Top Five Christmas Cookies

by Artgeek3K

Christmas cookies are one thing that I look forward to. I love making them with the family and of course eating them as well. The children love the decorating part (even though Dad is odd and doesn't want anything on his cookies). The top five cookie list for Christmas cookies may surprise you, it did me. There is a few on here I need to try, but the sound so yummy as well. Delight your guests this Christmas season by having all five of the best Christmas cookies and don't forget to visit back to tell us what they all thought as well.

Find our what the top Five Christmas Cookies are here

Please share in the comments below your favorite cookies.

Christmas Wreath Cupcakes

Just a quick Google search for Christmas Wreath Cupcakes and the pictures are amazing. Many I would love to try. I found on Squidoo an article with not only a recipe but a video on making Christmas Wreath Cupcakes.

Such wonderful techniques. I still love to use M and M's to make the wreath on top of the cupcakes. So simple that children can even make them. The article on squidoo takes the cupcakes to the next level. Bound to amaze guests and look amazing.

I love to add a little flare to the Christmas party. If you make an interested cupcake and would love to share your link in comments. I'd be happy to check it out. I love seeing all the desgins.

Black Friday - Christmas Shopping

Christmas shopping with the dreaded by many BLACK FRIDAY!! There may be ways to avoid the black Friday rush.

Many Black Friday ads can be viewed already at many online sites. One site, Black Friday 2014, is a one stop site to view the hot Black Friday deals. Ok so we got your attention with some of the hot ads. Now take a look to see if those prices are going to be offered online. Most of the Black Friday deals can be bought online. Often, to boost online sales, there is free or low shipping cost at this time of the year. So, depending on what you are shopping for, you may never have to leave home to get the Christmas shopping done. There are many Black Friday sales that are only available online as well.

I still love to get out to the stores and see the Christmas displays. I have to try all the new gadgets out and pick up some decoration ideas. I just make sure to enjoy the Christmas display and any other day than Black Friday. Instead of shopping on Black Friday we will be putting up our Christmas decorations. With a little bit of preplanning, we already have most of our shopping done.

Shopping early every year for Christmas is a wonderful way to reduce the stress of Christmas shopping. Budgets are predetermined and help to keep us on track. This method has helped us to pay cash and not run up the charge card bills. The budgets are based on income not wants. By preplanning we are also able to save up for some expensive gifts as well. It’s not too late. Check out those ADS for Black Friday and then check out the prices now. You may be able to find the same great deal now. With online shopping and search sites like Google Shopping, it is very easy to check prices.

Black Friday will be here soon. November 29th this year. While I hope everyone will have fun and save some money, there is always those shocking moments on the news. I have worked Black Friday as a retail store worker. It was back when the Furbies first came out. The store manager was almost trampled as she had tickets for the limited number of Furbies we had. The rest of the day was great because the hours flew by for me. So I have a great respect for workers on Black Friday. Although there was no Furbies after a few minutes on Black Friday we did get more shipments in for Christmas. I hope everyone will have a safe Black Friday and please remember what Christmas is all about. There is no need to fight over product.

Christmas! Are you ready?

I can hear some reader saying, “Oh Yes, I can’t wait!” while others are saying “No way, not yet!” It can be very interesting to see both side of the Christmas joy and dismay. For both side of how Christmas is precede often includes the joy and celebration traditions the families have created. It a sad though, but Christmas just may be another day for some people. Those special memories, the magic of Christmas, and the amazement of staring at the Christmas lights all comes from how Christmas is spent.



Christmas can fill a person heart with joy and bring back memories of Christmas pass. Christmas can also be the crowded shopping stores, greedy people asking for everything, spending too much, and the hassle of possible bad weather. Those two sentences show the drastic difference people can feel when getting ready for Christmas. Everyone can have joy and happiness with Christmas, but it takes a little bit of work.



Stores can be an issue at Christmas time. I totally enjoy Christmas shopping though. Why? All the Christmas displays make me happy. Yes, my family one of those that will try everything in the aisle. My husband even enjoys Christmas shopping even though he not a fan of large crowds. It really is not the people he has an issue with. It happens to be the rude ones you might bump into. The ones we see articles in the newspaper for being demanding, pushing, and even fighting for a simple object. With a little love, kindness, patience, understanding, and caring for fellow man can solve all of the issues. Yes, I would be one of those parents who would give up an item my child really wanted just to not fight. Yet we have had many wonderful Christmases. Never have my children complain that they didn’t get something or about how much they got. They were thankful.



