Merry Christmas Gift

Shopping in New Year

2009-12-31T01:38:00.000-08:00

Brazilian Carnival

2009-02-17T21:58:00.001-08:00

Brazilian Carnival

The Brazilian Carnival, or Carnaval is an annual festival in Brazil held four days before Ash Wednesday, the day of fasting and repentance that marks the beginning of Lent. On certain days of Lent, Roman Catholics and some other Christians abstain from the consumption of meat and poultry -- hence the term "carnival," from carnelevare, "to remove (literally, "raise") meat."[1] Carnival celebrations are believed to have roots in the pagan festival of Saturnalia, which, adapted to Christianity, became a farewell to certain pleasures in a season that honors Christ's death.

Brazilian Carnival exhibits some differences from its European counterparts, having mixed Euro, Native and African elements. Furthermore, rhythm, participation, and costume vary from one region of Brazil to another. For example, in the southeastern cities of Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo, organized parades led by samba schools vie for prizes on the "sambodromo" open stage and only samba-school affiliates participate in the shows. Smaller cities often have no public manifestations but promote balls in recreational clubs. The northeastern cities of Salvador, Porto Seguro and Recife have organized groups parading through streets, but watchers are also welcome to dance, following the "trio elétrico" floats through the city streets.

Valentine Traditions

2009-02-10T21:51:00.000-08:00

Valentine Traditions

Hundreds of years ago in England, many children dressed up as adults on Valentine's Day. They went singing from home to home. One verse they sang was:

Good morning to you, valentine;

Curl your locks as I do mine ---

Two before and three behind.

Good morning to you, valentine.

In Wales wooden love spoons were carved and given as gifts on February 14th. Hearts, keys and keyholes were favourite decorations on the spoons. The decoration meant, "You unlock my heart!"

In the Middle Ages, young men and women drew names from a bowl to see who their valentines would be. They would wear these names on their sleeves for one week. To wear your heart on your sleeve now means that it is easy for other people to know how you are feeling.

In some countries, a young woman may receive a gift of clothing from a young man. If she keeps the gift, it means she will marry him.

Some people used to believe that if a woman saw a robin flying overhead on Valentine's Day, it meant she would marry a sailor. If she saw a sparrow, she would marry a poor man and be very happy. If she saw a goldfinch, she would marry a millionaire.

A love seat is a wide chair. It was first made to seat one woman and her wide dress. Later, the love seat or courting seat had two sections, often in an S-shape. In this way, a couple could sit together -- but not too closely!

Think of five or six names of boys or girls you might marry, As you twist the stem of an apple, recite the names until the stem comes off. You will marry the person whose name you were saying when the stem fell off.

Pick a dandelion that has gone to seed. Take a deep breath and blow the seeds into the wind. Count the seeds that remain on the stem. That is the number of children you will have.

If you cut an apple in half and count how many seeds are inside, you will also know how many children you will have.

The History of Saint Valentine's Day

2009-02-10T21:49:00.001-08:00

The History of Saint Valentine's Day

Valentine's Day started in the time of the Roman Empire. In ancient Rome, February 14th was a holiday to honour Juno. Juno was the Queen of the Roman Gods and Goddesses. The Romans also knew her as the Goddess of women and marriage. The following day, February 15th, began the Feast of Lupercalia.

The lives of young boys and girls were strictly separate. However, one of the customs of the young people was name drawing. On the eve of the festival of Lupercalia the names of Roman girls were written on slips of paper and placed into jars. Each young man would draw a girl's name from the jar and would then be partners for the duration of the festival with the girl whom he chose. Sometimes the pairing of the children lasted an entire year, and often, they would fall in love and would later marry.

Under the rule of Emperor Claudius II Rome was involved in many bloody and unpopular campaigns. Claudius the Cruel was having a difficult time getting soldiers to join his military leagues. He believed that the reason was that roman men did not want to leave their loves or families. As a result, Claudius cancelled all marriages and engagements in Rome. The good Saint Valentine was a priest at Rome in the days of Claudius II. He and Saint Marius aided the Christian martyrs and secretly married couples, and for this kind deed Saint Valentine was apprehended and dragged before the Prefect of Rome, who condemned him to be beaten to death with clubs and to have his head cut off. He suffered martyrdom on the 14th day of February, about the year 270. At that time it was the custom in Rome, a very ancient custom, indeed, to celebrate in the month of February the Lupercalia, feasts in honour of a heathen god. On these occasions, amidst a variety of pagan ceremonies, the names of young women were placed in a box, from which they were drawn by the men as chance directed.

