Holidays: 2012

A Christmas History Lesson

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An article discussing the religious symbolism in The Twelve Days of Christmas.

Keywords:

The Twelve Days of Christmas, carol, history

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The Twelve Days of Christmas is one of the most famous Christmas carols ever written. It has been sung for a great many years, and is known the world over. To most it is a delightful hymn, but it was originally created with a very serious intent. In England between the years of 1558 and 1829, it was illegal to practice Catholicism in public or private. It was essentially a crime to be Catholic in England during those years.

The Twelve Days of Christmas was written to help preserve the traditions of the Catholic faith during the years that Catholicism was banned in England. The song is steeped in symbolism, and the fact that it is so well known throughout the world is a testament to the faith of the followers of the Catholic doctrine. The symbols contained in the song are as follows:

1st verse – "True Love" refers to God.
2nd verse – "2 Turtle Doves" refers to the Old and New Testaments.
3rd verse – "3 French Hens" refers to Faith, Hope, and Charity.
4th verse – "4 Calling Birds" refers to the Four Gospels or the Four Evangelists.
5th verse – "5 Golden Rings" refers to the first five Books of the Old Testament.
6th verse – "6 Geese-a-laying" refers to the six days of creation.
7th verse – "7 Swans-a-swimming" refers to the seven sacraments.
8th verse – "8 Maids-a-milking" refers to the eight beatitudes.
9th verse – "9 Ladies dancing" refers to the nine fruits of the Holy Spirit.
10th verse – "10 Lords-a-leaping" refers to the Ten Commandments.
11th verse – "11 Pipers piping" refers to the eleven faithful apostles.
12th verse – "12 Drummers drumming" refers to the twelve points of the Apostle’s creed.

I love this song. It is, by far, my favorite Christmas carol. I had no idea about the symbols contained in the song, until I googled the song lyrics one afternoon. I find it very interesting that a song we all know so well could contain so many hidden meanings. I would never have guessed that it was anything more than lovely Christmas carol. It’s always nice to learn something new, especially about the wonderful celebration of Christmas. I hope you learned something, too. Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night!

10 Ways To Find The Best Price On Hotels

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Discount hotels, cheap hotels, hotel and resort information, online hotel reservations, hotel deal, special hotel offers

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Planning a trip has become increasing difficult as there are so many options to choose from. After finding a hotel that suits all your needs you need to ascertain whether you are getting a good rate. When you ask a travel agent or refer to a brochure for rates what you get is the generally quoted rate for room. But if you are wise you can get a better deal and save a lot of money.

1.    Surf the net and see what online travel sites like Expedia, Hotels.com, or Travelocity are offering. Or you could browse the hotel web site to find a good deal.   Many sites list special offers as well as discounts.

2.    Use a search tool to like BookingBuddy.com or Travel Axe to compare various offers and rates.

3.    Look for what is known as “lowest rate guarantee” these are mainly on offer online but are subject to advance booking and very harsh cancellation policies. Even if the price offered online is attractive do call the hotel up and see if they are willing to better the rate.

4.    Opaque-pricing travel sites like Hotwire or priceline do offer good rates for good hotels. The only downside is you cannot specify a hotel. All you can do is indicate where you want accommodation. The reservation needs to be made online and is non refundable and one cannot change plans or cancel.

5.    Consider purchasing an Entertainment book discount for between US$22 to 45. Becoming a member entitles you to discounts of 50% on the rack rate of member hotels. But these discounts are only available when the occupancy rate of the hotel is less than 80%. Check out the great options at: http://www.entertainment.com/discount/home.shtml.

6.    Ask about weekend rates. Often hotels that cater to business travelers have great rates on what they consider off season, weekends.

7.    If you plan your trip well in advance you could get a discount of 50% or more during off season.

8.    Some hotels have special rates for members of AAA, American Automobile Association and other professional bodies or clubs. Call the hotel of your choice and ask them if they do have such schemes.

9.    If you are traveling in a group ask about group rates or family rates. Most hotels have different options for multiple bookings. Some even offer a day or two additional stay at no extra cost.

10.   When you leave the airport or railway station or just drive in to a town stop at a gas station and find out if they have hotel coupon booklets. These many a time have great offers for visitors.

To get the best deal you need to be thorough as well as flexible. Just as you spend time sourcing air tickets at bargain prices you can do the same for hotel bookings. Read all travel offers carefully, set aside any discount booklets your bank or credit card company sends you for use when you travel. If you are smart you will save quite a lot.

10 No Cost Valentine's Day Gifts

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Keywords:

, romantic gift ideas, gifts for her, gifts for lovers

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Valentine's Day is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate those we love, and money should not stay in the way of it.

Here are some Valentine's Day gift ideas that won’t cost any money.

1. Surprise your partner with a new set of vows, complete with a lovely candlelight dinner. Take care of all the details before the actual day, so you can be relaxed and enjoy it too.

2. Window-shop for your dreams together: go "house hunting" for the perfect getaway cottage...mountain cabin...or even your first house. Those dreams will become a reality sooner than you think.

3. Bake some heart-shaped cookies or fudge: this one is really easy, and if you have kids, you can involve them as well.

4. Create a list of "100 reasons I love you" and present it nicely wrapped and tied with a red or pink bow.

5. Read love poems/stories together.

6. Share romantic greeting cards that you made: these can be adorned with silk, hearts, pressed flowers, or a nice drawing by you, if you have the talent. .

