What's Your New Year's Resolution?

I've been thinking about my resolutions, stop snacking, go on a diet, walk more, save more, spend less. Tell me what your New Year's resolutions are for 2009. You might be surprised how much we have in common.

Happy New Years to All!

Happy New Year!

Hey! 2008 is almost over! Put on your party hats, raise a toast to good times and do a countdown for a happy and happening New Year. Begin 2009 in a very special way with your friends and family. I would like to extend my warmest wishes to you and hope the year 2009 is a memorable one for you and your family!

My husband and I will be celebrating the New Year at home. How about you and your family? How do you plan on celebrating the New Year?

25 Best Christmas Movies Ever

So what if Christmas movies can be a bit sappy? They warm our hearts, restore our faith in humanity and generally bring joy to the world. Check this site out. They've unwrapped the top 25 big-screen Christmas flicks of all time. Enjoy!
http://movies.aol.com/holiday-movies/best-christmas-movies

12 Day of Christmas Song

One repeating Christmas story which is more legendary yet interesting in it's development as 'fact' (through the world-wide web vine) is about the origin of this popular Christmas song. This story is coming from the middle ages that Christmas was extended from a one-day celebration to a 12-day celebration. It begins with Christmas day and ends with the Epiphany twelve days later.The story of the song develops that during this time period (mid-1500's to the early 1800's) people of the Catholic faith were being repressed by laws in England. To hide their Christianity but teach their faith, believers came up with a song that was a catechism for children to learn the Catholic faith, and each of the gifts were a clue to this.

In the song, 'My true love' refers to God, 'gave to me' refers to being baptized, and the 'partridge in the pear tree' is a direct reference to Jesus the Savior in the first verse of the song.

2 Turtle Doves = The Old and New Testaments
3 French Hens = Faith, Hope and Charity, the Theological Virtues
4 Calling Birds = the Four Gospels and/or the Four Evangelists
5 Golden Rings = The first Five Books of the Old Testament, known as the "Pentateuch", which gives the history of man's fall from grace.
6 Geese A-Laying = the six days of creation
7 Swans A-Swimming = the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit, the seven sacraments
8 Maids A-Milking = the eight beatitudes
9 Ladies Dancing = the nine Fruits of the Holy Spirit
10 Lords A-Leaping = the ten commandments
11 Pipers Piping = the eleven faithful apostles
12 Drummers Drumming = the twelve points of doctrine in the Apostle's Creed

Others believe the song was simply a delightful rhyme set to music. The song was developed and used as a "memory and forfeits game" that was played by the children of this time period. The game was played by a leader reciting the first verse, and continued around, each child reciting the next verse.

Many Christians do celebrate January 6 as the Epiphany, also known as the 12th Day of Christmas, the Twelfth Night, Three King's Day. The word epiphany means an appearance or manifestation especially of a divine being; an illuminating discovery as when the Magi finally found the baby Jesus. Note that this story does not have "hard evidence" as to the true nature of the song and is more likely anecdotal. It can certainly be used today to teach a part of Christianity. We repeat this story because it is a fun song to learn as well as other Christmas-related songs - no matter what your faith.

Copyright © 2008 Merry-Christmas.com. All rights reserved.

Christmas Games

At allthingschristmas.com, they have devoted a whole section to computer games for children. You can visit the page via Christmas for Kids-section or you play Dress The Snowman here. http://www.allthingschristmas.com/northpole/games/snowman/snowman.html

Did You Know That...

Santa has 31 hours of Christmas to work with, thanks to the different time zones and the rotation of the earth.

In Poland, Santa Claus gives gifts on the 6th of December.

Santa Claus is also known as Saint Nicholas, Father Christmas, and Kris Kringle.

In 1866, the artist, Thomas Nast, made a montage entitled, "Santa Claus and His Works" and for the first time established Santa as a maker of toys.

It was Coca-Cola's magazine advertisements, billboards, and point-of-sale store displays that exposed nearly everyone in America to the modern Santa Claus image.

