Online Christmas Catalogs

Online Christmas catalogs is a great way to shop for your for your hard to get Christmas presents. It is very convenient since there is no need to leave your house. All the well known companies offer a online shopping opportunity without the hassles of stress and time constraints.

Online Christmas Catalogs

Shopping through Christmas catalogs online is a lot different from an actual shopping splurge. Well, aside from the many perks that you can gain from shopping online. Christmas catalogs have a lot more benefits that shopping at the local mall.

Christmas

Online Christmas Catalogs

You can even look for ways to decorate that tree with Christmas ornament catalogs online, there are all kinds of online Christmas catalogs. It is also a good idea to shop from a name brand company or one that offers secured shopping. Look for different logos that verify this as a secure shopping site. All the big name stores are very reputable and this should not be a concern.

Online Christmas Catalogs

Online Christmas Catalogs

Take the time to read all the pricing plans and facts section if you are unsure. Pay particular attention to refund polices , shipping and customer support. Just make sure you look at the fine print so you do not get any surprises. Do your homework and do not just buy from any Christmas merchandise catalogs.

Online Christmas catalogs will save you a lot of time. They are arranged in order of the product which you will find very convenient. Instead of walking through the stores the old fashioned way, let your fingers do the clicking.

If you feel a bit uneasy about a certain item in those Christmas merchandise catalogs, there are many sites that offer customer reviews. This could help you decide if the product is right choice for your gift. This is one of the perks that is not offered in traditional stores.

It is really great if you already have your own ideas for your Christmas list. Christmas catalogs online offer great gift suggestions for that hard to find shopper if you are stumped on what to buy for that special someone

You will find a lot of unique stuff online that would not be available in the stores. This is a added benefit that comes with shopping online. If you are shopping for collectible items this really comes in handy.

Compare Christmas catalogs online too, just to ensure you are getting the best deals. It's just like shopping in this respect, you want to find the best deals possible. Look for companies that offer a discount for spending a preset amount. A lot, of companies offer a 15% discount with major purchases.

Follow these helpful tips and your online Christmas catalog shopping experience will be a lot more pleasant. You will probably find shopping online can save you money , lots of rebates , not to mention the money you save on gasoline.

Online Christmas Catalogs

Christmas

Christmas in July - Fun Facts and History!

The Australian 'Christmas in July' celebration is a somewhat unusual and some suggest even slightly eccentric festival that now attracts international travellers to the land down-under! Christmas in July' or Yulefest as it is also known is believed to have been born by accident one snowy wintery night in July of 1980 at an award-winning boutique hotel 'Mountain Heritage' in the Blue Mountains of New South Wales, Australia. A group of Irish guests noticed the irony of winter weather in July and wanting to recreate the feelings associated with winter back home, asked the hotel proprietor if he could organise a few Christmas-style food and festivities for them that night. Thus was born Christmas in July sporting Christmas decorations, snowmen, mulled wine, carols, roast dinners, mince pies, plum pudding, egg nog, bonbons, Christmas crackers, log fires and the occasional snow fall amongst a magical winter Yuletide wonderland of festivities.

Christmas in July - Fun Facts and History!

Christmas in July - Fun Facts and History!

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Christmas in July - Fun Facts and History!

Christmas in July - Fun Facts and History!

The idea spread fast and now in July, the peak season for the Australian snow fields, Christmas decorations and special events are meticulously planned to attract visitors for snow themed Yulefest celebrations. Many families now enjoy winter holidays at the snow fields where they build snowmen as they watch Santa Claus in the distance zip zagging through the snow slops HoHOho-ing!

Interestingly, the earliest reference for the phrase 'Christmas in July' was in July 1933 at a girl's summer camp in North Carolina USA. The term later gained momentum with the release of the Hollywood movie comedy 'Christmas in July' in 1940. Later in 1942, the Calvary Baptist Church in the USA celebrated 'Christmas in July' featuring a sermon 'Christmas Presents in July' which also included the erection of a Christmas tree, which by the end of the sermon would be covered with donations and gifts from the congregation. The donations and gifts are then distributed to missions worldwide. In 1946 this annual service began to be broadcast over local radio. It was not until the 1950's that American advertisers lead the way for "Christmas in July" themes for sales.

While the Yulefest has become an incredibly popular annual Australian non-official holiday season, Christmas in July in Copenhagen, Denmark at Bakken is quite unique, featuring the annual World Santa Claus Congress. Bakken is a popular amusement park where hundreds of Santas, Mrs Clauses and elves from around the world come together to be jolly at this festival each year. They hold parades and love to go to the beach for an annual beach paddle. It's known to be quite amusing to see all these Santas at the beach. The King of Santas for the year is named during this 'Christmas in July festival' and many challenging issues are discussed like what is Santa's true homeland and what size presents should be given! There are even belly shaking chuckle competitions as part of the festivities at this fun event.

Here are some universal thoughts on some of the symbols related to Christmas in July:

- Red is the main colour of Christmas in July - represents the magical flow of life, the blood that flows within all of us - so remember to let your love, passion and energy flow. Commit to show your love a little more each day and do what you do, no matter how insignificant you may consider it, with a little more love and enthusiasm each day and you will discover a new passion for life within you and a new flow of energy.

