Merry Christmas and a happy new year!

Christmas Gift Ideas For the Elderly

It can be hard to buy Christmas gifts for the elderly people in our lives that we love. Many of these wonderful people are not capable of participating in the hobbies they once did, they have all the household items they need and the clothing items they need. At first thought, we may be at a lost at what to buy them that they will not only like, but may actually need.

Yet, there are a number of different things you can buy and a number of different services you can offer or you can pay someone else to do, that will not only brighten their holiday season, but may make their holiday season a little easier for them.

Christmas Gift

Here are a few suggestions.

--Offer to clean their house once a week or help them to maintain their yard. If you don't have the time or think they would prefer a stranger to do these services for them, you could hire a cleaning service or a yard care service for them.

--Do you have a child in your household who always needs extra money? Is the child old enough to wash dishes? Discuss the idea of the child going over to the house once or twice a week to the dishes for him/her. You pay the child.

--Do you love to bake or cook? Bake a cake, pie or prepare a meal for the person.

--Give a gift basket filled with bath supplies. Include items such as sponges, lotions and soaps. Make sure the products are filled with moisturizes. As we age, our skin becomes dryer and dry skin can become rough and irritated.

--Give food baskets filled with anything from cookies, candies, meats, breads, wines, and crackers and cheeses and everything in between. Make sure anything that needs to be refrigerated, gets refrigerated as soon as possible.

--Offer to take the person to the grocery store or even to do their grocery store shopping or them.

--Visit them early (before the actually Christmas holiday). Ask if they need help decorating. Give them a whole afternoon of your time. Be sure to also help put the decorations away after the holidays are finished.

--Would the person enjoy a massage? Do you have a massage therapist in town? Old bones tend to hurt, especially in the cold seasons.

--Want a gift they can unwrap? Think about warm robes, warm slippers and even warm throws. Yes, they may have these all ready. But with age these tend to lose their softness. Be sure to buy the softness one you can find.

--Check and see if the person still has a working record player. Yes, record player. Older people still have a collection of records from their past. But many may not have a working player. Yes, you can still buy these. Sometimes they come in combination packages that include a CD player and radio. If the records are in storage, offer to help the person get them out and then set up the player for them to enjoy.

It can be hard to buy for the elderly. For one thing, they may feel like they have everything they need and want. In some cases, they actually may have. But we still have to take the initiative and we still have to try and find a special Christmas gift and special gift ideas for the elderly people in our lives. It is one way we can show them how much we love and cherish them.

Christmas Gift Ideas For the Elderly

Top Ten Christmas Stocking Stuffers for the Whole family

Soon every person will be searching for ideas to put in this year's Christmas stockings. So what are the most beloved types of stocking stuffer ideas are habitancy seeing for? generally "cheap" top the list, followed by "for men", " for children", "fun" and "adult stocking stuffers",

In an exertion to make your holiday shopping easier, I have created my Top 10 Stocking Ideas for each man in the family. This, I hope, will save you time and the stress of searching endless ideas and recommendations. After all, Christmas shopping should be a fun, enjoyable and stress-free experience.

Christmas Toys

For Boys

Most boys will wish for toys and games from Santa. I would leave the "big" costly remote controlled toys as the main gift. There are many fun, cheap stocking gifts that will thrill your little one and put a smile on his face. Here are my Top 10 ideas:

1) Small little toy cars or planes.

2) Make yourself paper/wooden planes. These are reasonable and loved by kids.

3) The infamous Slingshot Flying Monkey. These are highly fun and will keep them entertained for a long time. The slingshot is also available in other characters such as cow, frog, pig and chicken.

4) Yo-yos.

5) Magic cards.

6) 3D puzzles

7) Gift certificate to their beloved store.

8) Bath toys such as Animal toady Capsules and Gelli Baff will keep them entertained in the bath.

9) Colorful pencils, erasers, glue sticks, chalk, rulers and stickers. These school supplies are likely in need of replenishment at the start of the new calendar year and

10) And of procedure don't forget candies and chocolates.

For Girls

Girls, like boys also like most toys and games but they tend to be a little more practical and like their mom would probably love to dress up and look pretty. Here are my Top 10 stocking stuffers for Girls:

1) Jewelry. Items such as, hair clips, vigor bead anklet and other hair decorations will go down well.

2) Girls tend to be more outpatient and creative and many love to paint, draw or make things. Hence, items like make your own jewelry, arts and crafts, putty are very well received.

3) For the glamorous girl, tubes of flavored lip-gloss, glittery body gel and neon nail polish will put a sparkle in her eye.

4)Branded toys such as Barbie and Hello Kitty. Leave the big toy items for the main gift but small accessories such as Barbie stickers, pens, notebooks make great stocking stuffers.

5) Colorful pencils, erasers, glue sticks, chalk, rulers and stickers.

6) Gift certificate to their beloved store.

7) Bath toys such as Animal toady Capsules and Gelli Baff are great fun for kids.

8) Handbags or purses.

9) little cuddly soft toys and baby dolls and

10) Throw in a few packets or bars of her beloved candies, chocolates and juices.

For Men

Traditionally stocking stuffers are relatively small, fun, prudent gifts, but for the extra man in your life I see no speculate not to be a bit more lavish with your gifts that are useful, practical and guaranteed to be appreciated. Here, you can mix and match a selection of economy items as well as one or two more costly gifts that are on his Christmas list!

1) iPod or Mp3 player. The smaller gadgets are great for runners and for non-runners they are small adequate to carry nearby in his pocket.

2) i-Tunes gift certificates.

3) Subscription to his beloved newspaper or magazine

4) Gift certificate to his beloved store.

5) Accessories that comes as part of the main gift. Yes, this is boring but it is practical! For example, if an electronic gadget gift requires batteries, then rather than wrapping this up with the main gift, throw it in the stocking.

6) Favorite Cd/Dvd.

7) Fun and novelty gifts to make him laugh such as a shocking pen, slingshot toys.

8) Car air freshener. This may sound boring but we all know that guys don't keep their cars as clean as the ladies!

9) wholesome munchies such as raisins, dried fruit and granola bars and

10) Golf balls (for golfer), running socks (for runner) or other sporting accessories.

For Women

It is without doubt that women like to be pampered. Meticulous selections of gifts that match her personality, interests and needs will go down well. My top 10 ideas for Women are:

1) Gift certificate to a spa or saloon.

2) Pamper, romantic and personal care gifts such as massage oil, organic soaps and bath salts.

3) Scented stress balls to take away the stress of Xmas shopping! 4 Mood glow candles. These are distinct and more lively than former candles.

5) Her beloved chocolate and candies.

6) Digital Photo keychain so that she can carry with her at all times her beloved photos of the kids.

7) Theatre tickets.

8) Small picture to remind her of something memorable whether it's a holiday or an event.

9) evening meal for 2 at her beloved restaurant and

10) beloved Cd/Dvd.

The list of Christmas stocking stuffers can be endless, but I hope there is something for you and your family in my Top 10 List. Happy Stocking Stuffing!

Top Ten Christmas Stocking Stuffers for the Whole family

Christmas Menu Ideas

Do you need Christmas menu ideas? The festive season can be a lot of fun, especially with all the delicious Christmas chocolates and gourmet foods that are available at this time of year but sometimes it can be hard coming up with an inviting menu that's not going to make you a slave to the kitchen on the big day.

First of all, you need to decide if you want a traditional feast or a modern one. Of course, you can do a mixture of both, if you know your family and guests will enjoy it. That way, there's something for everyone to enjoy, whether it's roast turkey straight from the oven or barbequed prawns and a festive salad.

Christmas Eve

Cold ham is a delicious yet useful menu item. It's easy to prepare it the day before with a special glaze, such as ginger, maple syrup or cranberry sauce. A glazed ham will definitely have the wow factor and best of all, you won't have to do anything with it except serve it on Christmas Day.

A traditional menu might look like this:

• Roast turkey with stuffing and gravy
• Glazed ham
• Goose fat or duck fat roast potatoes
• Roast pumpkin or parsnip
• Honey roast carrots
• Cranberry sauce
• Christmas pudding with ice-cream

A modern menu might look like this:

• Barbecued prawns
• Festive salad
• Glazed ham
• Gourmet cheese
• Pavlova or tiramisu

Even if you're having a traditional dinner, you may like to swap the pudding for something lighter, such as chocolate mousse, pavlova, or tiramisu. All these desserts are special enough to enjoy on the big day.

Don't forget the nibblies! Think mince pies, spiced nuts, ginger cookies, Christmas cake and home-made truffles.

If you want to give your guests a healthy option, then why not consider making a fresh fruit platter?

The only problem with supplying your guests with delicious gourmet food before the festive lunch or dinner is that they might inadvertently fill up beforehand and then won't be able to do justice to your beautiful meal.

One way to stop this happening is to limit the amount of appetisers available until afterwards. Then you won't feel that your guests were too full to appreciate all your hard work in the kitchen!

If you're lucky, your guests may give you a wine gift. This can come in handy in case you run out of wine while you're entertaining them! Sometimes it can be difficult to work out how much alcohol you'll need: some people may drink more than others, while some guests will limit themselves to one glass of wine.

It's a good idea to cater for people who don't drink alcohol - a non-alcoholic fruit punch may even tempt the drinkers!

If you give yourself plenty of time to plan the menu for your festive lunch or dinner, then you'll find that it won't be so stressful to cater for your friends and family on the big day.

