Christmas Around the World

Christmas Around the World

When we talk about Christmas, it’s easy to assume that the holiday is the same all over the world. But is that really true?

Traditionally, kids in the United States write letters to Santa to talk about the things they want for Christmas. If they’ve been good throughout the year they will likely receive a letter from Santa that assures them their name is on his ‘Nice List’. These same kids will probably have a decorated Christmas tree in their homes and they will hang stockings for Santa to fill with wonderful surprises.

For most of us, Christmas includes an exchange of gifts, a visit from Santa, and a delicious meal that is shared with loved ones.

But what about Christmas in other places: Is the holiday celebrated in the same way? Now, we have Internet and social networks that make it possible for us to see and experience how people observe Christmas in different parts of the world.

Christmas Foods

Christmas food is not only ham, turkey, and delicious side dishes and desserts. In other parts of the world, different kinds of food will be served on Christmas. Most European countries

celebrate Christmas Eve instead of Christmas Day. The Czech Republic, Austria and Germany serve carp with vegetables.

The carp is cooked in a beer and ginger sauce which makes it very tasty and spicy. Bulgaria serves twelve dishes, none of which are meat. They are different kinds of beans, fruits, cakes, cheese and spinach. Some countries, like Australia and Brazil follow the traditional turkey, ham, and stuffing viands.

The Christmas meals in France vary based on the regions. Parisians enjoy foie gras and oysters, while goose is the main fare in Alsace and Burgundy. Spain and Portugal concentrate on seafood such as sea bass, almonds and marzipan.

Christmas Traditions

Some Christmas traditions follow the cultures of the country. Russia celebrates Christmas on January 7. On Christmas Day, the Czech Republic women try to predict if they will get married in the coming year. With their back to the main house door, the shoe is thrown over their shoulder. If the heel is nearer the door, they will remain single.

German children leave their shoe outside the door and if they are good, the shoe will be filled with candies. This is similar to leaving your stockings in the fireplace, with the expectation that it will be filled with goodies the following morning. Slovakians throw a spoonful of loksa to the ceiling to predict if they will have a good harvest the following year.

The harvests are plentiful if more loksa stays stuck to the ceiling. Christmas is normally celebrated on December 25. But there are countries that because of their culture and tradition, might celebrate it on a different day and for a longer period.

But wherever it is and whatever food you partake, the spirit of Christmas lives in everyone. From the team at Package From Santa: A very Merry Christmas to everyone!!!

The First Thanksgiving

Things You Didn't Know About the First Thanksgiving

The Thanksgiving today is very different from what the first Thanksgiving was. Firstly, Thanksgiving was looked upon as a time for prayer, giving thanks for the bountiful food and the friendship the pilgrims forged with the Indians.

Now it is considered a holiday and a day for celebration. This is not too far from the reasons behind the first Thanksgiving. On that day, pilgrims and Indians took the day off to eat, be merry and enjoy the company of one another.

Thanksgiving Food

The food during the first Thanksgiving meals was very unlike what we have today. The pilgrims and Indians had to contend with the food that was available at that time. In terms of meat, there was deer, venison, duck and other wild fowls. Turkey, as we know it today, was not available at that time.

Aside from the meat, there was a great deal of seafood, such as bass, clams, oysters and lobsters. This is because the sea and lakes were nearby. Interestingly, we rarely see seafood now as part of the Thanksgiving meal.

There were nuts and berries growing wild around the area. The Native Americans taught the pilgrims how to plant and farm on the arid land they were living on. However, the land was full of rocks and the soil was too acidic. The pilgrims could not successfully grow crops until the Native Americans taught them the technique of small gardens.

Gardening Basics Provided Some of the Main Dishes

Fresh vegetables are still part of the typical Thanksgiving meal.

There were small sections of land around the area that could grow crops. By limiting the gardens to the land that could grow the crops, the pilgrims enjoyed successful results. Although the harvests were small, it was enough for a family. And there were many small farm plots around the settlers.

The Thanksgiving meals included crops from the garden. There was corn, squash, and beans. The stalks of the corn were used for the vines of the beans. The beans provided nitrates to the soil, keeping it fertile for the next planting.