7. Leave love notes in unexpected places. Suggestions include on the bathroom mirror, in the fridge, under his pillow, in his checkbook, or any other place you think he'll come across during the day.

8. Find a babysitter for your kids and have a picnic in the living room.

9. Say "I love you" for 12 entire months with a coupon book filled with favors that she can redeem throughout the year. Choose a different favor for each month of the year that she can redeem on any day of the month. Suggestions include a foot massage, a back rub, cleaning up after dinner, a night out alone, etc.

10. Prepare a romantic spa evening at home: run a hot bath, add some bath oil, and some of your partner's favorite music. Don't forget a sensual massage and some home made chocolate treats.

Enjoy your Valentine's Day!

10 Great Gift Ideas For Father's Day

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father\'s day, father, gift, gift ideas, gift baskets

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Ok, so Father’s Day is approaching and you’d rather go to the dentist than buy another tie. Save the appointment for wisdom teeth trouble and make shopping a little easier. Here are 10 gift ideas for Father’s day that are sure to bring a SINCERE smile to his face.

10. Father of the Year Plaque – Show your appreciation for that special Father with a trophy or plaque that honors him as a Father.

9. Magazine Subscription- This is the gift that keeps on giving year round. Popular subscriptions are Sports Illustrated, Men’s Journal and Muscle & Fitness. There are others that I would rather not mention, but I am sure would get a positive reaction, if you know what I mean.

8. Sports Tickets- Because Father’s Day is during the summer, baseball would the sporting event to get tickets for. Other options are wrestling events or golf tournaments.

7. Golf Getaway- Speaking of golf, a golf getaway is a really nice gift and a great way for busy dad to unwind.

6. Gift Basket- You are probably thinking Gift Basket?! Yup I said gift basket. You can find any themed gift basket nowadays including golf, fishing, football, baseball and movie lovers.

5. Clothing- I gave my father-in-law a T-shirt with his only granddaughter’s picture on it and it he has it folded in a drawer so that he can’t ruin it. Saying he worships it -is an understatement. If he isn’t the sentimental type, golf shirts and shorts work too.

4. Watch – They seem to be a necessity that men don’t splurge on. If he is wearing a watch with a plastic wristband, you need to read no further. Go shopping right away.

3. Barbeque Supplies- The weather is warm and there is a good chance you are having a BBQ to celebrate Father’s Day. Start the BBQ off right with new cooking tools for the BBQ cook.

2. Tools- This is a pretty obvious choice but a great gift nonetheless. Especially if you married someone like Tim Taylor – The Tool Man

1. A day to watch sports, pig out and do whatever it is, he likes to do. Consider this his special day. Things like breakfast in bed, renting his favorite movie (you know the one with all the guns, violence and macho stuff) and cooking his favorite dinner could be just what the father asked for.

10 Facts You Might Not Know About St. Patrick's Day

Summary:

The tradition of St. Patrick's Day began hundreds of years ago when a boy in Roman England was captured and taken to Ireland as a captive where he found God. Here are a few facts for St. Patrick's Day.

Keywords:

st pats, st patricks day, st patrick's day, dublin, ireland, holidays

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The tradition of St. Patrick’s Day began hundreds of years ago when a boy in Roman England was captured and taken to Ireland as a captive where he found God. It is said that St. Patrick could hear from the angels, and that he had raised people from the dead. He was a very active missionary throughout Ireland for 30 years, and that is why he is called the patron saint of Ireland. There have been many legends attached to this saint, and they have lasted throughout the centuries. This holiday began as a Holy Day in the Catholic Church, but over the years this religious Catholic saint’s day has turned into a more secular celebration of the upcoming new spring.

Here are a few facts for St. Patrick’s Day:

- March 17th, the day of celebration, is the day of Patrick’s death.
- St. Patrick, the patron saint of the Irish, was not from Ireland.
- Patrick was an old time missionary in Ireland during the 4th century.
- He brought many people to conversion and into the Christian religion.
- The Shamrock, symbol of St. Patrick’s Day, was a plant with three leaves that Patrick used to demonstrate to the pagans the trinity of God – Father, Son and Holy Ghost.
- Maewyn is the name St. Patrick was born with. His name was changed by the Bishop in a monastery in France, after he escaped his captivity. He was not religious at all when he was a child.
- The first St. Paddy’s day parade in America was in 1737, 40 years before the Revolutionary War.
- The first day of spring is March 21st and this could be the reason St. Patrick’s Day celebrations have caught on so big.
- Everyone turns Irish for a day – just wear green, the sign of life.
- Irish dishes include Corned beef and cabbage, Irish stew, Irish cream pie, Irish soda bread, scones, Irish cheese bread, and all of these would be a good choice on St. Patrick’s Day.

There are many traditions and legends that have been passed down through the generations, so even the barest of facts have gotten confused. It is not even certain exactly when Patrick was born, the actual date varies about 30 years in early 300 AD but the day of his death is certain, March 17, and that is the important day.

So whether you are celebrating the life of a glorified Catholic saint or the oncoming spring and all the new growth and new life possibilities that a new life can encompass, it really doesn’t matter. Wear something Green, grab a green hat, give someone a shamrock and join in the parade. Good luck and Blessings are meant for all!

