Archive for February, 2009

Christmas is a special time of the year for the joy and intangible magic
that fills the season. It comes through in the delightful decorations, glorious
get-togethers with family and friends and the sheer feeling of joy one gets from
giving and receiving gifts.
Although the commercialization of Christmas is often decried, shopping is
an important and central activity to some of the intangible magic of Christmas.
It is at the malls or downtown stores that some of the favorite sights, sounds
and scents of Christmas can be experienced.
The decorations at Malls and retail establishments are usually very
fanciful and eye-catching, especially to children, with the many colorful and
twinkling lights. It’s also a wonder for both adults and children alike to look
at the numerous tinsels, baubles and figurines such as fairies, angels and
little babies that adorn the main Christmas tree in the center of shopping malls
and others in department stores. These trees are usually extremely well
embellished with decorations that are arranged in a very professional way that
most shoppers can’t replicate in their own homes. It’s therefore a delight for
them to stare at such trees in wonder and amazement.
Along with the wide variety of decorations in retail establishments, there
also is the sound of music playing, bells ringing, the laughter and wishes of
Merry Christmas from shoppers that also create a special atmosphere and add to
the magic of Christmas. Even the sound of cash registers in the background adds
something to the special feeling shoppers have at Christmas time.
And of course there’s always a Santa Claus that children can meet and tell
what they want for Christmas, and also have their picture taken. Sometimes Santa
Claus may distribute Christmas gifts to children, telling them that because they
have been very, very good they are getting an extra special early Christmas
present.
The ability to delight children by telling them stories about Santa Claus,
as well as making them see and talk to the jolly old fellow, puts a lot of magic
and excitement into Christmas. Once the tradition is started, or from the first
time that children have been told the story, it becomes something that they look
forward to every year during the Christmas season.
There’s also the sound of music from choirs or school groups who often
give open performances singing Christmas carols and songs in malls and downtown
areas of towns. Families and others who are out and about will pause to listen
or to sing along with these groups.
Shopping is undoubtedly an enjoyable activity for most people during Christmas,
but merrier and more memorable times are enjoyed when time is spent with family,
friends and colleagues during the season. Before Christmas Day arrives, there
usually are parties at home and at work, an evening out with friends and other
occasions to get together and share the spirit of Christmas. The presence of
special Christmas music and people dressed in holiday attire provide a different
atmosphere and contribute to the magical feeling of the season.
Another thing that is different at Christmas is the scent from a fresh
Christmas tree, of gingerbread and other cookies baking and other food
preparations that are specially done at Christmas time. Most people who select a
real Christmas tree instead of an artificial one for their homes do so because
of the wonderful scent it provides. For many people, that scent from a Christmas
tree is what puts Christmas into everything else.
Another popular scent at Christmas comes from the popular Christmas song
‘Chestnuts Roasting Over an Open Fire.’ The actual roasting of chestnuts by
families during the Christmas season may be a rare occurrence these days but it
is occasionally done in some downtown areas and in bakeries and confectioneries
that make fresh products everyday.
All these events, activities, happenings, sights, sounds and scents of Christmas
and the holidays create special and unforgettable memories. And who can deny
that a pleasant memory is always something that is truly magical.

Technorati Tags: magical christmas, make christmas special

Christmas Party Ideas -3 Ways To Make Your Office Christmas Party a Success

The office Christmas party can often be the talk of the office long before the event (or after, depending on how it went.) So for those whose daunting task it is to organise it, it is vital to get the planning right.

Here I outline 3 ways to make your office Christmas party a success by identifying 3 main areas to consider: the venue, food and drink, and entertainment. But before you consider any options, you must determine your budget. Talk to your company’s financial manager to find out exactly how much you can spend.

Firstly, the venue where you will hold your office Christmas party. There are many factors to consider here. If it’s to be in the office, will there be space for catering? How many guests will be at the party? Will others such as spouses, partners or children be included? If children are invited the venue may have to be completely different to that of an all adult party and certain health and safety issues need to be looked into. If you decide on an off-site Christmas party you need to make sure you have a reservation before you announce the event. You can work on other details later, such as menu and decorations.