Christmas Menu Ideas

Christmas Gift Ideas For 12 Year Old Boys

Are you on the hunt for those Christmas gifts that will verily hit the spot for all your family and friends? It can be a challenge to come up with ideas and get the right presents for your loved ones. But when you nail it and get that perfect gift it's great to see the smiling faces. If you are looking for a few Christmas gift ideas for 12 year old boys then this description may be able to help you out. It will present 3 toys that should verily suit a boy of colse to 12 years of age.

The first toy that is sure to motion to a 12 year old boy is the Razor drifter. This item was listed as a hot toy for Christmas 2010. I'm sure about that but it looks like a lot of fun anyhow. It's basically a go kart with slick tires so that the driver can slide the kart about.

Christmas Toys

If you have ever gone to those indoor go kart tracks you will understand the fun that can be had on a machine like this. The appropriate go karts use a two stroke machine to power them. Any way the Razor Drifter uses and electric motor so it is easier to enounce and use. You simply recharge the battery on the motor and it's ready top go again.

There have been some concerns over the wear of the tires on the drifter and you would obviously need a flat and level outside to run the drifter on. If you have such a venue then you can have some great fun sliding your kart colse to obstacles or round a track. Good still get a buddy with someone else drifter and have races.

Another item that could by all means; of course be described as a boys toy is the Nerf gun. Most people are aware of what a Nerf Gun is and have probably been at the wrong end of one from time to time. Nerf guns fire soft plastic darts at a good velocity. They look like real guns and are great for having battles with your buddies.

Boys love to have Nerf wars in the back yard and since the darts are quite soft it isn't too sore when you get hit by one. The latest Nerf gun is the Stampede Ecs gun which is the first strike style gun that has an self-operating firing mode.

The third toy that is bound to be a hit with boys colse to the age of 12 is the Air Hogs Pocket Copter. It's a remote controlled helicopter and very cheap for such a machine. As the name suggests, it is a pocket sized Rc helicopter which might also explicate why it is cheap.

Boys love remote controlled devices and this is a neat microscopic toy that they will love to fly around. Due to the size of this toy, it is probably Good used indoors than outside but you can use it anywhere really. The pocket copter is also supposed to be a top toy for Christmas 2010.

Christmas Gift Ideas For 12 Year Old Boys

What Are The Hot Christmas Gifts This Year? 2011, 2012

While trying to figure out what are the hot Christmas gifts for this year in 2011, consider giving a gift that can last your giftee a lifetime. Rather than opting for the typical presents, you could try to choose a little something unique as well as beautiful. Unlike several guides you may see this Holiday season about gift buying, you actually must take a look at energy pendants for a gift of health and a great gift of beautiful jewelry which won't break your finances while actually providing some real world benefits!

What exactly are energy pendants?

Christmas Gift

Energy pendants really are a cool piece of jewelry that you can find almost anyplace lately. Most claim to promote health and fitness, quite a few these businesses and sites won't actually reveal how they perform and what they do. Energy pendants are basically made from elements that come out of the earth, usually made with metal and also volcanic (aka igneous) rock.

The power caught inside the elements is the essential thing, there is lots of medical studies that are finished and many presently ongoing, considering the potency of this power to help people. It's proven to increase mobility, endurance, intellectual awareness; this should be on the list of what are the hot Christmas gifts this year.

How can they work?

The power itself is positively charged, to help you benefit from it regardless of how you wear it. Scalar energy is really a kind of energy that appears naturally, with lots of various other types you're likely aware of, such as nuclear, solar, wind, as well as electromagnetic radiation and fields. What's excellent about this sort of energy is it's positively charged, present devoid of damaging ions. Additionally, it doesn't alter form or reduce its strength whenever it goes through solid things or other forms of matter, you can use it inside your clothing, or over some heavy clothes and it'll be effective.

So what can it do for me?

Good energy is shown to have excellent benefits for our wellness. Many use these to defend themselves against EMF radiation and many of the illnesses and health problems a destroyed immune system brings. Advantages range from:

Protection against electro-magnetic frequencies which could trouble the body's natural equilibrium;

Restore and renew healthy cell growth;

Much better sleep;

Therefore if you're searching for a new special idea that effortlessly fits in with what are the hot Christmas gifts this year. Check it out for yourself!

What Are The Hot Christmas Gifts This Year? 2011, 2012

Christmas Newsletters

Christmas is the time of year where everyone gets together. It is one of the holidays that even family you never hear from gives you a call to find out how you are doing. Of course, this leads to hours on the phone repeating the same stories over and over again to all the people who missed out during the year. While it is a great way to catch up there is a faster and easier way that allows everyone in the family to join in.

Christmas newsletters are one way to let everyone in the family know, whether they are nearby or far away, what has been going on in your family during the year. It is a great way to put in all the little stories and important moments. Some individuals include pictures, copies of papers or drawings, depending on the age of the children, and other important or noteworthy things.

Christmas Day

There are a few parts to a Christmas newsletter. The first part is the greeting section. Ideas to use for the Greeting section include Merry Christmas or Holiday Greetings From "Your Family Name" and then the names of all the members of the family and possibly your pets, as well. This should be in large colorful or bold lettering and perhaps a fancy font like Chocolate Box. It can also include the family motto if you have one.

The next section is going to be the body of the newsletter. There is a variety of different methods that you can use for this section of the newsletter. The first is the traditional newsletter style, which consists of two columns similar to a newspaper. The next is a paragraph format. Both of these styles should be date ordered from the beginning of the year and onwards to the most recent event. It does not have to be details or extensive. Many of these newsletters are a single page in length but it is common in larger or highly active families for them to be multiple pages. Experiment with your word processor - some new versions are even including newsletter templates.

Once you have chosen the style for your Christmas newsletter the next step is to decide which stories you want to share with everyone and organize them either by person or by date. Then simply type them up. It can be a simple letter or you can add things like graphics for each of the stories.

Consider posting your newsletter to your blog or emailing it to your friends using a contact manager like Constant Contact. Avoid the computer faux pas of sending out an email that shows the email addresses of everyone on your list. (Katy may not want Jim to have her email address.) At the very least, email your newsletter to yourself and BCC everyone else on the list.

To avoid issues with email and spam filters, this might be a good time to check out all the places where you can set up your own family blog. There are several companies online that will host your Wordpress blog complete with templates and everything. Or take advantage of free blog spaces provided by companies like blogger.com.

If you have a facebook,, myspace or other social networking membership, be sure to let folks know you are there. You can load links to your Christmas newsletter/blog and encourage friends and family to keep up with your family all year long via these great social networking tools.

Creating a Christmas or holiday newsletter is a great way to catch everyone up in the family happenings as well as share the hopes for the New Year as well as renew ties with family - whether printed on traditional paper or distributed via the internet, Christmas newsletters are a super way to bring your friends and family up to date with what has happened all year.

Christmas Newsletters

Christmas Gifts - Redneck Specialty Christmas Gifts

Rednecks are part of the local establishment, from the Sheriff Jim with the longhorn hood ornament on his Chevy Blazer to the Mayor's two tone cow truck that carries her around town, Rednecks blaze a trail in the local community. But until you've had a truly fashionable redneck Christmas, you just really have not celebrated. Part of that celebration includes original trendy redneck gifts.

Redneck bubble bath -

Christmas Gift

A handful of pinto beans in a plastic baggie tied with a piece of red cord not only decorates the tree, but serves as an impromptu gift for those elegant ladies who come to visit over the holidays. Everyone could use a good bubble bath!

Redneck coat hanger -

After deer hunting season a nice rack of horns doesn't have much to do 'cept hang around, so if you mount 'em on a nice wood plaque and hang 'em on the wall, they make a beautiful coat hanger. Shoot two and have an extra gift to give.

Redneck hood ornament -

Nobody really likes those hood ornaments that come on the old Ford truck, so give that buddy a new ornament. A pair of long horns, or a set of antlers works better than a silver bug catcher.

Redneck bed frame -

Often recognized as the perfect gift for newlyweds, this awesome gift of love gets their buns up off the floor. Give 'em 4 family size soup cans and four long boards to frame the bed and you've got the handiest dandy bed frame in the south (and room enough for ole Beau to crawl under on those cold nights).

Redneck bun warmer -

For that prized two holer in the back yard, every redneck wants a pair of bun warmers and the craftiest among you will be able to figure out how to cover two toilet seats with flannel and solve the problem. Flannel is much nicer to sit on when the snow flies on those cold winter mornings.

If you've had just about enough of Redneck Christmas Gift ideas, I've got another plan that just might suit your fancy a little better. Try 12 Days of Christmas at http://plusfindyourdream.com/Santa/ and get twelve wonderful stocking stuffers you can give to your loved ones, friends, and family (even if they ain't a redneck in the bunch of 'em).

Christmas Gifts - Redneck Specialty Christmas Gifts

Thoughtful Christmas Greeting Messages

Telling someone that they are loved during the Christmas season is easy with Christmas greeting messages. Multiple greeting card companies are always thinking up new ways to make the Christmas season special, improving on the variety and type of messages that can be found inside their Christmas cards.

The Origin of the Christmas Cards Custom

Christmas Card

The custom of sending Christmas cards began in London in 1843 when Sir Henry Cole commissioned a card with an illustration by John Callcott Horsley. A batch of 1000 cards was printed off and sold for a shilling each. At that time the focus was more on the picture than on the Christmas greeting message inside. From around 1860, Christmas cards were produced in larger numbers As printing methods improved.

