If you're short on cash this Christmas, consider making your own gifts for the people you care about. They'll surely appreciate the extra thought and time put into their gift and you'll have fun making them with your own hands instead of a store bought present that holds no special meaning.
Christmas Card Place Mats
Hopefully you'll have saved all of your Christmas cards from years past as there are several uses for the often beautiful pieces of artwork we send to each other during the holiday season. One of these easy ideas is making unique place mats for your Christmas table that guests can take home with them to remind them of the day. You'll need to laminate your creations so they're useable at the table, but this is a rather inexpensive way to make a lasting, thoughtful gift.
Food In a Jar
Fill an empty jar with all of the dry ingredients to make food items such as soups, cookies, or hot chocolate and decorate with Christmas ribbons along with a sprig of holly before presenting your gift. Type up or neatly write the complete directions and attach to a gift tag you can make from wrapping paper or card stock and embellished with craft supplies or simple ribbon.
Homemade Coupons
Think of all the ways you are able to help other people, whether it be running errands, cleaning, cooking, or whatever it is you can do to make someone's day a little easier or brighter and create "coupons" for them to redeem as they wish. For your spouse, include things like a relaxing massage after a hard day's work, their favorite meal or candlelit dinner, and adorn the coupons with ribbons or lace or whatever you can find for a decorative touch.
Making Gift Tags
Don't waste money on buying gift tags for any of your presents this year as you can use leftover wrapping paper, old Christmas cards and a few scrapbook supplies to create your own one-of-a-kind, personalized tags. Use scalloped scissors, paper punches, brads, ribbons, lace, and any other embellishments you can think of to make tags that you can add names to with marker, pen, or glittery glue.
Still have spare budget for your nativity sets Choose from large selection of nativity sets and outdoor Christmas decorations nativityscensandsets.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Roy_Thomsitt
Saturday, September 13, 2008
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
Christmas Traditions - Where Do They Come From? Part 1
Where do today's Christmas traditions come from? Christmas pudding was originally a soup. Mince pies were made from livestock and not fruit. Looking at the history of some our Christmas rituals reveals some interesting facts about a modern Christmas Day.
Yule Logs and Fairy Lights
Many families enjoy a chocolate cake at Christmas time, often made in the shape of a log, and known as a Yule Log. (In Devon and Somerset in England, the Yule log was also known as a Great Ashen Faggot). Originally a Yule log was a tree branch, usually oak for its properties of slow burning with great heat.
When the log fire expired, a piece of the log was kept for luck and as kindling to start the next Yule fire. Red candles are often placed along the a Yule cake to represent flames. The candles moved to the Christmas tree, but have now been surpassed by fairy lights.
Christmas Stars
It is a common practice to place a large star at the top of a Christmas Tree. Some believe it represents the light of the sun, however a more common interpretation is that it is a symbolic representation of the nativity star that guided the three wise men to baby Jesus.
Kissing under the Mistletoe
Mistletoe is a semi-parasitic plant that commonly grows on deciduous trees. It has leathery evergreen leaves and waxy white berries. It was often combined with other evergreens to create "kissing bushes" that were hung in rooms where people would frequently pass each other. Young men had the privilege of kissing girls if they both passed beneath the bush. A berry would be plucked from the bush for each encounter, and when all the berries were picked, the privilege ended.
Mistletoe was an important plant in the folklore of Celts, Roman and Greeks - often being attributed magical properties (such as ensuring the fertility of cattle). Yet the kissing custom originates from a Norse myth, concerning the goddess Frigg and her love for her son Balder.
It appears Frigg was an overprotective mother, and from her fear that harm would come to her son, she secured promises from everything in the world that they would never harm her son. Everything, except a little mistletoe bush which she deemed too young to make such a pledge.
Loki, a trickster, discovered this loophole and fashioned an arrow from a mistletoe branch which he gave to Hod, Balder's sightless brother. Loki then guided Hod's bow hand and the arrow pierced Balder's heart, killing him.
