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Christmas, my favorite time of the year... Though the Christmas season has become quite commercial with displays in stores as early as October, most know the reason for Chirstmas is to celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, the beginning of Christianity.  It is true we are not sure of the exact date when Jesus was born. Some say it was during the spring months, but it is by tradition established more than 2,000 years ago that we celebrate His birth in December. Christians and many non-Christians know the story of the birth of Jesus in Bethleham 2,009 years ago, His life and death on the cross to save our souls and his ascension into heaven, our Easter celebration. However, at this time we are commemorating His birth and what it means to the world and to you.  However you spend Christmastime, I hope you open your heart to everyone in your family, to your circle of friends, to strangers, and most of all to Jesus Christ. There are no strangers on Christmas Eve.  Merry Christmas ~ Joanne   Favorite Foods to Make for the Christmas Season   Browse our collection of recipes in Cyber Kitchen and in our Christmas Recipes sections will make you want to fire up your oven and whip out a mixing bowl.  You can also download cooking and baking booklets.  Recipes from other parts of the world: European ~ African ~ Asian and Pacific Islands ~ North and South American Native Recipes ~ Jewish Recipes ~ Jewish Cooking in America.    Holiday Season is Baking Heaven in Mid-West Kitchen Stacey Reszler's friends in Wisconsin call her culinary skills a gift.  Her husband, Jim, jokingly calls them a disorder. "My husband says I suffer from CFD - chronic feeding disorder. I love having people over. That's the Greek in me. Everyone has a gift; this is mine," she said. "Christmas is special. I always have a tray of cookies put together, and it makes it very convenient and easy to see a friend and say, 'Come on over for some tea and cookies.' You don't have to plan way ahead," she said. We have Stacey's recipes in our Christmas Recipes section. Christmas in the San Francisco Bay Area San Francisco's 2008 Window Wonderland The holiday season is upon us. If this realization makes you feel stressed and overwhelmed, counter it with something meaningful and something mirthful: Head over to Geary Street, along and near Union Square. 1. The San Francisco SPCA Holiday Windows at Macy's 170 O'Farrell and Stockton streets (at Geary Street): Inside the Macy's windows on this corner, homeless kittens, cats, puppies and dogs in need of loving homes romp, play and nap. If you're considering adoption, talk to the SPCA representatives here. Each adoptable animal is medically and behaviorally screened, vaccinated and spayed or neutered. They go home with a 30-day gift of pet health insurance, a free dog or cat advice DVD and more. Through Jan. 1. www.sfspca.org. 2. Safeway Holiday Ice Rink Union Square: Whether you aspire to become the next Shizuka Arakawa or haven't skated before, at this ice rink it doesn't matter. Put on a pair of skates, hold on to the rink's railings, wobble, fall down or gracefully glide along the ice. $4 for children 8 and younger and adults older than 55; $8 adults (50 cents more per person after 6 p.m. Friday). 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, 10 a.m.-11:30 p.m. Friday-Saturday. Skates $4 each and hockey skates $5 each. Through Jan. 4. (415) 781-2688. www.unionsquareicerink.com. 3. Emporio Rulli il Caffè at Union Square Stockton and Post streets: If skating isn't your thing, or you'd like to take a break afterward, pop into this lively Italian cafe adjacent to the ice rink. Order up a prosciutto panini sandwich, a caprese salad, a glass of Italian wine or a beer, a scoop of house-made gelati, a slice of an Italian cream cake or a house-roasted specialty coffee. Then grab a seat at a table outside, which affords views of skaters, backdropped by a soon to be lit 80-foot Christmas tree. (415) 433-1122. www.rulli.com. 4. See's Candies 350 Powell St. (at Geary): Whether it's milk chocolate coins wrapped in gold foil for Hanukkah; a Christmas tree-shaped box filled with butterscotch, chocolate, cafe latte and vanilla lollipops; egg nog truffles; or classic nuts and chews, entering this old-fashioned candy store, with its familiar black-and-white decor, is a holiday tradition for many in the Bay Area. (415) 434-2771 www.sees.com 5. Lefty O'Doul's 333 Geary St.: For generous portions of American comfort food, along with a glimpse back to 1950s San Francisco, stop in for a traditional breakfast or a hofbrau-style lunch or dinner with choices such as hand-carved meats. Named after San Francisco native and baseball great