Christmas Is Giving!

Christmas Is A Time To Reconnect

noreply@blogger.com (Admin) — Mon, 20 Dec 2010 22:33:00 -0800

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It is a fact of human life that, from time to time, we grow distant from those who we love. There are several reasons for this. Things happen in our life that take us to different places, and we cannot cover so much ground. Many of us have a number of friends and acquaintances and cannot be in contact with all of them at the same time. Christmas can be useful in repairing some of the damage that this does, and this is a major reason why it is seen as being a time of togetherness.

Whatever we may think at a given time, no friendship or relationship needs to be considered completely broken if one or both parts of it feel that there is a chance of reconnection. There may be a lot of hurt there, but Christmas allows a focus on things that we thought were lost. It is a time when many people feel that there is a chance for forgiveness, for apologies and acceptance. Whatever we feel may have been lost, we can focus on bringing back the good times.

Of course, Christmas is only here for a month, or a few weeks, and then we have to refocus on the world without Christmas in it. This is when the true test of what has been rebuilt comes, and if we are not truly committed to making it happen then it can still fall away again. But if you feel that you would like to reconnect with someone you had lost contact with, Christmas is the time to make it happen.

How To Convincingly Show Your Children Santa Has Visited

noreply@blogger.com (Admin) — Wed, 15 Dec 2010 22:20:00 -0800

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The moment when children realize that Santa isn’t real is often a difficult one. Most of us remember with no small amount of embarrassment – but also a sense that that moment was when we lost our innocence. Part of the magic of Christmas as a child is to look wonderingly at a Christmas Eve night, hoping and praying that Santa is going to visit and that you’re on the Good list. It’s an innocence and magic we wish to preserve in our children for as long as possible, and to that end, here’s a quick list of things to do to make Santa’s visit appear all the more convincing:

1. Take a bite out of the mince pie / cookie!

It’s so simple, but so often forgotten. If your children leave food out for Santa, make sure you take a convincing bite. The same goes for any drinks left out – take a swig. Your kids will be delighted that Santa enjoyed their offering, and you’ll get something tasty too.

2. Icing sugar footprints.

All you need is a sieve and a white powder – icing sugar pre-mix is best for the job – and you’ve got the tools to make some convincing Santa footprints. Pour the powder into the sieve and sprinkle a route from the chimney to beneath the tree, just like Santa would walk in his snow-covered boots from Lapland.

3. Sign a couple of gifts “From Santa”

A small touch but a nice one. While the majority of your gifts can say “from Mom and Dad”, add in a couple that are signed by the man himself.

Is Christmas Just A Time For Children?

noreply@blogger.com (Admin) — Wed, 1 Dec 2010 22:15:00 -0800

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The older we get, the more Christmas can seem like a holiday which is simply designed to get the maximum amount of money out of our wallets, even as we enjoy the festivities. There will always be some people willing to make a cynical quick buck or two, and this does not help matters. However, the holiday period does certainly have its compensations, and many would say that these multiply when we have children. Children can add a lot to the Christmas experience, rejuvenating the holiday in the eyes of those of us who had felt like giving up the whole jamboree.

For children, Christmas is a time of wonder. It would be churlish to say that this is all because of the presents, but it would also be stretching the bounds of credibility to suggest that the idea of gifts did not play a major part in it. Children are quite materialistic – they will want good gifts, as they have to return to school after the holidays and join in the competition over who got what. But at the same time, the ideal message of Christmas – one of friendship and goodwill – is something that children can spread more thoroughly than anyone.

As adults, there are certain harsh realities which do not go away just because it is Christmas. However, there is a way in which the holiday can make us face these realities with a steely determination that they won’t get the best of us. It may be our children who get the most out of Christmas – but we can get a lot out of it too.

Christmas Traditions : Not Essential, But ...

noreply@blogger.com (Admin) — Sun, 21 Nov 2010 22:24:00 -0800

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There is no right and no wrong way to celebrate Christmas. At least, where Christmas is concerned you do not have to stay with the traditional ways. After all, one of the major messages of Christmas is peace and goodwill. It would be absolutely wrong to start introducing rules as to what constitutes an acceptable form of revelry, above and beyond those already laid down by the law of the land. As long as you stick to the laws which exist, your Christmas can take any form you deem acceptable.

That said, there is a reason that the traditions have become traditional. When the first Christmas mince pies were produced, it is likely that the baker who cooked them had no idea just how much a part of Christmas they would become in many countries. People eat them, however, because they like them. Equally, it is not essential to have a tree in your house for the Christmas period – but people do, and have done for many years it does give a certain festive cachet to the whole occasion.

The main thing to keep in mind about the festive period is that people are supposed to enjoy themselves, and this should not be controlled by an insistence on maintaining traditions. The one tradition that should always be upheld at Christmas is that people are kind to one another and find a way to get along, even with those people they would ordinarily not speak to. As for the rest of it, people will find their own way.

The Dreaded Christmas List

noreply@blogger.com (Admin) — Tue, 2 Nov 2010 22:29:00 -0700

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At some point in November, children across the globe sit down and thoughtfully pen their letter to Santa. For many parents, this is a moment of horror, when the desires of our children are laid out. Particularly in tough economic times, a dollar-demanding list can be a cause of high anxiety. Given that we naturally want our children to have what they want, many parents will get into debt this Christmas trying to meet their children’s requirements.

