Christmas Fun and Shopping for 2011

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erry Christmas everyone. I just love the Christmas plays, the story of baby Jesus, the tree, the decorations, music and the gift giving. If I am not able to give the gifts I would like, I give cards, cookies and home made candy. It is the spirt that counts and remembering the love of our Lord! I hope you will enjoy the story below.

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he Promise of a Saviour

Mankind had offended God to the point of needing to be rescued from eternal punishment for their sins. It all started with Adam and Eve our first parents, who first offended God but who received the promise of Salvation.

In the book of Genesis [Genesis 3:15], the proto evangelium tells us that God threatened the serpent [the devil] to be crushed by the Woman [The Blessed Virgin] whose heel would be bruised [Our Lord Jesus by his death].

God foretold the enmity between the Woman and her offspring that is Mary, her son Jesus and all her new children [the children of God] and the serpent and his offspring, that is the devil and all those who reject God and become his children. See [Revelation 12:17]

In simple words God promised to send a woman whose son would be Our Saviour because by his death he would overcome the devil. [Genesis 3:15]

The Lord said to Moses, I will raise a prophet like you , one from your own people. He will speak in my name all that I command Him, I will put my own words in his mouth. If anyone does not listen to Him, that person will be cut off from his people. [Deuteronomy 18:15-19]

Other prophets received the message of the coming of the Messiah, He would be the one to liberate the people of God from slavery to other nations.

Through the prophet Micah, it was revealed that Jesus would be born in Bethlehem, and that He would be a powerful king and also a shepherd, He would bring peace to the nations. [Micah 5:2-5]

Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign. 1 Behold a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and his name shall be called Emmanuel [Isaiah 7:14]

For a CHILD IS BORN to us, and a son is given to us, and the government is upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called, Wonderful, Counsellor, God the Mighty, the Father of the world to come, the Prince of Peace. [Isaiah 9:6]

Credit: The Work of God

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he ingredients for candy canes are sugar and corn syrup, which are stored in stainless steel tanks. These two ingredients are monitored and stored under strict environmental conditions, and are regularly tested in our laboratory to ensure a high quality product.

The sugar and corn syrup are pumped from storage tanks to the candy cane kitchens. The high temperature in the kitchens keep the candy from cooling too fast. The liquid sugar and corn syrup are mixed in pre-cookers and heated to boiling temperature.

Continue the story of the candy cane, go to this web site and click on watch videos - select candy canes

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reath

A wreath is a ring made of flowers, leaves and sometimes fruits that can be used as an ornament, hanging on a wall or door, or resting on a table. A small wreath can be also worn on the head as a form of headdress.

Symbolism:
Wreaths are commonly made from evergreens as a symbol for the strength of life, with these plants overcoming even the harshest winters. Such wreaths often use Bay Laurel (Laurus nobilis) and can be categorized as laurel wreaths. Other components of a wreath can be pine, holly or yew, symbolizing immortality, and cedar, symbolizing strength and healing. The Greek god Apollo is often associated with wreaths, and was a god of life and health. This inspired the Greek to use the symbol as crowns of victory at the Pythian Games, a forerunner to today's Olympic Games. The circularity of wreaths can be used to symbolize eternity or immortality (see Crown of Immortality).

In Northern Europe, wreaths made of branches of conifer trees (especially firs) are commonly used as a symbol of remembrance of the dead. For that purpose, such wreaths are often left at graves at burial (and sometimes, significant anniversaries thereof), or in cases of burial-at-sea, left to float at the sea.

Use by culture:
These wreaths are festive crowns worn by many Romans. Wreaths were usually for women, and men usually wore crowns. They were a symbol of pride, and they were usually handmade. Most were made of flowers and branches, twigs, thread, and laurels. Wreaths were often used on special occasions such as weddings. They are also used on Remembrance Day (Canada), as a respect to those who fought and died in the Great war.

