Send a Free Call or Video from Santa

Well, we're getting really close to Christmas 2011 and undoubtedly, the big guy in red is on every child's mind. I thought that sending a free call or video from Santa would be a great way to get your little one even more excited about a visit from Santa Claus. As if they need it. Still, it's a wonderful, magical touch that kids will remember for years to come.

This Gmail product is free of charge from Google. You are able to send personalized, talking messages or YouTube videos to anyone you like. It is not perfect but like I said, it's free.

When you fill in the information (name of sender and recipient, birthdate), you are then taken to a screen that wants you to select how the names will be said. In my case, my name was not one of the options, although you can choose a generic slang, or opt not to have a name mentioned at all.

Once you fill in all of the details, you have the choice of viewing a video of Santa that's quite cute and incorporates your details, or you can listen to the audio version of the video. After that, merely click the next screen arrow on the right and send it to whomever you want.

The audio messages you create are sent to the recipient's phone number, while the videos can be shared via email or Google +.

Regardless of the name limitations, I believe any child would be wildly happy with receiving something from the Send a Call from Santa site. Here's the link again:  http://www.sendacallfromsanta.com/

Ho-ho-ho!
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The History of Christmas Tree Lights

I love pretty Christmas tree lights!

I love Christmas tree lights! Sometimes, I go for walks after it gets dark, just to admire the pretty colours and decorations that people put up on the outside of their homes. It really puts me in the Christmas spirit, especially if there is a light snow falling. Never have I stopped to think about the history of those pretty lights but they, like all things, do have one.

It's easy to imagine that everyone the world over puts up Christmas lights but that is not the case. Although other cultures have adopted the practice, it is primarily rooted in Christianity and has a past traced back to at least the 17th century, before the invention of electricity, extension cords, and those multi-socketed plugs that let you power up enough lights to put Chevy Chase to shame. Back then, people stuck little candles to tree branches, using melted wax or pins. That method of illuminating Christmas trees took a couple of centuries to catch on as a tradition but all good things are worth waiting for, right?

According to Wikipedia, it was 1890 before folks started putting their tree candles into candleholders. I suppose the primary purpose of doing so would have been to safeguard against fire as a result of putting open flames on wood.

Outdoor Christmas tree lights are beautiful, too!

The world continued to evolve, of course, so at the early part of the twentieth century, even safer methods of giving the tree that special glow were used. Candles were inserted into glass balls or small lanterns. Still effective, and with greater stability and peace of mind. And while die-hard candle users continued the tradition, modern advances were being made, including the birth of electric Christmas tree lights. So, for a while, there was an overlap in the use of candles and incandescent bulbs.

Wish I could say that it was a Canadian who invented the Christmas lights we know today but it wasn't. They are the product of American ingenuity, created by Edward H. Johnson, an associate of Thomas Edison, and the vice present of the Edison Electric Light Company.

Can you imagine the public fervor when a Christmas tree lit up with coloured electric lights for the very first time? Would you think it remarkable? Beautiful? An oddity? Well, if you'd been in New York City on December 22, 1882, you'd know. Otherwise, let your imagination take you there.

Christmas lights are pretty, even when they're not on a tree

Obviously, the electric light craze caught on and has been a sustainable product. Businesses started putting up Christmas lights around 1900. They were only the only ones who could afford to purchase strings of lights, as a rule. Like items today, back then the first few releases were too far out of reach of most households, financially speaking. It took until about 1930 before electric Christmas tree lights became commonplace. I don't know about you but I'm so happy that they did.
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Little Drummer Boy, Canadian Style

A sixteen year old Canadian has been creating quite a buzz this week on YouTube. Sean Quigley has released a video that incorporates views of his hometown of Winnipeg with that Christmas music classic, Little Drummer Boy.

You've likely never heard the carol sung like this before but even if it isn't your preferred music style, you have to agree that Sean is enthusiastic and infectiously positive. Not many teenagers would pay homage to a centuries old tune and I love how happy Sean is in this video. You can just tell that he really likes what he's doing in making this short film and singing his version of the song. Sean reminds me that I'm proud to be a Canadian.

Here is the YouTube of Sean Quigley singing his original version of Little Drummer Boy:




Throughout his video, Sean has (presumably) friends holding up Merry Christmas signs, written in different languages. If nothing else, this is a shining example of the type of passion we older people can learn to appreciate in teenagers. I applaud them.