The Development of Christmas Cards

Traditionally, Christmas cards showed religious pictures illustrating parts of the Christmas story. The religious aspect became less popular in the late 19th century and cards became more lavish. At the turn-of-the century European Christmas postcards were introduced and remained popular for the next 10 years. And from then on designs and fashions in Christmas Cards and their greeting messages have developed through the hand-painted cards were popular during the 1920s and heavily influenced by the Art Deco movement, those making fun of poverty and prohibition during the 1930s, to more humorous cards that were introduced in the 1950s. Humor continues to be popular today, as does religious motifs, winter pictures, Father Christmas, or romantic scenes of life in past times.

Searching for the right words to express to others inside a card can be a lot of fun for many people and makes the holiday season all the merrier. Like the card themselves Christmas greeting messages come in various forms. Many are sentimental with expressions of love for a special person, some are witty and some are of a more religious nature. And then there are the plain "Have a Happy Christmas" type messages. The greetings displayed in the card can mean so much to not only the recipient, but to the sender, as well.

Creating Your Own Christmas Cards

For those that like to create their own Christmas greeting messages, many cards can be customized on computers, as well as through specialty print shops such as Ipads. Many businesses and organizations like to have their own Christmas greeting messages inside of their holiday cards that are sent to their customers as a form of personalized "thank you" for their custom during the year. Customizing Christmas greeting messages is a great way to go that extra step and make card selection a bit more personal and can be easily and cheaply achieved at Costco or Kinkos.

In the end, however, it is typically not the card that makes the season special, but the Christmas greeting messages that are within the card so choose them thoughtfully.

Thoughtful Christmas Greeting Messages

Cool Christmas Gifts Ideas For 9 Year Old Boys

I'm sure you are well aware that the Christmas gift shopping has to get done pretty soon but maybe you are stuck for original ideas. If you have to find a present for a 9 year old boy then this article might be able to point you in the right direction. It will present three cool Christmas gift ideas for 9 year old boys or boys around that age.

The first gift idea is an old favorite. It's LEGO. But not just the simple block sets that certainly encourage creativity but may also be a bit dull for kids of around 9 years of age. The item presented here is the City Public Transport set.

Christmas Gift

This is far more advanced from the plain old blocks, as it is a set with a theme. And that theme, of course, is a public transport system. In the set you get a train or tram system with station. You also get a filling station for road vehicles and a bus. There are a few other cars, like a street sweeping vehicle, a flash yellow sports car and, believe it or not, a bicycle. There are also a few LEGO characters to drive and ride on these transport systems.

Kids will love to play with the set on its own or they can incorporate it into their existing LEGO sets. It is a fairly new release as it only came out in August this year so it's bound to be a toy to get any kids that are mad on Lego and want to add to their collection.

Another toy that is sure to appeal to boys is the AT AT Walker model. The AT AT walker (All Terrain Armored Transport) is part of the Star Wars movies. Most kids today may be up on the Clone Wars and the latest characters from this time in the Star Wars legend but this is a way to get them into the older movies.

The AT AT is from the second Star Wars movie (chronologically speaking) and is such a fantastic looking machine that most fans of the movies would love to have such a toy. The toy is a well detailed model of the real machines.

You can open the cockpit to see all the dashboard decal and there is space for character, like the driver and commander to steer the walker. You can also open the body to store stormtroopers and gear for the impending battle. As part of the toy, you also get an imperial bike speeder which can be stored in the body.

The final toy that is sure to suit a 9 year old boy (or girl for that matter) is the Razor E200 scooter. This is an motor driven deck style scooter. It looks a bit like a skateboard with a steering column. You can even get a similarly designed scooter without the motor which requires leg power to move it, but most kids already have something like this. They'd really love one with a motor on it.

Cool Christmas Gifts Ideas For 9 Year Old Boys

10 Fun Photo Christmas Card Ideas For Your Family Holiday Greeting

What are you going to do to make this year's photo Christmas cards really stand out?  You don't have to fall back on the same old ideas this holiday.  Here are ten suggestions to help you make this season's family greeting the best one yet.

1. Try a different spin on a traditional theme.  This fall take a picture of the kids with a pumpkin snowman.  Just stack three pumpkins, graduating in size with the biggest on the bottom and their stems removed.  Paint a face on the top pumpkin, carve a small hole to hold the carrot nose, then put a Santa hat or wool cap on top and add a scarf.  If you live near the beach, you can make a sand snowman instead.

Christmas Card

2. Transform an ordinary photo Christmas card into a religious one by adding your favorite Bible verse. Look for a company that will let you create your own personalized message, instead of just sticking with the text shown on the sample.

3. Nothing is cuter than a holiday greeting that contains a photo of an adorable animal in a seasonal setting.  The easiest way to achieve this look yourself is to take a picture of your sleeping dog or cat on top a sheet of wrapping paper or under the tree.  Add the caption, "peace on earth" and wait for the "aaaahs".

4. Create a four seasons look with a multi photo Christmas card that has space for four photos.  Then choose pictures of your kids from the past year during the winter, spring, summer and fall. Personalize it with the words, "thinking of you at Christmas...and all year, too!"

5. Is your little one a budding artist?  He or she can help you to create a really unique holiday greeting.  Ask him to draw a picture of the family with crayons. Then, it's your turn to cut out the faces of each family member from snapshots and glue them to the top of the crayon bodies. Take a close up photo of the masterpiece for this year's card.

6. Are you famous for your holiday baking? If you're always being asked for the recipe for one of your seasonal goodies, you can turn that into a fun photo Christmas card.  Write out the directions on a pretty recipe card, then clip a family photo onto the card, perhaps of the kids baking cookies. Be careful not to cover any of the instructions with that picture. You might want to add the words, "wishing you a sweet Christmas".

7. For impact, try black and white with a touch of color.  Your favorite photo with the kids in Santa hats can be changed into an artistic black and white picture with just the Santa hats in red.  Most online photo Christmas card companies will do this for you at no extra charge.

8. Make a statement.  What makes your family tick?  Are you a bunch of beach bums, taking advantage of sun and surf every possible moment in the summer?  Then include photos in your holiday greeting of the kids playing in the waves and building sand castles.  Are you all sports enthusiasts? Then feature action shots of your children playing for their team.  Are you involved in animal rescue, active in politics, big on barbecues, busy selling homemade jewelry at craft shows, passionate about your faith? Find a way to work it into your pictures.  This year, instead of a posed portrait, give people a glimpse into your family dynamics.

9. Send a holiday greeting that takes a trip down memory lane.  For this idea, you will need to select Christmas cards that feature multiple photos.  Choose your current favorite family picture and then add one or more photos of the kids when they were younger for a then and now effect. You might want to ask the card company to change the older photos to black and white or make the current picture larger than the rest. Don't forget to add captions underneath indicating the year the photographs were taken.

10. If you're still looking for a fresh idea for this year's Christmas greeting, then it's time to browse. Start searching through the huge variety of designs in photo holiday cards online until you find one in particular that inspires you.  Maybe it's a candy cane motif and you'll think of posing the kids with comically oversized candy canes.  Or you'll fall in love with one that has a pale blue background with snowflakes, which might lead you to dress the family in shades of blue.  Many times, it's easier to pick out the card first, which will set the tone for the pictures you want to include.

This year you can have an amazing photo Christmas card that gets rave reviews from friends and relatives.  All it takes is a little inspiration and thought to make this season's greeting a one of a kind expression of your family.

10 Fun Photo Christmas Card Ideas For Your Family Holiday Greeting

Christmas Angel Gift Poem

This angel craft poem is an ideal craft for loved ones in need. You can make this project as simple as some card stock and a plain white feather or you can place it into a box or gift card.

You can use coloured feathers for a more vibrant feel, but remember angels don't usually have hot pink feathers or at least we don't think so.

Christmas Gift

To make this angel feather poem all you need to do is write out the poem and attach a feather. If you want to make a magnet, just glue on a flat backed magnet to the back of your card. You could also make these with a hanging ribbon to place onto the Christmas tree.

Angel Feather Craft Poem

This is an angel feather,
sent from God above,
to serve as a reminder,
of his gracious love.

It's from your guardian angel,
that God himself assigned to you,
And fell out in his struggles,
as he protected you.

Each time you almost stumble,
Each time you nearly fall,
Remember to,
Thank God and his angels,
for answering your call.

You can make these for school fundraisers or use them as quick craft projects for girl guides or scouts to make for mothers day or fathers day gifts.

These are very popular as magnets as they are a constant reminder each time you open the fridge, they are also perfect for donating to hospitals to give out to patients or loved ones in need.

Photos are available of this completed project on my website.

Christmas Angel Gift Poem

Best Christmas Gifts For Your Wife

Your wife is easier to shop for than you might think, as long as you know her well. Women, in general, are romantic creatures who love to see that you still see her through loving eyes and with a tender heart. Another way to impress your wife is to buy her a gift that says you pay attention to those things in life she most enjoys, so when choosing a great Christmas gift for your wife, take along this list of suggestions suitable for every budget.

Best Christmas Gift For Your Wife -- Think Together Time

Christmas Card

1. Buy your wife a gift card for dinner out at a romantic restaurant. Slip it into a hand-written invitation to join you there soon for a quiet dinner for two.

2. Buy a pair of cozy pajamas for each of you. Place them in a pretty gift basket. Add a great DVD you've both been wanting to watch, some microwave popcorn, and a soft throw blanket in her favorite color. Include a note asking her if the two of you can get cozy and watch a movie together soon.

3. Get a gorgeous calendar, and mark a day a month on it designated as "couple time only."

4. Another great gift for together time is a basket full of things for a shower or bath for two: candles, body wash, a couple of fluffy towels, and some massage lotion makes for a romantic evening bath together.

