days before christmas http://www.artwoo.com Returned search results for days before christmas Copyright 2008 Sat, 22 Nov 2008 05:22:49 +0000 http://www.artwoo.com/rss/days+before+christmas Selecting the Perfect Christmas Lawn Decor http://www.artwoo.com/article/selecting-the-perfect-christmas-lawn-decor http://www.artwoo.com/article/selecting-the-perfect-christmas-lawn-decor#comments Sat, 12 Jul 2008 06:36:17 +0000 outdoor christmas decorationschristmas lawn decorchristmas yard decorationspieces of christmaschristmas ornamentsold christmaschristmas holiday http://www.artwoo.com/article/selecting-the-perfect-christmas-lawn-decor Christmas holiday, there are just too many people spending above and beyond their actual budget they had set. This seems to be a tradition anymore, but not that it is a tradition that is a good one. There is just too much that we all tend to want when it comes to presents, tree decorations, of the that we simply cannot have it all. So, the next best thing, beyond going overboard, is to pick and choose which lawn decor would suit our homes the best.

If you are interested in just basic outdoor , then lights are the way to go. Do you remember the days when you had to untangle strings of lights and then try to put them on the bushes? Well, those days are gone, and now there is an easier way to incorporate lights into your outdoor Christmas ornaments.

While this can be a hard decision, it is one that can actually do your yard some good, as you will not be over crowding the yard with senseless decorations that simply do not go together. Everyone knows what houses are being referred to as we have all seen them in the holiday movies and we have seen them in our towns. You certainly do not want to be one of those houses so make sure that you pick a theme or at least have a general idea of what you are wanting to go for and stick with it. Get only the Christmas lawn decor that goes with your particular theme and do not get anything else, no matter how cute it is.

, Where To Find It All For The Yard

When it comes to shopping for Christmas lawn decor, there is nothing wrong with paying attention to the paper for people selling their lawn decor. The items that you may very well find for sale do not have to be extremely old but they may just be items that someone is no longer wanting to use because of a change in theme. Buying gently used Christmas lawn ornaments out of the paper or from a yard sale is a great way to find some wonderful deals. You could very well end up saving hundreds of dollars by doing some of your shopping this way.

For what you do not find in the paper or at a yard sale, you can still pick up at your local department store. Department stores are often the next best place to shop when it comes to wanting to pick up some Christmas lawn decor. Watching the store ads are the perfect way to catch some sales and discounts so that you can save a little bit of money. And if you were not able to afford everything you wanted this year, there is a perfect way to get yourself prepared for next year. Check out the Christmas lawn decor that will go on clearance just a few days after Christmas as you can often times gets items fifty to seventy-five percent off.Marie Olsen, author and webmaster of selecting the perfect Christmas lawn decor contributes with solutions of how to fill an empty yard with Christmas decorations at bargain prices. How you prepare and save money for Christmas decorations for your home and yard to experience that perfect Christmas joy.]]> The Perfect Christmas Gift http://www.artwoo.com/article/the-perfect-christmas-gift http://www.artwoo.com/article/the-perfect-christmas-gift#comments Sat, 09 Dec 2006 20:27:02 +0000 people findchristmas giftguesschristmas giftsobligatedloveone more christmas http://www.artwoo.com/article/the-perfect-christmas-gift Christmas gift.

Today's Christmas Story

Well, let's see. Last year I got a Christmas gift from Clint, Michael, and Judy for Christmas. Oh and Abby gave me a gift for my birthday. So, I I better get her something. Oh no. I forgot Nadia got me a little Christmas gift too. I wish she hadn't bought me anything, because I suppose I'll have to find her something now. Oh yeah, and I think I overheard Laura saying she was getting everyone something. That's gift to the list.

Many themselves caught in situations like this. Where they may have wanted to buy a Christmas gift for one or two people, they suddenly feel to get a Christmas gift for everyone that has given them something or that they think might get them something. Sounds fair, but if that's the only reason you are giving , than it can't be out of . When a gift isn't given out of love, it loses all meaning. Unfortunately, so many people now buy Christmas gifts in this way and it makes Christmas seem a little fake.

If you find yourself hating the idea of getting stuck in the crowds at the mall and fighting over silly Christmas gifts, you're not alone. Christmas gift buying doesn't have to be so miserable, though. Perhaps you can decide to buy gifts for people because you want to show them love, rather than to show them that you are fair.

Try not to feel obligated this Christmas when it comes to Christmas gift buying. Think of who you want to show love to and find things that will express that love.

It always feels good to give a Christmas gift to someone who wasn't expecting it.

When there is no obligation involved, you don't hate gift buying process as much. So before you run out to get a Christmas gift for each of the people on your long list, think about each of the people on that list.

Think about why you are getting them a Christmas gift and let love guide you rather than obligation. Mike Walker is web master of http://christmasvally.com/index.html, which goal is give you Christmas information, from Christmas Decorating to Unique Christmas Gift. A whole inspiration site and you are welcome to print out to. ]]> Christmas Gift Ideas: To Show The Loved Ones How Much You Care http://www.artwoo.com/article/christmas-gift-ideas-to-show-the-loved-ones-how-much-you-care http://www.artwoo.com/article/christmas-gift-ideas-to-show-the-loved-ones-how-much-you-care#comments Wed, 10 Jan 2007 12:27:08 +0000 personalized giftsspecial feelingsaestheticallychristmas giftscrapbookfamily and friendschristmas celebrations http://www.artwoo.com/article/christmas-gift-ideas-to-show-the-loved-ones-how-much-you-care Christmas gifts to their . Gone are the days when boxes full of traditional cookies used to be the Christmas presents.

Today, your Christmas gift could be anything, from an painted scene to a home prepared gourmet cookie. The gift chosen by you would reflect your true emotions towards the person. Thus are quite popular these days. For example, you can make a personalized Christmas card by putting lovely quotations on it.

A home made cake is another good option. The cake could be adorned with unique toppers. Just pour out your creativity while decorating the cake and add to the charisma of the day.

Christmas brings an opportunity to let your family and friends know the feelings that you carry for them. There couldn't be a better day to express your for the people who are close to you. Anything made by you will add to it.

If you are good at crafting, you can make use of this art also. Knitting, for example, could be an easy choice for women. You can knit some colorful stuff for your close friends.

For those of you who love to collect things, with collection of some of the memorable photographs or letters is a hot choice for Christmas gift. To present a scrapbook to your spouse would be a great idea. You can incorporate some wonderful memoirs and mementos of all the years of togetherness that you have shared. It is likely to become one of the most treasured possessions for him/ her.

