who has no place to go on Christmas, they set aside their differences to give the young girl a special holiday. Beloved character Nathan Andrews (Ziering) returns in The Christmas Hope, bringing the stories full circle.

Christmas Personalized

2009-12-07T10:12:00.001-05:00

Instead of buying expensive ornament sets, explore other creative, cost-saving options for Christmas tree ornaments. It's easy to find instructions on how to make your own Christmas ornaments, how to choose the right materials, and even how to hang these Christmas tree ornaments. Following your artistic instincts, you can create homemade Christmas ornaments that will add a personal touch to your dazzling Christmas tree.

Making personalized Christmas tree ornaments is an experience to treasure. Make a Christmas angel to grace your tree. Use a hot glue gun to combine cotton balls together for the angel's body. Add broken sea shells to decorate your Christmas angel. Other easy homemade ornaments can be crafted from simple materials like shells and paper. To make the head of the angel ornament, take a medium-sized wooden bead and decorate it, using a small tinsel for the halo. To hang one of these homemade ornaments, use a small ribbon. Such simple yet dashing kids’ homemade ornaments bring life to the holiday spirit.

If you're still craving more Christmas ornaments, how to make them depends on what materials you have around. Got unused cinnamon sticks? With some experimentation, you can figure out how to make Christmas ornaments with such simple, common household items like cinnamon sticks. Ribbons, small figurines, and even rubber bands can make your homemade Christmas ornaments extra special. These ornaments can hang alongside glass Christmas tree ornaments, adding personal touches to your tree. Your Christmas ornament tree will also look dazzling once you jazz it up with other homemade Christmas tree ornaments such as a small family photo in a personalized frame.

In spending quality time with your family and loved ones this holiday season, make personalized Christmas tree ornaments part of the celebrations. Not only will you have a fabulous time, the memory of the precious experience experience will also be forever captured by your Christmas tree ornaments. And that would be just another thing to celebrate with everyone you love, year after year.

Christmas Thought of the Day - 12/5/09

2009-12-05T10:33:00.001-05:00

The true spirit of Christmas reflects a dedication to helping those in need, to giving hope to those in despair, and to spreading peace and understanding throughout the earth.

Christmas Thought of the Day - 12/4/09

2009-12-04T22:13:00.001-05:00

Christmas waves a magic wand . . . and behold, everything is softer and more beautiful.
~~ Norman Vincent Peale ~~

Christmas Tree

2009-12-02T18:38:00.000-05:00

Just think of this as a Christmas gift from me . . . no strings attached . . . a small silver Christmas tree. This is especially for those who are less fortunate and cannot afford to buy a tree . . . and for those who just want a little something different.

Celebrate the Holidays

2009-12-01T17:42:00.001-05:00

Each day leading up to December 25th, visitors open a virtual door to reveal a way to give back to their community or contribute to global programs. In addition to charitable tips, behind each door visitors can find festive surprises including tracks from Peter Buffett’s beautiful holiday album, Star of Wonder, behind-the-scenes vlogs, and a first look at excerpts from Peter's upcoming book, Life is What You Make It.

The calendar can be viewed here: www.peterbuffett.com/advent.

Bible Explorer

2009-11-30T19:12:00.003-05:00

Since we’re heading into the Christmas season, I thought you might like to know about this FREE piece of software for PC or Mac users. It’s called Bible Explorer and is a sweet study tool. It comes with over 200 free Bibles, commentaries, dictionaries, and more.The software includes the American Standard Version (ASV), New International Version (NIV), New American Standard Bible (NASB) Bundle, King James Version (KJV), and the Bible in Basic English (BBE), just to list a few.

It doesn’t matter whether you follow the Catholic, Church of Christ, Dispensational, Lutheran, Mainline, Pentecostal, Puritan, Reformed, or Wesleyan doctrine, there is study material to help you out. There are also study aids written from Jewish Christian perspectives.

I can think of oodles of people who may enjoy this as a gift including ministers, church leaders, grandma (who can’t see well), parents, and kids, and the list goes on. Part of the broad range appeal is due to the special libraries you can add according to your needs. For example, there is a library for preachers and discipleships, etc .