Francis "Lefty" O'Doul, who played for the New York Giants and worked as a coach and manager for the San Francisco Seals, the spot holds lots of baseball memorabilia. (415) 982-8900. www.leftyodouls.biz 6. American Conservatory Theater 415 Geary St.: Remind yourself of the true significance of the holiday season with the American Conservatory Theater's endearing production of Charles Dickens' poignant tale "A Christmas Carol," playing next Thursday through Dec. 27. Tickets: $14-$102. (415) 749-2228. www.act-sf.org. PARKING The Union Square Garage, 333 Post St., between Powell and Stockton streets. Rates range from $5.50 for up to two hours to a maximum of $31. Lost ticket: $31. Open 24 hours, seven days a week. (415) 397-0631. GETTING THERE BART: From the Powell Street Station, take the Ellis/Stockton Street exit to Stockton Street and walk one block up to Geary Street. By car: From the Bay Bridge, take the Fremont Street exit. Turn left onto Howard Street and turn right onto Third Street. Cross Market Street and turn left onto Geary Street. Christmas Tree at Union Square Macy’s Tree Lighting Event to Benefit UCSF Children’s Hospital Lights for this year’s Macy’s annual ceremony celebrating the lighting of an 80-foot Shasta fir in Union Square — the traditional kickoff to the downtown holiday shopping season — are on sale, with proceeds benefiting UCSF Children’s Hospital. The tree is adorned with 21,000 twinkling, energy-efficient LEDs and 1,500 red and gold ornaments. Light Displays Around the Bay Area Interactive Map: 2008 holiday lights around the Bay Area Do you like to drive through neighborhoods to admire the decorating people do to their homes?  Well, now you can find out where they are on an interactive map.  Interactive Map for Holiday Light Decorations to Drive By Around the Bay Area   Is your house decked out for the holidays? List your favorite Bay Area holiday light displays on our interactive map, then click the add button to include your house or one that you recommed worth driving by.   Sausalito's Yacht Parade of Lights. Dozens of yachts and other boats decorated for the season will light up the Sausalito waterfront for the annual holiday parade. This year's event, sponsored by the Sausalito Yacht Club and the Sausalito Chamber of Commerce, is scheduled for Dec. 13. If the night is a clear one, the San Francisco skyline will provide a dramatic backdrop.  www.sausalito.org  Details: 6-8 p.m., along the Sausalito waterfront, from the north end at Clipper Yacht Harbor. Judges' station at the Yacht Club. Free. (415) 990-1630, 32nd Annual Lighted Yacht Parade Slated Encinal Yacht Club — 32nd Annual Lighted Yacht Parade, Dec. 6. Parade will begin just after sunset, around 5:30 p.m. This year's theme is "An Old-Fashion Christmas." Spectators can watch the parade from any waterside restaurant along the Alameda/Oakland Estuary. Public viewing areas will also be available at Wind River Park, Alameda and Jack London Square, Oakland. Details and parade route:  http://www.lightedyachtparade.com Christmas Events in the San Francisco Bay Area Holidays at Dunsmuir The historic estate in Oakland is celebrating 38 years of gracious tradition. This elegant 37-room mansion set on 50 acres is spruced up to welcome the holidays with a full schedule of festivities. Follow docents dressed in Edwardian costumes on house tours through decorated rooms, each a unique statement of jewel-toned ornaments, garlands and whimsy. Come for a cozy tea in Dinkelspiel Cottage or breakfast with Father Christmas, stay to enjoy puppet shows and holiday music and then shop for treasures and ride the festive trolley on a one-mile track around the grounds. Details: 2690 Peralta Oaks Court, Oakland; (510) 615-5555;  www.dunsmuir.org.  11 a.m.-5 p.m. Dec. 6-7, 13-14 and 20-21. Cost: (Advanced tickets) $12 general, $7 children 6 to 13. Tree lighting ceremony: 6-7:30 p.m. Dec. 5. Check Web site for dates and prices for teas and breakfast with Father Christmas.   The Great Dickens Christmas Fair Eat roasted chestnuts and make beeswax candles. Step into your favorite Charles Dickens novel at San Francisco's Great Dickens Christmas Fair, November 28 to December 21. The streets of 19th-century London come alive inside the Cow Palace where you can meet characters from A Christmas Carol, Oliver Twist, Nicholas Nickleby, and Great Expectations. Kids can try their hand at being "printer's devils" at an actual 1860s printing press, learn to tie intricate knots and sing sea chanteys with the Paddy West sailors along a re-creation of a dock, and create holiday gifts such as rolled beeswax candles and miniature wreaths. Info: dickensfair.com. The Oakland Holiday Parade has not only become Northern California’s premier family event, but has become recognized as " America’s Children’s Parade. In December 2007, the eighth annual parade attracted more than 100,000 children of all ages to the streets of downtown Oakland and received television coverage in more than 21 markets throughout the United States, Canada and overseas.  