Thinking back over my many, many Christmases, it's easy to pick out which is the worst. The best Christmas is definitely more difficult to decide upon - any Christmas spent with family and friends is truly wonderful - but I would have to settle on ones from when I was a child.
The Worst:
My worst Christmas was relatively recent, back in 2007. My fiance and I live in different countries and on this year I travelled to the USA to be with him. Things were going great until perhaps a week before Christmas when he told me that he may to have to go out of State, over Christmas. I was almost 5,000 miles from home, knew no-one other than my fiance and his kids, and we were staying in a trailer home way out in the country. Now while I understand his reasons for going away, it was not 100% essential that he do so, he had a choice. What he chose to do was to leave me completely alone and stranded two days before Christmas, returning two days after Christmas. So on Christmas morning, I woke up alone in a trailer in the middle of nowhere and spent the entire day alone, eating a cardboard-like frozen pizza for Christmas dinner.
I'm sure that others have had worse Christmas experiences than this, but to me, this one was pretty bad!
The Best:
When I was a child, every Christmas was wonderful. My father was still alive and Christmas was a huge family event. What made it great wasn't the quantity of presents that my sister and I received from all of our relatives, it was the huge family gatherings that took place later in the day. Wherever we had Christmas dinner, there were up to 20 people crowded around the dinner tables. No-on in the family had a table large enough so all of the kids (myself, my sister and our cousins) always sat at a smaller table tacked on at the end of the main dining table. Being British, Christmas crackers were a must and everyone pulled their cracker, read the joke from inside and wore their silly paper hat. After dinner we'd watch corny Christmas Specials on television and play party games.
Nowadays Christmas is a much smaller affair in my family. The thing that makes it special for me now is to spend time with my niece, nephews and my great nephews on Christmas morning.
Showing posts with label christmas. Show all posts
Showing posts with label christmas. Show all posts
Monday, 7 November 2011
Tuesday, 1 November 2011
Christmas Feel Good Movies
It's a Wonderful Life (1946)
Plot: A rather unlikely looking angel helps a desperately frustrated man (James Stewart) by showing what life would have been like had he never existed.
Despite being an old black and white movie (there are digitally colorized versions available), It's a Wonderful Life remains a Christmas classic to this day. It demonstrates the ways in which we touch the lives of others and to some extent, the butterfly effect that our actions can have.
We give this movie ***** - five Christmas stars!
Sunday, 30 October 2011
Free Christmas Card Giveaway
Until the 24th of November 2011 you can grab one of these wonderful holiday cards below absolutely free of charge. Only one free card per customer, shipping charges are not included in the deal but you can take advantage of an additional offer that WILL give you free postage (see below). Each card has it's own unique promotional code that MUST be entered at the checkout process.
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In order to make this a completely free offer, you can also sign up for a FREE TRIAL of the Zazzle Black program that gives you free shipping for 30 days!! If you like the program and want to keep it after the trial, it $9.95 for a whole year's shipping within the USA. You can read more about Zazzle Black and the FREE TRIAL right here. Combine the free greetings card offer with this deal and you really do have a 100% free Christmas card!
100% of the card's net sale price (excluding shipping and taxes) is deducted when qualifying greeting card is purchased from zazzle.com and the unique coupon code is applied at checkout. Offer does not apply to create your own cards. Offer does not apply to card orders of two or more. Buyer is responsible for shipping and handling and sales tax charges. Failure to comply with promotional offer conditions may result in order cancellation. Offer is valid through November 24, 2011 at 11:59pm PT. Offer does not apply to past purchases and may not be combined with any other Zazzle promotional or volume discount offers. If a volume discount applies to your order, you will receive either the discount set forth in this offer or the standard volume discount, whichever is greater. Offer valid on Zazzle.com only.
Saturday, 13 August 2011
Family Photo Christmas Card Templates
Each of these fun festive cards can be customized with your family photo to give a truly personalized touch to your Season's Greetings. So whilst Christmas is still a while away, it's well worth while getting prepared early!
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More photo template christmas cards here.
Sunday, 26 December 2010
The best time to buy your Christmas Cards and gifts is Now!!!