The distraught and outraged Frigg banished mistletoe to the tree tops. The gods duly brought Balder back to life and Frigg was so overjoyed that she made mistletoe the symbol of love.
Meanwhile the Druids believed that mistletoe fell from heaven and grew onto a tree that sprang from Earth. It therefore signified a connection between heaven and Earth and God's reconciliation with humanity. A kiss under mistletoe thereby symbolized acceptance and reconciliation.
Christmas Ham
The Christmas Ham is again thought to have come from a Norse pagan tradition of yuletide celebration. The sacrifice of a boar in Freyr's honour was hoped to bring his favour for the new year. Freyr was often associated with weather, fertility and agriculture.
Mince Pies and Christmas Pudding
Recipes for Christmas pudding can be traced back to the Middle Ages. Pheasant, rabbit, poultry and partridge were common ingredients. It was primarily a way of preserving meat. Because of a shortage of fodder, most livestock were slaughtered at the end of a season. Dried fruits were added to the mixture as a preservative and the mixture was kept in pastry cases and the results were called mince pies. Eventually, Apples, sugar, raisins, lemons and candied oranges were added.
A closer relative to the modern Christmas pudding originated from the porridge, frumenty or pottage in the 14th century. Ingredients included beef, mutton, raisins, currents, spiced wine and mixed spices. These ingredients were slow cooked in a huge cauldron and it was a souplike dish consumed prior to celebrations.
Prunes were added to the recipe during the reign of Elizabeth 1. The dish became so popular, it was known as plum pottage. By the18th century meat preservation techniques had improved and the sweet content of mince pies and plum pottage were increased. The addition of flour and suet to create a pudding as we recognise it today, did not appear until the 1830's.
In the next Christmas article, we will uncover the origins of the Christmas Tree and Santa Claus.
Darren Johnson is the co-owner of Little Pixie Gifts (http://www.littlepixiegifts.com.au), a specialist provider of high quality Christmas Hampers, Gourmet Gift Baskets and Baby Gifts. Gifts can be ordered from anywhere in the world and are delivered Australia wide.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Darren_Johnson
Yule Logs and Fairy Lights
Many families enjoy a chocolate cake at Christmas time, often made in the shape of a log, and known as a Yule Log. (In Devon and Somerset in England, the Yule log was also known as a Great Ashen Faggot). Originally a Yule log was a tree branch, usually oak for its properties of slow burning with great heat.
When the log fire expired, a piece of the log was kept for luck and as kindling to start the next Yule fire. Red candles are often placed along the a Yule cake to represent flames. The candles moved to the Christmas tree, but have now been surpassed by fairy lights.
Christmas Stars
It is a common practice to place a large star at the top of a Christmas Tree. Some believe it represents the light of the sun, however a more common interpretation is that it is a symbolic representation of the nativity star that guided the three wise men to baby Jesus.
Kissing under the Mistletoe
Mistletoe is a semi-parasitic plant that commonly grows on deciduous trees. It has leathery evergreen leaves and waxy white berries. It was often combined with other evergreens to create "kissing bushes" that were hung in rooms where people would frequently pass each other. Young men had the privilege of kissing girls if they both passed beneath the bush. A berry would be plucked from the bush for each encounter, and when all the berries were picked, the privilege ended.
Mistletoe was an important plant in the folklore of Celts, Roman and Greeks - often being attributed magical properties (such as ensuring the fertility of cattle). Yet the kissing custom originates from a Norse myth, concerning the goddess Frigg and her love for her son Balder.
It appears Frigg was an overprotective mother, and from her fear that harm would come to her son, she secured promises from everything in the world that they would never harm her son. Everything, except a little mistletoe bush which she deemed too young to make such a pledge.
Loki, a trickster, discovered this loophole and fashioned an arrow from a mistletoe branch which he gave to Hod, Balder's sightless brother. Loki then guided Hod's bow hand and the arrow pierced Balder's heart, killing him.
The distraught and outraged Frigg banished mistletoe to the tree tops. The gods duly brought Balder back to life and Frigg was so overjoyed that she made mistletoe the symbol of love.
