Preparing for the Holidays

Preparing for the Holidays by Jane Roseen

November has come, and the Halloween decorations are being packed away. Now comes the big social months of the year. That’s right, it’s time to plan for the holidays already. But if you prepare now, before the holidays are right upon us, you will save yourself the last minute headache that seems to come every year.

It can seem at times that November is the quiet month before the big December holidays of Christmas and Boxing Day. However, if you take the time to prepare your home throughout November, you’ll be able to celebrate both the big December holidays and the smaller November holidays in style.Get your decorations in order now. Begin to make your home look festive and joyful. By the time Thanksgiving comes to the United States on November 24th, and the start of Advent comes to the world on November 27th, you’ll be well into the holiday spirit and ready to celebrate with family and friends.

A great way to make a successful transition in decorating between the November fall holidays and the December winter holidays is to choose neutral bases that can be easily accessorized. For example, a blend of various types of greenery at the base of a centerpiece can have the traditional orange and red berries and leaves added to it for your November entertaining. But once they have passed, more traditional December decorations like holly and poinsettias can be added quickly and efficiently.

When it comes to your holiday table, focus on dishes that can be prepared ahead of time and stored. Certain side dishes, pies, cakes, and cookies can be prepared now and frozen or placed in the pantry for holiday dinners and parties. By getting those taken care of ahead of time, you’ll help to minimize the feeling of a “chicken with its head chopped off” that seems to be omnipresent during the holidays. Often, you can garnish those items at the last minute with various sweets or sauces and make it look as if you slaved over the stove all day when you really were able to relax with a cup of holiday cheer.

One of the most stressful parts of the holidays, both mentally and monetarily, can be gift-giving. As wonderful of a feeling as it is to give someone a gift you know they’ll love, it’s equally as frustrating when you have no idea what to get someone. When gift givers seem to have it all, it can seem impossible to find something that they would love that’s within your budget. The best idea for the person who has it all is something that they can enjoy and then it’s done. That way, they can create a new memory of your gift without having something else to clutter up their home.Some great gifts along this line include a gift card from the local movie theater, a pass to the local museum or zoo, or tickets to an upcoming play or musical. For some people, the best choice would be something edible that you know they’ll enjoy. Maybe a mix for their favorite cookies, a box of choice candies, or even a gift certificate for an evening out on the town would tickle their taste buds.

Even more embarrassing is when someone arrives at your doorstep with a beautifully wrapped package for you, and you don’t have a matching one for them. But you can avoid this situation by having a stock of gifts that are quite lovely but are not purchased with a specific person in mind. Again, something small but of high-quality in an edible format is often well-appreciated by almost anyone. Beautiful chocolates, high-end cookies and biscotti, and an assortment of flavored teas and coffees are always welcome and in good taste. Have at least a half dozen of these sets purchased, wrapped, and available with a discrete marking coding it so that you know what is in the package. When someone arrives with a gift for you, you can pick up one of these packages as if it were meant from them all along

These next few weeks are a great time for you to get ready for the holiday rush. Order anything you need now while the post systems aren’t so overwhelmed that they take longer or force you to spend more for expedited service. Thanksgiving and the beginning of the month of Advent are coming, and then Christmas and Boxing Day will be here before you know it. Prepare now, and be able to truly enjoy the time with your family and friends.

Jane S. Roseen is the Owner and President of Harmony Sweets, an international gourmet chocolate shop. Harmony Sweets’ mission focuses on individual consumers purchasing gourmet chocolates from around the world for their friends and relatives, as well as corporate gift giving. Gourmet chocolate gift baskets and personalized chocolates are also available. Website: http://www.harmonysweets.com

Article Source: ArticleRich.com

 

Handmade Ornaments for the Tree

Handmade Ornaments for the Tree by David Barnes

Decorating your Christmas tree for the holidays can be pleasant and exciting rather than nerve wrecking and expensive. This is especially true if you start early investigating the different types of homemade ornaments your family can make together. Many of these can be made with minimal expense for the needed supplies to make your tree personalized and unique. Never underestimate that there are many different ways to decorate your tree, by using your imagination and garnering a little patience you can decorate your tree with pride. A new tradition can be created and joyfully experienced by deciding that each year you will add a new type of ornamental decoration to the family tree.

