23. Making an Early Start to Christmas Shopping

Many radio stations have started playing Christmas songs so early in

November in the past few years that one wonders if we may soon start hearing

Christmas songs around Halloween time. That would be a bit weird, even creepy

perhaps. But some early Christmas shoppers likely will have Christmas Carols

silently playing in their heads even before then.

That's because shopping, much like Santa Claus, is a staple of Christmas.

Santa never gives away any secrets to shopping for all those gifts, but he must

certainly have a strategy to be so successful every Yuletide season. The early

Christmas shopper is someone who is very organized and has a strategy to fulfill

Christmas shopping before the season kicks into high gear.

The day after Thanksgiving, known as Black Friday, is the official retail

start to a shopping season that is always hoped to be a robust one. The strategy

of retailers is to advertise Christmas sales, specials, pre-Christmas markdowns,

giveaways, special-hour sales and other promotions. The reason for the frenzy of

retail advertising during Christmas season is because it is the single biggest

shopping time of the year. Christmas shopping that begins the day after

Thanksgiving accounts for well over half - with some estimates of up to 70% --

of annual revenue for stores.

Since retailers clearly have a strategy for Christmas shoppers seeking the

perfect gift, then shoppers also need to implement their own strategy.

The savvy and early Christmas shopper is the one who may start silently

singing Christmas Carols and songs very early to get in gear for shopping.

Starting from as early as the beginning of October, the early Christmas shopper

can begin to make lists of gifts and begin browsing to check the availability,

variety, and most important, the price of items.

By browsing before the Christmas shopping season officially kicks off, the

early Christmas shopper is more likely to get more bargains, better prices, and

is also better able to do comparison shopping when the season officially kicks

off.

It's important to know that retailers won't offer true 'rock bottom' or

'close-out' sales, or the very lowest prices during Christmas sales. It's also

important to remember that retailers are likely to offer earlier sales starting

in early October to near mid-November.

Two significant pre-Christmas sales are for Columbus Day, which falls on

Monday, Oct. 9, and Veterans Day, which will be on Saturday Nov. 11. The early

Christmas shopper who already has gifts in mind can benefit from price markdowns

during both sales periods. And of course the early Christmas shopper will also

have the benefit of shopping during the season, therefore extending the thrill

and joy of shopping.

If there is any disadvantage to being an early Christmas shopper and doing

Christmas shopping very early, it is that some retailers, particularly makers

and sellers of toys, wait until the official start of the season to introduce

some new items into stores. The strategy in doing this is to build anticipation

for a new toy that they hope will be very popular and to also target and capture

a larger majority of shoppers.

During every Christmas season there always is one, or maybe two toys, that

are regarded as the 'must-have' toys for Christmas. And it has become a present-

day phenomenon for shoppers to arrive from the wee hours in the morning to get a

prime spot near the doors of some stores so that they can be among the first in

those stores to make a mad dash for the 'hot' toy of the season.

But being doing or starting Christmas shopping early does not mean that it

has to be over before the Christmas shopping season starts. What it means is

that most or a significant part of your shopping will be done by the time Black

Friday rolls around.

What is most important to making an early start to your Christmas shopping

is to get the best deal and to do so with as little hassle as possible, by

avoiding a crowded store for example. Both of those will be accomplished for

those who are organized and motivated to get into the spirit of Christmas before

the season really begins.

42. Effortless Christmas Tree Decoration

The decoration of Christmas trees has evolved and undergone many changes,

much like many of the early traditions of the Christmas season. Christmas tree

lighting that started out with real candles underwent probably the biggest

change when electric light became commercially available and special Christmas

tree lights were manufactured. It is therefore not surprising that today you can

set up Christmas trees that are expertly decorated with little or no effort.

While many people choose a fresh Christmas tree for its scent, many others

simply want a beautifully decorated Christmas tree and will choose an artificial

or man-made tree. Artificial trees have been available in America since the

start of the 20th century. Many artificial trees are made to have a similar

appearance like real Christmas trees, but changes have been made to them to make

them decorative and different from regular Christmas trees.

As an example, in the 1950s some artificial Christmas trees had branches

made of aluminum-coated paper to give them a shiny metallic look. For those who

like to have a Christmas tree with a unique look, trees with a similar shiny,

metallic appearance are available today. They are however made with a different

material because the older trees were a fire hazard.

For the those people who are very busy and don't have the time to spend

carefully placing Christmas lights on trees, there are several pre-lit models of

Christmas trees on the market today. A standard type of these Christmas trees

look like their real counterparts except multi-colored fiber-optic lights can be

found scattered throughout the limbs and branches of these trees. This

arrangement saves time and effort of having to undo or untangle strings of

Christmas tree lights.

Another type of pre-lit artificial Christmas tree are those that are made

completely of fiber optics so that the tree appears to be shaped out of strands

of light that are wispy. Some of these brightly-lit fiber-optic trees also come

equipped with pre-recorded Christmas songs and carols and speakers to give the

added pleasure of music.

Many pre-lit Christmas trees have electric Christmas tree lights however

which need to be plugged into a real electrical outlet. The advantage of these

trees is that the lights are already strung on them from the factory and you

need only to follow the instructions about how to assemble the tree and plug in

the different parts for it to appear lighted. Once this is done correctly, the

tree will look as if it was decorated with lights manually or professionally.

Another ready-made decorative feature of artificial Christmas trees is to have

the appearance of snow-covered branches. That trend is an evolution of faux snow

that is often sprinkled in garlands and wreaths to add a Christmas quality to

those decorations. Icicle ornaments are also used to decorate real and

artificial trees and icicle lights are commonly used along rooflines and outdoor

areas for additional lighting decoration. These decorations, along with the

ready-made snow-covered branches of artificial trees, all convey the frosty, icy

and cold feel of the winter season when Christmas occurs.

Christmas trees that arrive from the factory with lights also have

decorations such as apples and minute red berries to provide additional color,

and real pinecones that may or may not be frosted or sprinkled with faux snow.

They may also be pre-decorated with red or gold bows, round ornaments, flower-

like patterns, dried bow and twigs and gold frosted branch tips. to give an

appealing, sparkling appearance. The trees also have varying hues of green

similar to real Christmas trees.

Pre-lit and pre-decorated Christmas trees are therefore an excellent way

to brighten the holiday in your home and enable you to gain more time to enjoy

the festivities of the season.

11. Christmas in Central and South American Nations

In Central and South American nations, which have a fairly large Christian

population, the Nativity or Manger Scene is the main decoration in homes at

Christmas time. In Mexico, a Christmas tree may also be set up in some homes

along with the Nativity scene or Nacimiento. The Christmas tree is usually a

small artificial tree, called arbolito. It can also be as simple as a branch cut

from a special type of tree or a type of shrub that is then minimally decorated.

The primary Christmas celebration in Mexico is called La Posada. It is a

religious procession that dramatizes how Joseph and Mary tried to find a place

where Jesus could be born. During the procession, the participants carry images

of Mary and Joseph and go from house to house seeking a place to stay. During

Midnight Mass, which is called la misa del gallo or 'rooster's mass,' those in

attendance sing lullabies to Jesus. On Christmas Day children receive gifts as

well as candies that are stuffed into a piñata. This may be one or more

sculptures made of papier mache that are hung from the ceiling. Children are

blindfolded and take turns hitting the piñata until it breaks and scatters the

candies on the floor. All the children then scamper around as they try to get as

much candy as they can. Children also receive a gift on Jan. 6 from the Three

Wise Men, if they were good.

People in Venezuela usually put out pesebres, which show the Nativity

scene, on Dec. 16. Early morning church services, called Misa de Aguinaldo, are

also common from Dec. 16 to Christmas Eve. After Mass on Christmas Eve, a grand

dinner is traditionally enjoyed.

In Argentina, red and white garlands are used to decorate houses. After

attending Midnight Mass, Argentinians have a meal, toast each other, dance and

go out to see fireworks. The meal may be roasted pork or turkey, stuffed

tomatoes, mince pies, Christmas bread and puddings. Drinks such as cider and

juice made from different fruits are used for the toast. Christmas gifts are

opened on Christmas Eve just before the family retires to bed.

