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Christmas misc

The TVClubHouse: General Discussions ARCHIVES: 2005 Dec. ~ 2006 Feb.: Free Expression: Christmas misc users admin

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Archive through December 06, 2005Calamity25 12-06-05  1:10 pm
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Cablejockey
Member

12-27-2001

Tuesday, December 06, 2005 - 5:10 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Cablejockey a private message Print Post    
Thanks Calamity, I'll look for that book and dvd. That's what I love about coming here--someone will know what you are looking for!!

Native_texan
Member

08-24-2004

Tuesday, December 06, 2005 - 5:26 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Native_texan a private message Print Post    
Cool! Freida (my first name without the "i") is played by Ann (my middle name).

Well, I thought it was neat.

Kady
Member

07-30-2000

Friday, December 09, 2005 - 1:22 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Kady a private message Print Post    
Holiday Eating Tips

1. Avoid carrot sticks. Anyone who puts carrots on a holiday
buffet table knows nothing of the Christmas spirit. In fact,
if you see carrots, leave immediately. Go next door, where
they're serving rum balls.

2. Drink as much eggnog as you can. And quickly. Like fine
single-malt scotch, it's rare. In fact, it's even rarer
than single-malt scotch. You can't find it any other time
of year but now. So drink up! Who cares that it has 10,000
calories in every sip? It's not as if you're going to turn
into an eggnog-alcoholic or something. It's a treat. Enjoy
it.

3. If something comes with gravy, use it! That's the whole
point of gravy. Gravy does not stand alone. Pour it on. Make
a volcano out of your mashed potatoes. Fill it with gravy.
Eat the volcano. Repeat.

4. As for mashed potatoes, always ask if they're made with
skim milk or whole milk. If it's skim, pass. Why bother?
It's like buying a sports car with an automatic transmission.

5. Do not have a snack before going to a party in an effort
to control your eating. The whole point of going to a
Christmas party is to eat other people's food for free.
Lots of it.

6. Under no circumstances should you exercise between now
and New Year's. You can do that in January when you have
nothing else to do. This is the time for long naps, which
you'll need after circling the buffet table while carrying
a 10-pound plate of food and that vat of eggnog.

7. If you come across something really good at a buffet
table, like frosted Christmas cookies in the shape and size
of Santa, position yourself near them and don't budge. Have
as many as you can before becoming the centre of attention.
They're like a beautiful pair of shoes. If you leave them
behind, you're never going to see them again.

8. Same for pies. Apple. Pumpkin. Mincemeat. Have a slice of
each. Or, if you don't like mincemeat, have two apples and
one pumpkin. Always have three. When else do you get to have
more than one dessert? Labor Day?

9. Did someone mention fruitcake? Granted, it's loaded with
the mandatory celebratory calories, but avoid it at all cost.
I mean, have some standards.

10. One final tip: If you don't feel terrible when you leave
the party or get up from the table, you haven't been paying
attention. Reread tips; start over, but hurry, January is
just around the corner.

Mameblanche
Member

04-13-2005

Friday, December 09, 2005 - 9:32 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Mameblanche a private message Print Post    
Kady that was so good I pinched it for my joke-list. :-) Thanks! :-)

Texannie
Member

07-16-2001

Saturday, December 10, 2005 - 11:04 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Texannie a private message Print Post    
If anybody is looking for a gift idea, I just got this for my 16 year old son and think it's just the coolest thing ever!!!



Pyramat Interactive 3 Speaker Lounger
Tap in to the ultimate sound experience with the Pyramat Interactive 3 Speaker Lounger. Producing 150 watts of pleasure from co-axial open grill speakers and a subwoofer placed right behind the headrest. Compatible with any TV, DVD, VCR, or MP3 player, this lounger lets you bring a total body experience home. With handle.

64"L x 3"D.
Control panel with multiple inputs and cord management.
Headphone jack with external cut-off.
Includes 20-foot RCA stereo cable, two RCA adapters, hand remote and 20-foot 12V DC power adapter.
Hard-wired and completely self contained.
Ergonomically designed backrest for all sizes.
Model PM550
http://www.foleys.com/gifts/OnlineShopping/FO?DSP=4&PCR=18:11824:11825&IID=118955&c=1

Texannie
Member

07-16-2001

Sunday, December 11, 2005 - 11:35 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Texannie a private message Print Post    
I'm done, I'm done, I'm done with my Christmas shopping!!!!!!