The pastors of the early Christian Church in Rome endeavoured to do away with the pagan element in these feasts by substituting the names of saints for those of maidens. And as the Lupercalia began about the middle of February, the pastors appear to have chosen Saint Valentine's Day for the celebration of this new feaSt. So it seems that the custom of young men choosing maidens for valentines, or saints as patrons for the coming year, arose in this way.

Let me introduce myself. My name is Valentine. I lived in Rome during the third century. That was long, long ago! At that time, Rome was ruled by an emperor named Claudius. I didn't like Emperor Claudius, and I wasn't the only one! A lot of people shared my feelings.

Claudius wanted to have a big army. He expected men to volunteer to join. Many men just did not want to fight in wars. They did not want to leave their wives and families. As you might have guessed, not many men signed up. This made Claudius furious. So what happened? He had a crazy idea. He thought that if men were not married, they would not mind joining the army. So Claudius decided not to allow any more marriages. Young people thought his new law was cruel. I thought it was preposterous! I certainly wasn't going to support that law!

Did I mention that I was a priest? One of my favourite activities was to marry couples. Even after Emperor Claudius passed his law, I kept on performing marriage ceremonies -- secretly, of course. It was really quite exciting. Imagine a small candlelit room with only the bride and groom and myself. We would whisper the words of the ceremony, listening all the while for the steps of soldiers.

One night, we did hear footsteps. It was scary! Thank goodness the couple I was marrying escaped in time. I was caught. (Not quite as light on my feet as I used to be, I guess.) I was thrown in jail and told that my punishment was death.

I tried to stay cheerful. And do you know what? Wonderful things happened. Many young people came to the jail to visit me. They threw flowers and notes up to my window. They wanted me to know that they, too, believed in love.

One of these young people was the daughter of the prison guard. Her father allowed her to visit me in the cell. Sometimes we would sit and talk for hours. She helped me to keep my spirits up. She agreed that I did the right thing by ignoring the Emperor and going ahead with the secret marriages. On the day I was to die, I left my friend a little note thanking her for her friendship and loyalty. I signed it, "Love from your Valentine.

I believe that note started the custom of exchanging love messages on Valentine's Day. It was written on the day I died, February 14, 269 A.D. Now, every year on this day, people remember. But most importantly, they think about love and friendship. And when they think of Emperor Claudius, they remember how he tried to stand in the way of love, and they laugh -- because they know that love can't be beaten!

Valentine's Day History

2009-02-10T21:38:00.000-08:00

Valentine's Day History

There are varying opinions as to the origin of Valentine's Day. Some experts state that it originated from St. Valentine, a Roman who was martyred for refusing to give up Christianity. He died on February 14, 269 A.D., the same day that had been devoted to love lotteries. Legend also says that St. Valentine left a farewell note for the jailer's daughter, who had become his friend, and signed it "From Your Valentine". Other aspects of the story say that Saint Valentine served as a priest at the temple during the reign of Emperor Claudius. Claudius then had Valentine jailed for defying him. In 496 A.D. Pope Gelasius set aside February 14 to honour St. Valentine.

Gradually, February 14 became the date for exchanging love messages and St. Valentine became the patron saint of lovers. The date was marked by sending poems and simple gifts such as flowers. There was often a social gathering or a ball.

In the United States, Miss Esther Howland is given credit for sending the first valentine cards. Commercial valentines were introduced in the 1800's and now the date is very commercialised. The town of Loveland, Colorado, does a large post office business around February 14. The spirit of good continues as valentines are sent out with sentimental verses and children exchange valentine cards at school.

Christmas Eve and a Speech from the Pope

2009-01-27T23:09:00.001-08:00

Christmas Eve and a Speech from the Pope

The Holy Father has made news recently for a speech he gave to the Roman curia. I was intersted in what he really said so I read the entire speech available here. In it I found some statements I would like to comment on that have nothing to do with the parts making the news. If you want to know about the part making the news the Curt Jester has a good post on that subject.