I hope you enjoy Sean's version of this Christmas music as much as I did.
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Operation Christmas Child

Helping others is also a gift for the giver

Each year I like to dedicate at least one post to a worthy cause. Last year, I highlighted Operation Christmas Child Canada. This year, I'm doing it again. Why? Look at that face in the picture and tell me you don't want her to have a better life.

This project is one from Samaritan's Purse Canada, an international relief site that helps raise funds and awareness in 70 countries around the world.

How this project works is explained in last year's posted videos but basically, you fill a shoe box with items that these children might need. We're talking basic necessities, as well as toys. There are certain items that you should not include and those are mentioned in last year's videos, also.

There is a religious element to this charity. I'm not at all in any way religious but helping these kids is important. As it says in this year's video, for some of these youngsters, it's the very first gift they've ever received in their whole life.

I'm including a couple of different videos this year, simply to avoid redundancy.

If you are able to send these kids something, please do, even if it is only one shoebox of items.

Of course, there are some folks who simply are unable to extend charity in this manner, due to immobility or lack of funds. If you are one of those, Operation Christmas Child may not be the place for you to give but it doesn't mean that you can't reach out to others who need you. Helping others at Chrismas doesn't have to cost you any money. There are things you can do for other people that only require a bit of time and effort. Those may be the very things that offer both the giver and the receiver the greatest gift.
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Free Christmas eCards

Looking for a way to send greetings for free this Christmas? Did you wait too long to send out your Christmas cards and now you don't have time to send them by snail mail? Well, no worries, you can send free digital ecards to everyone with an email address.

A quick Google search will turn up a ton of results but here are a few to save you the time and trouble. I have no affiliation with any of them.

Trail Canada - As the name implies, this is a Canadian site. Here, you can access free Canadian winter and snow scene e-cards. There is no mention, nor is there a category for Christmas in Canada but folks in foreign lands might enjoy a glimpse of the True North Strong and Free. You can also express specific holiday wishes in your text message that goes along with the card.

Hallmark Christmas and Holiday E-Cards - There are only a few freebies here but everyone knows the quality that Hallmark offers. I'm sure all of your recipients would enjoy these.

My Fun Cards - Lots of free digital greetings here. The downside is that when you click on the big green button, it wants to install on your hard drive. Please note that I have NOT used this site and cannot vouch for any part of it. You probably want to do a little checking around before downloading this, do some due diligence to determine whether or not it is safe.

HP Creative Studio - This one is a little different but I trust the HP brand and site, so figured it was worth mentioning. There's lots of selection, all free, however they are for printing via your printer. The site gives you the option of just using their Christmas designs, or importing your own personal photos. Add a message and print. Simple as that. I suppose you could do that then scan and email the results to the people on your Christmas card list.

eGreetings - There appears to be a pretty good variety on this site. You're sure to find something for everyone, and at no charge.

123 Greetings - Another site offering good variety. The cards that I peeked at were animated with music, quite nice for freebies, I have to say.

Well, there's half a dozen sites to get you started. Have fun finding the perfect one. Heck, if you're strapped for time, you can even send your cards on Christmas Eve. That's the beautiful thing about digital cards. The fact that they're free Christmas ecards is a wonderful bonus, too.

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Preparing Your Child for the Santa Claus Parade

Is there anything more epically magical to a very young child than a Santa Claus parade? Larger than life characters that they’ve seen on TV or in their Golden Books walk past, close and real. And of course, the parade organizers save the best for last – Santa! For little ones, this is the equivalent of a teenager seeing their favourite rock star. It fills them with awe and wonder.

Naturally, your child is excited about getting to see the big guy in the red suit, which is all the more reason to carefully prepare before attending the parade. The following tips may be helpful to you.

Prepare for Hours of Cold

This one may sound like a no-brainer but please consider the fact that you and your youngster may be standing out in the cold for hours. This is Canada and Santa comes in winter, so take measures to stay warm.

If your child is young enough to sit in a stroller, than he or she is not moving around to help them stay warm, either. Taking a blanket is a good idea, as is a thermos of something warm to drink. The downside of that is, of course, leaving the crowd to find a bathroom.

If possible, take your little one into a warm place occasionally, such as a store or restaurant. Letting them move around to get their blood flowing helps some, too. Not only that but if the wait is long, kids can become bored and need an activity to keep them from getting restless.