- The second colour of Christmas in July is green - greenery reminds us to honour the everlasting transformative element of nature. Everything is radiating energy. Energy does not die it merely transforms. Green soothes our heart knowing we are part of an endless cycle that disburses and rebirths anew.

- The combination of Red and Green on the colour wheel - red and green are opposites and opposites create balance. These two prominent colours of Christmas in July draw us to a deep unconscious connection to harmony and peace that we all seek within. The Christmas wreath has both red and green and is tied with a ribbon to remind us that we are all tied together; we belong to each other!

Christmas in July - Fun Facts and History!

Six Best Christmas Games For Groups

Christmas! The season which celebrates the birth of Jesus; when we spend time with family and friends, indulging in too much good Food, and attending endless parties. It's a time of great joy yet it can also be a time of great stress. One of these stresses may be the organisation of a church, office or club Christmas Party. Here are six of the best Christmas games for groups, if you have the task of planning a Party for a large group.

Six Best Christmas Games For Groups

Six Best Christmas Games For Groups

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Six Best Christmas Games For Groups

Six Best Christmas Games For Groups

You may like to start with a Christmas icebreaker game where people can be introduced to each other and everyone can begin to enter the joy of a Party. "All I Want for Christmas" is one example, where players sit in a circle. One player starts by saying "My name is... All I want for Christmas is..." The next player states their name before saying "All (name of first player) wants is... All I want for Christmas is..." Players continue around the circle. Any player who cannot repeat the list of everyone's name and gift is out. You may like to restart the games when the list gets to about 10-12 names to make it a little easier.

Another eleMent of many Christmas parties is a time to exchange gifts where each person brings one gift to a required value (say ). This can be done by conducting a simple raffle, but why not make it into a game? One of the most popular and fun Christmas gift exchange games is the "Left Right Christmas Game." Again, players sit in a circle, each holding a gift. The games leader narrates a story. Each time the word 'left' is Mentioned, players pass their gift to the left. Similarly when the word 'right' is spoken, gifts are passed to the right. At the end of the story, each person opens the gift they have at that time.

One of the more active Christmas games for groups is "Balloon Relay." Two teams line up at one end of the room. One team is given a red balloon and a wooden ruler. The other team has a green balloon and ruler. Team players must bat their balloon, using only their ruler, around a chAir at the other end of the room and back in a relay.

Younger children may enjoy "Christmas Card Hunt", where each child is given half a card. They must find the matching halves of the Christmas cards which have been scattered around the room. The first child to find three matching halves wins the game.

A Christmas carol game is an interesting way of testing your knowledge of Christmas carols in a team game format. There are a number of games you could play. One example involves one player from the team who is given the name of a carol and must draw a picture. The rest of the team must guess the carol and sing the first verse within a one minute time limit.

Finally, "All Tied Up" is another one of the active Christmas games for groups. Each team forms a circle and is given a ball of twine (one red, one green if possible). The first player winds the twine once around their waist and passes it to the next player who does likewise. The first team to wrap themselves completely in twine wins.

For further details on these and more Christmas games for groups please visit our website.

Six Best Christmas Games For Groups

10 Ridiculously Easy Christmas Gift Basket Ideas

There are many themes you can use when crafting your own holiday gift baskets. However, the list below contains some traditional gift basket ideas as well as a few for special friends on your gift list. You can get most of your crafting Supplies at local stores like Hobby Lobby, or if you shop on the Internet, simply type "gift basket Supplies".

10 Ridiculously Easy Christmas Gift Basket Ideas

10 Ridiculously Easy Christmas Gift Basket Ideas

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10 Ridiculously Easy Christmas Gift Basket Ideas

10 Ridiculously Easy Christmas Gift Basket Ideas

Let's start with one of my favorites to share with your inner family and close friends.

1) The Traditional Christmas Gift Basket:

Fill your basket with hot apple cider mix large mugs, homemade Christmas ornaMents, a letter or poem on why Christmas is important to you, matching mittens, hat and scarf (or, depending on your climate you could substitute Sunglasses, sun block lotion, a cool destination theme cap) some mistletoe and or other fragrant scents. You could even include a popular Christmas music CD, and for a super nice touch... some home made Christmas cookies - with the recipe included.

2) Christmas Decorating Gift Basket

Fill a basket with nativity set, assorted Christmas ornaMents (store bought, but better if hand-made by you,) decorative lights, homemade candles or seasonal candles from your local craft store and a little traditional mistletoe and holly

3) Coffee Lovers Gift basket

Fill a basket with gourmet coffees, coffee mugs, novels, or books on coffee regions and making processes, dark chocolates, and a decorative bookmark that you make yourself)

4) Chocolate Lover's Gift Basket

Fill a basket with, chocolate cookies (home baked is best,) chocolate bonbons, chocolate sauces, chocolate syrup, chocolate dipped coffee spoons and for a special touch wrap them in cellophane with a bow, hot chocolate mix, chocolate covered coffee beans, chocolate flavored coffee beans and some chocolate recipes from around the world

5) Christmas Survival Kit

Spray paint a basket white, then stencil the International Red Cross symbol on each side. Fill the basket with Tylenol - to take away the headache of overdoing, Tea - to calm, relax, and soothe away the tension, peppermints - to settle the tummy from overindulging, SlimFast - to kick off the diet you will need to start, pocket date book - to track all of the 'to do's, CD that includes soothing quiet music to listen to while wrapping gifts, tape - to use to wrap the gifts because you forgot to buy any, a package of gift TAGs that you made, your favorite quick and easy yummy cookie cookie recipe and last, but not least include some nice bath oil or bubble bath to soothe the weary body

