Christmas - One Woman so many blogs

Personalised Book For Your Mother

5/10/2018

The best book to give your mom, no matter what your age, is a 'Why I love My Mother book'.

Some mothers love reading and they might appreciate a romantic novel or even a biography, but there cannot be any mum who would not appreciate her very own, personalised book. This is something which you can create yourself. Even if you are only a child your father, granny or another relative can help you.

But it could be a joint effort with your brothers and sisters.

The book can be as a simple as loose sheets of paper clipped together or something more substantial created in a journal or notebook.

Here are some ideas for creating such a book.

Buy a pretty, large, plain papered book from the store. If Mom likes flowers buy or create a book with that sort of cover.
Alternatively buy a plain covered book and turn it into a collage of relevant family photographs.
Begin by writing your name and age, and the date that you are giving this present to your mum. Your mother will have this to look back on in years to come perhaps when you have grown and left the nest.
Start writing from the heart with as much honesty as possible. You could begin this book one year, perhaps just after Mother's Day, and by the time that day came around the next year you would have a year's worth of happy memories, and perhaps comical anecdotes, nicely collated.
Making it a project for the cold dark days of winter is also a good idea.
And remember you could do the same for dad ready for when Fathers Day rolls around again.

It might be a good idea to jot things down, as they happen, into a rough book. This way the actual gift can be quite neat and you can organise it whichever way you want to.

You can intersperse your writing with family stories, memorabilia and happy memories plus a great selection of photographs.

You will be surprised at how quickly you will fill such a book. The biggest cost in this gift is your time and this will be something which your mother will appreciate more than any expensive gift.

You may also be surprised at the fun you can have putting such a book together; the memories it stirs may be funny, poignant or a mixture of many emotions.

If this book is created with love it will be the best book your mum will ever receive, be read over and over again and really show her that you care. Don't forget as well that you will benefit from this gift by remembering lots of instances, which you may have otherwise forgotten, or would not have even noticed as they happened.

Above all you will realise more than anything just how precious your Mother is to you.

Perfect for Christmas, Mother's Day and Birthdays too!

Gifts for your 60+ woman

24/11/2017

As a woman aged sixty plus what is my perfect birthday or Christmas gift?

All of us are very different individuals and, what someone feels is the ideal gift, may fill someone else with loathing. I suppose some of this will depend on:-

How affluent you, the giver, and the recipient are? If the recipient is relatively poor they may be grateful for a useful present or perhaps even money.
If they have any family such as children or grandchildren.
If they are healthy and fit.
If they are housebound due to ill health then the perfect gift may be something a little different.
What the person in question's outlook on life is. For example are they a young 60-year-old or a geriatric one?

Having thought about all of that though what would, in general, be a great gift for a female sectogenarian?

It is possible these days to purchase a personalised keepsake book from the year of a person's birth. This book will have lots of memorable information about that very important and personal year.

A really special piece of jewellery may be appreciated. This may not necessarily be expensive but something which is appropriate for the birthday girl.
Tickets to a West End show or Broadway musical, especially with an overnight stay at a classy hotel thrown on would be lovely.
How about a long weekend at a local Health Spa, with many treats thrown in?
Tickets for a holiday, or short break, to a destination of the person's dreams.
A family meal out that includes friends and family from far and wide. For some, if this is arranged secretly and thrown as a surprise party, it will be wonderful. However be careful though, as not everyone appreciates surprises. A great mixture of people, from over the years, would appeal to many.
A personalised home movie made by everyone who is close saying hello and reminiscing about each other. This would be great to keep for the future.
Membership to a club, gym or something similar that you know the person would want to join. Perhaps even an art or music class.
Lessons to learn something new, different but perhaps always desired. This could be computers, a craft, a foreign language, playing the piano, pole dancing or whatever.

In general it is best to steer well clear of any gifts that are really household items, such as cleaners and washing machines, as these are neither personal nor appropriate for any birthday, let alone a special one. However, I suppose if the birthday girl is really struggling, and in financial meltdown, a large household gift may be appreciated.
Overall though, if you can make the gift very personal and something that you know they have always wanted, you will be on to a winner. Something luxurious such as an extra special perfume may go down a treat.