There are just so many features and possibilities with this software, I can’t list them all. To find out if this software is a good fit for your needs, you can click here to discover more about Bible Explorer.

The Cards That Give Twice

2009-11-30T10:32:00.003-05:00

This holiday season, send cards that mean more.

We donate ten percent of card sales to well respected nonprofit organizations working throughout the world.

Good Cause Greetings is proud to support nonprofit organizations throughout the world through the sale of our unique line of holiday greeting cards. The purchase of Good Cause Greetings helps end hunger, provide housing, medical care and education for world citizens and improve the environment for people and animals worldwide. At the site, click on a charity logo to be linked to the collection of cards supporting that particular organization.

Seeds of Hope

2009-11-30T10:27:00.002-05:00

This holiday season, there is one gift – a piece of beautiful, hand-crafted jewelry - that is helping to give back: the Seeds of Hope Pin. The Seeds of Hope Pin is donating 25% of its proceeds to the National Foundation for Cancer Research (www.NFCR.org). Each Seeds of Hope pin is made of sterling silver with individually hand-set stones and signed by renowned artist, Robert Coogan, creating an heirloom-quality piece, made in the

USA

. Unlike other pins, the Seed of Hope pins can be personalized to reflect an individual's particular sentiment: White - Hope; Red - Honor; Blue - Triumph. 25% of the gross proceeds from each Seeds of Hope pin supports cancer research. Visit http://www.hopepin.com for more information.

Stay Grounded

2009-11-29T10:06:00.001-05:00

Remember to make time to alone. It'll keep you grounded, centered, and calm during this busy Christmas season.

Christmas Thought of the Day - 11/20/09

2009-11-20T22:30:00.002-05:00

Then the Grinch thought of something he hadn't before. What if Christmas, he thought, doesn't come from a store. What if Christmas, perhaps, means a little bit more.
~~ Dr Seuss, How the Grinch Stole Christmas ~~

Christmas Bingo

2009-11-16T16:01:00.003-05:00

Christmas is the time of year to gather with your loved ones. Families congregate anticipating laughter, good food, gift exchange, Christmas music, and good holiday entertainment.

Holiday games are a great way to entertain all of your family members. Put on some Christmas music, whip up some eggnog, and throw on some Santa hats. Then gather everyone up and play games like Charades, Christmas Trivia, and Christmas Bingo.

Check this out, a new bingo version, Christmas style.

Recipe for Joy

2009-11-14T10:59:00.005-05:00

Help donate 1 million meals to the hungry this holiday season. Simply send FREE holiday e-cards from American Greetings to your friends and family. For each card sent, Kraft Foods will donate 10 meals to Feeding America. Be among the first to experience the joy of giving and spread the word about this program. Visit Recipe For Joy and send a FREE holiday e-card today and every day through December 31, 2009. For more information about Feeding America, visit Feeding America.

Christmas Calendar

2009-11-12T10:17:00.002-05:00

If your looking for fun activities to occupy your kids then this interactive Christmas calendar will probably be of interest.

The Christmas advent calendar that's counting down the days with FREE games and activities that are great for kids and the whole family!

Here are just some of the board games and activities that are on the calendar:

Chutes and Ladders
Trivia Games
Coloring Pages
Word Searches
Word Scrambles
Ornament Templates

See the advent at: http://www.optimalprint.co.uk/christmas-advent-calendar

All games are downloadable, printable, and easy to be laminated and reused!

Unexpected Christmas

2009-11-11T09:27:00.000-05:00

We were well over half way to our farm in East Texas when the storm broke. Lightning flashed, thunder crashed and a tree fell with a great ripping noise. When the rain poured in such a flood that we could not see the road, my husband drove on to what seemed to be a bit of clearing deep in the piney woods.

As we waited I sensed we would not get to the farm that night to celebrate Christmas with our family. We were sitting there, miserable and dejected, when I heard a knocking on my window. A man with a lantern stood there beckoning us to follow him. My husband and I splashed after him up the path to his house.