A laurel wreath decorating a memorial at the Folketing, the national parliament of Denmark

Christianity:
A wreath made of mostly evergreen tree twigs, sometimes with pine cones and/or a bow made of red ribbon is a common Christmas decoration. Christian households and churches often use an advent wreath made with four (or five) candles in preparation for Christmas.It is used to hang on a door as a symbol for the never-ending love of Christ.

While they are common today, their use was actually condemned as idolatry by the theological writer Tertullian in the early third century:

But "let your works shine," saith He; but now all our shops and gates shine! You will now-a-days find more doors of heathens without lamps and laurel-wreaths than of Christians...Idolatry is condemned, not on account of the persons which are set up for worship, but on account of those its observances, which pertain to demons (Tertullian. On Idolatry, Chapter XV. Translated by S. Thelwall. Excerpted from Ante-Nicene Fathers, Volume 3. Edited by Alexander Roberts and James Donaldson. American Edition, 1885. Online Edition Copyright © 2004 by K. Knight).
Irrespective of Tertullian's complaints, wreaths have remained popular, especially during the Christmas season.

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

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issue-Paper Wreaths

To make each wreath, you'll need a package of green tissue paper, a few sheets of red tissue paper, a strip of red crepe paper, a wire hanger, scissors, and glue.
First, bend the hanger into a circle. Then cut the green and red tissue paper into 4-by-10-inch pieces. Fold a green piece of tissue in half over the bottom of the wire, twisting it two or three times. (Be careful not to tear tissue.) Slide the paper up to the top. Repeat this step with the rest of the green tissue paper, packing the pieces tightly together, until the hanger is completely covered. Occasionally weave in a piece of red tissue paper to form holly berries. Finally, fold a piece of green tissue paper into a narrow strip and wrap it around the bent hook at the top of the wreath. Secure ends with glue. Add a narrow strip of red tissue for a candy-cane effect. Finish with a big, red crepe-paper bow.

By Norma Jean Byrkett (http://teacher.scholastic.com)

Back to Fun Holiday Crafts

10 MINUTE FUDGE RECIPE

3 oz Chocolate, unsweetened; 3 sq 4 tb Margarine 4 1/2 c Sugar, powdered 1/3 c Milk, instant nonfat dry 1/2 c Syrup, light corn 1 tb Water 1 ts Vanilla extract 1/2 c Nuts; chopped (opt.)

Melt chocolate and margarine in top of 2 quart double boiler. Sift together powdered sugar and dry milk. Stir corn syrup, water, and vanilla into chocolate mixture. Stir in sugar and dry milk in two additions. Continue stirring until mixture is well blended and smooth. Remove from heat; stir in nuts. Turn into greased 8-inch square pan. Cool. Cut into squares.

Here comes Santa Claus, here comes Santa Claus,
Right down Santa Claus Lane. Vixen, Blitzen, all his reindeer
Pulling on the reins.
Bells are ringing, children singing,
All is merry and bright.
Hang your stockings and say a prayer,
'Cause Santa Claus comes tonight.

Here comes Santa Claus, here comes Santa Claus,
Riding down Santa Claus Lane.

He's got a bag that's filled with toys
For boys and girls again.
Hear those sleigh bells jingle jangle,
What a beautiful sight.
Jump in bed and cover up your head,
Because Santa Claus comes tonight.

Here comes Santa Claus, here comes Santa Claus,
Riding down Santa Claus Lane.

He doesn't care if you're a rich or poor boy,
He loves you just the same.
Santa knows that we're God's children,
That makes everything right.
Fill your hears with Christmas cheer,
'Cause Santa Claus comes tonight.

Well, here comes Santa Claus, here comes Santa Claus,
Riding down Santa Claus Lane.

He'll come around when the chimes ring out
It's Christmas morn again.
Peace on Earth will come to all
If we just follow the light
Let's give thanks to the Lord above,
'Cause Santa Claus comes tonight.

'Cause Santa Claus comes tonight.



Here comes Santa Claus, Here comes Santa Claus

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HAT'S YOUR FAVORITE? IS IT MENTIONED BELOW.

