It’s Saint Nicholas Day

A real-life bishop in what is now Turkey, Saint Nicholas earned his sainthood for numerous miracles, but his neighbors knew him best as a kind and generous man with a great fondness for children. Today, in many parts of the world Saint Nicholas is believed to deliver gifts on the eve of his Feast Day.

How to celebrate this Day:

Tell your kids the story of Bishop Nicholas and how he came to be the patron saint of children. Hold a Saint Nicholas Day party and serve the spicy cookies associated with Saint Nick. Help your children find the true spirit behind Santa Claus by emulating the Bishop's kindness: encourage them to give part of their allowance to a cause that helps children or to buy gifts for a local toy drive. You could also help them gather up outgrown clothes or old toys and give them to a charity. Teach them to make gifts for the special people in their livesand help those in need. All said and done, chant this prayer with them to end this day on a note of goodwill and love.

Tonight when it is dark, Saint Nicholas may come.

He loves to bring a big surprise. He gives the children toys

Cookies, apples, Balls and games, Bells and whistles, Dolls and trains.

Surprises for the boys.Surprises for the girls.

Saint Nicholas is our friend in heaven. He is the children's saint

We thank you, good Saint Nicholas! We thank you for the toys!

We thank you, good Saint Nicholas! You bring us many joys

—Ade Bethune

May your life be filled with loads of success and dreams be fulfilled. May this day bring wonderful surprises and immense luck your way.

Here are some Ecards at http://www.123greetings.com/events/st_nicholas_day/ that you can send all your friends and loved ones to wish them Happy Saint Nicholas Day.

Christmas Gifts For Pets

Pets are not just mere animals or birds; they are inmates of our house and our best mates. They are dearer to us than gold. I recently bought a golden retriever pup for my little niece. So, we decided to do some Christmas shopping for this precious new addition to our family. But hey, why just me? I am sure most of you all are planning to buy the best in town for those darling pets. Look at the list of gifts below and take your pick:

Animal Planet Plush Bone Dog Toy - Medium ($2.95) It’s not a bone to chew and gobble up but nevertheless any dog would love to play around with this soft and colorful toy of a bone.

Rooster Squeak Toy ($12) - A riot of color and sound, the rooster dog toy will keep your dog enthused for hours. Soft, cuddly and safe, just the right mix of ingredients for any pet.

7" Twisted ring toy ($6.99)- Keep your active pet busy with this sturdy, colorful toy It makes playtime fun with a ribbed design that's fun for dogs/cats to chew.

Fat Cat Big Mama's Scratch-o-Rama ($10.39) - Finally! A scratching solution for your cat! Cats love to rub their feet parts over rough surfaces. Clark & Daily Zooming & Nail grooming helps with the following:
1.Keeps claws healthy (& well manicured)
2.Helps stretch and tone muscles!

Heat able Dog Bed ($79.95) - Treat your furry friend to a warm and snuggly haven with this Heat able Dog Bed.

Canine Hardware Large Treat Tote ($8.99) - Perfect for afternoons in the park or training sessions anywhere, the treat tote is a small pouch designed to carry your pet's favorite treat.

Flying Squirrel - Here is one squirrel who won't mind being chased down. For a far flung game of fetch, just grab him by a paw and throw like a flying disk. Remember to snap your wrist while throwing to give him a good spin. His spinning feet create visual excitement for you and your pet.

Grandma Lucy's Freeze-Dried Cat Treats, Ocean White Fish ($7.22) - Pollock filets; sliced, baked and freeze-dried to bring your pet a healthy treat they will enjoy.

Ecards – Wish your pets a very Merry Christmas with these cute and heartwarming Ecards from
http://www.123greetings.com/events/christmas/pets/

Zhivago Hooded Sweater for Dogs, Pink ($11.74 - $12.97)

Orthopedic Bed Plum Paw print ($59.99)

Fashionista Doggie Carrier ($39.99)

Chuck it Launcher Ball Toss Dog Toy, Assorted Colors ($9.97) - The award-winning Chuck it Launcher is a total revolution in fetch technology.

Jingle Bell Collar ($15- $19) - Let your pet revel in the holiday spirit with this festive Jingle Bell Collar.

Ruff wear Go Between Travel Bowl ($12.99)- These waterproof, lightweight, spill proof owls are perfect for carrying pet food and clear water.

