Fun and Interesting Christmas Trivia You May Not Know

Fun and Interesting Christmas Trivia You May Not Know

Shendy   

There is no doubt that Christmas is one of the most awaited holidays in the world. Besides being the birthday of Jesus Christ, we know that this season would mean gift giving, lots of food and drinks, colorful streets and houses, Christmas carols, and so on. Countries may have different ways of celebrating the season, but if there is one thing that is true for all, it is that the season puts us in a very happy and festive mood. And this is one reason why we just love Christmas.

But as much as you know that the season is a time for sharing, for getting together, and for stuffs like Christmas trees, cards, carols, Santa Claus, and other things associated with Christmas, do you know the stories behind them?

Christmas Tree

Did you know that the custom of setting up a Christmas tree originated from Germany? This custom can be traced to 16th century Germany, when devout Christians had decorated trees into their homes. Moreover, it is believed that Martin Luther, a 16th century Protestant reformer, was the one who first added lighted candles to a tree.

Christmas Card

Did you know that the first Christmas card was made and posted in 1843? It was designed by John Callcott Horsley, a British artist. The making of the first Christmas card would have not been credited to him if a British business man did not commission him to do so. The British businessman was Sir Henry Cole, who did not have enough time to write all of his friends and professional acquaintances to greet them a merry Christmas. The card showed a picture of a family drinking wine together. Each of the two side panels showed an act of charity: clothing the naked and feeding the hungry.

Christmas Carol

Did you know that one of the oldest Christmas carols was put together in the 300s? It is believed, on the other hand, that the first recorded Christmas carol was written by Aurelius Prudentius, and it was entitled 'Of The Father's Love Begotten." And with the invention of the printing press by Johannes Gutenberg, Christmas carols became more popular. It is because the machine made it possible for copies of the carols to be reproduced easily. Furthermore, the 'Messiah,' which is one of the most popular carols of all time, was created by George Frederich Handel. He first performed the song in 1742, as a fundraiser for charities. Of course, who would forget the very famous 'Silent Night, Holy Night.' It was written in 1818, by a priest in Austria named Joseph Mohr.

Santa Claus or Father Christmas
Did you know that Santa Claus was based on a real person? He was Saint Nicholas, a Christian leader from Myra (in modern-day Turkey) in the 4th century AD. He was known for his generosity. The belief that Santa Claus comes down the chimney and puts presents in stockings is said to be based on one of the notable things that Saint Nicholas did. Because he wanted to give money to poor people without them knowing about it, what he did was climb the roof of a house and dropped a purse of money down the chimney. And, it so happened that the purse landed in the stocking, which a girl had placed to dry by the fire.

Yes, Christmas and the things we associate with Christmas have interesting stories behind them. Isn't it nice to know the story behind the birth of the every Christmas card or the man behind the jovial and generous fellow we know as Santa Claus? Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/2562849

More Than 10 Tips to Plan Your Outdoor Christmas Lighting

More Than 10 Tips to Plan Your Outdoor Christmas Lighting

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Are you an avid aficionado of Christmas lighting - or just want to be the best in your street? Well read on for my tips on how to have the best outside Christmas lights for this year's yard decoration.

1. Start early. This is the most important step. The most successful displays in your street have been planned for more than a year, probably the planning for next year starts when this year's lights have gone up. Here are a number of advantages to this, you have time to ponder your design, and make the most of any off season purchasing.

2. Plan, think and plan some more! Choose your theme; plan your layout on paper. Think about colors and types of lighting you will use. Do you animated Christmas lighting if so where? Will you need extra power outlets? Are you using bulbs (C7 or C9), LED or solar lighting? They each have advantage. For roof mounted displays, work out what supports are required and how to mount them.

3. Measure everywhere you want to hang outdoor Christmas lights, then add extra to make sure you have enough length of lighting

4. Work out the number of sets you need. This can be affected by the number of lights (and hence the length of the string) in each set. Also take into account that the length of the lights is not the same as the overall length of the set. Do you need any extra power cords, now is the time to work it out.

5. Decide if you need extra power outlets and get a qualified electrician to install them. If power outlets are to be under roof eaves, then consider having a switch installed somewhere convenient. Ensure all outlets outside and extension cables are waterproof.