Finally how about arranging for a spray of her favourite flowers to be sent every week of the coming year? Now that will surely bring some sunshine into her life and help make her year a truly special one.
Some more ideas
https://www.notonthehighstreet.com/gifts/shop-by-recipient/for-her
http://www.prezzybox.com/60th-birthday-gifts-for-her.aspx

Christmas day needs

13/11/2017

'Tis Christmas Day now
Both far and near
Yet in so many places
there will be little cheer.

Spare a thought then
for others this day
Those with no smile, no joy
coming their way.

The sad and the lonely,
the sick and the poor
those fighting in countries
war torn and more.

If you are enjoying
a Christmas more blessed
is it because you are lucky
and you live in the West?

For all of our troubles,
and all of our strife,
most of us live
a reasonable life.

Some may fare better,
such is the way,
but none should have nothing
this Christmas Day.

Look in your heart
and share what you can.
I bet you are stuffed
having eaten all but the pan.

But Christmas is more
than gifts and pure greed
it is about helping others
especially those in need.

Even giving a little
can do so much good
and happiness is catching
unless your heart is wood.

Santa Claus

13/11/2017

Santa Claus

When I was young
it seemed strange to me
that at Christmas time
I would sit on the knee,
of a rather fat man
all dressed in red
who on Christmas Eve
left presents on my bed.

Just how this man
travelled here and then there
I was not sure
and so I would stare,
when Santa appeared
at our school or a store,
and then in a flash
be gone through the door.

How could this man
ride on a sleigh
that flew through the sky
on our special day?

How could he give
to so many so fast
such beautiful toys
that were made to last?.

The strangest thing though
was that on Christmas night
he would climb down our chimney,
which must have been tight.
So that when we awoke,
early Christmas day,
our presents were there
but not Santa's sleigh.

Still, as we all know,
now we are grown,
mostly its magic
bringing Santa to our home.

Its best not to wonder
just how things appear
but enjoy what you are given
for Christmas this year.

Christmas tree lights

12/11/2017

Fancy new Christmas Tree lights for the coming season? There are many bargains to be had but oh the variety; shapes, colours, styles, energy consumption and more are all up for grabs it seems.

Traditionally a set of Christmas tree lights could last a lifetime and some did! Most parts of the lights were either repairable or replaceable; add to this the fact that in the past a set of tree lights were far from cheap and it is easy to see why they were seldom thrown away.

Each year the same set of lights would be dragged out, tested, tweaked as necessary and hung, often on the same old tired artificial tree. Times were tight and resources meager and so this was common practice unless you came from a more affluent household.

Somewhere along the line Christmas tree lights became much cheaper. They started to be made in a variety of colours, styles and lengths; the wire colour varied and so did the actual bulbs. Indoor, outdoor lights were revamped and brought to life. In the 21st Century more and more Western households hang many sets of lights at Christmas both indoors and out but perhaps the most important set of Christmas lights will be those that adorn your tree.

They and the tree will be the focal point of Christmas in your home.

You may opt to add more than one set of lights but, as some now have 100 plus twinkling lights, one should be enough; it will depend on the size of your tree and what impression you want to make.

Too many tree lights and your ornaments will disappear into nothing; the right amount and appropriate colour, including clear, and your tree will come alive like sparkling diamonds.

One problem with cheaper tree lights is that they may be suspect; always check that they comply with your country's health and safety standards. Many of these lights come from China these days and whilst not all will be faulty by any means there are some unscrupulous dealers in that country.

Another thing to consider is that if you aim to almost have throwaway cheap lights they could damage the environment. Unnecessary waste is never good. The resources used to make a set of lights will be wasted if you simply throw them away each year.

A better option is to go for a mid-price set. One that offers replacement bulbs and the like; one that can be repaired, by changing a fuse for example, and become a family tradition.

LED lights are more eco-friendly as they use less energy but they may not be bright enough for you.

We all have less time these days but our throw away world is bad news. If you can afford to why not buy a good set of classic tree lights, which will not date quickly, and treasure them. Handing family Christmas tree decorations or lights down through the family is a lovely idea.

Whatever option you go for never compromise health and safety. At Christmas Time there is usually news of at least one house fire or death by electrocution, due to faulty Christmas tree lights.

The key phrase should be, If in doubt-throw them out.