5. Say you love her all over again with a beautiful classic piece of jewelry: a diamond eternity ring, a string of real pearls, or a pair of diamond earrings.

6. Make reservations for a weekend away. Write up the itinerary, slip it into a pretty Christmas card, and tuck it among the branches of the Christmas tree.

Best Christmas Gift For You Wife -- Hobbies and Interests

1. Does she scrapbook? Buy her a new one and slip a few of your favorite photos of the two of you between the pages.

2. For the book lover, buy her some of the paper backs she's been wanting to read, or buy her a set of leather bound classics.

3. Get her a great leather tote bag to store her yarn, her sewing things, or her workout gear.

4. Buy her a great piece she's been wanting to add to whatever she loves to collect.

5. Best Christmas gift for whatever she enjoys the most: a coffee table book full or information and great photos.

6. If the budget allows and she loves to travel, buy cruise tickets for the two of you.

Best Christmas Gift For Your Wife -- The Fashion Loving Woman

1. A gift card to her favorite fashion store put inside a romantic Christmas card is a great present.

2. Buy her a cashmere scarf and matching gloves in her favorite color.

3. Sneak a peek at her sweater size, and buy her one in a color that matches her eyes.

4. Write her a romantic letter offering to take her shopping for a brand new outfit, treat's on you. It says you know her well but saves you wondering about sizes and styles. Include a gift card to a nice cafe for lunch out to round out the day.

5. Are shoes her thing? Find an empty shoe box, fill it with a variety of stocking stuffer items, and slip in a gift card to her favorite shoe boutique.

6. Write her a love letter or draw her a silly picture. Put it in a frame, and tuck into the corner a gift card to her favorite spa for a massage or a pedicure to wind down after her next shopping day.

It's still the thought that really does count the most, and any of these great Christmas gifts will tell your wife: I know you well and I think the world of you!

Best Christmas Gifts For Your Wife

What Do Kids Want for Christmas This Year?

Kids come in all shapes sizes and mindsets. So it's impossible to write one article that tells you what toys kids want for Christmas this year. But, since I have been tracking the most wished 'wishlists' on Amazon I can venture to share with you 5 great toys that you will not go wrong with. Especially if you are gifting children other than your own (and operating on a approx 30 dollar budget).

Just a sidenote, if you are gifting your own kids and you are not sure you know what they want, ask them. Communicate. Merry Christmas!

Christmas Toys

Coming back to three great games kids want for Christmas in 2010, here are my selections...

First is the Hedbanz game. It's a quick-question game of 'What Am I?' Fast, easy and fun for the whole family, this gem absolutely develops the deductive mental skills of 6 year olds and up. Great for sleepovers and school parties also. The only negative aspect is that there are only 72 cards to pick from manufacture the choices finite.

The Loopz game, for 1 to 4 players, is the next great idea. Loopz includes 7 dissimilar games that can be played solo or as a head-to-head competition. It presents a composition of skill and performance as the "loops" flash with ever-quickening patterns of light and music which players must mimic. The idea is to stay alert... Because if you miss three times you're out!

The Mindflex game from Mattel moves one level higher in mind development. It combines developed technology with the power of view as players compete in the ultimate mental marathon through various obstacles that can be repositioned into many dissimilar configurations. This game competed for the 10th annual Toy of the Year (Toty) Awards and has been widely acclaimed for all kids including autistics.

The Scientific Explorer's Mind Blowing Science Kit for Young Scientists is exactly what the name suggests it is. Tons of confident reviews about this kit confirm that it is great for involving the family with experiments that intrigue all ages. The winner of Parents' option stylish Award and Dr.Toy 'One of the 10 Best Educational Products Award', this kit contains a range of experiments and study guide with scientific explanation. There heaps of studying and fun here.

Finally, the Multi Voice Changer by Toysmith is the season's big hit! It helps you change your voice with 10 dissimilar voice modifiers and kids just can't stop playing with it. Get the most fun voice effects with a huge range of side-lever combinations!

So now that you know what kids want for Christmas, let's get to work!

What Do Kids Want for Christmas This Year?

Christmas Poems

Read these three Christmas poems celebrating the life of Jesus, the person he was and the legacy he left behind. The birth of Jesus is an event that people from all around the world celebrate with their families and loved ones regardless of their faith or religion. There is no doubt about the magnitude of the impact that Jesus made during his short lived life on Earth. He was able with his love, humility, kindness, compassion and forgiveness to touch people's lives thousands of years after his birth.

Short Poems - Christmas Poems

Christmas Eve

On this very special day, I'll extend my Love to you
I will celebrate your birth, whether I'm Muslim, Christian or Jew
Whether you believe in him or not, was never the question of the day
Cause his love has touched your heart, in every single possible way

His foot prints left a trail of hope, for those who come won't be lost
But all truths have to go through trials, until they're proven or tossed
So never mind who will doubt, it's just their fear speaking out
Just let their words pass through you, whether they whisper or shout

From their mouths to your ears, surrender them to the hands of God
Cause it matters not what they say, it matter not if they applaud
Now is the time to stand up tall, and send a prayer to those in need
Cause every word has the power, to change a life, YES indeed!!

Christmas Poem - Something Under a Christmas Tree

It's something under a Christmas tree
A feeling engraved in my history
A star among the galaxies
The touch you feel in your fantasies

It's something that you can't foresee
A rainy cloud over a dry summer tree
An angel at heart in a human form
He covers your eyes from the sandstorm

You spread your wings, wanting to fly
But you're pulled by a feeling you can't deny
It's such a pleasure to be in his presence
To be enriched by his voice and his silence
To know each day we're getting closer
To connect on a level that's so much deeper

Poem For Christmas - The Birth of Jesus

It's Christmas night and the moon is bright
In a dark room with no flash light
It's Christmas Eve without the gifts
A strong wind without the drifts

But,

You're a map with no explanation
A man beyond any contemplation
A meditation for a better nation
A call for Love without hesitation

You're the silence between my breaths
The white Light before my death
You're the joy in a baby's eyes
That makes my Soul dwell and rise

It's your birth, my loved one
That brought tears to the healing sun

Written By: Adrian Nour Jamal

Christmas Poems

Christmas Sayings For Cards, Gifts and Crafts

Use these short Christmas sayings on your stockings, cards and other crafts. These are all short enough to embroider quickly on felt ornaments, felt gift tags, or across the body of a fabric snowman.

Make your card out of felt this year in a Christmas shape and add tiny bells. The saying "Jingle all the Way" would be appropriate for embroidering on the felt card.

Christmas Card

Not just for Christmas cards, Christmas sayings can be stitched, printed, embossed, painted on wood crafts, put on a coffee mug, made as a sign, added to ribbon, used on a T-shirt or sweatshirt with fabric pens, made into a magnet, added to a Christmas ornament, used as a gift tag, applied to stickers or buttons, made into a rubber stamp, cross stitched on towels, used on web pages, sewn on a Christmas stocking, used as scrapbook sayings or added to picture frames.

Let your children make their Christmas cards and use these sayings. Help them draw a cat and mouse in a stocking and use the "Meo-wy Christ-mouse" saying inside the card. Or take a picture of your dog wearing a Santa hat and use the saying "Santa Paws". There's so many uses for these short Christmas sayings:

ho ho ho

Baby's First Christmas

Peace on Earth

Angels Gather Here

Merry Christmas

Deck the Halls

Joy

Let it Snow

Noel

Rejoice

Seasons Greetings

We Believe in Santa

Peace - Joy - Love

Silent Night

Joy - Noel - Angels

Winter Wonderland

Happy Holidays

Jingle All the Way

Have a Jolly Christmas

'Tis the Season

Jolly Kriss Kringle

Christmas Blessings

I Believe

Think Snow

Merry Merry Merry

All I Want For Christmas

Celebrate the Season

Ho! Ho! Ho! Merry Christmas

Good Tidings

Enjoy the Holly Days

Winter Welcome

All is Calm, All is Bright

Be Jolly by Golly

Under the Mistletoe

Yuletide Greetings

Sugar and Spice makes Christmas Nice

Holly Jolly Christmas

Meo-wy Christ-mouse

Oh, Christmas Tree

We Wish You a Merry Christmas

All Hearts Come Home for Christmas

Christmas Sayings For Cards, Gifts and Crafts

Christmas Toys - Predictions For the Most In-Demand 2010 Top Christmas Toys

The 2010 Top Christmas Toys list has already arrived from Uk retailers Hamleys and Woolworths. Why should you be involved about what to by my kids for Christmas in July? If last festive season was anyone to go by, the Christmas toy craze phenomenon is here to stay; need we mention the cute, furry Zhu Zhu Hamsters? This record gives data on the predictions for the most sought after 2010 Top Christmas Toys.

The countdown to Christmas appears to begin earlier with every year that goes by and as we write this record in the middle of July with the sun blazing in straight through the window the festive season seems a very long way off. However, it will soon come around and before you know it kids will be hankering after the most recent toy craze and how they must have it in their Christmas stocking. As parents this is a trying time, we all lead busy lives and even though we don't mean to the festive shopping trips take place closer to Christmas than is advisable by which time stocks of the toys that your kids want are highly hard to come by.