Purr Pad 20" x 20" For Cats ($11.74) - The Purr Pad's ultra-soft polyester fibers work as an insulator to absorb and hold heat, keeping your kitty warm and cuddly year round.

Cat Bed, Double Wide, Purple ($23.99)

Paint-A-Birdhouse ($15.95) - Create a special look that your feathered friends will be sure to enjoy with this Paint-A-Birdhouse kit. This kit comes complete with a wooden house, hanging chain, waterproof acrylic paints and paintbrush. Let your imagination loose and create an inviting destination.

Holiday Pet Gift Basket ($10)- Edible rawhide basket, filled with munchy and crunchy treats. - Bagged, with red bow.

4 Pack Cat Toy Assortment ($1.25 each) 4 assorted cat toys per pack, pack contents will vary.

Collared Feed Me Dog Dish ($ 14.95) - This adorable white ceramic dog dish comes with a black denier collar and enamel paw charm. "Feed Me" is printed across the front of the bowl.

Luxury Beaded pet Jewelry – For more click here.

Nite Ize Nite Dog Collar ($19.99) – Your dog will certainly be the centre of attraction anywhere he goes. People will not just admire him but other pet owners will be envious as well. This L.E.D collar makes sure your dog is seen and safe no matter where he goes.

Personalized Pet ornaments

Old Fashioned Radio Aquarium ($39.95) - Treat your fish like celebrities with the Old Fashioned Radio Aquarium. These unique aquariums are shaped like old television/radio sets, so you can watch your fish enjoy the starry limelight of the show!

I can already see your pets woofing and meowing away in delight, so why the delay? Grab these gifts and surprise your pet.

For more exciting gift ideas, drop in at http://shopping.msn.com/content/shp/?ctId=8007

Also check out this amazing Pet blog at http://all-about-my-pets.blogspot.com/

A Santa Cause: A Punk Rock Christmas – Vol 2

Do you like to indulge in a little festive music during the Holiday season but are tired of the usual? Then, check out A Santa Cause: It’s A Punk Rock Christmas – Vol 2, a trendy collection of new and old favorites, played by America’s top bands.The album is a 22-track blend of old classics with a punk twist and new festively themed songs written by the bands. Dave Mellilo has a lively take on 'All I Want For Christmas' . Also awaits some head-shaking fun in 'It Dies Today’s Feliz Navidad', while the likes of Hot Rod Circuit and June breathe new life into 'Happy Xmas (War Is Over)' and 'A Wonderful Christmas Time'. Best of all, however, is MC Lars inspired delivery of 'Gary The Green Nosed Raindeer', a hilarious and timely update on the Rudolf legend. Hear it to believe it.
Let these American bands rock your festive world and make your day. You could also get the album for your teenage son/daughter to make them dance with joy.

Track Listing:

Dave Mellilo – All I Want For Christmas
Tyler Read – New Year
The Format – Holly Jolly Christmas
It Dies Today – Feliz Navidad
Spitalfield – It’s Cold Out There
Meg & Dia – Joey Had A Smoke
Down To Earth Approach – Stay
Daphne loves derby – Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas
Hot Rod Circuit – Happy Xmas (War is Over)
June – A Wonderful Christmas Tree
A change of Pace – Christmas On The Coast
The Finals – Last Christmas
Far-Less – I’ll Be Home For Christmas
MC Lars – Gary The Green Nosed Raindeer
Umbrellas – O, Holy Night
Haste the Day – O’ Come Emanuel
Rediscover – Not Giving In
Brandston – Christmas In Ohio
Action Action – Father Christmas
Brazil – Cities Made Of Snow
Flee the Scene – Blue Xmas
Gone By Daylight – Tell Me Is It Christmas

Christmas Stocking Stuffers

Its not particularly easy to choose gifts for the stockings. Some are either too large to stuff in or too small to please anyone. Its disheartening to find torn stockings hanging on the mantelpiece or lying on the ground because of the improper weight and size of the gifts. But here is a solution. Check out this immensely handy list of trendy, affordable and stocking-friendly gifts that will bring that smile back to you face.

Fine Jewellery by Kohl's (60% off)

Philosophy 3-in-1 ultra rich shampoo, bubble bath & body wash, cinnamon buns ($16)-16 fl oz (473.1 ml)

Lancome Fatale Exceptional Volume Sculpting 3D Comb Mascara ($22)- For those glamorous lashes to die for.