We sincerely hope that you all had a wonderful Christmas and that you are enjoying your Boxing Day. But don't become too relaxed because now is the time to start buying up your cards and gifts for next Christmas - Whilst the massive post-Christmas sales are on.
Zazzle are currently offering a whopping 50% Off all cards and you can completely personalize them. View their Chrismas Cards here, or their full range here.
Were you lucky enough to get an iPhone or iPad for Christmas? If so you may not want to miss this opportunity to totally customise your kit with stunning Speck(TM) cases from zazzle. Each one can be customized by you to make it 100% unique and personal. Right now until 31st December, Zazzle are offering 25% off all Speck(TM) cases!! Use Code : ZAZZLEACSALE at the checkout.
They are also offering a massive 50% Off Invitations, Photocards and Business Cards and 15% Off T-Shirts and Mugs.
Now, it's time to enjoy some leftovers and television and relax!
50% of the card, photo card, invitation, postcard, and/or business card pack net sale price will be deducted when one or more qualifying cards, photo cards, invitations, postcards, and/or business card packs are purchased. 25% of the iPad and/or iPhone case net sale price will be deducted when one or more qualifying iPad and/or iPhone cases are purchased. 15% of the t-shirt and/or mug net sale price will be deducted when one or more qualifying t-shirts and/or mugs are purchased. The coupon code ZAZZLEACSALE must be entered during checkout to receive the offer. The net sale price is the price of the product (excluding shipping and taxes). Offer is valid through December 31, 2010 at 11:59 PM PT. This offer does not apply to past purchases and may not be combined with any other Zazzle promotional or volume discount offers. If a volume discount applies to your order, you will receive either the discount set forth in this offer or the standard volume discount, whichever is greater. Offer valid on Zazzle.com only.
Friday, 17 December 2010
Wishing You All a Merry Christmas
Today only, zazzle are offering free 2 Day shipping when you enter the code JINGLESALE71 at the checkout. There's no minimum order so take advantage to grab your last minute Christmas gifts!
*To qualify for this free shipping offer, one or more Zazzle products must be purchased and 2-day shipping must be selected as the shipping option. The coupon code JINGLESALE71 must be entered during checkout to receive the offer. The free shipping offer is for 2-day shipping to U.S. addresses only. Offer does not apply to shoes. Shipping charges will apply to oversized orders and orders being shipped on an expedited basis or outside the U.S. Offer is valid through December 17, 2010 at 11:59pm PT. Your order must be placed during that time to qualify for this special offer. This promotional offer may not be combined with any other Zazzle promotional or discount offers. Offer valid on Zazzle.com only.
Monday, 6 December 2010
Christmas Carol Sing Along - Away in a Manger
Away in a manger,
No crib for His bed
The little Lord Jesus
Laid down His sweet head
The stars in the bright sky
Looked down where He lay
The little Lord Jesus
Asleep on the hay
The cattle are lowing
The poor Baby wakes
But little Lord Jesus
No crying He makes
I love Thee, Lord Jesus
Look down from the sky
And stay by my side,
'Til morning is nigh.
Be near me, Lord Jesus,
I ask Thee to stay
Close by me forever
And love me I pray
Bless all the dear children
In Thy tender care
And take us to heaven
To live with Thee there
Friday, 3 December 2010
Easy Christmas Eggnog Recipe
Easy Holiday Eggnog Recipe (with Alcohol)
Ingredients:
6 Eggs
1/2 Cup Sugar
2 Cups Milk
1 Teaspoon Vanilla Essence
1 Cup Heavy Cream
1/2 Cup Rum
1/2 Cup Brandy
Nutmeg for sprinkling
Cinnamon for sprinkling
Directions:
Ingredients:
6 Eggs
1/2 Cup Sugar
2 Cups Milk
1 Teaspoon Vanilla Essence
1 Cup Heavy Cream
1/2 Cup Rum
1/2 Cup Brandy
Nutmeg for sprinkling
Cinnamon for sprinkling
Directions:
- Separate the egg yolks and whites. Beat the egg yolks using an electric mixer for one minute.
