by: ARA |
| (ARA) - Your holidays will sparkle even brighter when you give a gift that helps make children�s wishes come true. This year, Things Remembered offers a collectible holiday ornament, musical snow globe and star keepsake box -- all benefiting the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Make-A-Wish gifts became a tradition at Things Remembered in 1998 when one critically ill child, Elysia, wished to give her family and friends personalized ornaments saying �Thank you, I love you, and always remember me.� Her single wish has grown into an annual program that allows the wishes of children across the nation to come true. If you�ve got something to say this holiday, Make-A-Wish items can be engraved with your own special message. They are available at Things Remembered stores nationwide and online at www.thingsremembered.com. Make-A-Wish Holiday Ornament Made of genuine pewter, the heart-shaped ornament is bejeweled with red and white Swarovski crystals and tied with an organza bow. Available for $17.95, $2 from the sale of each limited edition ornament helps grant the fondest wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions. Make-A-Wish Musical Holiday Snow Globe The Make-A-Wish holiday snow globe winds up to play �Twelve Days of Christmas.� Inside the glass dome is a jolly scene of two adorable snowmen and a sack full of goodies. Two dollars from the sale of each holiday snow globe also goes to the Make-A-Wish Foundation. The snow globe retails for $24.95. Make-A-Wish Star Keepsake Box An enchanting Star Keepsake Box with inspirational wishing stones is the first-ever, year-round Make-A-Wish gift from Things Remembered. The brushed silver-plated keepsake box can be engraved with a personal message. Inside, five lovely wishing stars are inscribed with the words �Peace, Hope, Love, and Dreams,� with the fifth star adorned with the Make-A-Wish logo. Brilliant Swarovski crystals glitter on each of the star�s five points. Equally brilliant, $5 from each sale benefits the Make-A-Wish Foundation. The Star Keepsake Box is available for $34.95. According to Suzanne Sutter, president of Things Remembered, this sixth holiday season of distinctive Make-A-Wish gifts will bring the total amount raised for the foundation to well over $1 million. �It is our privilege to carry on this wonderful tradition in honor of Elysia�s memory,� states Sutter. �We�re pleased to be partners with the Make-A-Wish Foundation in its efforts of bringing hope, strength, and joy into the lives of children with life-threatening medical conditions.� For more information about the Make-A-Wish holiday gifts and for store locations, call or log on to www.thingsremembered.com. For more information about the Make-A-Wish Foundation, call (800) 722-WISH or visit www.wish.org. Courtesy of ARA Content About the author: Courtesy of ARA Content Circulated by Article Emporium |
miercuri, 31 martie 2010
Gifts with a Purpose
Gift Ideas for Families
by: ARA |
| (ARA) - Video games, scooters, new gadgets and the hottest new toys -- the holiday shopping list can go on and on and cost quite a bit of money, and choosing gifts can be very stressful and time consuming. Why not simplify your shopping by selecting a single gift that the entire family can enjoy? Buying one gift eliminates the anxiety of trying to find exactly the right toy or the correct size and color as the perfect gift. When choosing for a group, it works well to focus on a single theme or activity that the family enjoys doing together such as camping, cycling, hiking, or the arts. Here are some ideas to help you start thinking about what to get for the families on your holiday list this year: * DVD rental membership. A membership to Netflix, the online DVD rental service, helps bring the joy back to movie watching and provides a gift the whole family will enjoy. Gift memberships are available in different monthly increments providing a family with free, unlimited access to a wide variety of movies for one month, two months, etc. Netflix subscribers can choose from more than 15,000 DVD titles from over 300 genres including children and family, action and adventure, classics, comedy, documentary, drama, foreign, horror, independent, music and concert, romance and sports. There�s no waiting in line since movies are delivered to the family�s mailbox, no bickering and arguing over which movie to watch, and no late fees. It�s easy to use: families choose the DVDs they want at www.netflix.com. Their first three selections are mailed to them first-class and usually arrive within three days. Since there are no due dates or late fees with Netflix, families can hold on to their three movies as long as they want. When they are ready to return them, new movies are automatically sent to them once the movies have been received. By having three DVDs out at one time, mom, dad and the kids will be happy. * Traditional game sets. Bring back the nostalgia of family board game tournaments. Old favorites like Monopoly, checkers, Pictionary, Parcheesi and Trivial Pursuit board games are an entertaining way for the whole family to interact together. Or give a twist on a tried and true standard -- many board games are offered in new versions, like Monopoly�s Disney edition, or the Trivial Pursuit 20th Anniversary edition. * Comfort food basket. Make your own gift baskets that include special foods for a family feast. You may want to do a breakfast theme with bottles of pure maple syrup, pancake mix and fruit; or a movie night theme with assorted popcorn flavors, malted milk balls, jujubes and M&M�s. Even wow them with your own homemade treats. A simple selection of holiday treats will be a surefire hit with the whole family. * Hire a genealogist or historian to research the family�s genealogy or write the family�s history. Present it to them in a special book you design yourself. * Collect as many favorite recipes as possible from family members. Format, copy and bind to create a one-of-a-kind family cookbook * Need to shop for an active family that enjoys the outdoors or the arts? Give tickets to a sporting event, concert or theatrical performance that would interest the whole family. Shows like Les Miserables, Phantom of the Opera, and the Lion King often make seasonal appearances in larger cities around the holidays. A family gift will not only cut down on your shopping list, it will also be a great excuse for everyone to spend time together. And isn�t that what the holidays are all about? Courtesy of ARA Content About the author: Courtesy of ARA Content Circulated by Article Emporium |