Mistletoe

Mistletoe was used by Druid priests 200 years before the birth of Christ in their winter celebrations. They revered the plant since it had no roots yet remained green during the cold months of winter.The ancient Celtics believed mistletoe to have magical healing powers and used it as an antidote for poison, infertility, and to ward of evil spirits. The plant was also seen as a symbol of peace, and it is said that among Romans, enemies who met under mistletoe would lay down their weapons and embrace.Scandanavians associated the plant with Frigga, their goddess of love, and it may be from this that we derive the custom of kissing under the mistletoe. Those who kissed under the mistletoe had the promise of happiness and good luck in the following year.

Rudolph the Reindeer

Perhaps the best know of all the reindeer is Rudolph - the red nosed reindeer. Rudolph was the creation of Robert May, an advertising writer for the Montgomery Ward department store in Chicago.

May, who was very imaginative, wanted to create a booklet to give to parents who shopped at Montgomery Ward and with the help of Denver Gillen, a friend who had artistic skills, they created a booklet about Rudolph the red nosed reindeer. The story of how Rudolph lit the way through the fog to help Santa Claus deliver his toys was distributed for several years, with millions of booklets distributed at Montgomery Wards stores over the years.

In 1947 the story of Rudolph the red nosed reindeer was put to music by a friend of Robert Mays by the name of Johnny Marks. It was recorded and sung by Gene Autry a famous TV star and sold millions of copies of the song. Rudolph has had his own TV shows and movies and continues to grow in popularity with every passing year.

History of Christmas Stocking

Christmas Stockings are an integral part of Christmas Holiday traditions. The custom of gifting Christmas Stockings, as Christmas or holiday gifts are not a recent development .It has had a longer lineage than we can ever think of. How Christmas Stockings came to be regarded as a hot favorite is shrouded in mystery. http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=17858438

Myths and tales explaining the origins of Christmas Stockings are many. But the most accepted legend goes like this.A kind nobleman squandered all his wealth and property when his wife expired due to an illness and left him three daughters. So pathetic was his condition, that he had to move to a peasant’s cottage and lived a life of misery. He did not even have enough booty to get his daughters married. Generous as he was, St Nicholas decided to help them out but anonymously. One night he rode up to their house and having discovered that all had fallen asleep, he quietly dropped three pouches of gold coins down the chimney and they landed on the stockings that the girls had hung up by the hearth. The next morning the daughters were overjoyed with the gold coins they found inside their stockings as it was sufficient enough for them to get married and they lived happily ever after. Even today, children all over the world celebrate this day by hanging their stockings near the fireplace. Most of the countries follow similar traditions with minor variations. In France and Hungary, kids keep their shoes by the hearth or on the windowsill; in Holland they stack their shoes with hay and carrot for the horse of Sintirklass. So kids, don’t forget to hang your Stockings by the hearth, for you never know what your boon in disguise is going to be like. For more information on History of Christmas Stockings log on to our site at Christmas Carnivals.
http://www.christmascarnivals.com/christmas-stocking/history-christmas-stockings.html

Counting the Days Until Christmas

This month is all about getting ready for Christmas. About what gifts to buy your relatives, or how to host a perfect holiday party. Also, the special, meaningful things that families may do together during the Christmas season. I've found some examples and will add a little history of each. What are some of your holiday traditions during the Christmas season? Do you decorate a tree? Do you set up a Nativity scene? And what special things do you do on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day? Share your family traditions in the comments section.

