Christmas is not about the presents under the tree, the decorations and the lights, the concerts or the fancy meals. It’s not about shopping, snow, caroling, or Santa Clause. True Christmas is found in the first syllable of the very word itself, who is all too often forgotten. Christmas is about Christ! And while all of the festivities, traditions, and activities that accompany this holiday are certainly appropriate and extremely fun, we must ensure that we never forget the significance of why we celebrate in the first place. And perhaps true Christmas is discovered, enjoyed, and made evident only when our actions reflect the actions and character of Him whose birth we commemorate. He loved His lambs, He fed His lambs, and He continues to feed His lambs; our great opportunity is to allow Him to feed His lambs through the service and giving of you and me.

Below is listed not only giving and service opportunities that help us participate in the true meaning of Christmas, but also fun Christmas activities and traditions that can be enjoyed by families and people everywhere:

1) Purpose of the Holiday: First and most importantly, ensure that in the midst of all the fun festivities, parties, gift exchanges, traditions, delicious meals and chocolate, and especially the anticipation of Santa Clause – that you make time to remember Him, and the real Reason why we celebrate this season!

2) ‘Adopt a Family’: Find a local family that may be struggling or has very little, and anonymously give them Christmas. For 12 days, drop off food one night, clothes the next, books, toys, kind notes, treats, etc. (or just drop it all off at once).

3) ‘Draw Names’: On Dec. 1st, each child will draw the name of another sibling or parent – and that is who they have to get a present for Christmas that year. One year, have it be a funny gift; the next year have it be a ‘no-cost’ present where everyone can not spend money; another year each person has to actually make/create their gift; or just buy the gift for the individual; etc.

4) Yearly Ornaments: Each year, every child will get to make/create a new ornament to hang on the tree.

5) Hang Mistletoe: Enough said right!

6) Family Sleepover: On Christmas Eve, the whole family will campout together in the same room. Obviously this can’t be in the room with the tree, but upstairs/downstairs or in a bedroom – all the kids (and Dad/Mom) will sleep out together.

7) Yearly Christmas Tree Outing: All the men and boys each year will go out on Dec. 1st and find the Christmas tree. While gone, the women will make a warm meal for everyone to eat when the guys get home. That evening, everyone will decorate the tree, listen to Christmas music, make the house festive for the season, and just play games and spend the evening together.

Nightly Christmas Stories: For each night in December, read a Christmas story or book, a holiday poem, the symbols of Christmas, or the words to a Christmas carol.

9) Christmas Eve Present: Allow each child to open one present on Christmas Eve.

10) Nativity Sets & Ginger-Bread Houses: Each year as a family, make a new Nativity set (or have each child make their own). Use paper, play dough, cardboard, cardstock, etc. Also, set aside one night to make Ginger Bread Houses together.

11) Secret Santa Care Packages: Identify a child who is sick at the hospital, some children from the orphanage, various people at the homeless shelter, family in need, or even a child in a developing country (work with your local non-profit) – and each member in the family (even the kids) will donate money, items, and time in putting together these care packages for people in need. Deliver it anonymously, or in person so children can feel and see the joy of giving.

12) Christmas Lights Drive: As a family, hop in the car and make it a yearly tradition to just drive around neighborhoods and downtown looking at Christmas lights. Take candy, of course!

13) Read the Christmas Story: Perhaps make Christmas Eve the night to talk about the ‘true’ meaning of and significance of Christmas. Read the account of Christ’s birth from the Bible, talk about it, or perhaps even for fun – have the kids act it out. Then, the 25th can be the day of fun and presents.

14) Mini Tree: With little kids, allow each of them to have their own little Christmas tree that they can decorate however they want – and they can keep it in their rooms.

15) Giving Tree: Set up a tree at the local schools, Churches, and community centers. Have paper ornaments on each tree with a random items that people will donate. Items could be: food, clothes, toys, books, money, toiletries, etc. Then, have a large box where people can come back and drop off their donated items. Then, give these items to local families/individuals in need. Give them to the local Salvation Army, Orphanage, Homeless Shelter, or Non-Profit.

16) Dec 1st Kickoff: Make the first day in December the official day the family starts Christmas celebrations and decorations. Make some hot cocoa, popcorn, turn on the Christmas music, and get the family together. Decorate the house, put up the tree, and just spend the night playing games and having fun together.

17) Gift to Christ: Each year as a family, and especially personally, determine something you will do as an expression of gratitude for what Christ did for you. Break a habit, develop a talent, mend a relationship, or become a better person/family in some way.

18) Christmas Giving: As a family, do one or many of the following each year: visit a nursing home or homeless shelter and take small gifts for people, make a meal or treat for a new neighbor or someone in need, invite a widowed woman or someone who is alone to share a meal, shovel snow for Elderly neighbors, etc.

19) Christmas Culture Night: Learn about how other cultures, countries, and religions celebrate Christmas.

