This Holidays

Writen by Anne Clarke

Of course, the Christmas season is filled with lights everywhere. It is a favorite tradition of many to drive around looking at holiday lights. There are so many different types of lights in all sorts of colors available today. Multicolored, white, and blue are among the many colors available. They also make icicle lights, frosted lights and lights in the shape of round balls. Every year seems to bring the availability of more types of holiday lights.

Halloween is an especially festive time to use holiday lights. They can be used to add a bit of fright factor to your front porch or to safely guide little trick-or-treaters to your door. Black lights are a fun way to liven up your Halloween display. You can even purchase blinking black lights to add more interest. Lights with bulbs in the shape of jack-o-lanterns are also fun without all of the fright. You can create your own Halloween light display using creatively decorated jack-o-lanterns with candles inside of them.

Thanksgiving may be the day that you start putting out your Christmas decorations, but holiday lights can add charm to your feast as well. Using lights as a part of your Thanksgiving décor can add a touch of class and elegance. White lights are particularly pretty and graceful. For added delight, you can add these to your centerpiece or buffet table.

Holiday lights can spice up your décor for any occasion. Try using them for a special, romantic dinner for a new twist on the candlelight dinner. This would make for a splendid evening on Valentine's Day or for an anniversary. You can also use lights to liven up decorations for a party or event. Try adding them to the buffet table or other displays to highlight a special attraction.

If you plan on using outdoor lights as a part of your holiday decorations, make sure that you take the proper steps to weatherproof them. Outdoor lights are bound to have times when they are not supervised and this could lead to problems if it begins to rain or snow. First make sure that the outlets you use are GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) protected. Next, you will want to cover the outlets with an in-use cover. An in-use cover is a hinged bubble with openings on the bottom and a snap closure. The openings allow you to plug your lights in and keep moisture out. These handy devices are available at most hardware stores.

Whatever the occasion, holiday lights can add a measure of joy to your celebration. They help to ring in the holidays and can add spice and drama to your décor.

Writen by Sadie A Peterson

A well-chosen game can be a learning experience ... for an adult as well as a child. After all, don't you learn something every time you play a game like Trivial Pursuit? That may not be your intention when playing the game, but it's a by-product nonetheless.

And so a well-chosen child's game can also cause children to learn. But tell them they're going to learn something, and they'll likely rebel. After all, that's human nature ... I want to play, not learn!

For each of the past few years, I have given my mom one or more games for a Christmas gift. The games were not really for her -- they were for the grandkids. Since they spend a lot of time at her house, they might as well have some fun games to play also. And if a game can be educational, so be it.

Math is such an easy subject to "teach" in a game ... whether it's learning to make change as the banker in Monopoly, or whether it is just adding up or coordinating the dots on dice or dominoes, it's amazing how much math you can learn in a game. Games that encourage spelling or word creation are also great learning experiences.

Simply get a game, play it with the children, and see how excited they can get about learning. Last year's favorite in our family was Pass the Pigs. Other hits for young school-age kids have been Bunco, Syzygy, and Countdown.

Why not see what fun educational games you can find to give as Christmas gifts this year. Of course, educational games don't only have to be for the kids.

Writen by Nicole Anderson

The holidays always mean family and FOOD! The turkey recipe is key to a good meal. Here are 10 of the top turkey recipes for your holiday meal. These recipes range from traditional to unique and there is even a beginner turkey recipe!

Recipe #1

Traditional Oven Turkey

Kraft Foods© Recipe

1 frozen turkey (12 lb.), thawed

3 Tbsp. oil

1/2 tsp. salt

1/2 tsp. pepper

2 Tbsp. fresh or 2 tsp. dried herbs, such as thyme, sage or rosemary

3 cups water

Thaw turkey completely before grilling. To thaw, place turkey on tray in refrigerator.Refrigerate until thawed, allowing 24 hours of thawing time for every 4 pounds of turkey.

PREHEAT grill to medium-high heat. Remove neck and giblets from turkey. Rinse outside of turkey as well as inside the cavity; pat dry with paper towels. Tuck the wings under the back. Place turkey, breast side up, on roasting rack in large disposable aluminum foil pan.

RUB outside of turkey with oil. Season with salt and pepper. Sprinkle with herbs. Place pan on grate of grill. Add water to pan, then close the lid of the grill.

GRILL turkey 2 to 2-1/2 hours or until meat thermometer registers 180°F when inserted in the thickest part of the thigh and 170°F when inserted in the thickest part of the breast, adding additional water to the pan as needed to prevent the drippings from burning and to have enough liquid remaining in the pan after turkey is cooked for use in making gravy. Remove turkey from grill; let stand 15 to 20 minutes before carving. Meanwhile, use pan drippings to make gravy, if desired.

For extra flavor, stuff the turkey cavity with a peeled onion, celery stalks, lemon slices and/or fresh herb bundles before grilling.

Recipe #2

Turducken

Foster Farms© Recipe

This is a turkey stuffed with a duck, stuffed with a chicken layered with dressing.

INGREDIENTS

3 pounds Foster Farms Whole Young Chicken

salt and pepper to taste

Creole seasoning to taste

1 (4 pound) duck, boned

16 pounds Foster Farms Fresh Whole Turkey, boned

DIRECTIONS

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Lay the boned chicken skin-side down on a platter and season liberally with salt, pepper and Creole seasoning. Lay the boned duck skin-side down on top of the chicken and season liberally with salt, pepper and Creole seasoning. Cover and refrigerate.

2. Lay the boned turkey skin-side down on a flat surface. Cover with a layer of cold Sausage and Oyster Dressing and push the dressing into the leg and wing cavities so they will look as if they still have bones in them.

3. Lay the duck on top of the turkey skin-side down and cover it with a layer of cold dressing. Lay the chicken on top of the duck skin-side down and cover it with a layer of cold dressing.

4. With the help of an assistant, bring the edges of the turkey skin up and fasten them together with toothpicks. Use the kitchen string to lace around the toothpicks to help hold the stuffed turkey together. Carefully place the turducken, breast up in a large roasting pan.

5. Roast covered for 4 hours or until the turducken is golden brown. Continue to roast uncovered for 1 hour or until a meat thermometer inserted through the thigh registers 180 degrees F. and a thermometer inserted through the stuffing registers 165 degrees F. Check the turducken every few hours to baste and remove excess liquid. There will be enough pan juices for a gallon of gravy. Carve and serve.

Recipe #3

Holiday Champagne Turkey

Foster Farms© Recipe

Summary

A bottle of champagne is the secret to this moist turkey stuffed with apples and baked in an oven bag.

INGREDIENTS

1 (12 pound) Foster Farms Fresh Whole Turkey, neck and giblets removed

1/2 cup butter, cubed

2 apples, cored and halved

1 tablespoon garlic powder

salt and pepper to taste

2/3 (750 milliliter) bottle champagne

DIRECTIONS

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).

2. Rinse turkey, and pat dry. Gently loosen turkey breast skin, and insert pieces of butter between the skin and breast. Place apples inside the turkey's cavity. Sprinkle with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Place turkey in a roasting bag, and pour champagne over the inside and outside of the bird. Close bag, and place turkey in a roasting pan.

3. Bake turkey 3 to 3 1/2 hours in the preheated oven, or until the internal temperature is 180 degrees F (85 degrees C) when measured in the meatiest part of the thigh. Remove turkey from bag, and let stand for at least 20 minutes before carving.

Recipe #4

Perfect Turkey

Summary

This is a perfect recipe for a moist, flavorful holiday bird! Plan the time to brine the bird overnight - it's worth the extra effort!

INGREDIENTS

1 (18 pound) Foster Farms Fresh Whole Turkey, neck and giblets removed

2 cups kosher salt

1/2 cup butter, melted

2 large onions, peeled and chopped

4 carrots, peeled and chopped

4 stalks celery, chopped

2 sprigs fresh thyme

1 bay leaf

1 cup dry white wine

DIRECTIONS

1. Rub the turkey inside and out with the kosher salt. Place the bird in a large stock pot, and cover with cold water. Place in the refrigerator, and allow the turkey to soak in the salt and water mixture 12 hours, or overnight.

2. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Thoroughly rinse the turkey, and discard the brine mixture.

3. Brush the turkey with 1/2 the melted butter. Place breast side down on a roasting rack in a shallow roasting pan. Stuff the turkey cavity with 1 onion, 1/2 the carrots, 1/2 the celery, 1 sprig of thyme, and the bay leaf. Scatter the remaining vegetables and thyme around the bottom of the roasting pan, and cover with the white wine.

4. Roast uncovered 3 1/2 to 4 hours in the preheated oven, until the internal temperature of the thigh reaches 180 degrees F (85 degrees C). Carefully turn the turkey breast side up about 2/3 through the roasting time, and brush with the remaining butter. Allow the bird to stand about 30 minutes before carving.

Recipe #5

Latino Lime Glazed Turkey with Chipotle Gravy

Recipe by: Chef/GM Chris Ottens of Novell, a Bon Appetit Management Co.

Citrus Glaze

3/4 Cup unsalted butter

1/2 Cup honey

4 Tablespoons orange zest

4 Tablespoons lime zest

2 Tablespoons fresh thyme, chopped

4 Teaspoons canned chipotle chilies, chopped

1 Tablespoon ground cumin

1 Teaspoon salt

Over medium heat, melt butter in heavy saucepan. Remove pan from heat and stir in honey, orange and lime zests, thyme, chilies, cumin and salt.

Measure 1/2 cup glaze and reserve for gravy. Cover and chill remaining liquid in freezer for about 30 minutes or until liquid begins to turn firm but is still spreadable.

