Merry Christmas and a happy new year!

Green Gifts For Christmas - Giving Green Christmas Gifts Doesn't Mean Hand Knits And Nut Roast!

Thinking about green gifts for Christmas might bring up a lot of unfashionable images of thick wool sweaters and Wellington boots, but the fact is there's a huge choice of interesting, inventive and fun green Christmas gifts if you give it a bit of thought.

Actually I like a nice thick sweater to keep me warm in the winter, I've been getting one from my mother for years and long may it continue. That's not really the point I'm trying to make here though. Not only are there plenty of interesting choices, but it must also depend on what you consider a green Christmas gift anyway.

Christmas Gift

You could say anything to do with the outdoors qualifies. If you inspire someone to grow their own vegetables by giving them seed and trowel, isn't that a green gift? If you give a child a bicycle so they get exercise rather than sitting in front of the TV, I would say that qualifies. Actually, if you give an adult a bicycle so they don't take the car everywhere, that certainly qualifies!

But in case you think I'm being a bit flippant here, let's look at a few alternatives across different price ranges. I saw a clock the other day that was powered not by batteries or electricity but by water. The clock itself could be recycled at the end of its useful life. Since Trevor Bayliss brought us the wind-up radio a few years ago - intended for remote places in the world where there was no electricity - we now have numerous wind up torches, lanterns, battery chargers, radios and combinations of those things. There are solar-powered chargers for your phone, iPod, iPad or other device - that's a green gift for Christmas that works hand-in-hand with modern technology.

For the kids there are toys made from recycled or recyclable materials. What about a worm farm? Then there are lots of things to attract wildlife into your garden or to encourage an interest in plants and animals - and they certainly aren't dull, boring, or the sort of thing that's played with until the batteries run out and then forgotten.

For grown-ups there are no end of Fair Trade food products. There are candles, soaps and scents. There are subscriptions to events or wildlife organizations that people are into (or you think they ought to get into). There's solar garden lighting and power for water features. Then there are slightly off-beat things like newspaper presses - a cheap and simple gadget that compresses old newspapers into 'bricks" that burn much better and much longer than the paper would on its own. The list goes on...

If you're looking for green gifts for Christmas you are spoiled for choice. There's something for all ages and tastes and these days, thanks to the internet, they aren't even difficult to find. Have a great Christmas, and don't forget to recycle the packaging after!

Green Gifts For Christmas - Giving Green Christmas Gifts Doesn't Mean Hand Knits And Nut Roast!

Christmas - Unique Traditions in Bavaria, Belgium, Bulgaria and Brazil!

Christmas is celebrated with unique and unusual traditions, foods and customs in many countries. Here are some fascinating insights and traditions shared from Bavaria, Belgium, Bulgaria and Brazil.

Bavaria - Star Singers - As part of the Christmas celebrations in Bavaria, children dress up as The Three Kings and carry an imitation star on a pole. From New Year's day to January 6th children travel from house to house and sing religious songs. The children are referred to as "Star Singers". Children are rewarded with money or sweets. If given sweets they may eat them. If given money it is given to a Catholic church or to a charity. As the children depart they put a chalk mark "C.M.B" on houses they have visited. This is sometimes taken as a reference to The Three Kings (Caspar, Melchior and Balthasar) while others believe it may originally have represented the words "Christus mansionem benedicat" meaning "Christ bless this house".

Christmas Eve

Belgium - Belgium enjoys two Santa Claus figures. There is St. Nicholas (who visits those who speak the Waloon language) and Pere Noel (who visits those who speak French) and is accompanied by his companion Pere Fouettard. The first visit is on 4th December when he checks to see if children have been good or bad. He returns on December 6th (the feast of St Nicholas) with presents (usually candy or toys) for the good children and twigs left inside shoes or in a small basket left inside the doorway for the bad children. A tradition continues in small villages where three local men are chosen to portray "The Three Kings". They move from house to house singing carols on January 6th. The Three Kings are joyously welcomed and rewarded with gifts of food or small treats. Families enjoy a Christmas Eve meal of Aarappel Kroketjes consisting of fried potato croquettes and Speculoos, cookies made with cinnamon, ginger and cloves.

