Scrapbooking Your Christmas Memories

Christmas memories are some of our fondest, most heartwarming ones. So of course we want to preserve them in our scrapbook albums. However, when the hustle and bustle of the holiday season is upon us, we may forget to take particular photos or save certain memorabilia. To help you remember, below is a list of Christmas memories and keepsakes you'll want to capture in your scrapbook album.


Cutting Down the Tree For those who get their trees from a tree farm, cutting down the tree is a favorite Christmas activity. Take pictures of the tree before, during and after the cutting. Journal about who picked out the tree, where you got the tree and what the weather was like that day.

Trimming the Tree Whether your tree is real or artificial, trimming the tree is a special event. Take pictures of the tree in various stages of being decorated. Include people hanging their favorite ornaments, putting on the star or angel, and posing with the fully decorated and lit tree.

Deck the Halls In addition to the tree, you probably have lots of other Christmas decorations throughout the house. Take photos of the foyer, staircase, dining room or any other room you've spruced up for the holidays. If you have outdoor displays and lights, remember to take pictures of them, too.

Traditions We all have our own Christmas traditions such as baking cookies, going caroling, or hosting the neighborhood party. Make sure to capture these special traditions with photos. Keep in mind that journaling is especially important when it comes to traditions. For example, include your family's cookie recipe or some of the words from a favorite Christmas carol.

Letters to Santa/Christmas Lists If you have children who write Christmas lists and/or letters to Santa, make copies before mailing them so that they can be preserved in your scrapbook album. You, your children and your grandchildren will surely enjoy reading those letters together one day.

'Twas the Night Before Christmas Here are some ideas of what to take pictures of on Christmas Eve: the family dinner; a gathering of family and friends; everyone dressed in their "Sunday best" for Christmas Eve mass; stockings hung by the chimney with care; snack/drink/note left for Santa and his reindeer. If Santa leaves the note behind, remember to save it for the scrapbook album.

Christmas Morning If you have young children Christmas morning can be quite chaotic, and it may not be easy to get certain shots. Some to try for are: the kids coming down the stairs and/or into the room with the tree; the tree before all the gifts go flying; the full stockings hanging by the fireplace; everyone with his/her favorite gift; the family breakfast.

Christmas Visiting Whether you're traveling over the river and through the woods or hosting at home, it's hard to get pictures of everyone you're celebrating with. Try for a whole group photo (if the group's not too big) or break it down into smaller groups: the grandparents with the grandchildren; the grandparents with their own children; the men/boys; the women/girls; three or more generations; a photo of each family. Remember to include everyone's name in your journaling.

Christmas Card and Newsletter Particularly if your Christmas card has a picture of your family or children on it, be sure to put it in your scrapbook album. You may also want to include any special cards you received - for example, a baby's first Christmas card from Grandma and Grandpa. And if you write an annual newsletter to send out with your Christmas cards, put a copy of the newsletter in your scrapbook album as well.


Christmas Portraits The holidays tend to be a time for formal/professional portraits: family portraits, portraits of the children, and the traditional picture with Santa. If you saved your children's letters to Santa, you can make a two-page spread of the letters along with the picture of the children on Santa's lap.


Keep this Christmas list of scrapbooking ideas handy during the holiday season, and you'll be sure to capture those precious Christmas memories. If you need any page layout ideas, visit www.scrapbooktown.com/layouts-Christmas.html. Merry Christmas and Happy Scrapping!

3 Ways To Spice Up A Boring Christmas Party

In this article I will tell you how to spice up your Christmas party with three easy-to-use techniques. Christmas might mean fun and enjoyment for your kids, but you know only too well how much extra hard work you have to do during the holiday season! Christmas means that you have to host a little party at your house, as well as make arrangements for your guests. Well, in this modern age, you needn't do all the household chores yourself if you don't want to!