Vegetables

2 Tablespoons unsalted butter

4-1/2 Cups chopped sweet onions

1 Packet giblets (turkey neck, gizzard and heart)

2 Cups coarsely chopped peeled carrots

2 Cups coarsely chopped celery (with leaves)

1-1/2 Cups chopped plum tomatoes

Over medium-high heat, melt butter in large nonstick pan. Add onions and reserved turkey parts.

Saute until onions are deep brown. Add carrots, celery and tomatoes to skillet and toss to blend.

Glazed Turkey

22 to 24-pound WHOLE TURKEY, fresh or frozen (thawed)

9 Cups TURKEY STOCK

Set a small rack in a large shallow roasting pan and place cooked vegetables with turkey parts around rack.

Blot turkey dry with paper towels. At the neck end, gently loosen skin from the turkey breast without totally detaching the skin. Rub 1/2-cup citrus glaze under skin. Replace the skin.

Fold neck skin and fasten to the back with skewers. Fold the wings under the back of the turkey. Return legs to tucked position.

Place turkey, breast side up, on the rack. Brush an additional 1/3-cup citrus glaze over top and sides of turkey. Reserve any remaining glaze. Sprinkle turkey with salt and pepper.

Loosely tent the turkey and roast turkey in a preheated 400 degree F oven for 30 minutes.

Add 1-cup poultry broth to pan and reduce oven temperature to 350 degrees F.

Secure foil snugly around turkey and continue to roast for 1-1/4 hours. The foil will prevent the honey-coated turkey from excessive browning.

Add 1-cup poultry broth to pan every 30 minutes until turkey reaches an internal temperature of 180 degrees F in the thigh. Remove the foil during the last 15-20 minutes to brown the turkey.

Remove turkey from the oven and allow it to stand for 20 minutes before carving.

Chipotle Gravy

1/2 Cup flour

1 Cup TURKEY STOCK

Strain pan drippings, pressing vegetables to extract liquid. Discard solids in strainer.

Spoon fat from top of juices and discard fat. Add enough broth to pan juices to equal 6 cups.

Stir reserved 1/2-cup citrus glaze in heavy large saucepan over medium heat until melted.

Gradually add flour and whisk 1 minute, allowing flour to slightly brown. Gradually whisk in pan juices. Bring to gentle boil, whisking until smooth.

Reduce heat to medium; simmer until sauce thickens slightly, about 5 minutes. Season gravy with salt and pepper.

Recipe #6

Holiday Turkey with Sage and Sherried Cider Gravy

Recipe provided by Volk Enterprises, Inc.

Ingredients 2 12-Pound WHOLE TURKEYS, fresh or frozen (thawed)

As needed salt and freshly ground black pepper

1 Large lemon, cut in quarters

14 Large fresh sage leaves

4 Slices multi-grain bread

1 Large Granny Smith apple, wedged

1 Large sweet onion, wedged

1 Cup unsalted butter, softened

1 Pint water

1 Pint dry sherry

1 Pint sparkling apple cider

2/3 Cup flour

1++ Quart TURKEY BROTH As needed assorted fresh sage leaves Roasted Turkeys

8. Preheat oven to 425 degrees F.

9. Rinse and pat turkeys dry, inside and out. Season turkeys inside and out with salt and pepper.

10. Place 1 lemon wedge, 1 sage leaf and 1 bread slice into each neck cavity. Fold neck skin under body and fasten with a skewer.

11. Fill each body cavity with apples and onions, 3 sage leaves and remaining lemon wedge and bread slice. Truss turkeys.

12. Rub turkeys with remaining sage. Spread turkeys with butter and arrange on rack in roasting pans.

13. Roast turkeys in middle of preheated 425 degree F oven 30 minutes. Reduce temperature to 325 degrees F and baste turkeys with pan juices. Add water to roasting pan and continue roasting, basting every 20 minutes. Continue to roast 2-1/2 to 3 hours more, or until the internal temperature reaches 180 degrees F in the thigh.

14. Transfer turkeys to carving board, reserving juices in roasting pan; discard string. Keep turkeys warm, covered loosely with foil.

Sherried Cider Gravy

10. Skim fat from pan juices, reserving 1/2 cup fat.

11. On range top, deglaze pan with sherry over moderately high heat, scraping up brown bits. Stir in cider.

12. Bring sherry mixture to a boil and remove pan from heat.

13. In a heavy saucepan, whisk together reserved fat and flour and cook roux over moderately low heat. Whisk together for about 3 minutes.

14. Add sherry mixture and stock in a stream, whisking to prevent lumping. Simmer, whisking occasionally for about 10 minutes.

15. Whisk in additional stock to thin gravy if desired.

16. Season gravy with salt and pepper.

17. Discard the cavity ingredients before serving. Garnish turkey with sage.

18. NOTE: Provides 32-34 servings at 6 ounces per portion.

Recipe #7

CAJUN DEEP-FRIED WILD TURKEY

Recipe from John Maynard (Courtesy of NWTF)

1 (10-15 lb.) unstuffed turkey

5 gallons peanut oil

2 tbsp. Cajun seasoning

1 stick butter or margarine

1/2 tsp. garlic powder

1/2 tsp. cayenne pepper (optional)

Pour peanut oil into a 10 gallon pot. Put pot on propane cooker and heat oil to 375 degrees. Have turkey completely thawed and dry turkey thoroughly. Tie two cotton strings around the carcass so bird can be easily lifted out of oil. Carefully submerge turkey in oil. Deep fry for 3 1/2 to 4 1/2 minutes per pound and cook until turkey floats to the top. Remove bird from oil, and immediately dust heavily with cajun seasoning. Melt butter or margarine, and add to it garlic powder and cayenne, if desired. Brush turkey with butter mixture. Allow to cool 20 to 30 minutes before carving. Yield 12 to 16 servings.

Recipe #8

Honey Smoked Turkey

Sweet and light, this is the easiest way to cook a big bird! It will be the best turkey you have ever had. The breast is moist and juicy, and the honey makes a great thin sauce. I hope you enjoy it as much as my friends and family do when I make it. I never have any leftovers! Enjoy!

INGREDIENTS

1 (12 pound) Fresh Whole Turkey

2 tablespoons chopped fresh sage

2 tablespoons ground black pepper

2 tablespoons celery salt

2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil

2 tablespoons vegetable oil

1 (12 ounce) jar honey

1/2 pound mesquite wood chips

DIRECTIONS

1. Preheat grill for high heat. If you are using a charcoal grill, use about twice the normal amount of charcoal. Soak wood chips in a pan of water, and set next to the grill.

2. Remove neck and giblets from turkey. Rinse the bird and pat dry. Place in a large disposable roasting pan.

3. In a medium bowl, mix together sage, ground black pepper, celery salt, basil, and vegetable oil. Pour mixture evenly over the turkey. Turn the turkey breast side down in the pan, and tent loosely with aluminum foil.

4. Place the roasting pan on the preheated grill. Throw a handful of the wood chips onto the coals. Close the lid, and cook for 1 hour.

5. Throw about 2 more handfuls of soaked wood chips on the fire. Drizzle 1/2 the honey over the bird, and replace the foil. Close the lid of the grill, and continue cooking 1 1/2 to 2 hours, or until internal temperature reaches 180 degrees F (80 degrees C) in the thickest part of the thigh.

6. Uncover turkey, and carefully turn it breast side up in the roasting pan. Baste with remaining honey. Leave the turkey uncovered, and cook 15 minutes. The cooked honey will be very dark.

Recipe # 9

Maple Roast Turkey and Gravy

A New England style turkey with maple syrup. It makes for a mellow Thanksgiving dinner. Try stuffing it with Cranberry, Sausage and Apple Stuffing. If fresh marjoram is unavailable, 2 teaspoons of dried marjoram may be substituted.

INGREDIENTS

Turkey

14 pounds Fresh Whole Turkey, neck and giblets reserved

2 cups chopped onion

1 cup chopped celery

1 cup coarsely chopped carrots

Maple Butter Mixutre

2 cups apple cider

1/3 cup real maple syrup

2 tablespoons chopped fresh thyme

2 tablespoons chopped fresh marjoram

2 1/2 teaspoons grated lemon zest

3/4 cup butter

alt and ground black pepper to taste

Gravy

2 cups chicken stock

3 tablespoons all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme

1 bay leaf

2 tablespoons apple brandy (optional)

DIRECTIONS

1. Boil apple cider and maple syrup in a heavy saucepan over medium-high heat until reduced to 1/2 cup (about 20 minutes). Remove from heat and mix in 1/2 of the thyme and marjoram and all of the lemon zest. Add the butter, and whisk until melted. Add salt and ground pepper to taste. Cover and refrigerate until cold (syrup can be made up to 2 days ahead).

2. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Place oven rack in the lowest third of oven.

3. Wash and dry turkey, and place in a large roasting pan. Slide hand under skin of the breast to loosen. Rub 1/2 cup of the maple butter mix under the breast skin. If planning on stuffing turkey, do so now. Rub 1/4 cup of the maple butter mixture over the outside of the turkey. With kitchen string, tie legs of turkey together loosely.

4. Arrange the chopped onion, chopped celery, and chopped carrot around the turkey in the roasting pan. If desired, the neck and giblets may be added to the vegetables. Sprinkle the remaining thyme and marjoram over the vegetables, and pour the chicken stock into the pan.

5. Roast turkey 30 minutes in the preheated oven. Reduce oven temperature to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C), and cover turkey loosely with foil. Continue to roast, about 3 to 4 hours unstuffed or 4 to 5 hours stuffed, until the internal temperature of the thigh reaches 180 degrees F (80 degrees C) and stuffing reaches 165 degrees F (75 degrees C). Transfer turkey to a platter, and cover with foil. Reserve pan mixture for gravy. Allow turkey to sit about 25 minutes before removing stuffing and carving.