In Chile, Santa Claus is Father Christmas and is known as 'Viejito

Pascuero.' He arrives in a similar but slightly different manner than Santa

Claus because his reindeer is pulled by a taxicab. Chileans use small figures

made from clay to place near the Christmas tree in a display called pesebre to

show the Nativity story. The traditional Christmas dinner includes chicken soup

with stuffed potatoes, onions and corn on the cob. Another favorite item is a

Christmas bread that is called pan de pasqua and which is made with candies and

fruits.

Christmas customs in Brazil originate from the many different ethnic groups who

make up the country. The Nativity scene is called the Presepio and can commonly

be found displayed in homes, churches and stores. Papai Noel, or Father Noel,

resides in Greenland and brings gifts at Christmas. He is said to wear silk

clothing because Christmas occurs during summer when it is very hot in Brazil.

Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve is called Missa do Gallo, because the coming day

is announced by the rooster and the Mass finishes at 1 am on the following day.

A traditional Christmas dinner, called Ceia de Natal, includes ham, turkey,

colored rice, a variety of vegetables and fruit dishes. Christmas Day Mass at

Catholic churches are mainly held in the late afternoon because people enjoy

sleeping late or going to the beach after having Christmas dinner. Christmas

festivities, which include folk dancing and singing, continue until January 6th,

which is called Three Kings Day.

44. All About Santa Claus

It's only fitting that since Santa Claus has the magnificent capability to

visit homes around the world in a single night that more than one place would

claim to be his home. It's common belief that Santa hails from the wintry North

Pole, but folks in Finland will also tell you that Santa calls that country his

home. To prove it, the Finns will even invite you to visit Santa in his workshop

before Christmas or during the year and talk with Santa Claus as he and his

elves busy themselves for their end-of-year Christmas expedition around the

globe.

The popularity in America today of the images and legend of Santa Claus

can be traced to the poem, 'Twas the Night Before Christmas,' that was written

by Clement Clarke Moore in 1822. In that poem, Moore described St. Nicholas as a

jolly fellow who flew from house to house in a sleigh pulled by reindeers and

waited for children to go to bed on Christmas Eve before he came down the

chimney to deliver Christmas presents for them.

Following the distribution of that poem, the popular magazine Harper's Weekly

published cartoons by Thomas Nast between 1863 and 1886 that depicted Santa as a

cheerful fellow with a large round belly and long white beard who wore a bright

red suit that was trimmed with white fur. In those cartoons, Santa also held a

sack, which was filled with toys for boys and girls, over his shoulder. The

cartoons also showed Santa reading letters from good boys and girls, working in

his workshop with his elves, checking his list to make sure he had all the

required toys and even showed his wife, Mrs. Claus.

The tradition of Santa Claus was brought to America however by Dutch colonists

who settled in New York City, which was called New Amsterdam at the time.

The real St. Nicholas is said to be a minor saint from the 4th Century with a

reputation for generosity and kindness that gave rise to legends of many

miracles that he performed for the poor and unhappy. One of the stories about

the legend of St. Nicholas is that he saved three poor girls who were sisters

from being sold into a life of slavery or prostitution by their father.

According to the legend, Santa Claus provided the girls with a dowry so that

they could get married.

The legend of St. Nicholas led to hundreds of people being devoted to him and

consequently thousands of European churches became dedicated to him. After the

Reformation period however, widespread practice and worship of St. Nicholas

disappeared in European countries that were Protestant, except in Holland where

the legend of St. Nicholas continued. St. Nicholas was known as Sint Nikolaas

but that was later corrupted to Sinter Klaas.

Dutch colonists took this tradition of Sinter Klaas to New York City where it

was adopted using the Englist name of Santa Claus. Over time, the Dutch legend

of the kindly saint was combined with old Nordic folktales about a magician who

punished naughty children and rewarded good ones with presents to give rise to

the stories that now exist about Santa Claus.

The red and white-trimmed suit of Santa Claus is believed to be the colors that

the original St. Nicholas worebecause red and white were the colors of the robes

worn by traditional bishops. It is also believed that the Coca Cola Co. played a

role in what is regarded as the popular look of Santa Claus today through

paintings by artist Haddon Sundblom that were placed in some of the company's

advertisement between 1931 and 1964.

Twelve Contemporary (Shopping) Days of Christmas

Nov. 24 – Black Friday – the day after Thanksgiving, you have time off from work and it's the official start of the Christmas season

and of Christmas shopping. Stores are open 3-4 hours earlier and they close later. Holiday sales begin, it's the first time that some

items will be available…. but definitely won't be among the crazies up at 4am to get to the top of the line to make some wild dash for

the $99 flat-screen television or the Crazy Elmo toy. (Black Friday is the second single biggest shopping day for retailers and got its

name because in the days of old so much shopping was done on this day that it would turn the tide for many stores and put them in the

black, or, make them profitable.)

Dec. 2 – First Saturday in December – weekends are important because it means free time to shop. The early holiday and Christmas

shopper should be more than halfway through shopping list. Average shoppers are just starting to browse.

Dec. 3 – First Sunday – weekend Christmas shopping can be done but stores close the usual earlier time on Sundays.

Dec. 7 – Pearl Harbor Day – it isn't recognized by most but is very important to war veterans. The President usually gives a speech to

a Veterans group and lays a wreath in honor of those who died on Pearl Harbor Day and in World War II.

Dec. 9 – Second Saturday – only two full weeks to go before Christmas. Where did the time go and where did the year go? To your

disguised annoyance, you are starting to hear the ubiquitous phrase, 'Finished all your Christmas shopping yet?' Christmas shopping

has to pick up speed or panic will set in. You are running out of time to enjoy some quality Christmas entertainment with your family.

Dec. 10 – Second Sunday – go to church if you haven't been attending so that you won't look like a 'Christmas only attendee.' Need

to squeeze in some shopping and must start sending out Christmas greeting cards this week.

Dec. 16 – Third Saturday, First Day of Hanukkah – it's unbelievable that there's only one full week to go before Christmas. Make

supermarket shopping list for Christmas Eve and Christmas dinner preparations.

Dec. 17 – Third Sunday – exactly one week before Christmas. Make sure Christmas toys and presents in hiding are still undiscovered.

Make final plans for family dinner on Christmas Day.

Dec. 21 – oh dear me!!! Only three days to go before Christmas. Do last minute planning, get as many chores as possible out of the

way, finish all Christmas and supermarket shopping. Assign final preparatory tasks to family members as necessary. Go over plans for

Christmas Dinner.

Dec. 22 – First Day of Winter – My goodness!! you still have shopping to do!!? You dread going to the mall this weekend. Pray for a

miracle to find one of those needle in a haystack salesperson who will hold hand and get you 95% through your Christmas shopping

list.

Dec. 23 – Last Saturday before Christmas – Now The Single Biggest Shopping Day of the Year!!!! The mall is absolutely crazy and

there are no sales people anywhere. It's a zoo everywhere – on the roads, in the supermarket, even at the gas station people are

honking, hollering at the gas attendant to pump faster! But you know what … stopped at my favorite pastry store and was in and out in

a nanosecond… there was no line!!

Dec. 24 – Christmas Eve – downtown is glorious, everything is so splendid and magical…. will go to Midnight Mass…. Christmas is

the Most Wonderful Time of the Year!!!!

25. Where To Do Christmas Shopping

Christmas shopping can be seen as an absolute thrill and to some extent,

as a necessary evil. It's a thrill to be out and about amid the sights and

sounds of the season and the jovial crowds. But for the same reasons, others

dread shopping at Christmas time. These days, you don't have to leave your home

much or at all to get your Christmas and holiday shopping done. That's because

the Internet puts shopping at your fingertips. And rather than competing with

traditional retail stores, the Internet has actually expanded the ability of

traditional stores to sell more merchandise to a larger number of people in

various locations.

Both large and small retailers can be found at their specialized Web sites

on the Internet. Most will also offer selections that can be found in the store.

Many times online retail sites will have additional items available, or access

to additional items, that aren't found in the store.