The parts of the speech I will comment on are as follows

The birthday of the Lord is at hand. Every family feels the desire to be reunited, to savour the unique and unrepeatable atmosphere which this feast is capable of creating.

…

Earlier I referred to the special atmosphere of Christmas. I like to think that this is, as it were, an extension of that mysterious joy, of that intimate elation, which surround the Holy Family, the Angels and the shepherds of Bethlehem on the night Jesus was born.

I would describe that as “the atmosphere of grace”, having in mind the words of St. Paul in the letter to Titus: “The grace of God our Saviour has appeared to all mankind.” (Ti 2:11).

Christmas eve is a big deal here in Japan. People feel like doing something special so families will buy roast chicken, or KFC, and an expensive strawberry shortcake “Christmas cake.” Those without children think it is better, and more convenient, to eat out at a nice restaurant and even spend a night in a hotel. Me I do neither I go to Church of course The customs I just described though used to bother me and I wondered why do people do anything at all for a holiday about the birth of Jesus Christ then the Pope gave me my answer. People are sensing that “special atmosphere of Christmas” as the Holy Father called it and they want to “savour the unique and unrepeatable atmosphere which this feast is capable of creating.“ Of course the customs are just that and people have a hard time quitting but at some point in time those customs started and stuck and I think I know the deeper reason now why they stuck with the reason being in what the Pope desribed.

Happy New Year - E-Cards

2008-12-28T23:07:00.000-08:00

Animated Card of New Year

Christmas Dream - Christmas Story 2008

2008-12-25T23:30:00.000-08:00

Christmas Dream - Christmas Story 2008

Brand new not even up on my site yet, this years Christmas Story..please let me know if you enjoy it

It had started like a distant rumble of thunder, which had grown into the roaring of a hundred jet engines. The trees, then the whole earth seemed to shake from the full force of the wind.

She had begged her husband to leave before the hurricane hit, to just save them selves. He had told her the wind would die down, the boarded house would be fine, and the water would soon go. That was before the roof began to peal off the top of the house, like a giant pealing back the skin of an orange. That was when the panic had set in.

Looking back, several months later, the images of that night still sent shivers through her body. Like still photos sliding across her mind, the sound, the fear, the destruction all seemed so fresh. Hanging onto each other hoping this was not to be their last moment on earth.

They had been found many hours later in what was left of their home, still in the same position. Numb with shock and the impact of what had happened, the rescuers had taken them to an overnight shelter. That night rolled into days, and days into weeks.

Their whole world had gone, in just a few small hours there was nothing left of what once was their home and their future.When she had eventually been allowed back to the broken timbers of the smashed building where they had planned their future together, it was like a giant hand had taken their lives and emptied them… there was nothing left.

After a few months, a family member had provided a caravan for them to live in.This was parked in what once was their driveway. Her husband’s workplace no longer existed, vanished in that terrible night. After some time, he had found work in another state, many miles away, leaving her to pick amongst the pieces of their lives and wait for whatever would happen next.The alarm woke her from her sleep, she shuddered the cold creeping through the ill fitting windows of the mobile home. At least she had a roof over her head, more than many she thought, reaching for the kettle and hoping there was still water in the tank and she would not have to make the trip to fill the water container again.Lighting the small gas ring she put on the kettle for a hot drink. Looking out the window she could not believe her eyes, it had snowed overnight, the ground was covered in a quilt of white.

A while later she sat sipping her coffee, wondering how her husband was getting on, hoping he might be able to make it home for Christmas. Christmas … some Christmas this was going to be.After clearing up and making her bed… “No excuse for not caring” she had told herself when first they had moved into the caravan. She went outside to see if things looked any better under the curtain of white.At least it hid what was left of their home, broken timbers, the scarred surfaces, all was now smooth and white. Something made her look down.There in front of her was a set of prints in the snow. Too large for a cat, not that of a dog… sort of hoof like. She shrugged “Oh well good luck to them finding any food around here.”

Her mobile phone rang. It was her husband, her mood brightened at the sound of his voice. He had some great news, his company was going to rebuild the factory, and they wanted him to help work on the new design. He was coming home!A silent prayer of thanks was said, he was coming home.Throughout the rest of the morning she worked on what she could do to try and make this Christmas special for her and her husband. Despite everything, they would be together and that was a start. She was in the process of writing a list of items that she needed to try and purchase to turn their mobile accommodation, in a home when there was a knock at the door.