I HOPE YOU WILL ENJOY THIS SECTION BECAUSE IT IS TIME TO SHOP!

Barbie Doll, doll house, bike, tea set, baseball glove, ball, bat, toy gun, army men, wooden puzzles, top, jump rope, baby carriage, airplane, hola hoope, Magic Chef stove, Daisy rifle, rocking horse, music box, jeef, Spiderman, Batman, Story Book Dolls, money, Monoply, jacks, telescope, fire engine, dump truck, rocking horse, sailboat, trains, stuffed tiger, teddy bear, marbles, wistle, puppy, kitten, pony, etc, etc, etc.

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AKERS OF ETCH-A-SKETCH HAVE SOME OTHER EXCITING TOYS AS WELL. READ BELOW OR CLICK ON TO THE LOGO.

REMEBER THE ETCH-A-SKETCH. Great toy to have around. Take in the car on trips; great when your child is sick in bed.....even amuses adults as well.

Before computers took over the world, Etch-A-Sketch featured the most looked at screen in gaming. And that's pretty impressive for a relatively primitive device used for drawing blocky houses with smoky chimneys and outlines of skyscrapers. (Well that's all we could manage).


But people just couldn't stop twiddling those satisfyingly chunky knobs and Etch-A-Sketch is now an all-time classic. And classics of this quality most definitely deserve a place in your collection. Whether you're new to Etch-A-Sketch or a veteran knob twister in need of a fix, this magical, take-anywhere rectangle is guaranteed to keep you occupied for hours on end.
Yes, it's notoriously difficult to create a diagonal line or a smooth curve but that's what makes Etch-A-Sketch completely unputdownable. Besides, if you mess things up you only have to give the whole shebang a shake and start again. It really is ingenious when you think about it.

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oosterLinc (trademark) Plug-In X10 Signal Booster

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Does not interfere with INSTEON signals
Essential Info
For error-free automation of your entire home, install several Boosters by simply plugging them into any 110V outlets.

Make your X10 Installation work right!
Are you frustrated because some of the X10 receivers in your home automation system are having trouble detecting powerline commands? Now you can give your powerline signals a huge boost with BoosterLinc Plug-In Signal Booster, an advanced plug-in module that detects all powerline signals on the line and amplifies them in real time. Unlike signal boosts that use 200V repeater amplifiers, using this BoosterLinc module allows for an immediate, absolutely delay-free boost, and dim and bright commands that work flawlessly.

Now accepting PayPal.

It may look like an ordinary toy at first glance, but don't be fooled; the TeddyCam is smarter than the average bear. Despite his cuddly appearance, this bear is outfitted with an advanced baby monitoring system that lets you watch your child on your own TV, without running wires throughout your home. AC adapters are included.

Expand your home's automation to make your dog's life more convenient. Make sure that your pet gets food and water at regular intervals, train him not to bark or leave the yard, and even install a dog door that allows entry only to your pets.

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hildrens games, toys, decorations for their rooms, family toys and much more.
At HearthSong, we appreciate and value your business. From our beginning over 20 years ago, these ideals have led us to two basic principles:

First, the products and information we offer will fit with the spirit of creativity and fun, "Toys You'll Feel Good about Giving" drives everything we do at HearthSong.

Second, your satisfaction, with both the products you buy and our service and commitment, must be complete. Nothing less is acceptable. We offer only products we use or would use ourselves. We offer them at fair prices, and we guarantee them without condition.

Whether you are a first-time customer or you have been with us since the beginning, we cannot stress our commitment to quality products, superior service, and your complete satisfaction enough. Our 100% Satisfaction Guarantee has no conditions and no time limits.

If, for any reason, at any time, you are less than 100% satisfied with a product you have purchased from us, you may return it for exchange or full refund.