20) Yearly Christmas Fun: Yet, in the midst of it all – have FUN! Every year, make it a tradition to do one or many of the following fun activities: go sledding, make snowmen, go to the beach, go skiing, ice skating, a performance, to a cabin, have a Christmas movie and popcorn night, have an extended family or neighborhood Christmas party gift exchange, etc. Perhaps one night you can specifically set aside as ‘Christmas Family Night’ and just be together. Get Pizza, rent a movie, play games, have a campout in the family room, etc.

Perhaps it was the great Dr. Seuss who summed it up best when he so perfectly penned: “And the Grinch, with his Grinch-feet ice cold in the snow, stood puzzling and puzzling, how could it be so? It came without ribbons. It came without tags. It came without packages, boxes or bags. And he puzzled and puzzled ’till his puzzler was sore. Then the Grinch thought of something he hadn’t before. What if Christmas, he thought, doesn’t come from a store. What if Christmas, perhaps, means a little bit more.” Thus, Christmas and giving is not determined by price, but in how we give and act – the season’s about Christ!

Christmas is not about the presents under the tree, the decorations and the lights, the concerts or the fancy meals. It’s not about shopping, snow, caroling, or Santa Clause. True Christmas is found in the first syllable of the very word itself, who is all too often forgotten. Christmas is about Christ! And while all of the festivities, traditions, and activities that accompany this holiday are certainly appropriate and extremely fun, we must ensure that we never forget the significance of why we celebrate in the first place. And perhaps true Christmas is discovered, enjoyed, and made evident only when our actions reflect the actions and character of Him whose birth we commemorate. He loved His lambs, He fed His lambs, and He continues to feed His lambs; our great opportunity is to allow Him to feed His lambs through the service and giving of you and me.

Below is listed not only giving and service opportunities that help us participate in the true meaning of Christmas, but also fun Christmas activities and traditions that can be enjoyed by families and people everywhere:

1) Purpose of the Holiday: First and most importantly, ensure that in the midst of all the fun festivities, parties, gift exchanges, traditions, delicious meals and chocolate, and especially the anticipation of Santa Clause – that you make time to remember Him, and the real Reason why we celebrate this season!

2) ‘Adopt a Family’: Find a local family that may be struggling or has very little, and anonymously give them Christmas. For 12 days, drop off food one night, clothes the next, books, toys, kind notes, treats, etc. (or just drop it all off at once).

3) ‘Draw Names’: On Dec. 1st, each child will draw the name of another sibling or parent – and that is who they have to get a present for Christmas that year. One year, have it be a funny gift; the next year have it be a ‘no-cost’ present where everyone can not spend money; another year each person has to actually make/create their gift; or just buy the gift for the individual; etc.

4) Yearly Ornaments: Each year, every child will get to make/create a new ornament to hang on the tree.

5) Hang Mistletoe: Enough said right!

6) Family Sleepover: On Christmas Eve, the whole family will campout together in the same room. Obviously this can’t be in the room with the tree, but upstairs/downstairs or in a bedroom – all the kids (and Dad/Mom) will sleep out together.

7) Yearly Christmas Tree Outing: All the men and boys each year will go out on Dec. 1st and find the Christmas tree. While gone, the women will make a warm meal for everyone to eat when the guys get home. That evening, everyone will decorate the tree, listen to Christmas music, make the house festive for the season, and just play games and spend the evening together.

Nightly Christmas Stories: For each night in December, read a Christmas story or book, a holiday poem, the symbols of Christmas, or the words to a Christmas carol.

9) Christmas Eve Present: Allow each child to open one present on Christmas Eve.

10) Nativity Sets & Ginger-Bread Houses: Each year as a family, make a new Nativity set (or have each child make their own). Use paper, play dough, cardboard, cardstock, etc. Also, set aside one night to make Ginger Bread Houses together.

11) Secret Santa Care Packages: Identify a child who is sick at the hospital, some children from the orphanage, various people at the homeless shelter, family in need, or even a child in a developing country (work with your local non-profit) – and each member in the family (even the kids) will donate money, items, and time in putting together these care packages for people in need. Deliver it anonymously, or in person so children can feel and see the joy of giving.

12) Christmas Lights Drive: As a family, hop in the car and make it a yearly tradition to just drive around neighborhoods and downtown looking at Christmas lights. Take candy, of course!

13) Read the Christmas Story: Perhaps make Christmas Eve the night to talk about the ‘true’ meaning of and significance of Christmas. Read the account of Christ’s birth from the Bible, talk about it, or perhaps even for fun – have the kids act it out. Then, the 25th can be the day of fun and presents.

14) Mini Tree: With little kids, allow each of them to have their own little Christmas tree that they can decorate however they want – and they can keep it in their rooms.

15) Giving Tree: Set up a tree at the local schools, Churches, and community centers. Have paper ornaments on each tree with a random items that people will donate. Items could be: food, clothes, toys, books, money, toiletries, etc. Then, have a large box where people can come back and drop off their donated items. Then, give these items to local families/individuals in need. Give them to the local Salvation Army, Orphanage, Homeless Shelter, or Non-Profit.