6) Faraway Grandparent (or relative) Gift basket

Fill a basket with children's artwork, gifts made by the kids, frames for family pictures (let the kids buy plain wooden frames and decorate them with stickers,) videos of the family, a long-distance calling card. Extras: fill out the basket with candy, coffee, tea, biscuits, Christmas ornaMents, candles, etc. Include printed notes from the kids with "why I love you Grandma/Pa sentiments)

7) Golf Lover's Gift Basket

For the golfer, fill a basket or a golf bag with golf tees, golf balls, a baseball cap, sunscreen, score cards, a small towel, a can cooler to keep a can of pop or beer cold. A nice touch is to personalize the towel or baseball cap (you can stitch on them, use fabric paints, etc.)

8) Fisherman's Gift Basket

Find a large basket or, use a tackle box and fill with assorted lures, leaders, long nose Fishing pliers, gloves, guide to local Fishing, DVD's on Fishing tournaments, and gift certificate for a rod or reel

9) Baby Boomer's Gift Basket

Fill a basket with books and magazines on men or women's health issues, a variety of herbal teas, skin care lotions for maturing skin, hAir care products with herbal scents, skin care accessories such as exotic sponges, brushes and loofahs, humorous coffee mugs, 60's CD's of great groups like the Beatles and of course... humorous articles on aging

10) Father/ Mother Gift basket

Fill a basket with subscription to his/her favorite magazine, favorite cologne/perfume, comfy warm slippers, a handmade coupon book... i.e., (take the day off Dad/Mom...I'll mow the lawn this time, wash the car, run errands, paint a room, etc.,) a gift certificate to his favorite sports shop favorite cookies or treat, a personal letter (in your own handwriting) telling him why you love and what you admire about him/her, favorite popcorn spices, favorite movie, a nice picture frame (with the picture of the family in it)

OK! There you have it. But Wait! Here's your bonus! Just kidding... I guess I'm Watching too many infomercials. Your going to get several more great gift basket ideas, just because the Holiday season is all about giving. Here are two more great homemade Christmas gift basket ideas.

Idea #1 Executive Gift basket

Fill a briefcase with a Daytimer, business card holder (one for the wallet, one for the desktop,) pen and pencil set, business newspaper subscription, emergency shoe polish travel kit, reference books like a new updated dictionary, CD of business forms, coffee mug with gift certificate to Starbucks, etc.

Idea #2! Exerciser's Gift basket

Fill a tote bag or Backpack with microfiber towels, water bottle, workout DVD or magazines, power bars, sports drinks, sports socks, headband, and for a really good boss... a trial spa or gym membership

Take these Christmas gift basket ideas, mix them up and use them any way that makes sense to you. Just remember one thing. Everyone loves to receive a personalized gift basket. You don't have to wait for Christmas or any other holiday. Just sit down and organize your ideas for each person you'll be giving a basket to. Many times you'll get a break by purchasing in bulk. Use this to your advanTAGe and don't go shopping and buy on impulse. You'll end up spending more than you planned; become a smart shopper this season.

10 Ridiculously Easy Christmas Gift Basket Ideas

Christmas Gifts - Redneck Specialty Christmas Gifts

Rednecks are part of the local establishMent, from the Sheriff Jim with the longhorn hood ornaMent on his Chevy Blazer to the Mayor's two tone cow truck that carries her around town, Rednecks blaze a trail in the local community. But until you've had a truly fashionable redneck Christmas, you just really have not celebrated. Part of that celebration includes original trendy redneck gifts.

Christmas Gifts - Redneck Specialty Christmas Gifts

Christmas Gifts - Redneck Specialty Christmas Gifts

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Christmas Gifts - Redneck Specialty Christmas Gifts

Christmas Gifts - Redneck Specialty Christmas Gifts

Redneck bubble bath -

A handful of pinto beans in a plastic baggie tied with a piece of red cord not only decorates the tree, but serves as an impromptu gift for those elegant ladies who come to visit over the holidays. Everyone could use a good bubble bath!

Redneck coat hanger -

After deer hunting season a nice rack of horns doesn't have much to do 'cept hang around, so if you mount 'em on a nice wood plaque and hang 'em on the wall, they make a beautiful coat hanger. Shoot two and have an extra gift to give.

Redneck hood ornaMent -

Nobody really likes those hood ornaMents that come on the old Ford truck, so give that buddy a new ornament. A pAir of long horns, or a set of antlers works better than a silver bug catcher.

Redneck bed frame -

Often recognized as the perfect gift for newlyweds, this awesome gift of love gets their buns up off the floor. Give 'em 4 family size soup cans and four long boards to frame the bed and you've got the handiest dandy bed frame in the south (and room enough for ole Beau to crawl under on those cold nights).

Redneck bun warmer -

For that prized two holer in the back yard, every redneck wants a pAir of bun warmers and the craftiest among you will be able to figure out how to cover two toilet seats with flannel and solve the problem. Flannel is much nicer to sit on when the Snow flies on those cold winter mornings.