Tavecchi Soft Genuine Italian Leather Card Holder Wallet ($69.90)- A functional yet refined card holder wallet made in genuine soft Italian leather by Tavecchi. Very handy, it will keep organized all your cards with elegance.

Pumpkin Scented 3x6 Electric Candle with Battery Light ($19.99)- To celebrate that perfect holiday mood.

20Q Electronic Questions Game by Radica ($14.99)- Think of something, anything, and answer a series of 20 questions. Then, watch in amazement as 20Q actually guesses what you're thinking. Kids are sure to love this.

Roberto Cavalli Black Signature Cuff Knit Gloves ($82) – A trendy pair of gloves to add warmth and style to your winter clothing.

Franklin Electronic Sudoku Numbers Puzzle Game ($16.99)- Complete empty squares with digits 1 through 9 to appear once in every row, column, and individual block. A wondeful game for puzzle lovers.

Soothing Skin and Lip Therapy ($12)- Soothe away dryness. This healing salve brings immediate relief to dry, chapped lips or minor skin irritations by sealing in long lasting moisture.

LORAC Glam Glitz Glitter Flavored Lip Polish Collection ($25)

You can also fill in empty glass ornaments with candies and chocolates or even jewelerry, and place them inside the stockings.

Gorham Assorted Crystal Ornaments ($19.99)- These crystal ornaments include angels, Christmas tree, a nutcracker, and more. Complete with hanging tassels and gift box.

Mighty Bright Telescoping LED Clip-on Reader's Light ($19.99)- Great for traveling or reading in bed, this book light features a bright, long-lasting LED light.

Fossil Womens/mens Leather Belt - Metallic Weave -($38)

SanDisk Sansa e250 - digital AV player ($104.99)- The Sansa e200 series features a slim new design and a 1.8-inch (4.572 cm) TFT color screen (QCIF+) along with high-quality audio, photo viewing and video playback capabilities.

No Smoking Ashtray ($!4.99)- It's a fine way to tactfully state that there will be no smoking in your abode, yet can serve a smoker's disdain for non-smokers as well.

Amazing Cappuccino Whisk ($9.99)- A simple push of the button on this hand held powered whisk and your morning brew is whipped to perfection. It's great for whipping up omelets, mixing cocktails and even coconut cream pie fillings.

Magnetic Bottle Opener Key Ring- ($13.99)

Watches

Ornament Photo Holders ($4.50)- Decorative chrome-plated wire holders on resin stands serve many purposes for the holidays. Can be used to display favorite cards or photos.

Stainless steel tool set ($25)- Even if he never gets lost in the wilderness, this multi-tool will come in handy in all sorts of circumstances. Included among the tools are: knife blade, scissors, bottle opener, screwdriver, corkscrew, an opener, to name a few. You'll never buy him a more useful gift! And don't forget to engrave his initials for a personal touch to this practical gift.

For more ideas, check out :
http://shopping.msn.com/results/shp/?collID=2852,page=1

Enjoy stuffing your stockings with these small but fabulous gifts.

Picking a Christmas Tree: Tips and Trends

Wish You all a Happy Christmas Tree Week. Planning to buy your Christmas tree? These tips and trends will sure help you select the best from the rest:

How to Pick a Fresh Tree
To guarantee that your tree is fresh, check the needles.
Pine and spruce tree needles should bend and not break and be hard to pull off the branches.
For firs, a needle will snap sharply when bent, like a carrot. Also, a trunk sticky with sap is a good sign of a healthy tree.

Real Trees vs. Fake Trees
Real trees are lovely, but require more work. They must be kept properly watered, not only to stay healthy throughout the season, but also because a dry tree is a fire hazard.
If you are out of the house for most of the day or have a pet, its better to select a fake tree.
The needles from trees, poinsettias and mistletoe can be a threat to your pet because they can cause gastrointestinal problems.

Tree Trends:

• Go Retro
  Go the "old school" way with trees that evoke nostalgia. To create a retro feel, you can use old-fashioned oversized bulbs.

• Metallic
  Metallic trees are perfect for seldom-used areas, such as an alcove under the stairs. Decorate them with silvery gray ornaments and glitter.

• Minitrees
  If you want to try the newest Christmas tree trend, try a minitree.
  "Plant" one in a champagne bucket or a garden planter. You can decorate one with mini ornaments or everyday items like playing cards. These work well on a holiday table, a bar, or on an entry hall table.