To try and prevent such a crisis, there needs to be some ground rules. Naturally, your children are not to know these are ground rules as such – after all, Santa is making the toys, you’re not buying them – but the spirit is the same. Before they make their list, tell your kids that Santa is very busy this year and only has time to make a set number of presents. Allocate each child the same number, and tell them they have to stick to it, with one alternate.

Children may not like this, but it’s necessary if you want to avoid debt following the Christmas holiday. It also teaches children a good lesson in channeling their desires to get what they really want; something which will come in useful in later life. Of course, if you find you have a little more cash than you’d expected, you can always add gifts. By asking them to prioritize, you can be sure that more effort and thought will go into the list than if they had just written down everything they could think of.

Ho Ho Ho ... Merry Christmas

noreply@blogger.com (Admin) — Fri, 25 Dec 2009 08:06:00 -0800

TheGeniusKids wish all readers "Merry Christmas"

The Legend of Santa

noreply@blogger.com (Admin) — Thu, 24 Dec 2009 07:25:00 -0800

Santa Claus hasn't always looked like the jolly old fellow we know today. Like so many other American traditions, he's a product of the great American melting pot - a blend of many different cultures and customs. But the most influential figure in the shaping of who we know now as Santa was a real man, known as St. Nicholas of Myra. He was a fourth century bishop, and is legendary for being generous and kind.

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According to one legend, St. Nicholas heard of a farmer who had three daughters of marrying age who could not afford to pay their dowries. Knowing the farmer was too proud to accept an offer of money, he climbed atop their home and tossed three bags of coins down their chimney, each of which landed in a stocking that each girl had washed and hung their by the fire to dry. The next morning when they woke, they found the gift and each went on to marry and live happily ever after. When word of St. Nicholas’ generosity spread, families far and wide hung stockings by their fireplaces and hoped to also receive gifts.

Because of his wisdom and sensitivity, many groups claimed St. Nicholas as their patron saint. Children, orphans, sailors, and even thieves often prayed to the compassionate saint for guidance and protection, and even entire countries including Russia and Greece, also adopted him as their patron saint, as have students and pawnbrokers. Eventually, the image of the stately saint was transformed onto an almost mystical being, one known for rewarding the good and punishing the bad.

The date of his death, December 6th, was commemorated with an annual feast, which gradually came to mark the beginning of the medieval Christmas season. On St. Nicholas' Eve, youngsters would set out food for the saint, straw for his horses and schnapps for his attendant. The next morning, obedient children awoke to find their gifts replaced with sweets and toys, found their offering untouched, and might also find a bundle of firewood. When people came to America, they brought the legend of St. Nicholas with them, which evolved into excitedly awaiting his arrival on Christmas Eve.

The Gift of the Christmas Present

noreply@blogger.com (Admin) — Sun, 20 Dec 2009 07:35:00 -0800

The practice of exchanging gifts at a winter celebration is can be traced back before the birth of Christ to the Roman celebration Saturnalia. They would exchange lucky fruit gifts called Stenae, and would have a big feast, just as most people do today. But Christmas gift giving grew following the birth of Christ when the Three Wise Men traveled a long distance to bring gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh to the newborn baby Jesus. Since that time, gift giving has evolved into many seasonal stories and the stuff of Christmas legend.

St. Nicholas and his associates were widely known for their charitable acts. In their honor, French nuns in the 1200s brought presents to the homes of poor children on the eve of St. Nicholas’ feast day, December 6.

But in 1700s England, gift giving wasn’t as charitable an act. Groups of poor boys and men would simply march into the homes of the wealthy and demand gifts of food, drink and cash. Because their servants and peasants insisted their employers treat them as equals, they felt they had no choice but to comply with their demands.

It was around this same time that in America, gift-giving custom had become popular. Friends and family often exchanged money and food, and at times, everyone in a community received apples, scarves or other handmade gifts for Christmas. When the Christmas tree became popular in the 17th and 18th centuries, small toys were tied to its branches, which led to the tradition of wrapping the gifts in colorful wrap and decorations. Before the Industrial Revolution, most children's toys were also homemade, but by the 1800s they were made quickly and affordably in factories and were readily available. It was after the Industrial Revolution that Christmas shopping evolved into a custom of its very own. Even back then, there were large crowds, long lines at the cashier, and traffic jams that consisted of carriages and pedestrians instead of cars.

Steal a Kiss and Snag a Berry

noreply@blogger.com (Admin) — Sat, 19 Dec 2009 08:00:00 -0800

The tradition of the mistletoe dates back to ancient history and across many cultures. Ancient druids viewed it as a symbol of peace, goodwill and love. Warring tribes chancing across it stopped their battles observed a temporary truce, and people began displaying it the doorways of their homes as a sign of peace. The Druids also believed it to have the power to p

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rovide fertility.

There are some cultures who think it guarded them against witches and witchcraft, and other cultures believed it to have medicinal and healing properties and used it to treat a variety of illnesses.

But mistletoe’s roots run deep in the area of love. In some cultures, most notably in Europe, if you kiss a woman under the mistletoe sprig, it is considered a marriage proposal. But its lore has evolved into something a bit more lighthearted. According to most current day traditions, a young woman simply stands under the mistletoe and awaits her sweetheart’s kiss. Traditional legend dictates however that for each kiss that’s stolen from underneath a berry must be removed from the sprig, and if the berries are gone then so are the kisses. It is believed that an unmarried woman not kissed under the mistletoe will remain single for another year. Therefore, if you’re hanging mistletoe in your home, be sure to get a large enough bunch for the kisses to last!