So, now that you have enough ideas to prepare gifts for your loved ones just set the mood right and let the Christmas bells go ringing for them. The author writes about a number of different topics. For more information on christmas visit http://www.thechristmasideas.com/ and also visit the article pages: http://www.thechristmasideas.com/christmas-celebrations/ and http://www.thechristmasideas.com/christmas-ideas/ ]]> The Reasons I Love Christmas http://www.artwoo.com/article/the-reasons-i-love-christmas http://www.artwoo.com/article/the-reasons-i-love-christmas#comments Fri, 28 Apr 2006 02:50:03 +0000 christmas treechristmas partychristmas seasonchristmas cookieschristmas evei lovetwinkle lights http://www.artwoo.com/article/the-reasons-i-love-christmas I love Christmas I can hardly know where to begin.

I guess the biggest reason I love Christmas is because for me, it has always meant the gathering of family and friends. It is only during the that we gather from a far and enjoy days filled with laughter, good conversation, good meals and tons of games. My four siblings and I have naturally spread out into our adulthood and usually it is only at Christmas that we get to reunite with each other and with our parents. You could take everything else about Christmas away from me and I would still love it just for this reason.

With my family and close friends around me, I love the sheer celebration and party that the Christmas season is. I love going from to Christmas party and celebrating with the people I care about most. I am quite sure that there is nothing better than enjoying a day of sledding, making snow men, drinking hot chocolate, and then coming inside to watch old movies and eat great snacks by the . Even the smallest parts of Christmas feel like magic. I love the way the Christmas tree glows each year with white on it, and I love the way the house smells after my mom finishes baking her famous . I love seeing my children sleeping side by side with each of their cousins right in front of the Christmas tree on .

Another reason I love Christmas is because it happens near the end of the year. Many years Christmas becomes my Thanksgiving as well as I realize all of the ways that I have been blessed during the past year. I take time each Christmas to write a letter to each of my parents, siblings, my husband, children, and close friends. It takes me weeks to write them all, but I love sharing with each person in my life the ways that they have blessed my life during the past year. I never give a Christmas gift without a letter attached. I love that Christmas reminds me to be grateful and to cherish the best things and people in my life.

Take a little time and think about the reasons you love Christmas so much. I think you will find that it truly is the greatest time of the year. Belina Storrey has loved Christmas for as long as she can remember. She enjoys writing articles and stories that reflect upon her favorite things in life. See more at http://www.funchristmas.info ]]> Oldies, But Goodies In Christmas Decorating http://www.artwoo.com/article/oldies-but-goodies-in-christmas-decorating http://www.artwoo.com/article/oldies-but-goodies-in-christmas-decorating#comments Fri, 17 Nov 2006 14:27:08 +0000 christmas tree traditionpersonal preferenceolden daysdecorate your homesilver tinselgold paintspray paint http://www.artwoo.com/article/oldies-but-goodies-in-christmas-decorating decorate your home traditionally can give you a great sense of joy and pride. You can decorate your home using some of the things that were used in the .

The Christmas season is a fun and joyful time for almost everyone and decorating your home can only help to make that joy more full and exciting. You don't have to go all out, though. You can choose to just decorate a table or you can deccorate the entire home, it is entirely up to you. Christmas decorating has been around for centuries and you can take some hints from the olden days to make your home into a beautiful place of Christmas spirit and joy.

Your Christmas Table.

You can decorate your home without spending a lot of money. All you need to do is go into the woods and find some pine cones. them with , add some fake snow, and you will have a beautiful centerpiece for your table. This will look beautiful for Christmas day and for many days after. Holly leaves, mistletoe, and tinsel will also make a beautiful, inexpensive Christmas decoration and it is a very old Celtic symbol of fertility.

Your Christmas Tree.

The Germans probably started the and it has become one of the most popular traditions at Christmastime. The beauty and smell of a real tree is unmatched, but if you don't like those needles on your floor, then you can choose an artificial tree. You can also choose a tree with roots and then plant it after Christmas, if you would like. It is entirely a .

Candles were used to light Christmas trees in the olden days, but they were found to be quite dangerous, especially if the needles were dry and brittle. Now electric lights are the norm and most people use several strand of lights to turn their tree into a twinkling beauty. You can go over the edge with Christmas decorations, but in most cases, it is best to stay simple.

Inside Your House.

You can use colored paper, , and fake snow to make your home into a Christmas delight. Add snow to your windows, holly above the doors, and some mistletoe to the doorways to get those stolen kisses. You can create a Christmas full of joy simply by adding a few Christmas decorating touches to your home.

Outside Your House.

People used to decorate the outside of their home with a simple holly wreath, but now you see yards and homes decorated with thousands of lights, figurines, and blow-up figures. Too much is not a good thing. Simple is better, especially outside of your home. Pick a theme and stick with it so that you will feel good about your Christmas decorating. Adam Peters loves writing for http://www.home-decorating-reviews.com . For additional information regarding xmas ornaments or Christmas decor go to http://www.home-decorating-reviews.com/magazine/christmas-decorating.html ]]> Twelve Contemporary (Shopping) Days of Christmas http://www.artwoo.com/article/twelve-contemporary-shopping-days-of-christmas http://www.artwoo.com/article/twelve-contemporary-shopping-days-of-christmas#comments Mon, 03 Nov 2008 00:57:27 +0000 christmas greeting cardsflat screen televisionpearl harbor daydec 7 pearl harborworld war iichristmas shoppinglast christmas http://www.artwoo.com/article/twelve-contemporary-shopping-days-of-christmas Christmas shopping. You can shop three hours earlier and spend your money 'till much later. Holiday sales begin, it's the first time that some items will be available.... but I definitely won't be among the crazies up at 4am to get to the top of the line to make some wild dash for the $99 flat-screen television or the Crazy Elmo toy. (Black Friday is the second single biggest shopping day for retailers and got its name because in the days of old so much shopping was done on this day that it would turn the tide for many stores and put them in the black, or, make them profitable.)

Dec. 6 -- First Saturday in December -- weekends are important because it means free time to shop. The early holiday and Christmas shopper should be more than halfway through shopping list. Most shoppers (me included) realize that there is not much time left so best to have a look at what's available.

Dec. 7 -- First Sunday -- weekend Christmas shopping can be done but stores close the usual earlier time on Sundays.

Dec. 7 -- -- it isn't recognized by most but is very important to war veterans. The President usually gives a speech to a Veterans group and lays a wreath in honor of those who died on Pearl Harbor Day and in .