Christmas Toys

Help is at hand however with the predictions for the 2010 Top Xmas Toys. It is said that these forecasts are nothing more than a marketing ploy on behalf of the retailers. But if you put aside the cynicism for a moment they can be a very beneficial guide for parents who want to plan their festive shopping in develop and buy early. It allows you to avoid the rush and panic, be sure of getting the gift you want without having to pay rip-off prices from eBay or other auction sites where stockists are cashing in to make a quick buck.

The current 2010 Top Christmas Toys list has some old favourites together with new high-tech gadgets together with Jetpack Buzz Lightyear, Stinky the Garbage Truck, Kung Zhu Hamsters and a children's Kidizoom Camcorder. The trend appears to be in favour of more technology oriented toys this year.

To get a more detailed look at the 2010 Top Christmas Toys and to buy online, click the links below.

Christmas Toys - Predictions For the Most In-Demand 2010 Top Christmas Toys

Budget Christmas Gift Ideas

Budget Christmas gift ideas are something that can be fairly closely linked with an earlier article where we saw how to go about achieving an old-fashioned Christmas, after all it's only within the last few decades that most families have had enough disposable income to buy a lot of gifts at Christmas; not so long ago a fair amount of what you'd have received at Christmas was hand-made.

In this article we're going to have a look at some of the ways that you'll be able to get some budget Christmas gift ideas, all without looking as though you've done your best to save money along the way.

Christmas Gift

Budget Christmas gift ideas #1: the hand-made gift.

Hand-made Christmas gifts are a great idea, whether you're on a tight budget or not. Many people think that if they give something hand-made they'll just be seen as not having the money to go out and get a 'proper' gift, but that's often far from the truth.

Ok, so they may not cost as much as something new and shiny from the shop, but they're far more valuable in one term, they cost you the time to actually make them. There are a number of hand-made gifts that you could have a look at making for your simple, unique, and budget gift.

How about a hand-made calendar? Let's face it; if you're going to give anyone a calendar, this is the right moment to do it. You can either get the parts that you need from a craft shop, or, if you intend to make this a yearly gift for someone, then you could look at investing in one of the many calendar making software programmes available.

You don't have to have a picture of every month, but, if you're sending it to a relative overseas, then getting out and about with a digital camera and taking a few snaps of the places they used to frequent is a great touch for your calendar.

How about giving a gift basket? Do you make a mean range of chutneys or Christmas cakes? If so then you can make up a gift basket and include a lot of the items you may already be making for the Christmas holidays. Not everyone either remembers, or gets a chance to get in some of these things at Christmas, and giving them in a gift basket will not only be a nice thing to give, it'll also be quite a practical thing to receive.

Another thing about the hand-made budget Christmas gift ideas are the fact that you can get the kids involved. Not only will it give them some pride in the fact that they've contributed to the gift, you could give the gift as something that they've made themselves.

Budget Christmas gift ideas #2: auction sites.

Most people will know about auction sites, so this may not be a revolutionary idea for getting a budget Christmas gift, but it is one that's often overlooked.

It's not always advisable to go to them to look for this year's Christmas fad, because, if it's something that's sold out everywhere else, the price on the auction sites is going to be astronomical. If, however, the person you're getting the gift for is into something that isn't such a fad, then auction sites can still be a great way for getting a budget bargain.

Here are a few things to attempt if you're going down the auction route. Try looking for misspellings of the item. Not everyone gets the spelling right, and not everyone is looking under the wrong spelling, so this can be a good way of finding something that very few other people are going to start bidding on.

Always exceed the next recommended bid by 1 cent - or the equivalent where you are - way? Well most people are going to stick with the round numbers when they put in their maximum bids i.e. instead of .01, how does that help? If you bid and it matched the maximum of the other person you'd have to bid again at , but, if they bid at and you put in .01 you'd be the top bidder, and would have saved yourself 99 cents on trying to outbid them at .

Always wait till near the end of the auction to bid. Bidding too early attracts other buyers, and it accelerates the bidding far too early.

Budget Christmas gift ideas #3: manufacturer's and warehouses.

Often a manufacturer will be able to sell directly to the public, which saves you having to pay the extra to the reseller, and a similar thing happens with warehouses. You may not be able to find what you want, but it is a good tactic to be aware of if you're following up on your budget Christmas gift ideas.

Budget Christmas gift ideas #4: cards.

While these aren't the gifts themselves, they certainly can take a lot out of your Christmas gift budget. Have you ever sat down and worked out how much the cards you use actually cost? It can be quite scary if you have a large family and circle of friends.

Hand-made cards aren't difficult to create, and, as earlier, they're a great thing to get the kids involved in. They can either be done individually, or, if you're a bit of a techno wiz, you can have them created on the computer and just print them out.

There we have it; four budget Christmas gift ideas to get you through the tough times.

Hand-made gifts are a great place to start for anyone on a budget, and you can get the whole family involved. If you want something that's 'shop bought' then have a look at either the auction sites, or possibly go direct to the manufacturer. Then have a look at making your own Christmas cards, not only do they have the personal touch, they will save you a fortune over buying the from the shops.

So just remember, they don't have to be thought of as being cheap just because they're budget Christmas gift ideas.

Budget Christmas Gift Ideas

Christmas Gifts For Men - 2011

Christmas time can be the worst in the gift giving calendar, especially if you've got a lot of people to buy for. Potential stress and pitfalls lie at every turn and even if you find a great gift you'll probably still have three or four other men to please. So what do you get for the picky boys you know? Take some of the stress of out of the holiday season by considering these top gifts.

Have a bit of luxury. Every man will have received a plain scarf and gloves set at some point in his lifetime (more than once if he's unlucky) so jazz it up a bit by going for a bit of luxury. Soft leather gloves and a warm cashmere scarf are a great way to be practical with a hint of decadence at the same time. (Plus you won't have to worry what size to buy).

Christmas Gift

Upgrade his money. Whilst you can't wash his money or spruce up his change, you can update his wallet by buying him something new. Leather wallets are timeless classics but they don't have to be boring. If he's been carrying around his current piece since time began then splash out on something new and give his cash a boost. Money clips can also be a great idea.

Reclaim his childhood. Make him a Christmas stocking and fill it with his favorite childhood sweets and retro video games. There are plenty of stores that sell retro items so go crazy and encourage him to relive his youth. You could also leave him a note from 'Santa' to make it extra special.

Therapy. Not the kind that comes from sitting on a couch (although you can buy that too if you think they'll appreciate it, anything goes at Christmas time!) but more the massage and relaxation variety. Everyone wants to be pampered a little but therapy sessions can be really girly so try to make it a bit more rugged. A sauna, a massage and an outdoor jacuzzi should float everyone's boat.

Make something. It doesn't have to be anything fancy - maybe you make killer chocolate truffles or epic mix tapes. Maybe you're the type of person people talk about when they want something fixing or a painting or. Homemade gifts show that you care and that you put a lot of time and thought into the present so think about what you're good at and make something amazing.

Music. As everybody loves music, why not consider helping him expand his musical options with a Spotify subscription? If you haven't heard of Spotify yet, it is a service that is new to the US (though it has been running successfully in the UK for a few years), which allows users to legally stream songs and playlists from a huge library of music, and share their playlists with their friends. The free version is very limited and has advertising on it, but the subscription version is excellent and could soon replace iTunes libraries as people's main repository of music.

Christmas Gifts For Men - 2011

A "Tsunami" on Christmas Day!

The high movement of water that lasts longer than usual which eventually produces high tide is called Tsunami. And since the tides do not form part in the tsunami build-up, it's not right to refer tsunami as "tidal waves". But do you know that there is another form of tsunami that is making waves now?

The new found tsunami is making waves this Christmas season. Yes, Christmas parties have arrived! A food tsunami is starting to show off its prowess to catch attention.

Christmas Day

Food in large quantities is making waves that you can't help but devour till you drop. This is a tsunami of food-a tsunami in disguise. Meat, crabs, sweets, and more complete the dining table.

If you are going to take the 4 W's and 1 H seriously, you'll end up being saved from the terrible aftermath of the food tsunami. But who cares once you are satisfied?

The 4 W's and 1 H are all interconnected with health.

What - What are you going to prepare for the party? Is it organically grown, processed, synthetic or natural? This is very crucial since some people do not "live" harmoniously with some kind of food. Many are allergic to some kind of a food.

Who - Who will prepare the food, the people behind the party and the attendees? Ensure that these people are competent enough to tell the truth.

When - When are you going to buy, prepare and serve? There is this saying "Time is gold." Buying food has its pros and cons and so with the time spend in the preparation and serving. Any delay is not good.

Where - Where to prepare the food, and the venue of the party? The place of preparation is so sensitive that any wrong move will result to unforeseen illnesses.

How - How to prepare the food and all its processes should be with strict supervision. A simple mistake may mean a loss of life. Many sicknesses are connected to our food and this is a fact.

With all the preparation, a food tsunami is coming your way!

Come Christmas day, be ready! Many of the food offered in parties is just a pleasure to your taste bud. Before anything goes awry, moderate your appetite.

A "Tsunami" on Christmas Day!

Celebrating a Celtic Christmas - The Traditions

While many of us celebrate modern Christmas traditions of decorating Christmas trees and waiting for Santa, the Celts celebrated the Winter Solstice. The Druids felt that the sun stood still for 12 days from Christmas Eve to January 6th. A Yule log was burned for light on those days. Its charred remains protected the house for the rest of the year. Mistletoe, a sign of fertility, was hung in the house with other greenery as a symbol of life in the darkness.