Gathering with Extended Family for the Holidays Doesn�t Have to be Painful
by: ARA |
| (ARA) - Aunt Edna is upset because Cousin Billy is bringing his new girlfriend, and she doesn�t think she should have to buy her a gift. Sue and Harry�s family can only come on the Saturday before the holiday, and Aunt Judy insists that everything be home cooked. Considering the obstacles and opinions, why will Americans mob the airports and highways this holiday season, as they do every year, to attend gatherings with their extended families? �People need to feel that connectedness,� surmises Charlotte Shoup Olsen, an associate professor of family studies and extension specialist at Kansas State University in Manhattan, Kan. �When everyone is together you get that sense of being part of a bigger community -- not in the sense that you live close by, but just in a sense of belonging. Holidays, especially, offer a good opportunity to build that family history together.� According to a recent poll conducted by Harris Interactive and sponsored by Modern Woodmen of America, Rock Island, Ill., 90 percent of Americans attend a holiday event such as Thanksgiving or Christmas with extended family. �Nearly all Americans in our survey (99 percent) feel it�s good for children to know their relatives and family history,� comments Sharon Snawerdt of Modern Woodmen. Modern Woodmen, a fraternal benefit society offering financial services, promotes strong family relationships through its many member programs as well as its Web site, www.gatherings.info. Snawerdt adds, �Ninety percent of survey respondents indicated that spending time with extended family is one of the most important parts of their lives.� Family Feuds The holidays are a time for �peace on earth,� but that doesn�t stop Uncle Joe from fighting with Aunt Helen. �Holidays are a time when people come home, and grown, mature adults will fall back into those old childhood roles in the family and past hard feelings resurface,� explains Olsen. �Big sis just can�t get over feeling that baby brother was spoiled rotten, even if they are both in their 40s.� Olsen says that all family members should be included in the invitation, even the black sheep or the two family members having a feud. �If someone refuses to come because so and so will be there, there is nothing you can do about it,� she says. �That is his or her baggage.� Olsen offers some tips for how to handle family members who may not like to be in the same room with one another. * Appoint a neutral member of the family to take on the role of mediator. (This person should use humor and tact to encourage guests to avoid touchy subjects. In other words, if Uncle Joe starts discussing Grandpa�s will, the mediator should gracefully make it known that this isn�t the appropriate time to bring up that topic.) * Assign seats using place cards. * Set up smaller table arrangements throughout the house. * Limit alcoholic beverages. Alcohol makes some people braver and more confrontational. Giving and Receiving It wouldn�t be the holidays without gift giving, but as families grow larger many struggle with how to handle it. Olsen offers these tips: * A grab bag. In this system, set a price limit and have each guy bring a guy gift and each gal bring a gal gift. * A drawing. Each participant planning to attend the event draws a name from a hat (or via phone or email) and brings a gift for only that person. * A homemade gift exchange. Crafts, food items and artwork are good suggestions. This is for the family willing to invest some time, but not as much money. * A �time� gift certificate exchange. These can feature anything from snow shoveling to babysitting services. * A kids-only exchange. * A collection of donations for the local food pantry or group sponsorship of a needy family. Finally, Olsen suggests forgoing the gift giving altogether and replacing it with activities even more meaningful. Modern Woodmen�s www.gatherings.info Web site offers a host of tips for making your family gathering fun. Aside from the standard board games and card games, your family may want to try these ideas: * Games and Activities -- �Picture Lotto� � Make your own game using copies of your family pictures. -- �Frosty� � Use some toilet paper, construction paper and family teams to have some family fun in this interactive game. -- �Unwrap the Gift� � This game uses a bag of candy or small gift items, a multi-layer-wrapped gift box and some music to create fun for the very young, as well as the adults. * Scrapbook, photography and video ideas -- A Family Time Capsule � It can�t get much easier than videotaping the festivities to save for posterity. You can incorporate interviews with family members asking them to share their favorite memories or a song. -- Gathering Scrapbook � More than compiling a multifaceted record of a gathering, creating scrapbooks can be a rewarding. At your next family event have each family create a page. Take pictures that day thinking about each family, so you can get a representative sample. When the film is developed, place the appropriate pictures with that family�s page. Compile together and share at your next gathering. �The important part of gift giving isn�t so much what you get, but prolonging the family time together,� says Olsen. �Instead of a gift exchange, you can think of activities or games to do together. You can sing carols or look over photo albums. You can view family videos or make a video heirloom. Any holiday tradition is an opportunity beyond eating to spend time together. You have a short amount of time together, but you want to make it a good memory for the whole year.� �That�s one gift everyone will appreciate.� Courtesy of ARA Content About the author: Courtesy of ARA Content Circulated by Article Emporium |
Flannel -- A Tradition That Never Goes Out of Style
by: ARA
(ARA) - Gadgets are good, books can be beautiful, sweaters can be sensible, and sexy lingerie -- well it�s seductive to say the least. But what would the majority of women (and their daughters) like wrapped up under the Christmas tree? You guessed it -- it�s a fabulous flannel nightgown to replace the thread-bare, worn (and well-loved) one they�re probably wearing Christmas morning.