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Polish Thumbprint Cookies

The Poles are well known for creating excellent baked goods. Like many of their cookies, this one is made with almonds and honey. It also has a sweet filling of apricot or other fruit preserves. RECIPE INGREDIENTS:
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp. baking powder
1/4 tsp. salt
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/4 cup sugar
1/4 cup honey
1 large egg, at room temperature
1/2 tsp. almond extract
1 cup finely chopped blanched almonds
1/2 cup apricot or other fruit preserves
1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Lightly butter several baking sheets. In a medium-size bowl, stir the flour, baking powder, and salt.

2. In a large bowl, using an electric mixer set at medium-high speed, beat the butter, sugar, and honey until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg and then the almond extract. In 3 additions, beat in the flour mixture, mixing well after each addition.

3. Shape the dough into balls that are about 1 inch in diameter. Roll each ball in the chopped almonds until coated and place on a prepared baking sheet, leaving about 1 1/2 inches between the cookies. Using your knuckle or thumb, press a deep indentation into the center of each cookie (a fun project for kids). Fill each indentation with 1/2 teaspoon of preserves.

4. Bake for about 10 minutes or until the cookies turn golden. Transfer the baking sheet to a wire rack and cool for 2 to 4 minutes. Using a metal spatula, move the cookies to the wire rack and cool completely. When cool, store the cookies in an airtight container with waxed paper between the layers. These cookies freeze well.

5. Makes about 40 cookies.


Christmas Bonbons

Ingredients for the Cookie Base
3/4 cup butter, softened and divided (no substitutions)
3/4 cup granulated sugar, divided
1/2 tsp. pure vanilla extract
1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 7- or 8-oz. package almond paste
2 eggs, room temperature
48 red candied cherries

Ingredients for the Glaze

1 square unsweetened baking chocolate
1 tbsp. softened butter
1/2 cup confectioners' sugar
1 tbsp. milk
1/2 tsp. vanilla

Directions

Preheat oven to 350° F.

Using an electric mixer on medium speed, cream 1/2 cup of the butter and 1/2 cup of the sugar.

Add vanilla. Add flour gradually, mixing well.

Spread in lightly greased 9- by 13- by 2-inch baking pan.

Bake at 350° F for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the cookie base is golden.

Remove from oven.

Using the mixer set to medium speed, mix almond paste, the remaining 1/4 cup of sugar and butter, and the eggs.

Spread over base ingredients.

Arrange cherries on batter six across until there are 8 even rows of 6 cherries each. Do not press cherries into batter.

Bake at 350° for 20 - 25 minutes, or until done.

The cookie should feel firm when pressed lightly with fingers. Remove to rack and let cool.

Meanwhile, combine all glaze ingredients. (See "Tester's Tips".) Blend until smooth.

Drizzle chocolate over cooled bonbon mixture. When glaze is set, cut into 48 pieces.

TESTER'S TIPS:

Add an extra tablespoon or so of butter to cookie base before pressing it into the baking pan. It may be too stiff to spread.

Before combining glaze ingredients, melt chocolate by heating it in the microwave on high for one minute; then remove, stir, and heat it for one minute more. Add water as necessary to chocolate glaze so that it is runny enough to drizzle.

From:

Laura in Ipswich, Massachusetts

Why She Loves This Cookie:

Any cookie made with almond paste somehow always reminds me of Christmas.

They are very rich, but the holidays were meant for indulging and forgetting about the waistline!



Candy Cane Cookies

With peppermint extract and red food coloring, your kids can turn this simple dough into edible ornaments for the tree. RECIPE INGREDIENTS:
3/4 cup butter, softened
1 cup sugar
1 large egg
1 tsp. peppermint extract
1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
Red food coloring
1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar. Add the egg and beat well. Stir in the peppermint and vanilla extracts. Gradually mix in the flour.

2. Divide the dough in half. Color one half with red food coloring and leave the other half plain. Roll out a tablespoon of red dough and a tablespoon of plain until they are each 6 to 8 inches long. Twist them into a candy cane, pinching the ends. Repeat.

3. Bake on an ungreased cookie sheet for 8 to 10 minutes, or until set but not brown.
Makes about 25.



Credit: jas.familyfun.go.com

O

ne Minute of Words
In this game, being excessively wordy is a virtue.

