Christmas For All

Happy New Year

noreply@blogger.com (Dave Richards) — Mon, 31 Dec 2007 23:49:00 -0800

Happy New Year! I thank all of you friends and folks for your warm New Year wishes and visiting my blog. On this first of a new year 2008 I pray that all of us lead a happy, peaceful and prosperous life all year round. I just found a poem by English Poet Lord Tennyson about embracing a new year. I just want to share it with all of you.

Ring Out, Wild Bells
Alfred, Lord Tennyson (1809 - 1892)

Ring out, wild bells, to the wild sky,
The flying cloud, the frosty light;
The year is dying in the night;
Ring out, wild bells, and let him die.

Ring out the old, ring in the new,
Ring, happy bells, across the snow:
The year is going, let him go;
Ring out the false, ring in the true.

Ring out the grief that saps the mind,
For those that here we see no more,
Ring out the feud of rich and poor,
Ring in redress to all mankind.

Ring out a slowly dying cause,
And ancient forms of party strife;
Ring in the nobler modes of life,
With sweeter manners, purer laws.

Ring out the want, the care the sin,
The faithless coldness of the times;
Ring out, ring out my mournful rhymes,
But ring the fuller minstrel in.

Ring out false pride in place and blood,
The civic slander and the spite;
Ring in the love of truth and right,
Ring in the common love of good.

Ring out old shapes of foul disease,
Ring out the narrowing lust of gold;
Ring out the thousand wars of old,
Ring in the thousand years of peace.

Ring in the valiant man and free,
The larger heart, the kindlier hand;
Ring out the darkenss of the land,
Ring in the Christ that is to be.

Once again have a great new year!

New Year Eve celebration

noreply@blogger.com (Dave Richards) — Fri, 28 Dec 2007 21:17:00 -0800

Send this new year 2008 card!
Click For more new year 2008 comments

Hello friends, here I am again. So how was your Christmas parties and celebration? I had a great time with friends and family. I did have a bad hangover on the following day. I had to take lime water and mild meal to get rid of the of the hangover. I have been planning to spend my New Year's Eve on Las Vegas, but I don't think we could make it out. The clubs and the restaurants must have already reserved and we would likely have to spend the night on the roads watching the fireworks. It can be fun though hopping here and there and cheering with the crowd for the New Year. Let's see what happens. It would not be less fun if I am in Boston and hit the discos or pubs. Moreover, I can be with my parents in the afternoon.

Anyways, Happy New Year to all of you. I wish everyone of you have a nice, prosperous New Year 2008.

Merry Christmas for All

noreply@blogger.com (Dave Richards) — Mon, 24 Dec 2007 04:42:00 -0800

Send Merry Christmas eCard
More Merry Christmas Comments

Merry Christmas to all of you! I know, I know- today is Christmas Eve. We are going to have a Christmas party in the evening and tomorrow will be really hectic one. Nevertheless, it is a fun to have all your near ones together and have fun. I just found how to say "Merry Christmas" in different languages

Antarctica: - Merry Christmas, Felices Pasquas, Hristos Razdajetsja
Argentina: - Feliz Navidad!
Australia: - Happy Christmas
Austria: - Frohe Weihnachten

Bangladesh: - Shuvo Baro Din
Barbados: - Merry Christmas
Belarus: - Winshuyu sa Svyatkami
Belgium: - Zalig Kerstfeest
Brazil: - Feliz Natal
Chile: - Feliz Navidad China Sheng Tan Kuai Loh

Colombia: - Feliz Navidad para todos

Chile: - Feliz Navidad China Sheng Tan Kuai Loh
Croatia: - Sretan Bozic
Cuba: - Feliz Navidad
Cyprus: - Eftihismena Christougenna, Noeliniz kutlu olsun ve yeni yili
Czech Republic: - Vesele Vanoce

Democratic People's Republic of Korea: - Sung Tan Chuk Ha
Denmark: - Glaedelig Jul

Egypt: - Mboni Chrismen
El Salvador: - Feliz Navidad

Fiji: - Merry Christmas
Finland: - Hauskaa Joulua
France: - Joyeux Noel

Guatemala: - Feliz Navidad
Guinea: - Joyeux Noel
Guinea-bissau: - Boas Festas
Guyana: - Merry Christmas

Ireland: - Nollaig Shona dhuit
Israel: - Mo'adim Lesimkha
Italy: - Buon Natale

Mexico: - Feliz Navidad
Monaco: - Joyeux Noel
Montserrat: - Merry Christmas
Morocco: - Mboni Chrismen
Mozambique: - Boas Festas

Netherlands: - Prettige Kerstdagen
Norway: - Gledelig Jul

Oman: - Mboni Chrismen

Pakistan: - Bara Din Mubarrak Ho
Palau: - Merry Christmas
Panama: - Feliz Navidad

Polish WESOŁYCH ŚWIĄT

Tunisia: - Mboni Chrismen
Turkey: - Mutlu Noeller
Turks and Caicos Islands: - Happy Christmas

Tamil(Indian) Christmas vazhthukkal

Zambia: - Happy Christmas
Zimbabwe: - Happy Christmas

Well, well, there are lots more. But I can collect only these many. Merry Christmas.