6. To Make Gravy: Strain pan juices into a measuring cup. Spoon fat from juices. Add enough chicken stock to make 3 cups. Transfer liquid to a heavy saucepan and bring to a boil. In a small bowl, mix reserved maple butter mixture with flour to form a paste, and whisk into the broth. Stir in thyme, bay leaf, and apple brandy. Boil until reduced and slightly thickened. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Recipe #10

Easy Beginner's Turkey with Stuffing

This easy to make turkey is great for beginners, but experts will find it equally delicious. Adjust the cooking time for different sized birds.

INGREDIENTS

12 pounds Fresh Whole Turkey

2 tablespoons vegetable oil

Stuffing Mix

1 (6 ounce) package dry bread stuffing mix

1 cup water

1 tablespoon butter

1 cup chopped celery

1/4 cup chopped onion

4 slices toasted white bread, torn into small pieces

salt and pepper to taste

DIRECTIONS

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Rinse turkey, remove giblets and place in a shallow roasting pan.

2. Prepare stuffing according to package directions. Mix in water.

3. Melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat, and slowly cook and stir the celery and onion until tender.

4. Mix celery, onion, and toasted bread pieces into the stuffing, and season with salt and pepper. Loosely scoop stuffing into the turkey body cavity and neck cavity. Rub the exterior of the turkey with vegetable oil.

5. Loosely cover turkey with aluminum foil, and roast 3 1/2 to 4 hours in the preheated oven, until the thickest part of the thigh reaches 180 degrees F (85 degrees C) and the interior of the stuffing reaches 165 degrees F (70 degrees C). Remove foil during the last half hour of cooking to brown the bird.

Writen by Chris Robertson

In our global economy, everyone from the businessperson to the neighbor who traveled abroad on holiday is facing the same dilemma: how to send gifts to business associates and new friends who live overseas. Increasingly, gift givers are choosing the convenience of international gourmet deliveries over the hassle of shipping gifts overseas through conventional methods.

Utilizing the availability of gourmet gifts worldwide, many gift givers are sending hampers to Britain and other nations. Of the hamper baskets worldwide, the most popular gourmet baskets to Britain include fruits, cheeses, and meats. Companies known for their outstanding gourmet baskets to Britain, such as www.gourmetgiftuk.com, have established local shipping posts in nations around the world. Therefore, gourmet gift baskets can be shipped from a location close to the recipient, ensuring the utmost in freshness and quality.

International gourmet deliveries are especially appropriate for business associates and personal acquaintances, for whom gifts are traditionally difficult to choose. A basket containing a bottle of Australian wine and a bottle of South African wine, combined with English cheddar cheese and table biscuits, conveys a sense of adventure to an already thoughtful gift. For those who have a sweet tooth, an international gourmet delivery of chocolate wafers, biscotti, flavored coffee, truffles, and cocoa will be delightfully received. If the gift recipient's tastes run to the savory, a hamper containing corned beef, new potatoes, liver pate, ham, and baked beans will be welcomed.

Distance doesn't have to mean that favorite edibles are lost forever. When friends and family move overseas, international gourmet deliveries are the perfect way to send comfort foods from home. The recipient's pleasure at seeing a basket full of favorites from her country of origin is sure to help keep homesickness at bay. Plus, the satisfaction of giving a loved one a taste of home is unmatched.

International gourmet deliveries are the perfect way to convey appreciation to overseas customers and employees. Personalized wines, cakes, and chocolates are innovative gifts that can be used for corporate entertaining, as incentives, and to announce and celebrate promotions. Virtually every occasion can be commemorated through the personalization of foods and beverages.

Whether it's a wine and champagne basket, a fruit and candy basket, a floral bouquet, or a cheese and meat hamper, an international gourmet delivery is certain to delight business associates, friends, and family members. Such a gift is also easy on the giver, who doesn't have to bother with postal regulations and the high costs associated with shipping overseas.

Chris Robertson is an author of Majon International, one of the worlds MOST popular internet marketing companies on the web. Visit this Food Website and Majon's Food directory.

Writen by Susan Dunn

We're coming down to the wire. How's it feeling to you?

Why do I ask that? Well, whatever you're celebrating, and whatever your religious orientation, Christmas is a celebration, a celebration that for many has a spiritual basis to it. That is, it's supposed to be merry, at the least, and meaningful at the most. What's it for you this year?

There may not be much you can do to put on the brakes now, but note how you're feeling so you can see how it's working for you. This has to be tested against the purpose of this celebration, which is personal to each of us, but surely it isn't to be exhausted, stressed, hateful, resentful, materialistic, imprudent, overwhelmed, obligatory, or "just going through the motions." If you're feeling "the thrill is gone," it's time to get mindful. Don't be the victim of your own holiday.

Remember, it's all about choice. Intentionality is the EQ competency for the holidays. What do you intend? How do your intend to feel? What do you intend to accomplish?

If you feel like you want to stop the world and get off, take note. When Christmas is over, process.

Ask yourself:

1. What worked and what didn't? In other words, what make you feel good. Feeling good can be pleasure, joy, but also the feeling of a job well done.
2. What did I do out of obligation, or to keep up with the Joneses that needs to be let go next year?
3. Did I feel the way I wanted to? If not, what will I do differently next year?
4. Take each element and analyze it - - did you really enjoy it, or were you just going through the paces? Was it "because we've always done it this way"?
5. Is there some traditional that's outworn it's welcome? If so, eliminate it. Kiss it goodbye, remembering it fondly, but let it go.
6. Whether you're a parent, grandparent, or uncle or aunt, there are children around. What kind of example are you setting? If you yell at your kid because you're stress out over Christmas, ho ho ho?
7. How materialistic were your gifts? How much did you bust your budget? Change this next year.
8. Did you spend time the way you wanted to? Did you spend time with the people you wanted to be with? Whether or not its family, you have a choice.
9. Did you actually have time to enjoy each thing – the smells, the touches, the sights, the sounds? Or were you like a hamster on his wheel?
10. What part of the negatives was due to your attitude rather than external events or circumstances? Controlling your mood and emotions with emotional intelligence can add tremendously to your life, not just at Christmas time.

The best gift in life is to be able to learn from your experiences and this is a great time to apply this. If you don't like what's going on, don't be a victim of your own circumstances or attitude. Change one or both!

©Susan Dunn, MA, The EQ Coach. Mailto:sdunn@susandunn.cc. Individual coaching, Internet courses, ebooks. EQ Alive! #1 rated coach certification program, training worldwide. Email for more information, and for fr** EQ ezine.

Writen by Nancy Fitzgerald

There are several types of real Christmas trees, all of which are a cheap choice over artificial. The most common types of Christmas trees are the six-foot Scotch pines, which fit nicely into the average home living room.

One type of Christmas tree is the deodora cedar, which has blue-green short needles with pendulous needle tips. Another cedar, the Eastern red, has shiny dark green leaves and gives off a great scent, though it's sticky to the touch and will only last 2-3 weeks. As this tree dries out quickly it is best used in a humid climate.

One of the most popular of Christmas trees in the southeast part of the U.S. is the Leland Cypress, with dark green or gray foliage. Its branches are feathery and its scent is pleasant but light. This tree is ideal in the home of allergen-troubled folks.

The Douglas fir is a popular type of Christmas tree, and easily flocked. It has a great fragrance and lives longer than a lot of other trees. Its leaves are either dark green or blue. Its sister fir, the Fraser, has needles that are flatter and dark green. It holds its needles well and gives off a pleasant aroma. For a more citrus aroma from your Christmas tree you should choose the grand fir, with dark green shiny needles. If you want a more durable tree that can hold your heavy ornaments the noble fir is a great choice. It lives longer and healthier as a Christmas tree and makes an attractive, strong and durable wreath as well.

Pine and spruce are too other commonly used types of Christmas trees. The pine has a great fragrance. The spruce however, dries quickly and its needles drop rapidly.

Nancy Fitzgerald makes it quick and easy to find the best Christmas trees Read expert information here.

Writen by Larry M. Lynch

Three potatoes and a stuffed dummy?

Want to know hot to use three potatoes and a stuffed dummy for bringing in the New Year? Well here's the scoop.

During the latter part of December in Colombia and Ecuador, an effigy of the old year is stuffed with sawdust, wood chips, shredded paper and other flammables. The body is seeded with a few well-placed firecrackers as well. The head is often a papier-mâché mask not infrequently resembling a famous person, character or politician. Someone you'd just as soon be rid of is a runaway favorite, although witches, politicians, presidents, generals and mother-in-laws have the followings.

The life-sized effigy is placed in a prominent place like a doorway, window or even on a chair out in front of the house to await its fate. The practice even extends to stores, shops and businesses with many having effigies made up and placed outside in front – away from the merchandise of course. On the evening of December 31st, often sooner, the effigy is set ablaze amid much fanfare, shouting and wishes for the New Year. It burns rapidly taking the old year and its troubles with it. As the crackling flames, fueled by gasoline poured on the effigy, reach the firecrackers, the dummy is blown into flaming bits. There are so many burning on some streets in Quito and other towns in Ecuador it looks like a war zone. The stage is now set for a fresh, New Year.

Now Take Three Potatoes

This one's easy, but odd. You take three potatoes; some people use five, peel one and then toss them all under the bed. Don't look now – no peeking! Reach under the bed and feel around for them. Got 'em? Okay pick one, still no peeking now! Take it out. If it's the peeled one, then goodness and bounty will be yours for the New Year. If it's not, well, better luck next year. Don't laugh, my Mother-in-law does this! (but for goodness sakes, don't tell her I told you!)

Happy New Year! … and get that suitcase out!