Brazil - It is very hot in Brazil at Christmas and so their Santa type character called Papai Noel (Father Noel) is the gift bringer who wears light red silks. According to legend he lives in Greenland. It is believed this character was imported from and developed into their own from North America in the 50's and became popular because of the commercial appeal in the late 60's and 70's. A Christmas December tradition for family and friends to share is called "Secret Friend" (amigo secreto). Participants at the beginning of December write their name on a piece of paper. Each participant takes a paper (but does not reveal the name of the person on it). Over the month there is communication between picked partners who use fake names "apelidos" during correspondence for added fun. Then at Christmas, family and friends gather to reveal their secret friends and exchange a present or gift between chosen secret friends. Christmas dinner includes turkey, ham, colored rice with lots of fresh vegetable and fruit dishes. The most popular song in Brazil associated with Christmas is "Noite Feliz" (Silent Night).
.
Bulgaria - A main tradition is "sooroovachka" whereby children with a specially prepared handmade patting stick, pat family, friends and visitors Christmas Eve whilst saying a wish for health, wealth and happiness to the one patted. Bulgarian's give the child money at the end of the patting which they believe is their way of buying success for the coming year. Another tradition is where homemade bread has a coin added before baking. When Christmas dinner begins the oldest person breaks the bread and gives a piece to everyone. The one who gets the coin is believed to be bestowed with wealth and prosperity in the new year.

The main celebration meal is held Christmas Eve at the home of the oldest grandparent. Hey is placed under the dinner table in respect of and to remind the family of the manger. The Christmas Eve dinner table which consists of 7-11 dishes, is not cleared until the next morning. This is a tradition which they believe will ensure there will be plenty of food for the coming year!

Christmas - Unique Traditions in Bavaria, Belgium, Bulgaria and Brazil!

Top 3 Biblical Costumes For Your Nativity Play And For Christmas Day

Christmas is one of the most awaited occasions of the year. After all, it is during this time that people all over the world celebrate the beautiful story of the nativity - and how the world is said to have become better because of it. This is what makes the kids biblical costumes so very popular for the holidays.

Now, aside from all the tidings and parties which the season of Christmas brings, there is another Christmas tradition which has been proven to be quite popular as well. These are the Nativity plays which people all over the world will be holding in honor of the messiah - who is said to be the reason as to why the world celebrates Christmas.

Christmas Day

For those who do not know, the Nativity play is a re-enactment of the events which transpired during the first ever Christmas, from the annunciation to the birth of the messiah and all the other wonderful things which have happened on that very holy day.

And since what is being referred to is a Nativity Play - which is a biblical play, it will necessarily follow that Biblical Costumes have also become such an important aspect of the season as well.

It must also be noted that Biblical Costumes need not be for Nativity plays alone. These costumes will also provide its wearer with the best look that one can ever get. After all having a more biblical look will be the unique option compared to all the other conventional Christmas costumes available in the world today.

In general, biblically-inspired costumes are all popular. However, the top three are:

1. Joseph Costume - inspired by the human father of the messiah, who was instrumental in the Nativity. And this is why being him during the nativity play or during costume parties will certainly be an excellent choice.

2. Mary Costume - inspired by the woman who carried the messiah in her womb. She is one of the most important characters in the Nativity story, and this is why if you are looking for a costume on Christmas day, this look just might do it for you.

3. Jesus Costume - inspired by the messiah Himself. He is the reason for the Nativity and he is the most important character in the story. Without Him, there would be no Christmas at all. Hence, wearing a costume inspired by Him will surely be to your advantage.

Now, if you are planning to go to a costume party as a family, then go ahead and use the above mentioned top Biblical Costumes! You can go as Joseph, your wife as Mary and your kid as Jesus. This will surely be a sight to behold, and for sure you guys will be the resident "head-turners" of the party!