A woman with a lamp in her hand stood in the doorway of an old house; a boy of about twelve and a little girl stood beside her. We went in soaked and dripping, and the family moved aside in order that we might have the warmth of the fire. With the volubility of city people, my husband and I began to talk, explaining our plans. And with the quietness of people who live in the silence of the woods, they listened. "The bridge on Caney Creek is out. You are welcome to spend the night with us," the man said. And though we told them we thought it was an imposition, especially on Christmas Eve, they insisted. After we had visited a while longer, the man got up and took the Bible from the mantle. "It's our custom to read the story from St. Luke on Christmas Eve," he said, and without another word he began: "And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling clothes, and laid Him in a manger ... "

The children sat up eagerly, their eyes bright in anticipation, while their father read on: "And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flocks by night." I looked at his strong face. He could have been one of them. When he finished reading and closed the Bible, the little children knelt by their chairs. The mother and father were kneeling, and without any conscious will of my own I found myself joining them. Then I saw my husband, without any embarrassment at all, kneel also. When we arose, I looked around the room. There were no bright-wrapped packages or cards, only a small, unadorned holly tree on the mantle. Yet the spirit of Christmas was never more real to me.

The little boy broke the silence. "We always feed the cattle at 12 o'clock on Christmas Eve. Come with us."

The barn was warm and fragrant with the smell of hay and dried corn. A cow and a horse greeted us, and there was a goat with a tiny, wooly kid that came up to be petted. This is like the stable where the Baby was born, I thought. Here is the manger, and the gentle animals keep watch.

When we returned to the house there was an air of festivity and the serving of juice and fruitcake. Later, we bedded down on a mattress made of corn shucks. As I turned into a comfortable position, they rustled under me and sent up a faint fragrance exactly like that in the barn. My heart said, "You are sleeping in the stable like the Christ Child did."

As I drifted into a profound sleep, I knew that the light coming through the old pine shutters was the Star shining on that quiet house.

The family all walked down the path to the car with us the next morning. I was so filled with the Spirit of Christmas they had given me that I could find no words. Suddenly I thought of the gifts in the back seat of our car for our family.

I began to hand them out. My husband's gray woolen socks went to the man. The red sweater I had bought for my sister went to the mother. I gave away two boxes of candy, the white mittens and the leather gloves while my husband nodded approval.

And when I was breathless from reaching in and out of the car and the family stood there loaded with the gaiety of Christmas packages, the mother spoke for all of them. "We thank you," she said simply. And then she said, "Wait."

She hurried up the path to the house and came back with a quilt folded across her arms. It was beautifully handmade; the pattern was the Star of Bethlehem. I looked up at the tall beautiful pines because my throat hurt and I could not speak. It was indeed Christmas.

Every Christmas Eve since then, I sleep under that quilt, the Star of Bethlehem, and in memory I visit the stable and smell again the corn shucks, and the meaning of Christmas abides with me once more.

Written by Marguerite Nixon.

Prepare Your Heart for a Great Christmas

2009-11-11T09:20:00.002-05:00

Check out this wonderful devotional journal for women. It features scripture-based reflections and journal pages for gratitude, intention, and to-do lists. Written by a Christian mom and beginning on Thanksgiving Day and ending on the Feast of the Epiphany, the book is an insightful prayer companion for busy moms!

Celebrate the 26 Days of Advent

2009-11-09T20:14:00.000-05:00

Here are some fun family time activities to help your child learn the meaning of Christmas and remind them of how important they are to the world.

Whether you’re trying to reclaim peace, joy, love, or faith, these fun Advent guides may help.

The first is a 26-day guide for older children and adults. Each week begins with an article on the significance of that week’s theme, followed by seven days of thought-provoking questions for your reflection and written response through journaling. Together these lessons and exercises will take you through the 26 days of Advent and can help you find what you are seeking.

The second guide is great for family discussions and offers fun activities for younger children. It too is based around themes. It has articles to read as a family and a daily activity such as creating paper snowflakes, bird feeders, and more to help children learn the meaning of Christmas and to remind them of how important they are to the world.