It helps that it's not a big Christmas, but I am done!!!! God Bless Starbucks and their employee discounts! Got all my neighbor gifts at Starbucks AND we get all sorts of discounts with other corporate venders. I got dd the Chronicles of Narnia box set at 25% off and free shipping and we had been thinking of getting ds a Swiss Army knife and they are one of the discount partners so got 25% off of that too!!!! Got dad and his wife and my mil done..dh just has to do his dad.

Twiggyish
Member

08-14-2000

Sunday, December 11, 2005 - 3:12 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Twiggyish a private message Print Post    
We finally put up a tree. I bought a real one this year. It's a smaller tree, but it sure looks nice!

Jagger
Member

08-07-2002

Monday, December 12, 2005 - 2:12 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Jagger a private message Print Post    
I haven't started, but mine is so easy it only takes 5 minutes. It will be a gift card to some local store, maybe Marshalls or Target. Everyone else gets gift cards from my own
on-line store.

Chewpito
Member

01-04-2004

Monday, December 12, 2005 - 10:05 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Chewpito a private message Print Post    
I put out a tray of home baked goodies and a little thanks, each yr during thanksgiving and xmas for my garbage collector, and ill tell you, i cant remember the last time ive had to roll those trash bins in....he does it every time...love it!!

Carolinakisses
Member

10-16-2001

Tuesday, December 13, 2005 - 2:07 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Carolinakisses a private message Print Post    
Does anyone know if St. Jude's Children Hospital still recycle's the front cover of Christmas cards? I've mail them in the past, but could not find anything on their website to indicated that the children still uses them to create personal cards to sell next year.

Terolyn
Member

05-06-2004

Wednesday, December 14, 2005 - 6:47 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Terolyn a private message Print Post    
The "W" in Christmas

Each December, I vowed to make Christmas a calm and peaceful experience. I had cut back on nonessential obligations - extensive card writing, endless baking, decorating and even overspending. Yet, still, I found myself exhausted, unable to appreciate the precious family moments and, of course, the true meaning of Christmas.

My son, Nicholas, was in kindergarten that year. It was an exciting season for a six year old. For weeks, he'd been memorizing songs for his school's "Winter Pageant." I didn't have the heart to tell him I'd be working the night of the production. Unwilling to miss his shining moment, I spoke with his teacher. She assured me there'd be a dress rehearsal the morning of the presentation. All Parents unable to attend that evening were welcome to come then.

Fortunately, Nicholas seemed happy with the compromise. So, the morning of the dress rehearsal, I filed in ten minutes early, found a spot on the cafeteria floor and sat down. Around the room, I saw several other parents quietly scampering to their seats.

As I waited, the students were led into the room. Each class, accompanied by their teacher, sat cross-legged on the floor. Then, each group, one by one, rose to perform their song.

Because the public school system had long stopped referring to the holiday as "Christmas," I didn't expect anything other than fun commercial entertainment - songs of reindeer, Santa Claus, snowflakes and good cheer.

So, when my son's class rose to sing, "Christmas Love," I was slightly taken aback by its bold title. Nicholas was aglow, as were all of his classmates, adorned in fuzzy mittens, red sweaters and bright snowcaps upon their heads.

Those in the front row - center stage - held up large letters, one by one, to spell out the title of the song. As the class would sing "C is for Christmas, " a child would hold up the letter C. Then, "H is for Happy," and on and on, until each child holding up his portion had presented the complete message, "Christmas Love."

The performance was going smoothly, until suddenly, we noticed her, a small, quiet girl in the front row holding the letter "M" upside down - totally unaware her letter "M" appeared as a "W."

The audience of the 1st through 6th graders snickered at this little one's mistake, but she had no idea they were laughing at her, so she stood tall, proudly holding her "W."

Although many teachers tried to hush the children, the laughter continued until the last letter was raised, and we all saw it together.

A hush came over the audience and eyes began to widen. In an instant, we understood the reason we were there, why we celebrated the holiday in the first place, why even in the chaos, there was a purpose for our festivities.

For when the last letter was held high, the message read loud and clear:



"C H R I S T W A S L O V E"

Calamity
Member

10-18-2001

Thursday, December 15, 2005 - 12:50 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Calamity a private message Print Post    
~Remember birds and wildlife this Christmas!~


A Christmas Tree for Wildlife
USFW

1. String of Pearls
Using a needle and thread, string together different kinds of grapes. Add variety, choice of selection and color by alternating grapes, raisins and cranberries.

2. Popcorn Party
String popcorn together using a needle and thread. Make sure that the popcorn is 100% natural with no butter or salt. Add variety by stringing cranberries separately or together with the popcorn.

3. Cracker Bracelet
Purchase any size or shape crackers. The crackers
must be salt free. String them together with a
needle and thread into a round bracelet.