6. Acquire your light sets; make sure that the light sets for outside use are rated to be used outside. Make sure you have plenty of the right kind of spare bulbs (if using incandescent C7 or C9, LEDs have a very long lifespan).

7. Before installing your lighting test all the sets. Better to find any faults whilst the sets are on the ground.

8. Prior to installing outside Christmas lights check any fixings that you have that may need to be replaced. Make sure you have the fixings you need to attach the lighting, such as screws, nails, clips or a staple machine. Make sure that all cables on the ground are safe( i.e. not laid in water).

9. Plan to put the lighting up early in the season when it is not so cold and busy. This also gives you time to make any adjustments necessary.

10. Ensure you have the right tools to hand, including a helper to hold the ladder.

11. Put your lights up. And enjoy.

The Never Ending Christmas Recipe

The Never Ending Christmas Recipe

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Celebrating the holidays starts at home. And not only there, but it also starts in the mind and hearts of those who want to continue yearly traditions for sentimental reasons. Xmas recipes, or Christmas recipes, are a great way to continue yearly traditions within your own family.

In my family, we've taken recipes going back to our great, great grandparents and choose one every year to create and then to add something else to it. This way, we honor the tradition set by our fore parents and add our own element of personality to it as well. The best way to look at it is that you're creating something bigger than yourself.

Take last years rum pie pudding. My brother and I took elements from a Christmas over 40 years ago and created a pudding out of it.Needless to say, it was a hit with everyone at the table, but we got asked why pudding? Why not pudding was our answer! I can't think of someone who doesn't like pudding, i mean come on now.

But that's the element of added personality. And you can do it with almost any recipe. Just add that one extra spice or twist to it and make it your own. Let's take a kids treat, reindeer antlers. What you're going to want to do is take a candy cane and wrap licorice strings around the base of the cane near the loop and tie a knot. That could be the end all, be all the treat, but take it one step further. Dip the candy cane in melted chocolate and then freeze the candy cane.

Take the candy cane out of the freezer and then tie on the licorice. Instant classic!

So in the end, just take something old as a recipe in your family, and turn it into something new by adding your own personality to it. It's fun and it will allow your own legacy to continue on in the Christmas years to come!

Unique Christmas Traditions From All Over the World

Unique Christmas Traditions From All Over the World

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People from all over the world celebrate Christmas in so many different ways and you will be quite surprised at the stories behind many of these Christmas traditions.

Did you even know that Christmas Day, the 25th of December, was previously a holiday which can be transferred from one date to another? It was not only in the 4th century AD when Pope Julius I made it official and set December 25th as Christmas Day. This day matched the pagan ritual for the winter solstice also known as the feast for the Return of the Sun. It was meant to reinstate a Christmas celebration in place of the pagan ritual.

As for how the rest of the world celebrates Christmas, here they are.

France - Christmas in France is known as Noel drawn from the French expression "les bonnes nouvelles" which means "the good news" and denotes the gospel. Based on the French belief that farmers who burn a log from Christmas Eve to New Year's Day have an abundant harvest the following year, some families are burning a log from their homes.

Germany - Christmas in Germany are characterized by Christmas trees dating back as far as the 16th century. They quickly spread all over the world and then to England when Queen Victoria's husband, Albert came from Germany and brought this tradition.

Norway - After the family dinner and opening of the presents, Norwegians hide their brooms in accordance to the belief that witches and other spirits will come out during Christmas Eve and steal their brooms. Another Christmas custom in Norway is to gather the finest wheat from the harvest, put away until Christmas and then attached these to poles from branches. The head of the household checks this just before sunset and if there are sparrows seen to be consuming this is seen to be an indication of a good year for crops.

Philippines - Even 200 years before the arrival of Ferdinand Magellan and Christianity, historical accounts have determined that people are already holding Christmas festivities.

Poland - Polish families also prepare a twelve course dinner for Christmas Eve however unlike the Ukrainians, this feast is composed of twelve non-meat dishes which stand for the twelve months of the year. Most dishes include specialties of carp, herring, and other fish.