Few people realize however that mistletoe is actually a parasitic plant with thick, leathery, poisonous leaves and white berries that lives on trees. One French tradition says that the reason mistletoe is poisonous is because it was growing on a tree that was used to make the cross that Jesus was crucified on. Because of this, it was cursed and denied a place to live and grow on earth, forever to be a parasite.

Mistletoe has been Oklahoma’s state flower and oldest state symbol, adopted in 1893.

Toast the Holidays with a Cup of Egg Nog

noreply@blogger.com (Admin) — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 07:58:00 -0800

Egg nog is a type of milk-based beverage popular in North America during the winter. Historically, it comes from posset, a hot curdled milk drink popular in the Middl

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e Ages purported to have medicinal purposes. The name is a combination of egg and nog, where nog derives either from noggin, which is ale or a small wooden cup. It could also stem from grog, an alcoholic beverage made from rum. It’s even been said that George Washington was himself an egg nog enthusiast and developed his own recipe that included rye whiskey, rum and sherry. Legend has it that it was a very strong drink and either only the most courageous or those with little sense were willing to try it.

It’s highly likely that egg nog originated in Europe, although some believe it originated in the original American colonies who added rum. Therefore it’s not strictly just a holiday drink, but more of winter time drink. However, it is mostly served during both Christmas and New Year’s Eve.

Modern eggnog typically consists of milk, eggs, and sugar mixed together and may be served with or without added spirits. Other ingredients include spices such as nutmeg, cinnamon, or allspice, and frequently the substitution of cream for some portion of the milk, making a much richer drink. Whiskey, rum, brandy, or cognac can be added to eggnog.

Originally served warm, egg nog has been served cold and without alcohol since the mid 1960s, both of which are significant departures from its historical origins. It’s even available in a soy-based formula for those with dairy allergies or who are vegan.

Egg nog has long been the drink of choice to toast the holiday season. So hoist a cup and have a happy holiday season!

The Burning of the Yule Log Brings Good Luck

noreply@blogger.com (Admin) — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 07:54:00 -0800

It’s been a holiday tradition to burn a Yule log even before there was a Christmas. It signifies that it is time for friends and family to gather near for songs, stories and fun, and until the Yule log burns out, there’s no more working.

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In its beginnings, the Yule log was burned as a celebration of the winter solstice. Yule ran from several weeks before the winter solstice to a couple weeks after in Scandinavia, as this was the coldest and darkest time of the year. And though the Yule log is named from this Scandinavian tradition, the practice of burning a special log during the winter months was a tradition in many countries across the world.

When Pope Julius I decided to celebrate Christmas around the time of the Winter Solstice during the fourth century, the Yule log tradition continued, but the light from the burning log represented the light of the Savior instead of the light of the sun.

Traditionally on or about Christmas Eve, a big log was brought into the home or a larger gathering place. People would sing and tell stories while children danced and played. The log was even decorated, and food and wine were placed upon it as offerings. It was also a way of starting the New Year with a fresh start as a person’s mistakes and shortcomings were burned in the flame of the log.

Songs were sung and stories told. Children danced. Offerings of food and wine and decorations were placed upon it. The log was never allowed to burn completely; leftover pieces of it were kept in the house to start next years log and also to bring good luck to the home. It was believed those pieces would protect the home from fire, lightning or other acts of nature. Ashes of the log would be placed in wells to keep the water good and spread at the roots of trees, vines and sprinkled upon gardens and crops to ensure a good harvest.

The Lore of the Christmas Tree

noreply@blogger.com (Admin) — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 07:52:00 -0800

The Christmas tree has become one of the most beloved and well-known holiday symbols and it’s been a staple in winter celebrations for centuries.

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Many pagan festivals used trees to honor their gods and spirits. In Northern Europe the Vikings considered the evergreen a symbol and reminder that the darkness and cold of winter would end and the green of spring would return. The Druids of ancient England and France decorated oak trees with fruit and candles to honor their gods of harvests, and the ancient Romans decorated trees with candles and charms for Saturnalia in which they celebrated the winter solstice.

There are many legends surrounding the lore of the Christmas tree. One story tells of an English monk, St. Boniface, who happened upon a group of pagans who were gathered around an oak tree preparing to sacrifice a child. Legend has it that St. Boniface destroyed the tree with one punch from his fist, and a small fir tree grew in its place. St. Boniface called it the Tree of Life and told the pagans it symbolized the life of Christ.

But the use of a Christmas tree indoors appears to have begun in Germany. German Christians would bring trees into their homes to decorate. Sometimes evergreen trees were hard to find, so a large pyramid-like structure was erected and adorned with branches, candles and other knickknacks. When German immigrants came to America, they brought their Christmas tree tradition with them.

Early Christmas trees were often decorated with apples, nuts, cookies, colored popcorn and candles. Later, electrical lights were invented for the Christmas tree, increasing its popularity even more.

Now Christmas trees are everywhere. The National Christmas Tree in Washington is a White House tradition, and thousands flock to Rockefeller Center in New York City to view the thousands of lights and decorations that adorn it. From the simple to the ornate, Christmas trees are now the decorating centerpieces of many homes throughout the world.

The Good Talker

noreply@blogger.com (Admin) — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 01:01:00 -0800

“Who needs him, he’s such a loser.” Roger responded to his friend Steven when the subject of Danny came up.