WHAT YOU NEED:
Pencil
Paper
Watch with second hand

HOW TO PLAY:
1. Everybody gets a pencil and paper. Someone has to be the timekeeper (a good job for a grown-up). The timekeeper picks a letter, tells it to everyone else and shouts "Go!"

2. Players write as many words as possible that start with that letter. When a minute is up, the timekeeper says "Stop!" and all the players put down their pencils.

3. Whoever has the most legitimate words wins. Decide in advance whether you can finish writing a word you've already started when the game ends.

4. Now, give everyone one more minute to write a sentence with as many of the words as they can.


Spoons Card Game
Few cards serve up the kind of excitement that are part of every game of Spoons.

WHAT YOU NEED:
Deck of cards
Spoons (one less than # of players)

HOW TO PLAY:
1. The object is to collect four cards of one kind (four twos, four kings and so on) and not to be the person left without a spoon. To begin, place the spoons (one fewer than the number of players) in the center of the table within grabbing reach of all players. Each player is dealt four cards. The dealer keeps the deck.

2. The dealer picks a card from the deck and then discards one card from his hand, sliding it facedown to the player to his left. That player takes it, then picks one card from his hand and passes it to his left.

3. Each player in turn does the same, as quickly as possible. Each person should have four cards in his hand at all times. The player to the right of the dealer places discarded cards in a pile to his left to be used by the dealer when the original deck is used up.

4. Play continues until one player has four of a kind, at which time he takes a spoon from the pile. He may steal the spoon surreptitiously, continuing to pass cards until someone else notices. Or he may grab his spoon, creating a mad rush for spoons at the table.

5. The player left without a spoon has lost the round. If you like to keep score, that player is given an S. As players spell S-P-O-O-N-S, they are out. The player left at the end is the winner.



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"Grinch" Christmas Gift Swap.
Have each guest bring a wrapped Christmas gift to exchange. Players will then each draw a number out of a hat. Whoever goes first gets to choose and open one of the gifts. Player number 2 will then have the option of "stealing" that gift or selecting and opening another gift. As the play goes on, players who have the higher numbers will be able to select from any of the opened gifts or a new gift.



Get Myspace Christmas Countdown

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MAKE SURE YOU ORDER ENOUGH BATTERIES FOR ALL THOSE TOYS, CAMERA, ETC.

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rosty the Snowman
Was a jolly happy soul
With a corncob pipe and a button nose
And two eyes made out of coal

Frosty the Snowman
Is a fairytale they say
He was made of snow
But the children know
How he came to life one day

There must have been some magic
In that old silk hat they found
For when they placed it on his head
He began to dance around

Frosty the Snowman
Was alive as he could be
And the children say
He could laugh and play
Just the same as you and me

Frosty the Snowman
Knew the sun was hot that day
So he said let's run
And we'll have some fun
Now before I melt away

Down to the village
With a broomstick in his hand
Running here and there
All around the square
Saying catch me if you can



He led them down the streets of town
Right to the traffic cop
And he only paused a moment when
He heard him holler stop

Frosty the Snowman
Had to hurry on his way
But he waved goodbye
Saying don't you cry
I'll be back again some day

Thumpety thump thump
Thumpety thump thump
Look at Frosty go

Thumpety thump thump
Thumpety thump thump
Over the hills of snow

Christmas Stocking

A Christmas stocking is an empty sock or sock-shaped bag that children hang on Christmas Eve so that Santa Claus can fill it with small toys, candy, fruit, coins, or other small gifts when he arrives. These small items are often referred to as stocking stuffers or stocking fillers.
In some Christmas stories, the contents of the Christmas stocking are the only toys the child receives at Christmas from Santa Claus. Other presents are wrapped up in wrapping paper and placed under the Christmas tree. Tradition in Western culture dictates that a child who behaves badly during the year will receive only a piece of coal.

By tradition, the stocking is hung on the fireplace mantel, but, since many contemporary homes do not have fireplaces, stockings may be hung in almost any location.