The Scots believe that on Christmas Eve, a raging fire keeps mischievous elves from coming down the chimney. On Christmas Day, people dance around bonfires while listening to bagpipes and enjoying oatmeal cake. The biggest celebrations happen on Hogmanay, New Year's Eve. These involve "first footing", where the first person to set foot in a house in a New Year is said to bring either good or bad luck, depending on their hair color. The Night of Candles lights the way for the Holy family, first footers, and Mummers. Mummers dressed in masks and travelled from house to house for music and dancing. The home owners would have to guess who they were. On New Year's Eve, they would circle houses beating on the walls to drive out the old year while saying a special rhyme to request entry for food & drink.

Christmas Eve

In Ireland, the celebration lasts from Christmas Eve until Epiphany on January 6th. They light red candles decorated with holly sprigs on Christmas Eve. The women bake a seed cake for each person and three puddings for Christmas, New Year's and the Twelfth Night. On Christmas evening, milk and bread is left out and the door was left unlocked as a symbol of hospitality. St. Stephen's Day, Dec. 26th, is filled with football and meetings. The Wren Boys Procession is a fun event for boys who would dress up and go door to door singing and playing music while holding a Holly bush on a stick. They would say that a Wren was hiding in the bush and they needed money to feed the starving wren. Actually, the money is for them!

The Welsh are known for their wonderful singing voices and caroling, known as eistoddfodde, is a very popular Christmas activity. In some communities, people gather in a public area to announce who has submitted the best music for a new carol. This carol is added to all the rest that are known and sung in Wales. In some areas, a villager is chosen to be the Mari llwyd, who travels around the town in white clothing while carrying a horse's skull on a stick. Anyone given the "bite" by the horse's jaws must pay a fine. One of the popular sweets for this holiday is Taffy. Christmas goose is also a meal must. Santa gets no cookies and milk; instead, mince pies and a bottle of Guinness! They also maintain the English traditions of holly, mistletoe, pudding, stockings, and snow.

Celebrating a Celtic Christmas - The Traditions

Christmas Gift Ideas For 11 Year Old Girls

Finding the right gifts for your family over the holiday season and for Christmas can be difficult. What does your son or daughter want? Short of request them it could be hard to outline out what is the hot toy for Christmas 2010. And you don't want to do that as you want the gift to be a genuine surprise. So this report will give you a few ideas. Most of the suggestions would make fine Christmas gifts for 11 year old girl or girls nearby that age. In fact, these suggestions would be popular with both sexes and even adults would probably like them. So lets get into the first toy.

The first gift that may suit an 11 year old girl is the Scrabble flash game. This is a modern update on the popular Scrabble board game. It is a more communal and conveyable version of the board game. You get 5 cubes that flash up a letter when they are turned on.

Christmas Toys

There are discrete games you can play but the general gist of the games is to make as many words as you can by maneuvering the cubes. When you get a word right all the cubes will flash together to indicate that the word is valid. If you play solo it's about how many words you can get in an allotted time. If you have friends over then you play against each other to see who can get the most words.

Another game is The Settlers Of Catan. This is a quarterly board game that can be played by up to 5 people. It is far more complex than say Monopoly or Cleudo. It is about being a settler or colonist on the island of Catan. You have to work your way to the top or gain the most points.

You do this through a bit of luck but more importantly by negotiating and doing deals with other players. The game is very addictive and teachers children about negotiating, deal manufacture and basic economics.

Another toy or gift that is sure to motion to an eleven year old girl is a scooter. You can get all sorts of scooters but Razor seem to put out the most diverse and affordable range. You could get a basic E200 galvanic scooter. This is a deck or platform on wheels but is great fun to ride nearby on.

A more fancy Razor scooter is the pocket mod scooter. This is a replica of a vespa scooter and is very popular with girls from 10 to 14 years of age. You can get discrete colors including pink, red and lavender.

The final toy that is sure to motion to girls 11 and up is the much incredible Move and Kinect motion sensor devices for the discrete gaming consoles. To be honest, these don't just motion to 11 year old girls but every person that likes the PlayStation 3 or Xbox 360. They will take game play to someone else dimension and initial reports on these devices has been very positive.

Christmas Gift Ideas For 11 Year Old Girls

Christmas Quiz

1. Which Christmas tree fact is NOT true?

A. Artificial Christmas trees have outsold real ones every year since 1991.

Christmas Card

B. Nova Scotia leads the world in exporting Christmas trees.

C. Franklin Pierce was the first president to decorate an official White House Christmas tree.

D. The Christmas tree was chosen to represent this holy holiday because it's shape points the way to heaven.

D. The Christmas tree was chosen to represent this holy holiday because it's shape points the way to heaven.

QQ: OK, so maybe it's true, but the QuizQueen can't prove that fact, as reasonable as it sounds, because it wasn't in any of the literature she dug up for this quiz.

2. Can you name the popular Christmas song that was actually written for Thanksgiving?

A. Jingle Bells

B. It Came Upon a Midnight Clear

C. I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus

D. Away in the Manger

A. Jingle Bells

QQ: The song was composed in 1857 by James Pierpont, and was originally called One Horse Open Sleigh. When you think about it, the words make a lot more sense that way...

3. Electric Christmas tree lights were first used in what year?

A. 1865

B. 1895

C. 1905

D. 1932

B. 1895

QQ: American Ralph E. Morris had the bright idea that electric Christmas lights would be safer than using candles.

4. Good King Wenceslas was king of what country?

A. Bohemia

B. England

C. Germany

D. Morocco

A. Bohemia.

QQ: Who knows why those Bohemians always get such a bad rep? Although, history has it that Wenceslas, who lived in the 10th century, was only a Duke, not a King at all.

5. In 8971, the New York Sun newspaper wrote a famous response to a little girl's question: "Yes, _______, there is a Santa Claus." Can you name that girl?

A. Mary

B. Charlotte

C. Vidalia

D. Virginia

D. Virginia

QQ: Virginia O'Hanlon to be exact! Shame on you, if you missed it.

6. Can you name Scrooge's dead business partner from Charles Dickens' "A Christmas Carol?"

A. Jacob Marley

B. Tiny Tim

C. Bob Cratchett

D. Old William

A. Jacob Marley

QQ: The first of four spirits to appear to Scrooge that fateful Christmas Eve was that of Jacob Marley, his old business partner.

7. One of the pagan traditions that Christians have incorporated into their Christmas celebration includes hanging mistletoe. Which of these is NOT a former pagan belief?

A. Ancient Europeans believed that the mistletoe plant held magical powers to bestow life and fertility as well as protect against disease.

B. French girls used to slip branches of mistletoe beneath their pillows to dream of their future husbands.

C. The Celts believed mistetoe brought about peace and goodwill.

D. Northern Europeans associated mistletoe with the Norse goddess of love, Freya and developed the custom of kissing underneath mistletoe branches.

B. French girls used to slip branches of mistletoe beneath their pillows to dream of their future husbands.

QQ: That was a tough one, wasn't it? The QuizQueen is soooo clever...

8. While today the Christmas tree is an enduring symbol of the season, it wasn't always a holiday tradition. Which historical fact is NOT true?

A. According to legend, Martin Luther, the founder of German protestantism, while walking through the forest on Christmas Eve was so moved by the starlit fir trees he brought one indoors and decorated it with candles to remind his children of God's creation.

B. In 1841, Prince Albert of Germany gave his wife, Queen Victoria of England, a gift of a Christmas tree. This was reputedly the first Christmas tree in England, but the custom quickly spread.

C. German immigrants brought the Christmas tree to Europe, the United States and Canada, where it soon became a popular tradition.

D. On a bet, 11-year-old P.T. Barnum started hawking trees in Connecticut in 1821, telling his marks they were all the rage. Soon the fashion spread throughout the country and it became tradition, thus establishing his maxim "There is a sucker born every minute."

D. On a bet, 11-year-old P.T. Barnum started hawking trees in Connecticut in 1821, telling his marks they were all the rage. Soon the fashion spread throughout the country and it became tradition, thus establishing his maxim "There is a sucker born every minute."

QQ: Good 'ole P.T. Barnum did try to sell just about everything, and may in fact have sold Christmas trees, but I doubt he sold them at that age!

9. Many people are familiar with the term "The Twelve Days of Christmas," but not everyone knows where it originated. Can you pick out the right explanation?

A. The Twelve Days of Christmas represents the number of days Joseph and Mary traveled to Bethlehem.

B. The Twelve Days of Christmas represents the length of time that the three wise men from the East traveled to reach Baby Jesus after his birth.

C. The Twelve Days of Christmas represents the number of reindeer pulling Santa's sleigh.

D. The Twelve Days of Christmas represents the length of time required to celebrate Good King Wenceslas' birthday.

B. The Twelve Days of Christmas represents the length of time that the three wise men from the East traveled to reach Baby Jesus after his birth.

QQ: And you thought you didn't learn anything practical in Sunday school?

10. Who hasn't wondered what "wassail" is and why people would request it at Christmas. Let's see if you can guess...

A. Wassail comes from the Old Norse "Ves Heill" and means "to be of good health," so when neighbors would visit on Christmas Eve they would drink to each other's health.

B. Wassail comes from the Old German "Ves Heill" and means "to avoid Hell," so loved ones would share this sentiment with each other on Christmas Eve in preparation for the birth of Christ.

C. Wassail comes from the Old Celtic "Ves Heill" and means "drink up" so is naturally associated with all party occasions.

D. Wassail comes from the Old English "Ves Heill" and means drink of the angels and eventually became associated with Christmas.

A. Wassail comes from the Old Norse "Ves Heill" and means "to be of good health," so when neighbors would visit on Christmas Eve they would drink to each other's health.