There are many Biblical Costumes all over Internet. You can just take your pick among the different costumes which the different online costume shops and web sites are offering. Just make sure to buy your costume from a reputable seller so that you can be sure that you will have the best costume that you really want. In the long run, what is essential is that you and your family are able to have the best time of your lives.

Top 3 Biblical Costumes For Your Nativity Play And For Christmas Day

A Black, White, and Silver New Year's Eve Wedding

New Year's Eve is definitely the most glamorous night of the whole year to have a wedding. Black, white, and silver is a chic color palette that will bring out the stylish flair of the holiday. Learn how to plan an unforgettable New Year's Eve wedding using a black, white, and silver color scheme.

It almost goes without saying that a New Year's Eve wedding should be black tie. Classic black tie always looks the most elegant; while rental shops may suggest colorful vests for the groom and groomsmen, a black cummberbund is more dashing and timeless. Silver dresses will be the clear choice for the bridesmaids. If they are comfortable in slender silhouettes, slinky silk sheaths would be ideal. Choose ones with a gathered bustline and wide straps, like something from the Golden Age of Hollywood in the 1930s. Big sparkly crystal jewelry will complete their look perfectly. If you want to up the drama factor, your bridesmaids could wear little maribou stoles over their dresses for the ceremony.

Christmas Eve

The bride at a New Year's Eve wedding needs a really striking gown. An incredible look is a fluid sheath gown covered from head to toe in tiny crystals or sequins. This has been a very hot look on the red carpet this year, and looks simply unbelievable when you move. Such a glam gown calls for dramatic crystal bridal jewelry, and plenty of it. If you wish to define the waist, a black sash with a jeweled brooch would be great with the black, white, and silver theme. Because the silhouette of a sheath is so simple, you can get away with really bold crystal bridal jewelry.

Then there are the flowers! Accent white flowers with silvery elements to incorporate the color scheme into the bouquet. Silvery dusty miller or lamb's ear leaves are wonderful natural accents to ruffly white parrot tulips or lovely white camellias. Another idea is to use silver metal leaves or tiny metallic silver balls to mix into the white blossoms. Being New Year's Eve, you could even get away with glittery silver curly branches mixed into the bouquets or centerpieces. Tie the bouquets with black velvet ribbons to complete the effect. The centerpieces will be very striking arranged in black vases. Either use fluted footed black vases for a vintage flair, or tall sleek rectangular black vessels for a sleek modern look.

To bring your black, white, and silver color scheme to life at your New Year's Eve wedding, special table linens are a must. I personally do not care for black table linens (they never feel clean to me), but silver would look amazing. Shimmery silver organza toppers can be used over standard white tablecloths, or if budget permits, rent silver silk dupioni linens with a chic quilted stitching (like a Chanel handbag). Since the centerpieces will be primarily black and white, the whole elegant color theme will come together beautifully.

Every wedding needs a big finish, and for New Year's Eve, fireworks would be spectacular. Treat your guests to a grand finale as the clock strikes midnight. You can welcome in the New Year and your new married life at the same time - what a perfect way to start the year!

A Black, White, and Silver New Year's Eve Wedding

Cyber Monday 2010 Christmas Gift Ideas From Eastbay - Air Jordans, Lebron James and NFL Jerseys

It's hard to believe that Thanksgiving is just around the corner and many people are already discussing cyber Monday and Black Friday sales and deals. Over the next several weeks a growing number of Americans will continue to wait and hope that many coupons are offered for savings when it comes to these busy shopping days. One of the companies that will likely offer a coupon and free shipping during cyber Monday is Eastbay. This athletic apparel provider has helped many people come up with some great Christmas gift ideas such as Air Jordans, LeBron James Nike shoes and popular NFL jerseys.

Before spending any money on Christmas gift ideas in 2010 it is always a smart decision to see what deals and sales will be available during the busier shopping days. Even though we are just before Halloween it is already the case that many retailers have reported that they will offer steep discounts when it comes to Black Friday and cyber Monday. This comes as no surprise as the overall economy continues to struggle with an employment rate that is over 9%. Many American households are going to look to cut back on spending when it comes to Christmas gifts this year.