1. For starters, don't do all the work yourself. If you spend the whole Christmas cooking, creating decorations and shopping for gift items, when will you find time to enjoy yourself? Learn to indulge yourself. Call in some of your party guests and ask for their help in making the cookies. Make sure you supply all the raw materials to enable your guests to make the dough and let them have a great time in your kitchen. I am sure your guests will thoroughly enjoy the whole experience!

2. Another thing you can do to ease your nerves is to play board games with your party guests. Monopoly is a very popular board game so if you are good at it, then you can play it with some of the guests. It is a cool way to relieve yourself of some of the stress that automatically adds up during Christmas parties.

3. If you don't want to have too many guests in your room, why not organize a special event outside your house? For example, why not setup a carol singing event and let your guests participate in it? Call in someone with a good voce and let him sing some Christmas carols. If you think that your guests would be spending way too much time at your house, then just start your food party early and then end it with the carol singing.

These are just some of the ways to not only spice up a Christmas party but to relieve some of your workload as well. Remember that Christmas is all about fun and enjoyment. Spend quality time with your family and friends and enjoy yourself. And make sure that you feel comfortable with whatever you do during Christmas. If you don't feel comfortable with your chores, then drop it or let someone else do it in your place. Remember that discomfort only adds to misery, and let me repeat again: Christmas is all about fun and enjoyment.

This free article is provided by the FreeArticles.com Free Articles Directory for educational purposes ONLY! It cannot be reprinted or redistributed under any circumstances

De-stress During the Holidays

Preparing your home for the holidays, shopping for the gifts, and of course planning the meals and everything else that goes along with family and friends coming into town for the holidays, can be very stressful. It gets especially hectic when combined with normal stresses such as work, kids , and normal housekeeping. The problem is, with all this going on you may not have time to think, let alone take a break. On the other hand, the only way to stay sane during the holidays is to learn ways to eliminate stress throughout the day or you will surely be up all night thinking of all you have to do the next day.

The best way to eliminate stress during the holidays is to organize your duties. Make a list of everything that needs to be done before the guests arrive. Start early if you have to make room in your home for guests. This way you will have plenty of time to rearrange guest rooms, make reservations for guests that will be staying at hotels, etc... You will also have plenty of time to wash linens, go shopping for gifts, and of course plan your meals in advance and purchase all the food you will need to prepare the dishes.

Above all else, plan time for relaxation. If you only have a few minutes per day to relax, make the most of it. Sit in a room by yourself and listen to the quiet sounds of a table top water fountain. Take a warm bath using aromatherapy candles, bath oils, or even spa bath sets. The only way to eliminate stress is to give yourself a few minutes to relax and think of nothing more than yourself.

You do not have to take hours, but take out time to eat healthy meals, read a chapter of a book per day, or enjoy soaking in a hot tub with bubbles. Remember, the world will not end if you take a break. If you have hectic afternoons, take time for yourself as soon as everyone goes off to school and work, before you begin your day. Just a few minutes will help refresh and rejuvenate your mind, body, and soul, so you can accomplish all the many tasks that are involved with every holiday.

If you have little ones, it can be very hard to find a minute to yourself. Add in all the extra chores around the holidays, you may be ready to throw your own tantrum. However, it is imperative during stressful times like these, to remember the true reason behind the holidays. Try to distress as best as possible and take some time for yourself to relax a bit and just partake in part of this joyous season before it passes by and you miss the cheer altogether.

About the Author:
Ron and Jan Stager are the founders of RJS Gifts Enterprises, an online store specializing in unique gifts. They started the company as a means to provide quality customer service as well as a wide selection of housewarming gifts. Their store, YourRJSGiftsEtc.com, offers gifts for any occasion as well as items for the home including garden decor and other home decorations.