QQ: Sometimes The QuizQueen can be very, very silly.

11. Everyone loves to receive them, but dreads performing the annual holiday ritual of sending Christmas cards. So who do we NOT have to thank/blame?

A. Medieval Europeans who exchanged wood prints of religious themes for Christmas.

B. English illustrator John Calcott Horsley who created the first modern Christmas card in 1843 that depicted a family celebration with the caption "A Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to You."

C. German-American printer Louis Prang who made advances in color lithography allowing him to mass produce colorful Christmas cards in 1875.

D. Desmond Hallmark who had a surplus of cards left over from Arbor Day depicting a fir tree and decided to unload them by the box by simply printing Merry Christmas across the trees in red ink.

D. Desmond Hallmark who had a surplus of cards left over from Arbor Day depicting a fir tree and decided to unload them by the box by simply printing Merry Christmas across the trees in red ink.

QQ: While all except poor Desmond can be held responsible, The QuizQueen truly blames Louis!

12. Remember that fuscia sweater Aunt Edna knitted for your Christmas present last year? Don't blame Aunt Edna, she's not the one who started the Christmas gift giving tradition, so who is?

A. Those three wise men who visited the stable where Jesus was born.

B. The ancient Romans who exchanged gifts to bring good fortune for the new year.

C. Mark Antony who was always looking for new ways to please Cleopatra.

D. The ancient Greeks who sought to placate the gods on Mount Olympus.

B. The ancient Romans who exchanged gifts to bring good fortune for the new year.

QQ: Of course, Aunt Edna is to blame for choosing that color. You can't blame the Romans for that.

Christmas Quiz

Christmas Poems: Use Rhyming Christmas Greetings to Make Your Christmas Card or E-Card Special

Even though it's hard to find a rhyming poem in card stores, and rhyme is out of fashion with contemporary poets and poetry critics, people still love them. On the Internet, hundreds of thousands of people searched on the term "Christmas poem" in the month of December alone, in 2004. That doesn't include searches on Christmas poetry, Christmas rhyme, Christmas verse and Christmas greeting.

Here are some Christmas verses for your cards and e-cards:

Christmas Card

The Gift of Knowing You

The Christmas season fills our hearts with joy;

Bright, happy days bring special kinds of pleasure.

We're wrapped in the excitement of it all,

The sights, the sounds, the smells, the tastes we treasure.

Yet when we have some quiet time to think

About our finest blessings all year through,

We focus on our family and our friends,

And appreciate the gift of knowing you!

##

Rhyming poems are harder to write than free verse or prose poems (which modern poets favor), so they are fewer in number and harder to find.

Here's another Christmas card poem, written especially for folks who spend Christmas in sunny, warm areas, such as Florida and Southern California:

A Sunny Christmas

Every year at Christmas time

There's not a sign of snow.

Instead we spend our yuletide days

In the sun's warm cheery glow.

We have the best of Christmas things,

The lights, the gifts, the bells,

(And "snowbirds" who arrive en masse

To fill our beach hotels.)

The glorious weather fits right in

With our happy Christmas mood,

And we can also walk and run

Without having to be snowshoed.

So don't feel bad for your (location) friends

Who have no snow or ice.

We think our sunny Christmas here

Is a holiday paradise!

##

Start using rhyming poems to make all your greeting cards and occasions extra special. Greeting card poems provide a simple, easy way to make a good impression.

Copyright 2005 by Joanna Fuchs

Christmas Poems: Use Rhyming Christmas Greetings to Make Your Christmas Card or E-Card Special

Why Do We Eat Turkey on Christmas Day?

The festive period is full of age-old traditions such as eating turkey on Christmas Day. But how did this originate and why should we continue this tradition? It has not always been traditional to eat turkey on Christmas day. Indeed, before the turkey was introduced to Britain, geese, peacocks and even boars' head were eaten as a Christmas day treat. In 1526 William Strickland imported six turkeys from America and sold them for tuppence each.

The birds were considered to be extremely tasty and a more practical alternative to other livestock such as cows (which were more useful alive to produce milk), or chickens (which were more expensive than they are today). The popularity of turkeys has steadily increased and today in the UK we eat around 10 million turkeys every year.

Christmas Day

Henry VIII was reputed to be the first person to eat turkey on Christmas Day, but it was not until the mid twentieth century that the turkey overtook the goose as the most popular Christmas Day meal. Today 87% of British people believe that Christmas would not be Christmas without a traditional roast turkey. Turkeys have the advantage of being affordable, big enough to feed the entire extended family (with guaranteed leftovers!) and fresh - if you know where to buy them from! Naturally they are born in the spring and typically take about seven months to mature to a healthy full-sized turkey.

If they are reared free range they have the space to roam around, ensuring that their muscles and tissues are fully developed. If you want to ensure you have the most succulent and flavorful bird for your Christmas celebrations buy your free range turkeys direct from the farm.

Why Do We Eat Turkey on Christmas Day?

Holidays: 7 Things Not to Do on Christmas Day

One way to make Christmas Day a great day is to avoid these seven things.

1. Get up before 6 AM, even if you are a kid. My sister used to wake up before 6 AM and start ringing some stupid bell to get everyone up. What a great way to start a day. Don't get up too early, you might interrupt Santa.

Christmas Day

2. Travel ouir of obligation. This is especially so if you have a young family. It's time to start your own traditions. If friends and family want to see you, it's important to remember that the roads and airspace go both ways.

3. Set yourself up for disappointment. If you convince yourself that this will be or has to be the best Christmas ever, you are setting yourself up for disappointment.

4. Don't push the day. Some people get so anxious that certain things MUST happen and/or people MUST feel a certain way. You can really shoot yourself in the foot by pushing so hard for a certain outcome that you essentially prevent it.

5. Take the Peggy Lee approach Peggy Lee's famous song "Is That All There Is?" captures the way some people can fall into feeling on Christmas Day. Focus on appreciation and not lack.

6. Use up everything the first day. If you use, open, play with every single thing you got that day, you are bound to experience a big let down the next day. Pace yourself.

7. Compare this day to other Christmas Days The joy is to be found in today, not several years ago.

Holidays: 7 Things Not to Do on Christmas Day

Hot Christmas Toys for 2011

Christmas time is roughly upon us again. And like every year we are faced with the difficult challenge of working out what we should buy for our wee ones. If you feel like you need a bit of a helping hand read on and find out what the hot Christmas toys will be for 2011.

This Christmas it is time to rock out with Elmo. Elmo is a hot favourite again this year with his Sesame road Let's rock Elmo. Young kids love to sing and dance so what could be best than singing and dancing along with Elmo. Dressed as a cool rocker in his concert tee and adequate with his own microphone, tambourine and drum set. Your children can play these instruments too and sing along with the six songs that Elmo knows. What's more if you already have Let's rock instruments Elmo will be able to recognise what instrument your kid is playing and join on in the fun. This has got to be one of the best Christmas gifts you can get a preschooler. And who knows maybe your child is a future Mick Jagger.

Christmas Toys

Advent calendars are all the time a firm favourite with children. They love being able to open a different door each day as they count down to Christmas. But what is even best than the former chocolate coming calendar (and best for their teeth) is this cool Lego coming calendar. Each day has its own cut off Lego toy, including mini-figures, vehicles and accessories for your city sets. In total there are an fantastic 232 cut off pieces. On the back of each door of the coming calendar is instructions on how to assemble the pieces, any way they nothing else but are fairly straight send and parents will enjoy helping their children to put the pieces together. This set is great at letting your child become the local cities hero. There are police officer figures so that your child can track down the Christmas bandits! Also included are fire fighter figures to put out the fires or maybe saving a lost cat up a tree. There are also pilot figures that will come to the saving of stranded people. Lego is great at teaching your child how to succeed instructions, and about good role models. But more importantly it's a whole lot of fun. The Lego coming set is a great Christmas choice.

If you want a hot Christmas toy which will fire up your Child's imagination as well as provide them with hours of entertainment then you should take a look at Rory's Story cubes. This educational game comes with nine dice each with a different photograph on the face. Using the image that is rolled you has to originate a story. While it's a simple concept it nothing else but is a lot of fun. It's a particularly good Christmas present as this is the time of year when you can spend a wee more time with your children. Playing Rory's story cube is something the whole house can do together. What's best is that there are no losers in this game, and the real winner will be your Child's imagination.

Hot Christmas Toys for 2011

Christmas Gift Ideas For A Sister

It can be a daunting task when looking for perfect Christmas gift ideas for a sister. First, keep in mind your sister's interests. Does she read books or is she more into movies? Does she listen to music or is she into art? Also take your sister's age into consideration. For instance, if she is an adult, a tricycle may not be the best choice, or If she is ten, a make-up kit may be inappropriate.

