Preparing Your Guest Room For Overnight Holiday Visitors

Preparing Your Guest Room For Overnight Holiday Visitors

With the holiday season fast approaching now is the time to begin thinking about getting your guest room prepared for overnight holiday visitors. If this is a room that rarely gets used you may want to consider starting with a fresh coat of paint.

Paint is the perfect way to give any space an updated look without spending a lot of money. From there you will want to take a look at the flooring, window treatments, and lighting. Keep reading for ideas about those features and much more.

With the right touches, even a plain room can be turned into a very welcoming and comfortable guest bedroom.

Flooring

If the room isn’t carpeted you may want to add a soft throw rug or two. Not only will this add a comforting touch but it is also an excellent way to help pull together or accent a color scheme.

Window Treatments

Ideally your guest room will offer some natural lighting, but if possible you should add window treatments that are versatile. Sometimes guests suffer from jet lag, which means they might want to take a nap during the day or they may wish to sleep-in. With that in mind it is fabulous if they can darken the room at will. Blinds are a great way to do this, and incidentally, this is a very cheap option. Drapes with tie-backs are another alternative.

Lighting

For the convenience of your guests you should provide more than one type of lighting in the room. For instance, there should be a lamp that is good for reading as well as one that is good for doing things that require details. In addition, it is a good idea to include a night light in the room. Some guests may appreciate having a scented candle in the space.

Accessory Items

It’s great if you can add small touches to the space that will make your visitors feel welcome and at ease about being in your home. Of course you want your holiday guests to be as comfortable as possible so you should ensure you include fresh bedding and enough pillows and blankets for comfort. But don’t stop there; take things a step further, make it a point to make your guests feel good about being in your home.

One way to do is to consider things that the best hotels provide and try to offer those to your guests. This may include adding a small basket of fruit or a tray of candy to the space. You may also want to add a basket of personal hygiene products that can be very useful – especially in the case of things that have been forgotten.

For instance, you might include a new toothbrush and toothpaste, deodorant, shampoo and conditioner, mouthwash, hairspray, nail clippers, a brush and comb, and a small hand mirror. These items can make your visitors feel right at home.

Holiday Décor

The final touch can be the addition of holiday décor. You may want to add a bit of garland over the window or a wreath to the door or just hang a decorative Christmas countdown calendar. The idea is to make the space feel a bit festive without overdoing it.

Preparing for overnight holiday guests doesn’t take a lot of work. But it is best to begin the preparation early!

Image courtesy of David Castillo Dominici at FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Avoid Gaining Weight During The Holiday Season

How To Avoid Gaining Weight During The Holiday Season

Most people gain weight during the fall and winter months and most of that weight is gained during the holiday season. It makes senses – we are slowing down in our activities outdoors and we are enjoying more indoor fun and celebrations – which usually means we are eating some delicious foods that we only eat this time of year. It’s only natural that we want to fully indulge in the delicacies while we can!

This post is NOT going to ask you to skip holiday events or tell you not to eat your favorite foods during the holidays. However, if you follow the tips in this article you will find that you get to enjoy all the delicious foods you love, without worries about gaining weight – Sort Of!

Holidays don't have to mean extra weight!

Plan Ahead

One of the most important steps in the process is planning ahead. If you know you will be at an event where there will be delicious foods that are going to tempt you – then take precautions. For instance, you could eat a bowl of low-calorie soup before the event. This will help fill you up but it should still leave some room for tasting anything you desire.

In this way you can have a sampling of everything if you like or you can pick one or two of your favorites. Either way, you will feel much less guilty than you would if you had an overflowing plate-full of food.

No Time To Plan

In some cases you may not have to plan ahead far enough to have a bowl of soup before leaving for the event. In that case you may arrive hungry and ready to devour everything that looks edible. Before you begin take the time to slowly drink a full glass of water. This can have a similar effect as the soup. It will help give you that full feeling so you will tend to eat less.

When You Just Can’t Wait

There may be a time when you can’t wait or don’t have access to a glass of water before you begin eating. In that case you should choose your foods wisely. Smaller portions should be added to your plate and you should eat slowly. Remember that the event is really about spending time with people – it’s not about eating. When you do take a bite, make it count – savor the moment, really taste the flavor of every morsel.

Eating slowly aids in digestion and it is a good habit to get into. Drinking water offers countless benefits; so again, this is another excellent habit to incorporate into your everyday life.

The final suggestion relates to activities. Try to force yourself to be a little more active in simple ways in your everyday life. For example – instead of keeping your cell phone with you when you are at home, why not keep it on the countertop or the coffee table. This will require you to walk across the room to retrieve it if it rings. You can do the same thing with the remote to the TV. Incorporating these small measures can make a big difference in the calories you burn each day.