Come see the parade Saturday, December 6th at 2:00 p.m.  For more information, click the image. Christmas on a shoestring If you're on a tight budget this Christmas consider browsing local flea markets.  This list gives you dates, times and locations.Bay Area Flea Markets    The Christmas Tree One therory of the history of the Christmas Trees goes back to the 7th century when St. Boniface, a monk from Crediton, Devonshire traveled to Germany to teach the Word of God.  He used the triangular shape of the Fir Tree to describe the Holy Trinity of God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. The converted people began to revere the Fir tree as God's Tree, as they had previously revered the Oak. By the 12th century it was being hung upside-down from ceilings at Christmastime throughout Central Europe as a symbol of Christianity.  Then in the 1500's the trees were turned upright and decorated with paper, fruits and sweets. Then in 1600's trees were decorated with ribbon, tin shapes, small books and lace as well as food,  In the 1700's candles adorned the trees.  In 1851 Mark Carr opened a retail Christmas Tree lot in New York City, the first in the United States. And in 1856, Franklin Pierce, our 14th President, brought the first Christmas Tree into the White House. In 1923, President Calvin Coolidge started the National Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony now held every year on the White house lawn.   According to the National Christmas Tree Association, there are approximately 30-35 million Real Christmas Trees sold in the U.S. every year.  The top Christmas Tree producing states are Oregon, North Carolina, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin and Washington. (See a Complete List of all 50 states ranked by several variables.) Real Christmas Tree Safety Tips, Not Scare Tactics  10 Biggest Myths about Christmas Trees The top selling Christmas Trees are: balsam fir, Douglas-fir, Fraser fir, noble fir, Scotch pine, Virginia pine and white pine. How Christmas Trees Work provides an avalanche of interesting information and photos about Christmas trees: fresh cut, living, or artificial.  The California Christmas Tree Association has a listing of all the certified Christmas Tree Farms in the state, plus information on where to find certified trees and how to choose a tree.  Take a day trip to a California Christmas Tree Farm or to tree farms in other states. Did you know... Trees absorb carbon dioxide and produce oxygen while growing. North American Real Christmas Trees are grown in all 50 states and Canada. Eighty percent (80%) of artificial trees worldwide are manufactured in China, according to the U.S. Commerce Department. Real Trees are a renewable, recyclable resource. Artificial trees contain non-biodegradable plastics and possible metal toxins such as lead.   Along came Santa Claus and his reindeer St. Nicholas was a man of faith who lived his life in devotion to Christ. Saint Nicholas loved children and cared for the needy. He brings the love of Christ and the healing of Jesus. When we honor this saint, follow his example of selfless giving, we honor the Christ Child who selflessly gave the greatest gift of all—himself.  Read the evolution of St. Nicholas into today's Santa Claus:  Saint Nicholas and the Origin of Santa Claus and see the Timeline of St. Nicholas  and the beloved story of The Night Before Christmas.  Christmas stories from around the world  and more online Christmas Stories.  One of the cutest and most creative is A Christmas Story by Jacquie Lawson Tracking Santa Claus ... You can track Santa Claus from when he leaves the North Pole on Christmas Eve.  Detecting Santa all starts with the NORAD radar system called the North Warning System.  It is available in the following languages: Deutsch, English,  Español, Français, Italiano, and Japanese.  Just click the "Track Santa" image. For more than 50 years, NORAD and its predecessor, the Continental Air Defense Command (CONAD) have tracked Santa. The tradition began after a Colorado Springs-based Sears Roebuck & Co. store advertisement for children to call Santa on a special "hotline" included an inadvertently misprinted telephone number. Instead of Santa, the phone number put kids through to the CONAD Commander-in-Chief's operations "hotline." The Director of Operations, Colonel Harry Shoup, received the first "Santa" call on Christmas Eve 1955. Realizing what had happened, Colonel Shoup had his staff check radar data to see if there was any indication of Santa making his way south from the North Pole. Indeed there were signs of Santa and children who called were given an update on Santa's position. Thus, the tradition was born. This powerful radar system has 47 installations strung across the northern border of North America. NORAD makes a point of checking the radar closely for indications of Santa Claus leaving the North Pole on Christmas Eve. NORAD receives record number of Santa inquiries Questions for Santa ...  