Christmas Countdown 2009: Holiday Checklist

75 Days of Christmas Countdown:

55  Days Until Christmas

It is so important as the holidays approach to have a game plan.  I think that there are some simple things that can be done early.  These are not things that will be rushing the holiday.  They are things that will help you to be more prepared when they get here.

• Start Baking: There are many holiday treats that can be frozen and thaw well.  By starting holday baking a little at a time now you will have a chance to enjoy friends and family more at the holidays.
• Get the calender out: It is never too early to start firming up plans for the holidays.  If you are planning a holiday party discuss them with friends and family now.  If there is a special trip you would like to pick the weekend now.  If there is a special day you would like to go shopping with a friend confirm the date and make the plans now.  If you would like to go see Disney’s, “A Christmas Carol in 3-D” pick the date now.
  
• Update Address Book: All through the year people move, pass away and change their phone numbers.  Go through your address book and make sure that you have all of the correct addresses for friends and family.  This will mean that when it comes time to send out Christmas cards you will be ready.
• Make a Master Gift List: Write each person you need to shop for.  As you think of things that they will enjoy add it to your list.  Remember to leave room to check off when you buy it.  ALso remember to keep it away from the kids.  This also helps you hunt for the best price.
  
• Develop a Budget: This is more important this year than it may have been in years past.  Many people have said that they will be spending less this year.  This means that we will all have to plan more and spend less.  
  

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47 Days Until Christmas

Christmas Tree

What would Christmas be without a Christmas Tree? This is a question that some people do not even understand. Of course you have a Christmas Tree. It is what symbolizes Christmas in our homes, our malls, Rockafeller Center and even the White House. There is even a whole Christmas Carol dedicated to it. “Oh Christmas Tree, Oh Christmas tree”. We all sing its praise year after year. It is what you first learn to color and decorate as a child and what you dream that there will be presents under. So where did this Christmas tree come from is an important question to be answered.

• The Christmas tree has been said to have first brought about in Germany. A monk had traveled to Germany to teach the people there the word of the lord. This monk used a fir tree, a triangular shape, as an example of the holy trinity. This the became a German tradition at Christmas time. People would even hang their trees upside down. As trade evolved so did the Christmas tree. Queen Victoria and Prince Albert, who was German, are said to have made the Christmas tree what it is today. Queen Victoria was well liked and people did whatever she did in order to keep up with the times. When people had seen that she had decorated her tree people followed. Ornaments at the time were all home made. From there the Christmas tree has evolved into what we know it as today. Thank goodness we do not put candles on our trees. I would be far to nervous!
• Real Or Fake? This has been a debate that I have struggled with for years. Do I want a real tree or a fake one? Each year we go for the real one. There is nothing like smelling a fresh cut Christmas tree when you walk into your house. It is magical. For those who are happy getting that scent from a candle they may be just as happy with a fake tree. I will say this for a real tree, it is magical. Look at your child’s face when they come on a Christmas tree hunt with you. The joy hand magic they have at that moment becomes contagous. It is not lugging a big box out of the basement and assembling a tree. It is real. Part of what God gave us on this earth. It is magical.
• Going Green: I know that many people out there are into a going green kick. It is the new cool thing to do. I know that cutting down trees is not good for the o-zone and who knows what else. There is something to consider though. These trees would not have been here if it were not for Christmas. They are all so perfect now because they come off of tree farms. So please put the green aside and just decide to recycle or reuse your tree when you are done. It will still be used as wood chips, fire wood to cut down on heat or to carve something special out of.

Becca

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48 Days Until Christmas

Christmas Caroling

Long gone are the days of people going door to door singing happy joyful Christmas music.  You see all of the Norman Rockwell pictures of old time people singing in the center of town.  It all looks so great.  I remember as a child we used to go to Christmas Caroling with church.  It was so nice.  We would bundle up and hit a whole neighborhood with our joyous song.  People would invite us in for a quick cup of cocoa and we would move on to the next house to spread some joy.  So where have all of the carolers gone?

Now the Girl Scouts go to the local senior center for caroling.  No more are they outside singing and having fun.  They are herded into the senior center and put on more of a concert the “caroling”.  I think that it really is quite sad that we have lost the desire to go out caroling.  It is something I remember and cherish from being young.  It makes me think about what is happening to this country.  Why do we not want to share joy with each other?  Is it the we do not wish to offend people who are not Christian or is it that we just can not get away from our too busy lives?  I think that either excuse is just that, an excuse.  If you do anything this year please go out and do some Christmas Caroling.  Let’s put Christmas Caroling back on the map!

Becca

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