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

Technorati Tags: Christmas Craft Ideas, Christmas Ideas, christmas traditons

The holidays conjure up all sorts of feelings in people. For families that have experienced happy harmonious celebrations the holidays are something to look forward to. For families that have a history of being dysfunctional the holidays my mean sad memories and dread at getting together again. For families that do not celebrate the holidays due to their belief’s it may be a time of feeling excluded and even alienated. No matter where you fall in this continuum the holidays are quickly approaching and gift lists and shopping needs to begin.

 I have been fortunate to have wonderful memories of Christmas’ past. My family had many wonderful traditions involving gift giving, baking, visiting relatives and friends and of course attending religious services. Now that I am an adult I continue to see Christmas as a magical time. I rarely stress about what I am going to give people on my gift list because I make the majority of my gifts. Through the year I make several different craft items which I include in Christmas gift baskets along with goodies that I make in my kitchen. I originally started giving the Christmas gift baskets when I was a college student and could not afford a great deal for gifts. Now I continue to give them because the recipients look forward to the homemade goodies they contain. Because not having funds is not longer a factor for me I use the best ingredients in my food items and high quality materials in the craft items.

Through the year I look for different containers to use for the Christmas gift baskets. Most times I do use baskets however depending upon the likes and personality of the recipient I may use another type of container. One year my nephew was just getting into fishing so I used a tackle box for his container. There are also times when I come across beautiful hat boxes that make a great alternative to a basket. Although each of the gifts I give is unique the standard fair for the Christmas gift baskets include something knitted or crocheted, either socks, slippers mittens, scarf or hat, a piece of beaded jewelry for the women, a loaf of bread, homemade jam, caramels, fudge and a specially made candied apple. It really makes me feel good when I hear people cheer when I show up with the Christmas gift baskets. I feel like I am giving part of myself in each gift that I give. Also I do not have to fight crowds and full parking lots. The making of the gifts are my year long past time.

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

Christmas traditions, like most traditions, are falling by the way side these days. More and more frequently, you hear people say how when they were children, they had several familial Christmas traditions. In this day of split families, short Christmas breaks, friendly distractions, and hectic schedules, it is hard to find the time to pass Christmas traditions to your children. However, passing on Christmas traditions is not difficult to incorporate into your holiday this year.

One of the things most people remember about their fondest Christmas traditions is the food. The holidays have always been a time for good food and warm times spent in the kitchen. This is a great time to spend with your child. Have them help you make Christmas cookies, pies, rolls, salads, and if your brave enough, have them help with the turkey. Not only can you get extra help frosting all those sugar cookies, but also you are passing on a wonderful Christmas tradition while doing something you would have to do anyways.

Though the time for opening Christmas presents varies from family to family, it is a simple Christmas tradition to start for your children. For example, everyone can fondly identify with the little boy from the “Christmas Story,” who eagerly awaits Christmas morning so he can open his presents. Even as an adult, sometime I feel the pull to gently unwrap a corner of a present and sneak a peek. Making your child wait to open presents is a Christmas tradition almost all of us can identify with.

Yet, I’d say the most important Christmas tradition you can share with your children is that of charity. At no time of the year is it easier to share with your child the pleasure and rewards of serving or helping your fellow man. Peace on earth and good will to men is easier to point out during the holiday seasons. Setting up a tradition of charity with your children will be a Christmas tradition your children will remember.

Whether you follow these steps or make up Christmas traditions of your own, I’m sure you’ll agree they are important. Sharing Christmas traditions with your children can be simple when you include them in your daily errands. Snag them to help you cook, make them wait to open their presents, and participate in charity as a family. These are the type of long lasting Christmas traditions your children will remember.

Technorati Tags: Christmas Craft Ideas, Christmas Ideas, christmas traditons

It’s only just a few days before Christmas and many are still reeling of the thought that the “big day” is quickly approaching. Some are not yet done with their Christmas list; others are still making a fuss about making some more craftwork on their gifts, while some are anxious on shopping for inexpensive christmas gifts. For those who have already thrown up their hands, thinking that they can never get it all done, don’t despair as there are many practically inexpensive christmas gifts around that you can just pull out. Simply roam around the internet and find inexpensive christmas gifts that will bring smile to your family, friends, colleagues, and neighbors.