16) Dec 1st Kickoff: Make the first day in December the official day the family starts Christmas celebrations and decorations. Make some hot cocoa, popcorn, turn on the Christmas music, and get the family together. Decorate the house, put up the tree, and just spend the night playing games and having fun together.

17) Gift to Christ: Each year as a family, and especially personally, determine something you will do as an expression of gratitude for what Christ did for you. Break a habit, develop a talent, mend a relationship, or become a better person/family in some way.

18) Christmas Giving: As a family, do one or many of the following each year: visit a nursing home or homeless shelter and take small gifts for people, make a meal or treat for a new neighbor or someone in need, invite a widowed woman or someone who is alone to share a meal, shovel snow for Elderly neighbors, etc.

19) Christmas Culture Night: Learn about how other cultures, countries, and religions celebrate Christmas.

20) Yearly Christmas Fun: Yet, in the midst of it all – have FUN! Every year, make it a tradition to do one or many of the following fun activities: go sledding, make snowmen, go to the beach, go skiing, ice skating, a performance, to a cabin, have a Christmas movie and popcorn night, have an extended family or neighborhood Christmas party gift exchange, etc. Perhaps one night you can specifically set aside as ‘Christmas Family Night’ and just be together. Get Pizza, rent a movie, play games, have a campout in the family room, etc.

Perhaps it was the great Dr. Seuss who summed it up best when he so perfectly penned: “And the Grinch, with his Grinch-feet ice cold in the snow, stood puzzling and puzzling, how could it be so? It came without ribbons. It came without tags. It came without packages, boxes or bags. And he puzzled and puzzled ’till his puzzler was sore. Then the Grinch thought of something he hadn’t before. What if Christmas, he thought, doesn’t come from a store. What if Christmas, perhaps, means a little bit more.” Thus, Christmas and giving is not determined by price, but in how we give and act – the season’s about Christ!

Christmas traditions make the holiday season special. We all have certain rituals or customs we do every year to celebrate the season. Did you ever wonder how these customs got their start? Some traditions are well known to all some are celebrated by the few but all are a wonderful way to share the meaning of Christmas with those we love. Read on to learn more about how some traditions came to be.

Advent Calendar

Counting down the days until Christmas with an advent calendar is a popular holiday activity that started in 19th century German homes. The days were counted by making a chalk mark on the floor or hanging a different picture each day. This lead to homemade advent calendars with little doors that were opened each day revealing a Christmas image or bible verse.

Animal Crackers and Christmas?

The National Biscuit Company introduced “Barnum’s Animal Crackers” as a holiday seasonal promotion in 1902. The boxes carrying string was designed for hanging on the Christmas tree at a time when candy and treats were typical tree decorations.

Bells

Bells and Christmas are inseparable. A simple silhouette of bells depicts a Christmas meaning. Bells became part of Christian worship around the year 400 and their sound summoning the faithful to worship was their first link to Christmas. This became the notion of “ringing-in” Christmas. In England Christmas is rung in starting December 21st. In Scandinavia, bells ring to announce the end of work and the beginning of the festive season. In some stories, St Nick carries around a hand bell on his visits. The gift-giver in Italy, Befana, rings a bell as she descends the chimney and in Hungary, angel bells are rung to announce that the children’s presents have been delivered. Numerous carols use bells as a metaphor for joy and hope as in “Silver Bells,” “I heard the Bells on Christmas Day,” and “Jingle Bells.”

Boxing Day

In Britain and many Commonwealth countries, December 26th is a legal holiday known as Boxing Day. Since the middle ages it was the custom during the Christmas season for English employees to solicit tips from people with whom their employer did business. These tips were collected in earthenware boxes which is where the day got its name.

Candy Canes

The red and white striped stick of hard candy known as the candy cane has its origins around 1670. The candy was invented as a means of quieting children during the Christmas service by a choirmaster of Cologne Cathedral. The candies were made in the shape of a shepherds hook. The shape of the hook soon led to hanging them on the tree as it was the custom to decorate the tree with sweets.

Christmas Carols

Carols were started as songs celebrating events of the Nativity. The word carol is said to be derived from a Greek word for circle dancing. Throughout the years religious organizations have both participated in and prohibited singing carols depending on the religious teachings of the day. During the 17th century carols were sung by carolers on “begging visits” during the Christmas season. After 1878, the Church of England renewed its use of Christmas carols which led to their popularity. The 20th century saw a continued interest in carols and a number of new religious and secular Christmas songs were written and became popular holiday favorites.

Childremas

December 28th is that date of the Feast of the Holy Innocents which commemorates the murder of the male babies of Bethlehem by King Herod. In many countries the day was considered a day of ill omen. In England no business was conducted on that day. In Ireland, no new venture was to begin on that day . Many sailors would not sail on December 28th. On the Aran Islands, no one was to be buried that day. In Cornwall washing that day would bring death to one of your relatives.