• Decorated Bushes
  Decorated bushes make great holiday hostess gifts. Try using a decorated rosemary bush.

• Edible Ornaments in vogue

Cookie ornaments can be baked with ready-made dough, cut into "holiday" shapes, and hung on the tree with ribbons. But they're not the best idea if you have a pet. Candy canes can also be used as ornaments.

How to Make Cookie Ornaments
Buy ready-made dough. Knead in 2/3 cup flour until smooth to increase the dough's density, making it suitable for ornaments. Roll dough. Cut out shapes with cookie cutters. Before baking, use a drinking straw to make holes for hanging. Chill and bake per manufacturer's instructions.
Once cooled, clear out holes with a toothpick. Pipe dots and outlines with royal icing; add silver ball decorations.

Click on the link for more: Christmas Tree Decoration

Since you are already into the mood for celebration, its time to involve others as well. Greet your friends and family and spread the charm of Christmas Tree Week through these Ecards:

http://www.123greetings.com/events/christmas_tree_week/

Christmas Santa Wish List

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Are you ready with your notepads? Why? Coz its Santa List Day today, and its time for you and me to chalk out our wish list. Want to know whats on my list? Here it goes:

• For my Family:

Give them anything and everything they ask for along with loads of sweet dreams. After all, the nicest ones deserve the best always.

• For my Friends:

Merry Surprises. Stockings full of luck, success and blessings.

• For my Girlfriend:

Perfumes- HYPNÔSE, a captivating fragrance for a charming woman with a surprising and intriguing attitude.

Pecan Clusters- To create these tempting pecan clusters, select pecans are rolled in rich golden caramel made with real dairy butter, then dipped in luscious milk chocolate. Sinfully delicious!

• For my Best Friend:

Jackets- Nassau Silk Noile Collection

• For Myself:

Sony Cyber-shot DSC-T50B - digital camera

Playstation PSP System
The Sony PSP portable game system can play games, movies, display photos and play music. It can truly do it all. And the large display and stylish design make it an exciting entry in the portable gaming field.

Gift Certificate to a retuarant where I can treat all my family and friends.

This is my wish list, I am still pondering what to add. Maybe you guys could help me out. Feel free to borrow my ideas and share yours as well. You can secretly tell Santa your wish list by visiting this website: http://www.telsanta.com/santa-wish-list.html

Advent, “The Coming of the Saviour”

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Advent, the period of expectant waiting and preparation for the coming of Christ and celebration of Nativity has begun. In other words, Christmas is here. The focus of the entire season is the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ in his First Advent, and the anticipation of the return of Christ the King in his Second Advent. The spirit of expectation, exultation, anticipation has already gripped me; the preparation for Christmas and the coming year as well as a longing to be delivered from the evils of the world has also cast its spell on me. What about you?

The Advent wreath-It is a circular evergreen wreath (real or artificial) with five candles, four around the wreath and one in the center, to be lit each Sunday. Each Advent candle has a specific meaning associated with different aspects of the Advent story. The first symbolizes hope. The others are organized around characters or themes as a way to unfold the story and direct attention to peace, love and joy. The third (and sometimes fourth) is generally symbolic of joy at the imminence of the coming of Christ.

To make an Advent wreath, begin with a Styrofoam circle, available at craft shops, and cut four evenly spaced holes into which you will place the four candles. Traditionally there are three purple candles and one rose candle (for the third Sunday), but blue candles can also be used. Purple reminds us to turn our hearts toward God; rose is a color of joy. Place fresh evergreen branches over the Styrofoam. Replace them when they dry out in order to preserve the symbolism of the vitality of God's love.

Advent Calendar is a way to keep children involved in the entire season. There are a wide variety of Advent calendars, cards or posters with windows that can be opened, to reveal some symbol or picture associated with the Old Testament story leading up to the birth of Jesus. The world's biggest Advent Calendar is in Gengenbach(Germany) at the front of the city hall.One unique and specialized Advent calendar that can be used is a Jesse Tree.

For more calenders:
http://www.electricdecember.org/06/calendar/

http://www.cresourcei.org/jesse.html

So, fill your hearth and heart with warmth and love to welcome the coming of Christ, our savior. Reach out to all you near and dear ones sending warm wishes through these beautiful Advent Ecards from:

http://www.123greetings.com/events/advent_day/?pos=cl_540