A man stood there, a smile on his face and an envelope offered towards her.“I think this might cheer up your holiday plans” he said handing her the envelope.She went inside and opened the envelope, it was a check, a very large check, the insurance had finally come through. Now, they could get on with their lives, rebuild their future.She tried to contact her husband to let him know the good news, but could get no reply.What a day, first her husband coming home, with a new job, now the insurance money.Her hand brushed a small bell that lay on the table, something they had found amongst the rubble of their home. Christmas, yes, it was all part of Christmas, and this year she would make sure it would be one they would never forget.She rang the bell again, and again, ring… ring.. ring…

She struggled through the tangled web of her dream, only to surface into reality. It had all been a dream, a wonderful dream, but just a dream all the same. She looked out the window, hoping to see the white covering of snow that had been there in her dream. But all she saw was the scarred debris of what had been left after the hurricane had hit.Sighing she put on the kettle and opened the door to greet the day. Her eyes caught site of some prints in the mud in front of her, too large for a cat and not that of a dog, sort of hoof like.
It couldn’t be, could it? And her mobile phone rang.

Xmas new Story - Twas the Night Befor Christmas

2008-12-15T22:26:00.000-08:00

TWAS THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS

'Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house, Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse.

The stockings were hung by the chimney with care, In hopes that Saint Nicholas soon would be there.

The children were nestled all snug in their beds, While visions of sugarplums danced in their heads.

And Mamma in her kerchief and I in my cap, Had just settled down for a long winter's nap, When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter, I sprang from my bed to see what was the matter.Away to the window I flew like a flash, Tore open the shutters and threw up the sash.

  The moon on the breast of the new-fallen snow Gave the lustre of mid-day to objects below, When what to my wondering eyes should appear, But a miniature sleigh, and eight tiny reindeer,

With a little old driver, so lively and quick, I knew in a moment it must be St. Nick.More rapid than eagles his coursers they came, And he whistled, and shouted, and called them by name;

"Now, DASHER! Now, DANCER! Now, PRANCER and VIXEN! On COMET! On CUPID! On DONDER and BLITZEN! To the top of the porch! To the top of the wall! Now dash away! Dash away! Dash away all!"

As dry leaves that before the wild hurricane fly, When they meet with an obstacle mount to the sky, So up to the house-top the coursers they flew, With the sleigh full of toys, and St. Nicolas, too.

  And then, in a twinkling, I heard on the roof, The prancing and pawing of each little hoof.As I drew in my head and was turning around, Down the chimney St. Nicholas came with a bound.

He was dressed all in fur, from his head to his foot, And his clothes were all tarnished with ashes and soot; A bundle of toys he had flung on his back, And he looked like a peddlar just opening his pack.

His eyes- how they twinkled! His dimples how merry! His cheeks were like roses, his nose like a cherry! His droll little mouth was drawn up like a bow, And the beard on his chin was as white as the snow;

The stump of a pipe he held tight in his teeth, And the smoke it encircled his head like a wreath; He had a broad face and a round little belly, That shook when he laughed like a bowlful of jelly.

  He was chubby and plump, a right jolly old elf, And I laughed when I saw him, in spite of myself; A wink of an eye and a twist of his head, Soon gave me to know I had nothing to dread;

He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work, And filled all the stockings; then turned with a jerk,

And laying his finger aside of his nose, And giving a nod, up the chimney he rose;

He sprang to his sleigh, to his team gave a whistle, And away they all flew like the down of a thistle.But I heard him exclaim, ere he drove out of sight,

New Story - A Brother Like That

2008-12-10T07:49:00.000-08:00

A Brother Like That

Paul received an automobile from his brother as a Christmas present. On Christmas Eve when Paul came out of his office, a street urchin was walking around the shiny new car, admiring it.

"Is this your car, Mister?" he asked.

Paul nodded. "My brother gave it to me for Christmas." The boy was astounded. "You mean your brother gave it to you and it didn't cost you nothing? Boy, I wish..." He hesitated. Of course Paul knew what he was going to wish for. He was going to wish he had a brother like that. But what the lad said jarred Paul all the way down to his heels.