Article Source:
http://www.freearticles.co.za/home/home-improvement/interior-design/de-stress-during-holidays.html

Kid`s Favorite Party Christmas Games & Ideas - Santa`s Best Xmas Jokes

What`s Christmas really all about, yes you've got it in one,' "kids." I know us grownups like to party as well but hey come on, you know and I know Christmas would not be the same without watching the kids claw at the Christmas paper wrapped round their toys. Can you really see your Christmas being fulfilled if it were not for those happy smiling faces? Can you even try to imagine Christmas without the squeals of delight that echo through the air brought on by shock, all because Santa gave them what they wanted. Yes without doubt it`s definitely the time of year for the children. If you want this jolly ambience to continue then all you do is bring on the games. Kids love games, end of story. Wouldn`t it be nice this Christmas to give the kids something different. Good are the old traditional games, however "new" brings excitement. It is always best to plan ahead; however it can be a busy time for moms, so why not let the kiddies choose the games. It will not spoil the fun; in fact it can only add more excitement for mommy and her little Christmas elves. Okay we haven`t much time before Christmas is upon us, but believe me, kids don`t think about time, they just get the job done. For stress free party planning you should consider ordering your holiday party supplies, games and jokes on-line.
Christmas Party Games for Kids of all Ages

Many Games will have a specific age for game play so make sure you check this out before purchasing board games or other. One cost effective idea is to give the kids a game each on Christmas day to unwrap. These can then be used for the party entertainment instead of having to buy the games as extras. Twister, Buckaroo, and Operation are ideal. Board games like Monopoly, Ludo, Snakes and Ladders and Cluedo are all recognized games, and why, because they are all fun games to play, and very popular Christmas gifts. If you have been invited over to a friend`s house for dinner over the festive season, bring along a board game.

GIFT WRAP RACE

You will need matching boxes for each team and pre-cut wrapping paper

Have packages wrapped before the game starts. Team the children up.

Each team will be handed a wrapped gift box, wrapping paper sheet for

each player. Place these items on a table or the floor for a gift wrap base. To play the game will include that one team player will leave their group, run to the gift base, unwrap the gift, rewrap the gift, and run back to tag the next team member. The first team to have each member wraps the gift, wins.

SEEK A CHRISTMAS STAR

Kids love hide and seek, whether it be themselves they look for, or that of a star.

Stars can be made by you and the kids in advance; it will be fun and help pass the time away if the kids are bored. Before the Christmas party starts hide stars. Cardboard cutout stars covered with glitter are simple and easy to make. Supervise children at all times regardless of age.

Once again for this game team up the kid's and let them go in search of the stars.

No Christmas party would be the same without playing pass the parcel. It's simple to play, however a game that can have you tense all the way through play

PASS THE PARCEL

Place enough Christmas treats (Christmas candy, sugar canes, and mince pies) in a small box and wrap up. Then place the parcel into a larger box and wrap that as well, and so on, until there are several layers of wrapping. When done ask the children to form a circle. Play Christmas music while passing the "parcel" around from child to child. When the music stops, the child holding the parcel unwraps one layer. Then, play the music and begin passing again. Continue to play until the last wrapper is removed and its content shared out. Always share at the end because there is never a party game yet, that we haven`t seen tears from a loser.

SPEED SNOWBALL

Props you need, will include: Styrofoam balls or balls of white yarn, spoons and mittens for each team player. Be extra vigilant with particular game play items when children use them. Play this game as you would a relay race. Have the kid`s team up. Each player takes turns putting on mittens and balancing a "snowball" on a spoon while racing to the other side of the room. Drop the snowball into a bucket, return to the team, and pass the mittens to the next child and so on. First team to complete the course wins!

SANTA TRIP

Ask the children to sit in a circle. The first child chosen to start the game says," On Christmas Eve I'm traveling with Santa and I'm bringing (something starting with A)". The next child repeats the first object and adds an object beginning with B continue the game through the alphabet.

The real highlight of any children's Christmas party is having Santa visit. Sadly not many parents consider this because they believe they may not pull it off, or that dressing up as Santa will prove too difficult and time consuming. This is about kid`s right so don the beard. You can hire a Santa suit at little cost which can make a big difference in making this a successful Christmas kiddies' party.