And because flannel is long-wearing, it's actually become a once-a-year gift giving tradition.
Recently, at a MOPS (Mother�s of Preschoolers) gathering, the speaker shared ways to create memories for children that would last a lifetime. Lots of ideas were exchanged, but the one that got everyone talking was the idea of purchasing a new flannel nightgown every holiday season. One mother said, �Every Christmas my Mom let us open one gift on Christmas Eve. We always knew it was going to be a new Lanz of Salzburg flannel nightgown and we couldn�t wait to put it on --we didn�t care if it was a holiday print or a Lanz classic pattern -- we were thrilled!�
Kristen Donnell of Kristen�s Pajama Company, who sells hundreds of Lanz of Salzburg flannel nightgowns, notes, �All my customers have flannel nightgown stories. I have had fans of Lanz recount stories of their grandparents wearing Lanz flannels when the Austrian company was newly established in 1938. This was only 48 years after Christmas became a national holiday in the United States. Many of my male customers say they can�t show up on Christmas Eve without a Lanz flannel nightgown under the Christmas tree.�
Traditions are a part of the holiday season no matter what you are celebrating. A particularly bittersweet story was retold to Kristen in a recent customer e-mail. A woman wrote that a favorite Hanukkah tradition was receiving a Lanz flannel nightgown that matched the one her mother wore on the last night of Hanukkah. She said that although her mother was no longer alive, she has continued this tradition with her own family. And though some in the family were boys, she included them by giving the big guys and small a new pair of plaid pajamas.
Certainly the tradition of flannel pajamas was born out of necessity, when there was no such thing as central heating, and once away from the hearth, rooms -- whether in castles or cottages -- were cold. Flannel�s soft but dense weave was the perfect fabric to chase away the chills for everyone from newborns to newlyweds.
Lanz of Salzburg understood that flannel was practical, but as practicality gave way to a more modern way of dressing (and that included sleepwear) they designed fun and feminine patterns that could make wearers feel good inside and out.
So no matter whether you are giving or receiving flannel this year -- for the first time or the 50th -- you�re not just exchanging sleepwear; you�re part of a wonderful tradition that just might be with your family and friends for generations.
Kristen�s Pajama Company has the complete selection of Lanz of Salzburg flannel nightgowns, including matching mother/daughter prints and women�s sizes. For ordering information, visit www.kristens.com or call toll free .
Courtesy of ARA Content
Entertaining Tips:Add a touch of Italian to your dessert table
by: NC |
| Add a touch of Italian to your dessert table (NC)�If you are invited to an Italian home this Christmas chances are you will be served panettone. Or it could be the reverse. If someone of Italian decent is invited to your home this Christmas there is a very good chance they will bring a panettone. Christmas wouldn't be Christmas without the traditional fruit bread of the old country. But this is bread with flare. Not only is it packaged festively in shimmering gold wrap for the holidays, it is also shaped like a tall cake � a bit like a chef's hat � and its ingredients of natural yeast, eggs and butter with candied fruit and raisins, make for great diversity at holiday mealtimes. "If you serve it on a dessert table, consider warming it in a medium oven for a few minutes and then topping it with ice cream," says John-Paul Violante, spokesperson for Motta. "You may also receive tartufone, containing chocolate drops, or Il Pandoro frosted with white sugar, all of which are a delicious dessert treat on their own or with a favourite topping. "It is also a custom to serve panettone at breakfast or brunch during the holidays. Its naturally leavened texture makes excellent toast, or even french toast, and many people simply like the fruit bread with butter and jam. At parties it is such a symbol of celebration it may be offered while you are sipping champagne." The panettone phenomenon started in Milan at the turn of the last century, when bakers like Angelo Motta started experimenting with natural yeast. Within a few years the combination of eggs, butter and natural yeast transformed Motta's previously dense breads, turning them soft and light. The new bread also rose much higher than expected and it is well documented that the new panettone actually created a disturbance on the streets of Milan. During the holiday season of 1921, the crowds waiting for a peak outside the Motta Bakery had to be controlled by police. Today, no less than 292,000 kilograms (650,000 pounds) of panettone are sent to North America every year. "Do check the label however," Violante cautioned, " to make sure your purchase originates from Italy, even if the packaging appears to be Motta. There are fakes of lower quality hitting Canadian shops from places like Peru. "Authentic panettone is comparatively low in calories," he said. "The nutritional value listed on the Motta product indicates the ratio between carbohydrates, protein and fat is well balanced. A 100g serving of panettone for example, provides fewer calories than the same weight in crackers. "Nutritional value plays a minimal role however in our newest product, Tartufone la Pralina," Violante grinned. "La Pralina is not cake or bread at all, but is rich and dark chocolate candy. These chocolates are packaged in a slim decorative container, just the right size for a Christmas stocking � and if you keep a few of them on hand they could make a classy little gift for unexpected guests." - News Canada About the author: News Canada Circulated by Article Emporium |