4. Apple/Orange Slices
Cut thin slices of apples and oranges. Hang each
slice separately, with colorful ribbons, all
over the tree.

5. Millet Delight
Purchase millet from your feed and seed store. Tie a red ribbon at the top and hang it from the tree.

6. Bird Bags
Make these just like a wedding rice bag except substitute bird seed for rice. Purchase some net material and fill it with any kink of bird seed. It is helpful to add some finely crushed eggshells to the seed mixture to supplement the birds diet with calcium. Tie a red or green ribbon at the top and hang it from the tree.

7. Peanut Heaven
Take several raw peanuts and string them together with a needle and thread. Tie a colorful ribbon at the top to help attract birds.

8. Pine Cone Pleasure
Collect big or small pine cones. Mix peanut butter with oatmeal for a thick consistency. Apply the mixture inside and around the pine cone and roll in bird seed. Hang it with a ribbon.

9. Suet Loot
Suet is a popular bird food Melt beef fat or bacon
grease and let it cool. Add bird seed, peanut butter, fruit or granola. Mesh onion bags make good suet containers and are easy to hang.

10. Table Scraps
Instead of throwing away table scraps, think of creative ways to hang them by stringing them together or putting them in a net bag to hang.


Also check out the National Wildlife Federation's page:
NWF's Backyard Wildlife Habit - Decorating a Tree for Wildlife

And here is Ohio's Department of Natural Resources page that explains the benefits of a live (not cut) Christmas tree:
Plant holiday memories this year with a live Christmas tree

Other links:
The Legends of Nature at the Nativity
Chris-in-the-Morning

~My Christmas wish for you tonight? May your dog talk. Good night Cicely. Merry Christmas.~


Wargod
Moderator

07-16-2001

Friday, December 16, 2005 - 2:56 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Wargod a private message Print Post    
Hey ya'll, I need reindeer poop. Please someone tell me they know what I'm talking about, LOL! The last time someone gave me some there was a little poem attached, I don't need the poem just the poop.

Dakota came home today with a baggie full of reindeer food (it's dry oatmeal) and she's so excited about sprinkling it outside for the reindeer. We think she'd get a total kick out of waking up Christmas morning to find the food gone and nothing but reinder poop left.

Bandit
Member

07-29-2001

Friday, December 16, 2005 - 3:04 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Bandit a private message Print Post    
Ask and you shall receive.

Reindeer Poop

Ingredients:
1/2 cup butter
2 cups granulated sugar
1/2 cup milk
2 teaspoons cocoa
1/2 cup peanut butter
3 cups oatmeal -- not instant
1/2 cup chopped nuts -- optional

Directions:

Mix butter, sugar, milk and cocoa together in a large saucepan. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly; boil for 1 minute. Remove from heat and stir in remaining ingredients. Drop by teaspoon full (larger or smaller as desired) onto wax paper and let harden. They will set up in about 30-60 minutes. These will keep for several days without refrigerating, up to 2 weeks refrigerated and 2-3 months frozen.

Pack into ziplock sandwich bags and attach the following note to each bag.

I woke up with such scare when I heard Santa call... "Now dash away, dash away, dash away all!" I ran to the lawn and in the snowy white drifts, those nasty reindeer had left "little gifts".

I got an old shovel and started to scoop, neat little piles of "Reindeer Poop!" But to throw them away, seemed such a waste, so I saved them, thinking-you might like a taste!

As I finished my task, which took quite awhile. Old Santa, passed by and he sheepishly smiled. And I heard him exclaim as he was in the sky... "Well they're not potty trained, but at least they can fly!"

Vacanick
Member

07-12-2004

Friday, December 16, 2005 - 3:05 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Vacanick a private message Print Post    
Wargod ... I know you didn't ask for the poem but here it is.

You've been bad
That's the scoop
So all you get
Is reindeer poop!

And the reindeer poop is minature marshmallows. LOL!!

Wargod
Moderator

07-16-2001

Friday, December 16, 2005 - 3:30 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Wargod a private message Print Post    
Thanks guys! LOL, I am so glad ya'll knew what I was talking about! Vacanic, is there colored sugar or something mixed with the marshmellows? It's been years since I've seen it, but the mini marshmellows seem right, I just remember (maybe wrongly?) something else.

Bandit, that is so odd! That's one of my favorite holiday (cuz it's so easy) recipes and not that long ago I was talking to Secretsmile? about it because I was wondering if I could use soy nut butter instead of peanut butter (Calebs allergic to peanuts.) I've never thought about that as reindeer poop but I'm so doing it, lol! Marshmellows outside and a little baggie of poop in their stockings!