Tags: merry christmas wishes, christmas cards 2007, season's greeting, christmas ecards

Last Minute Christmas Gift ideas

noreply@blogger.com (Dave Richards) — Fri, 21 Dec 2007 22:47:00 -0800

Are you rushing here and there to buy the last minute Christmas gifts? Have you missed buying gifts for anyone and now frantically looking for the perfect gift in the last minute? First and foremost, don't get panic-stricken. Sit calmly and jot down what gift you can buy easily within this weekend. To decide about the gifts, one can check the online stores which will supply the Christmas gifts to your near ones till tomorrow or Christmas Eve even ordering at a short notice.

Gourmet baskets, a high capacity UPS, handbags, photo frames, gift certificates can be a good last minute Christmas gifts options as they are easily available. If there is really isn't way out there, then what about making a gift basket yourself. Usually cookies and chocolates are in store in most of the homes, so you can decorate a gift basket full of cookies and chocolates and give them to your friends. If you are still confused about what to give, then Christmas flowers bouquet can be an option. Collect the seasonal flowers like hyacinth, tulip, narcissus, poinsettia and present them with a big smile and wish your near ones a very Merry Christmas. After all, it's the thoughts that matters.

Here is a nice Christmas song "This Christmas" by Chris Brown. Let's watch it.

Christmas words

noreply@blogger.com (Dave Richards) — Thu, 20 Dec 2007 00:05:00 -0800

There has been a a criticism of Christmas celebrations are becoming highly materialistic in nature and the true meaning of Christmas is lost. There is only exchange of gift rather the warmth of compassion, sending of cards perfunctorily rather than out of love, hosting Christmas parties instead of reaching out the hands of help to the unprivileged ones. I just read few stories in GatewaytoJesus which is actually not a story but first hand accounts of some people who realized that there are angels on this earth. One of the story is about a mother of six who had been a state of misery and poverty and has to go through much difficulties to earn the livelihood. Christmas was just round the corner and the mother had almost no money to buy gifts for the children. She managed to arrange some old toys which she painted and decided to give the children as Christmas gifts. Miraculously on the night of Christmas Eve, while returning home from her work, she found her car loaded with Christmas presents, food and clothes for her family! Indeed, there are angels beside us who take care of us but we don't see them all the time.
I was surfing the net and found some nice Christmas prayers that I would like to share with all of you.

A PRAYER OF THANKS
Max Lucado

Heavenly Father, thank you for sending your Son to earth as a baby so many years ago. Thank you that He paid the punishment for my sins by dying on the cross. And thank you that He rose again to prove that death was truly defeated. I place my trust in You to be my Savior. Guide me through the dark times of my life and give me courage to live for You. Amen

THANK YOU, LORD,
for the gift of Your love.
May I be a shining
example of that love to others.
Amen.

Christmas Song by Celine Dion

noreply@blogger.com (Dave Richards) — Tue, 18 Dec 2007 05:22:00 -0800

I am not a big Celine Dion fan. Most of her songs are very soothing and soft numbers. While surfing the net, I found the Celine Dion singing the famous Christmas song "Chestnuts roasting on an open fire". It is classic song originally sang by Nat King Cole. If you want to hear the Nat King Cole version along with the Christmas lyrics then check it out here.

Christmas cake recipe

noreply@blogger.com (Dave Richards) — Mon, 17 Dec 2007 04:10:00 -0800

I made the Christmas cake on this weekend. This is the first time that I baked a cake in my lifetime. It was not bad even though I was not too good in beating up the mixture or know the small tips that makes a cake fluffy. Anyway, I am giving you the Christmas cake recipe and if you follow it exactly, it must be a yummy cake for this holidays.

Ingredients

250g plain flour, Grated zest of 1 lemon, Grated zest of 1 orange, 1 teaspoon mixed spice, 100g almonds roughly chopped, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg, 4 eggs, beaten, 250g brown sugar, 250 butter, 200ml brandy, 1/2 teaspoon bicarbonate of soda, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 100g red cherries, quartered, 100g finely diced candied peel,
250g sultanas, 250g raisins, 250g currants, Pinch of salt

Preparations

All the fruits, almonds, mixed spices, vanilla and lemon are mixed.After the brandy is mixed with it, it has to be covered with plastic wrap and kept for at least 5 hours so that the fruits can absorb the brandy. Best is to leave it overnight. preheat the oven to warm 160°C. Line the base and sides of the tin with buttered baking paper, which should be 2.5cm taller than the side of the tin. Wrap a strip of brown paper around the tin and tie with a string. The sugar and butter are beaten well until light and creamy. Eggs are added one by one, beating well after each addition. Sift together the flour, bicarbonate of soda and salt.The butter mixture is added to the soaked fruits and is stirred until thoroughly combined. put the mixture into cake tin and bake for about 30 mins. Then reduce the heat to 150°C and cook for another 3 hours. Remove from the oven and allow to cool. It is wrapped in a plasitc wrap and should be stored in a cool place overnight before icing. Do the icing as you please.