The magic of Christmas means a lot to me. My mother holds Christmas very dear and we both have very fond memories of Christmas. I have passed this on to my children. When they were very young we made Christmas day a day about the children and their new gifts. Instead of making a large meal that would make the parents send lots of time in the kitchen, we pre-made or made easy items. We did this so we could play with the children.



When the kids were old enough they started to help put up decorations. I love putting up the lights on the Christmas tree. One year I put up 21 strands on the tree. I wrapped each branch front to back. I blew the breaker and was ready to cry when my oldest son and husband came to the rescue. We safely got all the light to work. (Had to run some extra power cords to the Christmas tree.) Since that Christmas my son loves to help me put up the lights. He and my husband often talk about the Christmas I went overboard with lights on the tree. That Christmas tree sure was pretty. Now that Christmas is one of those memories that fill our hearts with love and joy every time we look at Christmas lights.



Christmas is all about the pass, present, and future. If Christmas has been like just another day, then it is time for a change. For those that don’t have a family there are churches, homeless shelters, and nursing homes that can all use some volunteers. What else could be better at Christmas then helping someone else? In return you find companions to help bring joy, love, and cheer into Christmas. After all those three things are all people need to have a Merry Christmas.

Christmas is coming

Christmas 2009

Many people are already shopping and planning for Christmas 2014. Making the budget stretch as far as it can to help surprise those special people in your life with something they really want can be very hard. All of that work is 100% worth it when those eye look up at you filled with love and joy.

Some of things people love the most about Christmas are not always the gifts. I love the trees, the lights, Christmas traditions and spending time with family. Years ago my husband and I decided to make Christmas day all around the children. For food we had anything that could be premade and warmed up like Cheese and Bean dip and chips. The kids love that we don’t spend too much time in the kitchen instead.


For some people Christmas is just another day. For me, that is the saddest thing to see. Christmas has such a special meaning. It a day celebrated by Christian for the birth of Christ. For some it’s a day to give and get gifts with family and friends. Such a loving time of the year to help chases away the winter blues with happiness, cheer, and giving.


What about the people who are alone on Christmas? Those are the people we all need to reach out to. If you know someone who is all alone try to do something nice for them for Christmas. That would be just want they need to help cheer them up. That can be a yearly tradition for the family to do something nice for some of the neighbors that are alone.

Christmas Cash

Christmas can be a very stressful time of the year. There is so much that people want to do and then thier budget just doesn't allow for their wants. Now cutting back and living in your budget is very important, but so is enjoying Christmas. Now I'm not saying by any means you should spend more then you have nor do I think charging Christmas is a good idea. Matter of fact charging is the worst thing you can do at Christmas time as it make the rest of the year harder.  Instead it best to start thinking about Christmas cash now.

Tucking away a little bit every week will help to make Christmas easier for you. Plus you may be even able to have a little extra for those rainy days. It used to be standard practice for people to make sure they had a nest egg saved up.. then charge cards and loan became more popular. Sadly I still have these but wish I didn't. One of the things I tell my kids is don't do it. Don't get a charge card and don't get a loan. Save up instead. Same for Christmas we need to save up. Put away $10 a week would be $520 dollars a year. Now that would be a very nice Christmas budget.

If you are already having a hard time making ends meet consider picking up a side hobby that can make money. For me writing is that hobby. I enjoy it, I learn, and I make money. I am by far not the worlds best writer and I'm sure an English major is shaking their heads, but it is fun.

Christmas cash can also be made by selling items. You can pick up good items at flea markets and garage sales. For me I like to use Listia. I list for free items I want to get rid of it and in return I get points. I then use those points for other items I want. A great way to get items for Christmas. Its also a great way to get rid of items you no longer need or bad gifts (although we know the giver had the best intentions.)

Many banks offer Christmas Clubs that earn higher interest rate then regular savings. They do this because they can use your money until Christmas. This is a great way to make money you can save grow.



Picture is by McGoo84

Christmas shapes pan

This cookie pan is very interesting. Not because it can do cookies, as many of us have the traditional cookie cutters. I can see more potential in the pan than just making cookies. Christmas shaped brownies, fudge, cakes and even a Christmas breakfast egg.

