When You Have To Celebrate Christmas Away From Home…

When You Have To Celebrate Christmas Away From Home…

Christmas is the time when we all want to be close to the people we love the most. Many of us travel hundreds or even thousands of miles to make that happen. But even with our best efforts, sometimes life happens and because of circumstances out of our control we simply cannot be where we want to be during the holiday season. This post offers tips to make your holiday better when you have to celebrate Christmas away from home.

 Make Christmas special - no matter where you are!

Keep The Spirit Alive

Regardless of where you are or who you are with, you can make the holiday more meaningful if you keep the spirit of giving alive. Make it a goal to make someone else’s day better in some way.

Get Close To Being There

Maybe you can’t be there to enjoy all the delicious foods or to rip open gifts during the early Christmas morning mayhem, but that shouldn’t stop you from making a connection via phone or Internet. At least you can see and feel the joy in some way through the miles – it’s not the same but it is better than nothing at all.

Volunteer

No matter where you are there is some agency or community that could use some help. Volunteer some of your time. You will be welcomed and you will feel like you are a part of a group or cause. Your options are varied; for instance, you could contact any local homeless shelters, soup kitchens or nursing homes or assisted living communities.

You might also be able to work with organizations that deliver food, gifts, or just spend time with shut-ins. Check with local community services for ideas.

Adopt Someone

You can adopt a child, a senior citizen, or an entire family to care about during the holiday season. This gives you someone (or a group of people) to get to know and love in a very special way. There’s a good chance that this person (these people) will become important to you for the long term!

Attend Church

Even if you don’t usually attend church, the holiday season is a great time to ‘visit’ a church – it gives you an opportunity to get to know others and Christmas church services are always special. Most churches have special services on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

Postpone Christmas Celebrations

Keeping yourself busy with these activities can ‘get you through’ the holidays – then you can celebrate Christmas in your traditional fashion when you get home. For some people, this is the best solution. There’s a good chance that your family and friends won’t mind celebrating again!

Remember Your Blessings

We all have dreams of what our ideal Christmas should be like – but the reality is that Christmas is Christmas no matter where you are, who you are with, or how it turns out to be. We have to learn to make the best of things – focus on the positives in life. Rather than having regrets about the way things turned out it is much better to find something productive to do with our time and to remember our blessings.

Debbie Allen writes about Christmas traditions, letters from Santa, and other topics related to the holiday season. You can find her work at many sites across the Internet.

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Making Christmas Merry – Even If You’re On A Budget!

Making Christmas Merry – Even If You’re On A Budget!

Christmas is a time to be merry and happy, but for many people the holiday season can be full of stress. We might be worried about whether we will get the time off from work that we want – time to spend with our family or time to attend special events – or we could be stressed about the higher utility bills we have to pay in order to keep our home warm, or it could be stress over affording or finding the right gifts for those we love.

One of the most important things to keep in mind is the fact that the holiday season is supposed to be joyful. It is up to you to find joy in yourself. In some cases you may have to ‘create’ that joy.

Wishing You a Very Merry Christmas!

Live In The Moment

During the holiday season kids are looking forward to seeing what gifts they will receive. As parents we tend to encourage this behavior – we leave wrapped presents in plain sight and we hang a Christmas countdown calendar to help our children mark off the days until Santa comes. But as adults we have to learn to live in the moment – we have to know that there is always something good about each and every minute of every day.

When we live in the moment we can more easily forget our stress and worries and focus on the here and now. This gives us a chance to make things better – at least for the moment – and in doing so, we are improving our overall well-being.

You Can’t Always Get What You Want!

We know that life will sometime bring us some unwanted bumps and turns. If we embrace the idea that we can’t always have things just as we would like we are much less likely to feel stress and worry about things that are out of our control.

Creative Solutions Make You Better

Of course you want to be off from work during the holidays, but there are some jobs that simply cannot stop – even on major holidays. If you have to work during the holidays then make a vow that you will make the best of it. Be in good spirits and enjoy your time there as much as possible. 

Don’t make everything about money. If your budget is an issue during the holidays there are some solutions. For instance, there are many DIY projects that are ideal for gift-giving. If you need to supplement your income there are usually seasonal work opportunities at warehouses and department stores.

For every problem there is a solution and in realty, most of the time, stress and worry only serves to make matters worse. Decide now that you will make this holiday season a merry one – and that you will do what you can to avoid or minimize the stress and worry in your life!

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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!

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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!

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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! 

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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!

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