As you know,  this is Santa's busiest time of the year. But if it’s re ally important, click here to send Santa an email. His helpers will be sure he gets it. "Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus." "Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus. He exists as certainly as love and generosity and devotion exists, and you know that they abound and give to your life its highest beauty and joy."   ~ From Francis Pharcellus Church, an editor with the New York Sun, 1897, responding to a letter from 8-year-old Virginia O'Hanlon Read Virginia's letter and the editor's reply.  A very heartwarming letter. Christmas Around The World Christmas Traditions Around the World Merry Christmas . . . In which language might you like to say this heartwarming greeting?  Listen to the way Merry Christmas is spoken in other parts of the world.   Fruitcake Love it or hate it everyone seems to have a story about fruitcake.  I happen to be one of those who loves a good fruit cake.  Notice I said "good?"  That's the key.  Many years ago my daughter bought me a fruitcake from Collin Street Bakery and with one bite I fell in love.  Sure, there have been a lot of fruitcakes I've tossed in the trash, but not the ones from Collin Street Bakery or the ones I have on our "Hard to Find Wonderful Things" page from the Monestary Monks. History of Fruit Cake The oldest reference to fruitcake dates back to Roman times. The recipe included pomegranate seeds, pine nuts, and raisins mixed into barley mash. Honey, spices, and preserved fruits were added during the Middle Ages. Crusaders and hunters were reported to have carried this type of cake to sustain themselves over long periods of time away from home.  In the 1400s the British began their love affair with fruitcake when dried fruits from the Mediterranean first arrived.  By the 1700s Europe had a ceremonial type of fruitcake that was baked at the end of the nut harvest, then saved and eaten the next year to celebrate the beginning of the next harvest, hoping it would bring them another successful harvest.  The previous year's fruitcakes were eaten as a superstitious hope that by eating it would insure another successful harvest In the early 18th century, fruitcake was referred to as plum cake and was outlawed entirely throughout Continental Europe. These cakes were considered "sinfully rich" and by t he end of that century laws restricted the use of plum cake. From 1837 and 1901 fruitcake became very popular.  A Victorian "Tea" would not have been complete without the addition of fruitcake.  Queen Victoria is said to have waited a year to eat a fruitcake she received for her birthday because she felt it showed restraint, moderation and good taste.  It was the custom in England for unmarried wedding guests to put a slice of the cake, traditionally a dark fruitcake, under their pillow at night so they would dream of the person they would someday marry. ~ Gingerbread Houses ~ The making of Gingerbread in North America began with the early settlers from all parts of Northern Europe.  They brought their family recipes and customs for the making of this spicy-sweet treat. Gingerbread houses built by my granddaughters For the most part American Gingerbread recipes call for fewer spices than their European counterparts as bakers could not get the array of spices common in Europe and their region in America. For example, Maple syrup gingerbreads were made in New England while in the South sorghum molasses was used. Regional variations began occurring as more people arrived from Europe. In Pennsylvania, the influence of German cooking was great and many traditional Germany gingerbreads reappeared in this area, especially at Christmas time. Make a gingerbread house and so much more.  