T'was the Night Before Christmas

T'was the Night Before Christmas

(or A Visit from St. Nicholas)

by Clement Clarke Moore

first published December 23, 1823

'Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house

not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse.

The stockings were hung by the chimney with care,

in hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there.

The children were nestled all snug in their beds,

while visions of sugar plums danced in their heads.

And Mama in her 'kerchief, and I in my cap,

had just settled our brains for a long winter's nap.

When out on the roof there arose such a clatter,

I sprang from my bed to see what was the matter.

Away to the window I flew like a flash,

tore open the shutter, and threw up the sash.

The moon on the breast of the new-fallen snow

gave the lustre of midday to objects below,

when, what to my wondering eyes should appear,

but a miniature sleigh and eight tiny reindeer.

With a little old driver, so lively and quick,

I knew in a moment it must be St. Nick.

More rapid than eagles, his coursers they came,

and he whistled and shouted and called them by name:

"Now Dasher! Now Dancer!

Now, Prancer and Vixen!

On, Comet! On, Cupid!

On, Donner and Blitzen!

To the top of the porch!

To the top of the wall!

Now dash away! Dash away!

Dash away all!"

As dry leaves that before the wild hurricane fly,

when they meet with an obstacle, mount to the sky

so up to the house-top the coursers they flew,

with the sleigh full of toys, and St. Nicholas too.

And then, in a twinkling, I heard on the roof

the prancing and pawing of each little hoof.

As I drew in my head and was turning around,

down the chimney St. Nicholas came with a bound.

He was dressed all in fur, from his head to his foot,a

nd his clothes were all tarnished with ashes and soot.

A bundle of toys he had flung on his back,

and he looked like a peddler just opening his pack.

He was chubby and plump, a right jolly old elf,

and I laughed when I saw him, in spite of myself.

A wink of his eye and a twist of his head

soon gave me to know I had nothing to dread.

He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work,

and filled all the stockings, then turned with a jerk.

And laying his finger aside of his nose,

and giving a nod, up the chimney he rose.

He sprang to his sleigh, to his team gave a whistle,

And away they all flew like the down of a thistle.

But I heard him exclaim, 'ere he drove out of sight,

"Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good night!"

Operation Christmas Child Canada

Test Your Christmas Trivia IQ Part 2

Why not take a break from all your Holiday preparations and test your knowledge about Christmas. It won't keep you away from the things you have to do for long and it'll be fun.

You may be surprised at some of the answers.

Enjoy!

Test Your Christmas Trivia IQ Part 2

Christmas Gift Ideas Under $5

The current state of the global economy has many people tightening their Christmas gift budgets this year. For that reason, I think this is a good article to have a look at, if no other reason than to get a few ideas, even if only for stocking stuffers.

You really don't have to go broke to give Christmas gifts. That's not what the Holiday is supposed to be about, after all.

Just click this ideas for Christmas link to view the suggestions.

Helping Others at Christmas

Christmas is the time of year that we tend to be most charitable. For some reason or other, helping others at Christmas time is easier for us when our hearts are full of Holiday spirit. Typically, we donate toys or money to help organizations do what they can to make the Holiday merrier for families in need.

This year, due to the economic developments that have rocked the States and made the rest of the world nervous, people may not be as eager to part with their hard earned cash. With all of this year's layoffs and plant closings, the number of needy families is likely to be higher, as well. So, how can we get into helping others when we're either strapped for cash ourselves or we are on the receiving end of the charitable contributions?

There are lots of ways of helping others that cost nothing at all. It can be as simple as making a phone call or as involved as ensuring that neighbours find funding agencies to help get their furnace repaired.

How to Help Others When You Have No Money is an article full of suggestions for helping others. It even lists considerations and cautions to bear in mind when you decide to do a good deed.

If you'd like to do your bit to help your fellow human, check out the article. Having little or no money is not a good enough excuse this year.

Free Christmas Clip Art & Printables

I found a great site today. Initially, I was looking for stories about Christmas in Canada (which I did find on this site) but discovered that there is tons of stuff here for kids and parents, including free Christmas clip art and printables.

This is a great place for a lot of different Christmas specific topics, including homemade decorations, decorations for kids, recipes and of course, Christmas clip art and printables. They also have song lyrics, gift tags and the like. Everything has a corresponding photograph so you can see the end result.