"I wish," the boy went on, "that I could be a brother like that."

Paul looked at the boy in astonishment, then impulsively he added, "Would you like to take a ride in my automobile?"

"Oh yes, I'd love that."

After a short ride, the boy turned and with his eyes aglow, said, "Mister, would you mind driving in front of my house?" Paul smiled a little. He thought he knew what the lad wanted. He wanted to show his neighbors that he could ride home in a big automobile. But Paul was wrong again.

"Will you stop where those two steps are?" the boy asked. He ran up the steps. Then in a little while Paul heard him coming back, but he was not coming fast. He was carrying his little crippled brother. He sat him down on the bottom step, then sort of squeezed up against him and pointed to the car. "There she is, Buddy, just like I told you upstairs. His brother gave it to him for Christmas and it didn't cost him a cent. And some day I'm gonna give you one just like it...then you can see for yourself all the pretty things in the Christmas windows that I've been trying to tell you about."

Paul got out and lifted the lad to the front seat of his car. The shining-eyed older brother climbed in beside him and the three of them began a memorable holiday ride.

That Christmas Eve, Paul learned what Jesus meant when he had said: "It is more blessed to give..."

My Holiday Wish for the World Is That
We all Could Be Brothers Like That.

History of Christmas

2008-12-04T01:09:00.000-08:00

Christmas is for joy, for giving and sharing, for laughter, for coming together with family and friends, for tinsel and brightly decorated packages... But mostly, Christmas is for love.It was this love for which Jesus came to this world and sacrificed his life.

Thus Christmas is a celebration of love and mirth symbolized by the Nativity, the Santa, the caribou, the poinsettia and the evergreens. All that bring home the spirit of love and life.And this is the spirit that makes Christmas so popular throughout the world.

Though originated by the Roman Catholics who commemorate the December 25th as the day of birth of Christ Child, it has gradually come to be celebrated by the
non-Catholics as well. As far as the United States goes, the celebration of X'mas is comparatively of recent origin. Much of the world was already well into Christmas celebrations by the time the United States began to wake up.In the first half of the 19th century the Sunday schools in America held Christmas celebrations. And the celebration of Christmas in America owes its origin to these schools. Alabama was the first state to grant legal recognition to X-mas in 1836. The DC did it in 1870. By 1893 all the states and territories had made similar acknowledgements.

So be it the United States or in other parts of the world Christmas is
celebrated as the commemoration of the birth of Christ Child -- very likely the holiest event ever to take place anywhere on the Earth, and an entirely worthy occasion to celebrate. But don't we often wonder if we've got these things about it right? And why is
the difference of opinion (however immaterial) regarding the date of
birth? Is it even on the right date?

We bring to you a story of the Birth of Christ Child along and offer
you a short tour across the world to know the way Christmas is
celebrated in different parts. But before doing this please don't forget
to brush up some historical trivia regarding Jesus' birth.
Click here to know the answers to some simple yet vulnerable questions.

There are a number of characters and icons associated with Christmas and
history of Christmas. Here we give a brief outline of all such Christmas
icons:

Santa Claus   Xmas Tree or the Christmas tree   Mistletoe

Holly and the Prickly    Glastonbury Thorn   The Poinsettia as the Christmas flower

Rudolf, the red nose Reindeer   The Christmas Star   Christmas Ornaments, Traditions, history and procurement

Christmas elves   Some Light on the Date of Christmas, Jesus, and Christianity   Birth Of Jesus Christ

Tradition of gifts and gifts giving

Origin of the notion of Chimney Sweep

2008-12-04T01:08:00.001-08:00

In the good old times, Chimney Sweeps used to go from door to door on New Years day to wish people Good Luck. Ever since, they are considered as 'The ultimate bringer of Good Luck'.

A Chimney Sweep is a sign of good luck, wealth and happiness. There are several legends why a Chimney Sweep is said to be "The" harbinger of good luck. One version of the legend has it's origins in old England, where King George was riding horseback in a royal procession. A dog ran from the crowd, barking and nipping at the King's horse. The horse reared, and to the horror of the crowd, almost threw the King! A lone figure, shabbily dressed and filthy, stepped into the road. He caught the horse's halter and calmed the animal.