Meanwhile the Druids believed that mistletoe fell from heaven and grew onto a tree that sprang from Earth. It therefore signified a connection between heaven and Earth and God's reconciliation with humanity. A kiss under mistletoe thereby symbolized acceptance and reconciliation.
Christmas Ham
The Christmas Ham is again thought to have come from a Norse pagan tradition of yuletide celebration. The sacrifice of a boar in Freyr's honour was hoped to bring his favour for the new year. Freyr was often associated with weather, fertility and agriculture.
Mince Pies and Christmas Pudding
Recipes for Christmas pudding can be traced back to the Middle Ages. Pheasant, rabbit, poultry and partridge were common ingredients. It was primarily a way of preserving meat. Because of a shortage of fodder, most livestock were slaughtered at the end of a season. Dried fruits were added to the mixture as a preservative and the mixture was kept in pastry cases and the results were called mince pies. Eventually, Apples, sugar, raisins, lemons and candied oranges were added.
A closer relative to the modern Christmas pudding originated from the porridge, frumenty or pottage in the 14th century. Ingredients included beef, mutton, raisins, currents, spiced wine and mixed spices. These ingredients were slow cooked in a huge cauldron and it was a souplike dish consumed prior to celebrations.
Prunes were added to the recipe during the reign of Elizabeth 1. The dish became so popular, it was known as plum pottage. By the18th century meat preservation techniques had improved and the sweet content of mince pies and plum pottage were increased. The addition of flour and suet to create a pudding as we recognise it today, did not appear until the 1830's.
In the next Christmas article, we will uncover the origins of the Christmas Tree and Santa Claus.
Darren Johnson is the co-owner of Little Pixie Gifts (http://www.littlepixiegifts.com.au), a specialist provider of high quality Christmas Hampers, Gourmet Gift Baskets and Baby Gifts. Gifts can be ordered from anywhere in the world and are delivered Australia wide.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Darren_Johnson
Sunday, September 7, 2008
Christmas Ornaments - New Ideas For Old Decorations
Most families have a collection of Christmas ornaments they display on their tree year after year. Often times, these ornaments are full of sentimental value. However, when you've been using the same ornaments for many years, they can also get a little boring. The important thing to remember is, you don't have to part with your old ornaments in order to freshen up your tree. Hang onto those treasured items and find a new way to display them.
When getting ready to clean out an old collection of Christmas ornaments, the first step is to weed out any items that are worn or broken. Some things you may be able to repair easily, while others will need to be thrown away for safety reasons. Next, go through the remaining ornaments and decide what you want to keep. If there are ornaments you don't want to keep, but also don't want to donate to charity, consider handing them down to another family member. The gift of an old heirloom ornament might mean a lot to someone else in the family.
Now that you've got your old Christmas ornaments cleaned out and you've decided what to keep, the next step is figuring out how to display them. If you still want to display them on the main Christmas tree in your house, then consider ways to freshen up the look of your tree. If you currently use an artificial tree, you might want to consider getting a live Christmas tree this year, or perhaps just purchasing a new artificial one in a different size or color. Adding a new set of ornaments in coordinating (or differing) colors will spruce up the look of the tree. You might also consider new lights. For example, if you've always used multi-colored lights in the past, try using plain white. You'll probably find that your holiday ornaments stand out a lot more. You could also add some other types of decorations to your tree to make it feel new again. Consider adding strings of beads, tinsel, feathers, floral accents...the sky's the limit! For a really unique and whimsical tree, you can add almost any item and it will simply add character to the tree and make it more interesting.
In some cases, you may not want to put your old ornaments back on your main Christmas tree. After all, you've been using them there for years, so why not come up with a totally new way to display them? One option is to purchase another, smaller tree that you set up in another part of the house, and use only your old decorations on that tree. If your collection of old ornaments isn't very big, a small tabletop tree will probably be large enough, and these smaller trees can be lovely on an end table or buffet, in a foyer, or on a countertop in a guest bathroom.
