A Christmas Holiday

The Meanings of Christmas Colors

2012-01-25T08:47:00.001-05:00

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

2010-11-22T14:22:00.004-05:00

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

2010-11-20T14:48:00.001-05:00

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

2010-01-04T16:25:00.000-05:00

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

2009-12-15T10:42:00.013-05:00

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

2009-12-09T10:51:00.002-05:00

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

2009-12-07T16:31:00.001-05:00

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!

Christmas Card History

2009-10-04T12:03:00.000-04:00

It is hard to believe that Christmas is almost upon us again. When I was out shopping for Halloween decorations, the Christmas decorations were creeping in the decorations section of the store. I had an "eek!" moment then, and at the checkout, when the cashier happily announced to me that I had less than 90 days to shop for Christmas. Wow!

This means for me, and those of you who are the designated family "card sender", that I need to go in search of the perfect Christmas card to send out to everyone. So many choices, and now, so little time!

To kick off this fast approaching holiday season, I have an article on Early Christmas Cards, written by Joy J. Fine, to share with you:

Early Christmas Cards: A History

Check out my other articles on Christmas at: MerryChristmas4You.com

Christmas Symbols

2008-12-09T11:50:00.003-05:00

Did you ever wonder what all the Christmas symbols really mean? What do holly, angles and the Christmas star really mean? Holly is used to decorate the home at Christmas in part because it remains green all year round. This symbolizes life and its continuation. It is also a plant that was believed to bring luck and protection. The berries are red and they stand for the blood that Jesus shed when placed on the cross. The leaves represent the thorny crown that was placed on the head of Jesus by the Roman soldiers.

I have more information on the many Christmas symbols that we see each year, around the world. Please visit my website - MerryChristmas4You to learn more! I also have articles on Christmas travel, traditions and much more for you!

~~Charlotte

Russian Christmas

2008-12-03T23:28:00.002-05:00

Russian Christmas falls later than the western Christmas celebration. In part this is because the Julian calendar is used by the Russian Orthodox Church and so their Christmas begins on January the seventh instead. Although the rest of the country of Russia follows the Gregorian calendar, which is thirteen days ahead, the Russian Orthodox Church refuses to adopt it still living buy the old one. The reason for this decision was not a religious one but instead one that was made to take a stand against what was deemed an oppressive government that was trying to interfere in the running of the church. For those who are not as religious the Russian Christmas celebration will coincide with the western one. But, even though it may begin on Christmas Eve, it is as likely to be continued on until the seventh and celebrated all over again. This is so common that many Russian children can look forward to being given gifts twice.

Would you like to learn more about a Russian Christmas, including Russian Christmas Food? Check out my website, MerryChristmas4You.com!

Only 22 days until Christmas!

~~Charlotte

Setting Up a Nativity Scene

2008-11-29T10:52:00.002-05:00

One of the ways that people celebrate the birth of Jesus is to create their own nativity scene. Some do this on paper by drawing the scene, others paint or sculpt it but many prefer to make a scene using figurines which they set up each Christmas season. The important part of setting up such a scene is the way the figurines are placed. This must be done carefully to show the proper respect to those who are represented in the scene as well as to properly show the relationships between each and every character in the scene. After all, this scene represents the birth of the baby Jesus.

If you would like to learn more about setting up your nativity scene, and would like to print off a paper nativity scene for your kids, visit my website - MerryChristmas4You.com!

Have a great weekend!

~~Charlotte

Prepare for Black Friday

2008-11-26T19:49:00.004-05:00

As any dedicated shopper knows, Black Friday is the Queen Mother of all shopping days. Tomorrow is Thanksgiving, which should give you plenty of time to rest up before you hit the malls and stores shopping.

The following are just a few of the tips I will pass on to you, as a veteran shopper and a former "retail associate."

1. Wear sneakers or comfortable shoes. If you really want to conquer that Christmas shopping list, being able to stand in line or walk endlessly requires comfort for those tootsies.
2. Carry your shopping list in an easy to find place. Whether it is a Blackberry, Palm Pilot or a strip of paper, keep it where you can pull it out at any moment. Don't stuff it in your wallet- you'll run the risk of losing it with all of your receipts, and you don't want to get rolled by a thief either.
3. Carry a few dollars in your pocket instead of your wallet. This will help you to buy a cup of coffee or a fruit smoothie without having to haul out the wallet in front of strangers.
4. Shop in the morning, especially if you're after those big ticket items. If you're planning on buying a Wii, big screen TV or a specific advertised special, be there early or be left out. Most casual shoppers will hit the stores after a late breakfast or lunch, then the stores are usually swamped after that.
5. Carry your purse or wallet in front of you, under your coat if possible. For that matter, carry only the bare essentials- leave everything except your money, credit cards and a lip gloss at home. There is a lot to be said for traveling light on Black Friday.

Ready, set, shop!

