Monday, January 26, 2009

How was Your Christmas?

Did You All Have A Great Christmas?

Yes,I know it is a little early to start thinking about Christmas 2009.
It seems to me that Santa's visit has just been.
The kiddies had a great time, this past year we spend Christmas Eve with our daughter and her family.
My granddaughter, Hannah was so excited about (my mother) " Oma Bronk " Spending the night at their house as well. That all else failed by comparison.
That is to say until about 6:00 am. When Hannah awakened me and asked if I thought that Santa had already payed a visit to the house. Well ever heard the term "there is no stopping wild horses." That was the same on Christmas morning. Hannah went downstairs and had a look, come running back up and exclaimed with great anticipation, "Santa has been oma, you should see what he brought. This is will be the best Christmas ever."

We had a lovely Christmas morning, both Hannah and Myles were so excited about what Santa had left for them that it was a delight to see.
Just how many more days until Christmas this year, as of this moment 333 days.
The countdown has begon...........

See you all later!



Wednesday, December 24, 2008

"Twas the Night Before Christmas

I like to share this poem with you, and wish you all a very Merry Christmas.

'Twas the Night Before Christmas by Clement Clarke Moore

'Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse.The stockings were hung by the chimney with care,in hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there.

The children were nestled all snug in their beds,while visions of sugar plums danced in their heads.And Mama in her 'kerchief, and I in my cap,had just settled our brains for a long winter's nap.

When out on the roof there arose such a clatter,I sprang from my bed to see what was the matter.Away to the window I flew like a flash,tore open the shutter, and threw up the sash.

The moon on the breast of the new-fallen snow gave the lustre of midday to objects below,when, what to my wondering eyes should appear,but a miniature sleigh and eight tiny reindeer.

With a little old driver, so lively and quick,I knew in a moment it must be St. Nick.More rapid than eagles, his coursers they came,and he whistled and shouted and called them by name:
"Now Dasher! Now Dancer! Now Prancer and Vixen! On Comet! On Cupid! On Donner and Blitzen! To the top of the porch! To the top of the wall! Now dash away! Dash away!Dash away all!"

As dry leaves that before the wild hurricane fly,when they meet with an obstacle, mount to the sky so up to the house-top the coursers they flew,with the sleigh full of toys, and St. Nicholas too.

And then, in a twinkling, I heard on the roof the prancing and pawing of each little hoof.As I drew in my head and was turning around,down the chimney St. Nicholas came with a bound.

He was dressed all in fur, from his head to his foot,and his clothes were all tarnished with ashes and soot.A bundle of toys he had flung on his back,and he looked like a peddler just opening his pack.

His eyes--how they twinkled! His dimples, how merry! His cheeks were like roses, his nose like a cherry! His droll little mouth was drawn up like a bow,and the beard on his chin was as white as the snow.The stump of a pipe he held tight in his teeth,and the smoke it encircled his head like a wreath.He had a broad face and a little round belly,that shook when he laughed, like a bowl full of jelly.

He was chubby and plump, a right jolly old elf,and I laughed when I saw him, in spite of myself.A wink of his eye and a twist of his head soon gave me to know I had nothing to dread.

He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work,and filled all the stockings, then turned with a jerk.And laying his finger aside of his nose,and giving a nod, up the chimney he rose.

He sprang to his sleigh, to his team gave a whistle,And away they all flew like the down of a thistle.But I heard him exclaim, 'ere he drove out of sight,
"Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good night!"


"Tis the Day Before Christmas

This is it!
The moment we have all been waiting for, eagerly anticipating!
A few last minute things need doing, check; turkey is thawing in the fridge.
Now time for the fun stuff, lets get those presents beautifully wrapped.
All the paper, tape, gift bags and bows and ribbons together with little candy canes tiny ornaments are ready to decorate your gifts.
Tell me, what says Christmas better than the beautiful wrapping paper that features Santa Claus, snowman, reindeer or angels. Tie a ribbon around it, slap on a great big bow and voila! You have perfected the art of holiday gift wrapping. Wrapping really large packages, irregular shaped items, plants and giant stuffed animals require some more thought.

If this overwhelm you.
Here is a simple way to get you on your way. You know how easy gift bags are , not only that you can reuse them! Now to wrap the tricycle or scooter, you need to find a specialty gift boutique that sells gigantic gift bags, as they are specially designed for gifts like this.
Now if you bought a large TV or an office chair . WOW they are to big for the gift bag ..........NO FEAR , just spray paint the box red or green again put a huge bow around it (like the one you use for your front door).