Most people line up on the sidewalk early to get a good spot, so you could show up at 11:00 for a parade that doesn’t start until 1:00. Then there’s the parade to watch, followed by getting through a throng of people to get home. Which leads us to point number two.

Have a Plan

If you live in a big city like Toronto, you may be one of half a million people who stand along the parade route. Now, imagine your small child wandering even a mere few feet away. How would you find him or her in that crowd?

Never take your eyes off a toddler or baby and have a plan in place that older kids can follow, if they get lost. Maybe they go directly to a specified store and you look there first when trying to find them.

Also, make sure that they know their last name, address and phone number, if at all possible. Otherwise, write pertinent information on a slip of paper and put it inside their coat pocket. You may even consider giving a child a whistle to blow if they find themselves in surroundings they don’t recognize. This only works if the child is old enough to understand that it is the only time they should blow the whistle.

Miscellaneous Tips

Don’t forget to check the weather forecast before leaving home, in case you need rain gear or an extra blanket.

Warm apple cider makes a great thermos filler for kids and adults, alike. Apple juice warmed up works just as well.

A bag or backpack with snacks, extra hats, mittens and scarves, and maybe a favourite teddy bear, is a good idea. Oh, and don’t forget the tissues, you will need to wipe running noses – yours and your child’s. :-)

Above all, have fun at the Santa Claus parade and enjoy the fact that you are putting a little magic in your child’s life.

Fiber Optic Christmas Tree

The fiber optic Christmas tree is actually a topic I was going to try and at least touch on last year but well, you know me, I didn't get to it in time. However, as the saying goes, better late than never and here it is.

First of all, just in case it isn't apparent, I'll tell you upfront that NASA isn't scrambling to hire me as one of their rocket scientists. Still, I'll take a stab at a fast and dirty explanation of fiber optics, at least as they apply for our subject matter.

Fiber optics are plastic or glass strands, about the thickness of a human hair. If they're made of other materials, I don't know what they are. Anyway, these strands are far more efficient carriers of light than metal and can be used in a variety of ways, including to pretty up your Christmas tree. I know, that doesn't tell you a whole lot but I'll confess that I just shared with you everything I know about them. I did say fast and dirty.

Consumers like fiber optic Christmas trees. They're pretty, convenient and offer a different display from what most of us have lived with all our lives. You know what they say about a change being as good as a rest. It can perk you up to see something new.

I don't own one of these beauties but as I understand it, they come in a ton of sizes yet most people lean towards the smaller ones, or tabletop trees. Not sure why that is but they'll shed a pretty glow, no matter what. Best of all, you won't have to string the lights yourself, which makes them A-okay in my book.

As you can see below in the YouTube video, the actual tree 'needles' light up. I believe that's the fiber optic part of an artificial Christmas tree (yup, NASA should be calling any day now). The owners of this tree have also optioned for a tree that is pre-lit, to add that traditional holiday feel that we all want for the festive season. I mean, really, is it even possible to have too many lights on a Christmas tree? Okay, the Christmas Vacation movie just popped into my head, which could make a case against too much illumination.

If you are thinking about going with a fiber optic Christmas tree this year, I do know that Nextag is selling them. The ones I saw started at around $40 and went up from there to around a couple of hundred dollars for full sized trees.

Where to Buy Santa Suits in Canada

Where to Buy Santa Suits in Canada

Don't ask me what made me think of it but this morning it occurred to me that I had no idea at all where to buy Santa suits in Canada. I'm pretty sure this thought originated from the deep, dark recesses of my mind, where strange ponderings and the never-ending searches for Canadian based Christmas topics live. Anyway, it popped into my head, so figured it would make a good post. Could be that I'll be the only one interested in knowing the answer, we'll see.

First off, those of us who are adults may note the absence of the types of Santa suits that are typically used in...*ahem*...role playing. This is a family-friendly site, so we won't be going there, don't even ask.

All of the potential locations and vendors deal in the usual and much-loved costume that kids and parents expect to see Santa in, whether at the mall or sliding down the chimney. So, here goes.

eBay has, at least they do at the time I'm typing this, several different Santa costumes. You can get the whole kit and kaboodle, or just purchase the facial and head hair that St. Nick is famous for. The amount you'll spend will depend on the quality of fabric and how convincing you want to be for the kiddies. I saw one at under twenty bucks and a deluxe suit that's selling for $122.62. I didn't look at very many since I'm not actually in the market for a Santa suit but did notice a little dog suit, very reasonably priced at $3.99. The ones I viewed were all listed in Canadian dollars.