If you've had just about enough of Redneck Christmas Gift ideas, I've got another plan that just might suit your fancy a little better. Try 12 Days of Christmas at http://plusfindyourdream.com/Santa/ and get twelve wonderful stocking stuffers you can give to your loved ones, friends, and family (even if they ain't a redneck in the bunch of 'em).

Christmas Gifts - Redneck Specialty Christmas Gifts

Traditional Jamaican Christmas Cake

Christmas fruitcakes have been baked for centuries with the oldest known recipe dating back to Ancient Rome. Fruitcakes were a way to preserve fruits and nuts as well as a way to celebrate the harvest and seek good luck in the coming year. Jamaicans favorite Christmas cake is dark, spongy and heavy, with rum soaked fruit and rich flavor. Eaten only at Christmas the cake is a favored gift and family tradition.

Traditional Jamaican Christmas Cake

Traditional Jamaican Christmas Cake

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Traditional Jamaican Christmas Cake

Traditional Jamaican Christmas Cake

Ingredients:

* 1 lb. Raisins

* 4 oz. Cherries

* .5 lb. Chopped prunes

* 2 oz. Cranberries

* 32 oz. Dark Jamaican rum

* 4 oz. Citrus peels

* grated rind of 1 lime

* 6 oz. or 1.5 cups flour

* 8 oz. butter

* 8 oz. sugar

* 4 eggs

* 1 tsp. cinnamon

* .5 tsp.allspice

* .5 tsp. Ground cloves

* .5 tsp. salt

* 1 cup wine/brandy

* 1 tsp. baking powder

* 1 tsp. vanilla

* 2 tbsp.. browning

Directions:

Soak fruits, peels and rind in rum for two weeks before baking. In a separate bowl whip butter, sugar and browning until creamy. Combine dry ingredients in separate bowl and mix well. In a third bowl beat eggs and brandy together until well blended.

Add egg mixture to creamed butter mixture and blend well. Strain and add fruits, keeping rum for fruity drinks. Gradually mix dry ingredients to batter and fold together.

Pour batter into a lightly buttered 9 "cake pan and bake at 350F for 1-.5 hours checking after 1 hour. Sprinkle with powdered sugar before serving.

Traditional Jamaican Christmas Cake

Christmas History and Trivia for Parties

The history of Christmas can be traced back at least four thousand years with many of the most popular traditions celebrated long before the Christ child was born. Early Europeans believed in evil spirits and other supernatural beings and as Winter Solstice approached with its shorter days and increasingly longer nights, there became an anxiety among the society members that maybe the sun would never return. To ensure that the sun would return, special rituals and celebrations were conducted including yule log fires, gift exchanges, feasts, caroling, and even a huge carnival.

Christmas History and Trivia for Parties

Christmas History and Trivia for Parties

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Christmas History and Trivia for Parties

Christmas History and Trivia for Parties

Many of the same traditions practiced by the early Europeans were mirrored in other societies including Scandinavian, Greek, and Roman practices. As Christianity spread throughout the world,the Christians wanted to maintain a reverent holiday by which to honor the Christ Child. The Christians were alarmed by the irreverent and festive celebrations and customs of the pagans and the Romans. This type of jovial celebration was "absolutely forbidden by the church. Of course at first, the Church tried to forbid its members from taking part converted into the various festivities. It didn't really work well, and the Church took a different approach. The Church created a Christmas celebration that merged the two conflicting practices. The Church insisted on a celebration that would be an appropriate recognition for the son of God yet it would incorporate the merriMent, lights, and gifts that were so mesmerizing of early European celebrations.

By the 12th Century,> Christmas became the most prominent religious festival in Europe, with St. Nicholas providing an example of selfless giving. In the 17th Century to protect against resurgence of Paganism resulted in Christmas being enTirely outlined in England and the American colonies.

Of course, not to be held down, the holiday reemerged with feasting and decorations still part of the festivities but with a more religious emphasis placed on practice and themes. Many carols, paintings, and other historical Christmas traditions continue to reflect this return to the Christian Christmas theme that enabled the holiday celebrations to again be allowed.

Christmas History and Trivia for Parties

Charity Donations as Christmas Gifts

As Christmas time it is a dilemma to everyone what gift to give and what the receiver will like. A gift of hope and cheer is truly unforgettable and wonderful.

Charity Donations as Christmas Gifts

Charity Donations as Christmas Gifts

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Charity Donations as Christmas Gifts

Charity Donations as Christmas Gifts

Charity donations made and named for those on your Christmas gift list might just be the best gift available! Think of it as the perfect gift that will keep on giving.

There are countless charities that support so many causes. These charities accept donations no matter how seemingly insignificant you might think they are. Isn't it better to spend your money on something that would benefit even more people for a longer time rather than using it to make just one person happy for the season or for a few months? As for your recipients, wouldn't they feel good knowing that they are helping othersthrough your gifts? Remember that people never Tire of being altruistic. It gives them a sense of power knowing that they are making a difference, through you!

Choose a charity that would best fit the ideals and values that your recipients to uphold charity close to their heart. Cancer aid for someone who lost a relative to cancer is one touching act. AIDS research for a fAirly liberated yet carefree friend is another. You can also support kids, perhaps for an aunt who adores kids. You can help housing charities on behalf of those who have struggled in order to have a place of their own. You can also opt to donate to funds that support athletes, social agencies, and schools. Or you can extend your help to victims of calamities, war and famine here or abroad. For the young and oldalike, the choices are endless. The costs are within your control, and the rewards are great. Whatever your choice of charity may be, remember that it would be a gift of love and of hope, something that anyone wouldn't mind sharing.

