I have to admit, writing this blog is putting me in the Christmas spirit. Probably a bit too early but oh well. I just downloaded a desktop Christmas wallpaper.
For a long time I have stayed away from these gratis downloads. I remember in the 90's they were often filled with viruses. I hope that has changed. Or my protection is better.
I can't believe I just said "remember the 90's". But I digress.
It's too bad I don't have a webcam because the joy on my face when I saw my new background must have been priceless. Or maybe it is because I am sick beyond belief of looking at the yellow/orange flower field that came with the computer.
Other holiday notes. Dunkin' Donuts today is selling ornaments. I would really like one of those ornaments. But the last time I moved and supposedly cut down my Christmas collection, I had 36 boxes of Christmas stuff. I feel like I just made a 12-step confession here.
I contented myself with a large decaf, light cream no sugar and a 2009 calendar with coupons.
I also popped into Blockbuster for a movie and I don't know if I am going to make it until December 1st this year before I wind up watching a Christmas movie. Don't they usually broadcast "It's a Wonderful Life" during Thanksgiving? Technically Wonderful Life is not a Christmas movie but rather a movie that takes place during Christmas.
Okay, I am reaching here. Besides there are 3 NFL games on Thanksgiving Day to distract me.
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Going Green for Christmas Part One
I just can't bear the thought of cutting down a Christmas tree. I lived my whole life (and that is a long time) without ever having a live Christmas tree until Christmas 2006. Actually, isn't live Christmas tree kind of an oxymoron? Dying Christmas tree would be more appropriate.
I'm so daft about this that one year I made my husband take home a straggly tree that was abandoned on a Christmas tree lot. I figured it would be a good bird feeder for the winter in the backyard. I didn't really consider how much work disposal would be in July.
Anyway, in 2006 I was in a new relationship. And he had always had live trees. So I acquiesced. I will admit it was the most beautiful Christmas tree I'd ever had. Full and lush and ahhhh the wonderful scent. My indoor cat also thought bringing a tree in the house was the greatest idea since catnip.
But I felt guilty the entire holiday season that I was responsible for the demise of this magnificent act of creation. Granted I did not cut it down. It was already on the lot. But would it be on the lot if people didn't come to buy it? The following Christmas, I convinced him to go with an artificial tree.
2007 was his first experience with an artificial tree. He decided to buy a new prelit tree. I had thought of prelit trees long before they were available but I could never figure out how to create one. Duh! Turns out it is pretty simple.
So now I have this prelit tree. We both like it. But it is already obsolete. Seems now I need a prelit led christmas tree. I am already looking longingly at them. They are quite beautiful but I hate to spend that much money this year. I will do my part over Christmas to stimulate the economy but not that much.
I'm so daft about this that one year I made my husband take home a straggly tree that was abandoned on a Christmas tree lot. I figured it would be a good bird feeder for the winter in the backyard. I didn't really consider how much work disposal would be in July.
Anyway, in 2006 I was in a new relationship. And he had always had live trees. So I acquiesced. I will admit it was the most beautiful Christmas tree I'd ever had. Full and lush and ahhhh the wonderful scent. My indoor cat also thought bringing a tree in the house was the greatest idea since catnip.
But I felt guilty the entire holiday season that I was responsible for the demise of this magnificent act of creation. Granted I did not cut it down. It was already on the lot. But would it be on the lot if people didn't come to buy it? The following Christmas, I convinced him to go with an artificial tree.
2007 was his first experience with an artificial tree. He decided to buy a new prelit tree. I had thought of prelit trees long before they were available but I could never figure out how to create one. Duh! Turns out it is pretty simple.
So now I have this prelit tree. We both like it. But it is already obsolete. Seems now I need a prelit led christmas tree. I am already looking longingly at them. They are quite beautiful but I hate to spend that much money this year. I will do my part over Christmas to stimulate the economy but not that much.
Saturday, November 22, 2008
The Yule Log
There's a chill in the air today and it has brought my thoughts around to the tradition of the Yule Log. Can anything really replace the homey feeling of a lovely scented, cracking fire on a cool winter's eve?
The Yule Log seems to be yet another idea Christians borrowed from the ancient Germanic people's worship of trees. Then again, didn't everyone burn logs to keep warm back in the day?
They did if they could afford it. But times changed. Large hearths became wood stoves became furnaces in the basement. And Yule logs became yummy dessert centerpieces.