Dress Your Gifts to Impress
by: ARA |
| (ARA) - Impress friends and family this holiday season by ditching the wrapping paper for a more personalized gift presentation. Creative packaging can heighten suspense and make gift exchanges more memorable and meaningful. The gifting experts at .COM suggest the following wrapping ideas that are guaranteed to dazzle all those on your gift list! Make reusable gift bags from silk, taffeta, burlap, chintz or another fabric; or from dishtowels, doilies or pillow cases. These are great for wrapping odd-shaped or un-boxed items in a hurry. Use colorful shoelaces, artificial rope pearls, leather strips, vinyl cording, jump ropes, strips of netting, paper twist, raffia, hemp rope, twine or yarn as creative alternatives to ribbon when tying a package. Mislead shakers and squeezers by adding marbles, bells, weights or padding to your package before wrapping it. Design your own gift-wrapping paper by splatter-painting, rag-rolling, sponging or stenciling sheets or rolls of plain-colored paper. Use sheet music to wrap concert tickets or other small gifts for the music lover. Hide a small gift in a huge bouquet of flowers, a jar of penny candy, a bucket of marbles, a box of chocolates or a bag of popcorn. Visit 1800flowers.com on the Web for unique gift ideas and more holiday fun. Courtesy of ARA Content About the author: Courtesy of ARA Content Circulated by Article Emporium |
Do You Know The Origins of Christmas traditions ?
by: Adam Lenk |
| There are many traditions and symbols that we associate with Christmas including the Christmas tree, leaving cookies out for Santa Claus, and sending Christmas cards and Christmas presents. If you're like most, you observe all of the traditions which are sacred to your family without a thought about where they originated or why they became so popular in the first place. While you don't need to know why you celebrate the Christmas holiday the way you do, it makes for interesting conversation when you're sipping egg nog in front of the fireplace. So, if you're ready to wow your family and friends with your knowledge of the Christmas holiday, bring up these interesting facts about the most widely celebrated holiday. The modern term Christmas originates form the Olde English "cristes masse," which means "Christ's mass." The name Christ finds its origins in the Greek tongue, which was the language spoken by Christ himself. The Greek form of the work was Khristos, which means "anointed one." The origins of the Christmas tree actually predate Christ and the history of Christianity by thousands of years. The tree finds its beginning during the time of the Druids, a society made up of sorcerers, prophets and priests. During the time of the Druid winter solstice, which fell on December 21, the Druid priests decorated outdoor trees with apples and lit candles to show their appreciation to their god Odin. The candles represented the eternal light of their sun god Balter. Christians later adopted the practice widely and decorated their fir trees with apples to represent Adam and Eve's gall from grace. The first Christmas tree has been credited to a warrior of the Crusades, Winfried of England, who had traveled to the Northern forests to covert the Pagans, according to legend. When Winfried came upon an unruly mob getting ready to conduct a human sacrifice before the sacred Oak of Geismar, he chopped down the detestable tree and a fir tree immediately sprang from where the Oak tree formerly stood. Winfried claimed the tree was the three of Christ which represented the love and kindness that should be in everyone's home. Santa Claus is a lively, jolly and fat old fellow who tours the whole world on Christmas Eve delivering presents to deserving children. The modern-day Santa Claus finds his origins in Saint Nicholas. This patron saint was shown in paintings to look like the ordinary person that he was, but was given a makeover by the Coca-Cola Company in the 1930's. That's right; our beloved Santa Claus is nothing more than a clever marketing ploy. And you thought it was hard when the kids on the playground told you Santa Claus didn't exist. Christmas cards were introduced during the 1840s in Britain with the introduction of the postal service and the penny stamp. While a penny was a lot of money during those days, sending Christmas cards still became very common by the 1860s. Holly and mistletoe are also attributed to the Druids. The ancient Druids were the first society known to have worn sprigs of holly and mistletoe. The druid priests believed that holly was able to remain green and vibrant the entire year because it possessed magical properties. We may have also picked up some other significant traditions from the Druids. Do you think that it's a coincidence that the colors of holly, green and red, are the colors associated with Christmas today? Mistletoe, on the other hand, represented fertility and was looked down upon by the Christian church for its association with non-virginity. Gift giving came to us from the Romans. The Romans exchanged holly wreaths as gifts during their Saturnalia festival, which coincided with the Druid's winter solstice. The wreaths were a symbol of eternal life. Later, many Christians would take to adorning their homes with holly during the Saturnalia festival to avoid persecution from the Romans. Eventually adornment with holly was absorbed into Christian practices as well. So, now that you know a little more about why you do the things you do during the Christmas season, why don't you see what other tidbits of historical knowledge that you can uncover to share during your next holiday gathering. About the author: By Adam Lenk For more Christmas articles and information visit http://www.makingchristmas.com Circulated by Article Emporium |