9 Affordable Luxury Gifts

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It's possible to treat everyone on your list to a luxury gift without spending a fortune. You just have to know where to find great deals on luxury gifts and how to fit luxury gifts into your budget.

Keywords:

luxury gifts, luxury gift ideas, luxury gifts for less, affordable luxury gifts, affordable luxury, luxury tips, luxury gift tips, holiday gifts, Christmas gifts, corporate gifts, corporate gift ideas, luxury shopping, holiday shopping

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It's possible to treat everyone on your list to a luxury gift without spending a fortune. You just have to know where to find great deals on luxury gifts and how to fit luxury gifts into your budget. If you can’t afford to give an entire designer ensemble, opt for a less expensive accessory. Instead of a mink coat, try mink fur-trimmed gloves. A trip to a day spa, instead of an all-out spa vacation. You get the idea.

How do you define a luxury gift? Webster defines a luxury as (1) something adding to pleasure or comfort but not absolutely necessary (2) an indulgence in something that provides pleasure, satisfaction, or ease. So you see, it isn’t always about the price. A luxury gift can be anything that a person doesn’t find absolutely necessary and probably wouldn't buy for himself/herself but would love to receive. It’s a special treat.

Here are several affordable luxury gifts that are sure to please:

Jewelry and Watches

A piece of fine jewelry or a designer watch are always welcome gifts but may not be in your budget; especially if you have a long gift list. There’s still a way to get the glitz for much less than retail. Swarovski crystal is a great alternative to diamonds. Or, you could always visit online discount sites if you prefer the real thing. I recently found a Raymond Weil ladies watch for 35% off retail. I’ve also seen substantial discounts on premium designer jewelry and watches on auction sites.

Soothe Mind and Body

Is someone on your gift list stressed out? Treat him or her to a spa service such as a massage, manicure, pedicure or facial by giving a gift certificate. These services cost much less than a full spa day and the recipient will still feel pampered.

Bath and Fragrant Products

This happens to be my absolute favorite when it comes to indulgences. High end soaps, shower gels and bubble bath are richer and more luxuriant than the lower end versions. They also last longer and smell better. I love Bath and Body Works products (especially the new Tutti Dolci Apple Torta line).

Cashmere 

There’s just something about cashmere that says luxury. Maybe it’s the feeling of having this ultra-soft wool next to your skin. If your budget won’t allow for a sweater or robe, try less expensive items like scarves, gloves and hats.

Silk

You can find affordable gifts in this luxurious fabric at online discount sites as well. The prices at these sites are so reasonable, that you could spring for silk pajamas without breaking the bank. You could always opt for silk scarves, pashminas or ties.

Fine Foods

Gourmet gifts are great for the person who has everything because they’re consumable. Gourmet foods are generally made of the finest and rarest ingredients and run the gamut from caviar, and lobster to Belgian chocolates. Although some of your recipients wouldn’t dream of paying for these gourmet delicacies, they’ll be glad you did (or at least they’ll think you did). You can impress for less by visiting igourmet.com.

High-End Cookware and Utensils

If someone on your gift list would rather prepare their own gourmet meals, why not arm them with state-of-the-art cookware or utensils. It’s not difficult to find top brands such as All-Clad, Cuisinart, KitchenAid and Le Creuset at savings of up to 70%.

Luxury Bedding

Someone who thinks that all sheets are created equal hasn’t slept on sheets with a thread count above 400. If you want to give someone a luxurious night’s sleep, try sheets with a thread count of 600 or higher. I’ve found a 1,000 thread-count queen sheet set for $179.00 online – 62% off the retail price.

Maid Service

Wouldn't you feel pampered if someone else handled the house cleaning for you? Give your friend or family member a gift certificate from Merry Maids or Maid Brigade and relieve the recipient of the burden of house cleaning. Service can be scheduled through the companies' local offices. House cleaning gift certificates are available in amounts of $100 and higher.

8 Things For A Wife To Do For Father's Day

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Things for a wife to do on father's day are special and celebratory of the fact that this man is your husband and the father of your kids. So, if you are ready, here are some of the many things for a wife to do on Father's Day.

Keywords:

fathers day, father, pop, dad, daddy, parent, family, home, father's day

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No, I am not talking about picking up the dry cleaning or filling the dishwasher. That “To Do” list will just have to wait for another day. Things for a wife to do on father’s day are special and celebratory of the fact that this man is your husband and the father of your kids. So, if you are ready, here are some of the many things for a wife to do on Father’s Day:

Provide your husband with some “mad money” – Believe it or not, your husband puts off buying little things he needs for the good of the family many times, too. So, giving him some money specifically for purchasing what he wishes, he will feel okay about buying that new pair of khakis or the DVD he’s wanted for months.

Have him plan a “night on the town” that you pay for! – Most times when couples enjoy a “date night”, the wife does the choosing of the restaurant and movie. This Father’s Day let your husband make all the decisions and treat him to it all!

Surprise him with a vacation day – Plan an outing to the beach, the park or a nearby zoo! Then, contact your husband’s boss and tell him he will be taking the Friday before or the Monday after Father’s Day off! To make it a real surprise, don’t inform your husband until he gets up for breakfast!

Go get his car, truck or SUV cleaned and waxed – add an oil change for a total vehicle make-over. Since the men of the house are normally the ones responsible for car maintenance, this will not only be a surprise, but a truly appreciated gift.