You may or may not have already assembled your tree, lights and ornaments. There is usually ample time to bag a bargain especially as far as Christmas Tree lights go; the nearer it is too Christmas the better the bargain will be. In order to get exceptional value for money purchase after Christmas in the January sales.

Always store your Tree lights carefully after Christmas; remember the wiring could become damaged. If you have been able to buy replacement bulbs, just in case, label them. In a year's time you may not be able to find them, nor have a clue which set of lights they are for.

If you buy in the post Christmas sales check the lights over fully working and test before use. If there any faults you will need to get your money back or a replacement. Discovering they do not work the following Christmas could be costly.

For added peace of mind purchase an RCD safety plug to run your lights from. These have come down in price and could be a lifesaver.

How to decorate your Christmas tree

12/11/2017

The following was originally written a few years ago after watching a Christmas themed show on television in which it was stated that the correct way to decorate a Christmas tree was to start with the lights, add the tinsel and then the decorations.

This advice was the reverse to how I had always decorated my Christmas tree.

Now my tree down the years has always looked good though I say so myself. After more than 40 years of marriage to the same guy we have quite a few decorations bought or passed down.

But I am always open to suggestions on how to improve anything or make it easier so I tuned in and listened up.

The presenter stated that her method would guarantee that the lights sparkled discretely onto the tree's ornaments.

My tree as I already said has always looks fab, and received plenty of good comments, so I guess that either way will work well.

But here is the basic advice then, no matter which order you chose to decorate your tree:

Erect your Christmas Tree and measure it. You can do this just roughly but it will help when deciding where to place your tree.
If your tree is going to be in a corner, against a wall, you can economise on the decorations but you do not have to; this may help if you are struggling financially though.
The back of the tree can be dressed minimally and the effect will still be good.
Decide how you want to decorate your tree; that is what order will work best for you. I always place the decorations onto the tree first, then the lights and finally the tinsel; lastly adding any sweets and crackers.
Christmas tree lights have really come down in price in recent years but make sure that you do not compromise your safety in order to save some pennies.
Shop around, as these days there are musical lights, flashing lights, LED ones, outdoor lights, multi-coloured lights, white lights and so many more.
Many people like to colour theme their Christmas tree.
If you want to create a traditional look you could use red, gold and green with lots of tinsel and coloured lights. A pretty fairy on the top of this tree will complete the look.
For a modern, streamlined look stick with silver and a silver star for the top of your tree. White or clear lights will look best here.
Fancy being a little different? Pale blue and silver, pink and silver or purple and silver look quite dramatic together.
Go for a black tree for a total dramatic look.
There is so much choice these days. You can even coordinate your tree with your home decor if you want to.
If money is tight be inventive when decorating your tree.
Wrap various sized empty boxes with Christmas paper and a rich bow. Hang these fake presents on the tree or pile them around the base.
Buy an off cut of felt or velvet in order to make a Christmas tree skirt, to cover the base or stand of an artificial tree. Cut out a circle large enough to cover the base. Hem this material and add a ribbon for adornment and to act as a tie.
Make your own bows with rich ribbon bought quite cheaply. These can then be placed on the tree either randomly or in a neat order.
Collect small bare branches and fir cones; spray these with gold or silver and add to the tree.

These basic guidelines should help even a novice decorate a Christmas tree effectively.

It is always best to place your tree and then lay out all of the tinsel and decorations on the floor. Put the lights in one place on the floor, the tinsel another and the decorations with each other.

This way you can see exactly what you have got.

This may prevent your tree having too many ornaments in one part and empty bare patches in another.

Above all remember that Christmas should be about fun. Try not to make decorating the tree just another Christmas chore. Take your time, have a small glass of wine, or two, and a mince pie, or two, and enjoy yourself.

Tips & Warnings

Make sure that you only buy fire resistant trees and decorations.
Ensure that your tree is placed securely and will not topple over.
If in doubt secure your tree to a hook in the wall.
Do not leave the Christmas tree lights on when you go to bed or are going out of the house.
Be safe and not sorry.

You will need

Ribbon.
Bows.
Glitter.
Star.
Fairy.
Lights.
Decorations or ornaments.
Sweets such as candy canes or chocolate decorations.
Some of the above are optional.

Good storage for Christmas decorations

12/11/2017

Wouldn't it be great to have family tree decorations to hand down to future generations? In order to do just that you will need to make sure that you take good care of your decorations.