“That’s a pretty harsh thing to say about your brother.” Steven responded. Roger knew it was harsh. He thought back when he and Danny were kids. Danny, the older by a year and a half, was always the guy who could “fix anything”. Oh, how mom and dad bragged on Danny when he fixed the washing machine or the lawnmower of unclogged a drain in the kitchen. At first, Roger tried to learn to do what Danny did but it never worked out.

Finally, in high school, Roger found his gift and like his own dad, it was the gift of gab. He won competition after competition in speech, debate and other forms of speech giving. He seemed to have a natural ability to talk to people, give speeches or just get people to see things his way or rally to his cause. It served him well as he moved into a sales career whereas Danny built a very successful auto mechanics business around his skill.

But sadly, for all the success the brothers had their dislike of each other kept them apart. Danny never understood by talking was a good skill and Roger thought being able to tinker with machines or pipes or wires was a geeky way to be. They fought about it endlessly until Danny moved out but holidays were always tense except when they went to see Grandma. Everything stopped at Grandma’s house because she saw them as her sweet baby boys and for a while when they visited her, they were sweet and children again, innocent and always ready to play.

Steven left his friend Roger in his office thinking about his brother. Roger wondered if there ever be a way to make things ok between them. He didn’t know that over I his garage, while fixing a car, Danny was wondering the same thing. Roger’s thoughts were broken by the phone ringing. He answered it. The sound of urgency in the voice was frightening.

“Roger, the floods have his Pilger.” Steven informed him. Pilger was not far from the large city where his family grew up. “The water is rising there and people are becoming trapped in their second floors. The Red Cross is going in to try to get people out.”

At first, Roger didn’t get too alarmed but then he remembered, Pilger was where Grandma lived. He picked up the phones and called her but no answer. He knew she lived alone in that big house and probably could not get to the phone. The thought of her alone facing that terror was more than he could stand. Moving almost on instinct, Roger got moving. He organized a rescue mission for the town of Pilger using his huge network of contacts at church, work, his clubs and his business contacts. Within hours, Roger had an army of men and machinery gathered in the parking lot of the Church. They were ready to invade Pilger and save those people.

“Folks,” he announced to the crowd of rescuers from his bullhorn. “We need to pray. My grandma is down there and you all have relatives there too. Let’s pray that God help them until we can get there.” And then he bowed his head and led them in prayer.

“Roger we have another area to pray about.” Steve shouted out. “Lots of these boats are broken. We need mechanical help or getting all of us down there will be no good. We need someone who can fix anything.” Roger felt his face go hot with emotion because it was like God was telling him, “Get Danny.” He had no time to wallow in self-pity or resentment at Danny. He picked up his cell phone and called his brother’s number.

All he had to say to Danny was “Danny, its Roger, grandma’s in danger. Get down here.” And he knew Danny would fly to the scene. And that is what happened. Danny brought his tools and workers and in no time, they had the machines in tiptop shape. Side by side, the brothers loaded the boats and together they got to Pilger and got every citizen out. As the brothers sat side by side on the boat heading to grandma’s house they both suddenly knew why they were so different. Danny knew that he could have never gotten such a huge response and organized the rescue so beautifully. And Roger knew that Danny’s gift for fixing things was crucial to their success.

As they got grandma into the boat, she hugged them both and kissed them and then she said what they both were thinking. “God has given each of you boys a wonderful spiritual gift. Working together you are a powerful tool for him.” They knew it was right because that is how God blesses the church. By giving everyone unique and wonderful gifts, we all can work together to do what God has for us to do. Separate we are incomplete but together we are powerful tools for God to use for good.

Who is your Christmas Amigo Secreto in Brazil?

noreply@blogger.com (Admin) — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 07:49:00 -0800

Father Noel is the gift-bringer in Brazil. According to Brazilian folklore, he lives in Greenland, and it’s been said that because of how warm it is in Brazil during the Christmas holida

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y, Father Noel wears silk clothing to stay cool.

There is a very common tradition among friends and families, called amigo secreto, or secret friend. In early December game participants write their own name on a piece of paper, and then place it in a bowl or hat to be drawn by another participant.

They then draw a name from the bowl, but do not reveal to anyone what name it says. Then throughout December people receive cards and notes from their secret friend, which have apelidos, or fake names, on them. Only on Christmas Day do people reveal who their secret friend was and offer a gift. During the month there are exchanges of correspondence among the participants who use apelidos (fake names). On Christmas, family and friends gather to reveal their secret friends and offer them a special gift.

In the old days, devout Catholics would attend Midnight Mass or Missa do Galo. Galo is Brazilian for rooster. The mass is called by this name because it actually doesn’t end until very early Christmas morning. Since it can be hard to stay up that late, masses are celebrated December 24 later in the afternoon or in the early evening on Christmas Day.

Homes are festively decorated using fresh flowers picked straight from the garden. Brazilians also take great pride in displaying their Presepio, or nativity scene. Gigantic displays of electric lights in the form of Christmas trees can be seen everywhere, especially in larger cities such as Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo. Elaborate fireworks displays and festive celebrations help ring in the New Year.

Toss a Shrimp on the Barbie in Australia for Christmas

noreply@blogger.com (Admin) — Sun, 13 Dec 2009 07:47:00 -0800

Christmas is a very different experience in Australia. It takes place during the hottest months of the summer in the Southern Hemisphere, so dreaming of a white Christmas while in Australia is about the only way you’ll have one!