Send him off for a weekend – Send him to a men’s retreat, out fishing with friends, or anywhere he can relax and rejuvenate.

Put aside money all year so you can buy that really expensive gift he wants! Even if you don’t make much, setting aside a little each paycheck can really add up! Make sure this fund is strictly for Father’s Day, so you aren’t tempted to tap into it for groceries. Each year, a nice sum will be available to buy your husband that extravagant gift he really wants!

Give him some “alone time” – Set aside a whole day that your husband can do as he pleases. Send him off to golf, play baseball, or have an all day poker party with his friends. Let him know you can hold down the fort and the kids while he enjoys himself.

Plan a night “in” – When kids are in the picture, intimacy is not always on the top of your list. Make sure for Father’s Day you make romance the #1 priority. Send the kids to grandma and grandpa for the day and prepare a candlelight dinner, followed by cuddling on the couch in front of your favorite movie, followed by a bedroom rendezvous.

The options for things for a wife to do on Father’s Day are limitless. Just ask your partner, lover, and friend what you can do to make that day the most special day of the year.

7+ Top Types of Real Christmas Trees

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types of real Christmas trees

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There are several types of real Christmas trees, all of which are a cheap choice over artificial. The most common types of Christmas trees are the six-foot Scotch pines, which fit nicely into the average home living room.

One type of Christmas tree is the deodora cedar, which has blue-green short needles with pendulous needle tips. Another cedar, the Eastern red, has shiny dark green leaves and gives off a great scent, though it's sticky to the touch and will only last 2-3 weeks. As this tree dries out quickly it is best used in a humid climate.

One of the most popular of Christmas trees in the southeast part of the U.S. is the Leland Cypress, with dark green or gray foliage. Its branches are feathery and its scent is pleasant but light. This tree is ideal in the home of allergen-troubled folks.

The Douglas fir is a popular type of Christmas tree, and easily flocked. It has a great fragrance and lives longer than a lot of other trees. Its leaves are either dark green or blue. Its sister fir, the Fraser, has needles that are flatter and dark green. It holds its needles well and gives off a pleasant aroma. For a more citrus aroma from your Christmas tree you should choose the grand fir, with dark green shiny needles. If you want a more durable tree that can hold your heavy ornaments the noble fir is a great choice. It lives longer and healthier as a Christmas tree and makes an attractive, strong and durable wreath as well.

Pine and spruce are too other commonly used types of Christmas trees. The pine has a great fragrance. The spruce however, dries quickly and its needles drop rapidly.

6 Perfect Christmas Gift Ideas For Her

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Keywords:

Christmas gifts,Christmas gifts for her,Christmas gift idea

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How can you shop for a woman who already owns everything she wants? It’s not as difficult as you may think because there’s always a unique approach at buying for the woman who seemingly has a closet full of clothes or a box full of jewelry. Besides, there’s always room for one more outfit or piece of jewelry.

Gift Idea For Her #1: Diamonds

Diamonds are timeless and always in style. The most commonly found are white diamonds, but what about a blue, cognac or black diamond? These are becoming more readily available and are quite stunning. They are certainly not something that you see at the local jewelry store without seeing a huge price tag to match. If you’re looking for a nice selection of jewelry for Christmas gift ideas, at an affordable price, browse around the internet and compare prices.

Gift Idea For Her #2: Snuggly Pajamas

Being that Christmas falls in winter, it’s always nice to have a pair of snuggly pajamas for those chilly evenings. Fleece pants come in a variety of adorable designs and, matched with a cotton t-shirt, are perfectly comfortable for an evening at home and make wonderful Christmas gift ideas.

Gift Idea For Her #3: Naming a Star in Her Honor

If she is the star in your life, let her know by naming a star in her honor. There are quite a few novelty stores online, which offer star naming services. For a set price, you can name a star, give it a dedication date and present it as a gift to the special lady in your life. Along with a star information kit, the buyer receives a certificate suitable for framing and a map to indicate the location of the star. The specialty store usually offers a framing package, but you can save some big bucks if you buy a nice frame at a local store and frame it yourself. It’s almost certain that she doesn’t already have her own star, so this will be a truly unique Christmas gift idea.

Gift Idea For Her #4: Foot Massager

How many times does she say how nice it would be to sit down? What if, while she was sitting, she could get a foot massage? There are plenty of foot massagers, especially near the holidays, that are made available for sale. Some have water to give a spa-like treatment while others allow you to slip your foot inside just as you would a slipper. Either would make a nice gift for the woman who’s on her feet all day.

Gift Idea For Her #5: Personalized Birthstone Ring

Personalization is always a nice Christmas gift idea. Consider a personalized birthstone ring or a ring which includes the birthstones of the special people in her life. An initial pin is also a great way to go and a classic addition to a turtleneck sweater, as well.

Gift Idea For Her #6: A Gift Certificate

If all else fails, consider a gift certificate or gift card for use at her favorite store. This option is terrific for the woman who is truly impossible to shop for because, this way, she can do the shopping for herself. When selecting a store, make sure it’s one that she frequents so that you know it’s a favorite. A box of her favorite chocolates, or other candy, would also make a thoughtful touch.

