Christmas has been over for a few weeks now and I’m still driving around my town and seeing Christmas lights being displayed. I don’t mind the pretty little white lights that I actually think could be appropriate for the winter season. I do mind the little colored blinking lights that should have been taken by now. I have been told, more than once, that Christmas lights for your christmas tree can stay up for the entire month of January, not just December. Okay, if that is the case – I’m thinking that by February 1st, they should all be packed away in tangled balls for next December. Even worst than seeing Christmas lights this many weeks after the holiday has passed, is seeing the giant Santas and reindeer in people’s yards. One of my neighbors enjoys littering their entire yard and rooftop with tons of decorations for the season. I personally couldn’t be paid enough money to put any of it on my property, but to each their own. This yard still displays a Santa, a reindeer, candy canes, North Pole signs and tons of other things that aren’t just for winter, they are all about Christmas. The most humorous part though is that they still have the giant sleigh on top of their roof lit up every single night. I can’t even imagine what their phone bill is right now. I am tempted to take all of it down and put it on their front porch.
Why do people leave Christmas tree lights and decorations up? Is it laziness? Is it that they believe that until a certain date it is acceptable? I can’t answer that. I know that on New Year’s Day, my household takes down and puts away all of the Christmas decorations. All of the Christmas lights get taken down and put away as well. I decorate for winter with snowmen and décor around my house. I wish that my neighbors would get the hints. I do leave my white candles in my windows until the winter is drawing to an end. There is nothing prettier than snow falling and seeing the soft glow of candles from the windows of houses. Plus, it makes for a great nightlight in some of the rooms – an added bonus in my household. My toddler loves when I leave hers on until I go to bed. She thinks it is the most wonderful thing in the world.
If you’re one of those people out there who hasn’t put away your Christmas lights or decorations, do your neighbors a favor and pack them up. Maybe you think that it is acceptable for Santa and the season to hang around until Valentine’s Day, but that doesn’t mean that everyone around you shares that opinion. Save some money on your electric bill. Use the extra money to be some less tacky Christmas lights and decorations for the next time Christmas rolls around.
Monday, 29 October 2007
Sunday, 28 October 2007
Exterior Christmas Decoration
When it comes to holiday decoration, there are many different types of people. Some stay with the simple, and some go all out. There are many who are in the middle, and some that don’t do anything at all. Those who really get into the Christmas spirit many times will decorate inside and out, and sometimes, they spend quite a bit of time on this endeavor. What is most impressive can be the exterior Christmas decoration that they do. You don’t have to be Chevy Chase in Christmas Vacation, but you can have fun with things outdoors at this time of the year.
What can be fun about exterior Christmas decoration is that this is something that anyone who drives by will see. That means you might be the house on the block that everyone thinks of as the place with the really great Christmas display. Sometimes, communities get together and have contests to see who can come up with the best, and they have streets full of such houses for those wishing to view them. They may even have events or special viewing times. I know in my community there is a street know for their decorations, and they have a contest each year. It’s always worth the drive to go see what they have done.
If you are planning to do some exterior Christmas decoration, think about what you want to do so it seems as if you have planned it. Some get anything and everything they can find, and they end up with a cluttered look rather than something really neat. Nativity is popular, and you can find many life sized sets to put in your yard. If you like that idea, add some real bales of hay, and maybe go with twinkling white lights to draw attention to what you have created.
Some like to have Santa and any thing else they think goes with that theme. Some have both. Christmas means a little something different to everyone, so go with what feels right to you. There really is no right or wrong when it comes to exterior Christmas decoration, with the exception of having something so bright that the neighbors begin to complain. You also have your power bill to think about. Having your exterior done up around the holidays will certainly spread cheer around your community, and will put anyone coming to your home in a happy mood. That alone is worth the time and effort. Just remember to take it down once the holidays have pasted.
What can be fun about exterior Christmas decoration is that this is something that anyone who drives by will see. That means you might be the house on the block that everyone thinks of as the place with the really great Christmas display. Sometimes, communities get together and have contests to see who can come up with the best, and they have streets full of such houses for those wishing to view them. They may even have events or special viewing times. I know in my community there is a street know for their decorations, and they have a contest each year. It’s always worth the drive to go see what they have done.
