Christmas Card Decorations

Here are a few tips on decorating with Christmas cards.

Cards on the Tree
Items needed: A hole puncher, curling ribbon (in holiday colors), Christmas cards, and a Christmas tree.
Steps:

• Punch a hole in the top folded end of the card
• Place a 4-6 inch piece of ribbon through the hole
• Tie the card onto the tree branches

This is a quick, simple, inexpensive tree decorating idea. The only item that may need to be purchased is, a hole puncher and curling ribbon, which can be found at a drugstore or a local Wal-mart or Target.

Cards Decorate the Entry Way

Items needed: Christmas cards, garland (tinsel, string, or thick ribbon), curling ribbon in holiday colors, a hole puncher, a step stool or ladder, two or more nails or strong hooks (depending on how heavy the garland is), and a hammer.
Put it together:

• Decide which entry way to decorate
• Place a nail a few inches above the corners of the entry way, be careful with the hammer, and if using hooks be sure they are strong enough to hold the garland.
• If using string or ribbon, tie it around the nails and leave a little hanging in the middle. Remember to leave some garland or whatever is used, hanging down the sides to fill with cards.
• Punch a hole in the top folded part of each card, and loop one piece of curling ribbon through the hole. Tie onto the garland. If using string, one could use clothes line pins decorated as reindeer or painted in holiday color. If using ribbon, punch a hole (with the hole puncher) into the ribbon where the card is to be placed and tie the card on.
• Try to have the cards facing the same direction.

These are easy, can be added to, and adds a bit of Christmas cheer and thankfulness to the home.

Christmas Movie Quotes

A Christmas Story

" I want an Official Red Ryder Carbine-Action Two-Hundred-Shot Range Model Air Rifle!"
- Ralphie in A Christmas Story

"You used up all the glue, ON PURPOSE!"-A Christmas Story

"Oh, Fudge!"-Ralphie in A Christmas Story

"Only one thing in the world could've dragged me away from the soft glow of electric sex gleaming in the window."-Ralphie

"Fra-gee-lay. Must be Italian."

"What do the little piggy's say?"
"Oink. Oink. (snort, snort)"
"That's right. And how do the little piggy's eat. Show me how the piggy's eat. (laugh, snorting) Mommy's little piggy."

"You'll shoot your eye out!"-Santa

"I shot my eye out!"-Ralphie

"The heavenly aroma still hung in the house. But it was gone, all gone! No turkey! No turkey sandwiches! No turkey salad! No turkey gravy! Turkey Hash! Turkey a la King! Or gallons of turkey soup! Gone, ALL GONE!"

"Next to me in the blackness lay my oiled blue steel beauty. The greatest Christmas gift I had ever received, or would ever receive. Gradually, I drifted off to sleep, pranging ducks on the wing and getting off spectacular hip shots."

Answers to Trivia Questions:

1. Rudolph
2. It's A Wonderful Life
3. 12 Drummer's Drumming
4. Bing Crosby
5. Ralphie
6. A Christmas Story
7. Poinsetta
8. Hark the Herald Angels
9. Santa
10. 8
11. Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas
12. 1843
13. Norsemen (Scandanavia or Germanic people would apply)
14. The Night Before Christmas
15. Scrooge

More trivia's, history, movie and book picks, and stories to come! Keep the Christmas Spirit Year 'round ya'll!

Christmas Books For Children

Christmas books for all ages are not in short supply. There are hundreds to choose from, and children will learn tales of Christmas that are both funny and heart felt. Some great stories for these groups include:

• Clifford's Christmas by Norman Birdwell
• The Bear's Christmas by Stan and Jan Berenstein
• It's Almost Christmas, Rudolph! by Alan Benjamin
• A Charlie Brown Christmas By Charles M. Schultz
• The Christmas Story with Ruth J, Moorehead's Holly Babes by Random House
• The Christmas Story by Patricia A. Pingry
• Away In A Manger by Public Domain and Thomas Kinkade
• Mooseltoe by Margie Palatini
• Llama, Llama, Holiday Drama by Anna Dewdney
• The Polar Express by Chris Van Allsburg
• How the Grinch Stole Christmas by Dr. Seuss
• The Tall Book of Christmas