The joy of Christmas does not solely depend on the gifts you give during this season. Though Christmas gifts are always a delight to open, you can make them even more meaningful, knowing that they reach more than just those you love. Donations as Christmas gifts are gifts that endure, gifts that will continue giving even after they have been given away.

Charity Donations as Christmas Gifts

Christmas Gift Ideas For Parents

Finding those perfect Christmas gift ideas can be challenging. You want the gift to say I am thinking of you, I know what you like (this is not a generic re-gift) and you want the gift to impress, if only just a little bit. Yet, when it comes to buying gifts for our parents, it can be challenging.

Christmas Gift Ideas For Parents

Christmas Gift Ideas For Parents

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Christmas Gift Ideas For Parents

Christmas Gift Ideas For Parents

Most parents seem to have everything they want. Most parents also have enough money to buy what they want. Where does that leave us in the shopping departMent? Sometimes, it leaves us at a lost. But if we really think about those gifts before we go shopping, we can come up with some really interesting presents that parents are sure to love. Here are a few examples to get you started.

Hobbies: Does mom like to sew? Does dad like to Fish or hunt? You may think they haveall the tools for their favorite hobbies. But think again. New equipMent and new stuff are always coming onto the market. Buy dad that new lure and reel? Buy mom some new patterns or even a newer, fancier sewing machine with all the extras. Do not settle on buying more of the hobby products you know they all ready have.

Food and other treats: Parents are like everyone else, they love to eat and they have their favorite treats. Why not check out the many gift baskets available both in stores and online (that can be delivered right to your door or your parents ' door)? You can buy these Food gift baskets that contain many fine luxury items such as: dark chocolates, fine wines, gourmet cheeses and crackers. Plus, you add nuts, sweet breads, muffins, cookies and cakes to thosebaskets. Be sure the basket itself is nice. Mom may want to reuse it for decorating or storage purchases.

Useful services: Does dad hate to mow? Is mom Tired of washing those windows? You could hire a service to come in and do those chores for mom and dad. They can be assigned to come as often as you can afford or as often as mom and dad prefers. Imagine the burden it will lift off all their shoulders to see the work being done, without them having to do it?

Mini-vacations or trips to the day spa: dad Would enjoy a mini vacation, near a golf course? Mom Would like a mini vacation in a day spa? With a little bit of searching, you are sure to find both entertaining and relaxing treats for both of them. Imagine their pleasure of getting away and doing something that makes themhappy. Do not worry about not having anything to wrap in a pretty box. You can always wrap the reservation tickets.

Remember when it comes to buying Christmas gifts for your parents, actually think about your parents and what they would like, not what they need or what is expected. If you do that, then the ideas should start flowing.

Christmas Gift Ideas For Parents

Christmas Quiz

1. Christmas tree Which fact is NOT true?

Christmas Quiz

Christmas Quiz

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Christmas Quiz

Christmas Quiz

A. Artificial Christmas trees have outsold real ones every year since 1991.

B. Nova Scotia leads the world in exporting Christmas trees.

C. Franklin Pierce was the first president to decorate an official White House Christmas tree.

D. The Christmas tree was chosen to represent this holy holiday because it's shape points the way to heaven.

D. The Christmas tree was chosen to represent this holy holiday because it's shape points the way to heaven.

QQ: OK, so maybe it's true, but the QuizQueen can't prove that fact, as reasonable as it sounds, because it wasn't in any of the literature she dug up for this quiz.

2. Can you name the popular> Christmas song that was actually written for Thanksgiving?

A. Jingle Bells

B. It Came Upon a Midnight Clear

C. I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus

D. "Away in the Manger

A. Jingle Bells

QQ: The song was composed in 1857 by James Pierpont, and was originally called "One Horse Open Sleigh. When you think about it, the words make a lot more sense that way ...

3. Electric Christmas tree lights were first used in what year?

In 1865.

B. 1895

C. 1905

D. 1932

B. 1895

QQ: American Ralph e. Morris had the bright idea that electric Christmas lights would be safer than using candles.

4. Good King Wenceslas was king of what country?

A. Bohemia

B. England

C.Germany

D. Morocco

A. Bohemia.

QQ: Who knows why those Bohemians always get such a bad rep? Although history has it that Wenceslas, who lived in the 10th century, was only a Duke, not a King at all.

5. In 8971, the New York Sun newspaper wrote a famous response to a little girl's question: "Yes, __ _____, there is a Santa Claus." Can you name that girl?

A. Mary

B. Charlotte

C. Vidalia

D. Virginia

D. Virginia

QQ: Virginia O'Hanlon to be exact! Shame on you, if you missed it.

6. Can you name Scrooge's dead business partner from Charles Dickens ' "A Christmas Carol?"

A. Jacob Marley

B. Tiny Tim

C. Bob Cratchett

D. Old William

A. Jacob Marley

QQ: The first of fourspirits to Scrooge that appear to fateful Christmas Eve was that of Jacob Marley, his old business partner.

7. One of the pagan traditions that Christians have incorporated into their Christmas celebration includes hanging mistletoe. Which of these is NOT a former pagan belief?