Want to know what suitcase? Be sure to read "Happy New Year Latin Style: Unusual South American Customs for bringing in the New Year" online at: http://betterfelteacher.blogspot.com/

Prof. Larry M. Lynch is a bi-lingual copywriter, expert author and photographer specializing in business, travel, food and education-related writing in South America. His work has appeared in Transitions Abroad, South American Explorer, Escape From America, Mexico News and Brazil magazines. Free details of his 5-week online course "Develop a Specialty and Get Published on the Web for Fun, Fame or Fortune" and more tips on article writing, public speaking, and mental skills development are online at: http://bettereflteacher.blogspot.com/

Writen by June Carr

Is it possible in this day and age to have an idealic Christmas? Is there truth in the song "It's The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year".

It's The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year
With the kids jingle belling
And everyone telling you "Be of good cheer"
It's The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year
It's the hap -happiest season of all
With those holiday greetings and gay happy meetings
When friends come to call
It's the hap - happiest season of all

It's not only possible, but easily attainable if you'll follow a few tidbits of advice from someone who used to be caught up in the commercialism of the holidays.

Have you heard of the "Butterfly Effect"? Basically it says that a small change in one place can have a large change somewhere else. This sounds simple, but I like to interpret it this way; a random act of kindness may result in that person's life affecting another life, somewhere, sometime along life's journey.

As you look around you, it's impossible to know the inner thoughts of those near us. Some may appear happy, while inside they are experiencing sorrow; another may feel lonely, even though they are surrounded by the masses. Another in financial distress, wondering how they can possibly get to the end of the month, let alone have a good Christmas.

While it's not possible to help everyone, Christmas is a time when we can reach out to others; not necessarily with expensive gifts, perhaps a note, phone call, email, letting someone know we still remember them and wish them well. If the person who catches your eye is a stranger, give them a smile, it's a small touch of kindness that will brighten their day. How can you know for certain you've had a positive effect? Throw a pebble into a pond, then turn your back and walk away; did the ripples reach the surrounding shore? You may be certain they did, just as your actions are ripples in the life of those you meet and pass on the street.

The same holds true for you, find joy in the simple things of the season. Watch your children or grandchildren as they experience (some for the first time) the wonderment of the holiday season. A simple cup of coffee with a friend reminiscing about old times can gladden your heart.

One of my fondest Christmas memories was many years ago with my mom and dad; we didn't have much money, but we were together and enjoyed the season. We took the time to decorate our simple home and bring Christmas inside. They were simple decorations, greeting cards, candles, bright colorful scarves; but love was in each one.

We had a small Christmas tree, chosen together at a nearby Christmas tree farm. I can still see our frosty breath as we looked for the perfect tree.

We didn't focus on gifts, or how much money was being spent, just on the love and warmth that flowed from one to another. And while times were difficult, we focused on the good things, from the little (3 foot tall) Christmas tree, to the homemade presents under the tree.

I don't remember the gifts from that year; I do remember the overall feeling of warmth and togetherness. It wasn't about money; it was about love, respect and admiration.

That year with money tight, and presents scarce, the blessings flowed from one to another without restraint.

It seemed the happier we were, the happier those around us became, it was the "Butterfly Effect" in action. Think of this the next time you are feeling grumpy and tempted to act angry.

The reverse is also true, if someone is nice to you, even if a total stranger, echo those feelings, show appreciation for the fact they share and care about others, just as you do. If you have difficulty with this, work on it; decide to become a better more caring person as each day passes.

Spend time this Christmas with your family and friends. Don't be worried about gifts, the spirit of Christmas is sharing and caring. A good and caring relationship with a friend, family member or significant other is one of the true blessings of being alive, cherish it.

Writen by Marsha Jordan

Santa may not exist, but his spirit certainly does -- at least in the HUGS and HOPE Club for sick children.

Every child deserves a merry Christmas. The HUGS and HOPE Foundation is determined to make the holidays happier for kids battling serious illnesses.

When founder, Marsha Jordan,learned of a young boy with a brain tumor, she asked all her friends to pray for him; but she wanted to do more. "After considering what resources I had," said Jordan, "I knew I could not do a lot, but I could do something; and I determined to do what I could." She created a web page with the little boy's photo and story, and she hoped others would send cheery mail to the boy or assist his family in any way they could.

What began as one grandma's single handed effort has now grown to a network of over 2,500 volunteers nationwide with The HUGS and HOPE Club for sick kids. The club provides a 24-hour chat group where parents of sick children can meet other parents and volunteers for emotional support and information. The HUGS and HOPE Foundation also sponsors a Parent Pal program, which matches up a volunteer "pal" with an isolated parent. The pal stays in close contact with the parent providing the rare commodity of friendship. HUGS and HOPE also grants wishes for children, sends balloon bouquets to hospitals, and provides birthday party packages and Christmas gifts. "Older adults might be interested in this program," Marsha said.

Once an energetic volunteer, Jordan's life took a sudden sharp turn when she fell victim to a connective tissue disease. Her busy schedule came to a screeching halt because of migraines, fatigue, fibromyalgia, and joint pain. Due to complications of the illness, she was also struck blind for several months. She knows how it feels to be in pain, isolated, and afraid. This is why she can relate to children who are seriously ill.

After Jordan's grandson was severely burned, she learned first hand how helpless parents feel when their little ones are hurting and no one can stop the pain. Jordan's hobby of sending cheery cards to hospitalized children and notes of encouragement to their parents soon blossomed into a fulltime job.

"We all experience bad things, but it's always harder when you see a child suffer, because they don't understand. I had to hold my grandson down while the doctor ripped the burned skin off his hand. I could tell by the way he looked at me he was thinking, "Why aren't you helping me?" I was helping him, but he didn't realize it," Jordan said.

During the holiday season, HUGS and HOPE volunteers work on the Project Elf, which matches up a sick child with a volunteer "elf."

The parents of sick children are often too poor, too stressed, and too busy caring for their child to shop for gifts. Many of them are isolated with children who cannot leave the house. "The families are devasted with medical bills. Many parents lose their jobs because they spend so much time in emergency rooms and intensive care units with their children," Jordan said.

Perhaps this holiday season, the HUGS and HOPE message might go a long way in spreading the cheer. "Helping other people is fantastic for your own well being. If you're depressed, thinking about somebody else helps. Focus on others, and pretty soon you're not depressed at all," she said. "No matter how old you are, or what your skills are (or lack of skills), you can still be useful and make a difference. There are a lot of grandmothers in their 80's and in wheelchairs who get on their computers every day to read those stories of the kids and send their moms letters or mail the kids little gifts like stickers. The kids live for that, and the volunteers enjoy the satisfaction of knowing that they're making a child's life brighter. The kids look forward to receiving their own mail and volunteers love to send it; so everybody wins," Jordan said.

Watch for more information on Marsha's book called "Hugs, Hope, and Peanut Butter." In it, she shares her own experiences of living with chronic pain and depression and the lessons she's learned from them. The book is illustrated with drawings by the sick HUGS and HOPE Club kids and their siblings. Proceeds from the book will go to the kids.

Jordan, also known as the "Peanut Butter Queen," believes that hope and love are sticky like peanut butter. "When you spread them around," she says, "you can't help but get some on yourself too."

Yes, Santa still exists. He lives in the hearts of Hugs and Hope Club members! The group is always looking for more hug givers and hope builders. To learn more becoming a volunteer or helping in some way, visit the Hugs and Hope web site at www.hugsandhope.org

Marsha Jordan, founder of the HUGS and HOPE charity for sick children, is a disabled grandmother in the north woods of Wisconsin where she lives with her husband of 30 years and their badly behaved toy poodle, King Louie, who rules their household with an iron paw.

Writen by Rodney Robbins

I love my mom and not just on Mother's Day. My mom is the best mom in the world, and I am grateful to be her son. So, how to tell Mom I love her without getting so sweet I slip into a Diabetic coma? Here are 5.2 ways you, and I, can impress Mom on Mother's Day:

1) Send her a card. A hand written poem would be a really nice touch, but a card is certainly a good start.

2) Go and see her. If you can't go, call. If you can go, bring her flowers and candy.

3) Give her a present. Yes, a present for Mom, on top of the flowers and candy! You're not cheaping out on your mom, are you? Something useful is nice if she really needs it, but anything shiny, tasty or pretty is also good. Yes, dinner can count as a present, but you get triple bonus points for flowers and candy, a present AND dinner.

4) Thank her for being your Mom. It's only polite since you would not even be here without her.

5) Tell her you love her. Life is full of unexpected twists and turns. Life really can turn on a dime. You need to be sure the people you love know you love them. Saying "I love you" in a card only gets you half credit. Saying "I love you" and meaning it may be the best present ever.

5.2) Guys, don't forget the mother of your children! She's a mom too. Without her, you'd be running around like a rooster with his tail feathers cut off, so give her some sugar too. Use the same suggestions as above. Special warning: For most women, guns, knives and power tools are NOT considered appropriate Mother's Day (or anniversary) presents.

That's it. I could write a book on Mother's Day, but these 5.2 Ways to Impress Your Mom on Mother's Day should help get you started.

About the Author

Rodney Robbins is the other of "My Romantic Spell" the first in a series of Salem Witch books for young adult readers. It's available at http://www.lulu.com/SalemWitchBooks If you liked this articles, you might also like Rodney's sometimes snarky, occasionally useful blog at http://www.Rodneys52Ways.com

Writen by Megan Corwin

Let's take a look at a typical Christmas To-Do list: bake cookies, buy and make gifts, attend office party, church commitments, address and mail cards, clean the house for guests, decorate...it goes on and on....

The holidays are meant to be a time of joy and family celebration. But all the running around we do can zap the fun. Here are some ideas to simplify the season.

Gift Giving:

• Purchase a family gift rather than gifts for individuals.

• For extended families, draw a member's name out of a hat and give only one gift. Limit the present amount.

• Make soup, beverage or cookie mixes. Package in a pretty jar or container with instructions attached.