Comfort Comes From Unexpected Places
by: Patricia Twitchell |
| By Patricia Twitchell Autumn of �89 began like any other. Summer was quickly coming to a close as winter crept in. Like most years, the family was anxiously anticipating sharing the holidays together. Although each year became a bit more difficult due to the miles that kept us physically apart, in our hearts we remained close. What I have always cherished most about time with my family is the laughter and the enjoyment of simple things. Amazingly, even that which we appreciate we often take for granted. Without realizing it, I took for granted that my mother and father, in their early sixties in �89, would be around for years to come. Years that in a moment seemed to be ripped from my reality. It was late on a Monday night in September of that year when I got the dreaded call. �If you want to see your father alive, you must come quickly.� Those words rang in my head as I carelessly tossed cloths into a bag. My reasoning was such that a tattered grocery bag would suffice as my luggage. My reasoning was also such that rather than immediately get on the road, I felt compelled to bake my father his favorite cookies. Although I had been told he was in a coma as a result of a massive cardiac arrest, I was convinced my cookies would be the magic formula to bring him around. As I drove late into the night, memories of long ago danced in my head. Memories of times shared with my father who, although a pillar in my life, now lay lifeless in a hospital bed. Glancing frequently at the plate of cookies that were placed carefully on the seat behind me, I tearfully wondered if I would ever see my father alive again. The shock of seeing my father hooked up to countless monitors and machines was almost beyond belief. And yet, what my sisters and I quickly realized was the devastation my mother was experiencing. The three of us wondered if our parents would have the opportunity to celebrate their 40th anniversary together. With no obvious change over the next few days, my sisters, mother and I found comfort in each others arms. Strangely, we also found comfort by bringing each other cuddly stuffed animals. Within days, my mother�s collection of teddy bears grew and grew. It was as if each bear held a special meaning to her and brought what little comfort could be experienced as she diligently watched her husband lay in his own world of a coma. After weeks of praying for the near impossible, my father slowly began to regain consciousness. Knowing a miracle had taken place, for the next few months we were thrilled at each baby step my father took in his recovery. Having to undergo massive heart surgery to repair some of the damage, my father kept a few close companions near his bedside as he recouped from his wounds. The very teddy bears my mother found comfort in while my father was on his �vacation� were the bears he now found comfort in. As I prepare for the holiday season this year, I wonder how much of an impact my father�s heart attack and all the experiences that went with it had on my decision to fulfill a lifelong dream. For years, I had a secret desire to open a teddy bear store so I could share the feelings teddy bears had given me when I went through a very painful divorce. A feeling of comfort that somehow only the �right� bear can bring. The same type of comfort teddy bears brought to my mother, my father, my sisters and me in the autumn of �89. The same type of comfort I now have the opportunity to share with others on a daily basis. With my father�s experience now years behind, I am once again anticipating sharing a holiday season with my mother and father who are soon going to be celebrating 57 years of marriage. Often my folks come to visit me during the holidays, as it is a very busy time of year. What with all the gift wrapping for the many people who come from all over the country to experience the unique teddy bear store that was once only a dream. I have learned life is about having the courage to live our dreams. It is in the willingness to do what we are destined to do we have the opportunity to bring comfort, joy, laughter and love to the lives of others. If the only lesson I learned during the autumn of �89 is how precious life is, I will forever be grateful. It is because of that lesson I am gifted with the opportunity to often help select just the right teddy bear for someone who is in need of comfort. Other times, it is to select a bear that is meant to bring joy, or express love, or gratitude, or just because�. because teddy bears make the world a little better one bear at a time. About the author: About the author Patricia Twitchell is the proprietor of Just Bears and Stuff, a unique gift shop located in Myrtle Creek, Oregan. Nestled in the scenic mountains is a favorite place to visit from people all over the country. Receive �Beary Special Moments� a free online teddy bear facts and tips e-zine by visiting www.justbearsandstuff.com Circulated by Article Emporium |
Christmas Tree Ornament Tips
by: John Morris |
