Christmas Rants

The Joys of Christmas Humor

Mon, 12 Dec 2011 17:50:16 -0500

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?

An Electronic Alternative to Christmas Cards

Mon, 05 Dec 2011 17:32:27 -0500

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!

The Best Christmas Songs for Any Occasion

Mon, 28 Nov 2011 17:24:29 -0500

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.

Eight Amazing Christmas Stockings and Stuffers

Mon, 21 Nov 2011 17:07:26 -0500

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.

Choosing Perfect Christmas Trees

Mon, 14 Nov 2011 17:01:32 -0500

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.

The Best Of Outdoor Christmas Decorations

Mon, 07 Nov 2011 16:55:55 -0500

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!

Secret Santa Gift Ideas That Matter

Mon, 31 Oct 2011 16:45:46 -0500

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.

Your Guide to a Traditional Christmas

Mon, 24 Oct 2011 21:41:58 -0500

There's just something about a traditional Christmas. Depending on your nationality, a traditional Christmas might mean different things. For many people, though, the thought of traditional Christmases brings to mind the classic Victorian or colonial Christmas -- something simpler, more focused on family and less on presents.

Santa Activities for your Kids

Mon, 27 Dec 2010 11:25:54 -0500

Kids love Santa Claus. Some people argue that you shouldn't teach your kids about Santa -- they say it's a lie and teaches kids not to trust you. I say, that's nonsense. Christmas Santa and kids go together like cookies and milk -- and not by coincidence. Like many people, I have very fond memories of waiting for Santa on Christmas Eve, and I love sharing that excitement with my kids.

Christmas Wrapping Ideas

Mon, 20 Dec 2010 11:21:46 -0500

Do you hate Christmas wrapping? Or is it the highlight of your season? Chances are you fall into one of two categories. One type of person regards their Christmas wrapping as a chore they need to get done. The other sees it as a creative endeavour and enjoys browsing Christmas gift wrap as much as doing their holiday shopping.

The Christmas Gift Card Reappears

Wed, 15 Dec 2010 21:38:04 -0500

I used to resist the idea of giving a Christmas gift card. In my mind, it seemed like an impersonal, uncreative present. Never mind that I love to receive Christmas gift cards myself -- I thought other people would roll their eyes if I gave them.

The Tradition of Christmas Lights

Mon, 13 Dec 2010 20:57:39 -0500

I love Christmas lights. I love stringing them, looking at them, and even hunting for burned out bulbs. It's all in the spirit of the season! So how did this awesome tradition start, and why is it so popular?

Christmas Humor for Homemade Cards

Fri, 10 Dec 2010 20:54:11 -0500

Everyone loves Christmas humor, which is why there are so many funny Christmas humor cards in the stores. The card companies know it, too: you'll pay an arm and a leg for cards with a hint of humor instead of the traditional 'season's greetings' or 'happy holidays.'

Find Perfect Christmas Gifts Online

Wed, 08 Dec 2010 20:30:17 -0500

Before online shopping, I dreaded looking for Christmas gifts. I'm an unusual woman: I absolutely hate malls, especially in the weeks leading up to Christmas, when 'holiday cheer' seems to mean harried sales clerks and grumpy customers. That's why I love online shopping so much! I can find Christmas gift ideas no one else will buy, and I can do it all from the comfort of my own home. How can you beat that?

These are my very favorite sites for Christmas gift shopping, and I'm willing to bet you'll love them, too!

Unique and Beautiful Christmas Decorating Ideas

Mon, 06 Dec 2010 20:42:21 -0500

Whether you're having a country style Christmas or a New York glamor holiday, you need Christmas decorating ideas. Don't we all? I mean, who can really keep up with all of the decorations and schemes kicking around out there?