DECK THE HOLIDAY'S

     In Japan, the most practiced religions are Buddhism and Shinto.  Because of this, Christmas is a more commercial event, much like Valentine's Day or Mother's Day in the United States.  Furthermore, the main celebration revolves around Christmas Eve and not the day that is honored in the West as the day of Christ's birth.    Though Christmas is not generally celebrated in honor of the birth of Christ, Japanese families enjoy the same focus on the importance and joy of generosity and giving.  Gift giving on Christmas is common.  In families, children believe that only Santa Kuroshu (Santa Claus)gives gifts on Christmas, so children do not give gifts to their parents.  It is believed that Santa has eyes in the back of his head so he can always see what the children are doing.  Children who do not believe in Santa don't receive gifts.       Christmas trees and lights on homes ar...

     If you're considering a trip to China for the holidays, you'll find that some of their Christmas traditions are similar to ours, but many are very different.  You'll see decorated trees, beautiful lights, and many scenes similar to the ones you would see at Christmas in the United States, but in China, most of the decorations are intricate paper folding that form flowers, lanterns and chains on the tree.    Yes, they have Santa in China, but they don't call him by the name Americans do, he's referred to as Dun Che Lao Ren (dwyn-chuh-lau-oh-run), which means Christmas Old Man.  Another name for Santa is Lan Khoong.  Although most citizens of China are not of the Christian faith there are still plenty of celebrations.    The festival where everyone celebrates the most, occurs at the end of January, call the Spring Festival or Chinese New Year.  This is the time when children receive gifts of toys and clothing, ev...

   It's the most wonderful time of the year! From trimmed trees to twinkle lights to knit stockings hanging over the fireplace, you really can’t escape the Christmas cheer. Although we have many Christmas time traditions, the Christmas tree is definitely the first and foremost.    This timeline takes us through the history of the Christmas tree from the first decorated tree in 1600, to the first Christmas tree in the white house, to the Griswolds "A Christmas Vacation". It is easy to see the influence of the different fads and trends through out the century, like the bubble lights from the 1940′s. My best friend’s tree has bubble lights each year! Its their Christmas tree staple.    The other main aspect of the timeline is the debate between the real and artificial tree. My family are a bunch of real tree advocates, claiming that they will never own an artificial tree ever. I do agree and love the real tree, but artificial trees are so easy and re...

The nicest and naughtiest movie Santas    Whether it's the classic jolly fat man or a surly drunk guy in a red suit, Santa Claus has been depicted countless times on TV and film. Here's a look at some of the best and worst of them.     Good :  Rudolph the Red-nosed Reindeer  (1964).  Who doesn't have a special place in their heart for this clay-mation classic?   Bad:   Bad Santa  (2003).  Billy Bob Thornton's chain-smoking alcoholic scam artist Santa lives up to the movie's name. This is not the kind of person you want coming down the chimney on Christmas Eve.     Good :  Elf  (2003) . Played to great comedic effect by the somewhat surly Ed Asner. And Will Ferrell's energy portraying an over-eager man-elf is infectious.     Bad :  Futurama .  1000 years from now, Santa Claus will be real. But he'll be an evil robot with a malfunc...

This diy comes from www.bhg.com . Something to add to your holiday table so your guests know where they are being seated on Christmas dinner night. Enjoy! Santa Hat Place Cards for Christmas Craft these Santa hats to help guests find their places at the Christmas table. What You'll Need: Tracing paper or a copier; pencil Square of stiff red glitter felt Scrap of white fluffy, furry fabric Fabrics glue Hand-sewing needle; red sewing thread Straight pins; scissors 20-mm gold jingle bell Download pattern How to Make It: Trace the pattern using tracing paper or a copier. Place the pattern on the red glitter felt, and cut out one shape for each holder. Cut 1-1/2x8-inch piece of white fabric. Fold long edges under 1/4 inch, and glue the to the back side of the fabric to make a strip 1x8 inches. Glue white trim in place on the front lower curved edge of the red ...

  This recipe comes from www.tastofhome.com .  Not just chocolate but peppermint too.  What two candies could you think of that would go better.  The taste of white chocolate and the breath freshening power of a peppermint candy cane. White Chocolate Peppermint Fudge White Chocolate Peppermint Fudge Recipe     " Make many batches of this minty fudge to give as Christmas gifts. It's not too sweet, so it appeals to lots of palates. "                                      This recipe is: Quick 0 81 Servings Prep: 10 min. Cook: 10 min. + chilling           Ingredients 1-1/2 teaspoons plus 1/4 cup butter, softened, divided 2 cups sugar 1/2 cup sour cream 12 ounces white baking chocola...

    If you are looking to spend Christmas in Spain you may want to plan on spending a month there because Christmas in Spain is a very religious holiday which starts on the 8th of December and celebrations last until the 6th of January.  The  festivities for Christmas in Spain start on December 8th, which is also a national holiday in Spain, celebrating "Immaculada"...the feast of the Immaculate Conception.  In  Sevilla (Seville), one celebration is the "Dance of the Six" and in Caceres the young children of the town dress in jeweled clothing and holds a figure of the Virgin Mary as high in the air as they can run through the streets.    In Spain, Christmas Eve is known as "Nochebuena" , meaning the Good Night .  It is a huge candlelight celebration which consists of a magnificent feast and going to mass at midnight.  One of the most beautiful masses is the Mass of the Rooster, held at a mountain monastery at Montserrat, the bo...