6 Great Online Christmas Shopping Tips

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Keywords:

Christmas shopping,Christmas card

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Christmas shopping is no longer confined to the local mall or an annual catalog that happens to find it‘s way into your mailbox. Thanks to advanced technology, there is literally a whole world of shopping at your fingertips. The internet has revolutionized the way people shop and, besides, what better way to do your Christmas shopping than from the comfort of your own home. No longer must we suit up and weather the harsh winter days in the hopes of checking a few names off of our Christmas list. The store aisles, as we know them, are crowded and hectic.

But now, many store aisles are becoming virtual, a shopping cart is something you fill with images of a product and a checkout is something that you click on to confirm your order. Things have changed a lot in the past years and I wonder how many of us couldn’t even imagine what life would be like without the convenience of shopping on the internet. There are several tips for online Christmas shopping, which can make the experience a smooth and pleasant one.

Online Christmas Shopping Tip #1: Be prepared

It’s a good idea to start your shopping with a complete list. This will save you both time and money with having to go back and place a separate order later on. With most online stores, you pay a flat shipping fee. In some cases, if you spend a certain amount of money on your order, the shipping and handling fee is waived. It’s always best to get everything you want, all at once, to save on shipping. Before you commit to buying from one store, shop around and compare prices on both the product and shipping.

Online Christmas Shopping Tip #2: The early bird gets the gift

If you want to get the best selection, begin your holiday shopping early. Internet stores generally carry large quantities of every item, but even they can sell out. As Christmas draws near, it becomes more difficult to find the exact item that you’re looking for. There’s nothing like finding the perfect item and seeing the words, ‘Sold Out’ written under the price.

Online Christmas Shopping Tip #3: Shop Safe

When ordering anything online, check product reviews if available. Always shop secured websites because you will be entering your credit card, or banking information, for payment. You don’t want your financial information accessed by anyone else, which is why all secured websites let you know how they protect your data.

Online Christmas Shopping Tip #4: Wrap it up

If you’re like most, there’s not a lot of extra time around the holidays. If you need to save some time on wrapping, most online stores offer a gift wrapping service for a small fee. At some point during the ordering process, you may be asked if you would like to add gift wrap or a name tag. It’s as easy as the click of a button, which is much easier than trying to tie the perfect bow.

Online Christmas Shopping Tip #5: Check Delivery Dates

When placing your order, check to make sure that the item is in stock or will be delivered in time for Christmas. Many times, especially near the holidays, items will go on a backorder status. It’s not uncommon for an advanced order item to have a delivery date of January, so be sure to check the status of the items in your shopping cart, along with their expected delivery dates. Not only that, but it’s also a good idea to check on the company’s shipping policy and delivery time for in-stock items.

Online Christmas Shopping Tip #6: Christmas Cards?

With all the stuff going on in December it's easy to forget to send out Christmas cards to family and friends. But if you forget to send traditional Christmas cards in time all is not lost. In fact, there are some great sites and services online that will send your christmas cards out for you (saving you precious time). You can find services that are both free and paid, and services that send both digital and tradition paper Christmas cards.

6 Family Christmas Vacation Tips You Must Know

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Keywords:

Christmas music,

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A family Christmas vacation can be a wonderful experience. It can fill you with wonderful memories that will last a lifetime. Christmas is a magical time to be surrounded by loved ones, friends and the spirit of the holidays. It’s also one of the busiest traveling times of the year. But, not to worry - there are still plenty of ways to enjoy a family Christmas vacation. A few tips will make your trip a breeze.

Christmas Vacation Tip #1: Play Santa

If you’re planning a Christmas vacation, be sure to wrap your gifts early if you are taking them for the trip. Always pack each gift carefully, especially if they are fragile, to avoid breakage or other damage. If you don’t have the extra room to travel with a gift, ship it before you leave home. If you ship to the address that you will be arriving at, the gift(s) should arrive within several days and will save you from traveling with them.

Christmas Vacation Tip #2: Don’t Forget

Make sure that you plan a trip that is enjoyable for everyone in the family. Before finalizing any details, sit down with your entire family and make sure they each person has something special to enjoy during the trip. Make sure that your trip is long enough so that everyone can enjoy their favorite activities.

Christmas Vacation Tip #3: Weather Planning

If you are planning outside activities, check ahead with the weather forecast. If you are going skiing, make sure to check with the local ski resort to inquire about their conditions.

Christmas Vacation Tip #4: Arrive Early

When making travel plans, always buy tickets as early as possible. Airlines and other forms of transportation, especially near the holidays, tend to fill up early. If you’re flying, call to confirm that your flight is on time before you even leave home. Upon confirmation, make sure that you arrive at the airport early. The same is true if you are traveling by train. Always call ahead to make sure that everything is on schedule because you certainly don’t want to be left standing in the cold.

Christmas Vacation Tip #5: Don’t Forget The Chef

If you are having a family gathering, which may include Christmas dinner, always pitch in to help with the cooking or clean-up. Catering to an entire family is a real job and it requires a lot of work. Therefore, any extra help that you can provide to the family member, who is acting as chef for the day, will definitely be appreciated.

Christmas Vacation Tip #6: Santa Questions

One of the best ways to enjoy a family Christmas vacation is by simply being together. When your children start asking questions like "How will Santa find me if I’m away from home," have your responses ready and reply with reassurance that Santa is always watching. It’s these little moments that will be treasured forever and nothing will ever take their place.