Now you can buy a DVD and burn your Yule log on the TV or via the web on your computer or even your mp3 device. Fred Thrower, a TV programming director introduced the idea of a video Yule log in 1966 for people who did not have a fireplace.
The Yule Log on Youtube
Fireplaces have madea comeback in recent years. According to the National Association of Home Builders, more than half the homes in the U.S. now have a fireplace.
Because fireplaces were out of fad for a while, a lot of people do not know how to properly use one. And there are things you MUST know. Remember the chimney sweeps of England. They existed for a reason.
Chimneys should be inspected yearly. Dampers should be opened before lighting and not closed again until the last ash is cooled.
A fireplace is not a toy or a game. Keep kids out with screens and consider whether your children are old enough to be around a lit fire.
By the way, a fireplace is not a barbeque, either. Burning charcoal in the fireplace can be deadly.
There is a reason "the stockings were hung by the chimney with care". Anything dangling in the path of sparks can be toast before St. Nick gets a chance to fill it.
I am not an expert. If you plan to light a fire indoors, I strongly recommend you search the web for fireplace safety. Even if you think you know it all, it wouldn't hurt to refresh your knowledge.
The Yule Log seems to be yet another idea Christians borrowed from the ancient Germanic people's worship of trees. Then again, didn't everyone burn logs to keep warm back in the day?
They did if they could afford it. But times changed. Large hearths became wood stoves became furnaces in the basement. And Yule logs became yummy dessert centerpieces.
Now you can buy a DVD and burn your Yule log on the TV or via the web on your computer or even your mp3 device. Fred Thrower, a TV programming director introduced the idea of a video Yule log in 1966 for people who did not have a fireplace.
The Yule Log on Youtube
Fireplaces have madea comeback in recent years. According to the National Association of Home Builders, more than half the homes in the U.S. now have a fireplace.
Because fireplaces were out of fad for a while, a lot of people do not know how to properly use one. And there are things you MUST know. Remember the chimney sweeps of England. They existed for a reason.
Chimneys should be inspected yearly. Dampers should be opened before lighting and not closed again until the last ash is cooled.
A fireplace is not a toy or a game. Keep kids out with screens and consider whether your children are old enough to be around a lit fire.
By the way, a fireplace is not a barbeque, either. Burning charcoal in the fireplace can be deadly.
There is a reason "the stockings were hung by the chimney with care". Anything dangling in the path of sparks can be toast before St. Nick gets a chance to fill it.
I am not an expert. If you plan to light a fire indoors, I strongly recommend you search the web for fireplace safety. Even if you think you know it all, it wouldn't hurt to refresh your knowledge.
Thursday, November 6, 2008
Toys for Tots
My favorite Marine is my Dad. And my favorite Christmas charity is Toys for Tots.
Back in 1947, Diane Hendricks, wife of Major Bill Hendricks USMCR, made a doll to donate to a needy child. She and Bill could find no organization existing at that time in Los Angeles to handle such a donation. So they vowed to do something about it. Bill and Marine reservists, in the Los Angeles area, collected and distributed nearly 5,000 toys that first year.
The following Christmas, 1948, the Marine Corps took Toys for Tots nationwide with every Marine Corps reserve unit in the country collecting and distributing toys to needy children. Major Bill worked in the movie industry in his civilian life and news spread quickly among major celebrities who have endorsed the program since day one. Including the incomparable Walt Disney himself, who designed the Toys for Tots logo still used today.
Originally the program accepted new and used toys but since 1980 they have been only accepting new toys. Logistically it was too overwhelming to repair toys and ensure their safety. Plus a new toy sends a stronger message of hope and self esteem to a child.
In 1991, the Secretary of Defense authorized the Marine Corps to create a dedicated Toys for Tots Foundation. The local reservists remain the backbone of the Toys for Tots program, but the dedicated organization helps with additional fund raising, better distribution based on needs and a better coordinated organizational makeup.
Everything you need to know about donating to Toys for Tots can be found on their website Marine Toys for Tots Foundation.
You can find a local contact for drop off information and you can request a child be included on their gift list. You can also make a cash donation online from the comfort of your living room chair! In my area, the reservists have drop off points at many convenient locations during the holidays, including our local mall.
There is nothing more heartwarming than knowing you have helped make a Merry Christmas for some less fortunate child.
Back in 1947, Diane Hendricks, wife of Major Bill Hendricks USMCR, made a doll to donate to a needy child. She and Bill could find no organization existing at that time in Los Angeles to handle such a donation. So they vowed to do something about it. Bill and Marine reservists, in the Los Angeles area, collected and distributed nearly 5,000 toys that first year.