Things to remember if Santa is on his way to your Christmas party and that is, some little children may not be comfortable with a Santa, and show fear, do not force them to sit on his lap. Children will come round in their own time when watching other kids jump up onto Santa`s knee. In saying that your child may not, if so, and if frantic with fear take them out of the room. If you are hiring a Santa Claus to come to your party, make sure he has references or is booked through a reputable company. In the UK the old tradition of sitting a child on Santa's knee is not permitted. It is seen as a precaution to keep the child safe, and protect Santa's reputation too. It's a sad world in which we live because of the sad "sicko's" that live in it, (not all) who are the reason behind this tradition being binned.

What is Father Christmas' wife called? Mary Christmas

What goes "oh, oh, oh?? Santa walking backwards

What goes red white red white red white? Santa rolling down a hill

What does Father Christmas always go down the chimney? Because it soots him

Who is Santa's most famous elf? Elfis

What do you call Santa Claus's dog? Santa Paws

Where do Santa's little helpers go to relax? The Elf farm

As the evening unwinds and children yawn while holding dolly and steam engine, sit them down and give them a glass of warm milk and mince pie. Once they have eaten and quenched their thirst, then out with tradition and in with the "NEW" "bedtime story" about the

History of Mince Pies

Mince pies became a regular part of Xmas celebrations as early as the 16th century (Tudor times), when mince pies were coffin or cradle shaped, rather than round as they are now. Mince pies then contained quite a bit of shredded meat in addition to the usual melange of dried fruits.


The crusaders returned from the Holy Land with spices, and it was deemed appropriate to celebrate Christ's birthday with a pie containing spices from his native land. It was important to add three spices (cinnamon, cloves and nutmeg) for the three gifts given to the Christ child by the Magi. It was thought lucky to eat one mince pie on each of the 12 days of Christmas (ending with Epiphany, the 6th of January). Alternatively if you refused to eat a mince pie this would bring bad luck Superstition: The pie mixture should only be stirred in a clockwise direction. To stir it anticlockwise would bring forth bad luck in the future. Your children will learn from this and remember the story for years to come. Telling bedtime stories of a similar nature every night you tuck them up in bed, will have them learn UN-be known to them, as long as the stories come across as bedtime story.

Caring for Your Christmas Cactus

When any flower starts blooming in winter it is a beautiful sight, and there is nothing more beautiful than a Christmas cactus. These wonderful plants for and can be grown indoors, require very little care and come in a variety of colors such as yellow (my favorite ), salmon, pink, fuchsia, white and a combination of all these colors. A Christmas cactus can adapt to low light, but when kept in a very sunny location indoors it will produce more flowers.
The plant grows best in a well draining soil such as those used for growing succulent plants. The Christmas cactus is not as drought tolerant as many people think, but because it is a succulent plant it will retain and store good amount water. Air temperature, light, rate of growth will help determine the length of time between watering and then water when the top of the soil is dry. Cactus prefer warm temperatures but they should be kept away from heat drafts from fireplace or furnace vents

After your plant finishes its blooming, let it rest and do not water for six weeks and as new growth starts to appear repot it with and the replace the top soil with fresh new soil, then start watering, keeping it moist. As the new growth appears in the spring apply a weak solution of liquid houseplant fertilizer at two week intervals.

If you plan to move your Christmas cactus outside during the summer months, keep in mind that direct sunlight will burn the leaves, so find a shady or semi shady location to move them to. As fall approaches slowly start to adjust your plant to the indoors by bringing it in and leaving it indoors a little longer each day.

Christmas cactus only need to be re-potted every two or three years but if you notice roots filling up the pot or that the root system seems to be unhealthy then its time to re-pot, spring is usually best but when re-potting is needed it can be done at any time.