Your gifts this Christmas does not really need to be expensive and extravagant. What matters is the thought that you have remembered people in your life that are special. By giving inexpensive christmas gifts, not only you are sharing the spirit of giving and sharing, but you are also wisely spending your valuable money. Finding inexpensive christmas gifts however, is not easy. Yes, you can find various cheap stuffs out there, but mostly, you’ll doubt their quality. Though this is the case, there are still lots of inexpensive christmas gifts that you can find at various stores and all it takes is effort.

Inexpensive Christmas Gifts Ideas

Here are some inexpensive christmas gifts ideas that you can consider. With all these suggested inexpensive christmas gifts, you will be able to give the best gift at extremely great price.

·        Flowers – Nothing beats the charm of flowers. However, they can get too expensive this Christmas.  So, opt for the inexpensive ones that are equally attractive like those that are costly yet affordable. Choose flowers that are beautiful and will last long. Flowers are great inexpensive christmas gifts and they are easily available.

·        Gift cards – This is among the best inexpensive christmas gifts. Gift cards are practical as you are giving your recipients the freedom to choose and buy what they want without risking good-sized amount of money. Thru gift cards, you eliminate the hassle of gift buying and wrapping as well as you are evaded from buying stuffs that will not be useful to your recipients.

·         Cake – Of course Christmas will not be complete without a cake. You can bake and personalize your home-made cake and attach some personal messages on it. With this, you have an instant and surefire inexpensive christmas gifts for Christmas.

·        Movies and DVDs – For your movie lover friends or family members, hit movies and DVDs are good inexpensive christmas gifts. These are also great for anyone and will only spend you less per movie or DVD.

·        Music and CDs – There are massive good music and CDs that you can find out there. With the diverse options, definitely you can find music and CDs that will make perfect inexpensive christmas gifts.

Alternative Inexpensive Christmas Gifts

These are just some suggested inexpensive christmas gifts. If you are still unconvinced, you can always resort to viable and inexpensive christmas gifts alternatives like making personalized crafts like a family portrait which you can send out to all the family members or why not a family picture placed on a hand-made photo frame. It is all up to you! Anyway you are the only ones that know your budget’s limits.

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

 It could be said that since it was the birth of a baby as a gift to
mankind that gave rise to Christmas, then children should also and always be the
primary focus of the season. Individual families will say they have always put
children first and parents will sacrifice seeking their desires at Christmas to
make sure their children are satisfied. And although adults also look forward
with much anticipation to the Christmas season, the frenzy that accounts for all
the shopping and preparation during the Christmas season is really for the
benefit of children.
    From a financial perspective, the extensive shopping done at Christmas is
really of benefit to businesses. But what really drives the maddening shopping
activity is a desire by parents, relatives, friends and acquaintances to play
Santa Claus, mainly for children. Within families, children are usually the ones
who individually receive the most gifts. And it’s deservedly so because their
wide-eyed anticipation, excitement and pure joy when they open their Christmas
presents gives everyone an indescribably happy feeling.
    Along with playing Santa Claus and secretly getting gifts for children,
adults also use the Santa story for all it’s worth as an effective means of
discipline. As soon as the Fall season approaches, children will begin to hear
warnings about their behavior and the consequence of Santa Claus not leaving any
toys or presents like the wonderful ones they received in the prior year. And
when the Santa Claus story is not being used to help to get the best behavior
from children, it is simply pure fun to delight them by telling them stories
about Santa Claus, his elves and reindeers to simply enliven their imagination.
    The story of Santa Claus is even useful for older children who may just be
starting to unravel the mystery of Santa Claus. The stories that tell of
different places where Santa Claus actually lives can be a starting point to go
on an imaginative journey around the globe and become a geography lesson to
learn about those places.
    Children are also central to Christmas because the many grand displays of
Christmas scenery, colorful lights and sparkling ornaments really target the
attention of children. So, if children were not so important at Christmas time,
then it is quite possible that many of the traditions that make Christmas what
it is would not exist. As an example, Valentine’s Day and holidays related to
Easter have a much different mood and atmosphere. Children aren’t the focus in
celebrations for those special periods.
    Christmas is also an important period for the toy industry whose clients
are naturally children. Although the industry is part of the big retail picture
and therefore seeks to boost sales during the Christmas season, there is also a
deeper meaning for children. Toys are important to entertain, to educate, to
help children develop their imagination and to develop coordination and other
skills in children. Toys can also help children to play together and learn to
share.
The toy industry is therefore important at Christmas time in introducing new
products that are integral to the development of children. When children become
totally captivated by a new toy at Christmas time, it may help them to learn a
new skill or provide new knowledge all in a fun and captivating way that will
make it more likely that whatever is learned will be remembered.
    Children are also the focus of Christmas celebrations because it is
important to create fond childhood memories of the season. These memories are
created not by children necessarily receiving a lot, but by enjoying everything
about the season. The story of Jesus with the moral of sharing, giving and doing
kind deeds for others can also help to build a good character and set a moral
foundation that teaches children to have empathy and compassion during the
Christmas season and all throughout the year.