6 Christmas Shopping Tips You Must Know

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Christmas Shopping, Christmas gift idea,Christmas gift

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There are a variety of opportunities for holiday shoppers, including stores, catalogs and the internet. Below are 6 Christmas Shopping tips that should:

Christmas Shopping Tip #1: Shop Early

If you’re heading out to the mall this year, have your shopping list ready. It’s a good idea to shop early in the season because, if you wait too long, that perfect gift may already be under someone else’s tree.

Christmas Shopping Tip #2: Be Polite

Always remember to be polite. The holidays are extremely busy and store employees are working overtime, so be patient as you wait for assistance.

Christmas Shopping Tip #3: Layaway

If you have a big list, but not quite a budget to match, consider a layaway. Many stores offer a convenient layaway plan, which would allow you to make payments up until Christmas. It saves you from having to charge up credit card bills or spend a lot of pocket money all at once, so consider a layaway if you have a big shopping list.

Christmas Shopping Tip #4: Shop Online

If you do decide to shop on the information superhighway this year, it will save you a lot of time standing in line at the mall. You can literally shop worldwide with the click of a button. Browse photos, compare prices, read customer reviews and see a huge variety of products without having to leave home. Best of all, in some cases, you won’t even have to pay sales tax on internet orders. Some stores offer free shipping, quantity discounts and all kids of other incentives to lure you into their site. In addition, several televised shopping networks have websites in which they offer an easy payment program on select items. This means that you make one payment, using a credit/debit card, and the product ships out to you immediately. The remaining payments are billed to your credit card, until the item is paid in full, for the specified number of months.

Christmas Shopping Tip #5: Place Your Catalog Orders Early

If you’re shopping from a catalog this year, be sure to place the order early. The most popular items sell out first, so get your order placed and on its way as soon as possible. There’s no need to wait for a catalog to arrive in the mail because you can log on to the internet and find many catalog companies online with product photos, descriptions, size charts and special ‘internet only’ sale prices.

Christmas Shopping Tip #6: Buy in Bulk

If you have a lot of people to buy for, and aren’t exactly certain of their taste, consider buying in bulk. You can purchase a nice package of scented candles, divide them up into multiple gifts and present them with a beautiful bow wrapped around the glass jar. These types of gifts are ideal if you have teachers, doctors, co-workers or other special people that you want to wish a Merry Christmas. Another terrific idea is to purchase small Christmas tins and several bags of assorted miniature candies. Divide the candies up into each tin and present them with a beautiful bow on top. These are ideal gifts because they are thoughtful, but also budget conscious. You can purchase a pre-designed tin similar to the one described, but you will get a much better deal if you make your own. As an added bonus, you get to decide which candy to include, which isn’t always the case with pre-packaged gifts.

Happy shopping!

5 Perfect Christmas Gift Ideas For Him

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Christmas gifts,Christmas gifts for him,Christmas gift idea

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It’s holiday time again and what should you get for him? He has everything, so what else could there possibly be? Don’t give up yet because there are plenty of unique ideas for the man who’s difficult to shop for.

Gift Idea For Him #1: Naming a Star in His Honor

If the man in your life is also a star in your eyes, let him know with the perfect Christmas gift idea. There are many online novelty stores, which offer star naming kits. For a set price, you can have a star named after the man in your life. The complete kits come with a certificate, a map so that he can locate his special star and other information about star naming and astronomy. You can also select a date in which the star was officially named. Maybe it’s an Anniversary or Birthday. Perhaps, it’s in honor of Christmas. The star naming service will imprint any date that you choose on the certificate. Many of the stores offer custom framing, or you can find a frame at a local department store. If he’s into astronomy, of just to let him know that you think he’s a star, this is a great gift. In addition, it’s unlikely that most people would already have a star named after them so this would be very original.

Gift Idea For Him #2: A Watch

If you want to let him know that you love it timeless, buy him a watch. It’s practical, thoughtful and carries a wonderful meaning. Slip a note inside the watch box, which reads "Time flies when I’m with you." Gold watches are nice and they don’t always have to be expensive. Shop around at some of the online stores and browse their huge selection of watches.

Gift Idea For Him #3: Tools

If the gentleman in your life is also the home’s handyman, consider a toolkit. There are some terrific kits, which contain hundreds of items, which are available and make wonderful Christmas gift ideas. When searching for the perfect toolkit, keep in mind what he likes to do. If he prefers to build things, look for a kit with the tools necessary for building. If he likes to repair, look for a kit with a lot of fix-it tools and spare gadgets. You know what they say - busy hands are happy hands.

Gift Idea For Him #4: Unique Sports Items

If your guy is a sports nut, consider the ultimate unique gift. Log on to his favorite team’s website and read about any construction or new projects being built for use by the team. Many times, during construction of a new facility or building, the teams will sell customized bricks to help with financing of the project. You could purchase a brick used for construction, have it engraved with his name and present a certificate to let him know that he will forever be a part of his favorite sports team. If his favorite team is building a new stadium or other brick structure, the brick would be used and forever remain as part of the facility. Talk about a homerun, this will be it! A better Christmas gift idea, for a sports fan, would be difficult to find. If he’s a race fan, check out the Auto Racing Hall of Fame & Museum in North Carolina, where you can purchase actual race-used tires from some of NASCAR’s top drivers for less than $100.00, which includes the Certificate of Authenticity.