Eudora DeWynter offers tips on Caring for Christmas Cactus on her blog athttp:www.gardentoolguru.com

Christmas Floral Design Ideas for Gifts and Home Decor

Flowers are a unique and special gift to give for Christmas. Anyone can put together these simple arrangements if you follow my simple instructions. The floral design options for Christmas are almost endless. Here are a few ideas: a Christmas centerpiece, small arrangement in a holiday mug or decorative container, gift basket, candle ring, and vase arrangements. Any of these would be perfect to give a friend or family member as a gift or to keep yourself and decorate your home with. There are a variety of floral arrangements available to purchase online if you are not up to putting together your own, just check out the website below.
A gift basket is fun to put together and a great present to give. Basically, all you need to do is find a basket or a Christmas container and put a few things in it. Some things that you could put in the gift basket include, a bud vase with a single flower, such as a red Gerber daisy, rose, or lily, a Christmas movie, a Christmas book, Christmas tree ornaments, holiday cookie cutters, and/or treats. First attach the bud vase in the container with floral clay. Then, if you use a wicker basket, use some festive Christmas tissue paper or other pretty paper to line it. Last arrange the gift items in the basket so it looks pretty and appealing. This would make a great gift for a coworker, teacher, sibling, or that person who just seems to have everything.

Another fun idea is to put a small arrangement together in a holiday mug. Use floral foam as the base of the floral design. First cover the wet floral foam with leather leaf, then add a three white carnations, inserted at different heights, two stems of red pixie carnations, each blossom individually, some baby's breath, and red hypericum berries. You could also add some cedar or other evergreen to the design. For complete instructions and a step by step video, please visit the link below to our website, you will find it under the Christmas section. This small design is charming and will delight the receiver of such a gift.

You could create an arrangement for any size vase, the larger the vase, the more flowers and greens to use. For Christmas time, use red, white and maybe even green flowers (like green button mums). Also choose from a variety of greens and evergreens out there. Accent a red rose in a bud vase with some baby’s breath and cedar. Deep red alstroemeria are especially beautiful. Put white stock in a vase and accent with any red flower.

There are many other flowers that would be perfect to use for Christmas arrangements, the link below will take you to a complete list of flowers, foliage, and evergreens for Christmas floral design.

A Christmas centerpiece can be made in several ways. You can either create a simple centerpiece of an arrangement of flowers in a low crystal container or make a long centerpiece in a plastic centerpiece tray with a variety of evergreens. Written instructions and step by step videos for how to assemble a Christmas centerpiece using a centerpiece tray and evergreens can be found at my website, along with a list of materials and resources where materials can be acquired. You can also look at our blog to see pictures of a beautiful arrangement of flowers in a holiday crystal container. Visit http://www.FreshFlowerIdeas.com/ to find more information about Christmas fresh flower arrangements. Floral design is our specialty and we have lots of ideas for you for the holidays. Fresh Flower Ideas offers how to videos with pictures for every step of assembling fresh flower arrangements. Also visit our regularly updated blog for more ideas and information about flowers as well at http://www.FreshFlowerIdeasInfo.com/

Christmas Wreaths for the Holidays: Fresh and Everlasting

Christmas wreaths are a great way to decorate your home for the holidays. Christmas wreaths can either be purchased online or homemade. There are endless varieties of wreaths you can create yourself. You can either use fresh evergreens to make a wreath for this holiday season or design one from artificial materials that can be enjoyed year after year.
A fresh wreath can be made from a variety of greens. Traditionally, use pine evergreens to make the wreath and embellish with holly leaves, berries, pine cones and maybe a festive bow. Eucalyptus can also be used to make a wreath. Two popular types of eucalyptus include silver dollar and seeded eucalyptus. Accent with berries for color and texture. Other greens that would look great in different combinations for a wreath include: fir, princess pine, oregonia, cedar, boxwood, and salal. You can find at your local craft store wreaths available to buy with a plethora of holiday accessories to add to it if you want to make an everlasting wreath. The selection ranges from pine cones to ornaments, from berries to poinsettias with glitter. With such a selection of picks and swags you are sure to find what you are looking for to make your wreath perfect for Christmas.