- Add 1/2 of the sugar a little at a time. Beat this mixture 2-3 minutes. Add in the milk and the vanilla. Place mixture in the refrigerator to chill.
- Beat the egg whites and the remaining sugar together until peaks form. Put aside.
- In a large bowl, whip the heavy cream for about two minutes.
- Add the egg white mixture to the cream. Add the egg yolk mixture slowly, mixing a little at a time.
- Mix in the rum and brandy.
- Pour into a large punch bowl or serving jug.
- Sprinkle with cinnamon and nutmeg when serving.
Pair this great festive drink with some super Eggnog cookies (recipe can be found here).
Thursday, 2 December 2010
Sing Along Christmas Carol - The Holly & The Ivy
The holly and the ivy,
When they are both full grown
Of all the trees that are in the wood
The holly bears the crown
O the rising of the sun
And the running of the deer
The playing of the merry organ
Sweet singing of the choir
The holly bears a blossom
As white as lily flower
And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ
To be our sweet Saviour
O the rising of the sun
And the running of the deer
The playing of the merry organ
Sweet singing of the choir
The holly bears a berry
As red as any blood
And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ
To do poor sinners good
O the rising of the sun
And the running of the deer
The playing of the merry organ
Sweet singing of the choir
The holly bears a prickle
As sharp as any thorn;
And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ
On Christmas Day in the morn.
O the rising of the sun
And the running of the deer
The playing of the merry organ
Sweet singing of the choir
The holly bears a bark
As bitter as any gall;
And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ
For to redeem us all.
O the rising of the sun
And the running of the deer
The playing of the merry organ
Sweet singing of the choir
The holly and the ivy
Now both are full well grown,
Of all the trees that are in the wood,
The holly bears the crown.
O the rising of the sun
And the running of the deer
The playing of the merry organ
Sweet singing of the choir
Wednesday, 1 December 2010
Christmas Quotes to brighten your day.
"Christmas gift suggestions: To your enemy, forgiveness. To an opponent, tolerance. To a friend, your heart. To a customer, service. To all, charity. To every child, a good example. To yourself, respect."
Oren Arnold
"There has been only one Christmas - the rest are anniversaries."
W.J. Cameron
"The joy of brightening other lives, bearing others' burdens, easing other's loads and supplanting empty hearts and lives with generous gifts becomes for us the magic of Christmas."
W. C. Jones
Oren Arnold
"There has been only one Christmas - the rest are anniversaries."
W.J. Cameron
"The joy of brightening other lives, bearing others' burdens, easing other's loads and supplanting empty hearts and lives with generous gifts becomes for us the magic of Christmas."
W. C. Jones
Tuesday, 30 November 2010
The Twelve Days of Christmas - huh?
We all know the song "The Twelve Days of Christmas", or at least parts of it, but what are the roots of this festive tune and what actually are the twelve days of Christmas?
Although the song predates it, the earliest known printed version of it is in the 1780 book "Mirth without Mischief" which presented the song as a forfeit game whereby in each round an additional verse was added to the song. Whomever made an error in recalling the previous verses, had to pay a forfeit. Some make claim that the song is a actually a catechism song, written in England during a time when the Catholic faith was prohibited but no evidence has been shown to support this claim and furthermore there is evidence that there may well be French origins to the song.
The Twelve Days actually refers to the festive days beginning Christmas Day (25 December). This period is also known as Christmastide. The Twelfth Day of Christmas is 5 January, the day by which you should take down your Christmas decorations and tree. The twelve days of Christmas are followed by the Feast of the Epiphany on 6 January.
St. Stephen's Day is 26th December in the Western Church and 27th December in the Eastern Church. Boxing Day, the first weekday after Christmas, is observed as a legal holiday in the United Kingdom and parts of the Commonwealth. It was traditionally marked by the giving of Christmas boxes to service workers. The 28th December is Childermas or the Feast of the Innocents (a commemoration of The Massacre of the Innocents; an episode of infanticide by Herod the Great.
The comedy play “Twelfth Night” by William Shakespeare is believed to have been written specifically for the close of the festive season.