A cute or clever saying enhances the value of any gift and makes it much more special to the person who receives it.
Any sweet treat: "Wishing you a season with sweetness!"
Candle: "Hope your Christmas is full of light"
Pencil and notepad: "Hope your Christmas is something to write home about!"
Popcorn: "We're "popping" by with a holiday HI!"
Cookie Dough: "Here's a little extra "dough" for Christmas"
Basket of Bath Items: "When you feel like a basket case, take a break...and slow your pace"
Bell: "With each chime of this festive bell, may a Christmas wish come true, and bring you peace and happiness to last the whole year through!"
Nuts: "We're nuts about you!"
Crayons and Coloring Book: Hope your Holidays are Colorful!
Stuffed animal: "Paw sing" to wish you a Merry Christmas!"

Tuesday, December 23, 2008

Avoid holiday stress!

While the strains of "I'll be home for Christmas" at the local mall may be music to your ears,for others it is a reminder that the most stressful time of year is upon us.
Each year, many people feel stressed as they strive to create a perfect Christmas for loved ones. Shopping for presents, food and hanging decorations becomes much more than just a labour of love. It becomes a mission of perfection and a recipe for disaster.

Take a step back and think about it.
Is Christmas going to be ruined because you don't have the right sweet potatoes? Who cares if you don't have as many side dishes as your grandmother used to make. You do not have to make every hing from scratch, there are many wonderful deserts available at your local store.
One of the biggest reason for excess stress during any festive season is our need for control. Too many of us want to orchestrate the perfect holiday moment over turkey dinner. However when you think about it there is not much you can do to control the situation.

In our culture there is a big emphasis on Christmas.
We all would love to have the "perfect" Christmas ever. reality is when family gets together. There will be cross words or fights because they are comfortable enough to be themselves with each other. Although you may not be able to control your uncle's total lack of social skills or your grandma's passive aggressive remarks. In fact the only thing you can control is yourself and your own actions. Remember, as long as you are doing the best you can do, you are doing well!

It is a very stressful time financially for a lot of families, especially now with so many lay offs and the market being so flat. we gravitate to thinking that all will be well at Christmas.
A very good tip to surviving the holidays is to be realistic about what is going to happen.
If you have financial concerns, you have to be responsible for your spending. Racking up the credit card to give mountain of gifts won't feel good when the bill comes in January. Think about your motivation for buying a gift.
Are you trying to buy love or affection?. Are you trying to keep up with others? Think about what you are doing before you put your credit card down.
At Christmas it is very easy to get carried away, however the little things can add up to become more complex.

A good Christmas comes down to being flexible and to go with the flow.
So relax and enjoy!

Sunday, December 21, 2008

The Gift of Time

Year after year we face the same challenge of choosing the right gifts for Christmas gift-giving.
This year may be a little more challenging then the previous once. With all the uncertainties the world is facing.

Why not give gifts from the heart.

The Romantic Christmas Gift does not have to be a cliche and no matter whether you are buying for him or for her. The best way to make sure that their heart is touched is to give a gift straight from your heart.
The delayed enjoyment gift.
You can make gift certificates, this kind of gift can be put under the tree and redeemed at a later date. For example a week of watering some their plants, mowing the lawn or shoveling the snow from their driveway or walkway, a dinner date, love coupons kiss, kiss.

The Gift of Time!

You know what is really missing in today's world?
The face to face, one on one time with parents, children, siblings. The list goes on and on.
Time with-out the kids; phone; TV; computer or anything else.
Real you and me time, dress in your best, order from their favourite restaurant, unplug the TV and phones, turn up their favourite tunes, talk about them and enjoy each other.
The instant enjoyment gift.
Here are some examples; cellphone, jewellery, perfume, aftershave, clothes, chocolates just to name a few.

The Only One for Me Is You.

You have just bought them a technology device gift or the bracelet or watch they wanted. Now if you were to engrave this, then you are sending the message that you are in it forever. Nothing is more romantic than commitment.
No matter what you do, do it with your heart and with theirs in mind.



Wednesday, December 17, 2008

Christmas Carols

Here are a few song lyrics to get you swinging trough the house!

Jingle Bell Rock.

Jingle bell, jingle bell, jingle bell rock
Jingle bells swing and jingle bells ring
Snowing and blowing up bushels of fun
Now the jingle hop has begun

Jingle bell, jingle bell, jingle bell rock
Jingle bells chime in jingle bell time
Dancing and prancing in Jingle Bell Square
In the frosty air.

What a bright time, it's the right time
To rock the night away
Jingle bell time is a swell time
To go gliding in a one-horse sleigh
Giddy-up jingle horse, pick up your feet
Jingle around the clock
Mix and a-mingle in the jingling feet
That's the jingle bell,
That's the jingle bell,
That's the jingle bell rock.


Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas.