Technorati Tags: Christmas Craft Ideas, Christmas Ideas, christmas traditons

Maybe it’s the undeniable alliterative appeal of Rudolph the Red-Nosed reindeer
that makes him the most known or popular of all Santa’s nine flying reindeers. 
It certainly doesn’t seem as easy to come up with a similar catchy description
for the others - Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donner and
Blitzen - as named in the song.

The story of Rudolph whose glowing red nose made him a standout, first appeared
in 1939 when Montgomery Ward department stores distributed about 2.4 million
booklets with the poem in the form of a story about “Rudolph the Red-Nosed
Reindeer.” It was written by Robert L. May, who worked in the store’s
advertisement or marketing department, to be used to attract more people into
the store. When the booklet was reissued in 1939, sales soared to more than 3.5
million copies. But it wasn’t until a decade later, in 1949, that the story
really gained immense popularity when Gene Autry sang a musical version of the
fable. As a Christmas song, it is second only in popularity to ‘White
Christmas.’

Rudolph, the ninth reindeer whose lighted nose guides Santa’s sleigh through the
night, is now known worldwide as the song has been translated into more than 20
different languages and an animated television movie has also been based on the
story. Rudolph and his noticeable nose have also become the subject of jokes and
sparked more interest in reindeers which has led to much research into Santa and
the flying reindeers who pull his sleigh through the sky.

Along with the catchy rhythm of the lyrics, Rudolph’s story is also appealing
because of the moral lessons it contains. As the story goes, Rudolph was
ostracized by the other reindeers, which laughed and teased him about his shiny
red nose. But on a foggy night, when Santa must have been concerned that he may
not be able to deliver his Christmas gifts around the world, Santa spotted him
and kindly asked if he would step to the front as the leader to ‘guide my sleigh
tonight.’ His shiny red nose would after all be very useful in lighting the way,
Santa thought. From then on ‘all of the other reindeers loved him,” and rightly
predicted that he ‘would go down in history.’

Among the moral lessons the story can impart is that an attribute that is
perceived as negative or as a liability can be used for a positive purpose, or,
become an asset. It also makes the point that an individual should not let the
negative behavior of others define him or her and limit expectations of what can
be achieved. And it also illustrates how quickly opinions and attitudes about a
person can change.

The question still lingers however of where Rudolph came from. He is commonly
regarded as the son of Donner (or Donder), one of the original eight reindeers.
But the Snopes.com site rejects this however, saying that he dwelled in a
reindeer village elsewhere and it was there that he was seen by Santa who had
already started on his Christmas Eve journey to deliver gifts. And in a more
modern evolution of the story according to Wikipedia.com, an animation by the
British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) introduced a son, named Robbie, of
Rudolph. That son has now become the tenth reindeer.

It’s also interesting to note that the idea of Santa’s sleigh being pulled by
reindeers was originated in the poem, ‘Twas The Night Before Christmas.’ That
poem tells the story of St. Nicholas, who is Santa, calling his eight tiny
reindeers by their names, as previously mentioned, just before he came down the
chimney of a house to start filling the stockings from a sack full of toys he
carried on his back.