Christmas Crackers

A Christmas novelty made popular in Britain. The Christmas cracker is a small cardboard tube covered in decorative wrap. When pulled apart the tube makes a small explosive sound and the inside reveals toys and papers with humorous sayings. It was invented by a London confectioner who wanted a novelty that would sell for the Christmas season. Originally filled with sweet treats it was later filled with humorous or romantic sayings and prizes from inexpensive toys to expensive jewelry. It is now a popular part of Christmas celebrations in homes around the world.

Department Store Santa

The first department store to feature a visit with Santa was the J. W. Parkinson’s store in Philadelphia in 1841. Astonishingly, no other department stores copied this event until 1890 when a store in Boston repeated it. Before long lines of children formed at stores across America to sit on Santa’s lap and tell him their Christmas wish list. The department store Santa has been immortalized in films such as Miracle on 34th Street and Christmas Story.

Eggnog

This popular holiday drink takes its name from an old term for ale, “nog.” It is copied from the French drink lait de poule, made of eggs, milk and spices. Americans added rum to it and topped it with nutmeg.

Elves

Small creatures who are associated with Christmas as Santa’s helpers in the North Pole. They were not always so friendly. They originated in Scandinavia as house-elves who could be helpful if bribed but malicious if slighted, especially at Christmas. In Denmark, its customary to leave a bowl of milk out for them. Elves begin to take on a more positive and Christmas oriented persona in the 19th century as part of a drive to make Christmas more child-centered.

No matter how well prepared you think you are, there is always something at the last minute.

Christmas cards to be written, Christmas gifts to be wrapped, Christmas decorations to be put up and if you are fortunate a Christmas vacation to be organized.

Christmas gifts are wonderful to give but these days so many people seem to have all they want or need, that deciding on a gift idea can be quite difficult.

For Christmas gift ideas, gift baskets can be a great solution. When you know a persons interest or hobbies filling a gift basket can very easy and will always be acceptable. With most hobbies and interests there is usually items need to be replaced often, like a golfer always loves to get golf balls and golf tees, shirts, caps, hand towels. Gardeners love garden gloves, small garden tools, gardening books. Someone who enjoys a glass of wine, would love a Christmas gift basket filled with wine and or wine accessories or a for the person who loves to cook, a Christmas basket of gourmet foods and new recipes.

Even children love to get a Christmas basket of goodies. There are lots of fun Christmas baskets that can be made up for children, browse the book stores, toy stores and you will kind a treasure trove of items that will delight a child.

If you are not into making up a Christmas gift basket there are speciality gift basket stores. Try the florists, they will make up a gift basket for you with whatever you wish put in it, florists are very creative people and could come up with gift ideas you may not have thought of. If you have the items you wish to go into the basket, then ask if the Christmas gift basket can be made up for you.

There are other containers that can be used too, not just baskets. Take a look around the specialist storage shops, you will find things like wonderful stainless steel or galvanized buckets in various sizes, compartment type trays and tool carry-all, timber boxes and pot plant pots in terracotta and ceramic. Don’t forget a wonderful clear glass large vase, these can be filled with all sorts of lovely pretty bath soaps, candles, even golf balls etc.

Let your imagination go, If you decide on Christmas gift baskets then your Christmas gift ideas list will fill up very nicely, your Christmas gift shopping solved and the recipients will just love their gifts.

Christmas decorations are so very personal to the family. In some families the Christmas decorations are priceless, not in a dollar value, mainly because of the memories each decoration gives to the family. Some decorations are hand made by family members when they were small children at school, some are bought and hold significance to various happenings to the family at particular Christmas times.

Christmas decorations are usually stored in the attic or a storage area in the home. Many families have built up their own traditions over the years as to when the decorations will be brought out and the Christmas tree decorated. This is a happy family occasion, if you don’t have a special time to decorate your Christmas tree, make one, get the family together and enjoy this special time.

After you get through all the Christmas shopping, planning, cooking and entertaining, you may think you need a Christmas vacation. A Christmas vacation is a great time to relax, unwind and get over the Christmas festive time and get ready for the New Year. A vacation to the beach, how about a cruise or go to the snow for a skiing Christmas vacation. Whatever you choose, get away relax and enjoy. The Christmas Season only comes once a year and many of us say, Thank Goodness! in the nicest possible way.

Are you going to celebrate Christmas in Budapest with Hungarian friends? I tell you some essential information about opening hours, public transport and some interesting Hungarian Christmas traditions.

In mid-November Budapest starts to prepare for Christmas. Streets are decorated with colourful lights, shop-windows are adorned to lure in customers hunting for gifts. More and more people set out to look for the ideal Christmas presents in shops or in the markets. If you’re looking for a unique Hungarian gift and want to get away from the all alike shops visit the Budapest Christmas Fair at Vörösmarty Square.

Opening Hours at Christmas in Budapest

Shops are open for the Bronze, Silver and Gold Sundays on the three weekends before Christmas. Shops close around early afternoon on 24th December and open only on 27th December. Some larger shopping malls might stay open until early evening on 24th December. On Christmas Day and Boxing Day all shops, supermarkets are closed in Budapest. Many shops do not open between Christmas and New Year’s Eve.
Life gets back to normal after 1st January.