As quickly as he appeared, the man faded back into crowd. The King, wanting to reward the man, asked his name. No-one knew the man's name, but many told the King that he is just a Chimney Sweep. The King declared that from that day that Chimney Sweeps should be regarded as Lucky!

The chimney has been a part of family life since the early Romans first realized that it was better to live in a nice, fire-warmed home than in a chilly one. They needed a way to funnel off the smoke the fires caused. Centuries later, in medieval times, fireplaces were invented to heat individual rooms and provide a safe place for indoor cooking. They soon learned that fireplaces and their chimneys needed a cleaning as a house full of soot and fumes is unhealthy. And so, chimney sweeping developed into a necessary profession. People liked having the chimney sweep pay a visit as he brought clean, fresh air back to the home. Sweeps are associated with hearth and home, and thus domestic bliss. Chimney Sweeps became a sign of good health and prosperity.

A Visit From St. Nicholas

2008-11-24T21:50:00.000-08:00

'Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse; The stockings were hung by the chimney with care, In hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there; The children were nestled all snug in their beds, While visions of sugar-plums danced in their heads; And mamma in her 'kerchief, and I in my cap, Had just settled down for a long winter's nap, When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter,I sprang from the bed to see what was the matter.

Away to the window I flew like a flash, Tore open the shutters and threw up the sash.The moon on the breast of the new-fallen snow Gave the lustre of mid-day to objects below, When, what to my wondering eyes should appear, But a miniature sleigh, and eight tiny reindeer, With a little old driver, so lively and quick, I knew in a moment it must be St. Nick.More rapid than eagles his coursers they came, And he whistled, and shouted, and called them by name; Now, Dasher! now, Dancer! Now, Prancer and Vixen! On, Comet! On Cupid! On, Donder and Blitzen! To the top of the porch! to the top of the wall! Now dash away! dash away! dash away all!

As dry leaves that before the wild hurricane fly, When they meet with an obstacle, mount to the sky, So up to the house-top the coursers they flew, With the sleigh full of toys, and St. Nicholas too. And then, in a twinkling, I heard on the roof The prancing and pawing of each little hoof. As I drew in my hand, and was turning around, Down the chimney St. Nicholas came with a bound.He was dressed all in fur, from his head to his foot, And his clothes were all tarnished with ashes and soot; A bundle of toys he had flung on his back, And he looked like a peddler just opening his pack.

His eyes -- how they twinkled! His dimples how merry! His cheeks were like roses, his nose like a cherry! His droll little mouth was drawn up like a bow, And the beard of his chin was as white as the snow; The stump of a pipe he held tight in his teeth, And the smoke it encircled his head like a wreath; He had a broad face and a little round belly, That shook, when he laughed like a bowlful of jelly. He was chubby and plump, a right jolly old elf, And I laughed when I saw him, in spite of myself; A wink of his eye and a twist of his head, Soon gave me to know I had nothing to dread;

He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work, And filled all the stockings; then turned with a jerk, And laying his finger aside of his nose,
And giving a nod, up the chimney he rose; He sprang to his sleigh, to his team gave a whistle, And away they all flew like the down of a thistle.
But I heard him exclaim, ere he drove out of sight, "Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good-night!"

Christmas Good Morning Cards

2008-11-18T03:50:00.001-08:00

Good Morning Cards

Copy and Paste To Orkut Scrap Message Box

Copy and Paste To Orkut Scrap Message Box

Copy and Paste To Orkut Scrap Message Box

Copy and Paste To Orkut Scrap Message Box

Special Christmas Friendship Cards

2008-11-18T03:36:00.001-08:00

Special Christmas Friendship Cards

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Christmas Music -- Download it

2008-11-08T23:30:00.000-08:00

Download Christmas Music

Jingle Bells   Joy to the World   Twinkle Twinkle
Little Star

O Christmas Tree   Carol of the Bells   The Coventry Carol

We Wish You a Merry Christmas   The First Nowell¦O Come All Ye Faithful

What Child Is This (Greensleeves)   Silent Night   Carol of Bells

Go Tell on Mountain   High Hilly Christmas   Dashing

God Adore you   In Moments like these   Dear Hearts gentle

Fun time   Joe told Santa Claus   It came up Midnight

Breath Of life   Magic Moments   Jingle Bell

Behold That Star   My Xmas Darling   Santa Coming

A Word in Private   Need Thee   We Wish you Christmas

Always evers leads me   Reflection Of Passion   Rudolf

You are my Special   Total Good Friends   Jesu Joy of Mans desiring

Christmas Fonts -- Click to Download

2008-11-08T22:54:00.000-08:00

Christmas Fonts

Poem : My Shadow

2008-11-03T05:22:00.000-08:00

My shadow lurks around me,I see it from dawn to dusk,

I see it in the moonlit nights,I see it whether I like it or not.