• Have family members create a wishlist on amazon.com so there's no guessing what they want, purchasing is easy, and there are no trips to the crowded mall.

• Start a collection. For example, a few years ago I began purchasing nativity set figurines for my mother. Each year she gets a new item to add to her collection. Again, no guessing - I always know what to buy for her.

In the Kitchen:

• Early in the season make a really big batch of chili. Freeze in individual serving size containers. Great for those nights when you are too tired to cook.

• Large families still gathering at Mom's for the big dinner, but the children have grown up? Hold a potluck feast so that the cooking is shared by everyone.

• Host a cookie swap. Invite 6-12 friends over asking them to bring a dozen cookies per invitee. Exchange varieties. Each participant only bakes one type of cookie, but goes home with all sorts of treats.

• Purchase frozen pre-shaped cookies from the freezer section of stores like Sam's Club or Gordon Food Service.

Wishing you a peaceful season.

About The Author

Megan Corwin is a personal coach who enjoys helping work at home professionals grow their businesses while maintaining an organized household. Download Megan's free ebook "How to Market Your Small Business Online for FREE": http://marketonlinefree.wahwoman.com

Writen by Kristin Johnson

What does holly, that untidy traditional greenery you just have to festoon your house with every year, have to do with not tearing your hair out before it's even Thanksgiving? Plenty. You can use H-O-L-L-Y to help you get organized.

1. H: Help

How many times have you tried to do the perfect turkey all by yourself just so your mother-in-law would be impressed? Here's a reality check: (a) If your mother-in-law is any kind of a real woman, she remembers that her mother-in-law put the exact same pressure on her, and (b) if she's the kind of person who complains because the cranberries come from a can, she's the kind of person who complains anyway and would be unhappy if she couldn't try to make you look like an incompetent nitwit, and how a woman like that could raise your wonderful husband is beyond everyone.

If that husband is such a great guy, get him in the kitchen. Sit down and plan what the two of you really want---he might not want a six-course dinner, which is fine, because you don't either. Get the kids involved. By now some of them are at that stage where they want to show off what they can do "all by myself," and you know that even though you hate your daughter's taste in music, she did make killer stuffing last Thanksgiving. And your son makes a great omelet for Christmas morning. Then there's your sister who loves to chat, so put her to work while you listen to her endless monologue.

Electronic help is great too---use a PDA or the family computer to keep a list of recipes and ingredients. There are many great, sometimes free, computer programs available.

2. O: Oh-No

Let's face it. You'll make mistakes. The sugar cookies will burn. You can always "eat" your mistakes and try again---just don't try a new recipe for the first time Christmas Day. In fact, plan for your mistakes. That's right. Most of us spend so much time agonizing over avoiding mistakes we forget that they are going to happen anyway, and not necessarily at our hands. So your best girlfriend Susan brought over deviled ham instead of double chocolate cake...there's a reason we have bakeries, right? Just cheerfully accept the mistake and move on. People can get over a slightly too well-done roast, but they will be downright uncomfortable if you spend the entire dinner moaning about it.

3. L: Love

You know Christmas is the season of love, and you can have as much fun with take-out pizza as you can with an elegant dinner if the company is right. One sure way to recapture love is to bake cookies together. There's nothing like the sight of kids rolling dough and decorating their works of art.

4. L: Let It Be

Sorry for the Paul McCartney overtones, but once you have your plan in place, stick to it---that doesn't mean you can't compromise slightly. Agonizing over turkey versus tofu causes you to lose your appetite, and is as harmful to your cooking as disorganization. Sticking to a decision and keeping your plan, no matter what everyone else thinks, gives you peace of mind.

5. Y: You

Remember that there will be stress around the holidays, but that your mind can choose not to give in. You can choose to refuse another beer because "I'm frazzled" or avoid inviting people you really can't stand just because your mind thinks you have an obligation to be popular and kill yourself feeding 25 people. You can throw snowballs, or, if you live in California, go throw some water on the wildfires...just take your mind off your cooking. You'll rediscover just why it is you're cooking and what you love about Christmas.

So that's your H-O-L-L-Y for a happy holiday. And when all else fails, there's chocolate.

Kristin Johnson is co-author of the "enthusiastically recommended" Midwest Book Review pick, Christmas Cookies Are For Giving: Stories, Recipes and Tips for Making Heartwarming Gifts (ISBN: 0-9723473-9-9). A downloadablemedia kit is available at our Web site, http://www.christmascookiesareforgiving.com, or e-mail the publisher (info@tyrpublishing.com) to receive a printed media kit and sample copy of the book. More articles available at http://www.bakingchristmascookies.com

Writen by Yvonne Thompson

Here are a few quick safety tips to help you, your family, friends and pets have a safe and enjoyable holiday season.

Christmas Trees & Lights

It's always best to buy a freshly cut Christmas tree at a "you cut" farm. If you buy a pre-cut tree be sure to tap the tree on the ground to make sure that it does not lose needles. Look for a green tree with sap on the trunk and limbs that bend but don't break easily. The tree's fragrance should be a strong pine scent. Ask the tree attendant to cut at least 1-2 inches off the trunk so it will absorb water easier.

Once you've brought your tree home, let it stand upright outside, in a bucket of water, until you are ready to bring it in for decorating. Once you bring the tree inside be sure it is placed in the water-filled tree stand immediately. Be sure to buy a stand that holds at least a gallon of water and keep the water level full at all times. Check the water level daily. Trees drink at least a quart of water a day and more the first few days after it's been cut.

Do not place your tree near any type of heater, radiator, fireplace, candles, or any source of heat. Never use candles on any type of Christmas tree. Do not leave candles burning unattended or in a drafty area near the tree. Try to move or remove furniture to keep your tree in a safe area. Try to avoid overcrowding and keep some ventilation around the tree. Flock trees are pretty but not a requirement. If you must flock your tree be sure to read the can to ensure fire resistance first.

Do not place your tree in a high traffic area to prevent it from being knocked over. Be sure your tree is not top-heavy and that the base is adequate. Additional securing of the tree with a wire might be helpful. If you buy an artificial tree, be sure it has been tested and labeled as fire resistant. Artificial trees with built-in lights should have the Underwriters Laboratory (UL) label.

Only use UL approved lights with cool-burning light bulbs and do not link more than 3 strands of lights together. Indoor lights should be used indoors only. Do not use lights for a purpose other than indicated. Each year you should check all the lights and wiring for shorts or other malfunctions before placing them on the tree. If you're in doubt it's best to throw them out! Turn off all Christmas lights, including holiday decorations, when you leave your home or when you go to bed.

Keep delicate, breakable ornaments towards the top of your tree to keep your little ones from reaching them. Be sure to use a sturdy, level ladder to safely reach the top of your tree. Keep the safe, unbreakable decorations, with no small pieces, towards the bottom. If a glass ornament does break be sure to vacuum the area thoroughly. Do not string popcorn chains or candy canes on lower branches to prevent children from trying to eat them. Always monitor your child's consumption of candy canes and other holiday snacks.

Holiday Pet Safety Tips Keep chocolate away from your pets. We may love chocolate but chocolate does not love our pets. Pets are sometimes attracted to the smell and taste of chocolate. In sufficient quantities, chocolate can make your pet very sick and may cause vomiting, diarrhea or death. Store your chocolate where your pet cannot get to it, preferably up high in a container that will not open if dropped.

Don't decorate with tinsel, garland or tinsel covered ornaments because your pet may swallow them. Tinsel can lead to intestinal blockages which could cause you and your pet a trip to the vet. Use safer types of solid core decorations instead. Be sure your tree is out of your pet prone/high traffic areas and secure it so it won't fall over from a wagging tail. If you have a cat, keep an eye on him as sometimes cats will climb inside the tree to enjoy the higher vantage point and in turn knock down the tree.

Keep an eye on your pet's whereabouts especially as guests come and go. Sometimes pets may wander outside unknown to you. It's a good idea to keep them in a room or a kennel to avoid a disappearing pet.

Keep extension cords out of the way to prevent your pet from chewing on them. The last thing you want to be doing during the holidays is rushing Fido to the emergency vet. Look for tubing at your local pet store that is made specifically to store your extension cords to prevent your pet from seriously hurting himself.

Remember the holiday season is very busy. It can be overwhelming for us humans and can be just as stressful for your pet too. If your pet is stressed or doesn't tolerate large numbers of people, strangers, loud noises or activity, put them in a separate quiet room or kennel and check on them often. Your pet will be more relaxed, in a safe controlled environment and you'll enjoy your company more. Have a safe and blessed holiday season.

© Yvonne Thompson, Assistance For You All rights reserved. Permission is granted to use this article, as long as the entire article is posted and the "About the Author Bio" section, including all links, remain intact.

Writen by Adriana Copaceanu

Quite often, people overdo it for Thanksgiving, both in preparing and enjoying the meal. But, it's possible to have a wonderful Thanksgiving with family and friends without having to break the budget and spend two days in the kitchen. The easiest way to do this is to organize a shared meal with your family and friends, and it actually brings the original tradition of sharing what we have with those we love to the forefront of the meal.

Once you've created a guest list, call and explain to them your idea. Ask each family to bring their favorite side dish and dessert. If you want to be really organized, you could plan the menu in advance and ask each family what they would like to bring from the menu, so you don't have duplicates. However, most families have their traditional favorite items, so you might be surprised by the variety you have just by letting them decide what to bring.

Then, as the host family, you provide the main dish. Plan ahead for the thawing and cooking time for the turkey, so it will be finished shortly before your guests arrive. With the pop-up timers in turkeys, there is little guesswork involved in cooking the bird. There are many websites on the internet to help you cook the perfect holiday turkey. There are also 1-800 hotline numbers to help you prepare the meal.