Ukraine - Households prepare stew with meat the day before Christmas. They also set up a twelve course Christmas dinner. The youngest child in the family is tasked to look out the window and watch for the evening star to come out, the sign for the banquet to begin.

United Kingdom - Mince pies in the UK is a long standing tradition dating back to the 16th century. Children usually leave a drink and mince pies for Santa while there is a also a tradition that eating mince pies during the Twelve Days of Christmas will bring about happiness in the next 12 months. On average, the British eat 27 mince pies each.

United States - In the US, children leave stockings during Christmas and set aside a glass of milk and a plate of cookies for Santa just before going to be bed on Christmas Eve. It is typical of the American household to have a Christmas. The official national Christmas tree is a giant sequoia which stands over 90 meters (300 feet) high in the King's Canyon National Park in California.

Each country has unique Christmas customs and beliefs. The world may be a large place but when the Yuletide season comes around there is a feeling of renewed hope and a special sense of togetherness which transcends not only to families, fellow countrymen but to the whole world itself. Christmas season is a special celebration which we look forward throughout the year.

How to Have a Low Budget High Fun Christmas

How to Have a Low Budget High Fun Christmas

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If you want or need to have a low cost Christmas this year then the secret is to start planning early. In fact ideally you should begin in January because this is when many shops will be selling there overstocked Christmas cards and decorations at half price or less.

In the current financial climate many families are going to be finding that they have less money to spend on those little "extras" that make Christmas time so special. However, with a little advance thought and planning it is possible to cut the cost of the festive season without having to reduce the pleasure factor.

These days' people tend to spend a considerable amount of money decorating both the inside and the outside of their houses. It is a good idea if you check the decorations you already have to see what if anything that you will need for next Christmas. It is surprising how many people buy new decorations every year when there is really no need. Additionally one of the best places to look for Christmas decorations at a ridiculously cheap price is your local flea market, yard or car boot sale. You can get some remarkable bargains especially artificial trees, lights and decorations if you look around at these events during the summer.

One of the biggest costs associated with Christmas are the presents that we buy for friends and family. Obviously only you know how much you are prepared to budget for presents for your close family but by planning ahead there is a way to save money on some presents. Have you noticed how at Christmas time many shop offer boxed gift sets. There are sets for golfers, wine lovers, gardeners and a whole host of other subjects. There are also perfume sets, boxed after shave , toiletries and game sets.

I have not got any statistics but it would be interesting to know how many of these presents ever actually get used. The reason for asking this is the number of unopened gift sets I see for sale at flea markets. Many are in boxed mint condition and can easily be recycled as gifts for friends or family.

At one time Christmas shopping involved going from shop to shop and fighting the crowds but not anymore. By doing much of your Christmas shopping on the Internet you can save time and money and avoid a lot of frustration.

To really save money there is no reason why you should not make your own Christmas decorations and Crackers. This can be a project that you can involve younger children and there are plenty of online videos on You Tube that will show you how to start.

It may be too late for this year but if you and your family can open their presents carefully you can save the wrapping paper for next Christmas. It is also easy to convert this years Christmas cards into next years gift tags.

Remember, with a little planning it is possible to cut the cost of Christmas without cutting the pleasure.

Have an Environmentally Friendly Christmas

Have an Environmentally Friendly Christmas

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Christmas is a great time of year to let your hair down, have fun and generally enjoy a little excess. However, it's also the period in which most waste occurs and taking a little time to find alternative ways of celebrating the festive season can significantly limit the impact that this has on the environment without reducing your enjoyment.

Cards & Packaging
One of the greatest causes of waste at any time of year, packaging is a particular problem at Christmas time. Christmas cards also use a great deal of resources to produce and many are simply thrown away when the holidays are over. The simplest way to help reduce the waste involved is to re-use carrier bags, opt for recycled cards, use recycled wrapping paper for gifts and tie with ribbon or string so that it can be easily re-used or recycled afterwards.

Bottles and Cans
More drinks are consumed over the Christmas season than at any other time in the year and the amount of waste bottles, cans and containers produced as a consequence is quite staggering. Virtually all glass and metal drink containers can be easily recycled so make a point of collecting these together for a trip to your local bottle bank or recycling centre once the festivities are over. Even the aluminium foil used for cooking the turkey can be re-used or recycled.