I can't escape my shadow,It goes wherever I go,

Is it my flattened body shape?Or is it a reflection of my emotions and response?

I have been carrying my shadow on my shoulders for long,It jumps with joy when I am happy,

It drops its head when I am sad,It is light but I carry it around as heavyweight.

When I am too sad, I can't see my shadow even in bright sunny day,But the shadow calmly follows me consoling me by the day,

When tears roll down my cheeks in sorrow and pain,My shadow soaks up my tears and relieves me of pain.

When I walk with my beloved in bright moonlit nights,Our shadows walk with us reflecting our unity,

When we disagree with each other in the dark nights,Our shadows seem to hide somewhere in disunity.

Story about Santa'S Secret Wish

2008-10-22T21:26:00.000-07:00

SANTA'S SECRET WISH

On Christmas Eve,a young boy with light in his eyes,Looked deep into Santa's, to Santa's surprise,And said as he nestled on Santa's broad knee,
"I want your secret, tell it to me."He leaned up & whispered in Santa's good ear,"How do you do it, year after year?""I want to know how, as you travel about,Giving gifts here & there, you never run out.How is it, dear Santa, that in your pack of toys,You have plenty for all of the world's girls & boys?Stays so full, never empties as you make your wayFrom rooftop to rooftop, to homes large & small,From nation to nation, reaching them all?And Santa smiled kindly & said to the boy,"Don't ask me hard questions.Don't you want a toy?"

But the child shook his head, and Santa could see That he needed the answer. "Now listen to me,"He told the small boy with the light in his eyes,
"My secret will make you sadder & wise."The truth is that my sack is magic. Inside It holds millions of toys for my Christmas Eve ride.
But although I do visit each girl & each boy I don't always leave them a gaily wrapped toy.Some homes are hungry, some homes are sad.Some homes are desperate, some homes are bad.Some homes are broken, & children there grieve.Those homes I visit, but what should I leave?"My sleigh is filled with the happiest stuff,But for homes where despair lives,toys aren't enough.So I tiptoe in, kiss each girl & boy,And pray with them that they'll be given the joy Of the spirit of Christmas, the spirit that lives In the heart of the dear child who gets not,but gives.

If only God hears me & answers my prayer,When I visit next year, what I will find there Are homes filled with peace,and with giving, and love
And boys and girls gifted with light from above.It's a very had task, my smart little brother,To give toys to some,and to give prayers to others.But the prayers are the best gifts,the best gifts indeed,For God has a way of meeting each need."That's part of the answer.The rest, my dear youth,Is that my sack is magic, And that is the truth.In my sack I carry on Christmas Eve day More love than a Santa could e'er give away.The sack never empties of love, or of joys 'Cause inside it are prayers, and hopes.Not just toys.The more that I give, the fuller it seems,Because giving is my way of fulfilling dreams."And do you know something?You've got a sack, too.It's as magic as mine, and it's inside of you.

It never gets empty, it's full from the start.It's the centre of lights, and of love. It's your heart.And if on this Christmas you want to help me,Don't be so concerned with your gifts 'neath your tree.Open that sack, call your heart, & share Your joy, your friendship, your wealth, your care."The light in the small boy's eyes was glowing."Thanks for the secret. I've got to be going.""Wait, little boy," said Santa "don't go.Will you share? Will you help?Will you use what you know?"And just for a moment the small boy stood still,Touched his heart with his small hand & whispered,
"I will."

Picture of Christmas

2008-09-28T04:58:00.000-07:00

Pictures of X'mas

Christmas Animated Gift

2008-09-28T04:42:00.000-07:00

Animated Pictures of X'mas