If you are planning to do some exterior Christmas decoration, think about what you want to do so it seems as if you have planned it. Some get anything and everything they can find, and they end up with a cluttered look rather than something really neat. Nativity is popular, and you can find many life sized sets to put in your yard. If you like that idea, add some real bales of hay, and maybe go with twinkling white lights to draw attention to what you have created.
Some like to have Santa and any thing else they think goes with that theme. Some have both. Christmas means a little something different to everyone, so go with what feels right to you. There really is no right or wrong when it comes to exterior Christmas decoration, with the exception of having something so bright that the neighbors begin to complain. You also have your power bill to think about. Having your exterior done up around the holidays will certainly spread cheer around your community, and will put anyone coming to your home in a happy mood. That alone is worth the time and effort. Just remember to take it down once the holidays have pasted.
Saturday, 27 October 2007
A Letter From Santa
How can a Letter From Santa make a difference to your child?
We all have our own personal memories of christmas as children. Presents, turkey dinners, real christmas trees, snow. The list is endless. But one memory that never leaves most of us, is the thought of Santa coming on his sleigh, pulled by his reindeers, late into the night when all children are asleep, delivering those long awaited presents!
I, for one, still get a buzz from the Santa story. Watching a Santa DVD at christmas with my young children brings all those old feelings of excitement to the fore. I see the same look of belief and anticipation of what is about to come in their faces as I used to feel at their age. This is why I would not miss sending a letter to them from Santa every year.
My kids love it! They tell all their friends about 'Santa' sending them a letter. It makes them feel important and special. (what a small price to pay).
Surprise your children with a letter from Santa. By sending a letter from Santa you'll make this Christmas a magical experience for your child. Just think back to when you were a child and try to remember the excitement of getting something in the post, imagine if that something was a letter from Santa Claus himself, in his handwriting, stating exactly why you were good this year and what you wanted for Christmas.
You could send a Letter from Santa to Your Entire Family, no matter what the age. Your family members are sure to appreciate a special custom made letter from Santa himself!
Santa can personalize details specific to your child including: your child's name, gender, age, hometown, accomplishment, present, and best friend's name. You'll also find that by receiving this personalised letter from Santa, they can't wait to "be nice to their sibling" or "clean up their toys" or "take care of their pet" when Santa asks. So, it also makes your life better on the run up to christmas!
We all have our own personal memories of christmas as children. Presents, turkey dinners, real christmas trees, snow. The list is endless. But one memory that never leaves most of us, is the thought of Santa coming on his sleigh, pulled by his reindeers, late into the night when all children are asleep, delivering those long awaited presents!
I, for one, still get a buzz from the Santa story. Watching a Santa DVD at christmas with my young children brings all those old feelings of excitement to the fore. I see the same look of belief and anticipation of what is about to come in their faces as I used to feel at their age. This is why I would not miss sending a letter to them from Santa every year.
My kids love it! They tell all their friends about 'Santa' sending them a letter. It makes them feel important and special. (what a small price to pay).
Surprise your children with a letter from Santa. By sending a letter from Santa you'll make this Christmas a magical experience for your child. Just think back to when you were a child and try to remember the excitement of getting something in the post, imagine if that something was a letter from Santa Claus himself, in his handwriting, stating exactly why you were good this year and what you wanted for Christmas.
You could send a Letter from Santa to Your Entire Family, no matter what the age. Your family members are sure to appreciate a special custom made letter from Santa himself!
Santa can personalize details specific to your child including: your child's name, gender, age, hometown, accomplishment, present, and best friend's name. You'll also find that by receiving this personalised letter from Santa, they can't wait to "be nice to their sibling" or "clean up their toys" or "take care of their pet" when Santa asks. So, it also makes your life better on the run up to christmas!
Christmas Gifts For Christmas
The holiday season is a time to create wonderful memories that will be cherished for a lifetime. Many people embrace this season with open arms in the hopes of making each year a little better than the last. Why not take extra time in choosing thoughtful Christmas gifts for christmas that will be cherished as long as the memories.
The task of choosing unusual Christmas gifts can be overwhelming especially for certain friends and family members. However, there are tons of ideas available online. After taking a few moments to browse through the many thoughtful Christmas gifts that can be bought online, you will quickly see that the process is a real joy. Following are some great ideas for holiday presents.
Art prints make fantastic presents for anyone who loves items that are aesthetically pleasing. These thoughtful Christmas gifts are ideal for a young couple just purchasing their first home. They will think of your lovely gesture and generosity each time that they gaze at the beautiful artwork that you chose.