Restaurants are also closed on Christmas Eve (24th Decemeber), but most of them open on 25th-26th December. Budapest is a popular tourist destination even in winter and restaurant owners are well aware of that. Don’t worry you’ll definitely find several good restaurants open during Christmas in Budapest

Public Transport at Christmas in Budapest

Public transport vehicles run until around 15.00-16.00. After 16.00 night services carry passangers. On 25th-26th December vehicles run according to holiday schedule. Between 27th and 1st January, vehicles run less frequently than they do on usual weekdays. It’s also holiday at schools, all public transport vehicles run according to schedules valid during school holidays.

Some Hungarian Christmas Traditions

At Christmas we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ in Hungary. The main celebration is on Christmas Eve (it’s Szenteste in Hungarian, meaning Holy Night) Familiy members get together in the afternoon on 24th December and decorate the Christmas tree. Grandparents or elder brothers and sisiters look after the little ones, so they won’t see their presents placed under the tree. The fragrant fir is adorned with colourful paper decorations and a special Hungarian Christmas candy (szaloncukor) wrapped in shinny coloured papers. Housewives cook traditional Hungarian Chrismas dishes in the kitchen. We usually have fish soup, stuffed cabbage, pastry rolls stuffed with poppy seed, walnut or chestnut stuffings (it’s called bejgli in Hungarian). Family members exchange gifts in the evening on 24th December while listening to tradtitional Christmas songs. In Hungary baby Jesus brings the presents, not Santa. We celebrate the arrival of Santa on 6th December, St. Nicholas Day. At midnight people go to the midnight mass. Organ music and pine scent fill the air in churches where people sing together classical Christmas songs. Even non-religious people attend this mass beacuse of its festive and uplifting atmosphere. On the following two days relatives and friends visit it each other at their homes, have traditional Christmas dishes and desserts.

Weather Around Christmas in Budapest

When I was a little kid there was always thick snow around Christmas. The first snowflakes fell usually at the end of November. The temperatures were around zero or below. Today it is hard to tell what will be the weather like around Christmas. Due to global warming we have not see any snow in the past couple of years. The weather around Christmas is sometimes rather mild and dull, with some rain, and it’s crispy and sunny with crystal blue sky at times. I prefer the latter, though I long for white Christmas every year.

Programs at Christmas in Budapest

The world famous 100-member Gypsy Orchestra performs a concert on 30th December, at 6 pm in teh Budapest Congress Centre. They’ll play both clasical and traditional folk music.

The whole city calms down for a couple of days. You can only hear the sound of Christmas concerts and Advent songs in Budapest’s churches. After the hectic shopping it’s a real realxation to listen to the organ works and contemplate about the meaning of Advent and Christmas. I recommend the Lights of Christmas Festival in Matthias Church on Castle Hill.

Merry Christmas in Budapest!

Erzsebet Dobos

Traditionally Christmas ornaments were bulbs of all the same color which were placed randomly throughout your Christmas tree. Over the past few decades, Christmas ornaments have developed into elaborate pieces of art which are delicately planned out and placed throughout the Christmas tree. Currently there are many types of Christmas ornaments to choose from and the creativity and uniqueness of your Christmas tree will highly depend on the types of ornaments you choose.

Below you will find the 5 most popular styles of ornaments for your Christmas tree:

1. Illuminated – Christmas ornaments which light up are becoming extremely popular. Christmas lights have been popular for a long time, so there’s no reason to wonder why illuminated Christmas tree ornaments are becoming so desired. Illuminated Christmas decorations are generally quite high in price. They can range anywhere from $5 to $20 a piece.

2. Mobile – Mobile Christmas tree ornaments are unique and add a whole new element to any Christmas tree. This type of ornament adds an element of movement to your tree, something all Christmas trees lacked before now. Ornaments have the ability to move up and down, side to side and all around. Mobile Christmas tree decorations are said to bring Christmas trees to life. They are also quite expensive and are usually found in the same price range of illuminated Christmas ornaments.

3. Musical – Musical ornaments, along with illuminated and mobile ornaments, are the newest form of Christmas ornament on the market right now. Many ornaments play Christmas songs and carols for everyone to enjoy. Fortunately most also come equipped with on/off buttons which can regulate the sound when you don’t want the music playing. These usually cost in the same vicinity of mobile and illuminated ornaments.

4. Homemade – Homemade Christmas tree ornaments are a sure way to ensure your Christmas tree is one of a kind. This form of ornament is personal, thoughtful and an ornament which is likely to be cherished forever. Homemade ornaments are often made by children for their moms and dads, but there are also a number of moms and dads who make ornaments at home and sell them for low prices. Regardless, homemade Christmas ornaments are one-of-a-kind are cost considerably lower than the other types.

5. Bulbs – Christmas tree bulbs will forever remain in style because they give your tree the traditional look which all trees should have. Christmas bulbs usually come in packs of about 10 and the bulbs tend to be the same colors and shapes. They are distributed as evenly as possible throughout your tree. These ornaments cost slightly higher than homemade ornaments, however they cost considerably less than any other form of Christmas tree ornament. Plus, you can always decorate them yourself.