Dec.13 -- Second Saturday -- only two full weeks to go before Christmas. Is it really a whole year since ? To your disguised annoyance, you are starting to hear the ubiquitous phrase, 'Finished all your Christmas shopping yet?' Christmas shopping has to pick up speed or panic will set in. You are fast running out of time to have fun with your friends and family, there's so much to do.

Dec. 14 -- Second Sunday -- go to church if you haven't been attending so that you won't look like a 'Christmas only attendee.' Need to squeeze in some shopping and must start sending out this week.

Dec. 20 -- Third Saturday, Last Saturday before Christmas -- Now The Single Biggest Shopping Day of the Year!!!! it's unbelievable that there's less than a week to go before Christmas.

Dec. 21 Third Sunday - First Day of Winter -- four days before Christmas. Make sure Christmas toys are still where you left them undisturbed and away from little prying eyes. By now you should have finalized all your plans for your wonderful family Christmas dinner. Make supermarket shopping list for Christmas Eve and Christmas dinner preparations.

Dec. 22 -- only three days to go. First Day of Hanukkah --Do last minute planning, get as many chores as possible out of the way, finish all Christmas and supermarket shopping. Delegate final preparatory tasks to family members as necessary. Go over plans for Christmas Dinner.

Dec. 23 -- Your last chance to put your feet up and have a nice cup of tea. Ensure that every thing is planned and prepared as it should be and then pamper yourself a little in preparation for the busy days ahead.

Dec. 24 -- Christmas Eve -- downtown is glorious, everything is so splendid and magical.... I just love all the Christmas lights and the happy atmosphere. The carols at the midnight service really do make you feel 'Christmassy'.

I have special tapes that I recorded for Christmas and even my sons say Christmas isn't Christmas without Mantavani !

There's a lot to understand about Christmas. We were able to provide you with some of the facts above, but there is still plenty more to read about in subsequent articles on these pages.Jayne Waldorf has been an internet marketer for over 2 years.She lives in England with her husband and has two grown up sons.If you would like some great Christmas gift ideas or to learn more about Christmas please visit Jayne's website today Waldorf Christmas]]> Frequently Asked Questions About Printed Christmas Items. http://www.artwoo.com/article/frequently-asked-questions-about-printed-christmas-items http://www.artwoo.com/article/frequently-asked-questions-about-printed-christmas-items#comments Tue, 28 Oct 2008 10:36:28 +0000 christmas itemwinter celebrationschristmas itemshappy christmasfavouritismsome frequently asked questionswro http://www.artwoo.com/article/frequently-asked-questions-about-printed-christmas-items Happy Christmas. But these days, companies need to be careful when they are selecting their printed s to promote their business.

Here are when it comes to printed .

How do I choose a printed Christmas item to give out to customers?

If you are giving items out to customers and you aren't certain whether or not they celebrate Christmas, choose printed Christmas items that are generic. They can be snowmen or something else that isn't religious. That way you don't have to worry about insulting anyone.

How do I pick a printed Christmas item to give to employees?

Whether you choose something that is Christmas or something that is is generic, always choose something that is comparable in price when you are giving printed Christmas items to your employees. You don't want to worry about showing to people.

What do I do if I don't know someone's religion?

Not all of the printed Christmas items that are available for companies to purchase are completely for Christmas. There are items that are just for , so you can give them to people that you don't know what type of religion they practice.

How much should I spend on clients?

When you are looking for printed Christmas items for clients and you aren't sure how much you should spend on their gifts, think about how long they have been with the company and how good their business is. The more elaborate and expensive printed Christmas items are good to reserve for clients who bring in a lot of business and who have been with the company for the longest.

Is there anything I should remember when it comes to printed Christmas items?

Don't give someone an obvious Christmas item unless you know that they celebrate Christmas. If you aren't sure, stick to items that are more representative of winter and you can't really go ng.

Don't give someone an item that can give them the wrong idea, especially if it's someone that is of the opposite sex. The last thing that you want is for someone to get the wrong idea and then there be hurt feelings.

When you are choosing printed Christmas items that you want your company to give out to clients and customers, remember to order some of both types of items. You want to be able to give everyone printed Christmas items that will make them comfortable and that they are going to use during the winter season. Printed Christmas items are a great way to let people know that you are thinking of them during the festive holiday season and that you wish them the very best.

Christmas is a time of good cheer and good will, and the perfect time for companies to show their employees and clients that they appreciate everything that they do throughout the rest of the year.Miles Lovegrove is director of Fluid Branding, the UK's largest supplier of printed christmas items and other Promotional Products at www.fluidbranding.com. For Eco Friendly promotional products, including Recycled, Organic and Sustainable items visit www.ecoincentives.com]]> Brighter Your Home With Outdoor Christmas Decorations http://www.artwoo.com/article/brighter-your-home-with-outdoor-christmas-decorations http://www.artwoo.com/article/brighter-your-home-with-outdoor-christmas-decorations#comments Fri, 22 Dec 2006 18:27:02 +0000 outdoor christmas decorationsonline auction sitesdollar storehigh energynativity scenechristmas spiritchristmas time http://www.artwoo.com/article/brighter-your-home-with-outdoor-christmas-decorations Christmas time is the decorations. There is no better way to express your excitement than with . With costs, you need to find the perfect balance between a beautiful yard and not ending up with a high energy bill. That balance is possible for your outdoor Christmas decorations, if you plan well.

Start Planning You Outdoor Christmas Decorations

To start planning your outdoor Christmas decorations you need to ask yourself some important questions. Do you want Christmas lights? Do you want the trees and bushes to be decorated? Do you want plastic or blown up reindeer and Santa Claus? Do you want a ?

After you know the answers to all the questions you can start your search for cheap outdoor Christmas decorations. One place that is guaranteed to be cheap is the . If you take the list of outdoor Christmas decorations that you need with you, you won't have to spend a long time searching through different decorations. Instead you can quickly search and move on. This is important because not all dollar stores are going to have the supplies you need. So you may need to visit more than one place. Even if you do get distracted at the dollar store by other things, you may see better ideas for your outdoor Christmas decorations. Get keep in mind your budget.

If you want to get all the outdoor Christmas decorations you need without running from store to store, you can buy everything on the internet. If you spend some time looking, you can some great deals on outdoor Christmas decorations. One thing I definitely recommend is visiting . You are guaranteed low prices this way.

If you are the competitive type, you will have your work cut out for you with outdoor Christmas decorations. There are a lot of people that work hard to have the best outdoor Christmas decorations in the neighborhood. It causes people to stop and admire their work, bringing to everyone. Some neighborhoods have prizes for the best outdoor Christmas decorations.