A. Ancient Europeans believed that the mistletoe plant held magical powers to bestow life and fertility as well as protect against disease.

B. French girls used to slip branches of mistletoe beneath their pillows to dream of their future husbands.

C. The Celts believed mistetoe brought about peace and goodwill.

D. Northern Europeans associated mistletoe with the Norse goddess of love, Freya and developed the custom of kissing underneath mistletoebranches.

B. French girls used to slip branches of mistletoe beneath their pillows to dream of their future husbands.

QQ: That was a tough one, wasn't it? The QuizQueen is soooo clever ...

8. While today the Christmas tree is an enduring symbol of the season, it wasn't always a holiday tradition. Which historical fact is NOT true?

A. According to legend, Martin Luther, the founder of German protestantism, while walking through the forest on Christmas Eve was so moved by the starlit fir trees he brought one indoors and decorated it with candles to remind his children of God's creation.

B. 1841, Prince Albert of Germany gave his wife, Queen Victoria of England, a gift of a Christmas tree. This was reputedly the first> Christmas tree in England, but the custom quickly spread.

C. German immigrants brought the Christmas tree to Europe, the United States and Canada, where it soon became a popular tradition.

D. On a bet, 11-year-old P.T. Barnum started hawking trees in Connecticut in 1821, telling his marks they were all the rage. Soon the fashion spread throughout the country and it became tradition, thus establishing his maxim "There is a sucker born every minute."

D. On a bet, 11-year-old P.T. Barnum started hawking trees in Connecticut in 1821, telling his marks they were all the rage. Soon the fashion spread throughout the country and it became tradition, thus establishing his maxim "There is a sucker born every minute."

QQ: Good ole ' P.T. Barnum did try to selljust about everything, and may in fact have sold Christmas trees, but I doubt he sold them at that age!

9. Many people are familiar with the term "The Twelve Days of Christmas," but not everyone knows where it originated. Can you pick out the right explanation?

A. The Twelve Days of Christmas " represents the number of days Joseph and Mary travelled to Bethlehem.

B. "The Twelve Days of Christmas" represents the length of time that the three wise Men from the East traveled to reach Baby Jesus after his birth.

C. The Twelve Days of Christmas " represents the number of reindeer pulling Santa's sleigh.

D. The Twelve Days of Christmas " represents the length of time required to celebrate Good King Wenceslas 'birthday.

B. "The Twelve Days of Christmas" represents the length of time that the three wise Men from the East traveled to reach Baby Jesus after his birth.

QQ: And you thought you didn't learn anything practical in Sunday school?

10. Who hasn't wondered what "wassail" is and why people would request it at Christmas. Let's see if you can guess ...

A. Wassail comes from the Old Norse "Ves Heill" and means "to be of good health," so when neighbors would visit on Christmas Eve they would drink to each other's health.

B. Wassail comes from the Old German "Ves Heill" and means "to avoid Hell," so loved ones would share this sentiMent with each other on Christmas Eve in preparation for the birth of Christ.

C. Wassail comesfrom the Old Celtic "Ves Heill" and means "drink up" so is naturally associated with all Party occasions.

D. Wassail comes from the Old English "Ves Heill" and means drink of the angels and eventually became associated with Christmas.

A. Wassail comes from the Old Norse "Ves Heill" and means "to be of good health," so when neighbors would visit on Christmas Eve they would drink to each other's health.

QQ: Sometimes The QuizQueen can be very, very Silly.

11. Everyone loves to receive them, but dreads performing the annual holiday ritual of sending Christmas cards. So who do we NOT have to thank/blame?

A. Medieval Europeans who exchanged wood prints of religious themes for Christmas.

B. English illustrator JohnCalcott Horsley who created the first modern Christmas card in 1843 that depicted a family celebration with the caption "A Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to You."

C. German-American printer Louis Prang who made advances in color lithography allowing him to mass produce colorful Christmas cards in 1875.

D. Desmond Hallmark who had a surplus of cards left over from Arbor Day depicting a fir tree and decided to unload them by the box by simply printing Merry Christmas across the trees in red ink.

D. Desmond Hallmark who had a surplus of cards left over from Arbor Day depicting a fir tree and decided to unload them by the box by simply printing Merry Christmas across the trees in red ink.

QQ: While all except poor Desmondcan be held responsible, The QuizQueen truly blames Louis!

12. Remember that Aunt Edna fuschia sweater knitted for your Christmas present last year? Don't blame Aunt Edna, she's not the one who started the Christmas gift giving tradition, know who is?

A. Those three wise men who visited the stable where Jesus was born.

B. The ancient Romans who exchanged gifts to bring good fortune for the new year.

C. Mark Antony who was always looking for new ways to please Cleopatra.

D. The ancient Greeks who sought to placate the gods on Mount Olympus.

B. The ancient Romans who exchanged gifts to bring good fortune for the new year.

QQ: Of course, Aunt Edna is to blame for choosing that color. You can't blame the Romans for that.

Christmas Quiz

Christmas Sermons-The Best Sermons You Can Preach At Christmas

Christmas sermons are both the easiest and the hardest sermons to preach. They are easy to preach because there are so many topics you could write about, but they are hard to preach because it is hard to know which topics to choose! If you are planning your next sermon for the Christmas season, you should begin by spending some time in prayer and asking the Lord to show you what your congregation needs to hear. Allow God to speak to your heart about the most pressing issues within the church body today.