The following Christmas, 1948, the Marine Corps took Toys for Tots nationwide with every Marine Corps reserve unit in the country collecting and distributing toys to needy children. Major Bill worked in the movie industry in his civilian life and news spread quickly among major celebrities who have endorsed the program since day one. Including the incomparable Walt Disney himself, who designed the Toys for Tots logo still used today.
Originally the program accepted new and used toys but since 1980 they have been only accepting new toys. Logistically it was too overwhelming to repair toys and ensure their safety. Plus a new toy sends a stronger message of hope and self esteem to a child.
In 1991, the Secretary of Defense authorized the Marine Corps to create a dedicated Toys for Tots Foundation. The local reservists remain the backbone of the Toys for Tots program, but the dedicated organization helps with additional fund raising, better distribution based on needs and a better coordinated organizational makeup.
Everything you need to know about donating to Toys for Tots can be found on their website Marine Toys for Tots Foundation.
You can find a local contact for drop off information and you can request a child be included on their gift list. You can also make a cash donation online from the comfort of your living room chair! In my area, the reservists have drop off points at many convenient locations during the holidays, including our local mall.
There is nothing more heartwarming than knowing you have helped make a Merry Christmas for some less fortunate child.
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
Snowbabies
Those delightful Christmas figurines known as Snowbabies burst on the holiday collecting scene in 1986. They are manufactured by Department 56 which specializes in villages and figurines that celebrate holidays and everyday. Department 56 Snowbabies are designed by Kristi Jensen Pierro. And it is believed that the first “snow baby” was Marie Ahnighito Peary, daughter of American Arctic explorer, Admiral Robert Peary.
Department 56 was smart to create the line as a collectible, limiting manufacturing by “retiring” figures. This keeps the value and desirability up. There are plenty of copycats out there too. If you are interested in collecting it would be wise to bone up on some good guide books and only buy from reputable dealers.
But did you know that snow babies are not new? They were manufactured in Germany around the turn of the last century. Also, some were made in Japan in the 1930s. Really rare ones were made in pink and blue. Collectors call the early 20th century figures, “old babies”. If you have a collector on your Christmas shopping list this book, “Collecting Christmas Bisque Figures” by Mary Morrison, would be a very thoughtful gift.
Snowbabies are traditionally made of unglazed porcelain bisque. The original figures were children in their snow suits. Bits of crushed bisque were applied to the figures to give the appearance of being covered with snow. Over the years snow babies evolved to include elves and Santas and animals, most notably Snowbunnies. Department 56 Snowbabies even include a Disney line. It is believed there are thousands of variations of the little figurines just waiting to be discovered by collectors.
Department 56 was smart to create the line as a collectible, limiting manufacturing by “retiring” figures. This keeps the value and desirability up. There are plenty of copycats out there too. If you are interested in collecting it would be wise to bone up on some good guide books and only buy from reputable dealers.
But did you know that snow babies are not new? They were manufactured in Germany around the turn of the last century. Also, some were made in Japan in the 1930s. Really rare ones were made in pink and blue. Collectors call the early 20th century figures, “old babies”. If you have a collector on your Christmas shopping list this book, “Collecting Christmas Bisque Figures” by Mary Morrison, would be a very thoughtful gift.
Snowbabies are traditionally made of unglazed porcelain bisque. The original figures were children in their snow suits. Bits of crushed bisque were applied to the figures to give the appearance of being covered with snow. Over the years snow babies evolved to include elves and Santas and animals, most notably Snowbunnies. Department 56 Snowbabies even include a Disney line. It is believed there are thousands of variations of the little figurines just waiting to be discovered by collectors.
Monday, November 3, 2008
Office Secret Santa
If you work in an office and well pretty much any workplace with more than two people, the Secret Santa question is likely to arise. What is a Secret Santa? A Secret Santa is a gift exchange in which the giver selects the name of the recipient and then brings in the gift wrapped. Usually a dollar limit is set to keep everyone happy and keep expenses sensible. $10-$25 is about the norm.
Some Secret Santa picks are done by merely putting names on a slip of paper and putting them in a jar or Christmas decorated basket from which each participant chooses one name. Some people ask that you put a couple of suggestions on your slip as to what you would like. I prefer these as it is much easier to buy something they will really enjoy.