I just love rolling out and cutting my cookies with the cookie cutter with the kids. For me this pan would not be for cookies but for anything else I want to use the shapes for. With a little creativity we can show off the Christmas shapes in so many different foods that will supprise your Christmas guest.

This can be a great way to make gifts as well. You can turn many homemade items into Christmas shapes that will make wonderful gifts.

Pan can be viewed for purchase at:
 http://amzn.to/ZzEOBe

Decorate branches for a Christmas Centerpiece

Christmas trees are more then just a Christmas tree. A live tree can give a home that wonderful pine smell during the holidays. Pine cones can be painted, glitterized, and totally customized to hang on the tree or for decorations around the house.

You can save money on Christmas centerpieces by making your own with the branches from a pine tree. With the decorated branches you can bring that perfect elegant touch into your home with a fraction of what store centerpieces would cost. Plus they are fun to decorate as well. One of the biggest reasons to decorate your own center piece is so you get just the right look that you love. If you are crafty the centerpieces can also be sold for a profit as well. Many people use the profit for extra holiday cash or to help out families in need.

Find out more here on how to make a Christmas Centerpiece.

How to have a Merry Christmas without Gifts

Christmas presents under a Christmas tree is a part of Christmas. However there are times where no presents under the tree can lead a person to depression. Often single adults or parents with grown kids can find it hard to be Merry without the gifts.

I’m here to tell you it doesn’t have to be that way. You can have a totally Merry Christmas without spending a dime on anyone.

First you need to find out what Christmas really is. It is not those gift tucked neatly under a tree, it is not giving until your in debt and crying in January when the credit card bills come in, and it not doing what people expect out of you. The Christmas magic lies in what brings happiness. Yes, this can be easily found on a child’s face when they open a new gift, but it can also be found in general kindness and love all around us.

I can hear a few readers talking about to me about right now. They are saying they don’t have anyone to be kind to. This isn’t true either. You have yourself to be kind to and Christmas time is a good reason to get out a make some friends. For starters Volunteer work. So many places could use the extra help. Churches, hospitals, local animal shelter, and schools can be some wonderful place to volunteer. With nothing asked of you but some time, volunteering can bring joy and happiness to you and others.

No time, that’s OK too. Little things such as helping someone at a store, opening a door, just smiling and saying “HI” will not only let a little Christmas magic out but bring happiness to daily life.

The last time I bought a tree by myself, which is still my favorite tree. I ended up buying a tree that just wouldn’t fit in my car. I tried to find a way for it to fit. A guy pulled and tried to help. Then he looked at me and asked where I lived. He and his family totally took time to drive my tree to my house for me. It was amazing. His family didn’t ask me for anything and said it is Christmas time and they where just glad to help out.

Christmas day can still be merry. Part of the Merry Christmas is the joy we get from spending time with our family and friends. The Christmas depression just doesn’t need to be. We don’t need fancy item under the tree. We don’t need to fill sad because we didn’t fulfill a long list of “I Wants”. Instead lets just brake from the everyday life and do something different or something we highly enjoy.


Note: Picture was done by pixaio

I saw this picture on facebook today:

From http://www.crmr.com/emerald/photos/
Now this is just amazing, but this is also a wonderful idea for those of us who have families all over the place. For just one Christmas, or as often as affordable, wouldn't it be neat to rent a cabin like this for the whole family to get together and enjoy? I think it would really bring Christmas alive not to mention some unforgettable family memories.

Cabin are not all out of the price range. Recently I stayed at a cabin in Pigeon Forge, TN that slept six people for just $89 a night. That much cheaper then hotel rooms for everyone. Even some of the larger cabins are actually cheaper then hotel stays.

Christmas Card Envelopes

Christmas cards come in all shapes and sizes. I often keep my left overs from the years before. This year I decided to use all the left over cards first. I ran into one issue though. Not enough of the right size envelopes. Instead of trying to buy the right size envelopes I grab a single sheet of printer paper.

I placed the card on the paper and folder the bottom up, the side in, and then the top down. I placed tape on the side and the top. Worked perfectly with every card that didn't have en envelope.

Now the envelope can be easily custom by pre-drawing on it or using the computer to print out something neat on the paper. The fold the back side of the paper over the card. An easy and wonderful way to make your own envelopes.