Another advantage of shopping by the Internet is that it offers access to

stores that are located anywhere. It's therefore becomes easier to order a

unique gift from niche or specialty boutique stores in locations that you

otherwise wouldn't be able to reach. It is also easy to do comparison shopping

using 'shop bots' or simply comparing prices yourself.

If Christmas shopping is done through the Internet, you have to pay

careful attention to the order times and any cutoff dates to get an item

delivered in time for Christmas. Based on anticipated volume, most sites will

give a date or the number of hours within which orders have to be confirmed for

guaranteed delivery of the items before Christmas.

The mall is a popular place for traditional Christmas and holiday shopping

to be done. Malls offer one-stop shopping and have a large variety and wide

selection of merchandise, which can minimize endless searching of several stores

for some items. They will also be beautifully decorated for Christmas, have

splendid displays and a Santa Claus to interact with children. These and other

activities that are usually at the mall during Christmas and the holidays also

make them an interesting place to take children to enjoy some of the season's

delights.

To maximize shopping at the mall, you'll need to know the differences

between the mall department stores. You'll need to find out which stores have

certain exclusive brands, which stores are moderately priced and which are more

upscale.

There are also the specialty standalone stores and spinoff store branches

for children and teenagers that seek to fill a particular niche. As an example,

stores have emerged that carry only styles related to hip-hop culture or styles

that have an 'urban' look. So it may be worth consideration to start your

shopping at a specialty store, because they are more focused, and then continue

at a department store that has a wider selection.

Another interesting place to shop at malls are the standalone kiosks that are

usually located at intervals in the open areas of a mall where there is a lot of

foot traffic. These kiosks are more likely to carry one-of-a kind and unique

items, which can even provide or inspire ideas for Christmas presents.

Also at malls will be specialized that offer home/household items, books,

music and movies, electronics, sports gear and shoes.

All of the types of mall stores previously mentioned can also be found at

Outlet or Factory Malls or Warehouses, which offer lower prices. These stores

often carry clearance items from their related mall store, merchandise with

minor flaws and merchandise that is made for the outlet. Those merchandise

usually have slight style variations from what is found in mall stores and may

also be made from different materials.

A final place to consider for Christmas shopping is downtown businesses.

They are usually small and intimate, have unique offerings and offer more

personalized assistance. Although downtown businesses are also likely to be

crowded at Christmas time, there likely will be less of a crush of people like

15. Christmas Day

The Christmas season and all its activities are geared to the big day,

Dec. 25, which is Christmas Day. The word Christmas is derived from Middle

English 'Christemasse' and Old English 'Cristes maesse,' both of which means

'Christ's Mass.' The day is celebrated by Christians as the day that Jesus

Christ was born, although the true date of Jesus' birth isn't really known.

Given the religious significance of Christmas Day, it therefore follows

that attending church is a big tradition on that day. It is seen as mandatory

for devout Christians and for others who are concerned about retaining the

sacred meaning of the day. Many people fear that the sacred aspects of Christmas

are being lost and overshadowed amid the bustle of commercial activity now

associated with the entire season.

Church services therefore take place early on Christmas morning. Attending

those services is the first official activity that many people do on Christmas

Day. Unlike the Midnight Mass and other earlier church services on Christmas

Eve, Christmas Day services do not usually include the dramatization of the

birth of Jesus. They may be more subdued with a sermon that recounts the birth

of Jesus and his purpose to save mankind. The congregation is then exalted to be

as giving as Jesus and to help out those who are in need.

Consequently, many people will take some time on Christmas Day to

volunteer in a charitable activity such as serving dinner to the poor and hungry

at a church, charitable organization or other social services center. Others

will also work with charitable organizations to distribute toys to needy

children at shelters, hospitals and other places.

As part of the religious aspect of Christmas Day, groups that sing Christmas

carols will also be out very early on Christmas morning.

Although Christmas Dinner is the most significant meal of the day, a large

breakfast will also be served in most households that will be shared by all

family members. The occasion of all family members having a meal together is a

disappearing tradition in many American households and so Christmas is seen as a

perfect time to return to the tradition. Christmas Day after all, is all about

family, sharing and togetherness.

Throughout the day, greetings of 'Merry Christmas' will be exchanged by

telephone calls with family, friends, acquaintances, and loved ones who are

located elsewhere in the country and overseas. It is a common occurrence for so

many people to be trying to make international calls to loved ones and friends

on Christmas Day that telephone communication systems to some countries often

are overwhelmed. The availability of technology and the Internet eases that

somewhat nowadays however, as emails and instant messaging can also be used as

other communication channels to exchange greetings on Christmas Day.

Christmas Day Dinner is undoubtedly the central activity of the day. Family and

friends gathered for dinner take pleasure in enjoying and sharing a delicious

meal and also are mindful and thankful for the opportunity to be able to share

the meal, to have each other and for the material things that make their lives

comfortable and give them happiness.

Some of those material things are then shared in absolute delight as everyone

will gather around or near to the Christmas tree after dinner to exchange and

open Christmas presents. It's an activity that is relished and which is filled

with much laughter, happy chatter and merriment, especially by children who are

usually much delighted to get a toy that they had wished for.

After dinner and the exchange of presents, adults may have light conversations,

play games or even watch a movie. Children are often taken up with experimenting

or playing with their new toys. It has also become a tradition on Christmas Day

for members of some families, such as teenagers and young adults, to end

Christmas Day by attending the movie theater on Christmas evening or Christmas

night to see a recently released film.

9. A Caribbean Christmas

In the tropical islands of the Caribbean, the temperature is

above 75 degrees from Jan. 1 to Dec. 31, which means that it is warm

and pleasant during Christmas. The Christmas season in the Caribbean is

also pleasant because it is far removed from the rainy season, which

usually occurs from late March to May. During Christmas time in the

Caribbean, the temperature is also more temperate and tolerable

compared to the searing hot days of the summer months.

As in many parts of the world, family, merriment, gift-giving are

among the many activities that the people of the Caribbean enjoy during

Christmas. Families often live in fairly close proximity to each other

however. But what makes getting together at Christmas so special is

that it often involves intense and laborious preparations that are not

done at any other time of the year.

In many homes, an intense cleaning is done in the two or three

weeks before Christmas Day. All furniture is moved and may even be

rearranged and new and fancy curtains put up for the season. The best

bed linens, tablecloths, cutlery and dinnerware are also used in

entertaining any visitors during the season. It is a common occurrence

for visitors, including people from the neighborhood, to stop for short

visits during the season.

During those visits, guests are entertained with certain food and

drinks, many of which are made only at Christmas time. These include

fermented drinks such as sorrel and mauby, as well as the alcoholic

drink rum punch. A special type of cake, called Black cake or

fruitcake, is also made at Christmas. It is made with raisins and other

dried fruit that are minced and placed in wine for several weeks.

This cake is the traditional dessert for Christmas dinner. The main

menu of a traditional Caribbean Christmas dinner includes baked

poultry, roast beef ham, boiled and steamed root vegetables, rice with

peas, seasoned rice or rice pilaf, with sorrel, rum punch or mauby as

the beverage.

Caroling has also been a tradition, although its practiced has

been declining in recent years. Small groups from churches or schools

will walk through neighborhoods singing Christmas carols or, will drive

from house to house to sing carols in neighborhoods primarily in rural

areas where houses are not always found in close proximity.

Two Christmas traditions that are unique to the Caribbean are the

practice of Jonkonoo and having a grand market. Jonkonoo consists of a

group of masked revelers who take part in a parade dancing to the beats

of drums, shaking tambourines and improvised instruments. The group

also include stilt walkers who appear as tall as some trees and single-

story buildings. Jonkonoos perform various antics to amuse onlookers

and to give candies and treats to children, especially younger children

who may seem scared of any of the Jonkonoo participants.

Grand market is the big outdoor market that takes place the week

before Christmas up to Christmas Eve. Outdoor markets, found in the

central points of regional towns, are common in the Caribbean as a

place to get fresh fruits, vegetables and produce that are grown by

local farmers. But at Christmas time, they also become filled with

assorted items that can be given as gifts and they bustle with activity

even after nightfall. It is a special treat for children to accompany

parents to grand market during the Christmas season.