Christmas Sermons-The Best Sermons You Can Preach At Christmas

Christmas Sermons-The Best Sermons You Can Preach At Christmas

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Christmas Sermons-The Best Sermons You Can Preach At Christmas

Christmas Sermons-The Best Sermons You Can Preach At Christmas

If you are having trouble coming up with topics for your sermon, here are a few ideas for messages this year.

Don't Forget About Christmas

People have been forgetting about Christmas for 2.000 years! When Jesus was born inthe manger, many people missed the big event because they were too busy with all of the tasks of the day. As much As times have changed over the last years, many 2.000 things are still the same! The tasks that consume our time may be different, but we are still busy buying presents for everyone else to remember the real reason for Christmas.

During this holiday season, take some time with your family, recognizing the miracle of the birth of Jesus and the sacrifice he made for us so that we could have eternal life. Christmas sermons should always emphasize the miracle of Jesus ' birth.

History of Christmas

Most people don't understand the meaning behind many of the Christmas traditions we have today. Preach a sermon that begins withtalking about many of the traditions we observe during the holiday season. Many of these traditions are steeped in Christian roots, but most people don't understand the historical significance of most of these roots. People will pay attention to sermons when the topics relate to popular traditions most people can relate to, and you can use this to transition into a meaningful Christmas sermon.

The Grinch That Stole Christmas

There is a real Grinch that is trying to steal Christmas. His name is Satan. He tries to take away the real meaning of Christmas in sinister ways. The devil is smart because he gets you without you even realizing distracted what is going on. We go to Christmas parties, we spend days putting up our decorations,and we spend thousands of Dollars on Christmas presents.

These are just a few ideas for topics for your Christmas sermons. No matter what you decide to preach sermons this year, make sure you are following God's will and direction through regular prayer and Fasting!

Christmas Sermons-The Best Sermons You Can Preach At Christmas

Christmas Quiz and Christmas Trivia Questions

A Christmas quiz has always been popular and is a great way to attract seasonal customers into your pub, bar or social club. In fact, hospitals and convalescent homes also run Christmas quizzes because there is something about them appeals to people.

Christmas Quiz and Christmas Trivia Questions

Christmas Quiz and Christmas Trivia Questions

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Christmas Quiz and Christmas Trivia Questions

Christmas Quiz and Christmas Trivia Questions

Perhaps it's the time of year, and the feeling of familiarity that people seem to have with this holiday period, but whatever it is people will gladly try to answer some trivia questions Christmas who would run a mile from a general knowledge trivia quiz. This is in spite of the fact that many questions in Christmas quizzes are general knowledge, with only a fleeting association with the real message of this time of year.

A question such as "what modern country is Noah's Ark believed tohave finally grounded after the great flood receded? " The answer is Turkey, and has an association with Turkey only in that people eat them at Christmas (turkeys, not Turks).

A similar example of Christmas trivia is the question "On what dates did 1223 St. Francis of Assisi assemble the first Nativity scene?" Most would never have a clue about the answer to this, but it is a Christmas Quiz, so why not take an educated guess at December 25th? And you would be correct.

I know the very fact that we are dealing with Christmas trivia questions should enable us to take a guess at the answer with a good chance of getting them right. Not all answers will be December 25th, but knowing the topic narrows the choices down considerably, and that is one reasonwhy more people will enter your Christmas quiz than just any old pub quiz.

Families also like to hold quiz evenings at this time of year. Generally, however, the questions are a bit too difficult for those not used to regular quizzes. Nevertheless, it is usually possible to pick the easier questions from a bought quiz, and then add some of your own to compensate.

The problem with quizzes is that there is a divide between those that quiz again and those that do not, and the regular quizzer ® will not be worried by questions that others would find difficult-particularly at Christmas when many will read up as much Christmas trivia as they can before their local pub's Christmas quiz.

If you are considering hosting a Christmas quiz, you will need to keep the questions close to the capabilities of your customers. This is not easy to do, and most amateurs tend to pitch the questions either far too difficult or too easy. They take the view that if they can answer the questions themselves, and then it must be at the right level. Anybody can spot the false logic in that, and it is both easier and potentially more lucrative to pay for your Christmas trivia questions-or even for an enTire Christmas quiz.

That is because if you set a bad quiz that is either too easy or too hard for the entrants you will have blown it for any future quizzes. There's nothing wrong with purchasing quizzes, and then slipping a few rounds of your own into them and seeing how they are accepted. Who knows-your maybe a quiz setting Laureate, but you have to test the water first before taking the chance of compromising future quiz attendances.

There is no knack to setting Christmas quizzes, but there is setting them neither too easy nor too hard. I once attended a quiz that was doing fine until the last question which was to name the enTire English rugby team that beat France in the Six Nations that week. That could result in a swing of 15-20 points (including subs) on one question, and is how not to set a quiz.

Christmas Quiz and Christmas Trivia Questions

Christmas Poems: Use Rhyming Christmas Greetings to Make Your Christmas Card or E-Card Special

Even though it's hard to find a rhyming poem in card stores, and rhyme is out of fashion with contemporary poets and poetry critics, people still love them. On the Internet, hundreds of thousands of people searched on the term "Christmas poem" in the month of December alone, in 2004. That doesn't include searches on Christmas poetry, Christmas rhyme, verse and Christmas Christmas greeting.