Note: picture is by fangol

Homemade Christmas treats for pets.

Everyone loves Christmas treats including the family pets. Everyone loves homemade treats for Christmas, but some can make our pets sick. The best way to avoid the pets from being sick is not feed them regular human food. Instead make them their very own Christmas treat that we know is safe. It the perfect gift for man's best friend under the Christmas tree.

15 Homemade Holiday Pet Treats

Don't forget the cats as well. There are also Christmas treats they can have as well. Giving a pet their own treat is a great way to prevent them from bagging for food or stealing other guests food. They know they can't have what the other people are having, but have their very own.


Homemade Cat Treats

 

 

 

Cat picture is by vee8

Dog picture is by kiubo

Poem: What I want for Christmas

What I want for Christmas can't be bought in stores.
I can buy gifts for myself or gifts for friends or family.
I can buy expensive decorations for everyone to see.
Money is nice but it doesn't mean a thing if I feel all alone.


What I want for Christmas isn't on the Internet.
I love keeping in touch but there is something more.
I can't place an order or send enough status update.
On Christmas virtual just won't do.


I love my friends and family and love to be with them.
However if they are all fighting, it won't really matter.
None the less I love to be with them just the way they are.


Want I want for Christmas is that magical feeling.
The one you get when everyone is excited.
The one you feel as the first snow flakes fall.
The one you see when people are kind and help each other.
The one that bring Christmas alive.



Note picture is by micky007 on http://www.sxc.hu/photo/675033

Christmas Trees, When do we put them up?

Families have so many different traditions for putting up Christmas trees. This year I'm very pleased to have three trees we are putting up. We have three floor and I just love the tress. I know I can't afford to have them lit all the time but they will look wonderful none the less. We have already started and I see many of my neighbors have started to put up outside lights.

I know the philosophy of putting up Christmas lights early is to avoid putting the outside lights up in the freezing cold. Thankfully there is no set of rules for when to put up the Christmas tree, or I would be in trouble. However one thing to consider is how big are holiday between the time you want to set up the Christmas tree until Christmas. For example, if putting up a tree in October but the family is big Halloween fans, there may be issues and a huge clash of the holidays. So waiting until all the other big holidays at your home is a good idea.

Another thing to consider when putting up the Christmas tree is family space. Do you have the room to put the tree up and not inconvenience people? If the tree is going to be in the way, you may want to consider waiting. My husband keeps suggesting a picture of the Christmas tree on the wall. That does work if you have no space, but I prefer to find space. Don't forget about pets. They need to learn to leave Christmas decorations alone, but this time practice. If they are not Christmas broken you may want to consider waiting until closer to Christmas.

Don't forget the family. Now if I was to put the Christmas decor all by myself, my family would be very upset with me. They love to have an input and to help with the Christmas decoration. As a matter of fact I think the whole family would love to retire to a Christmas theme store. Maybe one day. The important key is to ask family members if they want to help before getting too carried away. It a time for happiness so we don't want to hurt anyone feels. Plus putting up the Christmas decor is a wonderful time for family bonding and my son to remind me how old I am when I put on the Christmas music I love.

Overall anytime is a good time to put up the Christmas tree. Remember how much space it takes up. Sooner the tree is up the more time people have to enjoy it. Plus more time to put up more Christmas decorations. Don't forget to share you Christmas pictures!

Hershey Kiss Bells Commercial

Sitting at home rest after part of the night and all day working on getting up our Christmas decoration. We are very excited this year and can't wait to share what we have. My husband, Richard Smith, is maybe a little too excited. Unfortunately a pair of scissors found his finger today when he went to cut a zip tie. He is OK, but ended up missing work due to it.

We are now resting and watch TV and I saw the same one but cute commercial for the Hershey Kiss Bells. Now this commercial came out in 1989 or 1990. So it  is about 23 years old. I seen some different dates for the exact year, but that was close enough for me. There is not many commercial that old that they show today. If you have not seen the commercial or haven't seen it recently it is on YouTube.

I have to admit I look forward each year to the Hershey Kisses. Not only are they good by themselves but they are wonderful for baking, placing in hot drinks, and for decorations.

What do you think about this commercial? Do you love seeing it every year? Please share in the comments.