Costume Chik I had never heard of before researching for this post but they're located in Calgary and offer speedy shipping with free ground shipping on orders over $75.00. I only checked the first search page that I've linked to here. Their suits are more money than the eBay listings, ranging from $82 to $400 (rounded off) but you can also buy a slew of individual Santa costume accessories and yes, even some for women that are slightly naughty. I don't know this company, so this is not an endorsement, just information.

Nextag has a pretty full collection of Santa suits, including a bunch for the Mrs. Poor Mrs. Claus, she's so far out of the limelight, it's no wonder she's pale. Probably does all the work, too.

Sears Canada doesn't have a ton of Santa suit variety but the prices are very reasonable and Sears is a trusted Canadian company.

Please note that I am not recommending or endorsing any of these merchants, just helping you get a start in your costume shopping. Hopefully, it'll be easier now that you know where to buy Santa suits in Canada. You won't have to cross the border or even leave home unless you want to. Find one you like, click, arrange for it to be shipped to you. Kinda sounds easy, too bad I don't need one.
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All I Want For Christmas...

Okay, a little something to kick off Christmas 2012 and get you in the mood for the festive holiday season - All I Want For Christmas is You by Mariah Carey. Hope you enjoy it as much as I do.

I love this song, it definitely helps me like Yuletide more when I hear it. It just puts me in a good holiday mood and makes me want to wrap gifts. Of course, first I have to buy them. But before I do that, I need to make some more money, and that won't happen unless I get back to work.

Think I'd better listen and watch the video a few more times...

Here We Go Again - Christmas is Coming

It's Christmas 2012!

Yup, it's that time again, kids. Christmas.Santa's got the elves working overtime, Mrs. Claus is pressing the red suit and shining up the sleigh. They aren't ready for it for it yet and neither am I.

I'm late to start posting here this year. A more organized person, like my youngest sister for example, would've had the gifts bought and wrapped, the menu written up and a year's worth of posts done by February. I'm not her, hence I've accomplished none of those things yet. But I've started thinking about them. Baby steps.

It may be my imagination but I'd swear that Christmas 2012 came around in half the time that Christmas 2011 did. Could be I've just been too busy to notice the passage of time. Yeah, that's it - I'm not disorganized, I'm busy. That's sounds far more productive. Besides, Christmas is always coming, so if I miss one, I'll catch the next.

I can tell you that I do have an idea about the topics this year, which will mention something about tree lights, fiber optic trees, economical gift giving, charity and perhaps some homemade ideas. I've been toying with the idea of dreaming a little and doing a post on expensive gifts, too. Just to see how the other half lives, here in Canada.

As always, you requests and suggestions are welcome, just shoot me an email at iamannea @ yahoo.ca if there's something special you'd like to see on Christmas Canada, or if you're sitting there rolling your eyes and thinking, "Oh, geez! I can write wayyyyy better than that!" I'll give you a shot at guest posting. Yes, yes, you can put one link in your copy. Happy now?

Okay, I'm going to run along and let you get back to your cocoa. Lots to do before Jolly Old Saint Nick comes down the chimney.

Until next time, keep your toque on and remember - never put your tongue on flagpoles in the winter.

Pros and Cons of Artificial Christmas Trees

We've talked about how great real trees are and yes, I have mostly trashed the fake ones. Case in point - see my post about Pink Christmas trees. However jaded I may be about plastic knock-offs, I can see certain advantages to them. In the spirit of fairness, I have come up with a personal list of pros and cons of artificial Christmas trees. If you are more open-minded than I am about them, you may have even more for the 'pros' side.


The Pros of Artificial Christmas Trees

• Saves you having to go out to find and purchase the "perfect" real tree
• More economical - buy once, use for many years
• Predictability - you always know how big it will be and what it's going to look like
• No needles to clean up
• No worry about watering
• The cats won't likely climb the trunk
• Easy to get rid of after Christmas, no dragging through the house and out to the curb
• No worry about placing too close to the heat vent because it won't dry out
• You don't have to worry about or buy a safe tree stand
• You can shape and place the branches to sit where you want them
• If you have the room, you can store them decorated for the following year

The Cons of Artificial Christmas Trees

• You must store them properly to keep them clean and uncrushed
• They can be time consuming to assemble
• The branches can get badly bent out of shaped or flattened
• Initial outlay can be costly if you want a very large or spectacular tree
• They don't look smell like a real tree
• The tradition of family outings to get the tree is lost
• You may become bored with the same tree every year
• Cheap artificial trees look very fake - you can usually see through to the centre

Well, there you have it, my personal list of the pros and cons of artificial Christmas trees. I have a feeling that I'll be adding to this list. Meantime, check out a few of the artificial trees that Amazon is offering this year.