| When it comes to decorating, we are all perfectionists about our Christmas tree. After all, it happens only once a year and the decorations are a treasure to behold. The finishing touch, for any Christmas tree, is the ornaments. Perhaps you have memories of a personalized ornament given to you as a child or maybe it�s the tradition of hanging them with your family - making sure that each is perfectly spaced from its neighbor for that added touch of beauty. The Christmas ornaments for Christmas trees, which we choose, should be a reflection of ourselves and our family. There are all types of Christmas ornaments for Christmas trees. From glass to unbreakable, there is something for everyone. Glass ornaments are among the most expensive, in part, because they require such intricate detail and add a touch of elegance to any Christmas tree. Glass ornaments pick up the reflection of lights and beam them across the room with, perhaps, even a twinkle or two. These ornaments are often hand-painted, which adds to their uniqueness. There are a variety of unbreakable ornaments, also available, in a multitude of colors. If you have a child who loves to be near the Christmas tree, glass ornaments may not be the best option. Or, if you have a pet that enjoys the mystique of the tree a little too much, you may opt for something unbreakable. This is why there are plastic ornaments, which are much safer for your inquiring family members whether they be small or furry. If you have children, there are plenty of ways to make beautiful Christmas ornaments for Christmas trees at home. Using gold ribbon, tie a bow and place it on the tree. Repeat these steps until your tree is filled with golden memories of your child�s imagination. You can also purchase plain white ceramic ornaments and, together with your children, paint them into beautiful Christmas ornaments for Christmas trees. What�s good enough to eat and also looks beautiful on a Christmas tree? Give up? It�s a candy cane, of course. These pretty little symbols of Christmas are everywhere during the holiday season. If you can resist the temptation of eating them, candy canes make terrific Christmas ornaments for Christmas trees. Leave them as they are or tie little red bows around them for an added touch of Christmas. If your child would like a personalized letter from Santa, contact one of Santa�s helper services and inquire about Santa also sending your child a personalized ornament with his/her name engraved. This will truly be one of the most special ornaments on the tree and your child will treasure it forever. Christmas ornaments for Christmas trees truly are the icing on the cake. Let them reflect you, your family, your home and your love for the holidays. The most precious ornaments are those we decorate with love. Not so surprisingly, these are also the most beautiful. About the author: For more great Christmas ornament related resources check out http://ornaments.christmashub.com Circulated by Article Emporium |
Christmas Traditions in Germany
by: Jared Winston |
| Countries all across the world celebrate the winter solstice holiday season in their own unique ways. Some such as Christmas and Hanukah are religious celebrations, while others are non-religious celebrations of nature, people and the coming spring solstice. The reasoning behind the various holiday celebrations can sometimes differ greatly, but there are a surprising number of commonalities among the celebratory traditions. Over the thousands of years that man has celebrated the season, each group influenced others with their traditions. Today each country and faith celebrates the holiday in their own unique ways, but more often than not you can detect common themes shared between countries. In this article we will take a closer look at how Christmas is celebrated in Germany, during which you will see that their traditions are not unlike those shared by England and America. The youth in many countries celebrate a beloved mystical figure such as Santa Claus and Germany is no different; the German equivalent of America's Santa and England's Father Christmas is none other than the kindly Kris Kringle. Unlike Santa, Kris Kringle is not responsible for passing out gifts to excited children - that duty is reserved by another holiday figure: Christkind. In Germany children will write letters to Christkind (translated as the Christ Child), much like American children send letters to Santa in the North Pole. The German children place their letters into an envelope heavily adorned with glue and sugar. These envelopes are placed on windowsills where they can glitter in the gentle light of the moon. And as if the German youth didn't already celebrate enough kindly eternal figures there is yet one more: Saint Nicholas! Traditionally children will stuff their shoes with hay, straw or carrots every Christmas Eve and leave them on their doorsteps. When Saint Nicholas rides by later that evening on his proud white stallion he stops momentarily by each door so that his stallion can feed on the treats left behind. To thank the generous children, Saint Nicholas will replace the eaten hay and/or carrots with delicious candies. Few things capture the holiday spirits of people better than the age-old Christmas tree. While millions of people set up their Christmas tree each and every year, a good portion of them don't even realize that the tradition originated from Germany. Germans love their Christmas trees just as much as Americans and Englishmen� in fact it's not uncommon to see more than one tree in a German household! There are conflicting myths about how the Christmas tree first came to be, but one of the most common stories tells the tale of an old woodcutter that stumbled across a young hungry child in the woods. He stopped chopping trees for a bit to befriend and feed the child. Once their meal was finished the two went on their separate ways. Early during the next morning the child appeared in front of the woodcutter and his wife in the form of a spirit. He identified himself as Christkind and thanked the surprised woodcutter for his act of kindness on the previous day. To repay the woodcutter's good will, Christkind gave him the sprig of an evergreen tree and told him the tree from which the sprig came would bear fruit year round. In response to this miraculous incident, each year Germans started felling evergreen trees each winter and decorating them with ornaments, candies, candles and more. Once Thanksgiving arrives in America you can