Christmas Gift

Taking the time and effort to think of some very good Christmas gift ideas is very important to make your family happy during the Christmas holiday. Some very interesting Christmas gift ideas could include NFL jerseys. Some of the popular NFL jerseys that are currently being purchased by many people include:

#9 Tony Romo - Dallas Cowboys

#28 Adrian Peterson - Minnesota Vikings

#43 Troy Polamalu - Pittsburgh Steelers

#28 Chris Johnson - Tennessee Titans

#18 Peyton Manning - Indianapolis Colts

#9 Drew Brees - New Orleans Saints

#17 Philip Rivers - San Diego Chargers

#4 Brett Favre - Minnesota Vikings

#15 Tim Tebow - Denver Broncos

#85 Chad Ochocinco - Cincinnati Bengals

#7 Michael Vick - Philadelphia Eagles

This is a very short list when it comes to NFL players that have jerseys available at most retailers. Remember that some of these authentic jerseys can be quite expensive so it might be a good idea to consider research in other areas such as eBay or some of the discount retailers online. Taking the time and effort to better understand what jersey your son or daughter wants could prove to be very important when it comes to making that Christmas purchase in 2010. You want to make certain that they get the jersey of their favorite NFL player.

Cyber Monday 2010 Christmas Gift Ideas From Eastbay - Air Jordans, Lebron James and NFL Jerseys

Taking a Relaxing New Years Eve Cruise

Are you tired of the same old boring round of New Years Eve parties? Is it the same people gathering together at the same location to ring in the New Year? Does the idea of travel New Years Eve appeal to you, but you just do not know what to do? Why not embark on a cruise? There are a wide variety of cruises to choose from and the length of sailing is completely up to you. Fine dining, black-tie affairs and tropical destinations can all be part of your 2007 New Years Eve.

There are plenty of deals on cruises. The first step to taking the cruise is in deciding where you want to go. Have you ever thought about visiting Australia? Sydney cruises are very popular and leave on excursions that can take you out to the Great Barrier Reef. Most cruise lines offer New Years Eve cruises that tour such exotic locales as the Bahamas, Puerto Rico and even the Mediterranean Sea.

Christmas Eve

A New Years Eve cruise can be the perfect holiday gift for the entire family or for that special someone in your life. There are plenty of on ship activities to interest anyone and can range from dance lessons to fun filled games. You can also get off the ship at the various ports-of-call and take in the local sights. Parents and children can all enjoy a good time.

No matter what fabulous destination you have in mind, you do not have to worry about rigorous schedules. Granted, there are schedules for debarking the ship at ports-of-call, but in the past travelers had to stick with the cruise ship's itinerary when it came time to play and dine. That is a thing of the past. You can eat when you want and play whenever the mood hits.

A New Years Eve cruise is an incredible way to ring in the New Year in style. Enjoy the black-tie party or simply kick back on the deck to enjoy the beauty of the ocean. It is your vacation and completely up to you on how you spend your time.

Make sure you book your cruise early because travel New Years Eve can be time a busy time. So get to your location and enjoy yourself. You will say goodbye to the old year and greet the New Year abroad.

Taking a Relaxing New Years Eve Cruise

Family Traditions - Why, and Some Holiday Ideas

Maybe you remember a special tradition your mother did before Christmas, or how you always had a special family tradition that is a part of your growing up memories. Some families starting out may have stopped some traditions that did not care for, and are looking for new traditions that they can use to build their own special family memories.

Whatever your situation, traditions can and should be a fun thing for your family, creating memories that last, and instilling good values. One researcher is quoted on the Ohio State University website that, "Families that have the strongest ties have the most traditions or rituals in their life". So, pick traditions that you like, and that your children will just think are the coolest things ever.