Once having selected your venue, food and drink is your next area to plan. If you are in charge of providing the food on-site, consider getting staff to bring a dish each and sign up on a sheet to say what they are bringing. This can keep the cost down if you are on a limited budget. You don’t have to have traditional Christmas holiday food.

Think about a theme and organize your food to relate to it. This can be followed through in your choice of decorations. If you are hosting your office Christmas party in the office, you may need to hire a bartender. Alternatively, you can set up self-service bars.

If you choose an outside caterer, you will need to select a menu and determine serving options. A restaurant may have a set menu or a few options so you have a selection of meals. Be sure to include some vegetarian options and check to see if any people have allergies that need to be taken into consideration. At an off-site venue you will need to choose the wine, beer and spirits you want to serve, but don’t forget the non-alcoholic drinks as well.

Be sure to draw up a contract with your venue that will outline the cost of the event including add-on expenses such as cleaning up, transportation and alcohol. Most venues have a person in charge of events management, so it’s good to get their name and contact details.

Finally entertainment at your office Christmas party. This is very much determined by your budget, venue and the group of people that will be attending. Music is  essential for the atmosphere. Either in the form of a DJ, band or your own selection it is something that can get the party off to a good start. Renting a Karaoke machine is easily done.

Whether on- or off-site you might want to consider some games or activities. These can not only be fun for the family and kids if present, but can be a great icebreaker at parties. Consider a quiz game or charades. For parties that include children having a Santa at the party is always welcome, especially if the company can provide small gifts such as candy.

And lastly make sure you send out all your invitations in plenty of time. Christmas holiday season is one of the busiest of the year, so you will want to give plenty of advance notice to ensure a good attendance. This plus good planning is sure to make your office Christmas party a success.

Technorati Tags: Christmas Party Games

With all of the activity surrounding the Christmas season, it’s almost hard not to get stressed by the end. There are some things that you can do, though, to make it a bit more bearable.

 Shop online or via mail order catalogs where possible. You won’t need to wade through huge crowds, you can shop in your pajamas, and you have access to a much larger selection of gifts than you would have in brick and mortar stores. During Christmas, many online retailers offer special promotions on shipping. You might even end up saving money (no gas to pay for, and you can compare prices online easily).

 If you end up shopping in brick and mortar stores, make a list beforehand and stick to it. It is a lot easier to adhere to a list versus wandering around aimlessly for hours in the stores. For this, you might want to consider taking friends along with you. You can go to the mall, shop separately, and meet up to relax over a cup of hot chocolate or coffee later on.

 Learn how to make lemonade out of lemons. If you know that you have to go to a dreaded dinner with certain relatives, for example, then invite a few friendlier people along.

 Try to break up the chores and do a little at a time. For example, if you decide to cook Christmas dinner, you can cook certain things the day before so that you aren’t in such frenzy the day of Christmas. If you give out Christmas cards, put the pile by your nightstand, and write out a few every night before you go to bed.

 Make a goal. When you have a destination point, you can visualize it. Decide to be complete by December 22^nd, for example, so that you can relax the next few days. You might even consider listing out your goals and due dates.

 Exercise. Exercise is always an immediate mood lifter. Take as little as 20 minutes and go for a walk. You will reduce stress hormones and increase your endorphins, thus putting you in a much more relaxed state.

 Avoid overeating. It is very easy to eat more than you normally would, with all of the parties and cookies being passed around. However, when you eat too much, you’ll feel stuffed and uncomfortable. Eat smaller portions and be happier.

 Take time outs for yourself. Take as little as 15 minutes a day. Listen to relaxing music, go for a walk, or paint your nails – whatever will make you happy. These 15 minutes can absolutely revolutionize your day.

 Follow these tips, and by the time Christmas comes around, you should be as upbeat and radiant as your Christmas tree.

 

Technorati Tags: Christmas Craft Ideas, Christmas Traditions, Inexpensive Christmas Gifts