There is an unlimited selection of Christmas tree ornaments available on the market and the choices you make will highly affect the overall appearance of your Christmas tree. Each individual family will have their own preference and no two Christmas trees will ever look the same. That’s a good thing because, like people, if they all looked the same they would not be as fascinating to look at.

When it comes to christmas tree decorating the latest fad is the upside-down christmas tree. Is there any good reason besides the fact that it is a really hot xmas trend that you should actually buy one of these? First of all it may help a bit to look a bit at the history of the upside down xmas tree. That might help you decide if this type of christmas tree is for you.

The upside-down christmas tree comes from the pagan tradition of spreading evergreen boughs across the floors, windows and hearth in order to keep evil spirits from invading the home. This tradition was celebrated by cultures as diverse as the Celts, the Romans and the Vikings long before the time of Christ.

You have to remember that Christianity did not really take off in central Europe until twelve centuries past the birth of Christ. As it was noted that the evergreen contained the three points of the Holy Trinity, it was brought indoors and hung upside down. This was a way of playing it safe for most central Europeans who liked to mix their pagan rituals with their Christian rituals. Not only did the upside down xmas tree offer protection from evil spirits, but it also acknowledged the Father, the Son and the Holy Ghost. All of this was put to an end when religious zealots in the 16th century Germany proclaimed that the upside down xmas tree was sacrilegious. Religious officials ordered that the tips of christmas trees stop pointing to hell and instead be turned right side up so they pointed to heaven.

Since the 16th century we hadn’t heard a heck of a lot about upside-down christmas tree decorating until they were marketed as store display units to retailers a couple of years ago. The reason for their revival had to do with common sense. The upside-down christmas tree that is bolted to the ceiling simply left more space for retail displays and more room to display christmas tree decorations. It also offered less of a chance of a liability lawsuit should a stumbling shopper trip over it. It wasn’t long before the general public started demanding the upside-down christmas tree as a novelty item.

This past christmas the prestigious Hammacher Schlemmer holiday supply company (which has been in business over 150 years) could not keep their seven-foot tall pre-lit upside-down christmas tree in stock. It costs $600 U.S. with a lifetime guarantee. This should give you an idea of how popular this latest trend in christmas tree decorating has become.

This might be because there are definitely some benefits to using and upside down tree when it comes to christmas tree decorating. For one thing it keeps your precious glass ornaments away from the prying fingers of children. It also keeps pets and toddlers from accidentally tipping the tree over. Another benefit is that it also allows you to pile more presents under the tree (of course keeping in mind that “under the tree” is now “under” the top of the tip of the tree and its decorative topper.)

Another benefit is that the upside-down christmas tree is quite practical. They are bolted to the ceiling, which means they take up no floor space, so it’s great for smaller apartments and smaller rooms. It can be positioned in tight corners and other places that do not accommodate a tree with traditional Christmas decorations.

The upside-down christmas tree can also be hung in places where you could not consider having a tree before. In fact many people simply hang the tree over their dining room table the same way you would a chandelier. Also it is much easier to see the christmas tree decorations and ornaments on an upside-down Christmas tree because they dangle down from the branches and do not visually disappear into the tree foliage. Many of them come prelit, which gets rid of the necessity of wrapping the tree in lights.

So just how are these upside-down christmas trees attached to the ceiling? They are bolted to a base that is screwed into the ceiling. If you are just into this for the novelty of it and the idea of a whole christmas tree and dangling christmas tree decorations dangling over your head makes you nervous then you can also buy models that have a base on the floor that supports an upside down artificial tree.

As upside down christmas trees are a very new thing, there is some debate as to which types of christmas tree decorations look best on it. For instance some people like the look of clumps of tinsel hanging like clumps of hair downwards from the ceiling whereas others find the effect to be too cluttered or messy looking. In you are of the latter opinion then you might want to stick with trailing cotton batten which is more like spider webs and does not fall as easily off the tree.

As you don’t want any ornaments falling down and smashing on the floor or God forbid, on somebody’s head you need to take extra care about fastening your christmas tree decorations securely to the tree. This is also true of christmas garlands, lights and the christmas tree topper. Remember to also fasten everything securely to the tree with some kind of wire as well as the usual fishline!

A drawback to buying an upside-down christmas tree is that after you remove it, you might have a bit of a plastering job to attend to thanks to the nuts and bolts that hold the base secure. This is why many people opt to hang it where a light fixture is usually hung. Then after the holiday season is over, they simply replace the light fixture to hide any marks left from the bolting of the tree to the ceiling.

Another consideration is that it is difficult to predecorate these upside-down christmas trees. Many of them need to be hung quite high to avoid them from scraping the tops of people’s heads. This means getting up on a ladder or a table to attach christmas tree decorations to the tree so this is definitely not the kind of tree that is best for an elderly individual or someone who is afraid of heights.

However the upside-down christmas tree is ideal for the individual who already has everything (think Paris Hiliton!) or who enjoys being different and the center of attention.