So make a plan and get going on your outdoor Christmas decorations. You are sure to find what you need either at dollar stores or by searching online. Ola Norrman is webmaster of http://www.christmasvally.com, which provide Christmas information, from Christmas Decorating to Unique Christmas Gift. You can learn and print out almost anything about Christmas, from Christmas Decorating to Unique Christmas Gift. ]]> Christmas Tree Themes: Are They Really Worth It? http://www.artwoo.com/article/christmas-tree-themes-are-they-really-worth-it http://www.artwoo.com/article/christmas-tree-themes-are-they-really-worth-it#comments Fri, 08 Dec 2006 22:27:03 +0000 christmas tree decorationschristmas treesholiday colorsmatchcelebrate the holidayscartoon characterchristmas decorations http://www.artwoo.com/article/christmas-tree-themes-are-they-really-worth-it celebrate the holidays with a Christmas tree. Each year, the majority of Americans purchase a Christmas tree for their homes. Whether that tree is real or an artificial one, it is often decorated with . Different individuals decorate their in different ways. Many choose to theme their Christmas trees. If you are planning on decorating your Christmas tree this year, you may be wondering whether or not it is really worth it to decorate your Christmas tree with a theme. In all honesty, it depends.

Before you can start to determine whether or not it would be worth it for you to decorate your Christmas tree with a theme, it is important to note that different individuals have different views on themes. There are many Christmas tree owners that choose to theme their Christmas trees by having everything a particular color. For instance, there are some who choose to have a white Christmas tree with gold and red decorations. All of the decorations typically . While many take this simple approach, there are others who take it a step further. There are some parents who tend to focus their Christmas tree theme around a or something else that their kids enjoy. The decorations used are all typically associated in one way or another.

The type of theme that you would like to use, if you choose to use one, will help to determine whether or not you should go through the hassle of decorating your Christmas tree with a particular theme. For example, it was mentioned above that many just theme their Christmas trees with a particular set of colors. While this can still be difficult to do, it is one of the easier ways to have a Christmas tree theme, especially if the colors are traditional . Anything different and you may spend days or even weeks searching for ; Christmas tree decorations that may be more than you are willing to pay for. So, if you are interested in decorating your Christmas tree with a theme, but without having to go through all of the hassle, you are advised to take the simplest approach.

If you do decide to decorate your Christmas tree with a particular theme, you may want to think about shopping for your Christmas tree decorations early. Around the months of October and November, the majority of individuals start shopping for Christmas decorations. When this occurs, the selection of decorations available drastically decreases. When you want to theme your Christmas tree, there is a good chance that you will want certain types of Christmas tree decorations, such as lights and ornaments. If you want to make sure that you get exactly the Christmas tree decorations that you were looking for, you are advised to start purchasing Christmas decorations as soon as they become available or as soon as you make the decision do decorate your Christmas tree a certain way.

If you are unable to find the Christmas tree decorations that you were looking for in one of your local retail stores, you are advised to give online shopping some thought. In fact, if you are planning on having a somewhat unique Christmas tree theme, you will find it easier to find what you are looking for online. When searching for themed Christmas tree decorations online, you will want to perform a standard internet search. For instance, if you were planning on having the theme of your Christmas tree be a popular cartoon character or a well-known Christmas symbol, such as an angel, you will want to tailor your search to exactly what you are looking for.

In addition to everything that was mentioned above, it is also important to examine the time that it will take to theme a Christmas tree. When it comes to themed Christmas trees, most tree owners want to get their Christmas trees exactly as they envisioned it in their minds. Unfortunately, that can take a lot of time and experimenting. It does not mean that you shouldn't theme your Christmas tree this year, it just means that you many want to examine whether or not you really have the time to do so. Published by http://www.daves-inforama.com, http://www.daves-inforama.com/christmas_shopping and A Guide To Christmas Shopping ]]> Fun Christmas Activities To Do With The Kids http://www.artwoo.com/article/fun-christmas-activities-to-do-with-the-kids http://www.artwoo.com/article/fun-christmas-activities-to-do-with-the-kids#comments Sun, 10 Dec 2006 00:27:07 +0000 mailchristmas tree lotschristmas cardshandmade cardschristmas partychristmas stickerschristmas trees http://www.artwoo.com/article/fun-christmas-activities-to-do-with-the-kids
Make Getting The Christmas Tree A Family Affair

Go out and pick a Christmas tree with the kids. You can go to one of the many and let the kids help you pick out the perfect tree. Or you can even go out and cut your own tree. Many state forests have special areas that are grown just for and you can go out and cut your own. Of course there are also commercial Christmas tree lots that will let you cut a tree. There's nothing more fun than to spend a winter afternoon of stomping through the woods finding the tree that's just right.

Let Your Child Throw A

Arrange for a simple little Christmas party for the kids Just have your child invite a few of his or her closest friends. Turn on some Christmas music, set out some cookies and fix some hot chocolate. You can even make a simple little Christmas craft with the kids that they can take home with them.

Made By The Kids

You don't have to be the only one writing Christmas cards to friends and family members. Get the kids to make the cards for you. All you need is some construction paper as well as crayons or markers. Give them some to add and the cards are ready. Recipients will love getting these from the kids in the .

A Letter For Santa

Children love to write a letter to Santa. Ask younger kids what they would like to tell Santa and then have them draw or color a special picture for him to include with the letter you are writing for them. School-aged kids can write their own letter and of course include a picture for Santa as well. Put the letter and picture in an envelope, and stick it in the mailbox. Just take it back out before the mailman gets there.

Of course your kids should receive a response from Santa. You can write your own on some holiday paper, or use one of the many Santa letter services out there. Here's one I have used in the past and have been very happy with: http://www.kinderinfo.com/santa-letter.htm Susanne Myers is the owner of http://Kinderinfo.com a site for parents and kids with Christmas Crafts For Kids at http://www.kinderinfo.com/christmas For more Christmas crafts and ideas visit http://www.waitingforxmas.com and sign up to have crafts, activities and recipes delivered by email. ]]> Need To Recapture The Magic Of Christmas? Try Inspirational Christmas Stories! http://www.artwoo.com/article/need-to-recapture-the-magic-of-christmas-try-inspirational-christmas-stories http://www.artwoo.com/article/need-to-recapture-the-magic-of-christmas-try-inspirational-christmas-stories#comments Sat, 09 Sep 2006 18:27:18 +0000 inspirational christmas storieschristmas magicchristmas traditionschristmas storychristmas seasonadultsholiday traditions http://www.artwoo.com/article/need-to-recapture-the-magic-of-christmas-try-inspirational-christmas-stories Inspirational Christmas stories can help you recapture the magic of an old-fashioned Christmas, but with a modern twist. Just consider:

1) Inspirational Christmas stories for children and are quick to read and can be read together at any time. You won't have to rearrange your entire schedule for this -- all you need are a few stolen moments here and there.