The true story of Santa Claus and Christmas Stockings begins with Nicholas, who was born during the third century in the village of Patara. At the time the area was Greek. His wealthy parents died in an epidemic while Nicholas was still young. Obeying Jesus' words to "sell what you own and give the money to the poor," Nicholas used his whole inheritance to assist the needy, the sick, and the suffering. He dedicated his life to serving God and was made Bishop of Myra while still a young man. Bishop Nicholas became known throughout the land for his generosity to the those in need, his love for children, and his concern for sailors and ships.

Through the centuries many stories and legends have been told of Saint Nicholas' life and deeds. These accounts help us understand his extraordinary character and why he is so beloved and revered as protector and helper of those in need.

One story tells of a poor man with three daughters. In those days a young woman's father had to offer prospective husbands something of value-a dowry. Without a dowry, this poor man's daughters were unlikely to marry.

One night after the daughters had washed out their clothing, they hung their stockings over the fireplace to dry. That night Saint Nicholas, knowing the despair of the father, stopped by the man's house after the family had gone to bed. He peeked in the window and saw the daughters' stockings hanging by the fire.

Inspiration struck Saint Nicholas, and he took three small bags of gold from his pouch and threw them carefully, one by one, into the stockings. The next morning when the daughters awoke, they found their stockings contained enough gold for them to get married.

The bags of gold, tossed through an open window, are said to have landed in stockings or shoes left before the fire to dry.

This led to the custom of children hanging stockings or putting out shoes, eagerly awaiting gifts from Saint Nicholas. Sometimes the story is told with gold balls instead of bags of gold. That is why three gold balls, sometimes represented as oranges, are one of the symbols for St. Nicholas. And so St. Nicholas is a gift-giver.

The tradition began in many European countries. Originally, children simply used one of their everyday socks, but eventually special Christmas stockings were created for this purpose. Today, stores carry a tremendous variety of styles and sizes of Christmas stockings, and Christmas stockings are also a popular homemade craft.

Many families create their own Christmas stockings with each family member's name applied to the stocking so that Santa will know which stocking belongs to which family member.

FROM: WIKIPEDIA


(Stockings hand made for Son, Daughter-in-Law and Doggie, Buddy.)

Credit: Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

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s a kid I just loved bubble lights. We kids could hardly wait for the tree to be put up so that we could sit around and enjoy the bubble lights. So share with me the fun of bubble light. Come on over to my lens:

Bubble Lights

Top 10 Uses For Holiday Fruitcakes

10. Use slices to balance that wobbly kitchen table.

9. Use instead of sand bags during El Nino.

8. Send to U.S. Air Force, let troops drop them or maybe the Goodyear Blimp.

7. Use as railroad ties.

6. Use as speed bumps to foil the neighborhood drag racers.

5. Collect ten and use them as bowling pins.

4. Use instead of cement shoes.

3. Save for next summer's garage sale.

2. Use slices in next skeet-shooting competition.

1. Two words: pin cushion.

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aper Snowflakes - REMEMBER WHEN, AS A KID, YOU MADE PAPER SNOWFLAKES. MAYBE IT IS TIME TO MAKE SOME THIS YEAR. NEW CHILD IN THE FAMILY, GRANDCHILD???

Make Paper Snowflakes

Artisteer

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Best 100 Online Shopping Sites

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he Top 10 Elf Pickup Lines

10. I'm down here
9. Just because I've got bells on my shoes doesn't mean I'm a sissy
8. I was once a lwan ornament for Bon Jovi
7. I can get you off the "naughy" list
6. I have certain needs that can't be satisfied by working on toys
5. I'm a magical being. Take off your bra.
4. No, no. I didn't bake those cookies. You're thinking of those dorks
over at Keebler
3. I get a thimbleful of tequila in me and I turn into a wild man
2. You'd look great in a Raggedy Ann wig
1. I can eat my weight in cocktail wieners

(The Late Show)

White Christmas

Credit: Doug Arrington Page; Joshua Held Flash Animation