Step by step instructions and photos will guarantee your success in building your own Gingerbread House by HGTV's Gingerbread House Chef Aaron Morgan Just for fun, try your hand at decorating this Interactive Gingerbread House. ~ Historic White House Gingerbread Houses ~ Lincoln: The Great Emancipator Abraham Lincoln and his wife, Mary, raised their two sons, Robert and Willie, in this Springfield, Illinois, cottage. The only home the President ever owned, Lincoln and his family, lived here for 17 years before moving into the White House during the Civil War. Located on the Ground Floor       F.D. Roosevelt: Purchased by his father James 15 years before his birth, President Franklin Roosevelt's lifelong home was a large frame house called "Springwood" in Hyde Park, New York. The previous owner had built a three story tower and full length porch, but James Roosevelt added two rooms, enlarged the servants' wing, and built a large carriage house for his horses and carriages.  Tour the gingerbread houses of  the nation's Presidents were created by White House staff members and displayed in a wintry forest throughout the rooms of the White House.  See all fifteen. It's quite a treat. Poinsettia The poinsettia (Euphorbia pulcherrima), also known as the Mexican flame leaf, Christmas star, Winter rose, Noche Buena or Pascua, is a sub-tropical plant known for its striking red displays at Christmastime. They are named after Joel Roberts Poinsett, the first United States ambassador to Mexico, who introduced the plant in the U.S. in 1825. Care of Poinsettias nly water when the surface soil is dry to the touch.  Then water until it runs freely out the drainage hole in the container. Discard the water that collects in the saucer. Do not leave the plant standing in water. Overly wet soil lacks sufficient air, which results in root injury. A wilted plant may drop its leaves prematurely, so check the soil frequently. Plants exposed to high light and low humidity require more frequent watering. If wilting does occur, immediately water as described above, and 5 minutes later water again. Place your plant near a sunny window where it will have the most available sunlight. To keep the plant in bloom, maintain it at a temperature of 65 to 70 degrees F during the daylight hours and, if possible, move it to a cooler place at night. Because root rot disease is more prevalent at temperatures below 60 degrees F, do not put the poinsettia in a room colder than this. Avoid exposing the plant to hot or cold drafts, which may cause premature leaf drop. An excellent guide to keep your Poinsettia so it will reflower next Christmas includes step-by-step pictures Poinsettia Trivia Toxicity - Poinsettias are not poisonous. Even though they are a Euphorbia and have a milky sap, there reputation for being a dangerous plant is totally unfounded. Some people may experience some sensitivity to the sap. If exposed simply wash your hands with soap and water. Bracts - What we commonly call flowers are in fact bracts which are modified leaves. This is not an uncommon plant feature. Plants such as bougainvillea and dogwood also use bracts to show off their colors. Cyathia - The true flowers of the poinsettia are small, yellow, round and located in the center of the showy colored bracts. They will fall away in a week or two and leave the bracts. If the cyathia are missing or are being dropped, the poinsettia is not at it prime and should be avoided.   Mistletoe Kissing under the Mistletoe has long been a Christmas tradition.  Using Misteltoe in winter celebrations dates by to Druid priests 200 years before the birth of Christ. The ancient Celtics believed mistletoe had  magical healing powers and used it as an antidote for poison, infertility, and to ward of evil spirits. The plant was also seen as a symbol of peace, and it is said that among Romans, enemies who met under mistletoe would lay down their weapons and embrace. Scandanavians associated the plant with Frigga, their goddess of love, and it may be from this that we derive the custom of kissing under the mistletoe. Those who kissed under the mistletoe had the promise of happiness and good luck in the following year. Mistletoe Q & A Wanna be prepared to do a little kissing, but can't find mistletoe in your neighborhood? Don't worry, you can buy mistletoe online at: More Kisses Mistletoe    Decorating your yard for the holidays If you're decorating the outside of your house this holiday season, you might be like most of us concerned about the high cost of electricity.  Well, not anymore!   Meet your new best friend in holiday decorating . . . LED lights. LED yard lights use just a fraction of the energy of regular lights.  Hardware to make dazzling light displays:  http://www.Lightorama.com Woodcraft Holiday Decorations for your yard http://www.ChristmasDoneBright.com  http://www.ChristmasDecor.net http://www.PlanetChristmas.com  Stunning holiday displays in neighborhoods across America  Christmas Inflatables  Tuff Inflatables - Christmas Shop for inflatable on Google Shop Christmas Inflatalbes.com Shop inflatables and other Christmas decorations Christmas Trees and Inflatables Galore - Overstocked Sale Unique Christmas inflatables and so much more to entertain the child in us all - the above photo of a snow man decorating a Christmas Tree is one of their creative inflatables.       