Since Christmas falls during the high winter tourist season in

the Caribbean, Christmas is also an opportunity for many school

children to perform for tourists. Many hotels take advantage of the

fact that most schools and churches will have singing and dramatic

groups that perform the Christmas story and sing carols and Christmas

songs. These groups are often invited to provide local entertainment at

hotels and guesthouses during Christmas.

37. Christmas Lights

It's only fitting, perhaps, that along with the magic of Santa Claus at

Christmas, holiday and Christmas lights also came about through the work of a

wizard - the Wizard of Menlo Park in New Jersey - as Thomas Edison was called.

It was Edison who first developed and demonstrated an incandescent electric

light bulb in 1879 that had commercial potential, an event that led the way for

the mass use of electricity and lights on Christmas tree as used today.

Before the discovery and use of electricity, candles were used to light

Christmas trees. That practice evolved into having glass covers with candles

inside them or metal lanterns that had small wicks. These were hung like

ornaments on Christmas trees. But even after Edison invented the incandescent

electric light bulb, it took many years before the large-scale manufacture of

Christmas tree lights were available commercially.

It is said that the idea of Christmas lights came from one of Edison's

assistants, Edward Johnson. In 1882, Johnson had Christmas tree bulbs made

specially for him. He displayed these electric bulbs on his Christmas tree at

his home on Fifth Avenue in New York City and it drew widespread attention. But

Christmas tree lights underwent many changes and improvement before General

Electric Co. introduced Christmas lights on a commercial scale. As an example,

among the earlier lights used on Christmas trees were night-lights that were

strung together to make light strings. After the commercial introduction of

Christmas lights, sales and wide-scale use of them soared.

Decorative mini-lights to be used for Christmas tree lighting were introduced in

the 1970s. Since then, they have continued to be popular and are the dominant

types of Christmas tree lights in the marketplace. Before that, icicle lights

were introduced as decoration for rooflines. Those decorative lights are the

most popular ones used for outdoor landscape lighting during the holidays.

Outdoor decorative lighting has evolved from Christmas tree lighting to also

become a popular way to use colorful lighting during the holidays to create

spectacular scenes.

Another development in decorative lighting at Christmas time is the use of

candles. Real candles can be used, but electric candles became more popular and

safer because they present less threat of a fire hazard. Today that threat has

also decreased with the development of flameless battery candles. The battery

operation also makes their use more flexible because they can be placed in areas

where there aren't electrical outlets. Candles are usually displayed at several

windows of a house during the holidays. They produce an appealing look

especially if there are at least two sets of three windows each other where they

can be placed.

Battery-operated candles can also be used during Christmas and the holidays for

other activities such as caroling, church services, school activities and for

other holiday arrangements around the home.

As Christmas lights have become a mandatory feature of the holidays, they are

continually being used in new ways that differ considerably from their early

beginnings. Outdoor lighting is now just as common as indoor lighting and that

is an area in which a change in the use of holiday lighting can be seen. Along

with icicle lights that illuminate rooflines and frames of houses, there are

also lights that are placed in shrubs. Holiday lighting also comes in the shape

of trees and other ornaments that can be placed on lawn to enhance the visual

appeal during the holidays.

Many lawns are landscaped by lighting during Christmas and the holiday season

with lighted figurines and various other items associated with the season. In

some communities, entire blocks of streets will have such elaborate holiday lawn

lighting that they attract passersby and even tourists - residents from

elsewhere - who are captivated by the spectacular visual displays of the

landscaped holiday lighting.

30. Christmas Plays/Performances

It's always a good thing when families can enjoy outings together.

Attending Christmas plays, performances and concerts offer wonderful holiday

entertainment for all members of the family. Attending Christmas performances

and concerts offers wonderful entertainment for the entire family and provides

another way to enjoy the festivities of the Christmas season.

Families usually don't have to venture too far from their home to enjoy a

Christmas play or concert. That's because amateur actors, singers and budding

musicians in their neighborhood will usually take part in several Christmas

performances for local residents. These amateur but entertaining events can be

found at local schools, churches or at a community theater or performance

center.

It's very popular for those groups to stage performances of the Nativity

story, or other Christmas related works such as 'A Christmas Carol.' churches

and school groups may even have a complete concert series that includes a full-

length production of a play along with choirs, soloists and the band singing

Christmas carols and other Christmas songs.

What makes local Christmas performances special is that members of the

community and maybe even of your own household can be among the entertainers.

It is therefore special to see familiar faces doing something interesting and

different. For those who are budget-conscious, the performances are usually

priced to be very affordable, therefore offering an economic incentive to go out

and have an enjoyable afternoon or evening.

Those people who are lovers of the arts and who are more interested in

seeing a professional performance will likely also have a professional

theatrical company within reasonable proximity of their residence. Professional

groups may also perform Christmas classics such as 'A Christmas Carol' or they

may do another dramatic production from the works of other playwrights.

Music lovers also have a variety of performances to enjoy at Christmas

time. While one can always catch various groups singing carols in downtown areas

or at malls, there are other places to hear rich, melodious performances of

Christmas music. These include concerts by acclaimed or recognized

conservatories, orchestras, symphonies and renowned choir groups.

The beauty of hearing Christmas music by these groups is in the accompaniment of

instruments and the harmonious blending of voices, which all happens in a venue

that has acoustic features to optimize the auditory pleasure of the

performances. The different components that together make the whole performance

offers a richer quality to Christmas songs and carols that may be described as

'sounding heavenly.'

Another popular artistic performance that is popular during the Christmas season

is classical dance in the form of ballet, and particularly the performance of

the 'Nutcracker' ballet. With music written by Tchaikovsky, the story is about

a young girl who has a dream on Christmas Eve of a Nutcracker Prince and a

fierce battle with a Mouse King that has seven heads. After a fierce battle

between the Nutcracker, who leads an army of toy soldiers, and the Mouse King

who leads an army of mice, the Nutcracker is captured. But the little girl

throws her slipper at the Mouse King, hits him in the head and kills him. In the

end, the Nutcracker turns into a Prince and takes the little girl to the magical

and enchanting Land of Snow with dancing snowflakes and the Land of Sweets with

the Sugar Plum Fairy.

Attending Christmas plays, concerts or musical performances serves the basic

purpose of providing enjoyment, but it can also help young people, and even

adults, to develop an appreciation for the arts. Seeing different variations and

the creativity in performances of Christmas plays, as well as hearing different

renditions of Christmas songs, can be the first exposure that leads to a

lifelong love of the arts and maybe a dream to pursue a career in the arts.

47. The Joy of Toys at Christmas

Although adults like to receive gifts, many will readily forego the

pleasure by sacrificing, if it means a small member of the family will be

totally pleased and delighted with their Christmas gift. Seeing the sparkle of

joy in children's eyes when they receive a toy or other Christmas present

certainly confirms that Christmas is for children. And after all, Santa brings

gifts for all the good little boys and girls, not for moms and dads or other

adults.

It was very humorous, as parents once related how on Christmas Day when

their child opened a Christmas gift and was pleased, they pretended to be a bit

saddened that Santa Claus didn't bring them any Christmas present. The child

responded, 'Because you bad mummy and daddy. You make me stand in corner.'

Toys are therefore a significant part of Christmas. Parents go all out for

children, they make the extra effort to give children something really special

such as what the child wishes, desires or longs for. It may be a toy such as a

particular type of doll, a dream dollhouse or an item like a bike or train set,

or motorized vehicle. The fun of getting a toy at Christmas begins earlier for

children as they start to make their wish list and anticipate getting one or

more of what they desire.

For teenagers, the most desired toy may not be a toy in the real sense of

the word. A toy, in today's casual speech, can mean a favorite gadget such as an

ultra-stylish cell phone, an iPod, MP3 player, electronic organizer or even a

computer.

Toy sales at Christmas play a major role in the economics of retailers in the

toy industry. Toy makers use the Christmas season to release new and updated

products with the hope of capturing a significant slice of the billions of

dollars that consumers spend during the holidays.