Vacanick
Member

07-12-2004

Friday, December 16, 2005 - 7:08 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Vacanick a private message Print Post    
You know, Wargod, now that I think of it. Same poem, different characters.

Snowman poop = mini marshmellows
Reindeer poop = raisins

Why I think of these things???

Cocoplum
Member

08-14-2000

Saturday, December 17, 2005 - 4:35 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Cocoplum a private message Print Post    
Does anyone have the URL for the snowflake cutouts everyone was making last year? My 8 yr old granddaughter asked whether I still had that site. She loved it and wanted to try it again. I told her I would try to find it again for her and what better place to ask than here?

Skootz
Member

07-23-2003

Saturday, December 17, 2005 - 5:28 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Skootz a private message Print Post    
I found it Cocoplum...I have been thinking of that site too....off to make a snowflake just just click here, to make your own snowflake

Cocoplum
Member

08-14-2000

Saturday, December 17, 2005 - 6:21 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Cocoplum a private message Print Post    
Skootz, you are a gem! Thanks so much for making a grandma and her granddaughter happy. I just KNEW there would be help found here as usual.

Kearie
Member

07-21-2005

Monday, December 19, 2005 - 3:30 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Kearie a private message Print Post    
Thought I would share this.

I CORINTHIANS 13 - A CHRISTMAS VERSION

If I decorate my house perfectly with plaid
bows, strands of
twinkling lights and shiny balls, but do not show
love to my family, I'm
just another decorator. If I slave away in the
kitchen, baking dozens of
Christmas cookies, preparing gourmet meals and
arranging a beautifully
adorned table at mealtime, but do not show love to my
family, I'm just another
cook.

If I work at the soup kitchen, carol in the
nursing home and give all
that I have to charity, but do not show love to my
family, it profits me
nothing. If I trim the spruce with shimmering angels
and crocheted snowflakes,
attend a myriad of holiday parties and sing in the
choir's cantata but do
not focus on Christ, I have missed the point.

Love stops the cooking to hug the child.
Love sets aside the
decorating to kiss the husband. Love is kind, though
harried and tired. Love
doesn't envy another's home that has coordinated
Christmas china and
table linens.

Love doesn't yell at the kids to get out of
the way, but is
thankful they are there to be in the way. Love
doesn't give only to those who
are able to give in return but rejoices in giving to
those who can't.

Love bears all things, believes all things,
hopes all things,
endures all things. Love never fails. Video games
will break, pearl
necklaces will be lost, golf clubs will rust, but
giving the gift of love will
endure.

Merry Christmas to you and yours!

Texannie
Member

07-16-2001

Monday, December 19, 2005 - 3:41 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Texannie a private message Print Post    
perfect!!! thanks for the reminder!

Wargod
Moderator

07-16-2001

Monday, December 19, 2005 - 11:49 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Wargod a private message Print Post    
Vacanick you're right. I was thinking of Snowman poop (the marshmellows.) Glad to know theres reindeer poop though. Kota hung her little baggie of reindeer food on the tree, ever so often she goes back to make sure it's still there. She's very excited about it, plus was a little worried. She said that if we sprinkled it on the ground, they wouldn't get it because Santa lands on the roof. So instead of sprinkling the oats outside we'll set the bag next to Santa's plate of cookies and he can take it with him.

She got the reindeer food from one of her friends in school. Last week we got a note home asking us to send in 20 of something for the class. Her teachers plan was that during the Christmas party they could make good bags with a little something for everyone in there class. She really didn't ask for much..20 stickers, or pencils, 20 candy canes, etc. One of the little girls mommy did the bags of reindeer food. There was another who brought in reindeer candy canes (candy canes with the googly eyes and pipe cleaners.) My plan had been to make personalized bookmarks for each kid on the computer. And then I got sick, lol. Crafty me, I sent a bad of hershey kisses, and feel kinda bad that I didn't send something a little more personal and crafty!

Sillycalimomma
Member

11-13-2003

Wednesday, December 21, 2005 - 7:17 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Sillycalimomma a private message Print Post    
Question here.
I've been asking all the folks in RL here and well, maybe it's because I keep asking men but all I am getting is "I don't know" Ugh-so here I go again to the CH with a question for help!

We carpool with a girl who dd has known since the first grade (they are now in the third) Her family takes mornings and I do afternoons.
Anyway, i'm wondering if I should get them a little something for the holidays and if so, what?
They are Jewish BTW.

DD wanted to make them cookies, but in all honesty I think I am cooked out. I just want something that is simple but not too costly....but still nice.

Oui. What to do....