2) Inspirational Christmas stories for children and adults allow you to create special for your family. Many cultures read the aloud during the holidays. Reading favorite inspirational Christmas stories for children and adults together can be a great way to develop special for your own family.

3) Inspirational Christmas stories for children and adults are about sharing time -- not about spending money. Getting together to read inspirational Christmas stories out loud is about sharing time together. It is not simply another impersonal way to spend money. In fact, inspirational Christmas stories are very economical, no matter what your holiday budget this !

4) Inspirational Christmas stories for children and adults can help you teach your family what the season is all about. These stories have modern settings and twists and are exciting and fun. At the same time, they are about the miracles and togetherness that Christmas should represent. Without lecturing or moralizing, inspirational Christmas stories for children and adults capture and reveal exactly what this time of year is all about -- and they do so in a way that everyone can understand!

5) Inspirational Christmas stories for children and adults can create cherished memories for your whole family. Stir up some cocoa and serve some cookies to your audience. Take turns reading inspirational Christmas stories out loud, and put on some quiet Christmas carols in the background. Inspirational Christmas stories for children and adults can be the perfect way to set the stage for a fabulous Christmas celebration.

The magic of reading and the wonder of Christmas combine together in inspirational Christmas stories for children and adults to create a wonderful way to celebrate this most exciting time of year! Why not get some inspirational Christmas stories today and create a tradition that your family will love and cherish for years to come? Visit http://www.HoHoHoChristmas.com and sign up for our F*R*E*E* NEWSLETTER FULL OF TIPS, TOOLS and RESOURCES for reviving the fun, joy, magic and real meaning of Christmas every day of the year. ]]> Private Number Plates For Christmas http://www.artwoo.com/article/private-number-plates-for-christmas http://www.artwoo.com/article/private-number-plates-for-christmas#comments Sun, 07 Oct 2007 06:30:01 +0000 private number plateschristmas presentschristmas is comingdays before christmastraditional christmaschristmas gift ideaschristmas day http://www.artwoo.com/article/private-number-plates-for-christmas Christmas is coming around again and it's never too early to start thinking about what present you are going to buy for your nearest and dearest.When considering what to buy him or her why not consider ?

The starting cost of private number plates has come down over the years and now you can buy for just a few hundred pounds including vat and transfer fee.Most can be supplied on either a retention document or certificate of entitlement which will last for up to 12 months.Numbers supplied in this way already have the transfer fee pre-paid so when the recipient uses the certificate to assign the number to his or her car there is nothing extra to pay.The certificate can also be used as proof of entitlement and with some proof of I.D. you can purchase the physical plates , although they cannot be fixed to car until the tax disc has been changed to suit.This can be done when the DVLA re-open after the holidays.

Should you not want to present the recipient with a certificate or certificate plus plates on it should be possible to transfer the number onto the car a few and have the tax disc to hand over so they can fit the plates at christmas.This would entail you having access to the V5C registration document , M.O.T. certificate and a photocopy of the tax disc for the vehicle concerned.This is not always possible without letting the cat out of the bag.

Unlike many other , a set of private number plates can last for years,the recipient will always think of the giver every time they walk towards their car and many such registration numbers increase in value over the years.It is well worthwhile considering private number plates as an alternative to gift ideas. visit us at http://www.northumbrianumbers.com ]]> Ledazzle http://www.artwoo.com/article/ledazzle http://www.artwoo.com/article/ledazzle#comments Thu, 25 May 2006 00:32:05 +0000 christmas lightschristmas bulbschristmas lightled lightsholiday colorsrustwatts http://www.artwoo.com/article/ledazzle s. It's a fact that are brighter.

is another factor in your choosing non-replaceable LED Christmas lights rather than the standard string of Christmas bulb lights. Copper wiring in standard cords can rust. If any moisture gets into the bulb environment whether actual water or just condensation it will begin to rust. This rusting takes place very quickly. In a few months, you'll have a Christmas light bulb that falls right out of its light socket. A non-replaceable led Christmas light, however, is totally watertight. You just can't get any moisture into it. The result is that it never rusts.

LED Christmas lights use only a fraction of the lighting energy as standard bulbs. Rather than 350 for a standard set of 70 Christmas lights at five watts each, LED Christmas lights use less than four watts total for all 70. This represents at least a 90 percent savings in electricity. If, for example, you were to use five strings of LED Christmas lights each with 70 lights and you left the lights on 8 hours a day for 7 days a week, and the rate you pay for your electricity is the national average of 8 cents, you'll save $33 a month by using LED Christmas lights.

While you may pay more for LED Christmas lights than the standard holiday bulbs, they'll more than pay for themselves the first holiday season.

They come in such pretty and styles, too. One vendor offers three choices of each. The styles are strawberry, razzberry and mini-ice, while the color choices are multi-colored, winter white, blue sapphire, ruby, green, orange and gold.

LED Christmas lights are made of epoxy plastic which is solid, flameproof and unbreakable. They don't get hot like traditional , so they're safe indoors or outdoors, and you won't have to worry about your dry tree branches. The patent on these LED Christmas lights has prepared them for your standard electric outlet. You can even exchange them or interchange them with your traditional Christmas lights.

LED Christmas lights are made from miniscule sized chips that are solid state and like those in computers. The chips convert electricity into light but don't need any filament or bulb to accomplish this. The lack of filament is what keeps them burning and keeps them cool.

The unusual shape of LED Christmas lights makes them beautiful, giving off a shimmer when lighted. If you view your LED Christmas lights from two different angles you'll get two different decorative views. http://ledshq.com The site that helps you choose your LED lighting. ]]> Hot Christmas Gifts For Your Child http://www.artwoo.com/article/hot-christmas-gifts-for-your-child http://www.artwoo.com/article/hot-christmas-gifts-for-your-child#comments Wed, 15 Nov 2006 14:27:11 +0000 googlechristmas giftshot toysnew toyschristmas shoppingchristmas carolschristmas rush http://www.artwoo.com/article/hot-christmas-gifts-for-your-child Christmas gifts does not have to be stressful. By planning ahead and shopping online, you will be on your way to having your done!

Is it already Christmas again? It seems to sneak up on me every single year. The leaves start falling and soon the Christmas aisles are full and you hear piped through all of the stores. Christmas time is one of my favorite holidays, simply becaue it is a time for my family to gather together. Eating all of those wonderful sweets and foods just raises my spirit. One thing that does not thrill my soul, however, is Christmas gifts shopping. What new things will my children want this year? My children are alreay checking out all of the commercials on television and making their lists.