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Many Australian Christmas traditions are ingrained in their British roots. A traditional Christmas meal usually includes a turkey dinner, sometimes with ham. Plum pudding is also sometimes part of the menu, as is a Pavlova, an Australian meringue made with whipped cream, strawberries and passion fruit. . But some opt for more traditional summertime fare for their holiday meal such as cold ham, salads, or seafood.

Since the weather is so warm, many choose to spend their holiday outdoors. A great number of people flock to Bondi Beach in Sydney. Shorts, tank tops and swimsuits are the preferred Christmas attire. Because of the warm temperatures holiday decorating is done with beautiful flowers and fauna. One of the most popular choices is a native Australian plant called the Christmas Bush.

Back in Melbourne in 1937, caroling by candlelight was born. Now it is an annual event during the holiday season all across the country. Sydney’s Domain is another popular venue for carolers to gather and sing.

Santa Claus, or Father Christmas, is as popular as he is throughout the world, though he is sometimes depicted wearing swimming trunks instead of a red wool suit, and cold drinks and foods are left out for him on Christmas Eve instead of milk and cookies. Australian trees have various wooden and glass decorations, tinsel, garland and lights, just as Christmas trees around the world.

Boxing Day, a national public holiday in Australia as it is in England, is celebrated yearly the day following Christmas, December 26. It is well known for being the day the dangerous yacht race that runs from Sydney to Hobart begins.

Wishes for Hronia Polla in Greece for the Holidays

noreply@blogger.com (Admin) — Sat, 12 Dec 2009 07:44:00 -0800

St. Nicholas is important part of Greek tradition as the patron saint of sailors. Greek ships never set out on a voyage without having an icon of St. Nicholas on board. Greek tradition tells of his clothes being soaked from sea water and perspiration from working to save sinking ships

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and rescue sailors from the angry sea.

Boys travel from home to home on Christmas Eve beating drums and tinkling triangles while singing Christmas carols. Each household usually gives each boy a gift of dried figs, nuts and candies.

Following 40 days of fasting, the Christmas feast is a grand celebration. Pigs are slaughtered and on almost every table are loaves of christopsomo, or Christ bread. This bread is made in large sweet loaves of various shapes and the crusts are engraved and decorated in some way that reflects the family's profession. As people gather together to celebrate and feast, they say Hronia Polla, or many happy years. Another favorite holiday treat is a kourambiethes, a cookie made from nuts.

The main decorative symbol of the Christmas season in a Grecian household is a shallow wooden bowl with a piece of wire is suspended across the rim. Sprigs of basil that are wound around a wooden cross hang from the wire. And just like a Christmas tree, the basil is watered slightly to keep it fresh. Then once a day someone in the family dips the cross and basil into some holy water and uses it to sprinkle water in each room of the house. This ritual is believed to keep the Killantzaroi, or mischievous goblins believed to appear from the earth during the 12 days of Christmas, away from the house.

At Christmas very few presents are given to each other. Instead, Greeks choose to give small gifts are given to hospitals, orphanages and others in need.

The Tradition of the Christmas Wreath

noreply@blogger.com (Admin) — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 07:42:00 -0800

Centuries ago, long before the birth of Christ, the wreath was always a part of festive processions. The evergreen wreath has always been a Christian emblem of eternal life and God's faithfulness to all humanity because of its hardiness and ability to withstand the cold winter temperatures.

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An advent wreath is a ring or set of four candles, usually made with evergreen cuttings and used for household devotion by some Christians during the season of Advent, or the holy season for the Christian church. Many churches illuminate these candles in succession through the four weeks leading up to Christmas as part of their Sunday services.

Typically, three of the candles are violet-colored, and one is rose-colored, but some choose to use all purple or all blue candles. When used in household devotion, one candle is lit on the first evening of Advent, which falls on a Saturday. Each Saturday thereafter during Advent another candle is lit. Some wreaths have a large white candle in the center which is lit on Christmas Day to signify Christ's birth.

The first Advent wreath was invented by Johann Hinrich Wichern; a Protestant parson in Hamburg, Germany in the 1830’s and 1840’s and was in charge of an orphanage. The children of the orphanage made a wooden ring and affixed red and white candles on one side of it. During each service of daily prayer a child would light one candle, until on Christmas Eve all of them would be illuminated. It is thought that children liked this ring so much that they decorated it with evergreen twigs, mainly from fir trees. Later the number of candles was reduced to the four main ones.

The tradition of hanging a Christmas wreath took a while to catch on in Germany. When German immigrants came to America, they brought this old tradition with them, and now it’s a household tradition for many families to have a wreath made from evergreen hanging upon the front door of their home.

The Angel Child

noreply@blogger.com (Admin) — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 00:35:00 -0800

“GLORY TO GOD, GLORY TO GOD, GLORY TO GOD IN THE HIGHEST” The angel choir sang in the skies above Bethlehem that very first Christmas night. All of the Shepherds looked on in wonder as they heard from the choir of angels that filled the night sky of the coming of the Messiah, the Christ Child, Jesus who would save his people from their sins.

David watched from the hill not far from the flock and his uncle and dad who were tending the sheep. He had been coming out with his male relatives to learn how to be a shepherd under their care and teaching. They had sent him off to find a lost baby sheep that had wandered off. David knew exactly where the little scoundrel sheep was because he had chased her many times. He had given the sheep a name, Spunky and it had become David’s special pet in all the herd.