Thanksgiving: A Favorite Holiday Then and Now

The first Thanksgiving included fresh vegetables, fish and meat. Although they didn't have pumpkin pie, potatoes, and bread stuffing during the first Thanksgiving meal, the food the pilgrims and Indians shared was probably delicious.

Our Thanksgiving meals today have gone through a series of changes over the years. But despite the changes in food, we still maintain the tradition of giving thanks for our food, the family, and close friends. 

From everyone at Package From Santa, Happy Thanksgiving to all!

6 Steps to Make Your 2015 Holiday Season Special

6 Steps to Make Your 2015 Holiday Season Special

Are you like the team at Package From Santa, are you already excited about Christmas 2015? We are gearing things up and preparing for a truly magical holiday season!

The North Pole is beautiful this time of year. It seems that everything suddenly looks more vibrant. The holiday season is exciting and we very busy and of course, and Santa and Mrs. Claus are too. Santa is reviewing his list of nice little boys and girls and he has stacks and stacks of paper ready so he can write letters to them. Mrs. Claus is spending lots of time baking her famous cookies.

But at the North Pole everyone plays an important role in the holiday season. The reindeer are practicing their jumps and leaps and the elves are busy in the toy workshop. But that’s enough about us for now.

The truth is, everyone at the North Pole is working hard to make sure the 2015 holiday season is the best holiday season ever!

What about you? Have you started planning your Holiday Season yet? Don’t panic, but October is almost over. That means you don’t have time to waste. On the other hand, you do have time to do all the things necessary to make this Christmas extra memorable.

Step 1: Take a deep breath….

Step 2: Make a general to-do list….

This will include things like ‘holiday shopping’, ‘holiday decorating’, holiday party’, ‘gift list’, ‘letters from Santa’, and, well, you get the idea.

Step 3: Create specific to-do lists….

Use the general to-do list to make detailed lists for each topic.

Step 4: Start completing and checking things off your lists….

Step 5: Celebrate the completion of your work….

Step 6: Enjoy the 2015 Holiday Season!

What Does Preparing for Winter Mean to You?

Winter is coming and it will be here sooner than you might think. Even though the official start of winter is December 21^st, most of us refer to cold temperatures as wintertime. As the temperatures drop we start thinking about everything from winter boots and clothes to staying warm and avoiding colds and flu. Fortunately, with a little planning, you can be prepared for winter and all it brings.

Before it gets too cool you should take inventory of winter clothing and boots. Kids grow fast so even those cute boots you bought Suzy after Christmas last year may be too small for her now. The idea is to ensure that Suzy and Johnny will have warm boots and jackets that fit when they are needed. A cold morning is not the ideal time to discover that these items are too small.

Of course you want your home to be warm, so take some time to ensure that your furnace is operating as it should, that your chimney is ready for fires, and that you have enough insulation in the attic. You might also want to add caulking around windows and doors.

Now’s a good time to think about flu shots. It’s also a good time to gather typical supplies you will want and need for cold and flu season. This could include things like a humidifier, vapor rub, cold and cough medicine and tissues. Planning ahead may help you avoid a last minute trip to the drug store.

Along the same thought, consider what foods are ideal on cool fall and winter days. This could be a great time to stock up on your favorite soups, teas and other ‘warm me up’ yummies.

Everyone at Package From Santa understands that winter brings changes, some good and some not so good. But along with cooler temperatures and the challenges it can bring, we can also look forward to the winter holidays and wintertime fun. 

Keep your focus on the positive and plan ahead for winter, and keep reading this Package From Santa blog. It’s dedicated to providing great information that families can put to use. We post helpful advice on a regular basis.

End Summer With Some Fun!

End Summer With Some Fun!

Summer will soon come to an end, but before that happens there's still time to plan some summer fun. Let's talk about some of the different ways people celebrate the end of summer and the beginning of fall.

Vacation

A vacation is fun anytime of year. But there's something special about time away from home when you know it's the last vacation of the summer. After all, school will be starting and the temperatures will be dropping. Lots of changes are on the way. A vacation can be a good way to rejuvenate yourself before the new routines start, and a vacation is a good way to encourage family bonding.

Backyard Barbecue

Getting together with family and friends in your own backyard can be lots of fun. All you need to add is a great game or activity and some delicious food. The more people you include the more fun you will have. And the bonus is, guests can contribute to the meal. Why not plan a backyard barbecue now?