~~Charlotte
MerryChristmas4You.com

Christmas Safety Tips

2008-11-21T22:18:00.000-05:00

There are a few risks at Christmas that all who celebrates this holiday should be aware of. This includes things to consider when buying your turkey. For example, do not buy it too far in advance unless you are buying a frozen turkey. If it is a fresh one then be certain to cook it no more than two days after you purchase it. This makes sure your Christmas dinner will be free of salmonella and have a good taste.

Freshness is not just an issue for your meal. You want to be certain that your tree passes the freshness test as well. This is because a tree that is too dried out can be a fire hazard.

Look here to get some more tips to ensure a safe Christmas:

Irish Health

Fire Safety

Check out my interview with a fireman on LoveToKnow Safety:

Interview with Prosper Hodder, Fire Safety Expert

~~Charlotte

MerryChristmas4You.com

Christmas Around the World

2008-11-20T22:05:00.005-05:00

Have you ever wondered how other cultures celebrate Christmas? Do they hang Christmas stockings or perhaps are they waiting to have those little gifts left in a shoe or a sack. Is Santa coming to see them on a sled drawn by reindeer or by kangaroos? Or is he coming by sled at all? The traditions differ worldwide on how the holiday is celebrated, the length of the celebration and what important traditions are followed. This includes what is left for Santa by the family. In the United States people are most likely to leave cookies and milk while in other places Santa might be left a hearty Guinness and mince pie.

Learn more about Christmas traditions and celebrations around the world at my website, MerryChristmas4You.com!

Related articles you'll find on my website:

Christmas Around the World

Christmas in Italy

Irish Christmas with its Very Different Traditions

~~Charlotte
MerryChristmas4You.com

Christmas Activities for Children

2008-11-18T20:48:00.002-05:00

Some of the simplest Christmas activities to keep your children amused over Christmas can be found online. These websites will give you anything from coloring pages and crafts to online jigsaw puzzles and all of them will have a Christmas theme. Depending on the age of your child you can print out pictures to color, word searches or crossword puzzles. But if it is something online that our child prefers there is lots of Christmas games and puzzles or they can color online as well. Do a search and you will find no shortage of Christmas act ivies for your child to enjoy!
Look at these websites for Christmas fun:

The Kidz Page
The Northpole

Find more fun Christmas activity and craft ideas at MerryChristmas4You.com!

Last Minute Shopping Ideas for Christmas

2008-11-17T21:39:00.004-05:00

Sometimes we forget some of the people who should be on our shopping list. This may include your brother’s new girlfriend, your cousin who came into town to spend the holidays with family or a new co-worker who you think might have a lonely Christmas. These people still need gifts but who want to spend the day before Christmas fighting he masses in the stores. Instead there are some quick Christmas suggestions that might make your life easier while still allowing you to pass along a nice gift. Gift certificates may be just the thing you need. These could be theater passes so the recipient can go see a movie, going to a health food store to make a basket of natural foods or a simply bouquet.

Check out these websites to get some late Christmas gift ideas;

12 Quiet Places to Shop

10 quiet places to do last minute shopping

~~Charlotte

Merry Christmas 4 You

Tips for Preparing Christmas Dinner

2008-11-16T20:49:00.006-05:00

Eliminate a lot of the stress of preparing Christmas dinner by making sure you know your guests. Check with them for eating preferences; this includes any allergies, food restrictions based on religious reasons or perhaps some of them do not eat meat. Another way to make Christmas dinner easier for you is to start your meal preparation at least the day before. You need not spend the whole day doing nothing but cook if you have taken the time to make your stuffing, the homemade dressing you so prefer or even cook your turkey the day before. This will mean only reheating and preparing fresh the vegetables and side dish. By doing this you will be able to enjoy your dinner guests instead of standing over a hot stove the whole time.

Check out this website to help keep Christmas dinner a worry free experience;

Stress Free Christmas Dinner

Get more great ideas for your Christmas season festivities at Merry Christmas 4 You!

Artificial Christmas Trees

2008-11-15T14:14:00.000-05:00

The appeal of the artificial Christmas tree has grown over the past decade, due in part to people wanting a tree that doesn't shed needles. Another reason is to save trees instead of cutting them down. Whatever the reason, their popularity continues to grow each season.

There are many different types of artificial trees on the market, from life-like versions (Sears sells a variety of these), those that are green but the branches aren't exactly life-like, tinsel trees, colored trees, fiber-optic and goose feather trees. The most popular colors are green and white, with silver running a close third. This year, blue, pink, purple and red trees can be found at WalMart. Flocked Christmas trees are also becoming popular this year; find your favorite one at Target.

Since I really do enjoy All Things Christmas, be sure to check out my website, MerryChristmas4You.com, and the YouTube videos that I've added to this blog.

Visit my website's articles on Christmas trees:
The Appeal of the Artificial Christmas Tree
Tips for Buying Christmas Trees
The Christmas Tree

Here's to a great Christmas Season!

~~Charlotte