Christmas time is here again and we want to grab your attention to this article on Christmas.
It not only is interesting, but also has tons about the true meaning of Christmas.
The true meaning of Christmas is sometimes crowded out by the frenzy of buying and gift giving.

Our top 10 facts about Christmas are sure to help you get a better understanding of Christmas.
We mean to let everyone know more about Christmas after reading this!

1. Jesus Christ

First and foremost, the birth of Jesus Christ is true meaning of Christmas
Christmas was first celebrated as a proper day, on the 25th December, in the 5th century,
in the time of the Roman Emperor Constantine.

2. Christmas Carols

The custom of carolling through the streets originated in England when rich businessmen hired
singers to accompany their strolls. The tradition quickly extended to all types of choruses.
“We Wish You a Merry Christmas” was definitely on everyone’s list.

3. Christmas Cards

In 1843, the first Christmas card was printed in England for Sir Henry Cole.
He was busy man who wanted to save time in his own Christmas letters,

4. Christmas Tree

In the 16th century Martin Luther, a German preacher, was the first to bring a Christmas tree into a house.
A story is told that, one night before Christmas, he was walking through the forest and looked up
to see the stars shining through the tree branches. It was so beautiful, that he went home and told his children
that it reminded him of Jesus, who left the stars of heaven to come to earth at Christmas.

5. Christmas Gifts

One of the main reasons we have the custom of giving and receiving presents at Christmas,
is to remind us of the presents given to Jesus by the three Wise Men: Frankincense, Gold and Myrrh.
Frankincense was a perfume used in Jewish worship and, as a gift, it showed that people would worship Jesus.
Gold was associated with Kings and Christians believe that Jesus is the King of Kings.
Myrrh was a perfume that was put on dead bodies to make them smell nice and, as a gift,
it showed that Jesus would suffer and die.

6. Santa Claus

Does Santa exist?
In the 16th Century in Europe, the stories and traditions about St. Nicholas became very unpopular.
But someone had to deliver presents to children at Christmas, so in the U.K., he became ‘Father Christmas’,
a character from old childrens stories; in France, he was then known as ‘Pre Nel’; in Germany,
the Christ Child or ‘Christ Kind. In the early U.S.A. his name was ‘Kris Kringle’.
Later, Dutch settlers in the USA took the old stories of St. Nicholas with them and Kris Kringle became
‘Sinter Klass’ or as we now say ‘Santa Claus’!

7. Mistletoe

Mistletoe is a plant that grows on willow and apple trees (and in garden centres!).
The practice of hanging it in the house goes back to the times of the ancient Druids.
It is supposed to possess mystical powers which bring good luck to the household and ward off evil spirits.
It was also used as a sign of friendship and that’s where the custom of kissing under Mistletoe comes from!

8. Xmas

Xmas can also mean Christmas!
The name ‘Christmas’ comes from the Mass of Christ (or Jesus).
A Mass service is where Christians remember that Jesus died for us and then came back to life.
The ‘Christ-Mass’ service was the only one that was allowed to take place after sunset,
So we get the name Christ-Mass, shortened to Christmas.
Christmas is also sometimes called Xmas. Some people don’t think it’s correct to call Christmas ‘Xmas’
as that takes the ‘Christ’ (Jesus) out of Christmas. But that is not quite right! In the Greek language
and alphabet, the letter that looks like an X is pronounced ‘Christos’ and means ‘Christ’!

9. Christmas Stamps

In 1937, the first postage stamp to commemorate Christmas was issued in Austria.

10. ‘The Lamb of God’

Two thousand years ago the King of Kings was born.
‘The Lamb of God’ later made to feel the thorn,
If his words are accepted and not scorned,
They will make us all reborn.

We hope that what we have stated here on Christmas is indeed inspiring to you, the reader.

Have a very Merry Christmas

Children simply tread on air when it’s their most favorite Christmas holidays around the corner ! Now Christmas crafts are some of those special things which make the holiday even more fun for them. They enjoy making wonderfully warm crafts for their big bros, little sis, dear parents or cool buddies. Christmas is surely the merriest time of the year for the little kiddos, especially because Santa Claus comes to visit them with lots of Christmas gifts and toys. And they just can’t afford to miss out on all the fun. Some schools arrange for a breakfast with Santa and these tiny tots simply love playing and singing about this jolly ol’ man in unabashed glee. It’s quite fetching ideas for the teachers to make the students deck up their schools for the holidays and get on with some Christmas crafts. It is sheer fun and they would surely enjoy these Christmas crafts.