As the Angel Choir finished, David heard Spunky baa not far from where he was sitting. Spunky liked a little cove where some sweet herbs grew and only she knew about them. But she must have gotten caught in the brambles. Sure enough, there she was, all caught up and very unhappy.

“Oh Spunky, you get in trouble every time you come up here. What would you do without me?” David said happily, as he helped her get loose and she began to play about his legs and feet.

“Wow, is that a sheep?” David heard the small voice not far off.

“Who’s there?” He said nervously. As he looked around, a child, seemingly a few years younger than him stepped from the shadows. She was dressed all in white. But what really stood out is that she had wings on her back and a ring glowing on her brow, not like a headband, slightly above her brow and her whole gown glowed in the dark. “Who are you?” David said but he found he was not afraid so he approached her.

“Shhhh, I slipped out of the choir. I wanted to see what it was like, you know, here.” She said and she ran to Spunky and started petting her.

“The choir? You mean, in the sky?” David gasped.

“Yes, wasn’t that pretty? I sang a while but I can’t really do much so I slipped out.” She said her angels wings spreading as she played with the lamb.

“Hello, my name is David.” David politely introduced himself. “You’re an angel?” He said and he knelt down and looked at her face.

“Yes, my name is Shauna. You’re a human?” She said and for a moment, they just stared because neither had ever been this close to someone like that. Suddenly David jumped up and laughed.

“Then let’s play!” He declared running to a tree and jumping to the branch for a catapult.

“YAY!” Shauna giggled with delight and before she knew it, her wings carried her to the tree limb and she looked down and teased her new friend from her perch.

“No fair!” he declared but no time to fuss. The new friends, an angel girl and a shepherd boy ran and laughed and played for what seemed like hours in the hills just outside of Bethlehem, not very far from where the Baby Jesus was just born.

David ran ahead followed closely by Spunky and then Shauna who took flight from time to time and then landed running as fast as she could keep up when David splashed into a cold running stream laughing and slinging water back at the lamb and the angel. “Tag” David teased Shauna, “You’re it.”

Shauna was laughing and ducking enjoying every second because so much of this she never experienced in Heaven. Suddenly a sound like a trumpet was heard in the sky not far from where the Angel Choir sang its heavenly songs.

“David, I have to go home now. We all have to back to Heaven now.” Shauna said sadly.

“But I don’t want you to go. You are my friend, can I go with you?” David begged.

“No David. I am an Angel. My job will be to do God’s Will in heaven. I will praise him and help people when He sends me to help them.” She said lifting slightly into the air on her small wings.

“But I like those jobs. Maybe I can be an angel.” David objected.

“You have an even more important job David.” The Angel Child told him. Down in Bethlehem the Christ Child has been born. You must take the news of His salvation to everyone. Go to the valley and see Him David. His name is Jesus and only you, a human boy can tell other human boys and girls about Jesus. So go. I will always be near you because now that we have met, I will be your guardian angel.” And then she mysteriously disappeared.

“How will I know you are near by?” He shouted at the sky.

Just then, a big splash of water flew up from the stream and hit him in the face. He heard her voice near the stream. “Tag.” She said with a giggle. “You’re it.” She said. David laughed and turned and started to run to Bethlehem to see the miracle of the Christ Child, the Miracle of Christmas.

Christmas Songs – A Mixed Bag

noreply@blogger.com (Admin) — Wed, 9 Dec 2009 02:28:00 -0800

The moment that most people begin to feel that Christmas is really on its way will be the moment when they are walking through a shopping center and they hear one of their favorite Christmas songs. After that point it is hard to resist the fact that the holidays are coming. For many people however, the Christmas music industry is tantamount to the arms trade or drug dealing – a horrible industry that makes money from rotting people’s brains and spreading anger. Of course, that is just the cynicism talking. Everyone has a favorite Christmas song, even if we are loath to admit it.

What we will generally agree on is that there are certain Christmas songs which, if they were sung at any other time of the year, would be the subject of derision and mocking from everyone. They do not need to be named, because we all know them, and by naming them we will inevitably start to hear them in our heads. And that way lies madness. However, some Christmas songs are actually good, independently of the season.

To say which Christmas songs are good would of course start a new debate. But surely, if you open your mind and your heart, you would have to admit that you have a favorite Christmas song. When you are walking through a shopping center and hear the one that you love, it will mark the beginning of the period where you can allow yourself to get excited about the festivities. But by the end of the Christmas period, you will still probably be sick of it.

Ensure You Enjoy Your Christmas Meal

noreply@blogger.com (Admin) — Tue, 8 Dec 2009 02:23:00 -0800

Depending on the traditions you were brought up in, you probably have a variety of things you usually eat around Christmastime. This can vary from the vegetables and meat served at dinner, to a particular brand of chocolate to be eaten on Christmas Eve. Food is a big part of Christmas, and most of us develop habits even when traditions do not exist.

Image via Wikipedia

Yet there is a flaw in this ideal. While it is always good to have some traditions, traditions that are based around food can be a little more tricky. We cannot all like Christmas pudding, mince pies, candy canes and other seasonal niceties - yet many of us insist on eating these items anyway. Eating something just because it's Christmas, and that's what you do at Christmas, is extremely bizarre - but we do it anyway!

Christmas is a time to be enjoyed, and that means we should enjoy the food we eat as well. If you have always hated Christmas, fruit pudding, maybe this year it's time to say to hell with tradition and have a dessert prepared that you do enjoy. No, it may not be Christmas dessert as you remember, but tell yourself you are starting an entirely new type of Christmas tradition. There is no reason to buy and consume foods you do not enjoy.