Justavice
Member

11-22-2005

Wednesday, December 21, 2005 - 7:35 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Justavice a private message Print Post    
I don't have kids and have never carpooled, but I think it is very sweet of you and your daughter to remember this family during the holidays. What about a small gift of instant hot chocolate, a mug, tea or something similar and have it addressed from your daughter? It sounds like she is really wanting to be part of this...

Julieboo
Member

02-05-2002

Wednesday, December 21, 2005 - 8:15 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Julieboo a private message Print Post    
Or an "Arch Card" if they do McDonald's, maybe a blockbuster. I am a gift card lover....and they are way easy and usually appreciated! Or several lottery scratch offs with a holiday theme.

Or since they carpool with ya, what about a gas gift card?

Wargod
Moderator

07-16-2001

Wednesday, December 21, 2005 - 8:18 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Wargod a private message Print Post    
Small set of bath stuff (gel, lotion, etc.) A gift certificate to the local book store, unless you know of a book she'd really enjoy. See's Candy. I like the mug idea too! Oh, a coupon to let her kidlets come over one day for an afternoon or an evening for her to either have "me time" or a date night or something. Most, if not all, mommies I know appreciate pamper themself gifts. Doesn't have to be extravagent or expensive, its just nice to get a little something that encourages you to take a few minutes for you.

Sillycalimomma
Member

11-13-2003

Wednesday, December 21, 2005 - 8:28 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Sillycalimomma a private message Print Post    
Oh, I would love to get a gas card! Lol. Thats a cute idea, but something tells me they would be turned off by it.

They are also in Brownies together. Hmmmm...I am liking these ideas here. The dad is actually the one who takes the kids in the morning though...so bath stuff probably won't be a good fit. Lol

Thanks for your help! I knew I could get some ideas here!

I think I might do the gift card to the book store. That way mom or dad could use it...or they could use it for their kids.....

Wargod
Moderator

07-16-2001

Wednesday, December 21, 2005 - 9:01 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Wargod a private message Print Post    
Oh I don't know Silly, I know a couple dads who might enjoy a nice bubble bath once in awhile, lol.

If ya wanna do a whole family gift, a board game or puzzle might be the way to go too. The only problem with that is getting something the family doesn't have.

Costacat
Member

07-15-2000

Thursday, December 22, 2005 - 7:25 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Costacat a private message Print Post    
Bandit, thanks for that reindeer poop recipe. My mom's husband is a serious joker, and I am SO gonna make that and include it in the package (that is yet to be sent out).

Silli... Chocolate is always a good gift. For the daughter, "gilt" (gifts of gold coin) are a good choice (chocolate, plus it's a wish for good fortune).

You could put together a small gift basket containing eights items (a mix of stuff for mom/dad and kid). Things like the gold coins, a candle, a bottle of wine, kosher foods, a dreidel, a calendar, a gas card, and so on). The eight gifts will show a little bit of thought, and I'm sure will be appreciated. You can do small things so it won't bust the budget.

Julieboo
Member

02-05-2002

Thursday, December 22, 2005 - 4:08 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Julieboo a private message Print Post    


Never give a toddler a pack of markers for Christmas!

Wargod
Moderator

07-16-2001

Friday, December 23, 2005 - 4:40 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Wargod a private message Print Post    
For the last couple weeks especially I've been complaining about my mail people. They come at any hour, day or night, they don't stop and pick up outgoing mail, they give me other peoples mail all the time, etc.

Now yesterday, I was taking the kids to my sisters for the day and I was kind of in a hurry to get out of the house. I heard Dakota mention something about a letter, but being in a hurry I just said, "uh huh, now get in the car honey." We drove off and I saw the mailman sitting down at the end of the street and when we got to my sisters Dakota mentioned putting a letter in the mailbox for Santa. I tried to hurry home to grab it out of the mail box and missed him.

Usually what we do is the kids will write letters to Santa and then I'll address it to him, with my sisters address. When she gets it she'll write out a quick letter and mail it back. I do the same for her girls. And I was kind of in a panic thinking for the first time, Kota wouldn't get a letter back from Santa.

Today we got home and the mail man had already been here. In our mailbox was a letter addressed to Kota from Santa (no stamp, no postage marks or anything, so I know he did it sitting in his truck.) He thanked her for the wonderful picture she drew him and asked her to make sure to leave him cookies and milk. She's so excited! I knew the post office would answer letters from kids for Santa, but I really didn't expect her to get a reply. Only prob now is that because we have so many of them (no permanent mail man) I have no idea who to thank, cuz they really did make her day.

Texannie
Member

07-16-2001

Friday, December 23, 2005 - 4:45 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Texannie a private message Print Post    
aw..that is really sweet!