The Twelve Days of Christmas Shirt by songspeckels
Browse more The twelve days of christmas T-Shirts
Although the song predates it, the earliest known printed version of it is in the 1780 book "Mirth without Mischief" which presented the song as a forfeit game whereby in each round an additional verse was added to the song. Whomever made an error in recalling the previous verses, had to pay a forfeit. Some make claim that the song is a actually a catechism song, written in England during a time when the Catholic faith was prohibited but no evidence has been shown to support this claim and furthermore there is evidence that there may well be French origins to the song.
The Twelve Days actually refers to the festive days beginning Christmas Day (25 December). This period is also known as Christmastide. The Twelfth Day of Christmas is 5 January, the day by which you should take down your Christmas decorations and tree. The twelve days of Christmas are followed by the Feast of the Epiphany on 6 January.
St. Stephen's Day is 26th December in the Western Church and 27th December in the Eastern Church. Boxing Day, the first weekday after Christmas, is observed as a legal holiday in the United Kingdom and parts of the Commonwealth. It was traditionally marked by the giving of Christmas boxes to service workers. The 28th December is Childermas or the Feast of the Innocents (a commemoration of The Massacre of the Innocents; an episode of infanticide by Herod the Great.
The comedy play “Twelfth Night” by William Shakespeare is believed to have been written specifically for the close of the festive season.
The Twelve Days of Christmas Shirt by songspeckels
Browse more The twelve days of christmas T-Shirts
Monday, 29 November 2010
Super Cyber Monday Deals = Christmas Savings for you!!
See zazzle's Cyber Monday Blitzen Deals Schedule:
12:00 AM (PT) 2:00 AM (PT) 75% Off Mousepads! BLITZDEAL671
Cute Cartoon Christmas Penguin with Candy Canes by Animatastic
Create personalized Christmas ornaments
Cute Cartoon Christmas Penguin with Candy Canes by Animatastic
Create personalized Christmas ornaments
8:01 PM (PT) 10:00 PM (PT) Monday's Favorite Deal Repeat: Buy One, Get One Mug! (50% Off 2+ Mugs) BLITZDEAL035
10:01 PM (PT) 12:00 AM (PT) Monday's Favorite Deal Repeat: 50% Off All Posters and Prints! BLITZDEAL105
Plus get free shipping on orders of $25 or more!!!
Friday, 26 November 2010
Fun Children's Christmas Story
This is an original short story by Animatastic about their cute little donkey character Dinky. Dinky is available on a range of both Christmas and non-Christmas themed products here, he's even available on a Christmas card with the full story printed on the inside.
Christmas was one of Dinky the Donkey's favourite times of year. He of course loved summertime too, when he would give children rides on his back along the sandy beach close to where he lived. But Christmas was his favourite time of all with the snow on the ground, sparkling Christmas lights and decorations, and most of all, a visit from Santa Claus. Dinky loved Santa Claus, he thought him to be a jolly fellow who made all of the children happy by bringing them gifts. And every year Santa would bring Dinky a present too; a large bag of fresh juicy carrots and a piece of peppermint candy. Because Dinky himself loved to make children happy, it had always been his dream to lead Santa's sleigh on Christmas Eve. He dreamed about it each night in the days and weeks before Christmas and every year he tried very hard to stay awake until Santa came to his stable. But every year he fell asleep and by the time that he awoke, Santa had already visited and left Dinky his gifts.
On this Christmas Eve however, Dinky was determined to stay awake. He left his stable door open to let in the cold night air. He sat in the most uncomfortable corner of his stall. And he sang his favourite Christmas Carol, "Little Donkey". When it got very late, very dark and very cold, and when Dinky was very tired, he suddenly heard a noise outside. First he heard a "WHOOSH" and then he heard "CRUNCH" on the snow. Dinky began to get very excited as he made his way to the stable door. Outside, to his surprise and joy, he saw Santa Claus complete with his sleigh and all of the reindeer! Dinky rushed outside, slipped on the snow and went skidding across the yard, only coming to a stop when he stood directly in front of Santa's sleigh.
"Oh boy, I did it!" exclaimed Dinky. "I stayed awake to see Santa!"
"Ho, Ho, Ho!" said Santa in reply. "Hello there Dinky, it's very good to see you again."