be sure of one thing: virtually every mall and shopping outlet will be adorned with many festive Christmas decorations. Germans know how to kick the holiday shopping system into high gear too� in fact they have a name for this tradition: Kriskringlemart. During this time vendors and merchants will line the various town streets and offer special sales for Christmas. The festive decorations, scents and sounds of the holiday create a true feast for the senses. What Christmas would be complete without a seemingly endless assortment of tasty foods and drinks? If you were to celebrate Christmas while in Germany you would have your fill of indulgent treats such as spiced cakes, cookies, handmade candies and cocoa. Although all the above are enough to satisfy the palate there are two specialties Germans are renowned for: gingerbread and gluwein (which is a spiced red wine). Bakers also produce a special type of dough called Christbaumgeback, which is molded into various shapes and hung on Christmas trees as adornments. Each country has their own festive traditions that take place during the winter holiday season, but few are quite as memorable as Christmas in Germany. Those lucky enough to vacation in this wonderful country during the holiday season will leave with memories that will last them a lifetime. Copyright � Jared Winston, 2005. All Rights Reserved. About the author: Celebrate the Christmas Season all year round at Christmas Revelry.com, a site where festive souls can learn more about the holiday season and pick up some fun ideas that will make your Christmas more cheerful. http://www.christmasrevelry.com Circulated by Article Emporium |
Christmas Gift Ideas: Interior D�cor Presents
by: Jeanette Joy Fisher |
| Choosing a gift for someone to display in their home can be frustrating. On the other hand, if you're shopping for a friend or family member, you can give a present that will be appreciated. When to Not Give Home D�cor Presents If you've never been to your friend's home, I would definitely not give a household item unless it's for a recent bride with a gift registry. Even if you're gift shopping with your friend and she points out a darling framed picture or frilly pillow, that doesn't mean the item will fit in her personal interior d�cor. Perhaps you know your friend collects figurines like I do. Because of my last name, I started collecting fish years ago. However, I collect tiny glass antique fish, about one inch tall. The large wooden fish my mother gave me just doesn't fit my interior d�cor. How to Give Home D�cor Presents If you have been to your friend's home and know she needs to complete her home decorating with accessories, here are some gift ideas: 1. Double check your friend's color scheme. Your gift doesn't have to match perfectly to blend in. 2. Make sure her home isn't too crowded with many small decorating items. Many small accessories make a home feel cluttered. 3. Make something yourself that has meaning to you both. For instance, make a stained glass icon to reflect light in her bathroom window. 4. Find an old snapshot of you two from the past. Get the picture touched up professionally and frame it in a frame that blends in with her home decorations. 5. Give your friend a huge candle dressed up with pearls, sequins, or seashells with a base that matches her style. For instance, if she loves silver, crystal, ceramics, or brass, choose that material. If you give thought to your gift with these interior decorating tips, you will make your friend happy. Copyright � Jeanette J. Fisher. About the author: Free holiday decorating ideas teleclass, "Interior Design Secrets to Glorious Holiday Decorating" and more holiday decorating tips Joy Holidays Decorating http://JoyHolidays.com Circulated by Article Emporium |
Americans are Turning to Traditional Gifts for Holiday Season
by: ARA |
| (ARA) - With daily lives run by cell phones, e-mails, and �personal digital assistants,� it�s no wonder Americans feel such a strong desire to reconnect with family, friends, and tradition during the holiday season. And what better way to reconnect than by giving traditional gifts with a handcrafted, personal touch? Teddy bears have always been a welcomed site on Christmas morning, especially an old fashion teddy bear, like the one you remember as a child. The Vermont Teddy Bear Company handcrafts their teddy bears in the Green Mountains of Vermont and their bears feature the same fully jointed design as the first American Teddy Bear made in 1902. �It�s an old fashioned high quality teddy bear, just as they describe in their catalog,� said Thomas Frazier, a Vermont Teddy Bear Customer from New Milford, New Jersey. The company has over 100 bears to choose from and each one is guaranteed for life, so they�re sure to become old friends. Shoppers can choose a bear that reflects a person�s hobby, occupation, or lifestyle, such as the Snowboarder Bear or Biker Bear. The Baby�s First Christmas Bear can be personalized with baby�s name on the bib. Or try some tradition with a twist, with the officially licensed Elvis Bear perfect for that rock-n-roll lover! In about the same amount of time it takes to wrap a present, holiday shoppers can enjoy stress free shopping by purchasing and sending a personalized, handmade Teddy Bear through the company�s Bear-Gram delivery service. In most cases, delivery to the recipient�s doorstep can be made within 24 hours. �Last year for Christmas, I wanted to find my wife something special, and my purchase was all that and more,� said Tom Reich from Fond du Lac, Wisconsin. �The bear was received ahead of the promised date and in beautiful condition.