Once you have your desired accessories, a Christmas wreath is simple to assemble. You can use hot glue to secure your pieces in the design. If you wish to have the design less permanent, just use wire to secure your accessories. You can also use the pieces of the wreath to hold picks, ribbon, and other accessories in place. If making a Christmas wreath isn't for you, there are many different kinds of Christmas wreaths available to buy online. If you shop an online florist, you can buy wreaths made of fresh evergreens and pine cones or everlasting designs which can be enjoyed year after year. Fresh wreaths can be found made from a variety of materials. A pine wreath decorated with holly and a red bow is very simple and traditional. A fresh evergreen wreath will delight all the visitors to you door during the holiday season.


To see instructional videos on how to assemble Christmas wreaths and other Christmas floral designs, or to order your Christmas wreath online, visit http://www.FreshFlowerIdeas.com/ or http://www.FreshFlowerIdeasInfo.com/

Top 5 Fair Trade Gifts this Christmas - Not Just Coffee and Bananas

Yesterday, The Independent reported that takeaway coffee giant, Starbucks, was to begin sourcing 100 per cent of its coffee fair-trade. In the past, this might have seemed a very bold move for such a large company (especially during a recession), however their move can be seen to highlight the increasing popularity of fair trade goods and the gradual social acceptance that buying fair trade benefits everyone. Christmas is fast approaching and the time for trying to come up with suitable gift ideas is already upon us. So beyond coffee and bananas, what are the best fair trade gifts currently on offer?

5. Stationery. I think it was Freud that said, ‘Deep inside us all there is a portion of our heart devoted to stationery’. Actually, he didn’t. But who can dispute the rush felt when receiving a new notebook, set of pencils, or an eraser in the shape of a stegosaurus. Thankfully, fair trade stationery has wound its way onto the market shelves, and the range of cards, notebooks, and address books is of a quality that truly beats the chain stores.


4. Toys. Giving at Christmas is what the season is all about, and when a child receives a gift they really love, their display of joy and subsequent hyperactivity is something to behold. Today, there is a wide range of fair trade kids stuff available, including traditional wooden toys, children’s instruments, as well as brightly painted money boxes, puzzles and mobiles.

3. Accessories. I admit that this is quite a vague area of gifts, ‘How about I get you an accessory for Christmas?’ But there has also been an upsurge in bits and bobs in the fair trade sector. These range from eco-friendly recycled bags made from newspaper to more durable seeming carriers made from hemp and silk. Batik and sequin purses are also proving very popular this season.

2. Homeware. Homeware is perhaps the most intriguing area of fair trade products. From cutlery carved from coconut wood and plates made from cinnamon sticks set in wood, there are many ingenious designs available for people looking for a slightly more original gift this Christmas.

1. Jewellery. The high street has been looking to the east for jewellery designs for some time now. Today you can get authentic fair trade Indian earrings in a host of traditional colours such as turquoise, onyx, and black – as well as original teardrop, lantern and coral designs. There is also a significant diversity in types of jewellery and this certainly seems to be one of the fastest growing areas of fair trade production. Alongside earrings, there are also pendants, bracelets and necklaces available in abundance.




About the Author
Sarah Maple writes for Indigo Ocean Trading, an online shop dedicated to bringing you stunning hand crafted fair trade gifts created by highly skilled people from places such as Afghanistan, Nepal, Indonesia, South Africa and India. Based in Buckinghamshire, Indigo Ocean provide fair trade jewellery, incense, toys and gifts from all around the world.

World Christmas Customs

Everyone celebrates Christmas in a somewhat similar fashion based on the culture of which they are a part. People in the United States believe that Santa Claus brings presents to all the good little boys and girls. Of course, as we grow up we no longer truly believe in Santa Claus, though we still give gifts.

Some people celebrate on both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Meanwhile, other people will choose one day or the other to celebrate. Celebration generally includes a lavish meal, Christmas music and decorations, and time with family and friends before, during, and after the presents.