     

Christmas Tree Stands Should Be Safe as Well as Functional

Christmas Tree Stands - Think safety

Are you one of those Canadians who prefers to still have a real Christmas tree? Perhaps you're a true die-hard, trudging through waist-deep snow in the wilds or at a tree farm to find the 'perfect' tree and chop it down with your own, bare hands.

Anybody besides me thinking about Chevy Chase in Christmas Vacation?

There's no question, the smell of a real tree is wonderful but there are different things to consider when setting it up that don't pertain to artificial trees. Like Christmas tree stands. Sure, they're necessary for holding up the tree but they should be safe as well as functional.

When trying to chose from the available selection of Christmas tree stands, there are a few things to watch for, from a safety stand point:

• Think about a big bottom. For the stand, I mean. The wider the bottom, the more stable it will be. This is particularly important if you have a cat or two that likes to climb the tree.

• How easy is it to see the water level and refill? We all know that when a tree gets too dry, bad things happen, like the needles fall off, getting hopelessly stuck in the shag carpeting and your beautiful Christmas tree becomes a fire hazard. By the way, your stand should have a 4 litre capacity.

• If you have my mother's old Christmas tree stand then it will have metal legs. Mom's had 3 and was quite tippy, it's a wonder that we didn't continuously knock it over. When thinking about using a stand with legs, make sure it is very sturdy to avoid accidents, such as an anxious child falling into it and spilling water all over the gifts beneath. It wasn't me.

• Speaking of old Christmas tree stands with 3 legs...mom's had three or four metal screws to hold the tree in place. Invariably, we would spend about an hour trying to get the thing to stand up straight, we always managed to get it crooked initially. We'd tighten the screw on the left, the tree went too far; tighten the right one, it leaned too far the other way. We'd fool around like that forever until we either got it or gave up. If your stand has screws, it's really important that they be made of metal. You need them strong enough to take the weight and pressure of holding that trunk up until you take your tree down. One broken plastic screw could cause you a big problem when your tree falls over and spills water all over the gifts. I've heard that can happen. :-)

If you are sticking with the wonderful tradition of going with the real thing this year, I wish you much luck in finding the one that's perfect you and your family. It will make the holiday extra special for all.

Just please remember: Christmas tree stands should be safe as well as functional.

Unwind with Prelit Christmas Trees

I remember when I was little, watching my mother string large, colourful lights onto the Christmas tree. She'd wind them around and around until she either reached the top or ran out. If she ran out, then she'd have to unwrap them from the tree and start again. Today, my mother wouldn't have to go to all that trouble, thanks to nifty little inventions called prelit Christmas trees.

I'm not sure which benefit of having an artificial prelit Christmas tree I like the idea of best. I mean, sure the lights are typically all of the mini variety and usually clear but hey, I happen to like the clear mini-lights. Besides, the trees usually have a ton of lights on them for a fully, pretty look. Naturally, the best thing of all is the fact that I don't have to put lights on the tree because it's already done and done well at that.

Pre-lit Christmas Trees

As with most kinds of artificial Christmas trees, the prelit variety is available in a myriad of sizes, colours and features.

These are just a few that are available on the market today:

• Prelit Pull up Christmas Trees
• Collapsable Christmas Prelit Trees
• Pre-Lit Flocked Alaskan Artificial Tree
• Prelit Silver Laser Tinsel Artificial Christmas Tree - Clear Lights
• 7.5' Slim Green Pencil Pine Artificial Christmas Tree6 foot Slim No. 2 Pencil Artificial Christmas Tree with Clear Lights

Some of these are pretty funky. Check out the pencil tree. I'd never seen one of those. Think I still prefer a fuller one myself.

If you're one of those purchasing prelit Christmas trees this year, I know that you're going to love not having to wind lights around branches anymore.