The strategy among toy makers has been to release a new product that hope will

be the 'must-have' toy for the season. Consequently, they try to create buzz

about the product and have a specific release date, all with the hope that

parents and other consumers will clamor for the item and even make it sold-out

or hard to obtain as the season progresses. Such driving demand can easily

justify a spike in the price of the item.

Toys have also evolved beyond dolls, trains and cars to be very

interactive and educational. The popularity of educational toys and the presence

of increased technology have combined to produce many toys that are highly

computerized.

Receiving a toy as a gift at Christmas can play an important role in

creating a lasting memory. When a child gets the right toy - one that is highly

desired or is surprised by a wonderful toy - he or she will remember the feeling

it brought for a lifetime and recall it whenever there's talk of which Christmas

was a favorite. It also helps to create a tradition as the child becomes an

adult nd wants to recapture a similar feeling by seeking to do the same for his

or her own child.

Then, there are the children with a wish list that's basically a hope to get

something, any toy at Christmas. Many companies, businesses, churches and social

organizations arrange to have members donate new and age appropriate toys that

are distributed to children in need. Putting a smile on the faces of those

children will create warm memories about Christmas and Santa Claus for them. And

by participating in a charitable effort, the donors are themselves Santa Claus

and spreaders of goodwill and cheer that embody the meaning of Christmas.

27. General Festivities and Entertainment at Christmas

Christmas is described as a festive season therefore we should all engage

in activities during the season that provide entertainment, merriment and which

give pleasure. Because Christmas is about celebration, many types of festivities

can be found to suit all preferences to make the season a joyful one.

A readily available option is watching Christmas movies. This can be done

from the comfort of home or by spending a few hours out at the theater. A

wonderful option now available for obtaining movies is to rent them via the

Internet. It's an option that allows you to get any movie you want to see -

whether traditional, popular or a remake of an original title. There's also

fairly easy access to obscure movie titles, as well as movies with holiday or

Christmas themes.

Although Christmas movies embody the spirit of the season, you can also

take time out during Christmas to enjoy new releases that may or may not have a

holiday theme. Christmas is a good time to catch notable new releases because

they are timed to be shown in theaters before the end of the year to be

considered for prestigious Oscar nominations.

Performances of Christmas plays that depict the Nativity scene are also

another popular entertainment during Christmas. Although these performances are

done year after year, they never grow old because of creative difference in

interpreting the story, and also in how each role is acted by different actors

every year.

The dramatization of the Nativity demonstrates the meaning of Christmas and can

also simplify the meaning of Christmas for children. Participation in the

Nativity is also an important activity for children in drama groups at schools

and church groups.

Along with depicting the meaning of Christmas, the Nativity play also portrays

moral lessons that can serve as an inspiration for the way to become a more

spiritual person and to live a better life. Watching or taking part in the

Nativity play at Christmas time can therefore affect your attitude and outlook

on life.

Musical entertainment at Christmas can come from pausing during shopping to

listen to a choral group at the mall or downtown. It can also be entertaining to

simply hum along to a Christmas carol or song being played on the radio. Carols

as a tradition at Christmas is said to originate in England and France in the

Middle Ages. At the time, carols were dances accompanied by singing. The

tradition that Anglo-Saxons preferred was to have small choirs gather on the

village green and sing carols and Christmas songs to passersby. Over time, the

meaning of the word changed to refer to only certain types of songs.

The tradition of carols is also believed to evolve from the angels, shepherds

and Wise Men who bowed down to sing praises and to worship Baby Jesus.

For those who are really lovers of the arts, professional groups like

Orchestras, Symphonies, Conservatories and Choirs also offer splendid concerts

during Christmas. They will also sing Christmas carols and songs. But the

harmony of their voices accompanied by a full compliment of instruments provides

a richer and more melodious rendition of the carols that is unlikely to be heard

anywhere else.

Probably the most popular festivities at Christmas are parties, which seem to

happen everywhere all the time at Christmas. There are parties at work, home,

with friends and class parties at school. Even social hubs such as bars may have

special nights with different food and lower-priced drinks during Christmas.

It seems there is no end to the festivities during Christmas. It's always

important however to have a good time, to remember the unfortunate and to reach

out to them and to have fun but in a responsible manner.

41. Selection of Christmas Trees

Given the many types of Christmas trees available and the various ways in

which they can be bought, it's important to know certain qualities that a

Christmas tree should have so that it will be suitable for decorating and will

also last through the season.

One of the most important qualities a Christmas tree should have is

freshness. This makes buying a tree from a Christmas Tree Farm the best option

because you will observe the tree being cut at the time it is purchased. If a

tree is bought elsewhere, such as from a retail lot, it is important to find out

where the tree came from and when it was cut.

To determine the freshness of a tree, observe whether it looks green and

healthy, has a fragrant scent and has needles that are moist and flexible. If

the needles appear dry or show browning, then that is a sign the tree isn't very

fresh. If a large amount of green needles fall when a few branches of the tree

are shaken, that's also a sign that the tree isn't the best one to buy to last

for the entire season. The needles of fir trees should break crisply when they

are bent. If a fir tree needle is bent and doesn't break readily with pressure,

it might mean that the tree isn't absorbing water and that will affect its

longevity.

Another reason a Christmas tree farm can be a better option for purchasing a

Christmas tree is that it will be more likely to offer more species of trees and

therefore a wider variety of shapes and sizes.

For those Christmas trees that are located on retail or other commercial lots,

freshness can be determined by looking at the conditions in which the trees are

kept. Observe whether the trees are kept in stands that hold water, if baled

trees are protected from the wind and sun, if a fresh cut is put on trees and if

the trees are tied down correctly.

Another quality to consider in selecting the right Christmas tree is its size.

Before buying a tree, its important to decide where it will be placed so that

the space can be measured. You will need to do a floor to ceiling measurement

and then subtract at least 10-12 inches to get the maximum height for the

Christmas tree. It is recommended that at least 10-12 inches of space should be

between the top of the Christmas tree and the ceiling.

The bottom of the Christmas tree also needs to be checked to make sure there is

adequate space between the end of it and the lowest branches. A small diagonal

fresh cut, such as an inch, is made in that area to enhance absorption of water,

which will make the tree last longer. This cut should be made just before the

tree is placed in water. If a fresh cut is done and the tree is exposed to the

air too long, the vessels can become blocked.

Along with freshness and size, a tree should be selected based on the shape that

you like, the smell of the needles and bark and on how dense and sturdy the

branches are. For the density and sturdiness of the tree, you need to have an

idea how the tree will be decorated - how many heavy ornaments, Christmas lights

or bows will be used. As an example, a fir tree that has sturdy branches will be

better for holding heavy ornaments and a pine tree is good for Christmas trees

that have light decorations such as bows and a string of Christmas lights.

The texture of the branches and how durable or long-lasting the tree will

be are also worth considering in choosing a perfect Christmas tree.

Favorite Foods of Christmas

Favorite foods enjoyed by Americans for any given holiday, season or special occasion will likely include some ethnic

dish, given the many ethnic groups that reside in the country. Despite this variety of melting pot cuisine, there are some similarities in

dishes that will be a part of most meals during celebrations such as Christmas.

Christmas in the United States comes almost one month after another big holiday, Thanksgiving, in which the traditional

meal must consist of a turkey as the main dish. This dish also carries over into Christmas as roast turkey is one of the main dishes that

may be served for Christmas dinner. But unlike Thanksgiving, which is solely devoted to turkey meat, Christmas dinners may also

include other birds or poultry. These include roast goose or duck. Roasted ham may also be served. Cranberry sauce, vegetables,

pumpkin pie and a plum pudding or fruity Christmas pudding for dessert tops off traditional Christmas dinners. Mince pies and pastry

that is filled with a mixture of chopped, dried fruit may also be added to the menu.

For drinks at Christmas dinner, a bottle of champagne is very popular, as well as wines. But the everyday beverage of beer

is a must for many people to make a meal truly enjoyable.

