LeapFrog continually puts out excellent educational toys for children and they’ve outdone themselves this year with the LeapPad Exlorer!  Introduced in August 2011, the LeapPad Explorer Tablet instantly became a big hit with parents and kids alike.  Similar to the iPad, the tablet is durable and comes loaded with plenty of things to keep your child entertained for hours.  Kids can take still pictures, make videos, play educational games that are fun, and read eBooks.  Additional apps can be purchased separately and download for even more fun.

LeapFrog LeapPad Explorer Features

• Personalized learning tablet just for kids

• 5” Touch screen – 480 x 272 pixel resolution

• Easy to use with fingers or included stylus

• Built-in camera – 640 x 480 resolution capability

• Built-in video recorder – 320 x 240 resolution capability

• Built-in microphone

• 2 Gigs internal memory

• Comes with four apps – Pet Pad, Story Studio, Art Studio, and one app of your choice

• A library of 100+ cartridge games, apps, digital books, videos and flash cards – sold separately

What’s to Like About the LeapPad Exlporer?

The minute you take it out of the box, you’re going to be impressed.  It gives kids the opportunity to understand and use current technology that is designed for their age level.  They can take pictures and videos, read eBooks, play fun educational games, and be entertained for hours.

The unit is very durable, which an important feature when buying electronics for kids.  Even though it is suggested for children ages 4 to 9, younger kids can still master it and older kids will enjoy it just as well.  The touch screen makes it easier for little fingers to navigate.

The Ultra eBooks is an excellent feature that helps to develop reading skills.  It reads stories and if a child should get stuck on a word, they can select the word and the system will sound it out for them.  In addition, some parts of the books are animated and some have games built right into them.

As with other LeapFrog products, you can connect the LeapPad Explorer to the online Learning Path and follow your child’s progress.  You can also connect the unit to your PC or laptop and share their videos, pictures, and artwork with friends and family.

What Are Parents Saying About the LeapPad Explorer?

The best reviews come from parents who have either purchased the LeapPad Explorer or received it as a gift for their children.  Here’s what some of them have to say:

I think this is a winner! Since getting an iPad2 and having to share it with DD, I’ve been looking for something that would be similar for just her to use. Voila Leapfrog saves the day with this fantastic new leappad. It is fully loaded with a still camera, video camera, microphone, durable shell and large, brilliant screen. The download on Mac for Leapfrog Connect was quick and easy (5 minutes.) Upload of new update and 1 free app was about 10 minutes. A lot of people are saying they wish this had wifi, so let me tell you why I am happy it does Not have wifi. WiFi could be accessed by outside sources, if you are in a public place you wouldn’t want someone to be able to access your child’s LeapPad’s photos, videos and name that is on it.

I received a LeapPad for review. I can tell you first off what a relief this has been for both my husband and myself. Our preschooler just couldn’t keep his sticky (literally) little paws off of our ipad. He was always so intrigued by it, and my husband had more apps downloaded on it for him than us put together! So it’s nice that he now has his OWN tablet that can occupy him through the weekends and on family trips. He carries it around in his little bear backpack when he’s not on it. He sits between my husband and I on the couch and uses it, and it occupies him longer than any of his other toys and personal electronic devices.

My daughter really loves this LeapPad. The games are very detailed and very fun. I love that I can track her progress, and see what she is learning and what she needs help with. She has spent lots of time playing the games, taking pictures and video’s and creating books. She loves to edit her photo’s. It is very similiar to how she plays with my Ipad2, she can take pictures, watch movies and play games. Best of all, I get to play with my Ipad2 alot more often. You won’t be dissapointed. It has been worth every penny!

Our kids got these as gifts and they love them (4 and 5yrs). The interface is very kid friendly. They love the stylus and how it controls all the features. The best game to start with is the Mr. Pencil Saves Doodleberg, as it teaches how to use the stylus and also basic things the LeapPad can do. I would definatley pick this over an iPad for young kid.

If you have a child that plays with your iPhone or iPad and you’d really like them have something very similar that they can call their own, you can’t go wrong with the LeapPad Explorer!

Shop For LeapPad Explorer
		$94.40
LeapFrog LeapPad Explorer Learning Tablet (Green)
		$94.98
LeapFrog LeapPad Explorer Learning Tablet (Pink)
		$99.00
LeapFrog LeapPad Explorer Learning Tablet (Green)
		$99.00
LeapFrog LeapPad Explorer Learning Tablet (Pink)
		$99.99
LeapFrog LeapFrog LeapPad Explorer Learning Tablet (Pink)
		$99.99
LeapFrog LeapFrog LeapPad Explorer Learning Tablet (Green)
		$150.98
Leap Frog 32200 LeapPad Explorer
		$150.98
Leap Frog 32400 LeapPad Explorer

The Original Post is Located Here: LeapPad Explorer Review

The Lego Ninjago Lightning Dragon Battle is new for 2011. A limited edition set, it includes four figures, a large blue dragon, a Skeleton Helicopter and the Nunchucks of Lightning. If your child loves Lego or is a Ninjago collector, the Ninjago Lighting Dragon Battle is certain to be a delightful gift.

The Lego Ninjago Lighting Dragon Battle Adventure

In this Lego story, Frakjaw and Kruncha use their helicopter to capture the ninja Sensei Wu and steal the nunchucks of lightning. Jay and the fearsome Lightning Dragon must rescue Sensei Wu and get the weapons back before Frakjaw and Kruncha can run off and escape to the underworld. It won’t be an easy task because the helicopter is equipped with flick missiles and snapping jaws! It’s an adventure for sure and one your children will love!

The Lego Ninjago Lightning Dragon Battle set includes:

• Four mini-figures – Sensei Wu, Jay, Kruncha and Frakjaw

•   Weapons – Nunchucks of lightning, two golden spears, two large spears, a silver mace, a golden blade, and a staff

•   Exclusive Skull Chopper Pilot and Spinner

•   Spit lethal lightning balls with the Lightning Dragon

•   Snapping Lightning Dragon jaws

•   Poseable wings, limbs, and tail on the Lightning Dragon

•   Lightning Dragon measures over 17″ (45cm) wide and 19” (48cm) long

•   Helicopter measures over 4″ (10cm) wide and 9” (25cm) long

•   645 pieces

Should You Buy the Lego Ninjago Lightning Dragon Battle Set?