Technorati Tags: Christmas Ideas, Christmas Traditions

        Christians celebrate Christmas to observe the birth of Jesus Christ, which is an event and not a tradition. But many other
activities related to celebrating the Christmas season evolved from certain traditions, many of which are from other countries,
particularly from peoples in Europe.

    Among common items used in Christmas decorations are the holly and the mistletoe. Both are used primarily in wreaths and garlands. The Druids started the tradition of using the mistletoe as decorative items up to two hundred years before Christ. To celebrate the winter season, the Druids would gather the plants and use them to decorate their homes. The Druids believed the mistletoe would bring good luck and ward off evil spirits. They also believed that the mistletoe had a healing quality and could be
used for everything from healing wounds to increase fertility. 
    In Scandinavia, the mistletoe was seen as a plant of peace and harmony and was associated with Frigga, the goddess of love. This association is probably what led to the custom of kissing under the mistletoe. In the Victorian period, the English also would hang mistletoe from ceilings and in doorways during holidays. The habit developed that if someone was standing under the mistletoe, someone else in the room would kiss that person. Such outright behavior was not generally seen in Victorian society.
    The use of the mistletoe in Christmas celebrations was once banned by the church however because of its associations with pagan traditions, and the use of holly was suggested as a substitute.
    Poinsettias are another traditional decorative flower used at Christmas. It is native to Mexico and is named after Joel Poinsett, who was the first U.S ambassador to Mexico and who brought the plants to America in 1828. Mexicans believe the plants were a symbol of the Star of Bethlehem and that’s one reason they are associated with Christmas. There’s also the story that a young
boy was going to see the Nativity Play at a church but realized he didn’t have a gift for Baby Jesus. The boy gathered some green branches, which others scoffed at. But as he placed them near the manger, a bright red poinsettia flower started to bloom on each branch, which gave rise to their traditional use at Christmas.
    Candy canes became a Christmas tradition not because their red and white stripes matched the colors of the season, but for the most unusual reason of discipline. that’s because they were first used as treats that were give to German children to keep them

well-behaved for the duration of church sermons. Over time, the legend of candy canes at Christmas came to be associated with some of the strongest symbols and beliefs of Christianity: the Father, Son and Holy Ghost known as the Trinity, the Blood of the Son of God, Jesus as the embodiment of holiness, purity and without sin and the Son of God as the shepherd of man. The candy cane represents these symbols respectively with its three stripes, its red and white color and its shape.
    Sending greeting cards during Christmas and the holidays is as prevalent today as the custom of giving gifts. The tradition of sending Christmas cards started in 1840 in Britain with the start of public postal delivery service of the ‘Penny Post.’ Then from about 1860, large numbers of Christmas greeting cards started to be produced. The popularity of the cards increased in Britain when
they could be sent by the postal service for one half-penny, which was half the price to post a standard letter at the time, if they were in an unsealed envelope. Religious pictures of Mary, Joseph , Baby Jesus, the angels, shepherds and Wise Men were traditionally placed on Christmas cards. Some cards today include scenes from the Nativity, but pictures of Santa Claus, winter scenery, Christmas
trees, gift packages and others are also depicted on contemporary Christmas greeting cards.

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

Christmas Traditions -  All About Santa Claus

One of the most popular Christmas traditions is that of Santa Claus .It’s only fitting that since Santa Claus has the magnificent capability to visit homes around the world in a single night that more than one place would claim to be his home. It’s common belief that Santa hails from the wintry North Pole, but folks in Finland will also tell you that Santa calls that country his home. To prove it, the Finns will even invite you to visit Santa in his workshop before Christmas or during the year and talk with Santa Claus as he and his elves busy themselves for their end-of-year Christmas expedition around the globe.

It is interesting to trace the origin of the Santa Claus Christmas tradition. The popularity in America today of the images and legend of Santa Claus can be traced to the poem, ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas,’ that was written by Clement Clarke Moore in 1822. In that poem, Moore described St. Nicholas as a jolly fellow who flew from house to house in a sleigh pulled by reindeers and waited for children to go to bed on Christmas Eve before he came down the chimney to deliver Christmas presents for them.