The vast majority of tree decorations around these days are practically unbreakable but they are the more run of the mill ones. Extra special tree decorations can still be a little delicate and even those that are tough may still start to look a little tatty without the necessary care.

Good storage of precious Christmas tree decorations can also:-
• Save you time as you will not have to keep shopping for new tree ornaments each year or wasting a huge amount of time decorating your tree as you will know exactly where everything is.
• Save you money as you will not have to purchase over and over again but rather just buy the odd new decoration.

So here are my tips for storing those little tree treasures
1- Always lightly dust your decorations as you take them down to put away for another year. This way they will be in pristine shape next Christmas with little effort.
2- You can just use cardboard boxes but it is better to pack in wooden boxes or crates if possible. If you use cardboard boxes make sure that they are tough and strong. It is often preferable to store the decorations in the original packaging; also, you never know, this way they could become valuable antiques someday.
3- Layer suitable tissue paper at the bottom of the box or an old blanket. Make sure though that there are no fibres which may snag the decorations.
4- Wrap each decoration in kitchen paper or soft tissue paper. This will prevent one decoration scratching the surface of others that are close by.
5- Layer more tissue paper between layers of the decorations.
6- Preferably use a box that has a tight fitting lid. If not make one yourself.
7- Try to ensure that the box is as airtight and as damp proof as possible.
8- Store the box or boxes of Christmas decorations somewhere that will be easy to access the next year but out of harm’s way. A loft which is not damp or regularly accessed may suit. This should mean there is no chance of the decorations getting broken by a silly accident.

Overall

As with anything precious that you want to protect a little thought goes a long way. When you look at how pretty but delicate some decorations are it is obvious that you need to take care of them.

I love my Christmas tree but I am a lazy decorator of it. All of my decorations are threaded with Christmas wrapping ribbon and tied with a generous loop. For the last few years these ribbons have been red, gold and green to match the decorations. This means that every year my decorations are already threaded and good to go. Every once in a while a change of ribbon is all that’s needed. There is really no need to but a different colour can alter the whole appearance of the tree and its decorations.

Amongst our home Christmas decorations there is one that was mine as a child, a few that were my mother-in-laws and even one that was my Grandma's which dates back to WWII. These may not look full of glitz or glamour but they are heart-warming at Christmas-time.

The Changing face of Christmas

10/10/2017

The changing face of Christmas

Christmas has changed down the years. This has been due to many things, including technological advances but Father Christmas is still a magical constant, isn't he?

Christmas remains a magical time of year for children. For those of the Christian faith it is a time to come together and celebrate the birth of Jesus. Families still tend to use the time to reinforce relationships and of course giving gifts, for some, is the best bit of Christmas.

Christmas has changed down the years though and never so much as in the 21st Century.

Has Santa been able to keep up with modern advances? Of course he has, what a question.

The Internet
Computers and the spread of the Internet has probably single-handedly changed so much of our lives and Christmas. People are less inclined to shop on the actual High Street anymore but rather virtually, online.

Christmas Cards look set to die a death with many people these days preferring to make a donation to a charity instead or send an electronic card. However if you do send and receive traditional Christmas cards they are still fun. Yes they can be costly to post, dust gathering and a pain to display but once they are in situ they add to the Christmas feel of your home.
Then there is Santa

Santa Claus, Father Christmas or plain old Santa, call the big guy what you will has changed little down the years. That is his magic. The elves who work hard alongside Santa at the North Pole have been able to utilise modern advances though which means they can make more gifts than ever before. This has proved useful with an ever increasing population in the modern World.

In the 20th Century there were destructive World Wars. With resources at a premium the gifts were less awesome but one way or another Santa always got through. Wars are taking hold in some places again but Santa's use of modern technology means he can cope much better than in the past.

Santa's sleigh has also been upgraded to help Rudolph and the other reindeer get Santa around the globe faster. There are few if any undiscovered countries these days and the same goes for those that used to be uninhabited. This would have put an impossible burden on Santa and the reindeer. Thank the Lord for modern technology.