Christmas Trees
Although a real tree is organic by its very nature many of these are simply disposed of carelessly which is a real waste. Many local authorities have facilities for collecting used trees and converting these to mulch, so make use of this where possible.

Alternatively you can opt to buy a tree complete with roots that you can simply re-plant after use. Not only is this the most environmentally friendly option, it will save buying another tree next year at least.

Christmas Lights
The abundance and variety of Christmas lights used in homes and in town centres are what make this time of year such a visual spectacle. However, the amount of energy these lights use can be substantial. Wherever possible try to use lights which use LED's rather than traditional bulbs as they use much less energy and last longer too.

Batteries
Many children's toys and games inevitably require batteries to operate, although opting for the rechargeable variety is the simplest step you can take. Traditional batteries use many scarce resources in their manufacture and are particularly harmful to the environment when disposed of. Anything you can do to reduce the impact of this, therefore, can only be positive.

Unwanted Presents
Perhaps the most underestimated waste of resources on the whole are the number of unwanted gifts which are simply put away in a drawer never to be used again. This is a shocking waste and simply donating such items to a worthy charity is the best thing you can do; not only reducing waste but helping someone less fortunate too.

Environmentally Friendly Gifts
Of course the most environmentally friendly thing you can do at Christmas is to give a green gift and there are many options available these days. It could be a membership to an environmental organisation, sponsoring an animal or making a donation to a worthy charity.

So overall, enjoy the festive season but share a thought for the planet. With a little thought and forward planning it's possible for anyone to reduce the impact that their Christmas celebrations have upon the environment. Have a great Christmas. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/2357874

A Great Way of Saying Thanks Throughout This Season of Christmas

A Great Way of Saying Thanks Throughout This Season of Christmas

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Christmas season is a very special time of the year, a special time to remember the people who mean a lot to you like your family and relatives, your friends and acquaintances, your colleagues and associates, and your clients. A simple yet heartfelt Christmas card for your caring family, loyal friends, supportive coworkers, and valued customers will go a long way for the coming years.

Most of us spend a lot of time in the gift card section of the local bookstore once a birthday, an anniversary, or any other special occasion comes around. It is so hard to find the perfect card which will best express our thoughts and feelings. If you are looking for the ideal Christmas card to give out to your loved ones then it's doubly hard. It should always be a tradition to give out Christmas cards to those who have made your life more meaningful for the past year and as a sign that you value your relationship with them and intend to keep it in the years to come.

Well, to cut back on the time spent looking for that special card, just put in mind these handy tips:

1. Personalize The Card - You can buy a dozen or so of the card you found, write a heartfelt note and sign your name. Better yet, if you are creative and have enough time to make your own Christmas card then by all means, do so. Your family and friends will definitely appreciate the thoughts and effort that go with every single card you send.

2. Be Sensitive - You have to be extra sensitive in choosing the theme of the card you send out. If you are not sure of the religious conviction of the persons to whom you will send the cards to, just send out nonspecific Christmas greetings so as to avoid offending them. If you are sending the card to your close friends then most likely you know them well enough to be familiar with their religious affiliation.

3. It's The Thought That Counts - Don't be too concerned if you are low on the budget, with the state of the economy today, almost everyone is on the same boat as you are. Sending out gifts or cards doesn't have to be expensive and luxurious. As the saying goes, it's the thought that counts. A simple card will mean a lot and it will be appreciated more that you'll ever know. So even if it's such a simple handwritten card, but one which shows your gratitude, then that's all that matters.

4. One More Thing - Paste a beautiful stamp commemorating the season rather than using the post meter. It's a little secret that allow the recipient to know how much you value your relationship with him or her. It would also be great if you can have the addresses of the recipients handwritten because it produces a more personal touch.

Remember to send a simple thank you card to your family members, close relatives, and coworkers. If you are a business owner, sending a thank you card to your associates, suppliers, prospects and customers this Christmas season will also show your gratitude for their contribution to the success you have in your business relationship.