Grab these two great resources here.

Christmas Examiner

2009-10-31T11:09:00.001-04:00

First article is up and my column is now active. Check it out at Christmas Examiner.

A Star Still Shines

2009-10-26T13:52:00.003-04:00

The Glenn Mohr Chorale released a Christmas CD recently. The title is "A Star Still Shines." The CD is aptly named for the chorus shines with Christmas carol favorites and newly loved songs. The lyrics -- my favorite is Christmas in Heaven -- are beautifully written and the choir is brightly talented.

A new site, The Glenn Mohr Chorale, was launched this week and links to Youtube and Facebook are available. You can get a catch an wonderful earful of the music on the site too. If you're on Facebook, befriend the Chorale for updates.

(Updated 11/11/09.)

Christmas Before Halloween

2009-10-12T16:41:00.002-04:00

Why start thinking about Christmas even before Halloween? Every wonderful experience starts with a vision. In October, we're going to figure out what our holiday season will look like and we'll take November to make it happen.

Christmas Thought of the Day - 9/21/09

2009-09-21T08:00:00.000-04:00

Time was with most of us, when Christmas Day, encircling all our limited world like a magic ring, left nothing out for us to miss or seek; bound together all our home enjoyments, affections, and hopes; grouped everything and everyone round the Christmas fire, and make the little picture shining in our bright young eyes, complete.
~~ Charles Dickens ~~

Christmas Thought of the Day - 9/20/09

2009-09-20T12:59:00.002-04:00

To celebrate the heart of Christmas is to forget ourselves in the service of others.
~~ Henry C. Link ~~

Christmas Thought of the Day - 9/18/09

2009-09-18T12:58:00.001-04:00

May we not "spend" Christmas or "observe" Christmas, but rather "keep it."
~~ Peter Marshall ~~

Christmas Thought of the Day - 9/15/09

2009-09-15T12:56:00.001-04:00

We should try to hold on to the Christmas spirit, not just one day a year, but all 365.
~~ Mary Martin ~~

The History of Gift Wrap

2009-09-06T18:04:00.002-04:00

Though the practice of gift giving has a long Christmas history, those gifts being presented in colorful paper and tied up in curls of ribbon is a relatively new practice. While Christmas cards began to be sent in the mid-nineteenth century it wasn't until many years later that dressing up presents in Christmas finery caught on.

Holiday gift giving began long before Christmas. The Romans would give gifts to one another on pagan festivals like Saturnalia, the winter solstice, and the Roman New Year. The tradition of gift giving became associated with Christmas because of the offerings of the Three Wise Men, though early on the Church discouraged the practice of gift giving because of its pagan associations. But by the Middle Ages the tradition had become so popular that it became a mainstay of the holiday season.

Early on gifts were wrapped in simple tissue paper or more sturdy brown paper. In the nineteenth century, gifts were sometimes presented in decorated cornucopias or paper baskets. The technology did not exist to mass produce a decorated, foldable, paper until the 1890's, when developments in printing presses allowed colored ink to be printed fluidly on stiffer papers. A rotary system developed that allowed the printed paper to be rolled onto cardboard rolls or cut into smaller sheets. The printed gift wrap industry took off at the turn of the century. Hy-Sill Manufacturing Inc., founded by Eli Hyman and Morris Silverman, became the first American gift wrap company in 1903. Wrapping paper's biggest name, Hallmark, stumbled upon the gift wrap market by accident. In 1917, the Hall Brothers's typical offering of green, red, and white tissue paper had sold out in their Kansas City, Missouri store a few days before Christmas. The resourceful owner, Rollie Hall, had sheets of decorative envelope liners shipped over from a manufacturing plant. He placed these large patterned sheets on top of a showcase and sold them for 10 cents each. The decorative paper quickly sold out. The next year, the sheets sold for three for 25 cents, and again they quickly disappeared. The brothers began printing their own Christmas wrapping paper, and soon gift wrap sales rivaled their greeting card department.