Kids love stories of heroes and bad guys and there is definitely something special about ninjas. The Lego Ninjago series is a story about Sensei Wu, a good ninja who is trying to protect the world of Ninjago against his evil brother, Lord Garmadon who is the ruler of the underworld. Using mystical weapons, Sensei Wu along with his four young ninja soldiers, Cole, Jay, Kai, and Zane, are determined to stop Lord Garmadon and protect their world. The Lego Ninjago Lightning Dragon Battle is the latest chapter in the

Building the set can be a bit of a challenge, but this is where parents can get involved and enjoy some quality time with their children. Once the set is complete, children can let their imagination take off to recreate the famous Lightning Dragon Battle.

Lego Ninjago Lightning Dragon Battle Popularity

Listed as one of the best toys 2011, and based on the positive reviews it is receiving, the Lego Ninjago Limited Edition Set Lightning Dragon Battle set is certain to be one of the most popular gifts this holiday season. Those who have purchased this collectible set say it is fun for kids to play with and well worth the price.

Due to its popularity, there is always the chance that Lego Ninjago Lightning Dragon Battle set could go out of stock in many stores and online. If you have a Lego Ninjago fan on your Christmas list, be sure to grab the Lightning Dragon Battle set while it is still available.

Shop For Lego Ninjago Lighting Dragon Battle
		$83.99
LEGO Ninjago Limited Edition Set #2521 Lightning Dragon Battle
		$179.99
LEGO Ninjago Limited Edition Lightning Dragon Battle (2521)

The Original Post is Located Here: LEGO Ninjago Lightning Dragon Battle Review

The Original Christmas Classics (Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer / Santa Claus Is Comin’ to Town / Frosty the Snowman / Frosty Returns / Mr. Magoo’s Christmas Carol / Little Drummer Boy / Cricket on the Hearth) ORIGINAL CHRISTMAS CLASSICS GIFT SET 07 (DVD MOVIE) Includes 7 Holiday Favorites: Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer Who’s got a nose for Christmas? Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer! Just in time for the holidays, here comes Rudolph in the most beloved special of all time! Packed with a sleigh full of memorable songs and unforgettable characters, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer lights up the hearts of young and old alike. Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town Where does Santa’s suit come from? Why does he slide down the chimney List Price: $ 29.93 Price: $ 20.18

A Christmas Story (Full-Screen Edition) This delightfully funny holiday gem tells the story of Ralphie Parker (Peter Billingsly) a 1940′s nine-year-old who pulls out all the stops to obtain the ultimate Christmas present.It’s Christmas time and there’s only one thing on Ralphie Parker’s Christmas list this year: a Red Ryder Carbine Action 200-Shot, Range Model Air Rifle, but many obstacles stand in the way of his dream because every adu This delightfully funny holiday gem tells the story of Ralphie Parker (Peter Billingsly) a 1940′s nine-year-old who pulls out all the stops to obtain the ultimate Christmas present. It’s Christmas time and there’s only one thing on Ralphie Parker’s Christmas list this year: a Red Ryder Carbine Action 200-Shot, Range Model Air Rifle, but many obstacles stand in the way of his dream because every adult that he confronts keeps telling him he’ll shoot his eye out. Meanwhile The Old Man just got a m List Price: $ 19.98 Price: $ 8.88

TCM Greatest Classic Films Collection: Holiday (Christmas in Connecticut / A Christmas Carol 1938 / The Shop Around the Corner / It Happened on 5th Avenue) A CHRISTMAS CAROL (1938) Reginald Owen portrays Charles Dickens holiday humbug Ebenezer Scrooge, the miser s miser who has a huge change of heart after spirits whisk him into the past, present and future. From sets to stars to story, this triumphant adaptation adds a glow to the season. Like Tiny Tim s benediction, it blesses us every one.CHRISTMAS IN CONNECTICUT (1945) A magazine columnist totall A CHRISTMAS CAROL (1938) Reginald Owen portrays Charles Dickens’ holiday humbug Ebenezer Scrooge, the miser’s miser who has a huge change of heart after spirits whisk him into the past, present and future. From sets to stars to story, this triumphant adaptation adds a glow to the season. Like Tiny Tim’s benediction, it blesses us – every one. CHRISTMAS IN CONNECTICUT (1945) A magazine columnist totally devoid of the homemaking skills espoused in her column had better get some fast: her List Price: $ 27.98 Price: $ 8.00

Christmas Lodge Thomas Kinkade presents Christmas Lodge: a place where a heart-warming past and loving future meet for one remarkable group of people. During a weekend trip to the mountains, Mary (Erin Karpluk) finds herself at the now-dilapidated lodge where she spent the holidays with her family growing up. She becomes determined to restore the building to its former glory. Inspired by her grandfather and guided by her grandmother in heaven, Mary throws herself into the project, and during the process finds h List Price: $ 14.93 Price: $ 8.51

National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation (Special Edition) Make merry as Chevy Chase, Beverly D’Angelo, Randy Quaid and an ensemble of comedy favorites strive to gift-wrap the “perfect Christmas” for the Griswold family. The most successful of the three vacations. Year: 1989 Director: Jeremiah S. Chechik Starring: Chevy Chase, Beverly D’Angelo, Randy Quaid,You know exactly what you’re getting in National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation: another goofball, slapstick comedy of chaos and catastrophe with Clark Griswold (Chevy Chase) and family. This time, ther List Price: $ 19.98 Price: $ 7.45

A Charlie Brown Christmas (Remastered Deluxe Edition) That’s what Christmas is all about, Charlie Brown!Christmastime is here. Happiness and cheer.And for Peanuts fans everywhere, it just wouldn’t be Christmas without thisic holiday delight.Christmas lights may be twinkling red and green, but Charlie Brown has the Yuletide blues. To get in the holiday spirit, he takes Lucy’s advice and directs the Christmas play. And what’s a Christmas play without a Movie DVDThis television classic features the Peanuts characters in the story of Charlie Brown’s problematic efforts to mount a school Christmas pageant. Everybody’s on board: Lucy, Snoopy, Schroeder, Pig-Pen, but the biggest impression is surely made by Linus, who stops the show with his recitation from the gospels of the story of Christ’s birth. –Tom Keogh List Price: $ 19.98 Price: $ 8.24

Christmas with the Kranks When their only daughter Blair leaves the family nest, Luther and Nora Krank (Tim Allen and Jamie Lee Curtis) decide to book an island cruise to beat the yuletide blues and just skip the holidays. But their decision to boycott tradition has the whole neighborhood in an uproar, and when Blair callson Christmas Eve to announce a surprise visit with her new fiancée, the Kranks have just twelve hours to perform a miracle and pull themselves and their neighbors together to throw the best celebration List Price: $ 14.99 Price: $ 4.98