Gift Idea For Him #5: A Gift Card

If you’ve looked all around and still can’t find the perfect gift, consider a gift card. For the man that is truly impossible to shop for, let him do the shopping for himself. Gift cards are great because they give the recipient an opportunity to buy anything in the store, as determined by the value of the gift card, without spending a dime.

5 Fabulous Valentine Gift Ideas For Her

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Valentine\'s Day Gifts, romantic gift ideas, gifts for Valenteine\'s Day, gifts for her,

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It’s almost Valentine’s Day and you have no idea how to show your love for your special girl. Don’t worry: here are several ideas you can use now, and be a hero.

1. Roses! I know what you are thinking: boring, thoughtless, not good enough, etc. Well, here is a way to make giving roses very special: buy her a dozen roses and place a pearl inside each rose bud. As the rose buds open, the pearls will be revealed as an extra surprise. Once she finds all your pearls, take them to the jewelry store and have them strung into a necklace - something your true love will be able to hold onto once the roses are gone.

2. Say "I love you" for 12 entire months with a coupon book filled with favors that she can redeem throughout the year. Choose a different favor for each month of the year that she can redeem on any day of the month. Here are some suggestions: a foot massage, a back rub, cleaning up after dinner, a night out alone, etc.

3. Hershey's Kisses automatically say, "I Love You”. Try a new twist to this traditional gift by carefully unwrapping each kiss, taking out the paper tag, and replacing the tag with your own handmade messages that start off by saying, "I love you because…". Think of as many different reasons as you can come up with. Then carefully wrap the kisses back in foil with their new tags clearly displayed through the top of each kiss.

4. A romantic night at home - Purchase the dozen roses you are accustomed to buying on Valentine's Day, but do not give them to her on the stems. Instead, create a romantic atmosphere by running her a hot bubble bath complete with candlelight, soft love songs, and fragrant bath oil. While she is enjoying her relaxing bath, gently pull the rose petals off of the stems and sprinkle them from the bathroom door to the bedroom, creating a path for her to follow. Sprinkle several petals on the bed and one long stem rose on her pillow. Enhance the magical night by purchasing some exotic massage oil and treating her to a massage she will never forget!

5. If funds are sparse, instead of a traditional expensive dinner in a restaurant, take her somewhere she will never suspect. Pack a picnic basket filled with her favorite treats, a bottle of wine, and candles. Take along a couple of blankets, a battery-operated CD player, and several romantic CDs. Drive to the park or somewhere with a secluded atmosphere and treat her to a picnic for two. Before the night is over, surprise her with a small token of your love - something you have made for her on your own (a special Valentine’s Day card, a bookmark, a coupon book, etc.)

Now pick an idea and run with it! Have a fabulous Valentine’s Day!

4 Terrific Gifts To Make For Father's Day

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You should take a look at these terrific gifts to make for Father's Day so that it is personalized and so that dad feels super special.

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fathers day, father, pop, dad, daddy, parent, family, home, father's day

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Going to a store to buy a gift for dad this Father’s Day may be the easy route to take. However, you should take a look at these terrific gifts to make for Father’s Day so that it is personalized and so dad feels super special:

A Father’s Survival Kit – Take a box of any size. Cover the box with dad’s favorite color construction paper. Decorate the box in any way you want, with crayons, stickers, glitter glue, markers, stamps…it is up to you how you want to decorate the box! Once the box is decorated, you can keep it looking nice by covering it with clear contact paper. Now, fill it with everything dad needs to survive: A picture of the family, a band-aid, a mini screwdriver, a bag of mini Oreo cookies, a video or DVD telling him how much he means to you…what you include is limited only by your imagination. You can make the survival kit out of any kind of plastic container, as well. Use puffy paints and glitter glue to decorate.

Special Father’s Day T-Shirt – On the computer, create a picture all your own. Include “Happy Father’s Day Dad” and pictures of his favorite hobbies, like golf, baseball, grilling, fishing, boating, etc. (All these can be found on free clip art sites online.) Print out your creation on special iron-on paper found at your local discount store (in the craft area). Now, iron-on your creation to a special shirt just for dad!

One of a kind paperweight – Find a big rock or shell. With paints and glitter, write “Happy Father’s Day Dad” on the item and then decorate as you want. This will make a great paperweight for dad’s desk, either at home or at work.

Don’t forget Father’s Day coupons – Create your own coupons, or find templates online, for coupons for dad. Offer anything you like: one “mowing the lawn” coupon, one “breakfast in bed” coupon, one “empty the dishwasher” coupon, one “do your laundry” coupon. Great Father’s Day gift for teens!

Anything you give dad for Father’s Day is special, but when you personalize the holiday with terrific gifts to make for Father’s Day it can be even more special.

4 Fun And Easy To Make Homemade Christmas Decorations

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Christmas crafts, Christmas stocking

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Homemade Christmas decorations are some of the most unique. They are also a lot of fun because you can enjoy them with your family. Below are 4 fun and easy to make homemade Christmas decorations:

Popcorn Stringing

If you like strung popcorn, it’s really simple to make. Start with a big bowl of popcorn (unbuttered, of course) and string it piece by piece using a standard sewing needle and thread. Make sure there’s plenty of popcorn because, if you’re stringing it for garland, you’re going to need a lot.