Have yourself a merry little Christmas,
Let your heart be light
From now on, our troubles will be out of sight
Have yourself a merry little Christmas,
Make the Yule-tide gay,
From now on,
our troubles will be miles away.

Here we are as in olden days,happy golden days of yore.
Faithful friends who are dear to us
gather near to us once more.

Through the years we all will be together,
If the Fates allow,
Hang a shining star upon the highest bough.
And have yourself a merry little Christmas now.


Rocking around the Christmas Tree

Rocking around the Christmas tree
at the Christmas party hop
Mistletoe hung where you can see
every couple tries to stop
Rocking around the Christmas tree,
let the Christmas spirit ring
Later we'll have some pumpkin pie
and we'll do some caroling.

You will get a sentimental
feeling when you hear
Voices singing let's be jolly,
deck the halls with boughs of holly
Rocking around the Christmas tree,
have a happy holiday
Everyone dancing merrily
in the new old-fashioned way.


Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer

You know Dasher and Dancer
And Prancer and Vixen,
Comet and Cupid
And Donner and Blitzen.
But do you recall
The most famous reindeer of all?

Rudolph the red-nosed reindeer
Had a very shiny nose
And if you ever saw it
You would even say it glows
All of the other reindeer
Used to laugh and call him names
They never let poor Rudolph
Play in any reindeer games

Then one foggy Christmas Eve
Santa came to say
Rudolph with your nose so bright
Won't you guide my sleigh tonight?
Then all the reindeer loved him
And they shouted out with glee
"Rudolph the red-nosed reindeer
You'll go down in history!"


Silent Night

Silent night, holy night
!All is calm, All is bright
Round yon Virgin, Mother and Child
Holy Infant so Tender and mild,
Sleep in heavenly peace,
Sleep in heavenly peace.

Silent night, holy night!
Shepherds quake at the sight!
Glories stream from heaven afar;
Heavenly hosts sing Al-le-lu-ia!
Christ the Saviour is born!
Christ the Saviour is born!

Silent night, holy night!
Wondrous star, lend thy light!
With the angels let us sing
Alleluia to our King!
Christ the Saviour is here,
Jesus the Saviour is here!

Silent night, Holy night!
Son of God, love's pure light
Radiant beams from Thy holy face,
with the dawn of redeeming grace,
Jesus Lord at thy birth;
Jesus Lord at thy birth.


Blue Christmas

I'll have a blue Christmas without you;
I'll be so blue thinking about you.
Decorations of red
on a green Christmas tree
Won't mean a thing if
you're not here with me

I'll have a blue Christmas, that's certain;
And when that blue heartache starts hurting,
You'll be doing all right
with your Christmas of white,
But I'll have a blue, blue Christmas.


Friday, December 12, 2008

Hot Video Games

You can’t miss with these hot video games under the tree.

Remember, when buying a video game for kids and teens, be awhere of the recommended age ratings in the corner of the box, such as “E” for “Everyone”, “T” for “Teen” and “M” for Mature.

LittleBigPlanet :
One of the coolest video games of the year is virtually impossible to explain. Imagine a world with no limits, a world that is yours to shape, build and explore. Imagine the possibilities, then jump head first into reality. Imagine what you can do with that!!

Buzz!:
In Buzz! Quiz TV, the whole world becomes a quiz show network! Includes over 5000 trivia questions.
High Stakes indeed.

Shaun White Snowboarding:
Olympic Gold Medalist Shaun White redefines the action sport genre. Enter a snowboarding world of total freedom. Create your own experience and choose when, where, how and with whom you want to ride.

Sid Meiers Civilization Revolution:
The latest offering in the legendary series of strategy games, features addictive game play that has made this one of the greatest game series of all time.

NHL 2K9:
NHL 2K9 brings a totally rebuilt NHL experience to life with a brand new in game presentation system, as well as fresh player animations and controls that fans will enjoy from the moment they play their first game, until well after they become a seasoned veteran.NHL 2K9 is the only Hockey game on the Wii Console this year.

We Cheer:
Clap Your Hands And Stomp Your Feet! We Cheer brings the excitement and fun of cheer leading to the Wii Console.
Get ready to show team spirit while you kick, jump flip and dance to the rhythm of the hottest music from the past and the present.

Banjo-Kazooie: Nuts & Bolts:
Nuts & Bolts embraces new and old fans alike, as the famous bear and bird duo return in stunning high definition for a unique adventure of epic proportions.

I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus

I saw Mommy kissing Santa Claus
Underneath the mistletoe last night.
She didn't see me creep
down the stairs to have a peep;
She thought that I was tucked
up in my bedroom fast asleep.

Then, I saw Mommy tickle Santa Claus
Underneath his beard so snowy white;
Oh, what a laugh it would have been
If Daddy had only seen
Mommy kissing Santa Claus last night.