Another famous character, toddlers and preschoolers will love to read about, is Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer. Rudolph is a holiday classic, and children will love reading Random House and Linda Karl's tale of Rudolph and the misfit toys. Alan Benjamin's, It's Almost Christmas, Rudolph! is short, and makes a great introduction book for toddler's to learn about this beloved Reindeer. Other "Rudolph" books with a larger story include, Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer by Little Golden Books and Rudolph to the Rescue by Robert L. May. To add some fun to the story, grab the DVD of "Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer." Read the story to the children, and then let them see the story of Rudolph and the misfit toys come to life.

Of course, every child's favorite Christmas character is Santa. There is no better story to read about this "jolly old elf," than The Night Before Christmas" by Clement Clarke Moore. This is the tale of how Santa brings toys to all on Christmas eve. On this night, a father happens to hear and see Santa, but Santa does not mind. He simply completes his work, and wishes all "a merry Christmas" and "a good night!"

For those who are Christmas enthusiast, and enjoy introducing children to personal holiday faorite characters, try reading How The Grinch Stole Christmas and A Charlie Brown Christmas. These are two classic tales that everyone enjoys each holiday season.

The Christmas Story for Toddlers and Preschoolers

Christmas is a time of giving, and no greater gift was given than the "Son of God." There are numerous books that will introduce the story of Christmas to little ones in a fun and joyful way. The Christmas Story by Patricia A. Pingry, has wonderful illustrations, is easy to read, and tells the story of the birth of Christ in an easy to read and understand format. The Christmas Story featuring Ruth J. Moorehead's Holly Babes', is a cute story about the birth of Christ featuring the Holly Babes' as they put on a Christmas play. Other great books to read include, Room for a Little One: A Christmas Tale by Martin Waddell and Jason Cockcroft and The Stable Where Jesus Was Born by Rhonda Gowler Greene.

Away in A Manger by Public Domain and Thomas Kinkade, is a masterpiece. The book is nothing more than the simple song, Away In A Manger, and the drawings are elaborate and breath taking. The story is truly awesome, and Thomas Kinkade's paintings bring the song to life for young readers. Silent Night by Susan Jeffers, is an elegantly illustrated book that brings the song to life, and will be enjoyed by readers young and old.

Christmas Classics

Children will love reading Christmas stories that have been Christmas classics for years. In the 1954 book, The Tall Book of Christmas, classic Christmas tales (including the original story of Christ's birth taken from the Book of Matthew and Luke), are introduced to young readers. There is a new version that has been published in 2006. The book has Christmas poems and carols throughout, and features stories about an orphan boy who wants a dog for Christmas, the "First Christmas Tree," "Granny Smiths" edible mittens, and much more. The last story in the book is, The Night Before Christmas. This book will become a Christmas read annually.

Other great Christmas classics include, The Velveteen Rabbit by Margery Williams, The Polar Express by Chris Van Allsburg, and The Nutcracker by Susan Jeffers. All these books have become holiday classics, and these stories are loved by children and adults around the world.

Make this Christmas season special by introducing children to the magic of the season through reading. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

Brief History of the
Christmas Tree, Wreaths, Mistletoe, and Holly and Ivy

Christmas trees, wreaths, mistletoe, and hanging evergreens were part of the pagan practices of the holiday season. The tree is the symbol for "immortality," the wreath is for "eternal sun," and mistletoe is for "reconciliation." Many would decorate their homes and places of worship with these items while celebrating the season. Even though Egyptians did not have evergreens, they had palm trees. To them palm trees were the symbol of "immortality," and they would decorate the home with the branches during the season.