Following the distribution of that poem, the popular magazine Harper’s Weekly published cartoons by Thomas Nast between 1863 and 1886 that depicted Santa as a cheerful fellow with a large round belly and long white beard who wore a bright red suit that was trimmed with white fur. In those cartoons, Santa also held a sack, which was filled with toys for boys and girls, over his shoulder. The cartoons also showed Santa reading letters from good boys and girls, working in his workshop with his elves, checking his list to make sure he had all the required toys and even showed his wife, Mrs. Claus.

The tradition of Santa Claus was brought to America however by Dutch colonists who settled in New York City, which was called New Amsterdam at the time. The real St. Nicholas is said to be a minor saint from the 4th Century with a reputation for generosity and kindness that gave rise to legends of many miracles that he performed for the poor and unhappy. One of the stories about the legend of St. Nicholas is that he saved three poor girls who were sisters from being sold into a life of slavery or prostitution by their father.

According to the legend, Santa Claus provided the girls with a dowry so that they could get married. The legend of St. Nicholas led to hundreds of people being devoted to him and consequently thousands of European churches became dedicated to him.

After the Reformation period however, widespread practice and worship of St. Nicholas disappeared in European countries that were Protestant, except in Holland where the legend of St. Nicholas continued. St. Nicholas was known as Sint Nikolaas but that was later corrupted to Sinter Klaas. Dutch colonists took this tradition of Sinter Klaas to New York City where it was adopted using the English name of Santa Claus.

Over time, the Dutch legend of the kindly saint was combined with old Nordic folktales about a magician who punished naughty children and rewarded good ones with presents to give rise to the stories that now exist about Santa Claus. The red and white-trimmed suit of Santa Claus is believed to be the colours that the original St. Nicholas wore because red and white were the colours of the robes worn by traditional bishops.

It is also believed that the Coca Cola Co. played a role in what is regarded as the popular look of Santa Claus today through paintings by artist Haddon Sundblom that were placed in some of the company’s advertisement between 1931 and 1964.

We shall be looking at more Christmas traditions in suibsequent blogs so bookmark this page and keep in touch.

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

Simple Hand Made Merry Christmas Greeting Cards

Christmas is a time of giving Christmas greeting cards. Cards are a very important part of giving and receiving. This holiday season; instead of buying a box of Christmas cards to give your loved ones, consider making them yourself. Enlist the help of the kids and enjoy spending time together, while you put love and thoughtfulness into each and every card. First, you’ll want to come up with some ideas of what you’d like the Christmas cards to look like. Choose colors and themes, and then draw or write on a piece of paper what the card will say and look like.

Once you’ve decided on a card “template “, it’s time to gather your supplies together. Make a list and go to your local craft store to get everything you need. You’ll most likely want to have glue sticks, glitter, card stock or other thick paper, and anything else you’ll need to make your Christmas greeting cards. You can print the message you want to use for the card onto the actual paper, and use this as the “base card “. Choose the font and color of your message as well as the location, and then print this onto the card stock paper for each card you plan to make.

After the Christmas greeting cards are printed, fold them in the manner you prefer, whether it’s top to bottom or side to side, and even a little fold-over section for the top if you’re making a card with this style. If you’re gluing different colored paper or letters, etc onto the card, it’s time to go ahead and start cutting them out and getting them ready to glue to the card. Once you have enough shapes or letters in the paper style and color you need, go ahead and glue them to the front and inside (if need be) of the card. Make sure they are applied securely and if you’re using wet glue, be sure it dried thoroughly before moving on to the next step.

The fun part of making your own Christmas greeting cards is the personalized decoration. Add glitter, shaped brads (these can be found at most craft stores), or even photos. The choice is yours, but no matter what you choose, be sure it’s a reflection of your style and that it shows others how much you love them. Use your creativity and make the most unique Christmas cards ever. Let it become a family tradition, and come up with new card ideas to make by hand each year.

Technorati Tags: Christmas Ideas, Christmas Traditions, Chrustmas Greeting Cards