If you're interested in visiting this site, just click the link below.

Kaboose

Happy crafting and decorating with this free Christmas clip art!

Santa's Address

Have your little ones written to Santa Claus yet?

The day is suddenly fast approaching, so if there are letters that still need to get to Santa on time, here is the address:

Santa Claus
North Pole
H0H 0H0
Canada

The post office is asking that no treats be put in the envelope for Santa because they can't go through the mail well. Don't forget to make sure that the return address is included so that Santa can answer the letter.

If your child prefers to email Santa that's okay, too. Santa is all set up with his own email form page on the Canada Post site. Just click on the Email Santa link.

Email Santa

Hope Santa brings lots of good stuff!

Homemade Christmas Gifts

Lovely, homemade Christmas gifts can be a thoughtful, inexpensive alternative to store-bought. It won't take much time or money, it's fun and the recipient will feel special because you took the time to make something just for them. Try it this year and see the difference. Here's one to get you started.

Homemade Herb Scented Candles

These are not difficult. If you don't have candle molds, use tin cans or milk cartons, or pour wax into a decorative jar that can withstand the heat of a candle flame. Paraffin is easily obtainable at the supermarket in the canning section. Wicking can be found at craft stores.

Ingredients:

- 2 lb. paraffin wax, broken into small pieces
- 2 cups dried herbs or 1 fl. oz. essential oil
- 2 wax crayons for colouring (optional)
- candle wicking
- petroleum jelly
- pencils

Directions:

Melt the wax slowly in a bowl placed over a sauce hot water. (I have used a double boiler instead, on very low heat) Stir in crayons if desired. Remove from heat and add herbs as the wax cools. Coat molds with petroleum jelly. Drop one end of wicking to the bottom of each mold and wrap the other end around a pencil resting across the top of the mold. This keeps the wick centred as you pour in the wax. When the wax resembles a gel, pour into mold or container. Allow candles to set overnight, then remove carefully.

*** I have used things from my garden to put into the candles, but you have to watch as they may catch fire. I think that using essential oils is safer. *** Annie

Try giving homemade Christmas gifts this year. Fun to make, fun to receive.

Uniquely Canadian Christmas Gifts

In keeping with the theme of this blog, here are some Christmas gift ideas with a uniquely Canadian flavour. Click on any of the pictures for more information on Canadian Christmas gifts.





What could be more Canadian than maple syrup? This is a gift that you can get away with spending only $10.00. Sweet gift idea!

Another typical Canadian symbol is the moose. You can get Canadian Moose beanie babies, minted coins, books, antique posters, tapestries and more. These are definitely uniquely Canadian Christmas gifts.

For the coin collector, there are of course, mint condition releases of commemorative issue coins available for sale, as well as coin jewellery.

Don't forget about the other animals that we're known for - the Canadian goose and the beaver. The same goes for these two as far as gift selection goes. There are several things available.

We can give gifts that are truly representative of Canada. Hope this short list helps stimulate some good ideas for the recipients on your list that you wish to give uniquely Canadian Christmas gifts to.

More on the World's First Christmas Stamp

Further to the previous post about Canada issuing the world's first Christmas stamp, I found it put in a far more interesting way, HERE.

This article explains how it came to be - and why.

Canada did not issue another Christmas postage stamp until the 1960's. I'm not sure why, but 62 years is a long time between Christmas stamps.

First Christmas Stamp Was Released Right Here in Canada

World's 1st Christmas Stamp

Yes folks, that's right. We released the first Christmas postage stamp back in 1898. Personally, I'm pretty proud that we can boast that fact.

According to Wikipedia, it was a mistake. It was originally intended to be released November 9th to honour the Prince of Wales. Apparently, Queen Victoria's reaction to the idea was not favourable. The release date (and subsequent title) was changed, thereby making it the first issued Christmas stamp. I'm not sure if you can read the "XMAS 1898" on the bottom or not.

Regardless of how it came to be, Canadians did it. I can live with that.

The First Christmas in Canada

The first recorded Christmas in Canada was in 1535, near what is now known as the City of Quebec.

Jacques Carier and one hundred and ten settlers came to our beautiful country the previous summer by ship, building themselves a fortress on the shores of the St. Charles River. Their newly constructed lodgings would not protect them well in our Canadian winter, however. Inexperience in preparing for our harsh climate was also to play a part in the challenges they would face.