I like to stick to the classics when it comes to items like art prints. You can’t go wrong with a reproduction of a person’s favorite artist’s most famous work. Some may prefer original paintings created by lesser known local artists while others may want graphic prints or black and white photographs. No matter what, art makes wonderful Christmas gifts.
As long as you are inspired by creativity, you might as well look for Christmas gifts that embrace literature. Why not browse an online bookstore for great ideas including autographed books, magazine subscriptions and, of course, classic literature written by the old masters.
One fantastic trend in Christmas gifts is personalized items. You can order a seemingly endless number of products that can be personalized just for your special recipients. There are so many wonderful ideas in this kind of specialty holiday presents that you can find something for everyone on your list.
Personalized Christmas gifts come in many different forms. There are interior decorating items, ornaments and even blankets that can adopt a special message or a personal image of your choice. This approach to holiday gift-giving is a winner every time. People love that someone has taken the time to go out of his way to create a perfect present.
Remember that Christmas gifts are tools for creating wonderful memories for you and your loved ones. There are plenty of great ideas to help you make new memories for your friends and family.
The task of choosing unusual Christmas gifts can be overwhelming especially for certain friends and family members. However, there are tons of ideas available online. After taking a few moments to browse through the many thoughtful Christmas gifts that can be bought online, you will quickly see that the process is a real joy. Following are some great ideas for holiday presents.
Art prints make fantastic presents for anyone who loves items that are aesthetically pleasing. These thoughtful Christmas gifts are ideal for a young couple just purchasing their first home. They will think of your lovely gesture and generosity each time that they gaze at the beautiful artwork that you chose.
I like to stick to the classics when it comes to items like art prints. You can’t go wrong with a reproduction of a person’s favorite artist’s most famous work. Some may prefer original paintings created by lesser known local artists while others may want graphic prints or black and white photographs. No matter what, art makes wonderful Christmas gifts.
As long as you are inspired by creativity, you might as well look for Christmas gifts that embrace literature. Why not browse an online bookstore for great ideas including autographed books, magazine subscriptions and, of course, classic literature written by the old masters.
One fantastic trend in Christmas gifts is personalized items. You can order a seemingly endless number of products that can be personalized just for your special recipients. There are so many wonderful ideas in this kind of specialty holiday presents that you can find something for everyone on your list.
Personalized Christmas gifts come in many different forms. There are interior decorating items, ornaments and even blankets that can adopt a special message or a personal image of your choice. This approach to holiday gift-giving is a winner every time. People love that someone has taken the time to go out of his way to create a perfect present.
Remember that Christmas gifts are tools for creating wonderful memories for you and your loved ones. There are plenty of great ideas to help you make new memories for your friends and family.
Thursday, 25 October 2007
Christmas tree stores
For some people, choosing a Christmas tree each year involves the same thing. They go out, choose a live tree, and then bring it home. If they didn’t want a live tree, they could go out to the store to get an artificial tree, and those were all basically the same, though they did come in different sizes and heights. Today, there are many more great options, and one of the best places to find those options are Christmas tree stores. If you want something new and different, this is where you should be looking.
What you will find at a Christmas tree store will depend on where you shop. There are some that are all about Christmas, and you can get almost all of your Christmas decorating things in one spot. Others are part of larger stores, but might also offer a great selection of trees from which you can choose the one that you like the best. These are easy to find any most larger stores. All you have to do is look for the twinkling lights.
When you go to a Christmas tree store, you can find a great selection of unique looking trees. Some are already decorated, and that can save a lot of time if you find one that you love. You can find trees in different colors and styles, and some of them might even be musical. Even better, you find more than trees. If you are looking for a designer type of tree decoration, you can find everything you need in one destination. These stores tend to have things for other holidays, so you may want to check it out for other needs as well.
A good Christmas tree store also have any other things you can imagine. Think about lights, wreaths, clothing, and anything else you might want to have around just for the holidays. If you are looking for a set of dishes in the Christmas theme to use when you have the family over for a meal, this might be the best place to find what you would like. You are also probably going to find things you have never heard of or have ever seen before. If you are big on Christmas decorating, you may have a hard time leaving. Even better, specialty stores like these are popping up all over the place, so keep your eyes open and shop online if you wish. Both are great sources for what you need.