Early gift wrappers had to be especially dexterous; scotch tape wasn't invented until 1930! And it wasn't until 1932 that the rolls of adhesive tape were sold in dispensers with cutter blades. Before then packages were tied up with string and sealing wax. In the 20's and 30's small sticky circles were sold in packets along with folded papers that allowed the wrapper to attach the paper. During this time also, small gift tags and a type of sticky decorative ribbon were developed, often included in packets of matching wrapping paper.

Over the years the look of wrapping paper changed as well. The first wrapping paper was decorated in the ornate style of the Victorian era, similar to the Christmas greeting cards that had become all the rage. Gilded flourishes of cherubs, birds, and flowers draped across sheets of popular wrapping papers. In the 30's and 40's, patterns became more stylized due to the popularity of Art Deco. Decorations moved away from nature to symbols we commonly associate with Christmas today. Popular patterns included ice skaters, snowflakes, Christmas trees, and candles. While the symbols remained the same, the artwork became more realistic again in the 50's and 60's. By the 70's and 80's, Madison Avenue had realized the potential of wrapping paper and hence, wrapping paper often had movie or TV show tie-ins, with designs incorporating popular movie or cartoon characters.

Gift wrap was saved from the rationing that many other products were subject to during World War II. The War Office believed that gift wrap and other Christmas traditions contributed to raising morale amongst citizens, and also believed that it encouraged people to send packages to soldiers far from home. Some gift wrap manufacturers turned to weapon and other wartime production, but the ones that remained making paper saw business boom. Sales actually increased by more than twenty percent during the war!

Innovations with gift wrap have continued. The 1980's introduced decorative plastic and paper gift bags, though these "new" bags weren't as new as some people thought. The Victorians had often given their gifts in decorated bags. The introduction of stick-on bows and cascade ribbons in the 80's and 90's further helped less than perfect gift wrappers.

By Mac Carey

Christmas Shows Schedule 2009

2009-09-06T17:36:00.005-04:00

Repeating a successful practice from last year, My Merry Christmas has a mega-schedule of programs for Christmas 2009, running from Thanksgiving (November 26) to the Epiphany (January 6).

All times are Central.

Saturday, November 28
• The Thin Man (1934). TCM, 11:00 a.m.

Sunday, November 29
• The Dog Who Saved Christmas (2009). ABC Family, 7:00 p.m.
• The Shop Around the Corner (1940). TCM, 8:45 p.m.

Thursday, December 3
• A Christmas Carol (1938). TCM, 7:00 p.m.
• Little Women (1949). TCM, 8:15 p.m.
• Tenth Avenue Angel (1948). TCM, 10:30 p.m.

Friday, December 4
• 3 Godfathers (1948). TCM, 12:00 midnight.
• Hell's Heroes (1930). TCM, 2:00 a.m.
• Bush Christmas (1947). TCM, 3:30 a.m.

Sunday, December 6
• Our Vines Have Tender Grapes (1940). TCM, 5:00 a.m.
• Christmas in Connecticut (1945). TCM, 11:00 a.m.
• Remember the Night (1940). TCM, 1:00 p.m.

Wednesday, December 9
• Dead of Night (1945). TCM, 3:00 a.m.Thursday, December 10
• It Happened on Fifth Avenue (1947). TCM, 5:00 p.m.
• Fitzwilly (1967). TCM, 9:00 p.m.
• Love Finds Andy Hardy (1938). TCM, 11:00 p.m.

Friday, December 11
• Susan Slept Here (1954). TCM, 1:00 a.m.
• Little Women (1933). TCM, 3:00 a.m.Saturday, December 12
• The Wonderful World of the Brothers Grimm (1962). TCM, 5:00 a.m.
• A Christmas Carol (1938). TCM, 11:00 a.m.
• 3 Godfathers (1948). TCM, 12:15 p.m.
• The Lion in Winter (1968). TCM, 4:30 p.m.