By the time Christmas rolled around, they had lost men to cold, were suffering from scurvy and were wary of the Native inhabitants. All was not lost for the holiday, though. Chief Donnacona regaled the settlers with adventurous tales and there was some food still, though it consisted mainly of salt meat and wilted vegetables.

I found this to be an interesting story, one that I had not come across before. The website that I found it on credits it to the Montreal Star. I can’t say if that’s true or not. There is no author name for contact.

If you would like to read the details of the first Christmas in Canada, click HERE.***

*** Update, 2012 - sorry, folks but the link no longer works.

Christmas Comes to Nunavut

I came across a website today called the Nunatsiaq News. It's based in Nunavut and I'm sure it's probably a very good e-paper. I was after Christmas stories today, though, not the current affairs of our neighbours to the far north.

What I found on the Nunatsiaq News site, was the story of how Christmas was introduced to the Inuits by missionairies, and also how today's celebrations are vastly different than even a few decades ago.

It's a great, interesting little account of the beginning, the evolution and changes, and where the Inuits are now in regards to celebrating the Christmas season. It also speaks to the sad passing of some traditions that have never returned.

To read this lovely Christmas story, click HERE.

Canadian Pioneer Christmas Decorations

Pioneer Christmas Decorations

Early settlers used what was available in Canada during the winter months. They hung evergreen boughs and garlands above the doors and mantels. If they had a second storey in their cabin they would sometimes drape the greenery over the stair banisters.

Only natural decorations were used as, a rule. Things that were on hand and easy to obtain made their way into the pioneer homes – pine cones, nuts, berries and the like. It may have been our Canadian forefathers who invented the cranberry and popcorn strings that were still used in the 20th century in some homes.

As time evolved and other materials came into use, homemade Christmas decorations were crafted from the settler’s homespun cloth and tattings. Dolls and figures were constructed of straw and yarn to add to the festival feel of the cabins.

Canadian pioneers were good at improvising with nature. Even their stocking stuffers were simple, handcrafted items that were added to a few nuts or some fruit. In those days, it was enough to get everyone into the spirit of the holidays.

Gingerbread Cookie Ornaments

Cute and delicious Christmas gingerbread

Edible Ornaments

It occurred to me that the gingerbread cookie ornaments would be a good one for kids to make. I'm not sure what the best ages would be....my kids are long gone and I don't remember what age kids are when they do what. I would think, though, that once they're in grade one or two they could probably make something out of gingerbread that they can feel proud of. I suppose that if they're good with play-doh, they'll do well with gingerbread cookie dough.

The recipe for the gingerbread cookie ornaments is in the October postings (Oct. 30th, I think). You're going to want to roll out the dough between wax paper for the little ones. Make it about 1/4" thick. Let the kids use the cookie cutter they like, and then show them how to safely and carefully trim away the scraps (or you do it and let them watch). Before baking their decorations, poke a hole through the top with a wooden skewer or something similar. I would twist it through as this will make a slightly larger hole that will stay open a bit better. You may want to check the cookies half way through the baking process to see if you need to poke the hole through again.

One the cookies are baked and cooled, let the children decorate their treasures with icing. If you don't make your own, you can buy the pre-made variety in a tube. They might be easier for small hands to use. After the child has finished decorating the gingerbread, help him or her put a ribbon through the hole and tie.

A young child will then have made something that they can hang on the tree, use as a decoration elsewhere, put on a gift, or give to someone. It will be special no matter what because you and your little ones spent time together and they'll feel like they've done this on their own.

Christmas Movies

Do you have any favourite Christmas movies? Maybe ones that you watch with your family every year, ones that have become a tradition?

We had those when my kids were young. Every Christmas Eve we would gather around the T.V. and watch A Christmas Story. I still love that movie to this day. Later, when my grandson came along, his mom (my daughter) wanted to continue the tradition with him. If I'm ever a great-grandmother, perhaps Ralphie and his family will still be entertaining ours.

Here's my preferred Christmas movie list. These are all appropriate for family viewing and below this post, you'll find some YouTube videos of each one:

A Christmas Story
Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas (you're never too old to watch it, in my opinion)
A Christmas Carol (1951, B and W, starring Alastair Sim - my fav version)
National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation (hilarious!!! That squirrel and Eddy never get old)
It's A Wonderful Life

There are a bazillion other great Christmas movies, but these are my top favs. I'm sure you can pick them up most anywhere and I know that Amazon carries them.