If your family protest, merely state that you have a distaste for certain Christmas foods and you would prefer not to eat them. Mostly, the issue will pass without further comment, and will not be raised again. You will thus be saved an uncomfortable culinary experience, and you may even have a few jealous, less rebellious family members eying your delicious dessert!

More delicious Chocolates recipes --> Click HERE

Secret Santa – The Element of Mystery

noreply@blogger.com (Admin) — Mon, 7 Dec 2009 02:18:00 -0800

When Christmas comes closer, it has become traditional in many workplaces, college residences and other communal settings to have a “Secret Santa” policy to allow members of staff to buy and receive presents, without the pressure of knowing who is buying for you, and in th

Image via Wikipedia

e knowledge that the person for whom you are buying will not know it was you that bought their present. The idea of a Secret Santa has become very popular in recent years, as it introduces a fun element to the workplace at Christmas.

The concept is simple. When you have a number of people interested in taking part in the Secret Santa game, you take names down on slips of paper and drop them into a hat. The hat should then be passed among the team members who then have a chance to pick names out (putting their own back in should they draw it) and then, within a set limit of expense, buying a present for the team member whose name they have drawn. Then they wrap the present and attach a note with the message “To (Name), Merry Christmas from your Secret Santa” – or words to that effect.

The game can have its drawbacks, of course. If someone lets slip the name which they picked out of the hat, then the Secret aspect is lost for the person receiving the gift. Also, if you get the name of someone you do not like (and it does happen), buying a gift for them can be less than enchanting. However it is still massively popular.

The Commercialisation of Christmas

noreply@blogger.com (Admin) — Sun, 6 Dec 2009 02:12:00 -0800

Christmas is a time of year that draws strong reactions from a wide range of people. As much as it is a time for family and theoretically to be enjoyed, Christmas does have its opponents. Or, to be more accurate, there are people who are thoroughly displeased by the idea of a holiday which used to be about family togetherness and happiness being turned into a corporate festival which relies on rampant consumerism. Looking at the supermarkets which have Christmas related lines on their shelves from September onwards it is not hard to understand their points.

However it is inevitable that this kind of commercialism will take a grip on a holiday where gifts play a major part. Knowing that people will spend money to get the best gift for those who they love, the companies with something to sell will put a lot of their advertising budget into the Christmas period. The inevitable knock-on effect is that other companies will do the same to compete. Add this to an element of competition among families to get the “best” (read: most expensive) gifts, and you have a recipe for a commercial holiday.

Is it possible to have a Christmas holiday without being carried along on the waves of consumerism? Well, yes, of course it is. It is important to keep the message firm in your family, that Christmas is about people and not products. Gifts are wonderful, no doubt. But without the emotion behind them, they are still just things.

Looking For The Right Gift On Your Budget

If you were to run a word association exercise where you say one word and your counterpart says an associated word, then the word “Christmas” could have a series of associated terms. One person will say “tree”, another will say “present”, and still others will say “decoration”. Some people, conscious of what they will be getting up to in the run-up to Christmas, will supply the word “shopping”, because Christmas makes a lot of people think about what they will be buying for others. Some people love it, others hate it. but if you do not want to be considered a “Scrooge”, then you will not be able to avoid Christmas shopping.

Christmas shopping is something which has many different approaches that can be applied to it. The fact is that many people leave their shopping to the final few weeks before the holiday, and when the things that they are looking for turn out to be in short supply they curse that course of action. Others do their shopping in advance, by a few months (and some even do it in the January sales), but this can demand a level of prescience that most of us do not have.

If you embark on a relationship in the weeks running up to Christmas, you will then be forced into coming up with a gift that will keep the relationship running smoothly. Should you use the Internet to buy it, knowing that it will be in stock but may not be delivered on time? Or should you brave the crowds and go into the stores to look for the right gift? Only you can decide.

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Daddy the Superhero

noreply@blogger.com (Admin) — Sat, 5 Dec 2009 00:21:00 -0800

Brandon and Sean loved superheroes. They loved Superman and Batman and the Fantastic Four and dozens and dozens more. They rooms were overflowing with action figures and comic books of all of the most amazing super heroes in the imaginary world and they knew their names and their stories to the tiniest little detail.

“Tell me the favorite thing you like about a superhero.” Mommy aced them as they settled in for their evening devotionals.

“Well,” Sean started. “They always defeat evil. Evil monsters and people who want to hurt innocent people are always wiped out by superheroes when they use their superhuman powers.” He said making punching thrusts into the air sitting on the couch with mommy in his footy pajamas.

“What I like is that superheroes are never afraid and always know what to do.” Brandon added looking into space like he could see his favorite superhero right there in front of him.

“Well I am going to tell you of a real superhero that you live with. We will call him SUPERDADDY.” Mommy said happily.

The boys burst into laughter. They thought of their daddy as someone who sat at his computer working, a shy gentle man with his hair starting to go away. “Daddy isn’t a superhero!” They said together.

“Well right after you boys were born, daddy and I received Jesus and now Jesus is in our hearts. You know that don’t you.” Mommy said and both boys nodded.

“Well Satan didn’t want us to have wonderful boys like you who would be raised to serve god. One day, daddy got up and in his spiritual eyes, he saw the house was full of evil creatures lurking around trying to find ways to stop God from doing His will in our lives. Suddenly from far away, daddy heard the trumpet call coming from heaven that was going to have war with Satan and his demons to defeat them.