What Christmas gifts have your children been dreaming about? Have you checked out the hottest ? How do you choose which gift your child will really like when they are constantly changing their minds and their lists? This is one of those difficult questions that parents face. If you can determine what your child will enjoy before the , however, you will find that your Christmas gifts shopping will become much less stressful. The new, are most likely going to sell out before Christmas even gets here so that is why you need to know what your child likes so that you can buy it as soon as it comes out. Children usually get their hearts set on one or two specific toys and being aware of what they want in advance will allow you to buy early. This also helps to cut down on disappoinment. October is a great time to start that shopping because most people are concerned with Halloween at this point and have not even started thinking about Christmas.

If, however, you still are unsure of what toys should should buy for your children's Christmas gifts, you can look online. Searching on .com for a specific toy is the simplest and easiest way to find that Christmas gift that you are looking for. Your search results will most likely include Amazon.com. They usually have anything and everything that you want and need. All you do is click and pay. How easy is that? Christmas gifts without the stress of the mall! Merry Christmas! Adam Peters writes for http://www.home-decorating-reviews.com . He provides tips and advice about ornaments as well as on the gifts at http://www.home-decorating-reviews.com/christmas/christmas-gift.html ]]> Why You Must Consider An Artificial Christmas Tree http://www.artwoo.com/article/why-you-must-consider-an-artificial-christmas-tree http://www.artwoo.com/article/why-you-must-consider-an-artificial-christmas-tree#comments Fri, 19 Oct 2007 09:35:01 +0000 artificial christmas treesupside down christmas treesgiant treescoloured treeswhite treesnatural treesartificial trees http://www.artwoo.com/article/why-you-must-consider-an-artificial-christmas-tree Artificial trees are a great and a very welcome addition to households these days and in particular, the that are pre lit have many advantages over .

Artificial Christmas trees of all styles and sizes including frosted, flocked, and , ultra realistic PE trees, , , and . They were first introduced in the US in the year 1913 and over the years Artificial Christmas trees have been greatly improved in the past one-decade that it is hampering the business of natural Christmas tree sellers.

The Advantages

Artificial Christmas trees have many advantages over their live counterparts with just a few of these reasons being that the trees come in a huge variety of sizes and styles, from compact miniature tabletop trees to grand large trees, so there will always be something to fit rooms of any scope. Another great bonus is that Artificial Christmas trees can be set up much earlier and left up for longer.

Many years ago there was always somewhat of a stigma abut Artificial trees but they have now come a long way from the pure, sometimes terrible and sometimes charming, fakery of many years ago so it is conclusive that Artificial Christmas trees are a popular alternative to real trees, and subsequently have many advantages.

Artificial Christmas trees especially those that are pre lit have many advantages over natural trees. Artificial Christmas trees of all styles and sizes including frosted, flocked, and white trees, ultra realistic PE trees, giant trees, coloured trees, and upside down Christmas trees. Artificial Christmas Trees were introduced in the US in the year 1913. Artificial Christmas trees have been greatly improved in the past one-decade that it is hampering the business of natural Christmas tree sellers. Artificial Christmas trees have many advantages over their live counterparts. Artificial Christmas trees have come a long way from the pure, sometimes dreadful and sometimes charming, fakery of a few decades ago. Artificial Christmas trees are a popular alternative to real trees, and have many advantages. Artificial Christmas trees come in a huge variety of sizes and styles, from compact miniature tabletop trees to magnificent large trees, so there's something to fit rooms of any size. Artificial Christmas trees can be set up much earlier and left up longer.

Lights

Another great thing about Artificial Xmas tree is that it will allow anyone to put on the Christmas lights permanently so you do not have to light your Xmas tree, Christmas after Christmas. There are also a range of accessories that you can use such as wreaths, garland and vacation trees in planters and pots, Christmas tree hold all bags, revolving and replacement tree stands and garland lights.

Remember though, when we consider lighting, it is not uncommon for lights to be broken or missing in shipment and bulbs can be burned out from the previous year of use.

Artificial Christmas Trees are without doubt a worthy addition to your home at Christmas and you ought to think seriously before deciding not to purchase one. You will get years of continued use and save a fortune More On Artificial Christmas Trees can be found at the Christmas Decoration Site. Check it out today. http://www.christmasdecoratingsite.com ]]> Presenting - The Real Christmas Elves and Santa's Little Helpers http://www.artwoo.com/article/presenting-the-real-christmas-elves-and-santas-little-helpers http://www.artwoo.com/article/presenting-the-real-christmas-elves-and-santas-little-helpers#comments Fri, 07 Nov 2008 01:57:22 +0000 handmade christmas cardschristmas elveschristmas elffestive cheerchristmas letter12 days of christmaschristmas decoration http://www.artwoo.com/article/presenting-the-real-christmas-elves-and-santas-little-helpers Christmas Elf or helper, though we know they must exist otherwise how else would everything get done at Christmas time? Well, here are just a few tips on how to organise yourself this Christmas, with or without the help of these present pixies.

We Wish You a Merry Christmas

Though December the 25th might be the official Christmas day, we all know that lots of preparation must be put in beforehand. Spread the season of goodwill around early this year with some . They could be given as early Christmas presents for the little ones or just special Christmas Presents for those on your Christmas Card list; either way, they are sure to add a bit of to anyone who gets one. Before you start shopping for the other Christmas presents, why not really sprinkle a bit of Santa's magic around the home with an official ' to Santa Kit'? These Christmas presents are surely the best way of passing on that all important information to those hardworking .

Deck the Halls

Christmas wouldn't be Christmas without a little bit of tinsel or that all important tree. Unfortunately the Christmas Elves are likely to be a bit busy arranging the Christmas presents so you'll have to enlist the help of your own little helpers on this one. You could add a few special tokens to the tree this year with the ' Decoration' or a 'Snowlace Christmas Glass Decoration' for that really Christmassy feel. They can make lovely Christmas presents for someone else or even just a little treat for your own family this year.

Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree

If you're going to be hosting the festivities this year then why not push the sleigh out and make it a really magical experience for the whole family. They should be able to amuse themselves once all the Christmas presents have been opened, and if a vat of mulled wine or a festive 'Snowball' doesn't keep them entertained, then you may need a backup plan. 'The Christmas Game' can make wonderful Christmas presents or stocking filers for the whole family these little tins have a host of jokes and games that will keep the troops entertained whilst you peel the potatoes and season the sprouts. After dinner, why not play something that the whole family can get involved with such as a game of charades, or 'Who's in the Bag Game'? These Christmas presents offer hours of fun and are guaranteed to give the family a very merry Christmas.