Another movie that I like that has a Yuletide setting is Black Christmas. It was even made in Canada, filmed at the University of Toronto, back in the seventies, I think. I am not linking to this one as it is very definitely NOT for viewing by children. It's a horror movie that even scares me. Your little one would have nightmares for a month if they watched it.

Well, that's it for today. If these titles aren't already in your movie library, maybe they will become some of your family favourites for this time of year. There's a sampling below:

A Christmas Story - the original theatrical trailer

 

The 1951 Version of A Christmas Carol, starring Alastair Sim

*** This is the whole movie - enjoy! ***

National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation - Trailer

 

It's a Wonderful Life

Canadian Christmas Pioneer Stockings

Many of the traditions of the Canadian pioneer carried through to half way or more of the 20th century. Settler’s stockings usually held nuts or an apple, as well as a smaller treasurer that would have been hand made, such as a cornhusk doll or a beautifully carved little horse complete with mane and tail.

After the year 1860 or so, gingerbread became a Christmas tradition and was sometimes included in the stockings. Of course, they were made completely by hand, being shaped by the baker without the use of modern materials such a cookie cutter. It probably goes without saying that icing bags did not yet exist to decorate the cookies with.

Whereas our stockings are hung by the chimney with care, early Canadian settlers hung theirs on their bedposts. Apparently, Santa was still able to locate and fill them, despite their distance from a mantel.

I'm not sure that in today's high-tech, consumer-driven world, that people would appreciate waking up to find the simple gifts in their socks that our fore bearers did. Then again, maybe reverting back to a simpler time when we were far happier with far less, wouldn't be a bad thing. Perhaps if we were to do that, we as a country could once again feel the true specialness of the Holidays.

Canadian Christmas pioneer stockings - maybe the time is right for a revival.

Gingerbread Cookie Dough (for Gingerbread Cookie Ornaments)

This recipe gingerbread cookie dough recipe has a 5 star rating. Definitely worth a try if you're into creating homemade gingerbread cookie ornaments. Aside from using them to decorate the tree, you could use them on packages. Eatable decorations are great for kids.

Servings: 1 batch

Ingredients:

1 cup (250 mL) butter, softened
1 cup (250 mL) granulated sugar
2 eggs
3/4 cup (175 mL) fancy molasses
1/2 cup (125 mL) cooking molasses
6 cups (1.5 L) all-purpose flour
2 tsp (10 mL) ground ginger
1 tsp (5 mL) each baking soda and salt
1 tsp (5 mL) each ground cloves and cinnamon

Preparation:

In large bowl, beat butter with sugar until fluffy; beat in eggs, 1 at a time. Beat in fancy molasses and cooking molasses.
In separate bowl, whisk together flour, ginger, baking soda, salt, cloves and cinnamon; add half at a time to molasses mixture, mixing well and blending with hands, if necessary.
Divide into quarters and shape into discs; wrap each in plastic wrap. Refrigerate until firm, about 2 hours. (Make-ahead: Refrigerate for up to 1 week or overwrap in heavy-duty foil and freeze for up to 2 weeks.)


Additional Information:
Source:  Holiday Best: 2005, Canadian Living Magazine

Enjoy your gingerbread cookie ornaments!

White Christmas Lyrics

Is there a song more popular at Christmastime than Bing Crosby's, White Christmas? I don't think so. It's stood the test of time and will continue to remain a classic throughout the ages.

The song was written by Irving Berlin the same year as it's original release in 1942. It debuted in the movie, Holiday Inn, and was later used in a film that was made due to the popularity of the song. Naturally, that movie was called, White Christmas.

Here's a link to the original recording on YouTube. If you'd like to sing along, the lyrics are below.

Click to listen - Bing Crosby - White Christmas - 1942 original version- 78RPM

I'm dreaming of a white Christmas

Just like the ones I used to know

Where the treetops glisten,

and children listen

To hear sleigh bells in the snow

________________________

I'm dreaming of a white Christmas

With every Christmas card I write

May your days be merry and bright

And may all your Christmases be white

________________________

I'm dreaming of a white Christmas

With every Christmas card I write

May your days be merry and bright

And may all your Christmases be white

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~     Enjoy!     ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Crazy Canadian Christmas Ornaments

Okay, I've seen everything now! If you do a Google search for traditional Canadian Christmas ornaments, you'll see what I mean. I may be a proud Canuck, but I don't think that I want to put a tacky heart-shaped Canadian flag on my tree. It may be very patriotic, but it just doesn't seem Christmas-y to me. If anything, it comes closer to representing Valentine's Day (meets Canada Day :)).