Christmas Poems: Use Rhyming Christmas Greetings to Make Your Christmas Card or E-Card Special

Christmas Poems: Use Rhyming Christmas Greetings to Make Your Christmas Card or E-Card Special

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Christmas Poems: Use Rhyming Christmas Greetings to Make Your Christmas Card or E-Card Special

Christmas Poems: Use Rhyming Christmas Greetings to Make Your Christmas Card or E-Card Special

Here are some Christmas verses for your cards and e-cards:

The Gift of Knowing You

The Christmas season fills our hearts with joy;

Bright, happy days bring special kinds of pleasure.

We're wrapped in the exciteMent of it all,

The sights, the sounds, the smells, the tastes we treasure.

Yetwhen we have some quiet time to think

About our finest blessings all year through,

We focus on our family and our friends,

And appreciate the gift of knowing you!

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Rhyming poems are harder to write than free verse or prose poems (which modern poets favor), so they are fewer in number and harder to find.

Here's another Christmas card poem, written especially for folks who spend Christmas in sunny, warm areas, such as Florida and Southern California:

Sunny Christmas

Every year at Christmas time

There's not a sign of Snow.

Instead we spend our yuletide days

In the sun's warm cheery glow.

We have the best of Christmas things,

The lights, the gifts, thebells,

(And "Snowbirds" who arrive en masse

To fill our beach hotels.)

The glorious weather fits right in

With our happy Christmas mood,

And we can also walk and run

Without having to be Snowshoed.

So don't feel bad for your (location) friends

Who have no snow or ice.

We think our sunny Christmas here

Is a holiday paradise!

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Start using rhyming poems to make all your greeting cards and occasions extra special. Greeting card poems provide a simple, easy way to make a good impression.

Copyright 2005 by Joanna Fuchs

Christmas Poems: Use Rhyming Christmas Greetings to Make Your Christmas Card or E-Card Special

Christmas Games For Adults That Are Silly, Quiet, Fun and More

Who said Christmas games are only for children? Christmas games are for adults, too, and they don't have to be serious. After all, adults like to get their game on to relive a few Silly childhood moMents. Get the holiday fun started with these fun-loving adult Christmas games.

Silly Adult Christmas Games

Does your group look for any excuse to be silly? Why not choose a Christmas game that is based on being silly? Give each team a pAir of pantyhose and eight balloons. When the game starts, the team blows up the balloons to stuff into the legs of the hose. To ensure the game is totally fAir, the pantyhose should be queen size and the teams of equal number.

The game is finished when someone gets all the balloons in the legs of the pantyhose, puts on the stuffed "antlers" and sings the first verse of the holiday favorite, "Jingle Bells". When everyone finishes the game, take photos of all your friends wearing funny antlers made of balloons and pantyhose.

Adult Relay Christmas Games

Do your friends enjoy relay games? Why not make your own Santa beard? Put out two oversize bowls filled with cotton balls and a jar of petroleum jelly. Dab petroleum jelly on each team member's chin. The 2 teams should each have around 5 people. The first player in each line runs to one of the bowls to grab cotton balls and stick them to their greasy chins. When they get as many cotton balls as possible stuck on their chins, the players run to the next player to give them a turn.

When the enTire team is wearing a Santa beard, they are the winners. This is another holiday game that really begs you to take pictures so you can show them off for years to come. Keep water and towels handy to remove the petroleum jelly when the game and photo session is over.

Quiet Christmas Games For Small Groups

Are your friends a small, quiet group who prefer less demonstrative games? Why not pack up a bag for Santa? The game starts when you say, "I packed a bag for Santa Claus and put in some socks." The next player goes on to say, "I packed a bag for Santa Claus and put in some socks and books." As each player continues they includes all the listed items and add their own item. When you miss an item on the list, you are out of the game.

Child-Inspired Christmas Games For Adults

Do your friends love to relive their childhoods during Christmas? Why not give your guests a chance to do it at your Christmas Party with a fun game that reminds them of a childhood favorite? Make your own Christmas scavenger hunt with search teams of 4 or so. Create lists of items for the teams to return with.

You can keep the search local at your house or within the neighborhood area. Include holiday items in the scavenger hunt such as a red stocking, a sprig of holly and a small wreath. If you decide to extend the scavenger hunt through town, it gets even more exciting. Have your guests purchase a box of holiday themed cereal or take a picture to prove they visited the local Christmas tree. Be creative and make the hunt action-packed. Everyone loves this Christmas game because it reminds them of childhood. It's a great way to socialize because as everyone works together they get to know each other better.

Adult Kiss Christmas Games

Who doesn't love chocolate and kisses? Is that why Hershey's Kisses are such as hit at Christmas? Break your group into two teams with two bowls of Hershey's Kisses on either side of the room. Give each team a set of really big gloves or mittens. The first person in line runs to the bowls and must unwrap and eat the a Kiss wearing bulky gloves. Once done, the player runs back to TAG the next person and give them the gloves. When all team members are the first to enjoy their own Kiss, the group wins.

Christmas Games For Adults That Are Silly, Quiet, Fun and More

Christmas Games For Adults That Are Silly, Quiet, Fun and More

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Christmas Games For Adults That Are Silly, Quiet, Fun and More