Challenges for Father Christmas

In the 20th and 2ist Century Father Christmas has faced many challenges, not least a lack of belief in the Big Guy. Added to this people have built homes with no chimneys and fireplaces, have blocked off old chimneys and more. Modern day security systems have been a further challenge for St Nicholas, that is Santa. Thankfully he has an excellent team of experts that help him all the way. Just as technology has moved on so has the magic of Christmas. It has had to. Failing to keep pace was simply not an option.

As far as believing in Santa goes that is down to us. There is not much he can do. He never could. Perhaps in the past believing was easier but it is still possible. Just hold the spirit of Christmas in your heart as you search the night sky for a glimpse of his sleigh. I bet if you look hard enough and listen intently you will see a brief flash of red as the gift giving team race across the sky. If he proves too fast these days you will surely still hear a tinkle of sleigh bells.

Track Santa's journey

One useful tool that could help you catch a glimpse of Santa, Rudolph, Blitzen and the other reindeer is the NORAD Santa tracking System. It is not active until Christmas Eve. The timescale for this event varies according to where you are in the World. Santa has a job keeping up with time differences but he usually manages to. Again it is modern technology with sophisticated sensitive world clocks that help him on his travels.

The NORAD site is already preparing for Christmas Eve, fine tuning its tracking systems and more. If you want to see how it's going check here.

Christmas Treats

One of the things that has had a negative impact on some traditional Christmas foods is their all year round availability. These days you can buy mince pies or have a "Christmas dinner" at almost any time of year. As a child in the fifties certain food stuffs were not readily available. This meant that some foods were only available for a short time. That made them extra special.

In the past more of the Christmas fayre was made at home at not store bought. Home made Christmas pudding, sweets cakes and Christmas biscuits all added to that special feel. With modern appliances that help cooking and baking time in the kitchen it has never been so easy to get stuck in and make a wide range of Christmas foods. Yes there is a little effort involved but that superior taste will be well worth it.Yes the face of Christmas has changed, some things for the better and some not. Father Christmas remains an eternal part of our celebrations though and long may he do so.
Season's Greetings folks.

Giving the gift of time

9/10/2017

Time is a precious commodity

21st Century living for most people is hectic. Time is one of our most precious assets. As such we guard our free time, however brief, from unnecessary intrusions.

An older person however may have too much time on their hands. A depressed person may have all the time in the World to sit and think but that may not be the best option.

Time is funny. Too much free time can in some cases be as bad as not having enough time. This is not governed by age, money or your sex. Loneliness at Christmas is terrible. Some people can feel lonely in a room full of people but there will be others who will not see or speak to a soul over the Holiday Season.

For them the gift of your time is as valuable as giving them a million dollars.

Family, friends and the Community

If you look no further than your immediate neighborhood there are bound to be people who could use some of your time. An elderly person with no immediate family may love a little of your time. It could be used to complete a few chores that have become impossible tasks to the person or just to have a friendly chat.

There could be a sick neighbour who has a dog that needs walking, shopping to collect, a Christmas tree to put up, Christmas Cards to write and post or any number of minor jobs which have become insurmountable tasks.

Local charities

Local charities would probably love a little of your time, especially at Christmas. The people who work at services such as dog rescue centres are often volunteers. The animals will need feeding, walking, cleaning up after, grooming and more whether it is Christmas or not. Giving a little of your time will ease the burden on the volunteers. It will allow them a little extra time to spend with their loved ones over the Holiday Season.

Hospitals and residential homes may equally value a little of your time. It may be helping with chores or visiting patients and residents who have no family who can visit. Homeless shelters are sadly on the increase, especially during the Christmas period. An extra pair of helping hands will be welcomed here for sure.

In the UK hospitals have a volunteer service which operates throughout the year. A few extra helping hands at Christmas are very useful. Check out what you can or cannot do in good time before Christmas. Even volunteers will need to have CRB, police checks, to make sure that they are suitable to work with chldren or vulnerable adults.

Make it official

Get busy on your computer and create a Christmas gift certificate of time. Include who you are giving the gift to, what it is for and how much time you are giving. This gift could be perfect for grandparents or parents. It could be a promise of a garden make-over in Spring, the re-decoration of a room, a weekly allotted time for shopping ot whatever you know will be important to the recipient.

Above all use your imagination and cater a gift of time to suit the person or persons on the receiving end.

If money is tight time may be all that you have to give but it could be the best gift received this Christmas.