Christmas in Connecticut Journalist Elizabeth Lane is one of the country’s most famous food writer. In her columns, she describes herself as a hard working farm woman, taking care of her children and being an excellent cook. But this is all lies. In reality she is an u married New Yorker who can’t even boil an egg. The recipes come from her good friend Felix. The owner of the magazine she works for has decided that a heroi Journalist Elizabeth Lane is one of the country’s most famous food writer. In her columns, she describes herself as a hard working farm woman, taking care of her children and being an excellent cook. But this is all lies. In reality she is an unmarried New Yorker who can’t even boil an egg. The recipes come from her good friend Felix. The owner of the magazine she works for has decided that a heroic sailor will spend his Christmas on *her* farm. Miss Lane knows that her career is over if the trut List Price: $ 9.98 Price: $ 3.78

How the Grinch Stole Christmas Condition: New Format: DVD Animated; Closed-captioned; Color; DVD; Full Screen; NTSC Every who down in Who-ville likes Christmas a lot, but the Grinch who lived just north of Who-ville did NOT! So the cuddly as a cactus Grinch (with termites in his smile and garlic in his soul) tries to wipe out Christmas for the cheerful Who-villains, only to discover: maybe Christmas, he thought doesn’t come from as store. Maybe Christmas perhaps means a little bit more! Magnificently narrated by Boris Karloff and animated by cartoon legend Chuck Jones, it’s an award-winning Who-roast-beast-fe List Price: $ 19.98 Price: $ 10.00

Dr. Seuss – How the Grinch Stole Christmas/Horton Hears a Who Every Who down in Who-ville likes Christmas a lot & ; But the Grinch who lived just north of Whoville did NOT! So the cuddly as a cactus Grinch (with termites in his smile and garlic in his soul) tries to wipe out Christmas for the cheerful Who-villians, only to discover: Maybe Christmas, he thought, doesn’t come from a store. Maybe Christmas perhaps means a little bit more! Magnificently narrated by Boris Karloff and animated by cartoon legend Chuck Jones, it’s an award-winning Who-roast-beast- List Price: $ 19.98 Price: $ 6.14

Disney’s A Christmas Carol DISNEY’S A CHRISTMAS CAROL (DVD MOVIE) From Walt Disney Pictures comes the magical retelling of Charles Dickens’ beloved tale — Disney’s A Christmas Carol, the high-flying, heartwarming adventure for the whole family, starring Jim Carrey. When three ghosts take penny-pinching Scrooge on an eye-opening journey, he discovers the true meaning of Christmas — but he must act on it before it’s too late. Complete with spirited bonus features, this exhilarating and touching Disney classic is destined to be part of your holiday tradi List Price: $ 19.99 Price: $ 8.78

Elf (Infinifilm Edition) This hilarious Christmas film tells the tale of a young orphan child who mistakenly crawls into Santa’s bag of gifts on Christmas Eve and is transported back to the North Pole and raised as an elf. Years later Buddy learns he is not really an elf and goes on a journey to New York City to find his true identity. DVD Features: Audio Commentary:2 commentaries with Will Ferrell & Director DVD ROM Features Deleted Scenes Featurette:Film school for kids Tag along with Will Ferrell How they List Price: $ 14.98 Price: $ 4.50

It’s a Wonderful Life (60th Anniversary Edition) George Bailey has so many problems he is thinking about ending it all – and it’s Christmas! As the angels discuss George, we see his life in flashback. As George is about to jump from a bridge, he ends up rescuing his guardian angel, Clarence. Clarence then shows George what his town would have looked like if it hadn’t been for all of his good deeds over the years. Will Clarence be able to convince George to return to his family and forget suicide?Miracle on 34th Street (1947) The orig List Price: $ 19.99 Price: $ 11.49

A Classic Christmas – The Ed Sullivan Show Capture the warmth, joy and magic of the holiday season in A Classic Christmas; from the Ed Sullivan Show. This one hour special features some of the biggest classic holiday song performers to date including Bing Crosby, Johnny Mathis and Connie Francis. Share some festive family seasonal moments with group performances from Alvin & The Chipmunks and Rick Little. Enjoy a sing along with The Muppets, George Carlin and Brook Benton. This holiday special is a timely classic that brings the joy of t List Price: $ 14.95 Price: $ 0.40

Have Yourself a Movie Little Christmas Don’t waste another second of your valuable holiday time on another boring Christmas movie. Film critic Alonso Duralde highlights the best – and worst – movies of the Yuletide season with this fun and informative film guide. Whether you’re looking for the classics, family favorites, holiday horror, Christmas-themed crime epics, or the most wonderfully awful cinematic lumps of coal, Have Yourself a Movie Little Christmas will point you and your rental queue in the right direction. Whether your id List Price: $ 16.99 Price: $ 16.99

The Christmas Card Once in a while, a movie comes along that reminds us how powerful love can be. In the midst of war in Afghanistan, Captain Cody Cullen (John Newton, “Desperate Housewives”) is touched by lovely card sent by Faith Spelman (Alice Evans, “The Chris Isaak Show”) from the small picturesque town of Nevada City, California. As months pass, the card never leaves his side, giving him the st Once in a while, a movie comes along that reminds us how powerful love can be. In the midst of war in Afghanistan, Captain Cody Cullen (John Newton, “Desperate Housewives”) is touched by lovely card sent by Faith Spelman (Alice Evans, “The Chris Isaak Show”) from the small picturesque town of Nevada City, California. As months pass, the card never leaves his side, giving him the strength to survive and setting him on a mission to find her. The Christmas Card has received massive critical accl List Price: $ 12.97 Price: $ 6.47

A Christmas Romance Times are tough for Julia Stonecypher (Olivia Newton-John) and her family. A widow with two young daughters, Julia has struggled to keep up financially. To make matters worse, she loses her job just days before Christmas. So when Brian Harding (Gregory Harrison), an upscale banker from the city, comes to collect on her outstanding bills, Julia is unable to pay. After informing her that she will lose her house, Brian takes off into the snowstorm, but doesn’t make it far. When he crashes his car a List Price: $ 6.99 Price: $ 3.36

TCM Greatest Classic Films Collection: Holiday (Christmas in Connecticut / A Christmas Carol 1938 / The Shop Around the Corner / It Happened on 5th Avenue) A CHRISTMAS CAROL (1938) Reginald Owen portrays Charles Dickens holiday humbug Ebenezer Scrooge, the miser s miser who has a huge change of heart after spirits whisk him into the past, present and future. From sets to stars to story, this triumphant adaptation adds a glow to the season. Like Tiny Tim s benediction, it blesses us every one.CHRISTMAS IN CONNECTICUT (1945) A magazine columnist totall A CHRISTMAS CAROL (1938) Reginald Owen portrays Charles Dickens’ holiday humbug Ebenezer Scrooge, the miser’s miser who has a huge change of heart after spirits whisk him into the past, present and future. From sets to stars to story, this triumphant adaptation adds a glow to the season. Like Tiny Tim’s benediction, it blesses us – every one. CHRISTMAS IN CONNECTICUT (1945) A magazine columnist totally devoid of the homemaking skills espoused in her column had better get some fast: her List Price: $ 27.98 Price: $ 8.00

