Monday, September 30, 2013

Christmas Themes: Do You Have One In Mind Yet?

Choosing Christmas themes and decorating for Christmas is supposed to be fun, right? And for most people, it is. Some people take Christmas decorating very seriously; in fact, there are some that have made a business out of decorating for the holidays. The good news is, we can all take some hints from these professionals and use some of their decorating styles in our own homes. This will help give our Christmas decorations a little ‘facelift’ and update.

Cool Christmas Themes

  • Candy Canes: Candy canes are associated with Christmas, so they make a great Christmas theme. Another reason they are ideal is that they are now available in such a wide variety of colors. This means that you can decorate with candy canes in almost any color you like. Choose a tree in the color you want and then choose a candy cane color (or two) that will go nicely.
  • Go Military: If you are into camouflage or military memorabilia, why not use that as a Christmas theme? After all, it’s your tree, your home, your Christmas, and your Christmas theme, right? Have fun with it!
  • Vintage: A vintage look can be a very elegant look or it can be simply chic – you get to decide! Choose delicate and graceful ornaments from the past and add touches of ribbons and lace or go with bolder retro styles.
  • Keepsakes: This fun theme can be just about anything you want – a good idea is to add small trinkets or miniature versions of things that remind you of cherished Christmases from the past; for instance, a small teddy bear, a doll, or even a letter from Santa.
  • Musical Notes: If you’re into music then why not add that as a theme? You can likely find some ornaments in the shape of musical notes – but if you can’t find them ready-made you can easily make them yourself from cardboard. Then you can spray the cut-outs with glue and cover them with gold or silver sprinkles. Choose a bold contrasting color to go with your ‘notes’, such as red or blue for traditional round ornaments and decorate your tree. It will be gorgeous!
  • Feathers & Beads: If you like being different you could decorate with feathers and beads instead of ornaments and garland. Give it a try, the look can be amazing!

Doing Your Own Thing

The important thing to remember when you choose a Christmas theme is that it really is all about you and making a design that you (and the people in your home) will like. If you feel that your tree with the feathers and beads is pretty but you’re not sure if it’s what you want to display for friends and others to see and for family Christmas photos, then consider having 2 Christmas trees.

In the main room, the room where you will open gifts and celebrate on Christmas, you can have a more traditionally decorated tree. But in another room, perhaps the family room, you can have the tree decorated in feathers and beads.


Christmas themes should be fun and they should be personalized. Get ideas from professionally decorated trees and buildings. Dare to be different – be yourself! 

Image courtesy of boulemonademoon at FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Friday, September 27, 2013

Santa Claus, Indiana: Where Christmas Happens Year Round

Santa Claus, IN is one of those rare places that makes it easy to celebrate the Christmas spirit on a daily basis, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. The name of the town seems to say it all. But is the name deceiving? Read this article and you be the judge…

The Location

Santa Claus, Indiana is located in Spencer County, which is in the southwestern part of the state. According to the 2010 census, population was at 2,481. The town is between the Ohio River and Interstate 64.



The History

The town of Santa Claus has a rich history that goes back to the late 1840’s. Originally known as Santa Fe, (pronounced Santa Fee), however, the name was not accepted by the US Postal Service because there was already a city that had that name established with the USPS. For a period of time this place was known as the ‘nameless town’. But after several town meetings and much discussion, it was later decided that the name Santa Claus would be used.

Themed Attractions

Whether your preference is camping, museums, or fun in the sun, Santa Claus, IN can deliver. The town offers a variety of things to do for the entire family. Santa’s Candy Castle includes a candy theme and Santa’s workshop. Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari is renowned for the world’s longest water coasters. This park is divided into 4 sections where you will find celebrations for Christmas, Thanksgiving, the Fourth of July, and Halloween.

Santa Claus also offers the Santa Claus Museum, Santa’s Stables, and Christmas Lake Golf Course. Plus, it’s home to Lake Rudolph campground & RV Resort and Santa’s Lodge. There really is something for everyone!

More Than A Theme Park

Although many people think of Santa Claus as a great place to visit because of the themed attractions, others know the area is a perfect place to live. Most of the residents live in the gated community called Christmas Lake Village. The place includes 2,500 acres beautifully developed around 3 lakes: Lake Noel, Lake Holly, and of course, Christmas Lake. Street names conjure up thoughts of the holiday season. Holiday Village is another popular neighborhood in the area.

Christmas Lake Village are all named after the Christmas season. Many residents also live in Holiday Village, a subdivision on the north side of town.

Final Thoughts

If you want to enjoy a break from the hustle and bustle of rush hour traffic and your regular routines, why not visit Santa Claus, IN? It’s centrally located and rather easy to get to for most U.S. residents. In fact, it may be ‘on the way’ to your next destination.


Debbie Allen is a professional content writer that saves all her letters from Santa every year – they are favorite Christmas keepsakes!

Image courtesy of digitalart at FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Monday, September 23, 2013

Treasures from the Past: Childhood Keepsakes We Cherish

Everyone has at least a few keepsakes they hold dearly from their childhood days. For some people this may be a toy that had special meaning and for others the keepsake could be a photograph or even a special memory. Although the keepsakes kept and cherished will depend on the individual, all have something in common, the memories they hold are positive ones. These keepsakes make us feel good.
Keepsakes from the past are like valuable treasures!

Treasured Toys

Many people save a favorite doll, toy car, or stuffed animal. This is often a toy that was played with frequently and one that brought comfort and fun times to the child. Holding the toy or even looking at it can conjure up delightful memories of childhood days.

Treasured Photographs


A photograph can help keep a memory alive; whether the memory is of a person, a special place, or an event, the picture can assist in bringing back all the details that otherwise may escape us. It’s no wonder that cameras are considered ‘essential’ gear for everyday life. This helps ensure that every magical moment can be captured as it happens.

Special Memories

Perhaps the best and also the most complicated, but at the same time, the most simplistic childhood keepsakes, are those that are held intact by special memories alone. You may not have a toy or trinket, and you may not have a photograph to remind you of all the details of the person, place, or event, but there are some memories that are so special, they will never fade.

These memories are not just special memories; they are much more than that. When you think about them you can almost feel the same feelings you had when you lived through the experience. This could be memories of a special time at your grandparents’ house, or perhaps it is learning to ride a bicycle, or the way your mom read a bedtime story, or a particular holiday tradition.

In fact, many childhood memories are based on holiday celebrations. After all, these are exceptional times for children. Because kids are free to ‘believe’ in the true magic of holidays – they experience a type of emotional ‘high’ that most adults don’t. Kids are happy and very positive during the holiday season. It is the perfect time to indulge them in the right way.

Ways to Create Special Memories for Your Kids

Making the holidays as magical as possible for kids is every parent’s dream. The good news is, you don’t have to spend a lot of money to create moments that will become cherished memories. Focus on the concept of letting your child know that the time you spend together is all about him or her. It really is that simple.
Whether you are planning an evening around baking holiday cookies or writing letters to Santa, be sure that your child is the real focus.  Make the baking fun. 

This is the perfect time to bond. You can teach your child about baking and then the two of you can enjoy a delicious treat together. And you can use the time that the cookies are baking to create Styrofoam snowmen or to add other decorations throughout your home.

The point is, if you focus the time you spend together on things your child will enjoy you will both have a great time and even years later you each will have cherished memories of the time you shared. Pass childhood keepsakes along – pass along cherished memories!


Image courtesy of digitalart at FreeDigitalPhotos.net