Sunday, December 13
• Penny Serenade (1941). TCM, 5:00 a.m.
• In the Good Old Summertime (1949). TCM, 11:00 a.m.
• Susan Slept Here (1954). TCM, 1:00 p.m.
• Our Vines Have Tender Grapes (1945). TCM, 7:00 p.m.
• Johnny Got His Gun (1971). TCM, 9:00 p.m.
• Ben-Hur: A Tale of the Christ (1925). TCM, 11:00 p.m.

Tuesday, December 15
• Swiss Family Robinson. TCM, 10:15 a.m.
• Gone With the Wind. TCM, 7:00 p.m.

Thursday, December 17
• Christmas in Connecticut. TCM, 7:00 p.m.
• Holiday Affair. TCM, 9:00 p.m.
• This Man Is Mine. TCM, 10:30 p.m.

Friday, December 18
• Period of Adjustment (1962). TCM, 12:30 a.m.
• The Shop Around the Corner (1940). TCM, 9:00 p.m.

Saturday, December 19
• Meet Me in St. Louis (1944). TCM, 11:00 a.m.
• Little Women (1949). TCM, 1:00 p.m.
• The Man Who Came to Dinner (1942). TCM, 7:00 p.m.

Sunday, December 20
• Ben-Hur (1959). TCM, 3:00 p.m.
• King of Kings (1961). TCM, 8:00 p.m.
• The King of Kings (1927). TCM, 11:00 p.m.

Monday, December 21
• Meet John Doe (1941). TCM, 11:30 p.m.

Thursday, December 24
• Blossoms in the Dust (1941). TCM, 5:30 a.m.
• 3 Godfathers (1948). TCM, 7:15 a.m.
• The Great Rupert (1950). TCM, 9:15 a.m.
• Bundle of Joy (1956). TCM, 10:45 a.m.
• All Mine to Give (1957). TCM, 12:30 p.m.
• Pocketful of Miracles (1961). TCM, 2:30 p.m.
• Period of Adjustment (1962). TCM, 5:00 p.m.
• Remember the Night (1940). TCM, 7:00 p.m.

Friday, December 25
• Meet Me in St. Louis (1944). TCM, 12:00 midnight
• In the Good Old Summertime (1949). TCM, 2:00 a.m.
• The Shop Around the Corner (1940). TCM, 4:00 a.m.
• Little Women (1933). TCM, 6:00 a.m.
• A Christmas Carol (1938). TCM, 8:00 a.m.
• The Man Who Came to Dinner (1942). TCM, 9:15 a.m.
• Christmas in Connecticut (1945). TCM, 11:15 a.m.
• Little Women (1949). TCM, 1:15 p.m.
• Holiday Affair (1950). TCM, 3:30 p.m.
• Susan Slept Here (1954). TCM, 5:00 p.m.

Monday, December 28
• Lady for a Day (1933). TCM, 11:00 p.m.

Tuesday, December 29
• Pocketful of Miracles (1961). TCM, 12:45 a.m.
• Battleground (1949). TCM, 11:00 p.m.

Thursday, December 31
• The Thin Man (1934). TCM, 7:00 p.m.

Christmas Journal

2009-08-30T21:03:00.000-04:00

Start a new tradition: Put together a holiday-only journal to capture your thoughts. Each season, add to the book and read past entries.

Christmas Card Writing Party

2009-08-29T13:13:00.002-04:00

During the height of the holiday season, sending out Christmas cards can seem like just another chore on your list of things to do.

This year, address this sometimes daunting task by turning it into a card-writing party!

Invite a few close companions to your home one evening and have them bring along their cards, envelopes, address books, pens, and postage stamps.

While writing out the cards at the dining room table, nibble on delicious and special appetizers.

The First Gift of Christmas

2009-08-23T19:21:00.003-04:00

When you join the Richard Paul Evans mailing list, $1 will be donated by Operation Kids to help abused and neglected children.

Also when you join the mailing list (offer good until 1231/09) you will receive a FREE downloadable audio copy of The First Gift of Christmas written and ready by Richard Paul Evans.

Each week someone from Richard's mailing list will win an autographed copy of Richard's latest book.