The Bishop’s Wife Heavenly bells are ringing, jubilant choirs are singing and Christmas joy is blanketing the world like freshly fallen snow. But the Yuletide spirit has yet to warm Bishop Henry Brougham’s Victorian home. Struggling to raise funds for a new cathedral, the preoccupied young clergyman has neglected his loving wife Julia, and now only divine intervention can save their marriage! But the powerful and handsome angel sent from above has a mind of his own and teaching mortal Henry an immortal lesson inr List Price: $ 14.98 Price: $ 24.95

Classic Christmas Collection (It’s a Wonderful Life / White Christmas) This 2pk includes 2 of Christmas’s all-time classics – It’s A Wonderful Life 60th Anniversary Edition and White Christmas List Price: $ 29.98 Price: $ 18.89

Holiday Inn (Special Edition) Bing Crosby and Fred Astaire sing and dance their way into your heart in the sensational musical comedy Holiday Inn. Nominated for 3 Academy Awards, this special edition features 13 holiday songs by famed composer Irving Berlin, including “White Christmas” – one of the biggest-selling recordings in music history! Crosby plays a song and dance man who leaves showbiz to run an inn that is open only on holidays. Astaire plays his former partner and rival in love. Follow the two talented pals as List Price: $ 14.98 Price: $ 3.99

Christmas Classics Box Set (Miracle on 34th Street / Jingle All the Way / Home Alone / A Christmas Carol) Disc 1: JINGLE ALL THE WAY Disc 2: CHRISTMAS CAROL, A Disc 3: HOME ALONE Disc 4: MIRACLE ON 34TH STREET (1994) List Price: $ 29.98 Price: $ 21.92

Road to Christmas Claire can t wait to tie the knot with her handsome multimillionaire fiancé. But her plans for a storybook Christmas Eve wedding in Aspen are derailed when a huge storm paralyzes the entire Rocky Mountain region. Forced to hitchhike to reach the aisle, Claire meets widower Wes and his 12-year-old daughter. Though it s hate at first sight for the adults, over the course of their arduous three-day journey, Claire and Wes come to realize that their initial preconceptions about each other are all w List Price: $ 14.95 Price: $ 5.99

A Boyfriend for Christmas Holly stopped believing in Santa Claus after her wish to meet the man of her dreams never came true. So Santa sets her up with Ryan, who isn’t entirely truthful about himself. Now Holly faces a dilemma: marry her current boyfriend, Ted, or fall in love with someone who has lied to her. Format: DVD MOVIE Genre: COMEDY Rating: NR Age: 018713513618 UPC: 018713513618 DVD: 05-51361 A Boyfriend for Christmas Kelli Williams (The Practice) is Holly Grant, an idealistic lawyer who gave up on finding Mr. Right in her stocking when she split with her last boyfriend. OSCAR nominee Charles Durning (To Be or Not to Be) plays Santa, who fulfills an old promise by bringing her and another attorney, Ryan Hughes (Patrick Muldoon), together. Due to an earlier misunderstanding, Ryan doesn’t want Holly to know who he is, so when Santa sends him to deliver a Christmas tree, List Price: $ 14.98 Price: $ 3.93

A Madea Christmas: The Play When a wealthy family meets for Christmas at their posh Cape Cod estate, family arguments and secrets cause quite a stir. It will take the almighty Madea to save this Christmas and make it into a foot-stomping good time. Filled with great music and enough laughs to fill your holiday season with joy, A MADEA CHRISTMAS is a must-see. List Price: $ 19.98 Price: $ 14.99

The Original Christmas Classics (Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer / Santa Claus Is Comin’ to Town / Frosty the Snowman / Frosty Returns / Mr. Magoo’s Christmas Carol / Little Drummer Boy / Cricket on the Hearth) ORIGINAL CHRISTMAS CLASSICS GIFT SET 07 (DVD MOVIE) Includes 7 Holiday Favorites: Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer Who’s got a nose for Christmas? Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer! Just in time for the holidays, here comes Rudolph in the most beloved special of all time! Packed with a sleigh full of memorable songs and unforgettable characters, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer lights up the hearts of young and old alike. Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town Where does Santa’s suit come from? Why does he slide down the chimney List Price: $ 29.93 Price: $ 20.18

Classic Christmas Favorites (Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas! / The Year Without a Santa Claus / Rudolph and Frosty’s Christmas in July / Rudolph’s Shiny New Year) Disc 1: -How the Grinch Stole Christmas -Leprechauns Christmas Gold -Pinocchio’s Christmas -Stingiest Man in Town Disc 2: -The Year Without a Santa Claus: Deluxe Edition. Includes Rudolph’s Shiny New Year and Nestor, the Long Eared Christmas Donkey Disc 3: -Frosty’s Winterwonderland, which includes Twas’ the Night Before Christmas Disc 4: -Rudolph and Frosty’s Christmas in JulyIt may not be what you think at first glance, but Classic Christ List Price: $ 24.98 Price: $ 15.51

Merry Sitcom! Christmas Classics from TV’s Golden Age MERRY SITCOM!-CHRISTMAS CLASSICS (DVD MOVIE) Tis the season to be jolly, and there is no better way to get in the holiday spirit than with this first-ever collection of timeless Christmas-themed episodes from the shows you grew up with, but never outgrew. So forget the Yule log! This year, gather your loved ones around the warm glow of your television set, because you are all cordially invited to share the holiday season with your favorite friends and families from TV s golden age of comedy! Episodes Included: * Father Knows List Price: $ 12.99 Price: $ 6.84

Christmas Classics Gift Pack Curl up in front of the TV and enjoy these Digitally Remastered Classic Holiday Favorites! FeaturingScrooge A Christmas Without Snow The Miracle on 34th Street Beyond Tomorrow. List Price: $ 14.98 Price: $ 2.00

Christmas with a Capital C In the same tradition of family-friendly holiday films as Deck The Halls, A Christmas Carol and A Wonderful Life, Christmas with a Capital C was awarded the Dove Foundation’s “Family Seal of Approval” and is recommended for all ages. Christmas will never be Christmas again if Lawyer Mitch Bright (Daniel Baldwin) has his way. For the mayor, Dan Reed (Ted McGinley), and the townsfolk of Trapper Falls; they face their toughest challenge in a legal battle with one of their former native sons as they List Price: $ 14.99 Price: $ 10.99