During the Christmas holidays, students are often kept engaged in interesting Christmas crafts or gifted a day-out with Mr. Santa and Mrs. Claus. It’s also quite common to arrange for a Christmas shopping for the kids, where they can buy little tokens or inexpensive Christmas gifts for their mom, dad, gramps, bro, sis or friends. That gives them a real grown-up feeling and you’d love to see those little creatures rejoice in the Christmas shopping spree. Magic shows and talent hunts are also held during Christmas to keep the kids on the high end of thrill. Children even go out caroling in groups from door to door on Christmas. So much for the activities of children during Christmas; now if you want some Christmas craft ideas for the children, here are some:

The easiest Christmas craft by all odds is the Christmas card. No one will ever get bored with making their own hand-made cards. Ideas can be many and easy-to-craft too. So why not ask them start off with some Christmas cards ? May be just a collage of red, green and white papers would look mind-blowing or a Christmas tree studded with glitters at the corners more fascinating than a real one !

Another groovy Christmas craft idea is the Santa hat. You’ll just need red cloth, some fluffy cotton and glue to get this Christmas craft real ! Fold the red cloth into a conical shape and stick the edges. Then have a ball of cotton glued at the top and some to border the circular base.

Christmas wreaths are always great ideas for Christmas crafts. Best visual for this would be a wreath made of the special Poinsettias of the season. Red and white poinsettias would just swell at the doorway, won’t they ? You can even have the wreath punctuated with green leaves.

Christmas ornaments are good craft ideas too. You can ask the kids to make small gingerbread men from hard brown-colored paper or give them plastic candy canes to be spiraled in red and blue satin ribbons. Or they can also make glittering Christmas stars by cutting out papers in star shapes and sticking silver and golden glitters on them.

Christmas craft ideas are many. Why not let your kids craft out a cute angel this year ? Let them draw an angel on construction paper, help them stick light pink or light blue fabric for the dress, color the hands and eyes and then cut it out finally to fix it at the doorway to welcome your guests on Christmas. They would surely appreciate this cherubic welcome !

Now with a little older kids, crafting out a big snowman or a roly-poly Santa are peachy Christmas craft ideas for sure. To start, you can ask them stuff two big sacks for the snowman body and cover them with loads of cotton. A carrot for the nose and cranberries for the eyes and your snowman for Christmas would be all done and dusted to amuse your folks.

Another idea for Christmas crafts is the Christmas sign board. You may ask the children to either draw or color whacky messages for Christmas, that are to be put up on the door or on the walls of your Christmas party hall. So let their ideas soar this Christmas and inspire the little ones to create fascinating Christmas crafts!

What’s a better time to sing, dance and party if not on Christmas ? So be it. Celebrate this Christmas as best as you can, in whatever ways you want to, with as much fun and friends and make it a celebration to remember forever ! Now, there aren’t any clear-cut ways for Christmas celebration. Everything’s appreciated as long as it’s in the spirit of the season. Christmas parties are, therefore, quite common.

But not everyone likes a blowout Christmas party or a boisterous Christmas celebration. Some even like to engage in a low-key Christmas celebrations. If you’re in this group, you can spend the day religiously-praying for your near and dears, spending a warm time in close quarters, flipping through family albums and cherishing fond memories of bygone years. You can also have a Christmas celebration with some noble acts of charity, giving donations or buying Christmas gifts to the unprivileged. This is sure to bring you closer to the true essence of Christmas-giving and sharing of what you have ! So enrich your holidays and that of others with warm smiles, hugs, gifts and wishes.

Just in case you want to go a little wild on Christmas and have a peach of Christmas celebrations, the idea of a Christmas party is always a winning idea ! Be it an open-house party or a corporate one or if it’s just a casual sit-down dinner-plan days ahead of Christmas. For, there are many things to keep in mind while planning your Christmas party. To start off, you can set the tone for your Christmas party with the invitations itself. Whatever your Christmas celebrations, the invitations got to be fetching enough to have your folks dropping in for a blast ! Make them as innovative as possible to get your guests in the Christmas groove. Then you got to choose a place for the Christmas blowout or the holiday party before deciding on your menu. Party areas are usually hired for company Christmas parties. And if it’s a more informal joint, you can fix up the Christmas party even at your own place. Now, you can either have your party catered and or you can plan it yourself with the help of close pals or family members. You can arrange for a DJ to sweep your guests off their feet at your Christmas party celebrations. Note this, your Christmas party mustn’t always include elaborate meals and extravagant affairs; you can even host a Christmas party with just drinks and hors o’deurves with soft Christmas music playing in the air. And this is no less entertaining and definitely not a absurd Christmas celebration ! So get set to bake your cookies, brownies, prepare the Jingle Bell Fudge and keep the wassail handy for your guests to pamper their taste buds on Christmas.

Now for the decorations of your Christmas party-make it as chic as possible. Give the party room a total face-lift with colorful candles brightly lit everywhere, adorn the Christmas tree with bells and candy canes, fringe the walls with tinsel and little stockings, and scatter balloons around to make it look even more festive. Another stunning Christmas party idea is to crown your guests with Christmas party Santa hats as soon as they arrive. This can sure pep up the Christmas celebrations a tad bit and bring your guests into the holiday spirits right away. And, of course, you must choose a theme for your Christmas party and decide the activities accordingly. You can perk up the party ambience with fun games, dance and sometimes people even give away Christmas awards during a Christmas party. So just get started and have an out-of-the-world Christmas celebration this year !