Cranberry Stringing

Much like the popcorn stringing method, many people used to string cranberries using a standard needle and thread. Again, make sure there’s plenty to go around if you’re going to use it as garland. Most importantly, and I know it’s tempting, don’t eat all the decorations. Save some for the Christmas tree.

Paper Chains

One of the greatest memories of decorating for Christmas, as a child, has to be the traditional paper chains. Using green and red construction paper, cut horizontal strips of each color. Fold them into a circle and seal with tape. Scotch tape is recommended and, if you use this when your child is young, the smell will always remind them of Christmas. It will likely become "Christmas tape" to them. Once you have a complete circle, take another strip in an alternating color and run it through the first circle. Next, fold it around and seal with tape. Complete this step until you have a big strand of paper garland in red and green. You and your child will enjoy doing this together and it will create wonderful memories for you both.

Lighted Wreath

If you love the look of a lighted wreath, but don’t quite have a budget for one of the more expensive ones, consider another option. You can purchase a plain green wreath very inexpensively. A small strand of lights can cost anywhere from $1.00 to $3.00. But, put them together and you have the look of a professionally lighted Christmas wreath. For this project, you could use either clear or multi-colored Christmas lights. Simply take the plain green wreath and wrap the lights around in a design similar to the stripes on a candy cane. Once you’ve gone all the way around, tuck the last light into the green of the wreath. Make sure that you place it near an electric outlet because there won’t be a lot of extra cord. Now that you’re ready, plug it in and see your very own design. A red bow is a nice touch, but not necessary. As people drive by, they will see a beautifully lit wreath in your window and they will have no idea that you saved a few bucks by wrapping the lights yourself.

3 Romantic Ways to Propose on Valentine’s Day

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Do you need a creative and romantic idea for proposing on Valentines Day? We've given you 3 ideas in this handy guide to proposing to your special lady on Valentines Day.

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valentines day, romance, proposal ideas, romantic proposals

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Many men use Valentine’s Day as the day to propose to their loved one. After all, it is the most romantic day of the year and it is a day you will always remember as the special day that you decided to become one. So, what are some romantic ways to propose? Here is a list of three ways to propose on Valentine’s Day that will definitely thrill your girlfriend.

1. Do it in front of her family

This all depends on how traditional your girlfriend is, of course. If she does not get along well with her family, this is a bad plan. But, if you know she is very close to her mother, father, siblings, grandparents, cousins, etc., this can be a great idea. Have them help you plan the special day.

Assign one of them to ask her to come to a family reunion on Valentine’s Day in order to get everyone together. Inform them of the real plan, but have them keep the secret from your girlfriend. When she tells you about the “reunion”, complain a bit about the “reunion” being on Valentine’s Day, but do not over do it to the point where she decides not to go.

If that happens, remind her that family is important and even though you would rather take her to a romantic dinner alone, you will go to the “reunion”. If you are very traditional, ask her parents for her hand in marriage before the party. Let the “reunion” go on for a while, so she really believes it is real. Designate a time when you are going to pop the question and inform the others beforehand (so they know it is going to happen) like when you put on a certain song or say something in particular.

Then, drop to one knee; tell her how special she is and that you’ve already received her parent’s permission to ask for her hand. Tell her you love her, ask her to marry you and give her the ring. Chances are she will say yes and the whole room will burst into applause. Make sure in advance that you have spoken to someone in the family about taking photos or a video when you ask so you will have the moment preserved on film.

2. Plan a weekend getaway

If Valentine’s Day is on the weekend, plan a getaway destination such as Las Vegas or Miami. This is a great way to propose if she likes doing spontaneous things and loves to travel. Don’t tell her until Friday afternoon when she gets off work. Pick her up at the office and say she has 30 minutes to get packed, that you have planned a weekend trip. To do this you will need to plan several things in advance.

You will need to get either airline tickets, train tickets (traveling by train can be very romantic), or get the driving directions. Make sure you have reservations at a romantic hotel. For example, if you are going to Miami, try to get a room on the beach. If you are going to Las Vegas, try to get a suite on the Strip at one of the nice hotels. You will have to have the stuff you will need for the weekend packed – including the ring. Hopefully, she will be so excited by the trip, she will think that is what the weekend is about. But, at a great romantic moment, like a walk on the beach or in front of the Bellagio when the fountains are going off, propose to her. If you are in Las Vegas, you can even get married there the same weekend.

3. Borrow from her favorite click flick

Most women love romantic click flicks and many include a proposal. If you know a movie she loves that has a romantic proposal scene, reenact it with her. If My Best Friend’s Wedding is her favorite movie, just holler out “Will you marry me?” as she is getting in her car to drive away. It is even better if she is getting on the train (which is how the movie version actually goes). If An Officer and a Gentleman is her favorite movie, walk in to her office, just pick her up in your arms, and carry her out. As you are carrying her out, ask her to marry you.

For this, you should probably consult her boss first. If she loves Sex and the City and you have a dog, take the dog out for a walk with her. When you stop to bend over and scoop the poop, pull out the ring just like Aidan did for Carrie. If you are not sure what her favorite chick flick is, ask. You can always use the premise that you are thinking about buying her the DVD copy for Valentine’s Day. Be sure to ask for a few of her favorites to be sure to find one that has a romantic proposal.

Proposing on Valentine’s Day is a great idea and one that your girlfriend will surely love. If you have the right setting, it can be very romantic and something that you both will tell your grandchildren about one day.