The Muppet Christmas Carol – Kermit’s 50th Anniversary Edition ‘Tis the season for love, laughter, and one of the most cherished stories of all time! Join Kermit the Frog, Miss Piggy, and all the hilarious Muppets in this merry, magical version of Charles Dickens’ classic tale. Academy Award(R) winner Michael Caine (Best Supporting Actor, 2000, THE CIDER HOUSE RULES; 1987, HANNAH AND HER SISTERS) gives a performance that’s anything but “bah, humbug!” as greedy, penny-pinching Ebenezer Scrooge. One fateful Christmas Eve, Scrooge is visited by the Ghosts of C List Price: $ 19.99 Price: $ 9.74

Holiday Johnny Case (Cary Grant), a free-thinking financier, has finally found the girl of his dreams ‘ Julia Seton (Doris Nolan), the spoiled daughter of a socially prominent millionaire ‘ and she’s agreed to marry him! But when Johnny plans a holiday for the two to enjoy life while they are still young, his fiancée has other plans – she wants Johnny to work in her father’s bank! As he tries to decide whether to follow his head or his heart, Johnny can rely on at least one Seton in his corner. She’s L List Price: $ 14.99 Price: $ 7.25

The Christmas Collection The Christmas Collection [DVD] (2005) Artist Not Provided List Price: $ 9.98 Price: $ 26.99

If You Take a Mouse to the Movies (A Special Christmas Edition) (If You Give…) Join the famous Mouse from If You Give a Mouse a Cookie as he celebrates Christmas with stories, sweet treats, holiday songs, fun games, and more! Your Deluxe Edition includes: -Letters to you from the author and illustrator -The complete If You Take a Mouse to the Movies storybook -Three holiday recipes -Sheet music for two Mouse-style Christmas carols -Three activities for you and your family to share -Anecdotes from the author and illustrator < List Price: $ 18.99 Price: $ 8.92

Barbie: A Perfect Christmas Join BarbieTM and her sisters SkipperTM, StacieTM and Chelsea TM as their holiday vacation plans turn into a most unexpected adventure and heartwarming lesson. After a snowstorm diverts their plane, the girls find themselves far from their New York destination and their holiday dreams. Now stranded at a remote inn in the tiny town of Tannenbaum, the sisters are welcomed by new friends and magical experiences. In appreciation for the wonderful hospitality they receive, they use their musical List Price: $ 19.98 Price: $ 14.99

Classic Christmas Cartoons An hour of nostalgia and family fun with 7 timeless holiday cartoons. Packed with classic animation and unforgettable stories, this is the one Christmas cartoon collection you’ll cherish throughout the years! Features: ChristmasComes But Once a Year, Jack Frost, Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer, Somewhere in Dreamland, Santa’s Surprise, Hector’s Hectic Life and Snow Foolin’.This product is manufactured on demand using DVD-R recordable media. Amazon.com’s standard return policy will apply. List Price: $ 8.37 Price: $ 5.39

Mickey’s Once Upon A Christmas (Disney Gold Classic Collection) Disney’s biggest stars shine in a magical, heartwarming movie sure to become a holiday classic! Mickey, Minnie, and their famous friends Goofy, Donald, Daisy, and Pluto gather to reminisce about love, magic, and surprises in three wonder-filled stories of Christmas past. In the fine tradition of Disney’s superb storytelling, Minnie and Mickey recall the year they both gave up what was most important to them for the sake of the other, making for one unforgettable Christmas. Goofy and Max retell w List Price: $ 19.99 Price: $ 13.00

The Original Television Christmas Classics (Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer/Santa Claus Is Comin’ to Town/Frosty the Snowman/Frosty Returns/The Little Drummer Boy/Cricket on the Hearth) The Ultimate Holiday Entertainment Collection! DVD 6 Pack: The Original Holiday Classics Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer Santa Claus is Comin’ To Town Frosty the Snowman Frosty Returns The Little Drummer Boy Cricket on the Hearth Bonus! Holiday Music CD 1. Santa Claus is Comin’ To Town 2. The First Toymaker to the King 3. Put One Foot in Front of the Other 4. No More Toymakers to the King 5. Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer 6. Jingle Jingle J List Price: $ 39.95 Price: $ 17.98

A Classic Christmas – The Ed Sullivan Show Capture the warmth, joy and magic of the holiday season in A Classic Christmas; from the Ed Sullivan Show. This one hour special features some of the biggest classic holiday song performers to date including Bing Crosby, Johnny Mathis and Connie Francis. Share some festive family seasonal moments with group performances from Alvin & The Chipmunks and Rick Little. Enjoy a sing along with The Muppets, George Carlin and Brook Benton. This holiday special is a timely classic that brings the joy of t List Price: $ 14.95 Price: $ 0.40

Disney Animation Collection 7: Mickey’s Christmas Carol If you have not opened the item, you can return the product to us for refund, credit or replacement within 7 days. treet Date: 29 September 2009. Studio: DISNEY STUDIOS. Display: 1.33:1 (Pre-1954 Standard), NTSC. SubTitles: English, French, Spanish. Celebrate the holidays with MICKEY’S CHRISTMAS CAROL, a beloved classic short film that is now part of the Disney Animation Collection! Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck and many more of your favorite characters join the cast in this delightfully charming adaptation of a classic holiday tale. Ebeneezer Scrooge Scrooge McDuck is far too greedy to understand that Christmas is the time for kindness and generosity. So, with the guidance of some wise ghosts with Goofy and Jiminy Cricket, and the examples set List Price: $ 19.99 Price: $ 9.32

The Original Christmas Classics [Blu-ray] Condition: New Format: Blu-ray Animated; Color; Full Screen; NTSC Includes 4 All Time Holiday Favorites: Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town, Frosty the Snowman, and Frosty Returns.Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer: This classic 1964 television special featuring Rudolph and his misfit buddies set the standard for stop-motion animation for an entire generation before Tim Burton darkly reinvented it in the early 1990s. Burl Ives narrates as Sam the Snowman, telling and singing the story of a rejected reindeer who overcomes prejudice a List Price: $ 44.95 Price: $ 26.99

Peanuts Holiday Collection Deluxe Edition (It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown / A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving / A Charlie Brown Christmas) Everyones favorite Peanuts Holiday titles all in one set with the All-new Deluxe Editions! All the content including EC and bonus episodes, from the following new Peanuts Deluxe Edition releases: Its the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving A Charlie Brown Christmas Format: DVD MOVIE Genre: CHILDREN Rating: NR Age: 883929008988 UPC: 8839290 Studio: Warner Home Video Release Date: 09/23/2008 Run time: 150 minutes Rating: Nr List Price: $ 29.98 Price: $ 22.41