This Christmas, why not consider other holiday cultures when planning your holiday celebration? You can use the following traditional cultural traditions for your entire family or you can adapt them to be more racy or romantic and use them just for you and your lover.

Belgium
In Belgium, Santa visits all the little children on the 6th of December. While, the entire country celebrates different customs depending on the area, this seems to be relatively common throughout. With this in mind, you might want to sneak your lover a special gift on this day.

Presents are also given on Christmas Day, but these are small gifts to and from family. Gifts are placed under the tree or if you have a fireplace you could place them in a stocking. That would be a perfect opportunity to make a special stocking for his or her eyes only. You can place it near the fire for when you are all alone.

France
In France, Christmas is celebrated with a Christmas tree, as well though it is decorated differently than the American trees. Rather than placing balls, tinsel, and ornaments on the tree, the French trees are often decorated in red ribbons and white wax candles. You could decorate your tree like that this year and if you are going with an adult theme you could buy body part shaped candles in white to fulfill the candle requirement.

Latvia
In Latvia, the 12 days of Christmas are observed. This begins on Christmas Eve and a present is received each day for 12 days. Each present is usually placed under the tree though that is not always necessary. You could put the majority under the tree and steal away one or two just for private viewing!

Hungary
Hungary has Santa delivering presents on December 6th in addition to Christmas. December 6th is a special day that signifies the beginning of the Christmas season. On the fifth, the children clean their rooms and place their shoes outside their door or near the window. When they wake up, they have candies or small presents that have been left for them in their shoes.

If a child does not behave well, they might receive a golden birch (switch) with their present. Although, for children this is in good fun you might want to give it to your naughty adult boy/girl for a hint of a possible Christmas spanking!


Russia
In Russia the more popular holiday is New Year as opposed to Christmas. During this time presents are brought and the holiday is celebrated with church services, food, and family. While some now celebrate Christmas on December 25th many still use the Julian calendar, which moves the celebration to January 7th. Take that time to buy the final special gift of the season, and make sure it is one that they will not soon forget!

About the Author:
Shayla Moore is a writer for http://www.oasislingerie.com She has many intresting topics and ideas for all to read about. Check out more of her articles.

Article Source:
http://www.freearticles.co.za/culture-and-society/world-christmas-customs.html

Christmas is Coming and we Are All Putting on Weight

Author: Samuel Brook

Food glorious food. Oliver Twist wanted some more food but he was rejected.



Over the festive season, we won't be rejected more food. Food will be in abundance. Mince pies, biscuits and festive cakes will be in the workplace, school and college. Someone recently gave me a box of chocolate biscuits, the person knew I was on a diet. With the box of chocolates came a card which read, "God loves those, who love chocolate". That card indirectly had a clear message. "You eat and enjoy these chocolate biscuits, don't worry about the calories." Most of us when we eat anything sugary and sweet we get an instant boost of energy, only to fall as quick as it rises. One chocolate biscuit leads to another!



Then there are the office parties, dinners etc. Extra Christmas dinners, more food, meaning more calories. The consequence means more weight. Darker colder nights means that once we arrive home, we want to shut out winter and stay in and watch T. V. Staying in on a winter's night can lead to opening up those box of chocolates and other goodies.



The T.V. adverts will constantly remind us of all the various Christmas fayre available. Turkeys, joint of meats, savouries and of course those lovely Christmas Cakes and desserts. Those with a sweet tooth will be easily tempted. The supermarkets are offering a variety of festive cakes and pastries. My local supermarket was offering a "buy one get one free" , mini Christmas cake.



It is going to be very hard for most people to go on a diet or weight management program, this time of the year. The New Year, is the time to make that commitment to loose weight, when New Years Resolutions are made.



So, have you ever thought of taking some measures, to at least have some control of controlling your weight over this Festive Season. There is something that we can all do.