"Again?" questioned Dinky.
"Yes Dinky, again. Every Christmas Eve I come here and find you sleeping snugly in your stable." explained Santa.
"But this year I stayed awake!" exclaimed Dinky with a beaming smile.
"Yes you did Dinky." said Santa, "And that may be a very good thing. You see, I have misplaced my list of all the boys and girls and I don't know who has been naughty and who has been nice. Since you work with the children here all summer long, I thought that you may be able to help me decide which children deserve gifts."
Dinky gasped. And then he blinked. And then he smiled the biggest smile he had ever smiled. "Oh yes Santa! I would love nothing better than to help you."
And so Santa helped Dinky into a harness at the very front of all of the reindeer so that Dinky may lead the sleigh.
"But Santa, I can't fly. I'm just a simple donkey, not a reindeer.
"Don't worry Dinky" Santa told him, reaching into his pocket and pulling out a bag filled with Elf Dust. He sprinkled some of the magical dust on Dinky's head and said "There, we are ready to go. Lead the way Dinky and remember that we only give gifts to the good boys and girls!"
And with that, Dinky led the way. He ran across the snow and before he even knew how he did it, they were all up in the air, flying. "Oh Santa, I can fly!" he exclaimed.
"Yes Dinky, you can. My magic Elf Dust can make any creature fly."
They flew from house to house, rooftop to rooftop, and Santa left gifts at every house they visited. Dinky had a wonderful time. He decided that he liked flying very much. Swooshing through the air, soaring in the sky. He didn't think that he had ever had so much fun. Finally, after they had visited all of the houses in town, Dinky, Santa and all of the reindeer landed back on the ground outside of Dinky's stable.
"My, my Dinky. That was a lot of houses!" said Santa.
"Yes Santa" smiled Dinky in reply, "all of the children here are good boys and girls!"
"Thank you Dinky, for all of your help" said Santa as he unhitched Dinky from the sleigh and led him back to his stable. Dinky yawned and blinked sleepy eyes as Santa bid him "Goodnight".
"Santa, I had so much fun tonight" again Dinky yawned. "Do you think that I could help you deliver presents again next Christmas Eve?" But before he heard Santa's reply, Dinky was fast asleep.
When he awoke in the morning, Dinky saw his carrots and candy hanging from the stable door and above them a note that read "Dinky, you shall see me next year. Merry Christmas, with love from Santa."
Copyright Animatastic 2010, all rights reserved. Reproduced here by the Author for promotional purposes.
Wednesday, 24 November 2010
Let's get ready to Party! Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree
Let's start getting into the Christmas Party mood with this modern 'classic' from Mel Smith and Kim Wilde, never fails to bring a smile and get those toes-a-tapping!
Wednesday, 10 November 2010
An alternative to expensive Christmas Gift Boxes.
Instead of spending a fortune on store bought Christmas gift boxes this festive season, why not try this inexpensive alternative? It will definately take you more time when wrapping presents, but the personal touch can make the end result worth it.
In the run up to Christmas, save any old shoe boxes you have, or any other boxes that have a base and a seperate lid part to them. Choose some good quality gift wrap that suits your budget and co-ordinating gift ribbon.
I usually cut a rectangle of paper to cover the inside base of the box and one for the lid to make sure the inside of the box looks as good as the outside. Cut extra large pieces wrapping paper and wrap the lid and base of your box seperately, making sure the paper covers the full depth of the box on the inside.
Add your gift and tie the box with your co-ordinating ribbon, perhaps using one of the tutorials below to make an extra special bow or ornament to decorate.
Shoe boxes are much sturdier than gift boxes so they can hold heavier gifts, or be used for multiple smaller gifts. And if you tie you box with ribbon instead of taping the lid on, it has the added bonus that the recipient can reuse the box next christmas.
In the run up to Christmas, save any old shoe boxes you have, or any other boxes that have a base and a seperate lid part to them. Choose some good quality gift wrap that suits your budget and co-ordinating gift ribbon.
I usually cut a rectangle of paper to cover the inside base of the box and one for the lid to make sure the inside of the box looks as good as the outside. Cut extra large pieces wrapping paper and wrap the lid and base of your box seperately, making sure the paper covers the full depth of the box on the inside.