Let Them Know It's Christmas Time

"Feed The World" so said the members of band Aid, but surely feeding a family at Christmas is hard enough! If it's your turn to make the Christmas dinner this year then fear not, help is hand with a number of Christmas presents. Get the kids involved by treating them to a 'Kid's Recipe File'. With a little luck, these Christmas presents might even relieve you of all cooking duties next year and let Santa's little helpers do most of the hard work! If you're after something a bit more traditional this year then how about some tradition recipes from 'Mrs Manley's Christmas Treats', or some tips from the famous 'Mrs Beeton's Everyday Cooking'? These ladies are surely the real Santa's helpers and make for some truly welcome Christmas presents. If you're going to someone else's house this Christmas then why not treat them to some special Christmas presents that might even help them out. There are a selection of personalised champagnes, wine and spirits to choose from which can be shared by everyone or make wonderful keepsake Christmas presents. Luxury Christmas hampers can do a lot of the work for you, and make lovely Christmas presents either for your own family or someone else.

Merry Christmas Everybody

When all of the festivities are drawing to a close and you finally have a few moments to yourself, why not enlist Santa's little helpers to do the washing up whilst you kick off the new slippers and enjoy your own Christmas presents. Treat yourself this year with some Christmas presents that you can really enjoy such a 'Pamper Me Bathroom Bundle' or 'The Ultimate Chocoholics Indulgence' a great way to start the countdown for next year's big day.To explore our range of Christmas Presents further, please visit our website at http://www.gettingpersonal.co.uk.]]> Holiday Christmas Stockings http://www.artwoo.com/article/holiday-christmas-stockings http://www.artwoo.com/article/holiday-christmas-stockings#comments Wed, 08 Oct 2008 13:01:24 +0000 saint nickolaschristmas stockingschristmas stockinggiant christmaslump of coalgold coinschristmas eve http://www.artwoo.com/article/holiday-christmas-stockings s.

Every year we decorate our homes for Christmas. We light and decorate the tree and put Holiday Christmas Stockings on the mantle. Christmas Stockings have become a special tradition in many homes. Whether you use 21 inch Burgundy Soft Plush Fireplace Stockings or a 60 Inch Stocking, having a Christmas Stocking to fill is an important part of the holiday season. Many people use Christmas stockings but are unaware of the origins of their use.

The Dutch and Stockings.

One origin is that Christmas stockings come from the Dutch. Dutch children used to fill their clogs with straw for the reindeer, and in turn Sinterclass (Santa Claus) would leave a small gift behind for them. Sinterclass soon became Santa Claus and stockings replaced the clogs. It is said that children who have been bad throughout the year will receive a in their stocking.

The Christian Nobleman.

There is also another version of how the Christmas stocking came to be. In the town of Myra, there was a widowed father with three daughters. His wealth had been spent on his dying wife and he was left with nothing when she passed away. This man worried he would never be able to marry his three daughters off without a dowry for them. A Christian man named came through this village and heard the villagers talking about this poor mans problem. Knowing he would not accept any money outright, he threw three bags of gold into each of the girls stockings that were drying by the fireplace. In the morning the gold was found and the girls were soon all married off. This is how the tradition of Santa Claus coming down the chimney came to be and also why sacks of chocolate are put into stockings.

Germans and Christmas Stockings.

One other possible start of the Christmas stocking tradition is from Germany. Children would place their socks near the fireplace after washing them to let them dry. Saint Nicholas would come in on and leave five presents for the children. Each of the five presents would be something to stimulate each of the five senses.

Styles of Stockings.

Now a days, there are many styles of Christmas stockings to choose from. There are 45 inch Extra Large Christmas Stocking and 12 inch red plush Christmas stockings. For the animal lovers out there you can buy puppy dog stockings or a kitty queen photo frame stocking. If you like a western theme, there is the cowboy boot stocking or a western Christmas Stocking. Many people like to buy their newborn babies stockings like the fleece baby stockings. Or for those children who like to act up, the I can explain stocking or I'll be good stocking. With so many different stockings out there, I am sure there will be one to suit your personality or style. So go out and buy some new stockings and fill them with wonderful stocking stuffers. And don't forget your Christmas stocking holders.Katie is employed as a writer for Christmas Decorations and Gifts. Select to view Christmas Decorations Ideas. Christmas Decorations and Gifts also has a great selection of Christmas Stockings.]]> Christmas Lights: The Ultimate Way To Decorate Your Home http://www.artwoo.com/article/christmas-lights-the-ultimate-way-to-decorate-your-home http://www.artwoo.com/article/christmas-lights-the-ultimate-way-to-decorate-your-home#comments Fri, 08 Dec 2006 22:27:02 +0000 outdoor christmas lightsdecorate christmas treeschristmas treetraditional christmascolor combinationlight bulbsdifferent colors http://www.artwoo.com/article/christmas-lights-the-ultimate-way-to-decorate-your-home Christmas trees. While Christmas lights are most commonly used to , did you know that they can also be used for much more? If you are planning on decorating your home for Christmas this year, you are advised to examine what else Christmas lights can be used for. After a close examination, you will likely see that they can be used for a lot more than you may have originally thought.

As previously mentioned, when it comes to Christmas lights, we often associate Christmas lights with Christmas trees. This is because a large number of individuals decorate their Christmas trees with Christmas lights. What is nice about using Christmas lights on a Christmas tree is that the lights come in a number of different sizes and styles. It is possible to purchase Christmas lights with small , as well as large ones. lights come white in color or with a combination of all . In recent years, the popularity of different colored lights has skyrocketed. You can now purchase single colored Christmas lights or lights with a specific . These types of lights are ideal for those who are looking to theme their Christmas tree.

Although many individuals choose to use Christmas lights for their Christmas tree, as stated above, there are other uses for them as well. One of those uses is for decorating the outside of your home. Online and in many retail stores across America, you can easily find Christmas lights that are designed for outside use, particular around a home. These type of lights are often referred to as icicle Christmas lights. Icicle Christmas lights allow the lights to hang off the side of a house. While it is possible to find multicolored , you will find that they are most commonly sold in the traditional white color.

In addition to decorating the outside of the outside of your home with Christmas lights, you can also decorate the trees outside of your home. A number of homeowners, each year, decorate the trees outside their home, often exactly like their indoor Christmas tress. Many times, these trees are relatively small in size; therefore, the same types of Christmas lights that can be used on a regular tree can also, sometimes, be used on an outdoor tree. Decorating the small trees in your yard is a great way to bring a touch of Christmas to your neighborhood.