Christmas Day

Tradition can be defined as:

1. The transmission of customs or beliefs from generation to generation, or the fact of being passed on in this way.

2. A long-established custom or belief that has been passed on in this way.

Customs can be defined as your family's rituals or practices for daily or weekly routines, such as a pizza night, what you do on certain days, or your daily routine.

Traditions do not have to be expensive, or extravagant. I am reminded of hearing Tom Hanks say what he did for Christmas: "We come downstairs in our pajamas, and open presents". This is not an exact quote, but conveys that he does what many others do, on the same day.

Seasonal family traditions include summer vacations and holidays, anniversaries, birthdays. Following are some ideas that can help create awesome family memories:

Easter:

1. find a sunrise service being held at a church, and attend. (This can be a memorable experience even for non-earlybirds!)

2. Make quiche.

Memorial day-

1. Find a place to escape to and kiss a lot, for you married people.

2. Family BBQ.

3. Go for a hike.

Fourth of July

1. Go to a certain campground, or to a big Fourth of July celebration.

2. Watch Independence Day, or the Patriot.

3. Have your favorite berry pie or dessert.

Labor day - spend it at the beach! But of course not everyone can do this, so come up with your own getaway place; for practicality keep it under a 2 hour drive.

Summer time family get togethers - how about a yearly get together for extended family -- potlucks, or bbq's at a park or family member's home.

Thanksgiving

1. Have everyone say what they are thankful for, at the dinner table.

2. Watch Squanto, or read a Thanksgiving story.

3. Go shopping the next day!

Christmas

1. A Christmas family tradition idea that I grew up with is Christmas calendar that held special activities for each day of the month; it had a place for a scroll of paper that was to be opened each day. This was handmade by my mom, and it was great fun seeing what special activity the evening held for us. You could modify it for the 12 days of Christmas.

2. Have a berry cobbler for breakfast. Check out my website below for a great place to store your favorite family recipes.

3. Watch the Christmas Carol.

4. Read the Christmas Story.

5. Go to pick out your own Christmas tree, and/or put it up on Dec. 1st.

6. Go to a Christmas musical.

7. Make your own special treats to give away as presents.

Hopefully I have given you some fresh ideas that will give you some great family memories.

Family Traditions - Why, and Some Holiday Ideas

Christmas Gift Ideas for Mom From a Son - 2010 Christmas Presents on a Budget

As we get closer and closer to the Christmas shopping season it tends to be the case that millions of sons will look for and think about 2010 Christmas gift ideas for mom. Unfortunately, most guys are not very good at picking out gifts for any woman, no less their mother. With this being the case it might be a very good idea to create a Christmas present that is 100% personalized such as a t-shirt, sweater or mug. A customized piece of jewelry is always a good idea as well.

Most jewelry stores will allow customers to come up with a unique piece of jewelry for the women in their life. Maybe just the initials of your mother would be just what is needed to come up with a great Christmas present for 2010. Another great idea would be to get a customized t-shirt with one of mom's classic sayings. All of our mothers have sayings that they used when we were children and putting this on a t-shirt with her smiling face right beside it could be the best Christmas gift idea ever.

Christmas Gift

One of the most important parts of the Christmas holiday is to actually spend time with your mother. Even if you get her something very small it will be the case that being there is very important to mom. You may not think it is a big deal but if you have moved away and grown up then coming home for the holidays could prove to be very influential in your mother's life. With that being the case it might be smart to go ahead and book your flight to head back home for the Christmas holidays. When you get to see her face when she opens that personalized gift it will be even that much more important.

Many Americans are cutting back greatly in 2010 as the overall economy has greatly struggled. With the unemployment rate over 9% and millions of Americans no longer have unemployment benefits it might be a smart decision to save a little bit of extra cash for a rainy day. Even though you are looking to save through the Christmas holiday shopping season there are still many options to buy mom a Christmas present on a budget. By simply buying a white t-shirt and putting a personalized message on it you could make your mother very happy on December 25th, 2010. Sometimes its the small things that mean the most.

Christmas Gift Ideas for Mom From a Son - 2010 Christmas Presents on a Budget