Old ornaments also make a nice display in a lighted curio cabinet. Try accenting the display with old photos of your family around the tree when it was decorated with those ornaments. Old ornaments can also be very carefully placed down inside a large clear glass vase, bowl, or hurricane lamp. This is a beautiful way to display your ornaments, while still keeping them safe. You can then use the vase or bowl as a centerpiece on your holiday table.
Be sure to choose a good, safe method of storage for your old ornaments. When packed away, you don't want them touching one another, because they may get scratched or broken. Also be sure to pack them toward the top of your boxes. Remember, the more you have to dig for something, the more likely it is to get broken.
So next time you're cleaning out your holiday decorations, don't throw out old ornaments simply because you're tired of them. There are many new and fresh ways to display old items. With a little time and creative thinking, you too can come up with a unique new way to display your old memories.
Ellen Bell works for The Christmas Tree Storage Shop, a retail website offering seasonal storage solutions such as Christmas ornament storage boxes to protect your holiday ornaments. Visit us at http://www.christmastreestoragebag.net/Christmas_Storage_s/11.htm
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ellen_Bell
When getting ready to clean out an old collection of Christmas ornaments, the first step is to weed out any items that are worn or broken. Some things you may be able to repair easily, while others will need to be thrown away for safety reasons. Next, go through the remaining ornaments and decide what you want to keep. If there are ornaments you don't want to keep, but also don't want to donate to charity, consider handing them down to another family member. The gift of an old heirloom ornament might mean a lot to someone else in the family.
Now that you've got your old Christmas ornaments cleaned out and you've decided what to keep, the next step is figuring out how to display them. If you still want to display them on the main Christmas tree in your house, then consider ways to freshen up the look of your tree. If you currently use an artificial tree, you might want to consider getting a live Christmas tree this year, or perhaps just purchasing a new artificial one in a different size or color. Adding a new set of ornaments in coordinating (or differing) colors will spruce up the look of the tree. You might also consider new lights. For example, if you've always used multi-colored lights in the past, try using plain white. You'll probably find that your holiday ornaments stand out a lot more. You could also add some other types of decorations to your tree to make it feel new again. Consider adding strings of beads, tinsel, feathers, floral accents...the sky's the limit! For a really unique and whimsical tree, you can add almost any item and it will simply add character to the tree and make it more interesting.
In some cases, you may not want to put your old ornaments back on your main Christmas tree. After all, you've been using them there for years, so why not come up with a totally new way to display them? One option is to purchase another, smaller tree that you set up in another part of the house, and use only your old decorations on that tree. If your collection of old ornaments isn't very big, a small tabletop tree will probably be large enough, and these smaller trees can be lovely on an end table or buffet, in a foyer, or on a countertop in a guest bathroom.
Old ornaments also make a nice display in a lighted curio cabinet. Try accenting the display with old photos of your family around the tree when it was decorated with those ornaments. Old ornaments can also be very carefully placed down inside a large clear glass vase, bowl, or hurricane lamp. This is a beautiful way to display your ornaments, while still keeping them safe. You can then use the vase or bowl as a centerpiece on your holiday table.
Be sure to choose a good, safe method of storage for your old ornaments. When packed away, you don't want them touching one another, because they may get scratched or broken. Also be sure to pack them toward the top of your boxes. Remember, the more you have to dig for something, the more likely it is to get broken.
So next time you're cleaning out your holiday decorations, don't throw out old ornaments simply because you're tired of them. There are many new and fresh ways to display old items. With a little time and creative thinking, you too can come up with a unique new way to display your old memories.
Ellen Bell works for The Christmas Tree Storage Shop, a retail website offering seasonal storage solutions such as Christmas ornament storage boxes to protect your holiday ornaments. Visit us at http://www.christmastreestoragebag.net/Christmas_Storage_s/11.htm
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ellen_Bell
Thursday, September 4, 2008
Send Christmas Party Invitation Cards
An ambiance full of lights, stars, green trees, jingle bells and our very own Santa Baba, then no doubt it is Christmas time. The festival has taken it's toll and is round the corner. So guys what are you all waiting for? Start planning for a Christmas party bash and have a blast. Christmas party all alone? No no....invite all your dear ones and celebrate the occasion.