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

Image courtesy of Apolonia at FreeDigitalPhotos.net

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

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

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

Personalized Letters From Santa 2012 FAQ

PackagefromSanta.com “Santa” would like to say thank you to our new and returning customers!

“Santa” has been working non-stop personalizing all the good little boys’ and girls’ letters from Santa and wanted to take a break and answer some of the most frequently ask question he receives.

The number one question asked of “Santa” is How do I personalize my child’s letter from Santa?

During the order process, you’ll be asked a few questions about your child. These answers will tell us things only you and “Santa” would know. We’ll then customize a Santa letter with the information you provide us with.

And with our new Santa Letter Creator™, you'll be able to edit the entire Santa letter, making it just right! We have exciting new Santa Letter categories, like Elf on the Shelf Letters*, Christian Letters, Newborn Letters, Losing Belief, Adults, After Christmas Letters, and more! It's simple, secure, and easy...

Can I use my own text for the Santa letter or copy/paste text?

YES! Using our all new Santa Letter Creator™ you can write your own letter from start to finish! You can even copy/paste pre-written text into your Santa letter. (Of course, you could always use one of our unique, prewritten templates as a starting point, too!)

I have more than one child, will they receive the exact same letter from Santa?

Absolutely Not! We offer unique templates as a starting point, but the real power is in our new Santa Letter Creator™! You'll be able to edit each Santa Letter, making each letter completely unique!

We have exciting new Santa Letter categories, like Elf on the Shelf Letters*, Christian Letters, Newborn Letters, Losign Belief, Adults, After Christmas Letters, and more!

For further information about “our Free Call From Santa, or our Letters From Santa” and how to set up your “Free Call From Santa”, please click on the links below to visit the following website pages for our 2012 Gifts From Santa Claus.

Click Here For letters from Santa and get our Free Personalized Countdown Calendar, Santa’s Official Nice list and Our Personalized Santa Video Greeting with your personalized letter from Santa.

Click Here for a Free Call from Santa and schedule your Free call from Santa Claus todayPackageFromSanta.com A Trusted BBB Accredited Business, as seen in Parenting Magazine, Baby Talk and American Baby.

Our BBB registered business Address: Package From Santa, 64155 Van Dyke Avenue, Suite 232, Washington, Michigan 48095 USA  

Letters From Santa Top 2012 FAQ’s

With Christmas just right around the corner PackagefromSanta.com has had a  flood of orders for personalized letters from Santa. Along with the flood of order there are many questions, so PFS has posted below the most frequent questions received so far this year. 

When will my child's package ship?

All orders ship out within 24 hours via the USPS. Please allow up to 10 business days for your package(s) to arrive. To ensure prompt delivery, PackageFromSanta.com highly recommends upgrading your shipping to First Class during checkout which includes insurance. (Priority for Platinum Packages) Canadian packages, due to Customs, could take longer.

IMPORTANT: It's always a good idea to place your order as soon as possible (supplies are limited and you will avoid the USPS holiday rush!). If you would like your child to receive their package closer to Christmas, simply hold your child's package until the desired date, then put the package back in the mailbox. :)

Shipping times per the USPS shipping guidelines* (for U.S. orders):

Parcel Post: 7 to 10 business days

First Class: 4 to 6 business days

Priority: 2 to 3 business days

How do I know if my Package from Santa order went thru?

Once you’ve completed the ordering process, the last page will be the receipt page which contains your order number. Santa’s helpers will also send you a confirmation email which contains your order detail, along with your order number.

Be sure to add the @packagefromsanta.com domain to your SAFE SENDERS list in your email software! This will ensure you receive important emails regarding your order.

Due to the numerous SPAM filters available today, we STRONGLY SUGGEST that you print your receipt immediately at the end of your checkout.

Do you ship to PO Boxes?

YES!

PackageFromSanta.com website is safe and secure (certified digicert / TRUSTe security assurance). It is also a family friendly site with high quality personalized Letters From Santa and many free personalized Santa gifts, and package from Santa carries a 60-day money back guarantee.

For further information about “our Free Call From Santa, or our Letters From Santa” and how to set up your “Free Call From Santa”, please use the links below to visit the following website pages:

Letters From Santa packagefromsanta.com

Free Call From Santa: acallfromsanta.packagefromsanta.com

Our BBB Accredited Business Address: PackageFromSanta.com 64155 Van Dyke Avenue, Suite 232, Washington, Michigan 48095