One good place to begin adding to your tree’s decorations is with the left over Christmas paper products from last year. Unused or partially used rolls of wrapping paper make new decorations a snap, especially if you’re on a limited budget for this season. Paper can be measured to any size you desire, and then folded into the designs of your choice. Some popular shapes are stars and delicate fan shapes. Attach to the paper by gluing a brightly colored ribbon, and if desired hang a hook through the ribbon. Also, beautiful origami nature shapes such as birds from left over holiday paper are another option. Old greeting cards can be used to liven up a tree. Simply cut the back off the card and hole-punch at top and add a ribbon, and cards may be cut into different shapes and a light weight frame added to set it off too. Other crafty type projects can be created using Christmas cards by saving Mason Jar type lids which have a flat underside. Cutting and gluing felt can be placed on the underside along with a beautiful card holiday scene, and add some yarn around the edge of the top and hang on your tree.

Other craft ideas which are especially fun for kids are mixing flour and water and using a cookie cutter to create the holiday shapes. Ginger bread cookies can be hung on the tree along with some stringed popcorn or construction paper chains in place of the traditional metal garland or icicles. Another type of beautiful handmade Christmas tree ornament is made from tin. Supplies for making them can be found in a home supply and repair store, or a craft store. You will need snips for the tin, and a specialized hole-punch to make the decorative holes for the design. Thin sheets of tin are not expensive and can be bought rolled or in single sheets. This type of Christmas decoration would probably work best for older children due to the fact that a certain amount of hand strength is needed for cutting and the use of sharp tin. Ornaments can be made from craft balls. The ball’s hollow clear design allow for painting on the outside of the ball and inside. Painting the inside is as simple as filling it with paint and shaking. Allow twenty four hours for drying. Stencil design patterns or free hand painting allow for any holiday scene to be painted on the outside. Dating your ornament is always a good idea too.

There are many ways to make handmade decorations for your tree; other options are beaded jewelry designs. Most craft stores carry kits to make decorations, but you can buy wire for jewelry and string your own beads. Kids can make cute ornaments for the tree by using precut foam from a craft store too. Whatever type of handmade ornament you decide to make it is a sure bet that along the way you will make a lot of good memories from interacting with family or friends, you may even find a lot of personal fulfillment by reminiscing about Christmas days of yesteryear. Handmade ornaments mean that you care about adding a little of you to the holidays. Traditions and keepsakes are a treasured thing that are passed down to those that come after you, so make sure to experiment and have lots of fun creating an ornament that you will be proud to hand down and display on your tree this Christmas season.

Mason Barnes phd. UTSA http://www.christmas-new-years-eve.info

Article Source: ArticleRich.com

 

Christmas Gift Ideas: The Treasures Under The Tree

Christmas Gift Ideas: The Treasures Under The Tree by Mark Dietzel

Hear ye! Hear ye! The ‘ber’ months will be here before you know it!

When people start to hear about months ending in B-E-R, they all feel the clock sounding tic toc as it fast approaches the holiday season.

Christmas is the season to be jolly…. Falalalalalalala! For the kids, it’s the merry month where they get so overly excited about gifts and other stuff that Santa brings. And for most, it’s the time of the year when all the streets are busy and filled up with traffic while people swoon over shopping malls to find the perfect Christmas gift ideas for their families and friends.

Christmas gift ideas need not to be repetitive or monotonous. One might say “Oh, I know what I’ll be getting this Christmas. If its from Aunt Jane, it’ll be a north pole replica paperweight.” Or “Mrs. Dunst will give me another box of her fruit cake. That has been her gift giving trademark for as long as I can remember.” Hey, there are lots of Christmas gift ideas you can up with! Be creative, resourceful and imaginative! Don’t you want people to remember you for the nicest and most unique Christmas gift ideas you send them every year?

Here are some new and exciting Christmas gift ideas to help you out:

1. Chef Santa on the run!

Cooking is not only a mommy’s craft. This Christmas gift idea is a fun learning activity for the whole family. While all the ingredients are available in the grocery down town, it is also a perfect time to teach your kids or friends some cooking and baking lessons. Try experimenting on your home-made fruitcake, gingerbread house, and Christmas cookies. This is not only a classic Christmas gift idea, but a sure fun way to develop your craft for cooking.

2. Relive the sound of Christmas carols

Everyone has a favorite Christmas song. But wouldn’t it a nice Christmas gift idea to make a compilation of old and new Christmas songs sung by various artists? A perfect Christmas gift idea that sounds music to the ears!