Inviting guests is not a big problem as your job is to simply list all your family members and friends email addresses. Start collecting email id's and send Christmas party invitation cards to all. Surprised about how to do so in just a couple of seconds? Well! Online Christmas party invitation cards are available nowadays and these ecards are really easy to send. Without consuming much of the time you can send cards to your guests and make them receive the invitation before the D-day.
You can come across great variety of attractive as well as creative online invitation party cards. It is only your personal decision to choose a particular Christmas party invitation card and send it across. Friends and family members residing at a distance can now be invited through a simple click of mouse.
Personalize the ecards and add a special touch to your Christmas party invitation card. Christmas cards designed with Christmas wreaths, Christmas trees, Santa Claus, Christmas gifts and of course Christ blessings will surely attract all your dear ones. Seeing a Christmas party invitation in the inbox will surely bring a million dollar smile on the face of your relatives and friends.
Take initiatives and it is for sure that no one will miss out your Christmas party. Send Christmas party invitation ecards at the earliest and make this occasion a mesmerizing one!
John Smith reveals out of the box ideas and advice on personalizing, tips on selecting e-greeting cards and help locating appropriate online greeting cards. The 'author' writing about Mardi Gras Holiday Invitations, Business Holiday and Christmas Party Invitations Cards.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=John_Smith_II
Inviting guests is not a big problem as your job is to simply list all your family members and friends email addresses. Start collecting email id's and send Christmas party invitation cards to all. Surprised about how to do so in just a couple of seconds? Well! Online Christmas party invitation cards are available nowadays and these ecards are really easy to send. Without consuming much of the time you can send cards to your guests and make them receive the invitation before the D-day.
You can come across great variety of attractive as well as creative online invitation party cards. It is only your personal decision to choose a particular Christmas party invitation card and send it across. Friends and family members residing at a distance can now be invited through a simple click of mouse.
Personalize the ecards and add a special touch to your Christmas party invitation card. Christmas cards designed with Christmas wreaths, Christmas trees, Santa Claus, Christmas gifts and of course Christ blessings will surely attract all your dear ones. Seeing a Christmas party invitation in the inbox will surely bring a million dollar smile on the face of your relatives and friends.
Take initiatives and it is for sure that no one will miss out your Christmas party. Send Christmas party invitation ecards at the earliest and make this occasion a mesmerizing one!
John Smith reveals out of the box ideas and advice on personalizing, tips on selecting e-greeting cards and help locating appropriate online greeting cards. The 'author' writing about Mardi Gras Holiday Invitations, Business Holiday and Christmas Party Invitations Cards.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=John_Smith_II
Monday, September 1, 2008
Matching Family Pajamas to Crazy Christmas Cards - 5 Unique Family Holiday Tradition Ideas!
Family holiday traditions are as unique and varied as families themselves. Holiday tradition marks the season and encourages family togetherness. The entire holiday season is permeated with a beautiful air - families being together, spending time together, respecting each other and loving each other. If you are looking to start a unique and special family holiday tradition for your family, here are some great ideas that real families enjoy each and every year. Even if your family has a host of tradition, a new and unique holiday tradition can add some extra excitement to your family's holiday season.
Matching Family Pajamas - Purchase a fun holiday or Christmas design of family matching pajamas early in the holiday season and have the whole family wear their matching pajamas while holiday baking, watching Rudolph, trimming the tree, Christmas Eve and opening gifts on Christmas morning.
Family Christmas Card Photo - The taking of the family photo for the family Christmas card to send out to family, friends and everyone is not always a jolly joy, sometimes considered a nuisance task marked by grunts and groans. Try making the family Christmas card photo a fun experience and you will be thrilled with the result. Some creative ideas are:
* Take the picture outdoors, perhaps while selecting the Christmas tree;
* Wear matching family clothing - matching holiday pajamas are a great twist;
* Take a special picture from a special family vacation during the year - who says the family Christmas card has to be taken in the winter?