Trip to the Zoo

Whether you visit the zoo often or it's been years since you've been, the zoo is not only interesting and educational, but watching animals can also be relaxing. A trip to the zoo can be an ideal way to spend time with your family.

Visit the Fair

Take advantage of the opportunity, if you're lucky enough to live in a place that has an annual fair. Whether it's a state fair or a smaller one, the fair can be lots of fun. Even if you are not interested in the rides or shows, you can enjoy some unique food and spend time people-watching.

As summer ends we can all look forward to the beauty that fall brings as the leave change from green to orange, red and shades of gold. And of course, along with fall and winter we can start thinking about some special holidays, like Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas. The team at Package From Santa is already gearing up for the fall and winter months. 

How about you? How will you end the summer? Please share your comments with us.

Staying Cool and Having Fun 

Summer heat can be unbearable. You can cool off in your own backyard by taking a long dip in your swimming pool. But of course, not everyone has a pool in their own backyard. Fortunately, there are a lot of other ways of cooling off. For instance, swinging on a tire or resting in a hammock is a relaxing and comfortable way to ignore the heat.

Get Wet & Stay Cool

But there is no better way of cooling off than getting yourself completely wet. You can use a water hose and spray everybody in the yard. Join the fun by spraying yourself too. Set up the sprinkler and have everyone play games around the sprinkler.

Games with water guns are lots of fun and can be played by everyone. You can even use water balloons to fight against the water guns. If you have toddlers and small children, you can set up a kiddie’s pool for them to wade and splash in. Even older kids can join in – they can lie down or wade in the shallow pool.

Playing Games Can Take Your Mind Off the Heat

If you have a large backyard, you can play other outdoor sports like football, baseball, soccer and volleyball. You can spray everyone with the water hose while they are playing the various games. Try to think of other outdoor games, like horseshoes, cricket and basketball. Focus on enjoying the breeze and staying wet and cool.

Cool Off With Homemade Fruity Popsicles

When people get thirsty, offer them homemade fruity popsicles. It is healthy and refreshing, especially on a hot summer day. You can get the fruits that are in season, such berries, watermelon, melon, apples and grapes. Place them in a blender with some sugar and nuts.

Pour the liquid juice into paper cups and molds. Place the cups and molds in the freezer. After they are frozen, they are ready to be served. Have a lot of popsicles ready. Everyone will love the taste and they will be asking for more.

Healthy Veggie Popsicles

You can also make veggie popsicles from tomatoes, carrots and cucumber. You can also mix them in the blender with a little salt and pepper for flavor. Keep everyone cool and refreshed during those hot summer days. Shower them with healthy popsicles.

We hope these ideas from the team at Package From Santa help keep you cool during the hot days of summer!

The Fourth of July

The Fourth of July: Facts & More

The Fourth of July is known as Independence Day in America. It was on that memorable day in 1772 that the president of Congress signed the Declaration of Independence. This formally freed the United States from the rule of Great Britain. It is commemorated each year to remind everyone of liberty and freedom.

Celebrations are conducted nationwide. Parades are usually held in the mornings. Speeches on patriotism are given by politicians. The flag is displayed in every public building. The most common tradition is the display of fireworks.  Firework displays are done during the evening hours, after dark.

The colorful firework displays are more elegant and beautiful when they are lighted against the dark skies and twinkling stars. Many people buy fireworks for their own personal show in the neighborhood.

It’s Time for Outdoor Fun

Many activities, such as baseball, outdoor parties and picnics are part of the Fourth of July celebrations. Since it is summer, it’s the perfect time for these outdoor events. Kids can play Frisbee, baseball, football or swim or play in a sandbox.

Food Plays an Important Role in Fourth of July Activities

Backyard barbecues are held everywhere. Hamburger and hotdogs are good choices for barbecue meals. You can vary the hamburger patties by using different kinds of meats, like veal, lamb and beef. You can mix some celery, onions and pickles in the meat. Use a little seasoning of salt and pepper. You can put in some egg and bread crumbs to keep the burger firm and moist.

Try a variety of hamburgers and see which ones are best enjoyed by your family and friends. The hamburgers can be given more zest by adding some barbecue sauce on the grill. If people prefer cheeseburgers over the plain burgers, you can use the standard Cheddar and Provolone cheese. You can make a typical burger more exotic by using Blue Cheese. 