Inspector Gadget Saves Christmas / Sonic’s Christmas Blast List Price: $ 4.99 Price: $ 4.99

A Christmas Carol (Ultimate Collector’s Edition) Alastair Sim’s tour-de-force performance as the ultimate miser, Ebenezer Scrooge, has almost single-handedly made this beloved version of Charles Dickens’ story into one of the best-loved Christmas films of all time. Some of Britain’s best filmmakers united behind Sim, who was joined by a delightful cast of accomplished and acclaimed English actors; creating what many today believe to be the best and most faithful production of Dickens’ immortal tale. Cranky and curmudgeonly Scrooge learn List Price: $ 19.99 Price: $ 10.24

The Original Television Christmas Classics (Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer / Santa Claus Is Comin’ to Town / Frosty the Snowman / Frosty Returns / The Little Drummer Boy) The original television holiday classics now are available with deluxe packaging and a 12-song music CD with music from the all-time favorite television specials known the world over! “Frosty the Snowman:” When Frosty the Snowman comes to life, he must weather a storm of adventures and the dastardly plans of an evil magician before he can find safety and happiness at the North Pole. “Frosty Returns:” This is the adventure of a little girl named Holly and her very special friend, Frosty the S List Price: $ 39.95 Price: $ 24.96

The Original Post is Located Here: Christmas Movies

Having a Healthy Holiday

If you have been saving up for months and spent time planning and preparing for your holidays and a precious couple of weeks in the sun, the last thing you want is to have your holiday ruined by illness.

It makes sense to make preparations and take precautions while you are on holiday to ensure you remember your holidays for all the right reasons.

Before you leave for your holiday

Vaccines – You should do a little research into your holiday destination and check if you will require any vaccinations for your trip. If you are required to have vaccines, these may need to be administered several weeks before you leave.

Insurance – You should ensure you have taken out adequate holiday insurance before you leave to cover any medical bills you may incur in the event of an emergency.

First aid – It is a good idea to always pack a small first aid kit to take on holiday with you, as this could prove invaluable in a minor medical emergency. This kit should include a minimum of antiseptic cream, dressings and plasters for small cuts and grazes, paracetamol or another painkiller, antihistamines for treating mild allergic reactions, eyewash, tweezers, rehydration solution and travel sickness pills.

Medicines – If you are taking any prescription medicines then pack these in your hand luggage along with the prescription and a doctor’s letter. In addition to this, make sure the medicine is legal in the country of your holiday destination.

While on holiday

Food and drink – For many of us trying new foods and eating well is part of the fun in a holiday abroad. But you should always exercise caution as hygiene standards may not be as high as you are used to.

Avoid purchasing food from any stalls where dishes may have been out in the sun all day. Always check that seafood and meat has been properly cooked before eating and don’t drink the tap water unless you are certain it is safe to do so. If you are in any doubt you should stick to drinking bottled water and remember to avoid ice cubes, as they may have been made using the local water.

Out in the sun – Again, the sun is one of the main reasons for going abroad on holiday for many, but it is important to be sensible. Avoid being out in direct sunlight during the hottest hours of the day between 11am and 3pm.

Over-exposure can lead to sunburn and heat stroke. Sunburn can be extremely painful and a sufficiently high factor sunscreen should be applied regularly throughout the day particularly after swimming. You should also keep hydrated throughout the day by drinking plenty of water regularly.

By following these tips and generally taking care you should be able to enjoy happy, healthy and fun holidays.

The Original Post is Located Here: Having a Healthy Holiday

Nativity scene options have evolved from traditional, standard motifs to include a wide variety of themes and styles

At Christmas, traditional holiday decoration choices include Christmas trees, toy trains to wrap around the bottom of the tree, stockings hanging from the fireplace mantle, wreaths on the front door, mistletoe, Santa Claus, reindeer, snow scenes, and of course a nativity scene. These types of traditional Christmas décor are the basics that most people have displayed in their home during the holiday season.

Christmas decorations are very important to many people, and often they don’t like to deviate from the traditional holiday decorations that they have been displaying for years. Christmas is very important to unconventional Christmas celebrators and people of faith as well, so the style of decorating really depends on one’s preference more than anything else.   

However, do Christmas decorations always have to be traditional? Those who aren’t necessarily tied to displaying what is considered traditional are trying different things in recent Christmas seasons.   

Some people have been redefining Christmas décor by displaying a nativity scene that has a different theme or style than the typical manger theme. Others have been putting up table top Christmas trees in lieu of a full sized Christmas tree. It is a great idea to mix up the theme of traditional pieces of Christmas decorations such as nativity Jesus scenes or Christmas trees.   

Creative, unconventional holiday decoration themes are fast becoming popular among trendy celebrators of Christmas. Perhaps some people are tired of the same old Christmas decorations and need a change of scenery. Christmas is not only a time to show one’s faith and enjoy the season of giving, but it is also becoming a time to have fun and be creative with one of the most special holidays for many people of faith.  

These changes to traditional Christmas decoration scenes also apply to outdoor decorations, too. Outdoor Christmas lights and the huge nativity scene décor that you often see in peoples’ yards are going through some changes in terms of theme, style, color, and other changes. Some of these scenes are nativity Jesus themed while others don’t display Jesus at all. There are so many options when it comes to nativity sets.  

Who knows? Maybe someday these unconventional versions of a nativity scene will be deemed “traditional” one day. Changing the typical holiday decoration options are a fun and more affordable way to experiment with the celebration of Christmas – and even make a stressful season easier to handle. Go easy on yourself this holiday season and be creative with your decorations.

The Original Post is Located Here: Nativity scene options have evolved from traditional, standard motifs to include a wide variety of themes and styles

10 Holiday Eating Tips From Cedars – Sinai Nutrition Expert

Los Angeles, CA (Dec. 21, 2008) – The holiday season may bring visions of sugar plums dancing in our heads, but trouble can ensue when pies, cakes, cookies and other fatty holiday treats start dancing on our plates.

With careful planning and smart choices, you can have your fill of holiday cheer without filling your plate with calorie-rich foods, said Netty Levine, RD, CDE, a registered dietitian and certified diabetes educator, at Cedars- Sinai Medical Center.

“You can enjoy your favorite traditional holiday foods in moderation without dragging extra pounds into the New Year,” Levine said. “Make smart choices at parties and in buffet lines, and on days you’re not celebrating make sure you’re eating healthy, well-balanced meals.”