Christmas gift ideas for grandparents

noreply@blogger.com (Dave Richards) — Fri, 14 Dec 2007 02:30:00 -0800

So 10 days are only left for Christmas! The mood has already set in. On this weekend I am going to try out my hand in making a Christmas cake. I wish my first attempt in baking a cake turns out well. If it's going to be good one, I will share the recipe with all of you. Yesterday I completed buying the Christmas gifts for my grandparents. This year, for both of them I bought a lap writing desk.
After extensively searching the net for latest Christmas gifts for grandma and grand dad, I found some unique gifts that can be given on this holiday 2007.

Digital frames - This gift is for everyone of every age. Let your grandparents have a slide show of their favorite moments with you in the digital photo frames.

Computer books - Is your grandparents not so Computer savvy? Do they still get confused in sending the mails and chatting in the net? Then don't worry. Present them on this Christmas a tutorial book on Computer and Internet.

Battery operated letter opener - Today is the age of hi-tech systems. Why not give your grand dad or grand ma a lightweight battery-operated letter opener which is easy to handle and safe.

Photo album book - I think this a photo album book for grandma or grand dad is the most common Christmas gift. However, it can be personalized by engraving the name of the grandchildren of the old couple.

Giant pill box or pill organizer- Medicines are an integral part of the old age. So help your grand pa in remembering taking the pills and grand ma in organizing the medicines by giving them a giant box for pills

So, if you are still wondering what to buy for your grandparents, you can check these things out.

Tags: Christmas gifts for grandma, Funny Christmas comments, Christmas gifts for granddad, Christmas gift ideas for grandparents, Christmas gifts, Christmas greeting cards

Funny Christmas Jokes

noreply@blogger.com (Dave Richards) — Thu, 13 Dec 2007 04:56:00 -0800

Christmas is the time to have fun with your near ones. Tickle the funny bones of your friends by cracking these funny jokes in the Christmas party and have a good laugh. Enjoy!

Why does Santa always go down the chimney?
Because it soots him!

What do snowmen eat for breakfast?
Snowflakes.

Why does Santa like to work in his garden?
Because he likes to hoe, hoe, hoe!

What do you call someone who doesn't believe in Father Christmas?
A rebel without a Claus!

What's red & white and red & white and red & white?
Santa rolling down a hill!

What nationality is Santa Claus?
North Polish!

What does Santa get if he gets stuck in a chimney?
Claustrophobic!

What would you call Father Christmas if he became a detective?
Santa Clues!

Where do elves go to vote?
The North Poll.

And finally here is a detail of the Clause family.

St. Nicholas is the main Claus. His wife is a relative Claus. His children are dependent Clauses. Their Dutch uncle is a restrictive Claus. As a group, they're all renouned Clauses. Santa's elves are subordinate Clauses.

Top Five Christmas books

noreply@blogger.com (Dave Richards) — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 21:16:00 -0800

Nowadays, I often hear some parents lamenting that the children has forgotten the habit of reading story books. Of course, Harry Potter series is an exception. My experience tells me that it is a truth that children would love a Halo 3 more than reading a classic by Charles Dickens. Nevertheless, we can make or at least ask them to read. Can't we? If you want your children to read the books that enthralled you in your childhood then why not keep one of the Christmas classic books in their stockings on the night of the Christmas Eve? The classic books, written on the theme of Christmas, are not only for children but everyone from any age group would enjoy reading those classics.
Here is a list of my favorite Top Five Christmas story book ever written.

A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens

This is my all time favorite. I don't know how many times I read it but still I enjoy reading it.
This famous story by Charles Dickens is about the miser Scrooge who does not believe in celebrating Christmas or enjoy company of any relation. The only concern of his life was having money, money and more money. On Christmas eve, the ghost of his former business partner visits him and warns him of the dire consequences that he will face for his miserliness and contempt for everyone. Then Three spirits of Past, Present and Future came to him and forced him to have a vision of Scrooge's past, present and future life. It was an eyeopening lesson for him and he changes into a kind-hearted, generous and cheerful person and embodied the true spirit of Christmas in his life.

Letters from Father Christmas by J.R.R. Tolkien

Let me be honest. I am not a big fan of Tolkien but I loved this book. This book is about the letters of Father Christmas describing the life and people in North Pole.