Right away daddy put on his superhero armor. He used the sword of the word of God. And the breastplate of righteousness. Our living room was changed into a huge battleground between Satan and God’s servants. Your daddy led the attack charging forward shouting the battle cry. “IN THE NAME OF JESUS.”

The enemy tired to attack. They swarmed around him. Oh, they were nasty and ugly little evil things. They were angels who fell with Satan and demons and evil spirits like Jesus cast out of people in the Bible.”

“Oh mommy, I would be so scared to see demons like that.” Sean said his voice quivering thinking of how brave SUPERDADDY must have been.

“Well SUPERDADDY was filled with the Holy Spirit so he had the boldness of God in him.” Mommy continued. “He stabbed with the word of God’s word sending the demons howling from the battle. Once an army of evil things tried to attack our family and daddy used the super weapon of praise. Raising his mighty sword into the air, he sang the praises of Jesus and the evil spirits ran in fear form him. The fire of the Holy Spirit like we read about in Acts was shooting from daddy’s sword and the ends of his fingers because he was full of God’s power and anointing to fight evil. Finally, SUPERDADDY stood face to face with the prince of all that was evil himself.

“The devil himself? How could daddy fight him?” Brandon said very frightened thinking of the daddy he loved facing the most evil thing in the universe.

“Well that’s because your daddy is not only brave and strong and full of the superpowers of the Holy Spirit but he also knows who he serves. He knew he could count on his Lord to back him up. He pulled the sword of the word out and declared. “AT THE NAME OF JESUS, EVERY KNEE SHALL BOW.”

“Just then daddy stepped aside and knelt putting his head covered with his helmet to his sword. From behind him Jesus stepped up and cast Satan away. Jesus spoke the word of God and banished the evil one from the battle and from our home forever. Then he put a barrier of protection around us so we can live here in peace and worship God and so daddy and I can raise you little stinkers to become mighty men of God just like daddy.” Mommy finished the story tickling Brandon and Sean and making them giggle.

“Oh now, you telling that old story of the battle with Satan again?” Daddy said walking through and smiling seeing his family playing together.

“Daddy we want to be superheroes just like you!” Sean shouted jumping up to him for a hug.

“You learn the Bible and how to pray and all the lessons you will learn at church and Sunday School and Jesus will use you boys to battle evil too. Just you wait and see.” Daddy said hugging them goodnight. The boys watched daddy the superhero walk away. To their eyes, he was just a regular dad, but even then, as he walked off, they thought they saw small flames shoot from his fingers.

Set 2 Reversible Capes Superman, Incredibles and Batman, Spiderman
comes with 2 masks

A Christmas Tip On Tipping

noreply@blogger.com (Admin) — Fri, 4 Dec 2009 01:58:00 -0800

It is now socially acceptable - if not expected - to give tips during the Christmas season. These are usually small bonuses handed out to households to the people who make your life run a little smoother for the rest of the year; usual recipients include mailmen, people working at the post office, a building or house supervisor and the paper route boy. Yet while this is som

Image by camknows via Flickr

ething of an established tradition, it can be tricky, particularly if you've moved into a new area.

Your first move should be to establish if tipping at Christmas is something your neighbors do. While you may think it harmless to tip even if your neighbors do not, it could create resentment if they find out - they may feel you are deliberately making them appear to be a Scrooge. A few well timed questions should reveal an answer - and may even reveal what is accepted to be given. If not, try the internet - a local community online where you can post the question anonymously should have the same result.

When you know if you are (or aren't) tipping, it's time to think of the tip itself. This is a tricky line to walk, as you do not want to appear overly generous, nor do you want to appear stingy. It is best to set a base rate and do the same for all the people you plan to tip. The amount is obviously dependent on your circumstances, but do not fall into the trap of spending more than you can easily afford. The tip may be a Christmas bonus for some, but don't let it ruin your Christmas by breaking the bank. A simple thank you and a decent but not excessive tip should see you right.

The Best Christmas Gifts For Teenagers

noreply@blogger.com (Admin) — Thu, 3 Dec 2009 01:50:00 -0800

Buying gifts for teenagers is a nightmare. Where you could once be sure the latest hot toy would satisfy a delighted child, teenagers are far more complex creatures altogether. Unless you ask a teenager to write a designated Christmas list - something which may be sneered at as childish - you could find yourself struggling when it comes to gift buying.

One of the first ways to maneuverer around this problem is to keep your ears open from August onward. Listen out for any hints - deliberate or not - as to what the teenager in question may like. They may mention a fondness for a particular band or movie; meaning you can buy the CD or DVD, providing they do not already have it (a quick scan of shelves should provide the answer).

However, sometimes answers are not so forthcoming, and you'll need to be a little more cunning. To this end, around October time, indulge the teenager in a game of "what if?". Do it idly, as if it is merely a way of passing the time, and do not press for answers. Ask what they would do with the money if they won the lottery, and then scale it down. Even if you don't get specific answers, you should get an insight into what they really want.

If you still cannot find an answer, try not to go for the easy option of cash unless specifically asked for. Think of stores they frequent and buy gift vouchers, or give a coupon on Christmas Day entitling them to a pair of concert tickets - for the show of their choosing. With a bit of thinking and cunning, you should be able to have one happy teenager come Christmas morning.