You can also use Christmas lights to decorate any one of the rooms that can be found inside your home. There are many individuals who hang Christmas lights along the top of their walls. This is a great way to bring extra Christmas spirit into the room that your Christmas tree is in, as well as other rooms. In fact, you can even use Christmas lights to decorate one of your home's bedrooms. This idea is often loved by teenagers and other children; many enjoy the bright lights and colors. Decorating your home's bedrooms is a great way to bring the Christmas spirit into a room that you may have otherwise not decorated.

As nice as it is to decorate your home for Christmas, you may also want to decorate your office or your workspace. Unfortunately, not everyone celebrates Christmas. This may pose a problem, when it comes to decorating your office workspace. However, you can still, in many cases, use Christmas lights to decorate your office. In most cases, you will find that it is the decorations that scream Christmas that cause the problems, not the lights themselves. Therefore, if you supervisors approve, you could easily hang Christmas lights around your office walls or along the sides of your work desk.

Isn't it amazing all of the different ways that you can use Christmas lights to decorate your home or even your office? What is even more amazing is the above mentioned examples are just a few of the many ways that you can use Christmas lights to bring the holiday spirit into your home or office. Published by http://www.daves-inforama.com, http://www.daves-inforama.com/christmas_shopping and http://www.daves-inforama.com/christmas-shopping/ ]]> Holliday Cheer With Christmas Decorations http://www.artwoo.com/article/holliday-cheer-with-christmas-decorations http://www.artwoo.com/article/holliday-cheer-with-christmas-decorations#comments Thu, 10 Jul 2008 21:15:16 +0000 christmas ornamentschristmas cheerchristmas decversatile optionschristmas decorationsboscovschristmas season http://www.artwoo.com/article/holliday-cheer-with-christmas-decorations Christmas season blasts off. Towns begin their festivities, stores give specials on just about everything they're selling, and many people go shopping for ornaments. Besides the traditional yuletide tree, there are a wide variety of various decorations that you can put up to get into the spirt of Christmas. Not all of them have to be bought -- you can create a number yourself to save some money. Either way you go about getting them, orations are an essential part of the holiday season.

Every single year, people design new and creative . These can often be used simply around the house wherever you have room, but some are designed specifically for a Christmas tree or to be hung from doorways, to name a few. In fact, you can probably find for every single space in your home if you want to. Remember that house in your neighborhood with its entire yard filled up with Christmas lights and lit figures? You too can get these Christmas decorations for your own house on the cheap. You can purchase each of them for a few dollars at a wide variety of stores during the holiday season, from to Wal-Mart. If you want to make your own, visit a craft store and binge on crafting materials. No matter what you pick up, you'll likely be able to throw something neat and creative together for Christmas.

One of the best parts about Christmas ornaments is that there are so many of them, thousands have been designed for each part of your home, from the front lawn to inside. By giving you a huge number of , Christmas ornaments allow you to decorate your home how you want to. If you want to deck your house out in , you'll never have to deal with getting stuck with what's left. You'll always be able to find that perfect ornament that you simply can't live without.

Save Some Money

If you're an arts and crafts kind of person, then you can save lots of money if you design your own Christmas decorations. homemade Christmas decorations can be a lot of fun too, and you'll feel as if they're more of an accomplishment if you make them yourself as opposed to buying them, giving them more nostalgic value over the years. Some easy suggestions for make-your-own Christmas decorations include creating your own reeves and using modeling clay to make your own Christmas figurines. The cost of the materials to make these decorations will be much less than if you buy them in stores already made, so you'll be having a thrifty Christmas season as well as having more fun.

If you want to get into the mood for Christmas, then you'll want to fill up your house with Christmas decorations. They aren't very expensive, and you can find them in just about any story in the weeks leading up to Christmas. You can probably get some great deals on them right after Christmas if you want to save up for the following Christmas. The best way to get into the Christmas spirit isn't with presents or wishing for snow. Christmas decorations ensure that every year, you'll be surrounded with Christmas cheer.Christmas Decorations presents various and inspiring ideas of how to redecorate your home and yard for Christmas to get into the real Christmas Spirit. Creating your handmade Christmas decorations by own design is cheap and brings the whole family together.]]> Christmas Memories http://www.artwoo.com/article/christmas-memories http://www.artwoo.com/article/christmas-memories#comments Fri, 14 Dec 2007 16:15:00 +0000 family christmas tree65th wedding anniversarystringing popcorncultured pearlscolored stripsfiber optic lightsspecial christmas http://www.artwoo.com/article/christmas-memories stringing popcorn to decorate the . As a child I fondly remember the meticulous process of cutting small strips of paper. Hundreds of small strips of paper - sorting the strips by color and carefully stacking them in preparation for creating a long paper chain, by gluing each of the into joined circles. My heart filled with pride when my mother allowed me to place my beautiful creation on our family Christmas tree.

It is sad to me that I so seldom see a Christmas tree decorated with the creations of children. The more commercialized versions of trees can be very beautiful, but I can't help but wonder how much we are losing in family values by teaching our children that beauty comes in an expensive package rather than the beauty that comes from the heart of a creative child (in my case the creativity may have been lacking but thankfully my mother showered me with praise at my attempts).

These days, I have replaced having a freshly cut Christmas tree with an artificial tree. I find it a little easier to simply pull the tree out of the box, already decorated with . I generally add a few decorations =96 one lone Christmas bulb that my parents had on their first Christmas tree as a married couple =96 a precious small glass bulb =96 blue in color, and encircled with small . I carefully pack that treasure away, in hopes that it will survive for many more generations to come. In 2006 my parents celebrated their , sadly my mother passed away shortly after their anniversary. My daughter got married in 2007, I hope to pass along this precious Christmas bulb to her and her husband in hopes that they too will be able to celebrate 65 years of marriage.

I have saved some of the decorations that my daughter created when she was a small child =96 I hope that she felt the same pride when I placed her creations on the family Christmas tree. I am sure that when she has children, she too will understand the significance of how important it is to acknowledge our children in this way. I don't think that my daughter will ever allow me to forget the year when I bought my first artificial Christmas tree =96 it was not the tree itself that had any significance- the fact is that I never actually took the Christmas tree out of the box =96 when Christmas eve arrived and I still had not gotten around to getting the tree set up, I simply brought out some Christmas lights and carefully strung them on the cardboard box that contained the Christmas tree - you have to admit there are not many children that have a memory that their mother decorated the family Christmas box! As a single mother, time was always in short supply but my daughter and I will always share a laugh when we remember this. For Christmas ideas go to http://www.1-Christmas.com ]]>