Before Christmas Day and the big dinner arrives, there's also another type of food that Americans enjoy in large quantities

during the Christmas season. The consumption and sales of candies, gingerbread and other cookies and holiday treats increases rapidly

during the holidays. Similar to how department stores seek to attract shoppers to buy items for Christmas gifts, candy manufacturers

also put out special boxes and types of candies for Christmas and the holiday season.

A survey done in 2004 by the National Confectioners Association found that many adults derived much pleasure at

Christmas from giving and receiving candies and other treats. In their responses the survey participants said that giving decadent

boxes of chocolate to friends and family, placing candy canes on the Christmas tree and hiding candy treats in Christmas stockings

were favorite ways to give and receive candies, cookies and treats during the holidays.

Sweet treats remain popular at Christmas despite a constant message about dieting that is present in everyday life in the

media, in billboards and from some food manufacturers. At Christmas time, people feel free to enjoy the festive season without

constraints. But they also know that they can enjoy candies and cookies that are health conscious by eating ones that are targeted to the

low-carb dieter by having ingredients that are sugar-free and fat-free or both.

Cookies that are enjoyed at Christmas are often home-baked ones and usually include gingerbread items. The tradition of

gingerbread cookies at Christmas is also believed to have originated in Germany and brought to America by German immigrants.

German bakeries began baking very fancy gingerbread houses with icing as edible snow and other decorations after the Grimm

Brothers published their children's story, Hansel and Gretel. That story had a description of a house that was made of bread, a roof of

cake and windows of barley. The popularity of the creations by German bakeries gave rise to cookie cutters that were made in a

variety of shapes, enabling small gingerbread cookies of various shapes to be baked at home. Some of these cookies that had the

shapes of little people and animals were used to decorate Christmas trees.

More than one hundred years ago from today, German homes in Lancaster County in Pennsylvania would have cookies

that were up to one foot high in the front of windows of their houses as decorative items during winter. The cookies were often giant

gingerbread men and women that had colorful rows of buttons and big smiles. Passersby were often cheered and intrigued by the sight

and brought the idea to their homes on a smaller scale.

Being able to enjoy special dishes, candies, cookies and other goodies during Christmas and the holidays adds a sweet

flavor to the season and also helps to create warm and cherished memories.

28. Christmas Movies

Movies related to Christmas help to create a fun atmosphere and can also

teach moral lessons related to Christmas. While everyone will have different

Christmas movies that are most enjoyable, there are some that remain favorites.

'A Christmas Story' is told from the point of view of a little boy in the

days before Christmas and on Christmas Day. It shows him doing routine things

each day but against the backdrop of the Christmas season with the decorated

store windows, Santa Claus, the snow and frostiness, and of course his wish for

a Christmas toy. But his parents disapprove of the toy that he desired. The

movie is good in showing the innocence of the Christmas season.

'A Christmas Carol,' written by noted author Charles Dickens, tells the

story of old Scrooge whose only purpose in life is to make money. Scrooge puts

making money above his family, friends and everyone who cares about him. His

response to Christmas is a grumpy, 'Bah Humbug.' He gets a different experience

however, when ghosts appear to him and try to point out the error of his ways.

The movie's lesson is about the importance of appreciating people in your life.

'It's A Wonderful Life' is a story about hope and the worthiness of

everyone. It tells the story of a man experiencing despair and self-destruction

because he thinks he is of no worth to those around him, and they would be

better off if he didn't exist. An angel grants him his desire and he gets to see

what he contributes and what life would be like without him.

Every Christmas, 'A Miracle on 34th Street' can be seen on television. It

asks and answers the question 'Is there really a Santa Claus?' The movie is

about a man who claims to be Kris Kringle, or Santa Claus, but is not believed

and so he has to prove his identity claim.

'National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation' is about the Griswold family with

Mr. Griswold, played by Chevy Chase, who gets into silly accidents that provide

a lot of humor. The movie shows the lives of the family as they celebrate

Christmas and the difficulties that arise when their entire family comes to

visit for Christmas.

'Home Alone' is about a large and chaotic family with lots of kids who are

going on Christmas vacation. Amid the chaos of leaving on the morning of the

trip, one child is left behind and must stay and fend for himself in a very

large house during the Christmas season. At first he was happy to be alone but

then two thieves break in and he has to fight them off. The movie shows the

importance of family and loved ones. A sequel, 'Home Alone 2: Lost in New York'

tells of the boy who was left alone going to an aunt and uncle's home and again

encountering the two thieves who are seeking revenge.

'How The Grinch Stole Christmas' was first made as an animation for

television but other versions have since been done as motion pictures. The

Grinch is a grouchy, green man who lives in the mountains above the small town

of Whoville where residents, called The Whos, celebrate Christmas

enthusiastically every year. The Grinch who doesn't like Christmas wants to

spoil it for Whoville and so he tries to steal all the toys, food and gifts that

The Whos have accumulated for Christmas. The movie provides a lesson on the true

meaning of Christmas.

'A Charlie Brown Christmas is an animated television movie about the

popular Peanuts comic strip. The movie is about the comic strip's main

character, Charlie Brown, and tells of the experience with his friends for

Christmas. It also has Biblical references that relates to the true meaning of

Christmas.

'Frosty The Snowman' is an animated story about a snowman, named Frosty,

that comes to life and who must avoid a greedy musician who is trying to get the

magic that brought Frosty to life. The movie is very funny and has lots of

wonderful songs.

'Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer' is also an animation about the reindeer

with a shiny nose that kisses a pretty girl and also helps out his friends.

31. Christmas Music

Christmas music in the form of carols, songs stringed or instrumental

renditions, is constantly heard during the Christmas season. Music forms the

background against which everything else takes place to make the Christmas

season different from all others. Christmas music plays such a significant role

that during the entire season, other popular music temporarily disappears from

radio. That may be the reason for all the different types of Christmas music -

sacred, secular, popular and traditional - that have emerged throughout the

years.

Popular and secular renditions of Christmas music has been developed by

musical artists and performers who 'make over' classic styles of Christmas music

with their own personal touch. One reason for popular make overs of Christmas

music may be because regular popular music is not heard during the holiday

season so pop musicians and artists do Christmas music to keep their voices

always in earshot of their fans and the general audience. It could also be that

they want to capitalize on the popularity of Christmas music.

Whatever the reason, it has become a trend for popular musical artists to

release new Christmas or holiday music albums during the season. Since variety

is the spice of life, it means there are more variations of secular, sacred,

classical or traditional and popular renditions of Christmas music that can be

heard.

Music at Christmas time is important to create the right mood. The

prevalence of Christmas music is what helps to create the special holiday type

of feeling or spirit that is present everywhere and among everyone. Everyone has

particular Christmas songs and carols that are favorites, maybe for the melody,

the lyrics or because they are reminders of special memories.

The most popular Christmas song is said to be 'White Christmas,' which is

popular even in warm and tropical climates where people sing of 'dreaming of a

White Christmas,' which in reality they would not want. Other popular Christmas

songs and carols are: Away in a Manger, which tells the Nativity story in song;

O Holy Night, Silent Night, Joy to the World, Hark the Herald Angels and Angels

we have Heard on High.

All of those songs are sacred and are all about the story of Jesus' birth. Of

note also is Handel's majestic 'Hallelujah Chorus,' which is a favorite that

choirs like to sing because of the splendor embodied in the music.

Nat King Cole's 'Chestnut Roasting On an Open Fire' is a classical favorite. It

defies categorization as it isn't sacred but is also not considered secular like

a song such as 'Sleigh Ride.' Among secular Christmas songs, there are also

funny ones such as 'I Saw Mummy Kissing Santa Claus Underneath the Mistletoe

Last Night' and Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. The availability of a wide

Christmas music selection makes it possible to choose ones for different

occasions, such as for general use at home, for a fun or informal party or for a

formal dinner. As an example, selections can be made to create the right mood at

the start of a party, followed by more lively music when the party is in full

swing, and then selections to slow down the pace when the party is nearing its

end.

It's also important to note that professional groups such as choirs, symphonies

and orchestras will also record performances of Christmas music on albums. For

the very serious and critical music aficionados, these albums will provide

wonderful listening pleasure and also make good Christmas presents. Listening to

music from those groups is also a way of enjoying their performances if doesn't

get the opportunity to attend a live concert by the professional group.