The Polar Express by Chris Van Allsburg

This is book written in 1985 and won the Caldecott Medal for best illustrations. It is story of a young boy, who, while waiting for Santa's sleigh on the night of Christmas Eve, actually takes a trip to North Pole along with other children. Santa gives him a bell but the boy lost it. In the morning, the boy and his sister finds the bell wrapped as a gift under the Christmas tree of their house. While both the children can hear its beautiful chimes, their parents could not do so and thought it to be broken. However, most of the friends of the siblings can hear the sound of the bell. But with years, it fell silent for all of them except the man who got it in his childhood.

How the Grinch Stole Christmas by Dr. Seuss

This is one of the most famous children's story on Christmas and Grinch is probably the most popular villain in the Christmas stories. This book, written in rhymed verse, along with the illustrations, is about the bitter creature Grinch living in a cave. Being envious of the mirth and joy of the warm -hearted Whos of Whoville during Christmas, Grinch decided to spoil their Christmas festivity. He stole all the presents and decorations to"prevent Christmas from coming" but still found Christmas has come. He realizes that Christmas is something beyond gifts and decorations and it is to be celebrated with love, joy and harmony. The heart of Grinch enlarged and after returning the gifts to the Whos, he was warmly welcomed to the their community.

The Best Christmas Pageant Ever by Barbara Robinson

This Barbara Robinson book is a hilarious tale of the chaos and craziness that happened when Grace Bradley, the protagonist of the story, tried to stage a Christmas Pageant with the misbehaved Herdman kids. It was through this play that the kids learnt the true meaning of Christmas and it was the best pageant ever of their place.

So I have given my reviews of my favorite books on Christmas. If you haven't read any one of these, then during the holidays, why don't you pick one of them and spend a cozy afternoon in the blanket reading it. You will enjoy- it's my guarantee.

Christmas gifts for pets

noreply@blogger.com (Dave Richards) — Fri, 7 Dec 2007 21:03:00 -0800

While we look for the perfect Christmas gifts for our near ones, why should our dear pets be left behind? Pets are part of the family and are the companions in our lonely times. Sometimes, they even love us more than our relations. So when it's Christmas time, pamper them with nice Christmas gifts.
Those who have dogs at home can make their pet jump with joy by giving them a colorful non-toxic funny toys to chew or Jumbo Santa Loofa toy as their snuggling companion. Or if you want to buy something useful then you can go for personalized blankets, big soft dog beds or even a chic closets to keep the trendy clothes. If your pooch is one of those fashion loving ones who likes to appear cool in the trendy clothes and accessories then gift them holiday costume and hats , scarves, personalised stockings , latest design clothings . Does your doggie travel with you most of the time ? Then travel bowls, comfortable car seats and seat belts are ideal for your Christmas pet gifts.

Are you fond of cats and the feline is an integral part of your life, then here are some Christmas gift ideas for your cute kitty. Cats love cuddling around the corner of the room or will be seen sun bathing on the window perch. So if your cat like lazying around most of the time, present a silky soft bed or heated bed for cozy kitties. If the cat loves to get pampered with ornaments, then be a little extravagant and give it a pearl pet collar or if it is very playful then there are number of kitty toys .

Those who are keeping birds often scratch their head for a nice gift for their pet during the holidays. You can change your pet bird's old cage with a new, more spacious cage on this Christmas. Also there are bird toys or playstands .

Best Inspirational Christmas messages

noreply@blogger.com (Dave Richards) — Thu, 6 Dec 2007 22:52:00 -0800

Christmas is the time to spread the message of love, harmony and peace. Of course it is a time to get showered with gifts and wishes, but in the midst of all the commercialism, we should not forget the real spirit of the Christmas. Here are some of the best inspirational messages from known and unknown men that reminds us that Christmas is not only about fun and gifts, but of love and generosity.

He who has not Christmas in his heart will never find it under a tree.
Roy L. Smith

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

Christmas is not a time nor a season, but a state of mind. To cherish peace and goodwill, to be plenteous in mercy, is to have the real spirit of Christmas.
Calvin Coolidge

I truly believe that if we keep telling the Christmas story, singing the Christmas songs, and living the Christmas spirit, we can bring joy and happiness and peace to this world.
Norman Vincent Peale

Christmas is a necessity. There has to be at least one day of the year to remind us that we're here for something else besides ourselves.
Eric Sevareid

The only real blind person at Christmas-time is he who has no Christmas in his heart.
Helen Keller

Christmas is the season for kindling the fire of hospitality in the hall, the genial flame of charity in the heart.
Washington Irving

There is no name so sweet on earth, no name so sweet in Heaven,
The name, before His wondrous birth, to Christ the Savior given.
George W. Bethune

The best of all gifts around any Christmas tree: the presence of a happy family all wrapped up in each other.
Burton Hillis