Twas The Night Before Christmas

Track Santa and countdown the moments till his arrival. Follow Santa Claus on Christmas Eve as he travels around the world with http://www.noradsanta.org/. For over 50 years, NORAD (North American Aerospace Defense Command), and previously CONAD (Continental Air Defense Command), have tracked Santa's journey each Christmas.The tradition began in 1955 after a store advertisement for children included a misprinted telephone number to call Santa. Instead of Santa, children ended up calling the CONAD Commander-in-Chief's operations. Colonel Harry Shoup received the first Santa call. Wanting to help the children Colonel Shoup had his staff check radar data to see if they could spot Santa making his way from the North Pole. As it turned out there were signs of Santa and children who called were given an update on Santa's position. Thus, the tradition was born. NORAD carried out its first Santa tracking in 1958 after inheriting the tradition.

Do you remember paddle ball?

Turkey Paddle Ball Game

If you have kids coming over for Thanksgiving, this makes a great project to keep them busy while you cook.

This is a game I remember from my childhood. Warning! You must teach the little ones how to paddle. Not to use as a weapon!

You need:

Paddle Ball

Feathers

Tacky Glue

Paint & Brush or Markers

Instructions:

Paint paddle. Let dry. Glue feathers to the back sides and one on the top. Draw or paint on a face. You can find this project and a whole lot more at http://www.makingfriends.com/.

Bisquick Sausage Ball Recipe

Sausage Balls Rock, Quick and Easy to Make

Bisquick Sausage Balls are favorites for holidays, special events like Super Bowl Parties and yummy any day of the year.

I only make sausage balls for Thanksgiving and sometimes Christmas. It doesn't take long to make sausage balls, and almost everyone loves them. I always make two batches, one with pork and the other with turkey sausage.

The basic recipe for Bisquick Sausage Balls is:

2 cups Bisquick
1 pound sausage
10 oz. pack of shredded cheese (or just shred your own from a block of cheddar)

Directions:

Put everything in the bowl and mix. This is easiest to do with your hands though it feels pretty gross at this stage. Roll the mixture into 1 inch balls, use a teaspoon for measuring. I think the smaller the better. Place the sausage balls on a cookie sheet. Bake at 350 degress F for about 10 to 15 minutes. depends on size. The Bisquick balls should be lightly browned with the meat cooked through.

Refrigerate leftover and reheat in the oven or microwave.

Sock Monkey

All you need to make this cute little Sock Monkey are a pair of socks, sewing machine, buttons (just two for the eyes), ruler, pens, scissors, stuffing, pins, and needle and thread.

You can find detail instructions at CraftBits http://www.craftbits.com/viewProject.do?projectID=1104. I think you will love this site.

A Grand Gobbler

Possibilities

Write seven reasons to be thankful on tiny pieces of paper, and tie one to each button on the turkey's tail. Ask family members to read them during your Thanksgiving feast.

You can find this FREE pattern at http://www.sewing.org/html/grand_gobbler.html. Free Sewing & Craft Projects, Learn to Sew, Guidelines Articles, Charitable Projects, Bridal, Kids & More!

Quick and Easy Apron

Materials Needed:

Dishtowel or Teatowel

3 yards of 1 in. grosgrain ribbon for ties

1/3 yard fabric or fat quarter for top & pocket

Matching thread

Optional: 1 yard rickrack

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Fold towel in half lengthwise to determine center.


2. Open towel, then fold top corners to the back side. The top of your apron should measure 9 1/2 in. and the angle sides should measure 13 in. Press


3. Measure 2 in. away from pressed edge and trim away the excess fabric using pinking sheers.


4. To make lower pocket, cut a piece of fabric 6 1/2 in. x 20 1/2 in. (or width of towel plus 1 in.). Fold long edges over 1/4 in. then again 1/4 in.. Press. Top stitch top edge. Add rickrack to top edge if desired.


5. Fold short edges and remaining long edges over 1/2 in. Press. Stitch pocket unit to bottom of towel stitching 1/8 in. from folded edge. Divide into 3 equal sections and stitch to make pockets.


6. To make decorative top, cut a piece of fabric 4 1/2 in. x 16 in. (or width of towel top plus 1 in.). Cut short ends to match angle leaving 1/2 in. inseam allowance. Fold all edges over 1/2 in.. Press. Stitch this unit to the top of your towel keeping your stitching line 1/8 in. away from the folded edge. Add rickrack if desired.