Volunteering:
Become a hospital volunteer

Sourcing good but cheap Christmas gifts

9/10/2017

No matter what time of year it is Christmas is never far away. Each year the cost of Christmas increases and yet for many people their income will not have done so. Having said that, experiencing a great Christmas is about more than just spending too much money.

The secret of enjoying a great Christmas is about family, friends, celebrating the birth of Christ, and of course it is about children. Gift giving is an integral part of Christmas celebrations around the world but can be a worry. We all love to see the recipient's eyes light up when they open their Christmas gift but spreading such pleasure can be costly. However in reality it does not have to cost the earth.

It’s never too early to buy Christmas gifts

Forward planning is essential if money is in short supply; even if it is not why spend more money on Christmas gifts than is necessary? Shopping for Christmas gifts throughout the year means that you can take advantage of sale prices and special deals.

Free gifts
Believe it or not there are some suitable gift items that are free or almost free. Consider:

Saving club-card points such as Tesco's in the UK and using them to purchase Christmas gifts.
When you purchase some items, such as those in the Clinique range, for example, a bonus free gift is given. These free gifts can be fairly substantial. Either use for a Christmas gift or toward a Christmas gift.
Save vouchers earned from completing surveys through the year and cash them in at Christmas for some or all of your gifts. Be careful if you are saving such vouchers that the store does not cease trading before you can use the vouchers.
Save any money gained from a cash-back Internet site and use for Christmas gift shopping. Buy the gifts from these sites and start building more cash-back.
These free gifts can be fairly substantial. Either use for a Christmas gift or toward a Christmas gift.
Save vouchers earned from completing surveys through the year and cash them in at Christmas for some or all of your gifts. Be careful if you are saving such vouchers that the store does not cease trading before you can use the vouchers.
Save any money gained from a cash-back Internet site and use for Christmas gift shopping. Buy the gifts from these sites and start building more cash-back.

Do it yourself gifts.

Do it yourself gifts are those that you have made or assembled yourself. For example, how about:

Collecting suitable toiletries throughout the year and packaging them in a nice Christmas gift basket. The gift can be personalised with Christmas wrapping paper and bows making it look far more expensive than it actually was.
Utilise your creativity and make the Christmas gift. Try making wine, chutneys, pickles, sweets and candies, cakes, soaps and more.

The initial outlay will be small and such a gift is sure to please. Package the gift with all the trimmings in order make it great on the eye.
Bake and attractively decorate a batch of cookies. Package into a lovely Christmas themed jar.
If you are good at do it yourself, such as woodwork, make attractive book ends, a magazine rack, a computer mouse holder or book shelves.
For those with an artistic streak create a work of art, embroidery, knitting, glass work or pottery. There are endless possibilities.
Hunt for bargain books and DVDs and then personalise the covers with appropriate protective jackets.

Record yourself reading a short story onto a cassette or CD. This would make a great gift for grandparents whose eye sight may be failing. The bonus is that they will love that it is your voice they can hear.
Buy a pretty but basic photo album or scrap book early in the year. Throughout the year add photos and notes that will interest the recipient.

How to buy cheap Christmas gifts

If you have started shopping for Christmas gifts early in the year you should be able to take full advantage of the January sales. Make sure however that you do not buy items that will be unpopular or unfashionable by the next Christmas.

Try to think of a few suitable gifts for each person on your Christmas shopping list. Use these ideas to research the Internet. Ensure that you use websites where you can compare prices. This should enable you to secure the best price around.
Remember that gifts can appear far more expensive with some added touches such as stylish wrapping paper and bows.
Check out websites such as EBay to see what may be suitable for a Christmas gift.
Always have your Christmas gift list in your purse or wallet. This will mean that you can check it if you think you may have spotted a possible bargain gift.

You will need
Imagination.
Forward planning.
A list of those you want to buy a gift for.
Some current knowledge of the recipient such as age, hobbies and interests.
To always have some cash set aside for Christmas gift shopping.

Tips & Warnings
Shop early for Christmas gifts. Remember the best bargains are soon snapped up.
Research on-line for special offers.
Use cash-back websites when possible.
Keep your eyes open for potential Christmas gifts and ideas.
Avoid using a credit card to purchase the gifts. In the long run using such a card will make them expensive.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=yAM1OIb-aMI

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