With these things in mind, here are some suggestions:

Christmas Gift

Dolls: Dolls are always great Christmas gift ideas for a sister. Girls of all ages love dolls. If your sister is still a child, consider getting accessories to accompany the new doll, such as a dollhouse or clothing. A fun alternative is to let her design her own doll. The companies that are performing this service range from Barbie to Just-like-me dolls.
Does your sister have just about everything? Then present her with the gift of being a landowner. You can get her a real legal Deed of Land and she will be the virtual owner of a square inch of land in each of the fifty states of America. A land deed can be bought via email, ready to be printed and framed. The deeds are individually numbered. Although she won't be able to build a home on her property, she won't ever have to worry about mowing the lawn taking care of it either. It's all included with the minimal price.
Stuffed animals: Stuffed animals are great Christmas gift ideas for a sister. If your sister has a favorite animal, the odds are there is a stuffed animal to match. Even if your sister already has a similar stuffed animal, the odds are in your favor that she won't mind adding it to her collection.
Jewelry: Depending on your budget, jewelry is always a big hit. If your sister is a pre-teen, consider a simple silver chain with her name attached to it. She will treasure it and wear it everywhere.
Crayons: For younger sisters, consider scented crayons. Not only will she be able to enjoy the smell, but she will use them in her art projects as well.
MP3 players: MP3 players are always popular. Program it with Christmas carols and her favorite music, and she will love it.
Candy: Who doesn't enjoy chocolate? A personalized chocolate heart is sure to sweeten up your sister.
Purse: If your sister is a teenager, a purse can give her a feeling of independence, not to mention a way to carry her personal items.
Clothing: The perfect gift for an older sister is a tee shirt screened with the words "Big Sister." Because you gave it to her, she will be proud to wear it.
Gift certificates: Sometimes gift certificates are the way to go. If your sister has a favorite store, they might offer a gift certificate. If she isn't into shopping, consider "The Experience of A Lifetime" from hot air balloon rides to cooking lessons and more. "Great American Days" offers more than 7,500 exciting experiences nationwide.
Personalized gifts are another fun alternative. A shirt, coffee mug, or even a key chain can be customized with a picture of you and your sister. Adding a phrase or custom saying to the photo can add just the right touch.

Christmas Gift Ideas For A Sister

Christmas - Every Day of the Year?

In our paper the Pocono Record, yesterday there was an article about the local Target Store getting ready for Christmas. There was a front page article and picture of a cute little girl, smiling in red dress, saying hello to Santa; yes, Santa was already in his Village and the Store Manager indicated they are already set-up for the holiday. It's not even Halloween yet and our great economic christmas engine, in some places, is ready to go. In our culture, Halloween is another strong economic engine, roaring into Thanksgiving and then Christmas; so in a way its fitting that some how they have merged into each other.

When I was a child I remember waiting for the end of the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade for Santa to arrive. Well it seems, this year, Santa has gotten here before Halloween.

Christmas Day

Perhaps, one day we will be celebrating Christmas every day of the week. Already, I've noticed some people leave-up their Christmas decorations all year long. For several years, I've done that with lights on 2 small christmas trees in front of our house.

Jesus's teaching was that 'we remember to love and treat our neighbor as our self;' and this should be the way we live everyday. Well it seems the retailers are doing there best to get christmas out there every day, so we will have the christmas spirit and purchase, purchase.

Now, there is nothing wrong with giving presents in moderation; it is a joyous celebration. Personally, I just worry about the poor folks, the disabled, and the hungry who in our culture feel that extra pressure, because they do not have the money to purchase presents. For them, christmas is a depressing, sad time and not something to be happily anticipated. This year with more people out of work, we will all have to work a little harder to spread the christmas spirit.

Sometimes, I think people and retailers have forgotten that too much of a good thing can be harmful. Sadly, many children grow-up being attached to the things they can buy and get as presents. They are hooked as consumers at a very early age, and learn very late in life the really important things cannot be purchased.

We must remember 'a purpose driven life' includes gifts of the spirit, sharing with each other; doing anonymous works of service and helping others.

Santa is a wonderful story/tradition that people have made-up, and in our capitalistic culture, some people have turned it into a year round business.

So, when I see a department store picture of a little girl and Santa on the front page of our newspaper on 10/25 I grow a little sadder.

On 10/25, I would rather see Santa at a shelter with the homeless giving out food, clothing, and fun presents.

Christmas - Every Day of the Year?

Your Christmas Card Messages

One of the Christmas celebration which has made a lot of impact in my life until now is in 2008, the memories always echoes in my heart each time I remembered what those moment with my family and my friends has meant to me. This moment started with good Christmas card message. I never saw it coming but beyond my imagination, awaking on the early Christmas morning with a smile on my face and filled with the joy of the blissful moment. As I opened my front door to stare out on the cloud, here! just before my front door was a well designed Christmas greeting card message, designed with the SANTA CLAUS MAN. This Christmas card wishes was dropped on my front door by one of my neighbor whom had traveled for more than one month. As I read the message on the card, it took me back to a day I had engage in a workout with that my neighbor, the day was like unending moment because we just met and the fire of new growing relationship was burning out of us. Receiving such a wonderful gift from her really made my day. I rush out to pay her a visit and share Christmas compliments with her and also to see her again. we can't explain the excitement in our heart as we embrace one another, it was like the first day we met.

If you had received such a surprise Christmas cards message from someone you were not expecting to hear from. Then you will understand how amazing I felt the moment I got the Santa Claus greeting from my friend. Christmas message cards is a the easiest means of adding meaning to anyone life especially in early Christmas morning when the sun is still shining, the Christmas bell and noise from your neighbor will wake you up, Just for you to discover a Christmas card message on your front door.

Christmas Card

A little surprise from you can add a meaning to someone life this Christmas season. Seize this opportunity and send to your beloved ones our unique Christmas cards. You can also send to your well wisher a surprise Christmas card message which they would forget In a hurry. Give them a moment they wish will never pass away in their lives. Cue in for our noble reasonable priced Christmas cards and see the difference. Merry Xmas.

Your Christmas Card Messages

Christmas Card Ideas: Sending Christmas Photo Cards for Family and Loved Ones

In a few weeks, it will be Christmas and I know of many department stores that are advertising their Christmas sales as early as now, to attract the many early shoppers who don't want to get caught in the Christmas rush. Although it is the time of giving, we don't really need to buy expensive gifts just to please our loved ones.

We can give Christmas gifts that are creative but very low cost and Christmas cards do the trick. We can just simply pick a corresponding color, the font and the best style that we can imagine and browse the computer to add some photos for these cards. Make sure though that when writing a message for the card, it should come from the heart so that our loved ones know that it's genuine.

Christmas Card

Family Memorable Pictures

One of the most significant gifts that you could give to your loved one is a Christmas picture card where all the family members are present and appear happy in that picture. You could also edit the picture and make a funny theme on it. As the saying goes, "A picture is worth a thousand words."

Family Christmas Letters

Making greeting cards extra special by including personal letters, gift certificates to department stores or even secret family recipes for holiday dishes allow you to create something unique and out of the ordinary that will forever be cherished by your loved ones for years to come. You don't really have to spend so much, as long as it is well thought of, every gift or greeting card will always be a smashing hit.

Recycled Christmas Greetings

Using recycled paper as Christmas greeting cards is catching on really well with a lot of people who are earth-friendly. Aside from spending less compared to using brand new materials, you get to give back to Mother Earth, which is something that is good for your conscience.

Share the blessing of a new born baby

If you are fortunate enough to have a child during the holidays, greeting cards will be the best way to announce this wonderful news to your family and friends. With news like this, who wouldn't jump for joy knowing that there is a special addition to the family circle and for the sake of it, you get to recruit Godparents for the child better this way. What more could a brand new parent ask for?

Christmas Card Ideas: Sending Christmas Photo Cards for Family and Loved Ones

Christmas Gifts

Believe it or not - Christmas is just around the corner! And right now, you're probably making that commitment that this will be the year you get the shopping done early and this will be the year you'll send the Christmas cards on time and this will be the year that you get everyone the perfect gift - because you'll finally remember that little Jimmy isn't so little anymore and at 13, probably doesn't want another toy truck...

This will be the year.

Christmas Gift

Since you've got it on your mind now - here are a few ideas to get the ball rolling to make Christmas 2010 the perfect gift giving season - make this the year.

Holiday Gift ideas they'll love

For Her - Sex and the City 2 DVD - the girls are back for the holiday season and they're certainly decked out appropriately for the occasion. Marvel at the frocks and fabrics as Carrie, Samantha, Miranda and Charlotte head to Abu Dhabi for a bit of cultural indulgence. The perfect bit of R&R to see you through the holiday season.

For the Kids - video games are still the rage in the youth gift market. For the younger ones, Donkey Kong Country Returns is due out in early December and will be a hit for the family gaming market. Adult kids at hearts, meanwhile, are looking forward to the latest installment of Assassin's Creed 3.

For Him - Avatar DVD - the animated epic that stretched our imaginations and defied belief, reinventing the visual possibilities of cinema. Whether he's a diehard sci-fi fan or just movie lover, he'll love Avatar for its incredible technical achievements and captivating effects. This extended Collector's Edition gives you 16 minutes of unscreened footage along with exclusive interviews with James Cameron about his 14 year film-making journey. With exciting behind-the-scenes footage, this is a gift that he's sure to love.

Get into gear early - the early Christmas shopping pledge

1. Make your list early. Start writing down your list of present recipients now - start with the obvious ones, family, friends, etc. These will be the gifts that are most important and the hardest to shop for.

2. Start shopping for personalised gifts. The problem with shopping during the busy Christmas season is it's very easy to get distracted by promotions and display items that advertise a sale. This is how you end up getting the same novelty mug set for Dad two years in a row!

3. Earmark generic gift ideas. For work colleagues, Kris Kringles and your brother's new girlfriend he's bringing home for the first time, generic gifts have you covered. And of course, there are always Christmas gift cards if you leave it to the last minute shopping pinch.

4. Remember that, chances are that you will still be dashing to the store at the last minute for just one more item on Christmas Eve. The important thing is that you'll be in a comparatively shopping for one gift for some forgotten Aunt than 100 gifts for the entire family!

Christmas Gifts