3. Candies, anyone!

No matter how candy canes are soooo last year, they are still a hit to all kids! Instead of the traditional white and red striped candy canes. Why not try on some chocolate candy cane? A strawberry candy cane? Or an orange candy cane? Have as many variety of candy cane as you can and try to come up with repackaged gift bags to make it more enticing. Kids, or even teens, will surely love this Christmas gift idea.

4. Christmas craft and decorations

Surprise your pal with this personalized Christmas gift idea. If he is a die-hard music lover cut out some musical notes or his favorite icons that he can hang around the tree. I’m sure he’d love to have something that no one else has. This cool Christmas gift idea is so unique and adds a bit of your personal touch.

5. Frame it up!

Want to bring your special someone in tears? No, I mean tears of joy. This cool Christmas gift idea will surely melt a snow. I mean, your sweetie’s heart. Try to create and design a picture frame and draw yourselves as Mr. and Mrs. Santa. Or if you aren’t artistic enough to draw, cut out some pictures and replace their faces with yours and your honey’s and be sure to pick your best and sweetest shot. This will make him/her think how much effort did you exert to come up with a sweet Christmas gift idea like this.

These are just some of the hundreds of Christmas gift ideas, you can come up with every year. Whether you bought it in a shopping mall or you’ve made it yourself, be sure to pick the right Christmas gift idea for the right person. After all, it’s the thought that count!

Mark Dietzel operates Santas-Wonder-Land.com a website dedicated to Holiday Gift Ideas

Article Source: http://www.articlerich.com

 

Baby’s First Christmas

Christmas would lose its magic if it wasn’t constantly being refreshed by the kids. In fact with a baby’s first Christmas, the parents and grandparents are often more excited about Christmas than the infant, who naturally doesn’t know what to expect.

Now everyone can get in on the excitement vicariously by wearing or displaying the cute ‘BABY’S FIRST CHRISTMAS’ clothing and gifts at Materni-tee

The colourful text is like the fridge magnet letters
that are popular with kids. There is also another
version that says ‘MY FIRST CHRISTMAS’

Baby’s first Christmas Infant T-Shirt

 

Christmas Decorating That Will Make Your Holidays Special

Christmas Decorating That Will Make Your Holidays Special by Angela Tyler

If you are like the majority of people, you do not have a lot of time during the holidays to make special decorations.  You can make your holiday decorating quick and easy and create a festive atmosphere in your home without spending a lot of time and money, leaving you more time to enjoy the holiday season with your family.  Here are some holiday decorating tips that are free and inexpensive that will require very little effort:

Bows:
Try decorating with bows.  Ribbons tied around chairs, plants, candlesticks, drapes, stairs and doorknobs make wonderful decorations.  Place bows and ribbons in many locations throughout your home for a festive look that is quick
and easy.  The bows and ribbons do not have to be green and red.  You can try many colors or match the bows and ribbons to the colors you have in your home. Choose ribbons that you can reuse each year.  When the holidays are over, pack the bows and ribbons carefully so that you can use them again and again.

Tableware:
Use festive tableware for every meal during the month of December.  Search your cupboards and drawers and get out anything that looks remotely festive.  You can also shop discount and one-dollar stores and find many items for the
holidays that you can use every year.  You can add to your collection of holiday tableware each year and soon you will have many types of dishes that will make your holidays special.

Candles:
Arrange many candles around the room and turn the lights off during holiday meals.  You will create a special, festive atmosphere that will be remembered and anticipated by your family each year.  A fire in the fireplace each night will
add to the holiday spirit.  You can also arrange candles in your bathroom and around your bathtub.  Watch small children carefully when you decorate with candles.

Wreaths:
Put a holiday wreath on every door in your home.  Use real pine, holly, and grapevine and decorate with berries, fruit and pinecones.  If you purchase artificial wreaths you will be able to use them year after year.

Holiday decorating does not have to be difficult or expensive.  Simple decorations throughout your house will make fond memories for your family and will be anticipated year after year.  Make sure to put out plenty of scented potpourri and scented oils in various locations throughout your home.

Angela Tyler invites you to explore http://HomeOrganizationHelp.com a free resource filled with ideas to organize and decorate your home on a budget. For frugal meal ideas, she recommends http://www.freequickrecipes.com/frugal-cooking.php

Article Source: http://www.ladypens.com