The Christmas tree that is present today, originated in Germany way back in the 16th century. During the winter months, Germans used a "paradise tree" in a play that told the story of Adam and Eve. The only problem was, the tree needed to bear fruit (apple) and there were no apple trees during this time. Therefore, they decided to use a fir tree to hang fruit on during this time. In the 1700s, the tradition came to America by way of German immigrants, but it was not until the 1800s that the tradition of a Christmas tree became very popular.The hanging of a wreath came from Persia. The wreath was a sign of success. They were not the big, overly decorated wreaths as seen now. They were simply wreaths that could be worn on one's head as a decoration, or as a way to show off one's wealth. Some would hang the wreath on a door or a spot in the house, and it is thought the tradition of hanging wreaths may have started due to that practice.
Mistletoe has become a very popular holiday tradition which began with the Druids before the birth of Christ. Celts would hang mistletoe in their home due to its "healing powers," infertility, and ability to rid the home of "evil spirits." The mistletoe also represented peace. However, in Scandinavia, the little plant represented love and was a symbol of their goddess of love. It was thought that a kiss under the mistletoe brought good luck in the coming year.

The use of holly and ivy (and greenery in general) in North Europe, was to protect the home from "evil spirits" who roamed around during the cold months. It was also used to scent the home as well as add some happiness during the winter months. Some belief that holly and ivy represent the crown of thorns placed on the head of Christ, and that they grow where he has walked.

Today, the reason for placing a Christmas tree or greenery in the home has changed drastically. Most use Christmas trees, mistletoe, and wreaths purely for decoration. They are a product of Christmas and used to add color and a touch of magic to the season.

Christmas Trivia

For fun, here are some christmas questions. Answers will soon follow.

1. Who is the famous red-nosed reindeer?
2. In what movie is the phrase, "everytime a bell rings, an angel gets his wings," spoken?
3. How many drummers are drumming?
4. Who originally sang, "I'll be Home for Christmas?"
5. What character said, "Oh....Fudge?"
6. What movie is on 24 hours on TBS, from 6PM Christmas Eve to 6PM Christmas Day?
7. What plant is considered a star flower, and a symbol of the holidays?
8. What song is played at the end of Charlie Brown Christmas?
9. Who is the guy in the big red suit?
10. How many reindeer pull the sleigh?
11. What famous Christmas song was originally sung by Judy Garland?
12. When was the first Christmas Card Created?
13. Where did the tradition of the yule log begin?
14. What famous Christmas poem states, "Merry Christmas to all and to all a goodnight?"
15. What famous character said, "Bah, Humbug!"

This is one of many trivia's that will be on here, and I will have answers in a few days.

Merry Christmas!

Christmas truly is the most wonderful time of the year. Nothing beats the glow of lights and decorations, listening to Christmas music, watching 24 hours of "A Christmas Story," decorating the tree, or smelling the foods and goodies of the holidays. Therefore, this is a blog dedicated to the best season of the year.

Blogs will include stories, pictures, history, traditions, gift ideas, holiday information, decorating tips, and to begin with, a recipe.

Eggnog Latte

Easy Eggnog Latte

This recipe was invented last November. Thanks to my love for coffee. Especially during the chilly fall and winter months. I figured, it would be worth finding a way to create one of my favorite coffee drinks at home would save some time and money. Here is what I came up with (variations can be made).


Ingredients:

• 1 fresh pot of regular coffee, 6-8 cups
• 1 large coffee cup
• About 1/2 cup eggnog for every cup of coffee (3-4 cups)
• 2 packets of sweet & low or sugar
• nutmeg and cinnamon for sprinkling

Directions:

1. Pour 1/2 cup of eggnog into the coffee mug. Heat on high or on the beverage setting for 2 minutes.
2. Stir in sugar or sweetener and fill the rest of the cup with coffee.
3. Sprinkle nutmeg and cinnamon on top.

This eggnog coffee is delicious with Southern Comfort or Pet brands, and can be turned into a pumpkin eggnog coffee. For parties, serve this with a stick of cinnamon in the cup or with whipped cream on top.

Hope everyone will enjoy this blog, and more posts are sure to follow.