Create your own special dips to go with your barbecue foods. There are many refreshing dips for summer. Mexican dips, such as salsa and black beans are very tasty and go well with all kinds of dishes.

Be sure the buns are soft and filled with sesame seeds. The buns should be able to absorb the juice oozing from the burgers. You should have relish, ketchup, mustard, and sauerkraut available for the hotdogs.

Baked beans also go well with hotdogs. Let your guests mix and match the condiments for their burgers and hotdogs. Include an offering of chips, potato salad, corn on the cob and other favorite side dishes. And don't forget to include a dessert or two.

After a day of fun activities and lots of good food you will likely be ready to slow things down. End the day by relaxing with friends and family as you enjoy watching the fireworks light up the sky. 

From Everyone at Package From Santa -

Happy Fourth of July!!!

Sun Safety

Sun Safety: Protecting Your Family 

Be careful of overexposure to the sun. The sun can be beneficial but too much sun can cause more harm than good. The sun emits ultraviolet rays which, over an extended length of time can result in burns, cancer and other adverse reactions. The intensity of the rays can vary depending on the day, time and location.

The rays can become more intense during noontime and at higher altitudes where there are fewer clouds. Although the body can provide some protection against the sun’s rays, too much exposure can result in extensive bodily damage. Overexposure can result in dry skin, premature aging and even skin cancer. You should protect your skin (and your family’s) from overexposure to the sun’s rays. 

Kids and the Sun

Children are very susceptible to overexposure. And during the warm months kids want to be outdoors. They go to the beach, they indulge in many outdoor sports and activities: they simply enjoy the warmth of the sun.

Babies are more liable to burns because of their thinner skin. You should keep babies in the shade. They should not be subjected to direct sunlight.

Older children are harder to control. They are more energetic and enjoy the outdoors. They do not realize the sun’s rays can reflect from other surfaces and harm them. For instance, people on the beach under an umbrella can still get burned because the sun’s rays reflect from the sand and the water.  

Sun Protection is a Must

Have your children use sunglasses and protective clothing when they are outdoors.  They should try to stay in the shade and avoid areas that reflect the sun’s rays, such as cement and glass. They should apply sunscreen on a regular basis. You can check the SPF factor to determine the amount of sunscreen to apply. Protect the lips with chap sticks. Sunglasses can prevent the glare of the sun’s rays from affecting the eyes. Make hats part of your kids’ regular attire when in the sun.

To help encourage healthy protection from the sun’s harmful rays, let your kids choose their type of protective clothes and sun hats. Most kids will tend to wear clothes that they choose themselves.

You’ll find lots of helpful content at this Package From Santa blog.  We cover everything from health and safety tips to ideas for holidays and special events to information about home and lifestyle hacks. Stay informed – visit often! 

Kite Flying

Kite Flying: It's Not Just for Kids!

Do you remember the fun of flying a kite? Flying a kite can be a very exhilarating experience. There is a thrill of having a kite soar high in the skies and watching colorful kites fly can be very enjoyable.

You can put the kite in the air several ways. The more traditional way would be to run along an empty stretch until the kite becomes air borne. If the wind is strong, you can have someone hold the kite a distance away from you. When a strong gust of wind comes along, the person can let go of the kite and let the strong wind carry it upwards.

Up and Flying

Getting the kite into the air is just the start of flying a kite. You need to keep the kite flying. Otherwise, the kite will just fall down to the ground.  You have to pull the kite with your string and make it catch more wind so it will stay in the air. You have to pull the string and move around the field to keep the kite in the air.

A wide open field or along the beach are ideal places for flying a kite. Make sure the area is clear of stones, glass and rocks. You will be watching the kite and not paying much attention to the ground. There should be a constant steady flow of wind high in the air. You have to be alert because strong gusts and wind turbulence could make the kite fly in a haphazard manner. Make sure that any bystanders stay a reasonable distance away from you.

Kite Construction

The kite has to be sturdy. The frame should be lightweight to enable the kite to fly easily. It should be strong to withstand the strong gusts of wind. Kite materials, such as bamboo frame, silk paper, string and glue are available in hobby shops. You can also get basic instructions on making the kite.