Fitting in exercise, drinking plenty of water and maintaining a healthy diet will not only be good for your waist line, but can also ensure you have enough energy for the season’s many celebrations, Levine said.

She offers these suggestions for sensible eating during the holidays:

1. Vow to maintain, not gain. If you’re on a long-term weight loss plan, make every effort to maintain your weight. Maintaining weight despite the season’s many temptations should be considered a reasonable goal.

2. When going to  a holiday potluck, bring along a healthy dish or treat you enjoy. Find ways to lighten up traditional recipes, or bring along a vegetable or fruit tray. Presentation and creativity count!

3. Never go to a party hungry. Eat a small healthy meal or snack to ward off cravings, which can help make temptation easier to resist.

4. Drink water. Avoiding high-calorie beverages will make those holiday splurges easier on your waistline.

5. When dining buffet-style, choose a smaller plate and pile it high with fruits, vegetables and green salads. Load up on lean roasted meats, and choose small portions of your holiday favorites

6. Dodge the pre-dinner cocktail. Alcohol makes you hungrier, and lower inhibitions can lead to poor food choices. Opt instead for a drink with your meal. When ordering cocktails, reach for those made with a low- or no-calorie mixer.

7. Don’t be too busy for breakfast. Starting the day with a healthy meal will help control cravings later.

8. Be picky about dessert. Indulge only in your very favorites, and when presented with several dessert options, choose just one. Check in with yourself when eating. Do you want the whole portion of a rich treat, or do you feel satisfied after a few bites?

9. Make time for exercise – be active when you can. Even short bits of exercise can add up.

10. Focus on friends and family, not the food. Make the company of loved ones the center of your gathering – not the tasty treats.

To arrange interviews, please contact Nicole White, media specialist, at nicole.white@cshs.org or at (310) 423-
5215.
# # #

The Original Post is Located Here: 10 Holiday Eating Tips From Cedars – Sinai Nutrition Expert

Holiday Party Recipes – Cheesy Bacon Potato Munchers

When you are thinking about holiday party recipes, it is always good to keep in mind that it is a good idea to serve some appetizers hot. Here it is important to choose a recipe that as easy and won’t keep you in the kitchen for hours, away from your guests. With this one you can make all the preparations, mingle with your guest while they are baking, quickly fill them and serve! Because of the cheese, sour cream and bacon bits, this is one of our very tasty holiday party recipes.

Ingredients:

1 egg

1 (24 oz) pkg. shredded hash brown patties, thawed

1 1/2 C shredded Cheddar cheese

1/2 C sour cream

1/3 C real bacon bits

Method:

Break the egg into a mixing bowl and beat slightly with a fork.

Break the hash brown patties into pieces and add to the egg mixing the two together well.

Set the oven temperature to 400 degrees and allow the oven to heat.

Spray a mini muffin pan with a non stick cooking spray.

Place a T of the potato mixture into each of the muffin tins.

Press the mixture into the bottom and up the sides of the tins.

Bake 30 minutes, remove and sprinkle with the cheese.

Return to the oven and continue baking an additional 3 minutes or until the cheese has completely melted.

Remove and allow cooling slightly.

Top each potato muncher with a dollop of whipped sour cream.

Sprinkle the bacon bits over the top.

Serve while still slightly warm.

Serving Size: 36

When mixing the egg and hash browns together be sure to coat the hash browns well. This makes it much easier to hold the potatoes together when pressing them into the muffin tin.

It is possible to vary this recipe by adding chopped garlic chives to the sour cream. You have to be careful though not to add too many and kill the delicate taste of the cheese and bacon. If find sour cream and chives a very good combination. As the hash brown “crust” is very neutral you can also use it for a variety of other fillings of your choice. This may very well become one of your favorite holiday party recipes!

The Original Post is Located Here: Holiday Party Recipes – Cheesy Bacon Potato Munchers

Christmas Practices Around the World

Christmas is a popular celebration around the world. While each family or community has their own customs, there are specific regional practices that are very detailed and differ widely from region to region.

In Italy, from the south of Rome, the traditional Christmas Eve dinner is that of seven fish. All through Italy, the Christmas Eve feasts are traditionally meatless, given that it is a day of abstinences in the Catholic Church. One more fantastic Italian culinary Christmas tradition is that of the Milanese Panattone. A sweet bread laden with raisins, candied fruits and nuts. It is just the thing for breakfast and makes incredible French toast.

Just north of Italy is Germany, where there is an abundant tradition of the outdoor Christmas Markets. In spite of the cold temperatures German families go outside to shop for traditional Christmas goodies and to enjoy regional specific Christmas goodies. This tradition started back to the 14th Century. The markets open at the end of November and stay open up until Christmas Eve.

One German tradition is that of Gluehwein and Stollen. Spiced Wine and the usual German Christmas cake, overloaded with raisins and nuts and coated in a sugar glaze are a time honored Christmas delicacy in German homes.

In Greece, Christmas is celebrated exactly on December 25, not like the celebration of Easter, which goes after the Orthodox calendar. While Christmas in Greece is very significant, it is a much more formal holiday than in the West and therefore there are less extravagant decorations and more centered on the religious nature of the holiday.

In England the custom of Wassailing came from the middle ages. Wassil, a heady mix of honey, ale and spices, is finest when shared among a group. Served in a bowl or huge pewter or wooden mug, it would be passed around the people in the group as a form welcome. Customarily, the bowl would be passed on from house to house celebrate and share a holiday greeting.

In England, the day after Christmas is called Boxing Day. Conventionally and traditionally a day set aside for the poor, it has presently become a national holiday in England. Back in the 18th century and onwards, the Lord and Lady of the manor would “box” up their leftovers and small gifts to give to the servants of the manor house and tenants on their land. Since most of the household servants and other poorly paid workers would be necessary to work on Christmas Day, Boxing Day was the day to visit their family to give small tokens among tradesmen like the postman or the milkman. Families would often gather around to play board games and share a meal, and enjoying a walk.

In Mexico the celebration of Christmas started on December 16th with the nine days of Las Posadas. Las Posadas is a nine-day celebration, which consist of candle lit processions and bubbly parties. Another great Christmas tradition is the Shepard’s play. Professional groups and amateurs put on these plays of the Christmas stories.

In Mexican houses, the foremost Christmas decoration is the Nativity Scene. It is frequently handcrafted and assembled over the course of the season.

In Brazil, the custom of Las Posadas is also generally practiced, it differs only in the Brazilian version of the play, where a shepherdess who is following the star and a gypsy woman who has plans on stealing the figure of the Christ child from the nativity scene.

