From the Grinch to "Grandma Got Run Over By a Reindeer," Christmas humor is firmly entrenched in our culture. Ironically, there are those who take a bah, humbug attitude to the whole idea, insisting that Christmas is a serious holiday intended for celebration of the Messiah, not for something as frivolous as fun.

People like that have a point... on top of their heads. C'mon now -- celebrations are about having fun, aren't they? And I can't imagine that the Reason for the Season would mind us enjoying the lives that have been given us, can you?

Continue reading "The Joys of Christmas Humor " »

Posted by Grace Galloway | Permalink

Tradition demands that we send out Christmas cards every year, though the rules about who should get them can be pretty confusing. If Cousin Melvin forgot to send you one last year, does he deserve one this year? Have you ever gotten one from Uncle Jack?

Or are you one of those people who doggedly sends everyone you can think of a Christmas card, no matter what? Or quite the reverse: do you send cards only to a select few individuals? So: who should be on the list this year? Decisions, decisions!

Continue reading "An Electronic Alternative to Christmas Cards" »

Posted by Grace Galloway | Permalink

All Christmas songs are wonderful, but the best Christmas songs match a function's purpose. The songs you play at a kids' Christmas party are naturally going to be different than those you choose for a black tie office event. No matter what sort of party or function you're holding, though, there are thousands of albums of Christmas songs out there, and there's sure to be one or two perfect for you.

Below you'll find a brief description of a few common holiday events, advice on the type of music they need, and a list of specific Christmas albums you can check out and enjoy. It's a surefire shortcut to a perfect Christmas party.

Continue reading "The Best Christmas Songs for Any Occasion" »

Posted by Grace Galloway | Permalink

Did you know that there are whole websites dedicated to filling Christmas stockings? Entire stores selling nothing but stocking stuffers... I think I may be in Heaven! But not everyone loves Christmas stockings as much as I do. My sister, for example, shudders at the very thought, because as her kids get older, she finds it harder and harder to carry on this much beloved tradition.

Fortunately she has me to help her -- and now, so do you! Here are my eight favorite stocking stuffer ideas from websites that carry many more awesome gifts.

Continue reading "Eight Amazing Christmas Stockings and Stuffers" »

Posted by Grace Galloway | Permalink

Buying Christmas trees isn't rocket science, but it is more complicated than most people think. Some swear by their real Christmas tree, while others are in search of a more artificial variety. It doesn't really matter -- in this day and age, artificial Christmas trees are so well made it's hard to tell the difference -- but we recommend you follow these tips to ensure you stay happy with this important purchase.

Continue reading "Choosing Perfect Christmas Trees" »

Posted by Grace Galloway | Permalink

I don't know anyone as obsessed with outdoor Christmas decorations as I am. The day after Halloween, I start bugging my husband about taking down our scary stuff and breaking out the cute Christmas decorations. He usually manages to delay me a few weeks, but if I had my way, the Christmas decor would go up November 1 and stay up until February!

You might not be quite as ridiculous as me, but you probably love your Christmas decor, too. That said, you might be ready to move beyond the ordinary. Do your outdoor Christmas decorations consist of a string of lights and -- maybe -- a glowing Santa from the department store? Do you want to get more creative without spending thousands of dollars? Well read on -- Christmas decoration ideas are here!

Continue reading "The Best Of Outdoor Christmas Decorations" »

Posted by Grace Galloway | Permalink

Everyone loves secret Santa, but it can create a bit more stress in what is already a stressful season. After all, you want to give gifts that matter, not just silly joke gifts that will wind up in a box or, better yet, the garbage. But there's usually a price limit, and you don't want to go broke over this Santa Claus thing anyway.

Fortunately, there are many great gifts out there in a variety of price ranges.

Continue reading "Secret Santa Gift Ideas That Matter" »

Posted by Grace Galloway | Permalink

Meet Henry and Faith

Although I'd love to be able to claim Christmas Rants as my own, I do have to give credit where credit is due. Henry and Faith are an integral part of the Christmas Rants team.

Henry is one heck of a friend. If you need to know where to get those hard-to-find gifts, he's your go-to-guy. He can tell you who wants what and where to shop for whatever you need.

Faith's great too. She's a bit against the commercialism of Christmas (so don't be surprised if you find her and Henry having a bit of a tiff every so often), but she sure does know how to make the season bright. She's really into crafts and doing things for others, and I'm sure she'll be sharing some of her ideas and thoughts with you as well.

Whether you're looking for great holiday decorating themes or a gift for that hard-to-shop-for brother-in-law, you've come to the right place. Click here to find out more about this blog and the other people you'll be meeting here.