Best of all, Christmas means a spirit of love, a time when the love of God and the love of our fellow men should prevail over all hatred and bitterness, a time when our thoughts and deeds and the spirit of our lives manifest the presence of God.
George F. McDougall

Christmas is not in tinsel and lights and outward show. The secret lies in an inner glow. It's lighting a fire inside the heart. Good will and joy a vital part. It's higher thought and a greater plan. It's glorious dream in the soul of man.
Peterson, The Art of Living

"My idea of Christmas, whether old-fashioned or modern, is very simple: loving others. Come to think of it, why do we have to wait for Christmas to do that?"
Bob Hope

"What is Christmas? It is tenderness for the past, courage for the present, hope for the future. It is a fervent wish that every cup may overflow with blessings rich and eternal, and that every path may lead to peace."
Agnes M. Pharo

Meanwhile, one of my buddies birthday is on Christmas eve and I have to find some nice birthday gift for him. I got some useful tips from a birthday blog and you can check it out too.

Few Funny Christmas clips

noreply@blogger.com (Dave Richards) — Thu, 6 Dec 2007 01:26:00 -0800

I have almost completed buying of Christmas gifts for family and close friends. Are you still confused and scratching your head for the right gifts. You can get some tips about Christmas gifts for friends in Michael's blog. I was surfing the net when I found some funny Christmas clips. Here are few of them :

Dog opening his Philips Christmas present! Funny!

Christmas Medley by Storm Front

Funny Christmas Tree News Story

One of my friend Sara Lopez has started writing Christmas blog in Spanish. If you are interested, please check it out.

White Christmas- the classic Christmas song

noreply@blogger.com (Dave Richards) — Wed, 5 Dec 2007 00:03:00 -0800

Talk about all time hit Christmas songs, Bing Crosby's "White Christmas" is surely to be included in the list. I first heard the song when I was seven or eight year old kid and it was played at the Christmas party. This Christmas song was written by the American composer and lyricist Irving Berlin in early 1940. It is said that Berlin worked for whole night and the next morning he told his secretary-""Grab your pen and take down this song. I just wrote the best song I've ever written — hell, I just wrote the best song that anybody's ever written!"

It was Bing Crosby who first made the public performance of the song on Christmas, 1941 in his popular radio show The Kraft Music Hall but unfortunately the recording is said to have destroyed. He introduced this Christmas song in the 1942 musical Holiday Inn where he sang the song in a duet with Marjorie Reynolds. In the film, however, Reynolds' voice was dubbed by Martha Mears. Initially the song was not so popular but during the end of the year, it remained at the top of the charts for eleven long weeks. "White Christmas" went on to win the Academy Award for Best Original Song. Later in 1945 and 1946, it returned to the top of the charts, being the only song to be on the chart busters for three seasons. People are mainly familiar with the 1947 version of "White Christmas" that Crosby recorded in Decca studios due to the damage of the original record. However I have got the classic clip of the original "White Christmas" from the film Holiday Inn sung by Bing Crosby.

You can find the lyrics online. More than 50 million copies of this Christmas song by Crosby has been sold and in the Guiness Book of World records this song is listed as a 100million seller encompassing all versions of the song.

Christmas tree safety tips

noreply@blogger.com (Dave Richards) — Tue, 4 Dec 2007 02:21:00 -0800

Christmas celebrations are incomplete without having a Christmas tree at your home or at least decorating a Christmas tree before your house.Though most of us nowadays go for artificial Christmas trees which can stay fresh forever, there is nothing like a real Christmas tree being decorated at your home.
If you have any plan to buy a Christmas tree then this is the perfect time. You can get useful tips on purchasing Christmas tree on a friendship blog that I have just visited. Don't miss it.

While decorating an original Christmas tree, certain precautions needs to be taken to keep the tree fresh and avoid any unwanted situations.

Always buy a fresh tree. The needles pulled from a fresh fir tree would snap when bent, but the needles of pine and spruces are not easy to pull off from branches and should not break easily.
Protect the tree from sun and wind and keep the bottom of the tree under water. Before you put the tree in water, cut an inch from the bottom to make the tree soak water well.
On Christmas, one should place the tree away from the fireplaces, radiators and other sources of fire and electricity. The tree should not block any exit.
The outdoor lights should be used only outdoors and indoors lights for indoors and are correct voltages. Also make sure that the lights are certified after laboratory test and do not put the cords in the middle of the room.
Before leaving the house or going for sleep, put off the lights of the Christmas tree.
Keep a fire extinguisher ready for any emergency.

So just be a little careful and have a safe holidays!

Unique Christmas gifts

noreply@blogger.com (Dave Richards) — Sat, 1 Dec 2007 00:36:00 -0800

There are some new gadgets that are becoming the like life supporting system for the busy executives and professionals. Not only the technological advancements help them in their field of work but also in their relaxation. So these new gadgets can be nice Christmas gifts.