What you will find at a Christmas tree store will depend on where you shop. There are some that are all about Christmas, and you can get almost all of your Christmas decorating things in one spot. Others are part of larger stores, but might also offer a great selection of trees from which you can choose the one that you like the best. These are easy to find any most larger stores. All you have to do is look for the twinkling lights.
When you go to a Christmas tree store, you can find a great selection of unique looking trees. Some are already decorated, and that can save a lot of time if you find one that you love. You can find trees in different colors and styles, and some of them might even be musical. Even better, you find more than trees. If you are looking for a designer type of tree decoration, you can find everything you need in one destination. These stores tend to have things for other holidays, so you may want to check it out for other needs as well.
A good Christmas tree store also have any other things you can imagine. Think about lights, wreaths, clothing, and anything else you might want to have around just for the holidays. If you are looking for a set of dishes in the Christmas theme to use when you have the family over for a meal, this might be the best place to find what you would like. You are also probably going to find things you have never heard of or have ever seen before. If you are big on Christmas decorating, you may have a hard time leaving. Even better, specialty stores like these are popping up all over the place, so keep your eyes open and shop online if you wish. Both are great sources for what you need.
Friday, 19 October 2007
Cheap Christmas Decoration
There’s nothing better than decorating for the holidays. And if you’re like most people, your favorite holiday for decorating is Christmas. For many people, the more decorations – the better. For some people, being able to afford lavish and serene Christmas decorations is a bit of a challenge. There are lots of ways to decorate for Christmas, or any holiday, on a limited budget.
Trying to find a cheap Christmas decoration isn’t always easy. Then again, it doesn’t have to be that difficult either. The best way to get some quick and cheap Christmas decorations is to let your children use their imagination. Suddenly, with some construction paper, scissors and glitter, your children can make snowflakes come to life and transform any room in the house. Handmade snowflakes can be plastered all over windows as well, giving a sense of youth and fun for some decorations. Don’t have any children? You can relive your youth and create some snowflakes on your own.
There are lots of ways to create a form of a cheap Christmas decoration. You can always use the same decorations year after year and save yourself quite a bit of money. While it may sound wonderful to get new décor each and every year, that isn’t always feasible. However, if you don’t want your house to appear the same as the previous year, switch some decorations around. Use the decorations from one room and switch them with another room.
Another cheap Christmas decoration idea is to use artificial flowers, wreaths or trees. Sure, live poinsettias and flowers look brilliant for décor, but, they can become rather costly. You can easily head to a discount art store and get some individual silk flowers to make your own creations. You can make your own wreath for a fraction of the cost. And, it’ll last longer than the live ones that only last for several weeks.
Saving Christmas cards from previous years can make for some cheap Christmas decorations as well. Cut out the pretty pictures and scenes from the cards. You can glue them onto plain paper and cut them out. You can create artistic centerpieces and tablecloths with them. If you use your imagination, there are lots of ways to create a cheap Christmas decoration, or decorations for any holidays. Head to a department store and cruise through the aisles of decorations. Study them. What do you see that you can create on your own for a fraction of the costs. Once you get some ideas of what you want and like, put some time and creativity into decorating. Find some holiday books at the public library and copy some of their projects. Just remember – whatever you create, cherish it and keep it for the following years.
Trying to find a cheap Christmas decoration isn’t always easy. Then again, it doesn’t have to be that difficult either. The best way to get some quick and cheap Christmas decorations is to let your children use their imagination. Suddenly, with some construction paper, scissors and glitter, your children can make snowflakes come to life and transform any room in the house. Handmade snowflakes can be plastered all over windows as well, giving a sense of youth and fun for some decorations. Don’t have any children? You can relive your youth and create some snowflakes on your own.
There are lots of ways to create a form of a cheap Christmas decoration. You can always use the same decorations year after year and save yourself quite a bit of money. While it may sound wonderful to get new décor each and every year, that isn’t always feasible. However, if you don’t want your house to appear the same as the previous year, switch some decorations around. Use the decorations from one room and switch them with another room.
Another cheap Christmas decoration idea is to use artificial flowers, wreaths or trees. Sure, live poinsettias and flowers look brilliant for décor, but, they can become rather costly. You can easily head to a discount art store and get some individual silk flowers to make your own creations. You can make your own wreath for a fraction of the cost. And, it’ll last longer than the live ones that only last for several weeks.