Outdoor Christmas Tree Decorations - Homemade Ornaments

Homemade Ornaments for Outdoor Christmas Trees

Well, yesterday I told you that an outdoor Christmas tree would be a nice decoration for your yard, deck, porch or patio. In that post, I mentioned that I would try to come up with some ideas for homemade ornaments that the kids could make, or at least help with, to feel more involved in the process.

Here's what I've come up with so far:

• Pine Cone Ornaments - Use as is or paint/spray paint and hang using yarn, string or strips of plastic. Naturally, if your pine cones need a hole drilled, an adult will have to assist.

• Bird Food Hangers - The large seed bells, suet hangers, etc. Makes a nice Christmas gift for your feathered friends and you don't have to do anything but hang them. There are also several online articles about how to make decorations for the birds. Just do a search and choose the ones that you want to try creating yourself. This is a nice family activity and Christmas tradition that you can start with your kids.

• There is a whole page of ideas for kids crafts on the AllFreeCrafts website. Click on the link then scroll down the page to the Christmas Crafts for Kids section. Not all of them are suitable for outdoors but some are and the rest, your youngsters can make to decorate the inside of the house.

You truly are only limited by your imagination when it comes to homemade ornaments. Why not make something completely unique? Why not give it Canadian theme? It's a great opportunity to come up with new ways to recycle. You might even create something that you'll be able to sell.

If you have photos of your outdoor Christmas tree decorations, feel free to send them in for inclusion in a future post.

Have fun!

Make Your Yard Festive with an Outdoor Christmas Tree This Year

Do you have your lights and decorations up outside yet? If you plan on decorating your house and/or yard, now's the time to do it, before bad weather sets in. Setting up an outdoor Christmas tree may be something you want to consider when deciding how you want the finished product to look. It's probably unique to your neighbourhood, not many people have them, and they look really cool on a porch or patio. Heck, you could even set one up in your carport, if you want to.

If you go this route, it gives you an opportunity to be completely creative. Give your tree a theme and set up the surrounding area to match, if possible. Canadian House & Home has a nice example of that here. They show a picture of a decorated tree on a porch laid out with a Muskoka cottage feel.

Preparing your tree is the same outdoors as indoors, with a couple of exceptions - make sure that your lights are for outdoor use and your ornaments can take snow, rain, wind, etc. Find a level spot, set up your real or artificial tree and start decorating. The kids would probably love to help you, too. It might even be a nice way to show off ornaments that they can make out of weather-proof materials. Come to think of it, I'll see if I can't come up with some ideas for that.

A note about going the artificial route for your outdoor Christmas tree: some may hold up against the weather and weight of snow better than others. If your tree is not in a protective area, you may be taking a chance.

Whether you use the real thing or a faux tree, have fun with it. Think how nice it will look in gently falling snow at Christmastime.

Free Christmas Music Downloads

Now that Hallowe'en is over, everyone's mind is shifting to the Holiday season. I was out on the weekend and the stores are already starting to get pretty busy.

For me, music is a mood lifter and enhancer. To get into the spirit of things, usually all it takes is some appropriate music. I love Christmas songs most all, they work better to put me in the right frame of mind than any other kind. It just works for me.

There are probably a million places where you can get Christmas music, much of it you can listen to for free. If it's just for the personal pleasure of you and your family, you're probably good to go on any site offering tunes at no charge. Just take care that you don't download a virus and if you plan on downloading then uploading to your website, be sure to check the copyright license.

Here are some websites offering free Christmas music downloads that I found.

• Incompetech - I'm sending you directly to the Holiday page. You'll have to scroll down just a little to find the songs. It mentions in the FAQ that while the music is free, a $5 donation is gratefully accepted if listeners so choose to show their appreciation financially to Kevin MacLeod, site owner and musician.

• Christmas with the Swirrels - The kids will absolutely love this one! I'd be willing to bet there won't be a young child who can resist singing along.

• Feels Like Christmas - Once again, I seem to be boasting a (sort of) competitor site but you can't beat free legal downloads, can you? Most of the songs here are performed by independent artists.

• Christmas MPFree - A source of traditional and original, free legal Christmas music downloads.

• EZ Tracks - This site offers up free carols, hymns, orchestral, and kids music by well-known names and in a variety of genres. You can even download your favourite song as a ringtone - for free.

Well, that should be enough to get you started. Now, you can compile your family's best loved Holiday music in preparation for the season. And it won't cost you a penny.