The gadget that comes to my mind first is the Slingbox. It is becoming popular fast among the people who are always traveling on business. This device lets people to catch up the local television programes from their hotel rooms. The slingbox has to be attached to the television at home, catches the local TV signals, convert it into digital signal and sends it through the Internet. The price of the boxes usually starts around $120 and prices vary according to various other features. In Amazon, slingboxes, both used and new models are available at lower price as there are some offers of discounts, while in Circuitcity there are different models.

While the executives might not feel necessary to wear the watch just for seeing the time, the watch maker Suunto has made them think twice. Suunto, a subsidiary of the Amer Sports has brought out a line of watch that shows not only the time but also let business traveller keep a track of their appointments, their locations and their speed and heart rate while exercising. You can check out Amazon.

For those busy executives Digital Pen recorder can be useful gift. It records voices upto 64 hours. Spygadgets are offering free gifts along with a Digital Pen recorder. The offer will close soon and so hurry!

Scottevest has brought out a new jacket for keeping the gadgets and letting the people hide the wires. However, magnets are used in some of the designs to keep the pockets shut. So the manufacturer has warned those with pacemakers not to wear such jackets.

If you need to watch your budget then buy some useful gadgets like Logitech Clearchat Pro USB Headset or a cordless headphone for ipod Shuffle or a flashdrive for cellphones. After all, it's the thought that matters and not the money, right?

But before you go for buying a electronic gadget as a Christmas gift, keep some facts in mind:

Always shop from reputable companies and if you are buying online don't forget to check the reseller ratings and product reviews.
Do some research about the latest technology or seek guidance of any knowledgeable person to ensure that the gift is not going to be outdated soon or will be compatible with the other electronic items.
Always know every details about the warranty period and be careful about the insurance and keeping the receipts .

So, just keep in mind these precautions and gear up for the coming holiday season. Happy shopping!

Hottest Christmas gifts- Part 2

noreply@blogger.com (Dave Richards) — Sat, 24 Nov 2007 00:19:00 -0800

Here are some more hottest Christmas gifts.

Digital Frames

If the beautiful pictures are just stored in your hard disk, then it's the time to have a digital frame on this Christmas. Just have a 7 inches or 13 inches digital photo frame and display your precious pictures taken on Thanksgiving dinner or last birthday party. While Digitalframez are giving Christmas special discount till 1st December, 2007 and are offering different sizes from 7 inch to 15 inch LCD display, DigitalPhotoframe are also giving offers of free 512mb SD Memory Card.

Halo 3

Most of the video game lovers would jump with joy if they get hold of the latest Halo 3 . I think it is needless to say Halo 3 is the third of the first person shooter video game series that started with Halo: combat evolved and the third part concludes the story that began in first part. Halo 3 has similar concepts as Halo 2 but there are new modes and concepts that makes it exciting. There is an offer of buying 360 for which one can get a Halo 3 for FREE! Offer is from Nov 21- Dec 21. Also you can buy from Bestbuy where there is offer of free shipping. Of course there is Amazon where you can get used models from $ 50.

Bioshock

Another popular game is the Bioshock. Amazon is giving an offer of save 33% . If you want it , you better hurry add it to your cart till the stock lasts. One can get lots of facts about this game online IGN

Plasma Screen

People are inclining more and more towards plasma screen . However,one should know about some facts while buying Plasma screen. In Circuitcity one can get Plasma HDTV on which there are some offers while in Compusa there are number of brands of Plasma tv available.

GPS

Those who have been planning to invest on GPS on this Christmas , here is a good news. Circuitcity is offering a save of 100$ on purchase of GPS and upto 15% save on it's accessories.
But if you are new to this technology then you can get some good tips on PCmag. One can also check out CnetShopper or Amazon.

Present any one of the gift to a gizmo freak kid and he or she will love it. Are you still thinking if these gifts would really please your mom or your wife who is not-so-fond of video games and gizmos? Well, I will discuss some gift ideas for mom and expecting mothers. But that is for another post. Stay tuned friendsand please share your ideas with me about the Christmas gifts.

Here is a trailer of the Halo 3 which was released on September, 2007

Hottest Christmas Gifts- Part 1

noreply@blogger.com (Dave Richards) — Fri, 23 Nov 2007 04:10:00 -0800

Thanksgiving is over. I hope everyone had a great time with family and friends. I had lots of fun and I hope that I will have more on Christmas. Has anybody started the preparations for Christmas like buying gifts and planning for decorations. Well, I have started looking for the gifts online. Here is a list of top ten electronic gifts that one can give to the near ones.