Still I have heard some people have a hard time writing their list or feel shy to do so. I would suggest for those people who do not want to list specific gifts that they at least give the buyer a clue. For example: your favorite color, favorite animal, favorite music genre….you get the idea.
Most people are extra busy during the holidays and tend to not get much done ahead of time. But it adds to the fun if you can bring the wrapped, tagged gifts in ahead of time to add to the anticipation and speculation. This will only work if your workplace is secure or there is an office where you can lock up the booty.
Finally, you will have to decide when to distribute the gifts and whether or not to reveal “who had who”. Personally I prefer the reveal but I guess the best bet would be to take a vote. It is best to distribute the gifts when everyone can gather together. In some workplaces that is impossible. If you can gather together, a luncheon is nice. Some people like to do cocktails or dinner after work but at this busy time of year most people would rather have the time to tend to family matters. If you can’t gather together then perhaps someone acting as Santa could pass out a few gifts at a time and people can try to get a peek at each person opening.
If all else fails, arm Santa with a digital camera and let him or her take pictures of each person opening the gifts then print the pictures for the break room or email them to everyone.
Some Secret Santa picks are done by merely putting names on a slip of paper and putting them in a jar or Christmas decorated basket from which each participant chooses one name. Some people ask that you put a couple of suggestions on your slip as to what you would like. I prefer these as it is much easier to buy something they will really enjoy.
Still I have heard some people have a hard time writing their list or feel shy to do so. I would suggest for those people who do not want to list specific gifts that they at least give the buyer a clue. For example: your favorite color, favorite animal, favorite music genre….you get the idea.
Most people are extra busy during the holidays and tend to not get much done ahead of time. But it adds to the fun if you can bring the wrapped, tagged gifts in ahead of time to add to the anticipation and speculation. This will only work if your workplace is secure or there is an office where you can lock up the booty.
Finally, you will have to decide when to distribute the gifts and whether or not to reveal “who had who”. Personally I prefer the reveal but I guess the best bet would be to take a vote. It is best to distribute the gifts when everyone can gather together. In some workplaces that is impossible. If you can gather together, a luncheon is nice. Some people like to do cocktails or dinner after work but at this busy time of year most people would rather have the time to tend to family matters. If you can’t gather together then perhaps someone acting as Santa could pass out a few gifts at a time and people can try to get a peek at each person opening.
If all else fails, arm Santa with a digital camera and let him or her take pictures of each person opening the gifts then print the pictures for the break room or email them to everyone.
Hershey Park, A Sweet Place to Christmas
If you are lucky enough to live in the Pennsylvania area or will be traveling to it for Christmas, you might want to spend some holiday time at Hershey Park. I am a fan of driving around neighborhoods to see the light displays but I was spoiled because I grew up in the San Fernando Valley. Those movie people know how to decorate a house for Christmas!
A trip to the Star Light hills is not in the cards for me this year. I wonder do they still decorate as a community. But Christmas in Hershey Park may be even better. They have a 2 mile drive through with over 600 animated, lighted displays. And that is just the beginning.
Candy Lane caters to guest of all ages. Attractions include rides, characters and of course, Santa and his reindeer. One restaurant features breakfast with Santa and Mrs. Claus and all their friends. There are theater productions and even a dinner theater event.
You can also buy a combo ticket for Hershey and Dutch Wonderland which is not too far away. Dutch Wonderland caters more to children and their holiday celebration is also geared towards families and kids. I have been to both parks during the regular seasons. Both parks are family friendly and do a great job with any attraction they put on. So if it were me, I think I would limit my visit to one park or the other. Two parks may be overkill on a family unless you live in the area and can space the visit’s a bit.
A trip to the Star Light hills is not in the cards for me this year. I wonder do they still decorate as a community. But Christmas in Hershey Park may be even better. They have a 2 mile drive through with over 600 animated, lighted displays. And that is just the beginning.
Candy Lane caters to guest of all ages. Attractions include rides, characters and of course, Santa and his reindeer. One restaurant features breakfast with Santa and Mrs. Claus and all their friends. There are theater productions and even a dinner theater event.
You can also buy a combo ticket for Hershey and Dutch Wonderland which is not too far away. Dutch Wonderland caters more to children and their holiday celebration is also geared towards families and kids. I have been to both parks during the regular seasons. Both parks are family friendly and do a great job with any attraction they put on. So if it were me, I think I would limit my visit to one park or the other. Two parks may be overkill on a family unless you live in the area and can space the visit’s a bit.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)