If you decide to have a smaller meal, with just your immediate family, there is no need to fix a huge meal. You may want to fix a few extra items, but just having time to sit and relax and eat a meal together as a family is quite often enough. With so many families running in all different directions, it's nice just to eat together and focus on the blessings of your life.

Writen by Danielle Hollister

1. "Here's to the bright New Year, and a fond farewell to the old; here's to the things that are yet to come, and to the memories that we hold."
   -- Anonymous

2. "People are so worried about what they eat between Christmas and the New Year, but they really should be worried about what they eat between the New Year and Christmas."
   -- Anonymous

3. "A new year is unfolding – like a blossom with petals curled tightly concealing the beauty within."
   -- Anonymous

4. "Let us not drink to the past, but to the future."
   -- Anonymous

5. "The new year begins in a snow-storm of white vows."
   -- George William Curtis

6. "The New Year, like an Infant Heir to the whole world, was waited for, with welcomes, presents, and rejoicings."
   -- Charles Dickens

7. "For last year's words belong to last year's language And next year's words await another voice. And to make an end is to make a beginning."
   -- T.S. Eliot

8. "Be at war with your vices; at peace with your neighbors, and let every new year find you a better man."
   -- Benjamin Franklin

9. "New Year's eve is like every other night; there is no pause in the march of the universe, no breathless moment of silence among created things that the passage of another twelve months may be noted; and yet no man has quite the same thoughts this evening that come with the coming of darkness on other nights."
   -- Hamilton Wright Mabie

10. "The proper behavior all through the holiday season is to be drunk. This drunkenness culminates on New Year's Eve, when you get so drunk you kiss the person you're married to."
    -- P. J. ORourke

11. "We will open the book. Its pages are blank. We are going to put words on them ourselves. The book is called Opportunity and its first chapter is New Year's Day."
    -- Edith Lovejoy Pierce

12. "The Old Year has gone. Let the dead past bury its own dead. The New Year has taken possession of the clock of time. All hail the duties and possibilities of the coming twelve months!"
    -- Edward Payson Powell

13. "Ring out the old, ring in the new, Ring, happy bells, across the snow: The year is going, let him go; Ring out the false, ring in the true."
    -- Lord Tennyson

14. "It wouldn't be New Year's if I didn't have regrets."
    -- William Thomas

15. "Your Merry Christmas may depend on what others do for you ... but your Happy New Year depends on what you do for others."
    -- Unknown

16. "A New Year's resolution is something that goes in one Year and out the other."
    -- Unknown

17. "Many people look forward to the New Year for a new start on old habits."
    -- Unknown

18. "Youth is when you're allowed to stay up late on New Year's Eve. Middle age is when you're forced to."
    -- Bill Vaughan

19. "An optimist stays up until midnight to see the new year in. A pessimist stays up to make sure the old year leaves."
    -- Bill Vaughan

20. "It Depends on Us... Another year lies before us like an unwritten page, an unspent coin, an unwalked road. the pages will read, what treasures will be gained in exchange for time, or what we find alone the way, will largely depend on us."
    -- Esther Baldwin York

Resource Box - © Danielle Hollister (2004) is the Publisher of BellaOnline Quotations Zine - A free newsletter for quote lovers featuring more than 10,000 quotations in dozens of categories like - love, friendship, children, inspiration, success, wisdom, family, life, and many more. Read it - online

Writen by Thea Westra

Remember, that this is only a short segment of each year and much of it is "driven" by media advertising hype or our wanting to keep up "appearances". Keep it in perspective.

Mentally sketch a clear portrait of what a "great" festive season would look like for you. Once you are crystal clear about what you want, then start planning plus, practice in a mirror saying "no" to the suggestions/invitations from others that do not fit your picture!

Discard the preconceived ideas of what this time of year "should" be like. This year, start taking actions that you can expand on each following year, to gradually begin totally redesigning the lead-up and follow-up months to suit you and your family.

Recognise that everyone around you is likely feeling the same and they may actually be relieved at a suggestion from you that gives something the K.I.S.S. (keep it simple stupid) treatment.

Give yourself permission to feel the way that you do and to make the choices that you need. Generosity of spirit comes easily if you are not afraid to treat yourself well. When giving yourself what you need you'll be in a better position to give generously and from the heart, to others. This festivity is not about providing the kind of giving that is done through gritted teeth and has 'duty' written all over it.

Set up a plan of action for keeping in touch with friends and doing nice things for friends/family throughout the year. This will alleviate that "guilt surge" in this period and feeling that you "must" contact everyone who you have neglected the past eleven months.

A no cost gift idea that's aligned with the spirit of the season, is asking friends/family (well before the festive period) what is their favorite voluntary community organisation. Then, in your gift to your friends include a note from the organisation (using their letterhead) telling your friend that you have given a gift of donating a certain number of hours of your time to that group.

This one needs to be started a few months before the gift-giving season and to guide you, it could even be based on your current hourly rate of pay. For example, if you earn $30 p.h. and you would usually give the friend a $45 gift if you'd bought it at a store, then donate 90 minutes to that community project.

Start planning and take actions for next year's season, now. Especially if any undesired circumstances that you experience currently are the same ones that were around this time twelve months ago...and each of the years before that one!

©Thea Westra is an international life coach who resides in Perth, Western Australia. She is editor and publisher of a free, monthly newsletter at http://www.forwardsteps.com.au Thea also publishes a few blogs, visit here http://inspiration-daily.blogspot.com/ for directional links to each.

Writen by Bernadette Dimitrov

Christmas is for many people the most joyous time of the year. It can also be one of the most stressful. Without Christmas preparations and tips to get you organized and in the right frame of mind, you can be left frazzled, miss important people and things to do and spend more time and money than you expected to get needs met. Here are 5 great tips to ensure you will be prepared, relaxed, in good spirits and even save some money!

1. Card List - It is very important to ensure you don't miss anyone. You need to ensure you get your Christmas wishes to all you know. Buy an exercise book and head up a page for each Christmas list you are about to discover you need. For your card list write down everyone you can think of you would like to send a card and good wishes to. Include extended family, neighbors, teachers, colleagues and shop keepers who have looked after you over the year. Also you don't want to be late with your cards so buy them each year after Christmas when all the sales are on. You will be able to pick up some beautiful cards at less than half price This is a great way to make a really good impression and make everyone on your card list feel extra special with a specially nice card. Also you will have time to write out your own personal verse for each person well in advance. It will show you took extra care and thought and make each person feel extra special this Christmas with your good wishes and good cheer. Then diarize for once a week to spend say an hour writing your verses and cards and addressing and stamping. You will only have to mail them when Christmas comes.

2. Make a Present List - this is a powerful tool to get you organized and ensures that no-one will be missed. Head up another page in your exercise book "Christmas Gifts" then write the name of everyone you need to buy for and write an approximate amount of money you will spend on each person. This is a great way to keep you on budget. Also head up a third column and add a few things about each person that they like or like to do. Then when the next lot of sales come up during the year take your list and find items that match their likes within your budget. You will spend less time shopping, pick up some great bargains and thrill the person with something that they will really like. A little preparation can really make a difference.

3. Christmas Day Feast List - On a new sheet in your exercise book write up some new headings: Christmas dinner - write out a Christmas menu for the day then add a shopping list with all the ingredients that you will need to purchase. Add items such as napkins, Christmas candles, Christmas crackers and Christmas table decorations. Again you will be surprised over the year how many of these items you can pick up in advance during sales.

4. Christmas Game List - we all like to have fun during the festive season and there is no better way than to add a few new traditions each year to your festivities. Games are a great way to get everyone interacting both young and old. It also creates great memories that will be cherished as the years roll on. There are many party game books available. Type "party games" into Google or go to your local book store or library.

5. Christmas Spirit List - this is the ultimate list and one that many people overlook. It will rekindle and revive the spirit of Christmas. Make a list of everything you can do over the festive season to ensure you leave the joy and spirit of Christmas where-ever you go. For example, make it a rule for yourself to be extra aware that you pull yourself up and don't judge other people. Give more of yourself by helping others and not expecting anything in return. Thank all those that have served or helped you over the year. Bring a smile to all you greet. Make a commitment to yourself to spend more time listening than talking and add to your list that you will make an extra effort to spend time in gratitude for all that you have. It is most important to add forgiveness - forgive yourself and anyone who has hurt you over the year – let it go and you free yourself and raise the spirit of Christmas. Read this list each morning during the festive season to ensure your spirit is in the right place!

As an added bonus you can keep your Christmas List book and it will make your next years preparations even easier as you can copy and add or change items on the list. Remember to take your list with you when you go shopping and mark each one off as you go.

Visit http://www.HoHoHoChristmas.com for gifts, tips and tools for reviving the fun, magic and spirit of Christmas every day of the year. You can also subscribe to our f*r*e*e 10 day e-course with audio on how to enrich your Christmas experience today! Plus sign up for our sensational f*r*e*e fun Newsletter with great tips, tools and resources you'll love throughout the year. By The HoHoHo Expert, Bernadette Dimitrov, author of The HoHoHo Factor! & Bluey, Santa's New Recruit (ebooks and audio books).

Writen by Liz Ryan

Christmas can be a tough time for children. For one thing, they're all keyed up about the presents that they've been dreaming of for months. Secondly, there's a lot of extra commotion in the house during the holidays, and for many kids, way too much sugar. Thirdly, small children may have mixed feelings about the whole Santa thing - after all, a herd of hoofed animals on the roof isn't something you see every day.

Kids can be excited about Christmas and scared at the same time. My three-year-old awoke from a nightmare the other night, and I couldn't get many details out of him - but in the morning, he told me that he dreamed Santa was taking his toys away. In his nightmare, Santa wasn't bringing presents, he was stealing them! Well, what do you expect someone who enters your house in the dead of night to do?