PSP portable

Do you know snyone who loves gaming as well as listening to music? Here is a perfect gift for those gizmo freak- Sony Playstation Portable core. You can play games, listen to music, upload videos and audios as well as can access to Internet. It is, in other words, a Handheld Entertainment revolution
In CompUSA, there are limited quantities of PSP , in Amazon there are number of used and new models of it starting from the range $150.

WII

Another gadget for computer game lovers is WII. For those who are not so aware of video games let me tell you that Wii is the fifth home video game console released by Nintendo.
Amazon is offering new and used models starting from $ 537. Also there are discounts in the new models of Wii play with Wii remote. You can also check out Best Buy and Circuit City

Macbook

Macbook, the Macintosh notebook computers is becoming more and more necessary in our fast life. With Intel Core 2 Duo Processors, 1 Gb memory, camera for video chatting, 13 inch wide screen display Macbook is one of the hottest gift of 2007. While in Amazon the stock is very limited, the price range in Best Buy starts from around $ 1500. Till tomorrow ie. 11/24 there is a sale of Macbook in CompUSA

iPODS

Amazon is giving a special discount on the iPods on this weekend from Black Friday to Monday. The 3rd generation Apple 1 GB iPod or the Apple 80 GB iPod classic- you can choose from variety of models. Also there are other used and new models at reasonable prices.So HURRY! At Circuitcity , there are free gift for any new iPod purchase. Enjoy the music on this Christmas!

HDTV

If you can order at Amazon within next 1 - 4 hrs for HDTV , then your order will be eligible for Free shipping . On the other hand, at Circuitcity is offering upto 20% discount on HDTV sale. But oh! The sale ends today! So if you want a HDTV on holidays 2007, then rush for it. But even if you can't take the advantage of it, then don't worry. There might be more offers in the future or you can browse through Bestbuy where you can have a look at HDTV and it's accessories from almost every brand.

Here are some of the hottest gift of this season. To learn about more gifts and the best deals stay tuned.

Counting Down to Christmas

noreply@blogger.com (Dave Richards) — Thu, 22 Nov 2007 04:35:00 -0800

There's nothing like getting an early start on your Christmas by decorating your whole place. I'm starting off my 'blog decor' with this cool Christmas count down widget. And of course the count down really starts right after Thanksgiving! I'm so exicted. I love the whole decorations, dressing up, and yes, even my grandma's badly designed sweaters for gifts. Hey, it's the thought that counts right?

So here's my Christmas countdown check it out!

Mistletoe - some more facts & funny Christmas video

noreply@blogger.com (Dave Richards) — Thu, 22 Nov 2007 02:34:00 -0800

As I have promised I am here with some more information on mistletoe.
The plant itself is an interesting plant to the botanist for study. It is an partially parasitic as it grows on branches and trunks of other trees , but it can also make it's own food through photosynthesis. There are two types of mistletoe- while one type is the native of North America and are mainly used for Christmas decorations, the other type is European in origin with looks like green shrub with yellow, white flowers and berries that are said to be poisonous.

The Greeks and the Europeans considered mistletoe, specially those which grew on oak trees as sacred and magical. Most of us perhaps heard about the myths that the Druids in Britain believed. They considered mistletoe to be the miracle plant giving fertility and life to man and animals. After the winter solstice, on the sixth after the new moon, the Druid priest would cut the mistletoe from the oak tree with a golden sickle and would place it on a white cloth. A ceremony followed where two bulls were sacrificed and prayers were said for the well being of the mistletoe receivers.

Then there was the legend among the Viking people about Balder, the god of the summer son. Once Balder had a dream that he would die. His mother , Frigga was panic stricken and asked sky, air, water, animals and plants not to kill her son. But Balder's enemy Loki found that Mistletoe is not a plant as such as it has no root inside the ground. So he made a poisoned dart with the plant and made Balder's blind brother to shoot at Balder. When all the elements failed to bring back life to Balder, Frigga's tears changed the red mistletoe berries to white, restoring life to her son. Frigga then changed the bad reputation of the mistletoe and kissed everyone who worked underneath the mistletoe as a mark of her gratitude.

I have found a funny Christmas video about mistletoe. Here it is -

Legends about Mistletoe

noreply@blogger.com (Dave Richards) — Tue, 20 Nov 2007 04:02:00 -0800

Thanksgiving is just on day after tomorrow. I think everyone has finished preparations for it. I have completed my invitations and decorations. Actually there is not much to decorate on Thanksgiving day. Just the usual Autumn flowers in a vase and using the Thanksgiving special card holders and mats. There is hardly any myth associated with any flower, tree or shrub on Thanksgiving. Whereas in Christmas, I don't know how many myths and legends are there about different plants. The most famous plant associated with Christmas is perhaps the mistletoe. Hanging of a artificial mistletoe bunch at the door or at the room is a common scene in Christmas.