Scientific and nutritional experts recommend an increase in dietary fibre and a lower intake of fat and calories to help maintain good health. Unfortunately our Western Festive Diet tends to be high in fat and low in fibre rich foods. Christmas Pudding, Christmas Cake with all the other Festive Cakes are very high in fat. Not to mention those appetising savouries.



So, how can you find Fibre in foods. Natural foods are usually high in fibre (i.e.) wholegrain nuts, seeds, fruit and vegetables. Apples contain a high proportion of fibre, compared to many other fruit and vegetables. For example, there is approximately 4 grams of fibre in one apple. How, about baked or stewed apples for a sweet.



What fibre does is to reduce the amount of time food can spend in the intestinal track. Dietary fibre can help speed up the passage of food and so assist in the removal of toxins and wastes from the body.



Lack of fibre, and this is the danger in the festive season = poor diet and not good for our health and wellbeing. The Guideline Daily Allowance for fibre is 24 grams but it is suggested that 30 grams or more is probably needed for the protection of gut health. Having plenty of fibre will assist us to keep a control on our weight and curb our desire to snack. Keeping up with our daily intake of fibre will help our health and wellbeing.



Have a Happy and Healthy Christmas and maintain good health through the festive season and beyond.

About the Author:
Visit Waterbrookhealth! Further help and advice, phone 0115 9223429 (UK)
Email me on waterbrookhealth@googlemail.com.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/christmas-is-coming-and-we-are-all-putting-on-weight-673613.html

Christmas in Phnom Penh

As in almost everywhere else in the world, Christmas is as an important religious festival in Cambodia. Though Phnom Penh has only a few Christians; most of them being expatriates and tourists Christmas is a religious celebration that transcends all ethnic and cultural boundaries. The Christmas season brings with it a feeling of hope and good cheer, coupled with the fact that the year is drawing to a close; there is a feeling of optimism and hope of better things to come in the New Year.




Gift giving is an integral part of Christmas in Cambodia, like it would be everywhere else. People give thoughtfully picked out Christmas gifts to their families and loved ones. At this time of year gifts are ways of telling them that you appreciate their role in your life and that they are loved. Shopping malls and stores across Phnom Penh get into the seasonal mood by offering great discounts and seasonal sales; be warned however that the malls are jam packed at this time of the year.




However, the first signs of Christmas are found in the colorful decorations around Phnom Penh, in particular shopping malls and store fronts. Almost the entirety of Phnom Penh is gaily decorated with colorful fairy lights and fresh flowers in full bloom.




Special Christmas dinners can be enjoyed at a Phnom Penh hotel, with traditional Christmas delicacies such as Christmas pudding, minced pies and roast turkey. Dances and other Christmas parties are also organized at many a luxury hotel in Phnom Penh and lets you spend an unforgettable Christmas in Cambodia with your loved ones.

A Christmas Story for people having a bad day:
When four of Santa's elves got sick, the trainee elves did not produce
toys as fast as the regular ones, and Santa began to feel the
Pre-Christmas pressure.
Then Mrs Claus told Santa her Mother was coming to visit, which
stressed Santa even more.
When he went to harness the reindeer, he found that three of them were
about to give birth and two others had jumped the fence and were out,
Heaven knows where.
Then when he began to load the sleigh, one of the floorboards cracked,
the toy bag fell to the ground and all the toys were scattered.
Frustrated, Santa went in the house for a cup of apple cider and a
shot of rum. When he went to the cupboard, he discovered
the elves had drank all the
cider and hidden the liquor. In his frustration, he accidentally dropped
the cider jug, and it broke into hundreds of little glass pieces all over
the kitchen floor.
He went to get the broom and found the mice had eaten all the
straw off the end of the broom.
Just then the doorbell rang, and irritated Santa marched to the door,
yanked it open, and there stood a little angel with a great big
Christmas tree.
The angel said very cheerfully, 'Merry Christmas, Santa. Isn't this a
lovely day? I have a beautiful tree for you. Where would you like me to
stick it?'
And so began the tradition of the little angel on top of the Christmas
tree.