The Meanings of Christmas Colors

Have you ever wondered what the Christmas color meanings were? While stories and symbols vary, the color meanings seem to remain consistent. The following are the meanings of these festive colors, along with some common symbols and their meanings as well.

White – the color of light and holiness. It is used as the liturgical color of Christmas in many churches during the holiday season.

Green – the color green can be found in many Christmas symbols, such as the tree and wreaths. The evergreen color found in pine trees and boughs represents God's unchanging love for mankind. A green, circular wreath also represents Gods eternal love.

Red – the color red is also found in many Christmas symbols, such as Santa's red outfit, candy canes and various ornaments. The color red represents blood and that which was shed by Jesus for all mankind so that their sins would be forgiven. Some candy canes are made with three red stripes, which represent the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.

Yellow- the color represents light. It can be found in the many candles or lights that adorn homes and Christmas trees, as well as the color of many ornaments of the season. It represents the light unto the feet of mankind, helping them to find their way in the darkness. It also represents the goodness in every human soul.

Silver – the color silver reminds us of the shepherds and their sheep. Children of God follow the sound of the bell to be guided by his love for his flock. The color silver is sometimes substituted for white in church celebrations.


Christmas Resources:

• CATHOLIC ENCYCLOPEDIA: Miracle Plays and MysteriesThese two names are used to designate the religious drama which developed among Christian nations at the end of the Middle Ages
• Christmas FAQs
• Teach the children the true meaning of ChristmasChristmas quotes, gift ideas, the Christmas story, and more.

Teen Gift Ideas

It is that time of year again when you have to start thinking about what to buy the teens in your life.  It seems that nothing is harder than picking something out for a teen.  If you're stumped on what to get your teen this year, check out our latest article, Teen Gift Ideas.  It includes the top 10 gift ideas for teens in 2010!

More gift ideas for teens from Amazon.com:

 

Merry Christmas 2010

It is hard to believe that Christmas is right around the corner, again! We've updated our website and have lots of new ideas and tips for our visitors this year.  Check out our new recipe section for new takes on old favorites, bone up on holiday trivia and get ideas on some great places to travel during the holiday season.

Not sure what to buy this holiday season?  We've got gift ideas for teens, adults and those hard to buy for relatives and friends.

Have fun visiting our site, MerryChristmas4You, and welcome back to our loyal followers.

~Charlotte
Editor, MerryChristmas4You.com

   

Storing Glass Ball Ornaments

Storing glass ornaments requires a little extra care, especially if you live in a climate that is either humid or freezing cold for several months out of the year. 

When it is time to put your ornaments away after the holiday season, you have two options that will keep them from being broken - either store them in the original packaging or wrap them in tissue paper or paper towels.  They should then be stored in a strong container, such as the RubberMaid tubs you can find at retail stores, or other similar tubs.  Some of these containers are even specially made to hold glass ball ornaments.

Store the ornaments in a place that is neither too hot/humid or too cold.  The reason for this is that the ornaments can develop spots on them under extreme conditions.

When you take the ornaments out of storage, and they have been in a cold area, allow the container to come to room temperature before unwrapping the balls.  This will help to avoid condensation from forming on the balls and can also help stop the development of the spots on them.

If you intend to wrap the balls in tissue paper, choose white paper for the job.  The tissue paper c
an be found in many different retail stores, from pharmacies to retail stores, during and shortly after the holidays.  If you live in a humid area, and wrap them in colored tissue paper, the color of the paper may rub off on your ornaments. Enjoy the New Year!
MerryChristmas4You.com

The Poinsettia Debate Rages On

Is the poinsettia toxic, or not?  Perhaps you've heard the urban myth about the child who ingested a leaf and died.  Maybe you've heard the one about the dog who died from doing the same.  Either way, there hasn't been any concrete evidence written either by a licensed veterinarian or physician backing up these stories.  What is true is that the sap of the poinsettia can irritate the stomach lining and the insides of the mouth- that isn't debated. The sticking point is whether a person or pet actually died as a result.

The following links will help you in the quest for the truth about this plant.  If you believe that it can truly kill unsuspecting toddlers or pets, by all means, put it up out of reach or don't bring the plants home.  The choice is yours!

Poinsetting It Out - info from the Minnesota Poison Control System

Poinsettia on ASPCA  - info from the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals



Poinsettias Not Toxic - the Ohio State University and the Society of American Florists

The Not-So-Deadly Poinsettia - on Fine Gardening

Learn more about the Christmas holiday and traditions at:  MerryChristmas4You.com

Orange Pomander Craft

An old-fashioned craft to make during the holiday season is orange pomanders.  To make this craft, you'll need the following ingredients:

1/4 cup Ground Cinnamon
1/4 cup Ground Cloves
4 tbsp. Ground Nutmeg
4 tbsp. Ground Allspice
1/4 cup Powdered Orris Root
1/2 pound of Whole Cloves (buy them in bulk for the best price)
6 Fresh Oranges
Round toothpicks or large sewing needle
Large bowl

This project is very simple:  begin by making a small hole into the fruit using the sewing needle or tooth pick, then insert one whole clove, narrow end first (the star shaped end remains on the outside of the fruit).  You may create a design as you go along, or some people prefer to cover the entire fruit with the cloves.

Once the design, or the entire fruit, is covered in whole clove studs, roll the fruit in the spice mixture.  Then continue with the next fruit until all are completed.  Once the fruits are decorated, roll them in the ground spice mixture, then leave them in the bowl with the spices in a cool, dry place.  It will take up to three weeks for the pomander balls to cure.

Once they are dry, remove them from the spice mixture, dust them off and display them.  They look pretty in a decorative bowl or attach a ribbon to them and hang in a closet, doorway, or even from a Christmas tree!  Their citrus-spice scent is a welcome addition to any home.

This project also works well with other citrus fruits, such as lemons or kumquats.

Learn more about Christmas traditions at MerryChristmas4You.com!

Make A Pine Wreath

The holiday season is upon us, but not everyone can afford to buy a new pine wreath.  If you have some pine trees on your property, or have permission to use a neighbor's trees, you can make your own pine wreath using a few items you probably already have in your home.

Items you'll need include:

• 10-inch pine cuttings
• Florist wire
• Wreath frame
• Ribbon, pinecones or other decorative items, if desired

Secure the first section of pine cuttings with florist wire to the wreath frame- add enough cuttings to create the desired fullness.  Start the next section two inches below the first, repeating around the frame.  Once all of the sections are secured, you may add decorative items, such as a bow at the bottom, seasonal berries or craft pics and if desired, pine cones.  Finally, hang with a wreath hanger over the door, or on a frame hook in the home.  Fresh wreaths will last 2-3 weeks, especially if they are displayed outdoors.  Try misting the wreaths every other day if they are to be displayed indoors.

Check out the video for making a fresh pine wreath here:  Make A Holiday Wreath

Visit our website, MerryChristmas4You.com for more information on Christmas, Christmas traditions and holiday activities!