Brazil has a wide range of cultural history and a lot of their traditions differ widely by region, based upon immigration patterns. The same thing is true for Australia. It is also important to note that both of these multicultural countries experiences summer rather than winter during December. Families celebrate Christmas by dining outdoors and enjoy the rich sunshine and warm temperatures.

In India, though Christians are a small group, Christmas is still celebrated and is a good mixture of British customs from the colonial period and rich regional additions. In several areas banana trees and mango trees are adorned with lights. Greetings are exchanged with neighbors and parties are hosted. In metropolitan areas, hotels and nightclub host office and families parties.

In Japan, there is only a small number of Christians in the country – approximately 1% of the whole population, however Christmas is celebrated nonetheless. For Christians the exchanging gifts with family members are not much practiced but are more centered on sharing good cheer with the poor, especially those who are in the hospital.

Regardless of how the holiday is celebrated, Christmas is about love, compassion, food, and family. The greatest present of the season is togetherness and love among friends and family.

The Original Post is Located Here: Christmas Practices Around the World

Homemade Holiday Gift Ideas

The holiday season is right around the corner and you may be facing the same challenges as last year.  The challenge of wanting to get the people on your list something original, creative and thoughtful, and not spending a fortune doing it.  The solution is simple and in this article, we will go over some homemade holiday gift ideas.

Many people complain that the holidays have become way too commercialized.  When you see the stores decorating for the holidays right around Halloween, I suppose you could agree.

In any event, I like to really personalize my holiday gifts, put thought into them, and truly think about the person who will be receiving my gift.  This means so much more not only to the person opening your present, but it gives you a chance to think about the person and the memories you have shared. 

The other great thing about homemade holiday gifts is that they can save you money and still be considered the best and most cherished gifts under the tree.  You are only limited by your imagination and creativity, whether you make everything yourself or buy items and assemble a customized gift box.

The ease and fun of putting together custom gift baskets, boxes, trays or platters can tend to get you into the holiday spirit if you need some help getting there.

When you are thinking about what to get for a gift, you need to think about what it is the recipient enjoys.  Do they enjoy golfing?  Do they love to eat fresh fruit?  Are they going to start a fitness program in the new year?  Whatever it is, you should have no trouble customizing a basket to fit their needs.

If you are an expert at knitting, you could certainly make something beautiful and useful to give as a treasured gift.  If you are a great artist, who would not love to receive an original piece of artwork from you? 

You can bake cookies and put together a festive tray.  If the person receiving this gift does not have time to bake cookies, it would be most appreciated.  Do you can fruit, bottle homemade wine or make a mean potato soup?

If you are running short on time and do not have the time to bake, you can buy cookies, candy or small ornaments and put together a custom gift basket using store-bought items.  Theme baskets are nice and can be customized according to the interests of those on your list.

If there is a pet lover on your list, you could purchase a dog or cat bed (or fish bowl, etc.) and fill it with all kinds of goodies.  Be sure to include toys, treats and bath or grooming items.

What about a movie lover?  You can buy “movie theater” boxes of candy, cans of soda and bags of unpopped popcorn, along with movie passes or gift cards from the local video store.  A movie poster is a nice touch.

A cheese and sausage platter, hot chocolate or holiday candy in a pretty container are all great gifts.  You can purchase pre-made gift boxes, take them apart and use the items in your own custom gift box or basket.

A theme basket such as manicure/pedicure, lotion/bath oil or puzzle books with an assortment of soothing tea is always very thoughtful.

Potpourri in a gorgeous glass bowl is not only fragrant, but very pretty and may be used as a holiday centerpiece.  Do not forget that you can use evergreen branches, pine cones or pick up a few fresh flowers to use in a centerpiece.  Remember to incorporate small, inexpensive candles or ornaments in your arrangements.

Was there a special family event during the course of the year?  A beautifully framed photograph of your family is surely a heartfelt gift.

The magic of Christmas will soon be upon us.  Make this year special by presenting those on your list with homemade holiday gifts.

The Original Post is Located Here: Homemade Holiday Gift Ideas

Take the Hassle Out of Christmas with an Organised Office Christmas Party

Most of us find Christmas a stressful event. Not only do you have to prepare accommodation for the entire family, buy presents and create a roast that will stun all your guests, but you may have to on top of that organise the yearly office Christmas party too. Christmas is meant to be a relaxing and joyful event, yet, so many of us wish it was over by the time it comes around. Remove some of that stress this Christmas by employing a party organiser to plan that office Christmas party.

Party organisers will create a bespoke party especially for you and your corporation. So whether, you want to celebrate Christmas traditionally or not, a Christmas party organiser will produce a party that meets your specification.

Although many corporations opt for a mixture of the traditional and non-traditional Christmas party, the traditional Christmas is still favorable among many. A traditional Christmas party can still be a quite fresh and dynamic event, if individually tailored. Christmas is celebrated all over the world, by religious individuals and atheists alike. The core sentiment of Christmas is love and peace – a message that is spread all over the world throughout December. However, many individuals celebrate Christmas differently according to cultural traditions. Adapting your Christmas party according to cultural traditions is an excellent way creating a dynamic, yet, traditional Christmas party that welcomes all.

Some ways of creating a culturally dynamic Christmas party is by varying the food served. For instance, in Sicily, over ten different fishes are served as part of the Christmas meal. While, in Scandinavia, fish and lamb are the most popular Christmas dishes. Follow this up, with a special dessert. The Mediterranean has much to offer in the form of sweets, special Christmas breads include; the Italian ‘panettone’, the Slovakian ‘potica’ and the French ‘buche de noel’. Germans prefer their deserts much sweeter, adding the sweet and rich stole and marzipan to the menu. Either way, one of these exquisite dishes are bound to make your colleagues mouth water.

Adding sparkle to the venue will get your colleagues into the Christmas mood. The decoration does not need to be limited to the Christmas tree in the corner, as garlands, mistletoe and holly will all add that extra panache to your Christmas party. Adding Shimmering Christmas lights, a nativity scene and a Santa Claus with a bag of presents will make your colleagues feel like their celebrating Christmas as kids again! The sky’s the limit with an office Christmas party – and a Christmas party organiser could bring this all to you and your corporation for a relatively small price.

Christmas party organisers create bespoke events for medium to large sized corporations. They will hire out exquisite venues, with a large hall and bars, for up to 1,500 people. Party organisers will plan out the entire event, from the food served to the entertainment hired, leaving you with plenty of time to choose your outfit for the party!

Interested in Office Christmas Parties, take a look at what www.christmascorporation.co.uk have to offer.

The Original Post is Located Here: Take the Hassle Out of Christmas with an Organised Office Christmas Party