� The company�s embroidery service makes it easy to get really personal for the holidays. Names and messages can be stitched or printed on many of the bears� outfits, or on Santa hats. Every Bear-Gram gift comes with a free personalized holiday card and chocolate, all packaged in a colorful gift box with an air hole so the bear can �breathe.� If you're looking for other traditional gift ideas, check out one of Vermont Teddy Bear's sister companies. The PajamaGram Company (www.PajamaGram.com) has over a hundred styles of sleepwear that can be sent as gifts in a keepsake organza hatbox complete with free lavender bath tea, "Do Not "Disturb" sign, and personalized gift card. The TastyGram Company (www.TastyGram.com) features the finest and freshest food gifts shipped directly from the kitchens and bakeries of our country's most talented culinary artisans. And Calyx & Corolla (www.CalyxandCorolla.com) offers luxury flowers fresh from the best growers around the world. So no matter what your special plans are for the holidays, make sure you take the time to get personal with those you love. You can find teddy bears for loved ones of all ages online at www.VermontTeddyBear.com or with a five minute phone call to a Bear Counselor at . Courtesy of ARA Content About the author: Courtesy of ARA Content Circulated by Article Emporium |
6 Family Christmas Vacation Tips You Must Know
by: Rosie Fletcher |
| A family Christmas vacation can be a wonderful experience. It can fill you with wonderful memories that will last a lifetime. Christmas is a magical time to be surrounded by loved ones, friends and the spirit of the holidays. It�s also one of the busiest traveling times of the year. But, not to worry - there are still plenty of ways to enjoy a family Christmas vacation. A few tips will make your trip a breeze. Christmas Vacation Tip #1: Play Santa If you�re planning a Christmas vacation, be sure to wrap your gifts early if you are taking them for the trip. Always pack each gift carefully, especially if they are fragile, to avoid breakage or other damage. If you don�t have the extra room to travel with a gift, ship it before you leave home. If you ship to the address that you will be arriving at, the gift(s) should arrive within several days and will save you from traveling with them. Christmas Vacation Tip #2: Don�t Forget Make sure that you plan a trip that is enjoyable for everyone in the family. Before finalizing any details, sit down with your entire family and make sure they each person has something special to enjoy during the trip. Make sure that your trip is long enough so that everyone can enjoy their favorite activities. Christmas Vacation Tip #3: Weather Planning If you are planning outside activities, check ahead with the weather forecast. If you are going skiing, make sure to check with the local ski resort to inquire about their conditions. Christmas Vacation Tip #4: Arrive Early When making travel plans, always buy tickets as early as possible. Airlines and other forms of transportation, especially near the holidays, tend to fill up early. If you�re flying, call to confirm that your flight is on time before you even leave home. Upon confirmation, make sure that you arrive at the airport early. The same is true if you are traveling by train. Always call ahead to make sure that everything is on schedule because you certainly don�t want to be left standing in the cold. Christmas Vacation Tip #5: Don�t Forget The Chef If you are having a family gathering, which may include Christmas dinner, always pitch in to help with the cooking or clean-up. Catering to an entire family is a real job and it requires a lot of work. Therefore, any extra help that you can provide to the family member, who is acting as chef for the day, will definitely be appreciated. Christmas Vacation Tip #6: Santa Questions One of the best ways to enjoy a family Christmas vacation is by simply being together. When your children start asking questions like "How will Santa find me if I�m away from home," have your responses ready and reply with reassurance that Santa is always watching. It�s these little moments that will be treasured forever and nothing will ever take their place. About the author: For great family Christmas resources check out http://music.christmashub.comand my main site http://www.christmashub.com Circulated by Article Emporium |
5 Christmas Movies For The Whole Family To Enjoy!
by: Nicole Dean |
| Christmas is coming! And, Christmas time is all about family and togetherness. We�ve put together some recommendations for movies to have on hand for the Christmas season that the whole family will enjoy. These are all movies to buy and watch year after year! A Christmas Story (1983) All Ralphie wants in the entire world is a Red Ryder BB gun for Christmas. This 1940s family is hilarious. You�ll love Ralphie�s irritable father, his whiny brother, and his all-American mother. Elf (2003) What could be more fun for a kid to watch than a six foot tall elf? Between Will Farrell�s great performance and the wacky concept of an Elf on the loose in New York City, this is destined to become a Christmas classic. It�s a Wonderful Life (1946) No list of �Must See Holiday Movies� would be complete without this James Stewart and Donna Reed classic. Share this timeless story with your children. The Santa Clause (1994) Every kids dream is to go to the North Pole, but how many kids can say that Santa is their Dad? Watch an unwilling Tim Allen become Santa. The Muppet Christmas Carol (1992) Great Gonzo as Charles Dickens? How can you go wrong? This lighthearted, humorous version is a perfect introduction to the classic Charles Dickens tale. About the author: Nicole Dean invites you to visit http://www.ShowKidsTheFun.com-a fun site to inspire parents to keep the lines of communication open with their children, making memories that last a lifetime. Circulated by Article Emporium |
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