The most popular custom around this plant is to exchange kiss by a man and a woman that signifies their marriage in the near future and life long happiness. This event can b e traced back to the old Greek Greek festival of Saturnalia and later with primitive marriage rites. In Scandinavia, mistletoe was believed to be the plant of peace under which the enemies made peace and the quarreling couples kissed and made up. In the eighteenth century the English started the custom of creating a mistletoe ball under which a young lady cannot refuse to be kissed. Such kiss would mean deep love and everlasting friendship.

Even before getting associated with Christmas, mistletoe has been considered as a sacred and magical tree by the Greeks and other Europeans. In the medieval age, people used to hang mistletoe on the ceiling with this believe that it would keep away the evil spirits. Even the Europeans used to put it before the doors having such belief. It is quiet clear the association of Mistletoe with Christmas has roots in the Pagan rites and rituals. The mistletoe has number of other legends and folklores, but that is to be discussed later.

Poinsettia- the Christmas flower

noreply@blogger.com (Dave Richards) — Thu, 15 Nov 2007 04:10:00 -0800

There are number of flowers and herbs associated with Christmas like Mistletoe, Wreath,
Poinsettia. Of them , my favorite flora for Christmas decor is the last one, Poinsettia.
While the most common ones are the red Poinsettia with three to six blooms, there are other shapes, sizes and colors.
Lots of myths and stories are associated with this flower. These are actually native of Southern Mexico, Central America and Africa. The Mayan Indians believed that poinsettias are powerful creatures from another world while for the Aztecs the poinsettia was a symbol of purity.
According to a Mexican legend a child picked up some weeds from the side of the road as she could not afford a gift for Christ on Christmas. As she entered the church with the weeds, it blossomed into red and green flowers.

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Tags: Christmas Flowers, Christmas flower ecards, Myth of Poinsettia, Christmas wishes

Tips for making candy canes

noreply@blogger.com (Dave Richards) — Tue, 13 Nov 2007 04:45:00 -0800

Speaking of candy canes, have you ever tried out making them at home? My mom used to make them every Christmas and so I would like to share the recipe with you.

On a cookie sheet, thick coat of powdered sugar is sprinkled.1 cup granulated sugar, 1 cup light corn syrup and 1 cup water is combined in a saucepan.
Cook over medium-high heat until it reaches the soft-crack stage on the candy thermometer.
After removing from heat, 1/2 tsp. peppermint oil and 2 or 3 drops of food coloring is added. Stir well.
The liquid is poured over the cookie sheet in thin strips about 6 to 8 inches long. It should be cooled enough to handle.
Roll into a rope shape and gently twist to make a hook on top.
They are placed on a coated cookie sheet until hard.
Finally wrap the candy canes in holiday plastic wrap and curling ribbons for decoartion.

Your candy cane is made and if you want more recipes then you there are lots of online sites that offer free recipes .

History of Christmas Candy Canes

noreply@blogger.com (Dave Richards) — Thu, 8 Nov 2007 04:25:00 -0800

My niece has already ordered me to give her lots of candy canes on this Christmas. Not that I don't give her chocolates and candies on other years, but on this Christmas she wants the red and white striped candy canes only and nothing else. She is so much like me. Even in my childhood I used to love munching the candy canes which were used as decoration purpose by my mother! There are lots of theories about the origin of the red and white striped crooked candy canes.
One of the legend says that originally the candy cane was a straight, hard, and all-white candy stick and a choirmaster at Cologne Cathedral in Germany, in 1670, first bent straight sugar sticks into canes and distributed among the children at church services. The candy somewhat represented a shepherd's stuff but it is not known whether the choirmaster had the 'Good Shepherd' in mind. Swedish town of Gränna first saw the Peppermint candy with red stripes in the mid-19th century and striped candy canes in the early 20th century. Legend says someone changed the existing form of candy which was already being used as a Christmas decoration (i.e. straight white sticks of sugar candy) and produced bent versions representing a shepherd's crook. This is strongest connection that can be made between the Christian symbolism and orgin of candy canes. It is also believed that the 'J' shape of the candy canes represents the name Jesus. The mass producing of them was started by a guy named Bob McCormack, around 1920, from Georgia and named Bob’s Candies.

This is the brief history of candy canes. I am looking for recipes to make candies at home . But that is to be left for the next post.

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Frosty the snowman

noreply@blogger.com (Dave Richards) — Mon, 5 Nov 2007 05:40:00 -0800

Isn't it ironical that the most popular Christmas jingles have no mention of the Christmas in them? Think about 'Jingle bells' or hear 'Frosty the Snowman'. The later is a song about a snowman Frosty who comes to life by a magical hat that the children put on him and after some playful adventures “hurry on his way.” The writers of this song was Walter “Jack” Rollins and Steve Nelson and it was recorded by Gene Autry and Cass County boys in 1950. Here you can find the lyrics if anyone wants to learn it.
Can anyone please provide me with the original animated video of the song?

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