Hope you enjoy your free Christmas music downloads!

Christmas Tree Ornaments - Where Have the Canadian Ones Gone?

Is it just me, or is the world in short supply of uniquely Canadian Christmas Tree Ornaments? Maybe they're out there and I just haven't found them, I'm not a huge shopper and usually stick to online purchases. That is perhaps, the problem.

Last year, I found a few crazy Canuck ornaments, some of them are even still available through Amazon. There were silly, of course, but they did had a distinctly Canadian theme. Not that I would hang some of those on my tree but I'm trying to stick to the blog's point of a Canadian Christmas.

Anyway, I did find a few decorations dedicated to our country. On Amazon, of course. I'll refrain from calling them tasteful.
Hmm, okay not a few, just one. The rest were either repeats of the ones that I posted last year or were American sports ornaments (what??). At least this little guy is cute. They refer to him as a Canadian boy. We grow 'em hairy here in the north. :)

If memory serves me, last year I suggested that you skip the country-specific decorations and use the Gingerbread cookie recipe and decoration instructions to make your own ornaments. Well, I'm giving you the same advice this year. Not an original tip perhaps, but a better looking end product.

For those of you already getting into the spirit of all things Santa, have fun preparing or shopping for your Christmas tree ornaments this year. If you find or make any that scream Canuck, please do let me know.

Pink Christmas Trees - Not Just for Barbie Anymore

Pink Christmas Trees - so Barbie-esque!

Okay, let's have a show of hands - who doesn't love pink Christmas trees? Uh-huh, that's what I thought. My hand was up, too.

Although that much pink makes me think of Barbie and taffeta, there are people who just love the colour on their tree, apparently. I've heard rumblings and rumours that pink Christmas trees are making a come back, I just haven't been able to fathom why yet. I'm not saying they're not pretty, just mentioning that they don't put me in the traditional Christmas spirit. Rather, I get the feeling that little ballerinas in tutus are about to jump out and start performing Swan Lake or something. They truly do make me think of Barbie every time I see one. That's just me, I guess.

Believe it or not, pink Christmas tree sales are on the rise. I've tried imagining a family sitting around fluffy pink boughs, digging out gifts from Santa. I'm usually pretty good at visualization but I just can't pull this one off. If you happen to have a picture of something like that, please send it to me and I'll post it on here.

Actually, I can see a very good and practical use for these symbols of femininity. They would be perfect for brand recognition in the corporate offices of Mary Kay Cosmetics or at a Breast Cancer Awareness function, for example. I can picture the Barbie-esque trees in those situations, just not my (or anyone else's) home.

Just in case, you love pink Christmas trees, here's a few for you to look at:

   

A Buy Nothing Christmas

Some people might think I'm nuts for doing this but I'm going to plug another site here. I came across it while searching for a different Christmas topic and was intrigued enough to go and read this 'A Buy Nothing Christmas' Alternatives page. Just click on the name, it's linked and will take you to where I'm talking about.

There are quite a few suggestions for making low or no cost gifts, adopting an animal species on the brink of extinction, recycling and bunches more, all for Christmas gift giving. The point obviously, is to avoid buying the traditionally expensive presents that have become synonymous with the season.

So many of us suffer overwhelming consumerism at this time of year. We buy stuff nobody needs and that we can't afford. That's not always the case, certainly, but sometimes it seems that things have spiraled out of control. I just think that it would be nice to step back a little and give more from the heart than the credit card. Gee, that sounds a little cynical, doesn't it. Guess, I'd better dig out my Santa hat and start getting into the spirit more myself.

Meantime, check out the site. You might find some ideas that are perfect for the people on your list this year without having to spend a fortune. It's fun to make personal gifts or to give something totally unique and extra thoughtful. The recipients will love it, too!

3 Months to Go Until Christmas...Again, Already!

Wow. Yesterday, I was wearing shorts and tank top in the hot sunshine, here in my little part of Ontario. This morning, I wake up and realize that it's only 3 months to the day until Christmas. Again. Already. Maybe it's me but it seems that it comes around a little faster each year.

Regardless of my perceptions or feelings about the fleeting passage of days, it's time to start gearing up for Santa's annual visit. In the days and weeks to come, I'll be scouring for Christmas ideas, gifts, decorations, crafts and anything else I can find that will hopefully help you get excited about another Christmas in our beautiful Canada.

Here we go!