7. Stitch 1 1/2 in. from pressed edge to form casing for ribbon. Thread ribbon through casings.

Wear and enjoy!

Set an Elegant Monogrammed Table

Monogrammed napkins add a touch of elegance to your holiday dinner. Even with the short time left until Turkey Day, you still can add a beautiful monogram to your table linens in about an hour. Prepare a single initial monogram in your choice of styles. If you will fold your napkins, place the initial in the lower right corner, opposite any sewn-in tag. If you use napkin rings, place the letter “on point” opposite from any sewn-in tag. Print a template from your embroidery software to assure that your selected style is in the proper scale and that it is pleasing in your selected placement.

If you still have time left, consider adding a matching initial to the upper left corner of your placemats.

Personalized Coloring Book and Crayon Tote With Embroidery Design and Monogram

One of my newest creations. This tote is fantastic for toddlers! It’s the perfect way to carry their goodies themselves, and help keeps mommy organized and her purse crayon-free. Children love to simply take the crayons out of their sleeves and continually put them back in place…entertains them for hours! Also, a great way to entertain them at home, in the car, on the airplane, at church, restaurants, Drs. appointments, meetings, at grandma’s house or anywhere they might go.

Tote holds 12 large crayons and 3 or 4 coloring books.A tote is a great way to commemorate your little one’s very first holiday or birthday. Makes a great keepsake! The back of each tote features an embroidery design, your baby’s first name and a small verse! (Up to 20 characters in all.) Something cute like "My Little Princess" or "Babies Rule", “Little Slugger” or how about “1st Christmas”, just ask I have many more I can share. Be creative! This makes a great shower, birthday or Christmas gift. I have 100's of embroidery designs. Just let me know what you are looking for. Place your order at http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=17227589

Tote and handles are quilted, inside is lined with coordinating fabric, crayon pockets are interfaced and I've doubled and sometimes tripled stitched for added strength. It measures approximately 10 ½” tall, 9” wide, 1 ½” deep, 7 1/2" drop on handles. The bag is made of 100% cotton fabric and batting, making it soft and sturdy. Machine wash with cold water, hang to dry and press with warm iron. Coloring book and crayons not included.

Thanksgiving Dinner Recipe

Tradition makes the table enjoyable, but don't be afraid to try something new. Try one of my favorite classic Thanksgiving recipes at your dinner this year

Roasted Garlic - Parmesan Mashed Potatoes

Fresh roasted garlic and parmesan cheese flavor these mashed potatoes that wi go great with any main dish or holiday dinner.

Ingredients

2 garlic bulbs
Olive oil (optional)
3 pounds potatoes, peeled and quartered
2 tsp. salt, divided
1/4 cup whipping cream
1/4 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
3 Tbsp. butter or margarine, softened
1/3 cup chopped fresh parsley
1/2 tsp. pepper
Garnish: fresh thyme sprigs

Method

Cut off pointed ends of garlic bulbs: place garlic on a piece of aluminum foil, and drizzle with oil, if desired. Fold foil to seal. Bake at 425 degrees for 30 minutes; cool to touch. Squeeze pulp from garlic cloves and set aside. Bring potato, 1 teaspoon salt, and water to cover to a boil in a Dutch oven; boil 20-25 minutes or until potato is tender. Drain. Mash potato, or press through a ricer. Stir in garlic, remaining 1 tsp. salt, whipping cream and next 4 ingredients. Garnish, if desired.

Notes: Add a little more milk if desired. I actually added about 1/4 cup skim milk and the consistancy was just right.

Number of Servings: 6

FREE Patterns

Copyright-free patterns for all skill-levels

You’ve arrived to your kind of ‘candy’ store. All patterns, accompanied by instructions and related creations are copyright-free and easy to download. Please check it out! http://www.burdastyle.com/