* Wear goofy hats - santa hats, chef hats, baseball caps, be creative!
* Family in action - instead of posing the family stiffly in front of a camera, try having someone take a picture of your family engaged in your favorite family activity, whether its biking, mountain climbing, lounging around or playing the Wii
* Family collage - a really creative Christmas card idea is taking a close-up snapshot of each family member individually being their own individual self. Put all the photos into a collage to compile a family Christmas card that symbolizes the uniqueness of the individuals in your family and also how they come together to make the family special!
Holiday Charity for the whole Family - the holiday spirit is all about giving. Try making your holiday charity a family event. Not only will this tradition instill the charitable spirit into children, but will give the whole family a special bond as they assist those less fortunate during the holiday season.
Christmas Eve Bingo - Christmas Eve is a special time for families to be together and celebrate each other. Make your own Christmas bingo cards out of construction paper using any fun symbols and bottle caps for marking the cards. Your family may have more fun making the bingo cards!
Family Cookie Exchange - A cookie exchange party is a fun event for adults during holiday time. Why not include the whole family and invite some good friends over for a family cookie exchange? Be sure that the kids help bake the cookies and mix the punch!
FOOTSTEPS CLOTHING.com is a unique family apparel company where you can find a large selection of products designed to promote family togetherness including matching family pajamas, holiday pajamas for the whole family, matching Christmas pajamas with family-inspired designs adn expressions. Visit the Holiday Shop at Footsteps Clothing.com for a wide selection of unique family gift ideas including our best-selling MATCHING FAMILY PAJAMAS.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Amber_Lipson
Matching Family Pajamas - Purchase a fun holiday or Christmas design of family matching pajamas early in the holiday season and have the whole family wear their matching pajamas while holiday baking, watching Rudolph, trimming the tree, Christmas Eve and opening gifts on Christmas morning.
Family Christmas Card Photo - The taking of the family photo for the family Christmas card to send out to family, friends and everyone is not always a jolly joy, sometimes considered a nuisance task marked by grunts and groans. Try making the family Christmas card photo a fun experience and you will be thrilled with the result. Some creative ideas are:
* Take the picture outdoors, perhaps while selecting the Christmas tree;
* Wear matching family clothing - matching holiday pajamas are a great twist;
* Take a special picture from a special family vacation during the year - who says the family Christmas card has to be taken in the winter?
* Wear goofy hats - santa hats, chef hats, baseball caps, be creative!
* Family in action - instead of posing the family stiffly in front of a camera, try having someone take a picture of your family engaged in your favorite family activity, whether its biking, mountain climbing, lounging around or playing the Wii
* Family collage - a really creative Christmas card idea is taking a close-up snapshot of each family member individually being their own individual self. Put all the photos into a collage to compile a family Christmas card that symbolizes the uniqueness of the individuals in your family and also how they come together to make the family special!
Holiday Charity for the whole Family - the holiday spirit is all about giving. Try making your holiday charity a family event. Not only will this tradition instill the charitable spirit into children, but will give the whole family a special bond as they assist those less fortunate during the holiday season.
Christmas Eve Bingo - Christmas Eve is a special time for families to be together and celebrate each other. Make your own Christmas bingo cards out of construction paper using any fun symbols and bottle caps for marking the cards. Your family may have more fun making the bingo cards!
Family Cookie Exchange - A cookie exchange party is a fun event for adults during holiday time. Why not include the whole family and invite some good friends over for a family cookie exchange? Be sure that the kids help bake the cookies and mix the punch!
FOOTSTEPS CLOTHING.com is a unique family apparel company where you can find a large selection of products designed to promote family togetherness including matching family pajamas, holiday pajamas for the whole family, matching Christmas pajamas with family-inspired designs adn expressions. Visit the Holiday Shop at Footsteps Clothing.com for a wide selection of unique family gift ideas including our best-selling MATCHING FAMILY PAJAMAS.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Amber_Lipson
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