Saving Christmas cards from previous years can make for some cheap Christmas decorations as well. Cut out the pretty pictures and scenes from the cards. You can glue them onto plain paper and cut them out. You can create artistic centerpieces and tablecloths with them. If you use your imagination, there are lots of ways to create a cheap Christmas decoration, or decorations for any holidays. Head to a department store and cruise through the aisles of decorations. Study them. What do you see that you can create on your own for a fraction of the costs. Once you get some ideas of what you want and like, put some time and creativity into decorating. Find some holiday books at the public library and copy some of their projects. Just remember – whatever you create, cherish it and keep it for the following years.
Wednesday, 17 October 2007
Christmas village scene
A lot of people feel very nostalgic at Christmas time, as they think back to their childhoods or hark back further to Victorian times. Modern life will never replace our fondness for the traditional Christmas village scene. These images can take many forms, including books, jigsaws, decorations and model villages.
A one thousand piece jigsaw will keep the family fully occupied over the festive season! Thomas Kinkade is one artist who designs these Christmas village puzzles, showing a typical winter scene of houses lit up with lights and horse drawn carriages. For collectors of old prints, there is a book that contains the Village Church Decorations Children Christmas from 1895. It shows a mother and her young daughter, dressed in their finest warm clothes and walking through a snowy churchyard.
Many people like to decorate the outside of their house and gardens with the brightest display of decorations. Rooftop ones are very popular, including the Santa Sleigh over the Village Outdoor Christmas Light. This is a rope light and shows Santa Claus led by three reindeer over a Christmas village scene of houses, church spire and tree tops coated in deep snow.
Little cottages and houses are another form of ornamental decoration at this special time of year. The Ginger Village - Deco Light Pretzel House is a charming cottage with a night light and is pink and purple. Lots of people collect decorative plates, displaying them in cabinets or hanging them on the wall. The Christmas Plate - Christmas in the lemax christmas Village shows a church and a duck pond with swans, bathed in blue moonlight. For those creatively inclined, Christmas Village stencils are fun to do, with pictures of children playing in the snow, sledging and horse carriages.
For an advent calendar with a difference, the Old-Time Christmas Village Stickers calendar is ideal. Instead of opening windows each day, there are houses to stick on to winter scenes. The colorful calendar can be brought out every year, as the stickers can be re-used. Old fashioned houses surround a quaint village square with a Christmas tree in the middle. A church has a choir assembled outside and the snow topped hills form the background to this scene.
Model villages can be used indoors or outside. The Charles Dickens A Christmas Carol story is often the inspiration behind such models. This explains the Victorian theme of many village scenes. Snow is always on the ground, not so common now for today's children, and the snow is pristine without the tracks of cars.
A one thousand piece jigsaw will keep the family fully occupied over the festive season! Thomas Kinkade is one artist who designs these Christmas village puzzles, showing a typical winter scene of houses lit up with lights and horse drawn carriages. For collectors of old prints, there is a book that contains the Village Church Decorations Children Christmas from 1895. It shows a mother and her young daughter, dressed in their finest warm clothes and walking through a snowy churchyard.
Many people like to decorate the outside of their house and gardens with the brightest display of decorations. Rooftop ones are very popular, including the Santa Sleigh over the Village Outdoor Christmas Light. This is a rope light and shows Santa Claus led by three reindeer over a Christmas village scene of houses, church spire and tree tops coated in deep snow.
Little cottages and houses are another form of ornamental decoration at this special time of year. The Ginger Village - Deco Light Pretzel House is a charming cottage with a night light and is pink and purple. Lots of people collect decorative plates, displaying them in cabinets or hanging them on the wall. The Christmas Plate - Christmas in the lemax christmas Village shows a church and a duck pond with swans, bathed in blue moonlight. For those creatively inclined, Christmas Village stencils are fun to do, with pictures of children playing in the snow, sledging and horse carriages.
For an advent calendar with a difference, the Old-Time Christmas Village Stickers calendar is ideal. Instead of opening windows each day, there are houses to stick on to winter scenes. The colorful calendar can be brought out every year, as the stickers can be re-used. Old fashioned houses surround a quaint village square with a Christmas tree in the middle. A church has a choir assembled outside and the snow topped hills form the background to this scene.
Model villages can be used indoors or outside. The Charles Dickens A Christmas Carol story is often the inspiration behind such models. This explains the Victorian theme of many village scenes. Snow is always on the ground, not so common now for today's children, and the snow is pristine without the tracks of cars.
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