Be sure the kite is well balanced and symmetrical in shape. Glue the paper on the frame and tie a string on the frame. It should be a long string. You hold the other end of the string and guide the kite while the kite is soaring in the air. Constant practice will make you and your entire family proficient in flying a kite.

The team at Package From Santa think kite flying can be an amazing family activity. If you agree, please share this post with others!

Springtime Allergies

Staying Ahead of Springtime Allergies

Springtime brings with it many things: from fun outdoor activities and games to cookouts and walks in the park. Unfortunately, spring can also mean dealing with allergies. For many kids, the first experience with springtime allergies happens between the ages of 2 and 5. These allergies can be associated with such triggers as weed pollen, mold spores, pet dander, or dust mites, among other allergens.

Some of the symptoms may seem like other types of illnesses. While a family history can play a role, it is not always an indicator that your child will develop allergies. We’ve gathered a list of some of the signs/symptoms and precautions for springtime allergies that you can be on-guard for.

Signs & Symptoms

1)      Congestion. Congestion is usually associated with colds, but if the problem lasts more than 2 or 3 days there’s a good chance that the stuffy or runny nose situation is related to an allergy.

2)      Fever-free. Unlike flus and other ‘bugs’, allergies do not result in a fever or body aches.

3)      Watery eyes. Allergies can cause the eyes to become watery and/or itchy.

4)      Ear troubles. Unfortunately, in some instances, allergies can result in ear infections.

5)      Rash. Allergies can lead to a skin rash, which may develop on the back, chest, or practically any area of the body.

6)      High pollen count = increased symptoms. When the pollen count goes up the chances for allergy symptoms is increased. If possible, keep your child indoors when the pollen count is elevated.

Care

There are plenty of over-the-counter allergy medications available, but it is always best to seek the advice of a healthcare professional. Your doctor can determine if in fact, the symptoms are related to an allergy and he (or she) can make suggestions about the type of medications best-suited for your child’s particular needs. In some cases a prescription medication or allergy shots may be needed.

Minimizing the Problem

Preventing the spread of pollen, dander, etc. can be a helpful way to decrease the resulting problems. Adding a high-efficiency furnace filter and a HEPA filter to your vacuum can help prevent the circulation of allergens throughout your home.

Keep reading the Package From Santa blog for more helpful information related to kids’ health and other important issues.

Simple Craft Projects Are Important

Why Simple Craft Projects Are Important

You can get your children involved in the joy of crafting by starting them with simple crafts projects. As are exposed to easy to do crafts they can handle they will become increasingly interested. The completion of a craft project helps kids feel a sense of accomplishment and pride. On the flip-side, kids can get turned off from crafts when the projects are difficult. This leads to feelings of frustration and can make kids feel overly challenged.

Age and Experience Matter

Difficult and challenging crafts can be handled by kids with more experience and by older children. The goal is to ensure your children experience the joy of doing crafts and hobbies during their childhood. Teaching your kids about hobbies and crafts is an excellent way of spending quality time with them.

Getting Prepared

Although most families have a collection of craft-related materials, not everyone has the items needed to complete a craft project. Before starting it is important to make of list of the things you will need and gather those so they are on-hand.

For instance, to create a simple bead bracelet or other beaded project you will likely need many beads, thread or thin wire, clasps, and some tools, such as pliers and wire cutters. You should make sure your beads have small holes to insert the thin wire. Otherwise, you will have to drill small holes through the beads. There are many inexpensive colorful beads of different sizes available. Make sure to have some beads in the same size and color and others in varying sizes and colors.

Creativity is Part of the Fun

Designing is the most important aspect in crafts. You should allow your children to come up with their own designs. Bead necklaces, bracelets and earrings are fairly simple projects that most kids can handle. You can give some suggestions and show pictures of different styles, but it is important to encourage kids to use their imagination and creativity. In the end this helps kids feel more pride in their work.

Keep the Interest Alive

As kids continue to try out their craft skills and creativity they become more and more proficient. There may even come a time when they can give their craft projects as gifts or possibly sell the items. 

You can help encourage your kids to stay involved in crafting and related hobbies. A simple craft project could develop into a hobby that lasts a lifetime.

Do you like learning about activities for kids and family-related topics? If so you will want to bookmark this Package From Santa blog. Visit often to keep up with helpful posts.