It's a good idea to check in with small kids to make sure they don't have fears about Santa or Christmas that you're not aware of. Remind them that you're taking care of them and that they'll be safe. You're allowed to change the Santa story a bit to make your child feel more comfortable. After all, Christmas should be joyful, not terrifying!

My older son was afraid of the reindeer when he was smaller. "They're too big, and they have antlers," he said. He'd seen elk in our town, so he knew what he was talking about. "They don't come in the house," I told him. "They are tied to Santa's sleigh." "Okay," he said, "as long as they're tied up."

Sometimes a visit to a mall Santa can calm kids' fears - sometimes it hurts more than it helps. Ask your child how he's feeling about the whole thing - you may need to have a few heart-to-hearts to make sure that that holiday fears aren't stressing him out. For some children, you may need to adjust the mythology so that Santa doesn't come in the house. That's okay. Let your child know that Santa will leave the presents in the garage, or make other 'arrangements' that will help your child feel comfortable. If Christmas is about the children, it's perfectly fine to value the child's experience over the traditional St. Nick story. One thing's for certain - Santa won't mind.

Liz Ryan is a CEO and a mother of five kids ages three to twelve. She leads the online network WorldWIT (http://www.worldwit.org). Liz lives in Boulder, Colorado.

Writen by Edwin Lim

Valentine's Day is near, what are you planning to do for your love one? I know you've read somewhere from the internet that you should surprise your love one by making your date creative, be interesting, plan well, and have sense of humor when doing all the above.

But what many people want to know about Valentine's Day tips are, what gifts should you choose? What ideas should you have to do for your surprises?

Here are 5 gifts tips for women to men:

1. Hi-tech gadgets and toys - this gift tips is suitable for 80% of men in the world! Get him some toys like Robo Sapien Robot, Paint Ball Kit, iPod. Pocket PC, Mp3 Players...etc

2. Car accessories - Is your men a car craz? Get a car magazine from your nearest bookstore and start looking for tips to shop for the best car accessories. This works only for men who are obsess with cars, so please do know your men.

3. Computer parts - Like men who love Hi-tech gadgets, there're as high as 80% men who love computers, you can know when men start to lecture about their geek hobby in computers. Get ideas from computer magazine and shop for the perfect computer upgrades parts as a gift.

4. Clothes - Some men have special taste in clothes. Forget the tie, get your man a stylish shirt, I'm sure he has lots of ties to go with it.

5. Perfume - If your man owns more clothes than you do, giving perfume as a gift will be a good idea.

Here are 5 gifts tips for men to women:

1. Write personalized love letter or poem - There is no shortcut; spend some time creating words from the bottom of your heart. I'm sure you can do it if you REALLY love her so much. And please don't copy from else where, dumb blonde may not be so dumb nowadays.

2. Flowers go with card, chocolates or jewelry - Some experts might say giving these may be showing you're predictable. But no doubt women still love men giving them these gifts, every woman loves attention from men.

3. Romantic Dinner - If you want to become a romantic Romeo of Valentine's Day, plan a romantic evening by having a dinner with your lady.

4. Lingerie - This works best only IF you're very close with her. Don't get your lady lingerie for knowing her 3 days. Also, giving only lingerie might looks like an invitation for sex, and this will disappoint her by thinking all you have in mind is SEX.

5. Best gift, combine all from the above - a love letter in a card with roses, and a romantic dinner. Remember to use your creativity as there're many men out there might be doing the same. For example, give strawberries dipped in chocolates instead of just chocolates or choose the best bottle of red wine can be interesting to start your lovely evening.

Okay, enough for the gifts. How about some ideas for Valentine's Day? How to keep a Valentine's date interesting? Here're some ideas for you to start one:

1. Prepare a romantic dinner yourself, I'm talking about D.I.Y. You can easily pickup any cookbook from your nearest bookstore or just purchase any e-cookbook online. Then pick the best 5 out from hundreds of recipes, from fine cuisines to exotic drinks.

2. Plan romantic activities, start from dinner to dance, then end the evening with a wonderful love affair. It can be done in your own house or just go out and have fun.

3. Do something special like in the movie, have a romantic picnic at the beach, on a boat, on a plane (if you're rich enough), on a roof top, ride horses to your dinner date, use trained animal to pass your gifts.

I'm sure by now you already have tons of creative ideas in your mind. Don't be afraid to try new things, it's Valentine's Day!

Copyright (c) Edwin Lim

About the author:
Edwin Lim writes a Valentine's Day Cookbook at http://webblogerz.com/valentinerecipes/

This article may be freely distributed if this resource box stays attached.

Writen by Bernadette Dimitrov

Christmas is a great time of celebration and festivities. Why not introduce a few new ones to enrich your Christmas festivities and really wow the ones you love!

1. Surprise Wrapping - Write on a piece of paper three words that describe the one you love on one side and on the other side write a short verse declaring your love. Now fold the paper into a small parcel and keep wrapping it and folding it into bigger sheets of paper until you have a large parcel. Ensure that each sheet of paper is differently colored as this makes for more fun.

2. Wish Upon Your Own Star - On Christmas eve as the night falls dark, tie a scarf over your loved ones eyes and escort them outside. Before you take off the scarf tell them that as soon as they see the first star in the night sky it is theirs to keep and wish upon for the coming year.

3. Kissing Ball of Love - Buy a wreath of ivy or holly and place a red ribbon through it. Now hang it from a tree branch either with a long ribbon or some wire. Cut a piece of paper into 12 smaller pieces. On each one write "you are honored with one long gentle kiss under the kissing ball upon presentation of this paper and it will be honored at that very moment". Now place all pieces of paper into a red envelope and place it on the Christmas tree with your love's name on it.

There is nothing like making someone feel extra special. With a few new traditions you can really rediscover an enriching experience of Christmas for you and your loved ones this year.

Visit http://www.HoHoHoChristmas.com for tips and tools for reviving the fun, magic and real meaning of Christmas every day of the year. You can also subscribe to our f*r*e*e 10 day e-course with audio on how to enrich your Christmas experience today from The HoHoHo Expert, Bernadette Dimitrov, author of The HoHoHo Factor!

Writen by Gail Leino

With the world in which we live today it is important to keep in mind the cautious parent when we are putting together our goody bags for Halloween. The wonderful homemade Halloween treats that we all once enjoyed so as children from the elderly neighbors are just not acceptable any more. There are still ways however to give a treat other than the expected wrapped candy that everyone else seems to give. Important to mothers, fathers, and any guardian of any type, keeping the children safe, intrigued and out of trouble should be the goal of everyone.

So how can you achieve this? There are several ways to keep the sugar high in control, first and most obvious being to give something other than candy. If you have time to prepare in advance for the trick or treating ghouls, check out the bulk suppliers of party favors. Usually, you can find pencil packs, game pads, rings, or whatever else there is out there that is pertinent to Halloween. As the season nears to an end you can also usually get them at a discounted rate or if the season has already passed and you are on the ball enough to order for next year, the nonperishables are a great way to save on your pocket and appease the parents.

Staying creative with a mystery bag for age groups or those that might be gender specific is always a great way to appeal to the wondering child. Likewise, it might be interesting to give the parent a goody bag rather than the kids so that the parents have some leverage over the children in the event that they need a reason to continue listening. Being the extraordinary house with the special touch put into the goody bag will be the way that you can enjoy repeat ghosts year after year. As with any gift giving, making it age appropriate and parent approved leads to an evening in which everyone wins.

Writen by Robert Mathew

Of course, the best place to find inexpensive gifts today is around your home. You can make gifts from things found around your home, and gift it to ones near and dear. When gifting inexpensive gifts, it is important that you keep your recipient in mind when choosing the gift. You have to keep their likes and dislikes in mind.

If the recipient is a food lover, a great recipe book, which you compile with different recipes and their pictures, is a great gift for them. You can collect recipes from the different recipe books found around your home, and make this compilation. This will be a great gift for the food lover. You can also create personalized, homemade stationary to be presented to your loved ones. You just need ordinary envelopes and some newsprint. You then have to go through magazines to cut pictures to be stuck on the envelopes. These make great gifts for those frequent letter writers.

There are sure to be some chocolate lovers amongst your gift recipients. So when creating a gift for them, you can make and gift chocolate spoons for them. All you have to do is to buy a pack of plastic spoons. You then melt some chocolate with butter in a dish that stands in a pan of boiling water. Once the chocolate becomes runny, you just have to dip the spoons to the handle, and place it on greaseproof paper to dry out the chocolate. This chocolate spoon is then wrapped with cellophane to be finished with a pretty bow. You could also create flavored chocolate spoons by adding mint, coffee, liqueurs, orange or vanilla to the chocolate and present this sweet, chocolatey gift to your loved and dear ones.

These are some ideas for inexpensive gifts that can be made at home. However, sometimes, it may not be feasible to spend time in making gifts, because of a deficit of time. So to cater to the needs of such people, there are many online stores that sell inexpensive gifts. All you have to do is to visit the Internet where you type the words 'inexpensive gifts'; with this, you will be presented with a list of websites, which you have to surf.

After going through all these sites, you are sure to find the perfect gift somewhere along the line that is both inexpensive, and something that your recipient will really enjoy receiving! And if you have the patience, you can also go around shopping in shopping centers for inexpensive gifts. There are many shopping malls that have annual sales and stock clearance sales. You can visit these malls long before the festive season and start shopping for your gifts. Each sale will have something inexpensive, and special for you to buy. So start collecting your gifts way before the festive season comes along, and you can save lots of money in the bargain.

Writen by Melissa Galt

With Valentine's day just around the corner, thoughts turn to romance. To set the right mood throughout the year, here are some simple decorating tips and a handful of extra special touches to dress your house. So whether you are planning a Valentine's Day bash or some intimate time for two, check out these romantic ideas.