Whatever selections of Christmas music are made however, it's likely that it

will create a festive mood and spirit among all who hear or are listening to the

39. Gift-giving At Christmas

The real meaning of Christmas is often expressed as being about giving to

others during the season. Giving can take many forms, but during the Christmas

season the most obvious way in which giving is done is by preparing beautifully

wrapped Christmas presents for family, friends, acquaintances, work colleagues,

teachers and others such as business clients.

The tradition of giving gifts at Christmas is believed to have started

with the Three Wise Men who brought gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. But

the practice of giving gifts as is common today, evolved from a retail strategy

that involved Santa Claus and attracting children into stores. For that reason,

giving gifts at Christmas and during the holidays has been centered on children.

Giving gifts during Christmas started in the early 19th century when the

celebration of Christmas was restored after a period when the Protestants in

England banned Christmas celebrations. In 1820 to 1840 when Christmas

celebrations regained popularity, stores started to advertise special Christmas

shopping promotions. At the same time, newspapers also created advertising

sections solely for holiday shopping advertisements. These special advertising

sections had prominent displays of Santa Claus.

In 1841 when a store in Philadelphia had a life-size model of Santa Claus,

hundreds of children turned up to get a look at Santa Claus, which had become a

new and popular element of revitalized Christmas celebrations. The interest in

seeing Santa Claus provided a marketing idea to retailers that they could

attract children and parents to stores through offers to have a look at a 'real'

or 'live' Santa Claus. Because of that marketing strategy to attract children

during Christmas, the focus was therefore to give Christmas presents to

children.

Today, gift-giving is still focused on children, but adults are as much popular

recipients as children. Within families, the focus on children is evident in the

fact that an individual child will get more gifts than any other individual

adult member of the family. For young children, who are particularly delighted

and enchanted by the holidays and Christmas festivities, toys are usually the

gift given. Among older children, clothes and electronic gadgets are popular

items to give as Christmas gifts.

Adults are the ones however, for whom there is the widest range of items that

can be given as Christmas presents. An item that will make a good Christmas or

holiday present to just about any adult is a decadent box of chocolate or

holiday cookies. This is enjoyed even by those who are diet-conscious because,

they can be sugar- and, or, fat-free or also low in carbohydrates. At Christmas

time also, many people tend to temporarily disregard any strict diet rules that

they are following and so they welcome and enjoy any type of Christmas treats

heartily.

According to a survey done in 2004 by the National Confectioners Association, 90

percent of 1,000 adults who were surveyed responded that giving or receiving a

box of chocolates and creating or receiving a stocking filled with goodies were

among the top three ways they enjoyed candy during the winter holidays. A third

way was having candy that was placed in a dish, which indicates that having

sweet treats at Christmas time is generally enjoyed by a broad cross-section of

people.

Aside from family members and friends, it may also be a nice gesture to give a

holiday or Christmas present to colleagues at work, teachers of your children

and based on your profession, to business clients. The primary reason to give

any of those categories of people holiday or Christmas gifts is likely to

express appreciation. For that reason, a holiday present of goodies or treats

would indeed be a sweet gift to give.

8. Christmas In Other European Countries

In Finland, Christmas Eve is the traditional time to set up the Christmas tree

and it's also traditional to visit the sauna and for families to listen to a

broadcast of the national 'Peace of Christmas' on the radio. Christmas Dinner

generally consists of a main dish of boiled codfish that is snowy and fluffy in

appearance, served with cream sauce and boiled potatoes. Christmas dinner is

rounded out with roast suckling pig or roasted fresh ham and vegetables. Among

peasants, there is a tradition to tie a sheaf of grain, with nuts and seeds, to

a pole that is put in a garden for birds. Many peasants will wait until after

the birds have eaten before having their Christmas Dinner. And Santa Claus is

expected to visit homes in person with his Christmas elves to give out Christmas

gifts.

Christmas in France is called Noel, from the phrase 'les bonnes nouvelles,' or

'the good news,' which refers to the gospel. On Christmas Eve, cathedrals and

churches are beautifully lit and filled with the sounds of Christmas carols,

ringing church bells and carillons. The tradition among children is to put their

shoes by the fireplace for Pere Noel or le petit Jesus to fill them with gifts.

In the north of France however, children receive gifts on Dec. 6, St. Nicholas

Day, instead of Christmas. Most French homes will have a Nativity scene or

crèche on display during the season. In Southern France, some people will burn a

log in their home from Christmas Eve until New Years Day, which comes out of a

farming tradition of using the log for good luck in the coming harvest. The

French also make a traditional cake called the buche de Noel, or Christmas Log,

which is shaped like a Yule log and is part of a late supper called le reveillon

held after Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve. The main dish for this meal generally

consists of poultry, ham, salads, cake, fruit and wine but varies according to

region. The main course in Burgundy is turkey with chestnuts and in Paris it's

oysters, foie gras and the buche de Noel cake. The wines generally served are

Champagne, Muscadet, Sauterne and Anjou. An annual tradition of puppet shows,

particularly in Paris and Lyons, is popular during Christmas time. In Paris,

it's also popular for big department stores to have grand, animated window

displays.

Christmas in Italy is called 'Il Natale,' or 'the birthday.' Christmas season

starts eight days before Christmas, a period called the Novena, and runs for

three weeks. During the Novena, children dress as shepherds and go from house to

house saying Christmas poems, singing and playing pipes. They often receive

money to buy gifts during this activity. The Nativity scene, called the

Presepio, has miniature figures, carved in great detail out of clay or plaster,

of the Holy Family in the stable and is the center of Christmas for families.

Families say prayers and children recite poems around the Presepio. Christmas

Eve dinner, called cenone, is a traditional dish of roasted, baked or fried eel.

In some regions, various types of fish is prepared for this dinner, as well as

pork, sausage in a pig's leg or turkey stuffed with chestnuts. Christmas sweets

are called panettone and traditionally have nuts and almonds. On Christmas Eve,

children set out their shoes for a kind, old woman or ugly witch called La

Befana, who rides on a broomstick down chimneys, to fill them with gifts of toys

or candies. If they were bad, their shoes will be filled with coal. Some

children wait until Jan. 6, the Epiphany, to receive gifts.

Norway is where the tradition of the Yule log started and which gave rise to

log-shaped cakes, cheese and other desserts during the holidays. Norwegians

today often go into the forest to cut their own Christmas trees, which is

secretly decorated on Christmas Eve to surprise children. After the Christmas

tree is revealed, Norwegians engage in 'circling the Christmas tree,' a

tradition in which everyone joins hands forming a ring around the tree. They

then walk around the Christmas tree singing carols. Gifts are distributed after

this ritual is finished.

34. Christmas Games and other Fun Activities

Maybe no other single activity really embraces camaraderie, playfulness

and fierce but friendly competition as heartily participating in playing indoor

games with friends and family. Christmas games does all those things but also

serves the purpose of bringing friends and family together to interact directly

with each other in a competitive and happy way.

Participating in Christmas games is another way of sharing, but it is also doing

something tangible to get into the festive, jolly and relaxed mode for the

holidays. Otherwise, its easy to get caught up in all the preparation and

shopping and become ridden with anxiety. Here are some holiday and Christmas

games that will cause fierce but friendly competition and leave everyone in a

jolly mood.

For the 'Gift Wrap' game, items needed will be small gifts, wrapping paper,

scotch tape and music that can be turned on and off at will. Each gift item is

wrapped in several layers of paper. The number of layers used will depend on the

duration you want the game to last. A gift is given to the group which should

start passing around the gift when the music starts. Whenever the music stops,

whoever has the gift should remove one layer of gift wrap. This continues until

the last layer of paper is removed. Whoever has the gift unwrapped gets to keep

it.

The items needed for the 'Sock Guessing' Christmas game are two or three thick

new thermal socks, items used or seen during Christmas, pens, pencils and paper.

