Sometimes adults forget about the magic of Christmas and focus only on the chores of Christmas, setting a hectic schedule for themselves and missing out on the beauty. For adults, Christmas is about decorating, cooking, and shopping. With all the pressure to make a perfect holiday, it’s easy to forget about the magic of the … Read more
A favorite winter activity around the world is making a snowman (or snow woman)! From simple stacked balls with a carrot nose and coal eyes to much more elaborate and artistic sculptures, the snowman is instantly recognizable no matter the country or culture. Here’s more about the snowman’s surprisingly long history. So far the first … Read more
The red-and-white striped candy cane has become a potent symbol of Christmas, but the sugar confection is surrounded by a confusion of legend and historical evidence. Here are some of the truths and myths regarding this favourite seasonal treat. LEGEND: The candy cane was invented by a 19th century candy maker in Illinois to symbolize … Read more
The Christmas cookie tradition comes to us from medieval times, when the pagan Solstice or celebration of the Winter Equinox was absorbed into the Christian religion to become a time of year honoring the birth of Jesus Christ. Here are five amazing facts about the now commonplace Christmas cookies we make and exchange (and enjoy … Read more
It’s the height of summer and Christmas is still months away. However, a deployed soldier, sailor, airman or Marine is still in need of home comforts and the small necessities and treats that make life in a war zone a little easier as well as reminding them of their loved ones at home. Why wait … Read more
The horrible holiday question rears it’s head: did you forget to get a Christmas card for a friend? Family member? Teacher or coach? Co-worker? Oh, no! It’s Christmas Eve. The stores are packed with last-minute shoppers. The selection of Christmas cards left on the shelves has lost most of its glitter or the designs just … Read more
One of the great traditions of Christmas is the stocking “hung by the chimney with care, in hopes that St. Nicholas would soon be there” according to the 1823 poem attributed to Clement Moore. Today’s Christmas stockings aren’t the kind you wear, but over-sized creations decorated for the holidays. Where and when did the custom … Read more
A winter or Christmas wedding can be a bride’s most cherished fantasy. Pristine snowflakes, the scents of pine and candles, holly and ivy, poinsettias and roses, twinkling fairy lights, glittering ice jewels, dashing through the snow with a romantic sleigh ride. Adding festive Christmas cheer and holiday enchantment to an already magical occasion makes this … Read more
December 12 is Gingerbread House Day, celebrating the creativeness and joy that comes from baking, building, decorating, and finally eating a gingerbread house during the holidays. Gingerbread houses take their inspiration from the fairy tale Hansel and Gretel—see many examples of this delicious and beautiful art on Pinterest. For your delight, here are some interesting … Read more
The holiday season just wouldn’t be the same without some last minute scrambling. Despite my best planning and intentions, there was someone overlooked, a special teacher. I thought our standard family Christmas card would suffice but my daughter felt otherwise. “But mom, she’s my FAVORITE teacher!” she insisted. Okay, okay, I get it but with … Read more