For lighting, that mood maker extraordinaire, consider changing your white light bulbs to pink (available in most grocery stores and 3-way too.) These cast a softer, gentle glow and will be sure to bring complements from those nearby. In fact, my favorite tale is from a client who mentioned that her husband commented almost daily for a week on how great she looked, and she never let him in on the secret of pink bulbs!

A collection of whimsical or more traditionally elegant angels, cherubs, and cupids can be delightfully fun to create. Consider printed pillows, woven throws, porcelain figurines, classic framed prints and the like. These can be gathered and dedicated in one room or creatively displayed throughout your home. They have a way of lifting one's heart during a potentially dreary time of year, and reminding us of those closest to us.

Treat yourself to flowers. And, yes, do go beyond the grocery store! There are not only florists, but great sources on-line and in catalogues for a wealth of pretty posies. Top picks include Calyx and Corolla, 1-800-Flowers, Gardener's Eden, Pick of the Crop in Alpharetta, and Meme's in Roswell. While roses are the original symbol of romance, tulips in white, red, and pink or even a bouquet of carnations can brighten any room. Paperwhites and other bulbs will bring a welcome touch of Spring, as well. Consider using paper or silk flowers if live aren't your bag.

For those with a sweet tooth there is always a treat for holiday munching. Consider well placed candy dishes, heart-shaped of course, in crystal, silver, or ceramic. Whether filled with chocolate kisses, or pastel melts, it adds a sense of festivity and sweetness to the season. Get the kids involved with baking special Valentine's sugar cookies, heart shapes with pink and red sugar sprinkle topping to share with family and friends.

Honor those close to your heart. Choose favorite pictures of your children, spouse, significant other, or friends and group them in heart shaped frames. Or create a collage on cork board of the same pictures, in a heart shape with a ribbon border. You can even make your own frames by cutting out hearts from construction paper (red, of course) and taping or gluing pictures to each. These can be put on the refrigerator with magnets, or pinned to a bulletin board. They can even be strung on decorative yarn and hung on the mantel.

Stairrails, mantels, mirrors and more can all be festooned with ribbon in white, pink, and red, reflecting the heart of the holiday! Papier mache cupids and angels are now available in a variety of sizes and finishes (gold, silver, or unfinished) and can be perched strategically on newell posts, mantel corners, the top of cabinets and such.

If red, pink, and white aren't your favorite colors, go with gold or silver, but do promote the sense of romance with sparkle and elegance. What makes you feel romantic?? These days the opportunities are endless, take advantage of the day and make it special.

Melissa Galt, Lifestyle Designer, Speaker, & Author, is the owner of Melissa Galt, Inc., a full service interior design firm based in Atlanta. She has been decorating clients' homes all over the Southeast for more than a decade, making their interior visions come true. She speaks to audiences nationally, on how to use design as the catalyst for "creating the life you've always dreamed of". Melissa is the creator of Design Destinations, a free monthly guide to designing your signature life. To sign up for her FREE monthly newsletter, visit http://www.melissagalt.com/

Writen by Daryl Plaza

Creative Halloween fun that can highlight any Halloween themed party

Halloween decorations and Halloween games will give rise to all sorts of Halloween sounds and images that will conjure up hauntingly frightful fun for any Halloween themed party. Halloween is a night for little ghouls and little Halloween witches to come out of the woodwork. By adding some jack-o'-lanterns that are specially carved to create that Halloween horror effect for your porch and using haunted house props to decorate your house, you can come up with a great Halloween party plan. Use as little as you want or come up with several varieties of Halloween crafts, games and an abundance of Halloween activities that will keep the young at heart entertained for the evening. By choosing the right effects for your Halloween party you can have a great selection of Halloween props. Halloween lights would be a good choice for your outdoor Halloween decorations along with the Halloween tombstone and spiders webs with a variety of specially carved Halloween pumpkins with lights in them on your front porch.

Halloween decorations that you can use for your home

Halloween decorations will play the most important role for your Halloween party. To create the Halloween theme that you are looking for, you the host, have to decide on what kind of Halloween settings that you want. There are large selections of Halloween props available when trying to create a sinsiter scene in front of your house. You can have a variety of gruesome horror Halloween prop decorations out front: as an example you could create simple magnificent monsters spiders can be easily crafted with foam balls black spray paint and chenille stems. Or you could also create a window Web by using black ribbon links and yarn that have a strategic weaving pattern that will allow an added shadow effect for a great Halloween Window. By dangling the creepy spiders from the roofline will give you a hair-raising outdoor Halloween decoration that people will love.

Ideas for your outdoor Halloween decoration ideas

By using outdoor Halloween decorations you will be able to craft your front yard and transform it into the most frightful and sinister haunted house of horrors. If you have the option of having a large yard you could set up a rickety graveyard fence with some Halloween tombstones along with some other Halloween haunted props. Completing this Halloween plan you could have hovering ghost skeletons or spider web cobwebs in the branches of the trees for more of a horror effect. If you live in a condo or an apartment you might choose decorations like a scary Halloween warning sign or maybe many little lights that look like mini orange pumpkins around your windows and doors.

What kind of indoor Halloween ideas can I use?

If your patrons have gotten past your ghoulish outdoor Halloween decorations you have to decide about inside your house and what kind of Halloween decorations you want to create the feel of your new haunted house. You may want ghosts, witches, goblins or maybe other creepy critters that are floating about with your haunted house props. Do not worry about spending too much time decorating inside since you can easily craft some simple Halloween displays for your decorations around the house along with some eerie Halloween effects topped with some frightfully tasting Halloween snacks. With all this combined you will have created the best haunted house party that you can imagine. By using the effect of different howling lighting such as candles, orange indoor Halloween lights, or black lighting or orange bulbs in lamps along with some added effects of cobwebs you can create any spooky and horrifying effect to any room theme. Keep in mind choosing the Halloween decorations for your outdoor theme the age of your group. Children or adult guests will help you decide on which Halloween decorations you will choose. You want to make this fun and not full of nightmares for faint of heart.

What kind of Halloween craft ideas can I use?

The right Halloween crafts can make your Halloween party a howl. When planning a Halloween party, activities for a children's Halloween party could be just as much fun for you watching and for the little monsters enjoying the Halloween party. Creative skills are a joy for children and they will be proud to show off some of their creepy Halloween creations. A great idea for putting together a children's Halloween party would be to have a variety of fun Halloween crafts preplanned for them in advance and not forgetting to plan an easy clean up for you afterwards. Keep in mind the age of the guests when you are planning your Halloween craft project, if it too difficult or easy your little ghosts may turn to actual monsters. In the end of all the fun for the kids make sure your Halloween crafts supplies such as paints, glues, pens and other materials that are used will be non-toxic, washable, and safe.

What kind of Halloween party games should I have?

Incredibly popular as always are Halloween party games and not only the youngsters will be around to seek the small prizes and rewards but also the adult Halloween costume party goers are also interested in having fun and show off their skills and abilities. For little Halloween ghouls you may want to try to modify some old holiday favorite games in to a Halloween game theme. As an example you could take a Halloween candy treat and create a hunt like an Easter egg hunt or instead of pinning the tail on the donkey, try instead pinning the mouth on a Halloween pumpkin. By having the older children and adults playing a game of Halloween charades and acting out popular scary books and movies you can create an entertaining Halloween themed party. So do not be afraid to modify some original games into the Halloween party games that will suit your Halloween guests ages and interests.

Writen by Titus Hoskins

At this time of the year we worry so much about pleasing those around us: family, friends, colleagues and loved ones. In fact, most of us go out of our way to be extra nice and try real hard to find that perfect gift for everyone, but many times we forget to treat the person that matters most -- ourselves!

It's the season of giving, why not start with yourself? Don't be fooled by all that 'it's better to give than receive' humbug. Better yet, why not give that old expression a one-two knockout punch by giving yourself a gift. Treat yourself and be on both ends of the gift equation.

Don't know about you, but if I have had a good prosperous year, I always treat myself with something I probably wouldn't normally buy or do. After all, what's the point of all that hard earned money if you can't spend it on yourself, once in a while.

Honestly, take a hard look, can you really trust the people around you to buy you that special gift, something that only you would think of and have been dreaming of buying for a long time. Of course, if you have an accommodating loved one, you can just tell them what you want, that usually works but not always. More times than not, you will end up disappointed again this year.

So why not treat yourself first this Christmas. Be a little selfish, it's a only a sin and not a major crime. Besides, Dr. Phil is not looking so you just may get away with it!

Go ahead and treat yourself to something special.

You have earned it, that's what I always say to myself. It may be something small or something big. It may be something cheap or it may be something expensive. It may just be an extra long walk in the park... anything, something -- just treat yourself. But be generous, Old Saint Nick is watching!

Go all out. Indulge, gift yourself.

Just make sure you remember to treat the significant others in your life also; no need to be a Scrooge just because we're putting ourselves first for a change. It always makes my Christmas just a little bit nicer.

If you don't treat yourself -- try it -- you might be pleasantly surprised by how satisfying it can be. Go ahead, you deserve it. Treat yourself. Give yourself something special this Christmas and that way you won't be disappointed with your gift or gifts.

Surprises are best reserved for wide-eyed children on Christmas Day, its their special day and rightly so, but that doesn't mean you can't make sure you enjoy it too.

Remember to treat yourself this Christmas.

Besides, who are you counting on? Santa?

....
The author runs a modest website on Bizware and Business Solutions
- including a popular section on Corporate Business Gifts.
Corporate Business Gifts Get a Free Desktop Calendar & Planner
for the New Year. Titus Hoskins Copyright © 2005. This article may be freely distributed if this resource
box stays attached.