By now, you know that a simple thank you card this Christmas is not as simple as it may seem. It means more than that. It is a token of thanksgiving and appreciation to everyone who had been part of your life and the Christmas season is the perfect time to let them know that. Let your creativity run its course and show off your knack at getting things done even with a meager budget.

Five Most Popular Christmas Ornaments

Five Most Popular Christmas Ornaments

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Initially, eatable ornaments were the most widely used Christmas ornaments With time, their transition to beautiful glass bulbs and other important items began and all these became an important part of Christmas tree decoration. Five of the most popular ornaments of Christmas tree are illuminating ornaments, movable ornaments, musical ornaments, and Edible ornaments and attracting decorative pieces.

1. Illuminating Ornaments - Lightening of Christmas tree is an old tradition. Earlier it was lit up with the help of beautiful candles but now several things are used for the illumination of these trees. Nowadays, it is decorated by using exquisite electric lights, multicolored bulbs and dazzling electronic drapes. Illuminated Christmas ornaments are also amongst the costliest ornaments in the markets today, with their prices starting at $20 on the lower side.

2. Movable Ornaments - these are the latest in Christmas ornaments. With unique appearance, they are attracting almost every buyer. With the flexibility to move about, these ornaments are becoming highly popular. You can avail it in a price range, which is almost similar to the range of illuminating ornaments.

3. Musical Ornaments - You adorned your tree with illuminating ornaments and made it mobile as well. Now, add the musical temptation to your trees. Musical ornaments give a special mood to the celebration and make you more joyful. Besides, with the advent of advanced technology you can use different musical gadgets to decorate your Christmas tree. From gadgets capable of playing a few songs to gadgets having flash memories spanning over several GB s of space, there is a lot of variety these days.

4. Edible Ornaments- Edible ornaments have the oldest history amongst all the Christmas ornaments. They were the first to be used as Christmas tree decorations. Though in initial days there was nothing extravagant about edible ornaments, but, today people are using cookies, candies, chocolates and muffins to drape their Christmas trees- making them look and taste better. These decorations are very popular among kids.

5. Small attractive pieces - There is a vast list of small pieces, which offer a great look to Christmas trees. Many people use small soft toys to decorate their trees while ribbon, colorful crape papers, vintage star, wreath ornaments are also extensively used. These small ornaments not only enhance the splendor of Christmas tree, but also add more liveliness to the ceremony. Beautify the tree with all these ornaments and let people adore your great sense of embellishment.

Easter Craft Ideas for Kids and Preschool Children

Easter Craft Ideas for Kids and Preschool Children

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Here are a few interesting Easter craft ideas for kids and preschool children. Some Easter craft ideas that involve children are egg glitter, eggshell tulip, crayon resist egg and Easter peeking bunny.

Here’s a list of fun Easter crafts for kids to make at home. We like to do frugal crafts so you can usually find the supplies we use in your house already!

Crayon resist egg

Craft materials for kids and preschool children:

• Egg dye
• Plastic spoons
• Hard boiled eggs
• Crayons

Craft method:

1. Using crayons, draw pictures and designs onto your egg.

2. When you are happy with the designs, lower the egg into the dye.

3. When you remove the egg from the dye you will have a crazy crayon craft.

Egg Glitter

Craft materials for kids and preschool children:

• Hard Boiled eggs
• Paint
• Brushes
• Glue
• Glitter

Craft method:

1. Simply paint hard boiled eggs in paints of kid's choice

2. Allow to dry.

3. Roll egg in craft glue.

4. While glue is still wet, roll egg in glitter.

5. Allow to dry.

6. Your Easter egg glitter is ready.

Easter eggshell tulip

Craft materials for kids and preschool children:

• Eggshells or foam egg carton sections
• Green pipe cleaners
• Tempera paint and markers
• Hot glue or white glue

Craft method:

Clean eggshell halves and dry them gently. Or, for an easier craft with more durable flowers, use foam egg carton sections.

Cut the cartons sections to look like a tulip.Using tempera paint, decorate the eggshells to look like tulips.

Let the paint dry overnight. When the paint is completely dry, add details to the tulips using markers. You can twirl one end of a green pipe cleaner into a spiral shape. Then glue the spiral to the tulip.