Each sock is stuffed with 20-25 items that are used or seen during the

Christmas season. These can be useful items such as scotch tape, ornaments,

decorations etc. Each sock should have the same items and the opening should be

tied with a ribbon so the contents inside aren't visible. The socks are then

passed around for each person to try to feel and guess the items then write down

what they think is in the sock. The person with the most correct guesses of

objects is the winner and can be awarded a separate special gift or token.

The 'Gift Grab Card Game' needs two deck of cards and a few small Christmas

gifts that are wrapped to look very interesting and enticing. One deck of cards

is passed out one at a time to guests. Each should have an equal number of cards

from the deck. The gifts are then placed in the center of the group. Someone

then calls out cards from the second deck. Whoever has an identical card gets to

choose a gift. When all the gifts are taken, everyone can steal gifts from each

other until the deck is finished and those with gifts get to open and keep them

as prizes. The fun increases when the stealing begins because everyone will have

different ideas about which gift looks interesting and try to hang onto it by

stealing it over and over if it is stolen. Some people will also try to disguise

the fact they have a gift, although they should be kept in sight.

A children's Christmas game is 'Pin the Nose on the Reindeer,' which is the

Christmas game version of 'Pin the tail on the Donkey.' The items needed are a

drawing of a reindeer's head with an incomplete drawing of the nose and several

noses with the names on one side and tape on the other. The picture should be

placed against a wall so that children can reach the nose. Each child then gets

a nose. They take turns being blindfolded spun around a couple times to

disorient them a little then told to walk to the reindeer and place the nose on

the picture. The child who places the nose closes to the reindeer's nose wins.

A delightful Christmas game for work is the 'Match the Desk to the Item' game. A

day or so before the Christmas party at work, someone needs to secretly take one

item from each person's desk and assign a number to each item. At the party, all

the items are displayed for everyone to guess whose desk the item belongs to.

48. History of Christmas

Commercial activities during Christmas today are often decried as making

the season too materialistic. This has caused comments that the religious aspect

of Christmas is so overlooked and overshadowed that its celebration seems to be

purely pagan. But today's comparisons aren't the first there has been some link

between Christmas and pagan celebrations. As a religious, church leaders

instituted Christmas during winter because that time of year was a popular for

the celebrations of many pagan festivals. The hope was that Christmas would also

become a holiday that would gain much popularity.

Long before the birth of Jesus Christ, people in various parts of Europe would

celebrate light and birth in the darkest days of winter. The winter solstice,

when the harshest part of winter was over, was a time of celebration for many

peoples because they would look forward to more hours of sunlight during the

longer days ahead.

The Norse in Scandinavia celebrated Yule from the winter solstice on

December 21 through to January. Men brought home logs that were lighted and a

feast would take place until the log was completely burned. Each spark from the

fire was believed to represent a new pig or calf to be born in the coming new

year.

The pagan god Oden was honored by Germans during the mid-winter holiday. Oden

inspired great fear in the Germans who believed that Oden traveled at nights

through the sky to observe people and make a decision about who would perish or

prosper in life. This belief caused most people to stay inside during the

period.

In Rome it was the god of agriculture, Saturn, who was honored in a

holiday called Saturnalia. It was a holiday that started during the week that

led up to the winter solstice and continued for a month with hedonistic

celebrations. There was plenty of food and drink and the normal social class

rules of who had privilege and power in Roman society were totally disregarded

as everyone participated in the festivities. Some Romans also had a feast called

Juvenalia to honor children and the birthday of the sun god Mithra was sometimes

celebrated by the upper classes.

In the early years of the start of Christianity the main holiday was

Easter. It was in the 4th Century that church officials made a decision to have

the birth of Jesus celebrated as a holiday and Pope Julius I chose December 25

as the day of Jesus' birth. The holiday, which was first called the Feast of the

Nativity, spread to England by the end of the 6th Century and to Scandinavia by

the end of the 8th Century.

Church leaders achieved the goal of having Christmas celebrations, including

attendance at church, become popular during the winter solstice, but they were

unable to control other pagan-like celebrations during Christmas. Believers

would attend church on Christmas and then participate later in raucous and

drunken celebrations. But by the Middle Ages, from around the 5th to the 16th

Century, Christianity had outgrown paganism as a religion.

The celebration of Christmas in Europe changed in the early 17th Century

when Oliver Cromwell and the Puritans gained power in England in 1645. To remove

decadent behavior from the society, Cromwell cancelled Christmas as the Puritans

noted that the Bible doesn't mention any date for Jesus' birth. The lack of this

information and specific Biblical references to Christmas is also cited by

religious groups like Jehovah Witnesses as the reason they don't observe or

participate in Christmas. Christmas celebrations returned in England around 1649

when Charles II was restored to the throne.

Christmas wasn't a holiday in early America because the Pilgrims who came

to America had even stricter beliefs than Cromwell and the Puritans. Christmas

celebrations were even forbidden in Boston from 1659 to 1681. During the same

time however, settlers in Jamestown in Virginia were reported to have enjoyed

Christmas.

After the American Revolution Christmas again lost popularity and it wasn't

until June 26, 1870 that Christmas was declared a federal holiday. Christmas in

the United States gained popularity as a holiday period during the 19th Century.

Christmas celebrations also changed at that time to be more family-centered

rather than being carnival-like.

33. Holiday Parties at Home

It can be very satisfying to cater to friends, families and loved ones

during the Christmas holidays. Taking the time to share food, fun and laughter

in a happy, jovial manner truly embraces the spirit of Christmas.

In deciding to have a party at home, one of the first things to consider

is whether it will be formal or informal. Among the key things that need to be

considered are the number of people to attend, the menu, the preparation of food

and arrangement of decoration that is attractive and has themes for the

holidays. It's also important to make a note of how much, if any, help will be

available from friends or family members.

A formal Christmas party likely would include a small number of people -

not more than 12 and likely fewer - who would be seated at a table for the

duration of the meal. It means that place settings and seating have to be done

and a decision made on whether the meal will be a three- or four-course dinner.

The advantage of a formal dinner is that it is very organized, it has a

known content and everyone around the table usually engages in pleasant

conversation. It also usually provides a good opportunity to get to know and

hear from everyone present without having to initiate any small talk, which some

people are not comfortable doing.

As the host of a formal dinner, you will also have the responsibility of

keeping the meal flowing smoothly by having each course brought out at the

perfect timing and to also be aware of any special needs that a guest may have.

In contrast, an informal Christmas party at home is organized in a

different manner and does not have the predictability of a formal one. The fun

and festive spirit of an informal holiday party comes from groups of people who

mill around, move about freely to have conversations, laugh and enjoy munching

on Christmas treats, goodies and other foods.

Despite the easy, fun-filled atmosphere, it is necessary to plan the use of

space and to think about the area that people will use or wander around. Making

such a plan will facilitate contact between partygoers so that the party spirit

will pervade everywhere and put participants in a livelier mood.

Another consideration to make for an informal Christmas party among friends and

family is if children will be present and about their ages, if they are allowed

to attend. Children, even older ones, always need careful supervision. If

children are going to attend a holiday party at home, arrangements should be

made for adequate supervision of them and special activities should also be

provided that can occupy their attention.

An important feature that must be a part of a festive Christmas party at home is

the right mix of music. In selecting Christmas music, consideration should be

given to what will be played at the start of the party as guests are welcomed

and introduced to each other, the songs that can be played later to inject or

enhance liveliness and later to create the right mood as the partygoers bid

farewell with 'Merry Christmas' or 'Happy Holidays.'

Along with the music, Christmas decorations and even the food can also help to

enliven a Christmas party at home. Food that is interesting because it looks

'pretty' due to the color palette of items, infuses a mellow feeling among

guests and adds an intangible element to the level of enjoyment and excitement

of the partygoers.

Christmas parties at home can also be personalized with special cookies, treats

and dishes that are ethnic. The presence of some ethnic food, but not an

overwhelming quantity, which isn't frequently enjoyed by guests will be

different and will add something that is unique to the host. And that is a part

of what a Christmas or holiday party at home is about. It's to entertain family,

friends and acquaintances with a personal style while all enjoy some merriment

in the season of goodwill and good cheer.