The things that we're known for, and that are near and dear to us as a country are pretty well covered in this short list of crazy Canadian ornaments, most of which can be purchased through Amazon, if you've a mind to add them to your collection:

Mountie Christmas Ornament - designed by Hallmark in 1984 as a collectible.

 Canada Goose Clip-On Ornament - I couldn't figure out the clip-on part at first as my first thought went to a tie clip....I'm tired. After a second look, I decided that it must clip onto the tree branch. It's available at Tree Treasures if you like it.

Proud to be a Canuck Ornaments - These are for die-hards and perhaps not as crazy as the others. I'm sure there are probably a lot more available, especially in the sports area.

         

You might want to look for the gingerbread recipe for making your ornaments this year. It's in the October posts, and has a 5 star rating. You can make decorations that will be more Canadianna than purchased ones will ever be. It can be something special that you do for your loved ones. What a great way to start a beautiful Christmas tradition, especially for children.

Meantime....these crazy Canadian Christmas ornaments make great stocking stuffers or joke gifts.

How to Ease the Battle of Christmas Shopping

If last minute Christmas shopping is not something that you do for fun, then it can seem like a real battle.

It is 8:55 on Christmas Eve morning. A small army of last minute shoppers secure the perimeter of a department store, ready to charge the door the same instant the key releases the lock. They are prepared, armed with shopping list in one gloved hand, handbag and/or extra carry-all clutched tightly in the other. The next five minutes move by far too slowly, and the crowd is getting itchy to spring into action, but they wait.

It is now 8:59:59 and the group quiets expectantly, waiting for the audible click of the lock being turned. They cluster even tighter, trying to ensure they make it through the doors before the person next to them. Twitching the straps of their bags, they ready themselves for the sprint, waiting out the last few seconds on taut nerves. Then the signal!

In a great wave, the crowd surges forward, filling the aisles with people and the employees with fear. Within seconds the entire store is an occupied combat zone. Customers are elbowing their way to the front row of sale bins, wrestling with the enemy for the last available Barbie doll in town, and shooting their Christmas budget full of holes. The frazzled staff will see no relief until the lock is once more securely in place.

Back at home base, the exhausted combatants can be found in the midst of ribbons and paper. They fought a brave battle for the purchases, and now it is time to wrap things up. At two o'clock in the morning, the last present is laid under the tree, and finally, the time has come for some rest.

TIPS TO EASE THE BATTLE
If purchasing warfare is not your idea of a good time, you can avoid the chaos of last minute shopping with a little bit of planning. The pointers below may help you with your strategy.

* If you don't know what someone you are buying for wants, narrow it down to a few choices. This will decrease the miles you walk as you look at every gift item in every store. Looking through catalogues or online may help you come up with some ideas.

* Have at least some alternative gift idea in case what you are looking for is hard to find. Stores can run out of stock close to the holiday. You will save yourself a trip by calling ahead to check that your sought after item is available.

* Obtain as many gifts as possible through mail order or online. I know some people who use eBay for their gift buying. You may have to pay a little extra for shipping and handling, but weigh that against the alternatives. It may be worth a few bucks just to avoid having to haul packages on the bus, or trying to find a parking space.

* Take advantage of gift wrapping services. Instead of wrapping until the wee hours of the morning, bring as many items home all ready to place under the tree. Some places do this for free, others charge for the service. Ask a store employee.

Of course, some people enjoy that hustle and bustle of shopping the week before Christmas. Apparently, it puts them in the festive mood. If you are one of these people, then don't change a thing, just enjoy.

If you are among the many others, then perhaps you'll read these tips early enough in the season to free yourself and your energy to have some fun and family time during the holidays. That's what it's supposed to be about, isn't it?

Merry Christmas and Happy Shopping!

*** This article first appeared in The Old South Advocate in London, Ontario in the 1990's. It was written by Shirley Anderson and reprinted here with permission from the author. As you can probably tell, it was written pre internet shopping, but still a very entertaining read. ***

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