See even more http://www.hersheyarchives.org/resources/search-results.aspx?Type=Search&Text=Kiss
http://wiki.answers.com/Q/When_did_hershey_kiss_jingle_bell_Christmas_commercial_debut

Christmas Bracelets

 This is one awsome bracelet. If you haven't seen what the guys at Backwoods bracelets can do you are missing out. They have some very wonderful designs. I just can't help but share because I think it is just that wonderful.

Shown here in the picture is a Christmas Bracelet.

Christmas carolers, helpers, and even Santa will enjoy these wonderful bracelets. One thing I find very interesting about the bracelets is they can be used to save your life! Check out this article with Seven ways to Save your Life. Now I have also heard the cord can hold up to 500 pounds as well.

 

So this is why I'm so amazed with this bracelets. They are fashionable, they guys can make many different paterns and colors, and very useful too. Although the article above list 7 ways to save your life with the cord I think we can come up with many more. Please feel free to share Ideas in the comment section below.

 

Contact Edmong Hogge for purchases of bracelets.

"Merry Christmas", What Does It Mean and Why Do People Say It?

I've heard over the years of money places telling employee not to say "Merry Christmas" for fear of offending someone. They have come up with the odd saying of "Happy Holidays" to cover everything. I'm not opposed to either saying but I think either should be up to the individual saying it and I don't understand why "Merry Christmas" would offend anyone. It is not mean in anyway even if you don't celebrate the same it just good wishes. Well I wrote this "Merry Christmas", What does it Mean and Why do people say it?

Merry Christmas to All.

Even for my friends, co-workers, or anyone else who may not believe in God can enjoy Christmas. Yes the main meaning of Christmas is about God and Jeasus, but it is also just another holiday to get with family and friends. I don't see how a holiday can be bad when Christmas really just wants to spread love, kindness, laughter, friendship, and wonderful memories. Now that can't be all that bad. We can use some Chrismas throughout the year to help make the world a better place.




Note: Picture was done by big-E on sxc.hu http://www.sxc.hu/photo/1374538

Toys for 2012 Christmas year

I've looked at many of the list from the stores. Then I went to my children and asked them what is really hot. They are both boys ages 11 and 14. I took their list and placed the top five items on the list.

http://www.listmyfive.com/2a963ed7/The-Top-Five-Toys-For-2012

Please share with us what your children are interested in this year along with some ages, it will help parents with ideas for their or other children the same age with gift ideas.

Christmas, Love or Commercialism

Well black Friday done and over with, we hear lots of horror stories of people getting hurt and acting crazy. With the crazy bills racking up and the stories of the people requesting more expensive gifts. Is Christmas about love or commercialism?

In my opinion Christmas in only commercialism if the families allow to be. Christmas gifts are nice, but it is not the main focus of Christmas. Christmas is about being nice, be kind to everyone you meet, being with friends and family, and remembrance of God and Jesus. Regardless of the a person's religious belief, Christmas is about good.

TV Commercials for black Friday left me in shock. One showed a person reaching into another person's cart for gift. When people see this they think it happens all the time. For some, it may validate that this behavior is acceptable, when it is not.

The cost of Christmas should fit in your budget and be determined by you. If someone wish list doesn't fit in your budget, then pick something else that does. If you just don't have the funds for gifts, then give Christmas by giving time and/or helping. Being with family on Christmas (no matter if it Christmas day or a Christmas party) is the best gift of all.

Many people are loosing the focus on Christmas and missing that Christmas spirit. Christmas spirit is found in love, kindness, and giving. Giving doesn't have to be money.

Don't let commercialism ruin Christmas. Stay within your budget, show love and kindness, and enjoy Christmas.

How My Family Spent Our Christmas Day of 2009

Everyone spends Christmas a little differently depending on where they live in the world and their family beleifs. It if fun to see how everyone has different traditions for Christmas.

As for me, I wrote about our Christmas in 2009 and exactly how we spent that Christmas day. Our focus was the children. Knowing one day the kids will be grown, every Christmas revolves around spending time with them.

Yes, we also make sure they know the meaning of Christmas as well. We own many Veggie Tales cartoons which make understand for the children easier. Plus fun entertainmet for the whole family.
More about Veggie Tales later or check out their web site to learn more.

How does your family spend Christmas? Leave us a comment and share your thoughts. Don't forget to till us about Family Traditions as wel.

Read more about how we spent Christmas Here.