Add your gift and tie the box with your co-ordinating ribbon, perhaps using one of the tutorials below to make an extra special bow or ornament to decorate.
Shoe boxes are much sturdier than gift boxes so they can hold heavier gifts, or be used for multiple smaller gifts. And if you tie you box with ribbon instead of taping the lid on, it has the added bonus that the recipient can reuse the box next christmas.
Tuesday, 2 November 2010
Easy Peasy Cinnamon Rolls for Christmas Morning
This is a great recipe, very simple and wonderfully tasty!!
Ingredients:
1 loaf frozen bread dough, thawed
2/3 cups (130g) brown sugar
4 tablespoons melted butter
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
2/3 cup (70g) sifted powdered (icing) sugar
1 tablespoon milk
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Directions:
1. Roll the dough into an oblong/rectangle shape and brush with the melted butter.
2. In a large bowl, combine brown sugar and cinnamon, then sprinkle over the entire ssurface of the dough. 3. Starting with the long end, roll the dough up into a sausage shape - moisten the edges with a little water or milk to help seal the end.
4. Cut the roll into slices. Place the slices into a lightly buttered cake pan, leaving a space between each one and set aside at room temperature.
5. Allow to rise for approximately 1 hour (the dough will have doubled in size).
6. Bake at 350F (180C, Gas Mark 4) for approximately 25 to 30 minutes.
7. Remove the rolls from the oven and allow to cool slightly.
8. Mix the sugar, milk and vanilla and drizzle over the rolls whilst still warm.
Why not copy some of our recipes onto one of these great festive stationery sets and save them all in a fun Christmas recipes binder? (You can even save $9 on great binders at zazzle by using coupon code: AVERYCUSTOM1 at the checkout until 31st December 2010*)
* $9.00 of the binder net sale price will be deducted when one or more binder items is purchased and the coupon code AVERYCUSTOM1 is applied at checkout. The net sale price is the price of the product (excluding shipping and taxes). Offer is valid from September 14, 2010 through December 31, 2010 at 11:59pm PT. This offer does not apply to past purchases and may not be combined with any other Zazzle promotional or volume discount offers. If a volume discount applies to your order, you will receive either the discount set forth in this offer or the standard volume discount, whichever is greater. Offer valid on Zazzle.com only.
Ingredients:
1 loaf frozen bread dough, thawed
2/3 cups (130g) brown sugar
4 tablespoons melted butter
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
2/3 cup (70g) sifted powdered (icing) sugar
1 tablespoon milk
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Directions:
1. Roll the dough into an oblong/rectangle shape and brush with the melted butter.
2. In a large bowl, combine brown sugar and cinnamon, then sprinkle over the entire ssurface of the dough. 3. Starting with the long end, roll the dough up into a sausage shape - moisten the edges with a little water or milk to help seal the end.
4. Cut the roll into slices. Place the slices into a lightly buttered cake pan, leaving a space between each one and set aside at room temperature.
5. Allow to rise for approximately 1 hour (the dough will have doubled in size).
6. Bake at 350F (180C, Gas Mark 4) for approximately 25 to 30 minutes.
7. Remove the rolls from the oven and allow to cool slightly.
8. Mix the sugar, milk and vanilla and drizzle over the rolls whilst still warm.
Why not copy some of our recipes onto one of these great festive stationery sets and save them all in a fun Christmas recipes binder? (You can even save $9 on great binders at zazzle by using coupon code: AVERYCUSTOM1 at the checkout until 31st December 2010*)
* $9.00 of the binder net sale price will be deducted when one or more binder items is purchased and the coupon code AVERYCUSTOM1 is applied at checkout. The net sale price is the price of the product (excluding shipping and taxes). Offer is valid from September 14, 2010 through December 31, 2010 at 11:59pm PT. This offer does not apply to past purchases and may not be combined with any other Zazzle promotional or volume discount offers. If a volume discount applies to your order, you will receive either the discount set forth in this offer or the standard volume discount, whichever is greater. Offer valid on Zazzle.com only.
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