Jesus is The Reason for the Season Wise Men Still Seek Him ~ The Birth of Christ ~ “For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.” -- ISAIAH 9:6  The birth of Jesus    Narrated by actor Dean Jones, God's Story is presented in chronological order and in an entertaining manner. Great for all ages.  Click above image. The HOPE blends the elegance and visual power of a major motion picture with the intimacy of a private conversation. Would you like to know how to be saved? Click image Are You Going to Heaven? Are you sure you know the answer this extremely important question?   How will you celebrate Christmas 2009? - Check all that apply. Will send Christmas cards Will not send Christmas cards Giving gifts, gift cards or money Not giving gifts this year Making gifts Buying gifts Decorating the outside of my home Will not decorate outside Will put up an artificial tree Will put up a fresh-cut tree No tree this year Will stay home for Christmas Going away for Christmas Taking a trip during the holidays Plan to bake cookies, etc. No baking for me, but I'll eat 'em. Christmas is my favorite season I like to listen to Christmas music Secretly believe in Santa Claus Don't care for Christmas. Bah Humbug! View Results Free poll from Free Web Polls    "I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day" I heard the bells on Christmas day Their old familiar carols play And mild and sweet the words repeat, Of peace on earth, good will to men. I thought how as the day had come, The belfries of all Christendom Had roll'd along th' unbroken song Of peace on earth, good will to men. And in despair I bow'd my head: "There is no peace on earth," I said, "For hate is strong, and mocks the song Of peace on earth, good will to men." Then pealed the bells more loud and deep: "God is not dead, nor doth He sleep; The wrong shall fail, the right prevail, With peace on earth, good will to men." 'Til ringing, singing on its way, The world revolved from night to day, A voice, a chime, a chant sublime, Of peace on earth, good will to men! Henry Wadsworth Longfellow first published in 1863 Richard's Promotional Products "For the Good Goods" Personalized items to promote your business Many items can be purchased individually without imprint. Browser our APPAREL CATALOG  and quality business promotions at our GOOD GOODS site.    Promote your business at trade shows with BUDGET PRICED PLASTIC PROMOTIONS Attract more business with quantity items at our main web site RICHARD'S PROMOTIONAL PRODUCTS. We accept Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover, and PayPal.   "I wish we could put up some of the Christmas spirit in jars and open a jar of it every month." ~ Harlan Miller  2008 White House Christmas November 30, 2008 - The tree arrives at The White House Mrs. Bush's Remarks During the Presentation of the White House Christmas Tree on the North Lawn MRS. BUSH: Well, here we are once again. This is the eighth time we've waited for the very first event of the holiday season, and that's when the big tree is brought. This is the Fraser fir for the Blue Room. It'll be the great big tree that this year will be decorated with ornaments from all around the United States, decorated by artists from all around the United States. But this tree is from North Carolina. And I want to recognize the Christmas Tree growers from River Ridge Farms, Crumpler, North Carolina -- Jessie Davis and Russell Estes. They are both growers and they were picked by the National Christmas Tree Growing Association -- Growers Association, and they're represented here, as well, with Mark Steelhammer from the Christmas Tree Growers Association, the National Association. So this is the first event of the holiday season, and as you all know there are many more to follow later this week. We'll announce what the theme is when I give you a tour of this year's decorations. I will have to say -- just a sneak preview -- that this is the perfect theme for this year. So I think you'll like it when we get to see it later this week.  Update: 2008 Christmas at the White House  This year's theme is "A Red, Whte, and Blue Christmas" Looking back: White House Christmas 2007 White HouseTree  |  Presidential Holiday Cards  |  National Tree  |  Menorah Lighting  | Mrs. Bush's Hot Chocolate Recipe  |  Mrs. Bush's other recipes. Take a fascinating tour of Past White House Christmas Trees.  You can order a White House ornament for your very own Christmas tree. Enjoy the spectacular 360 degree tours of the famous rooms in The White House that are all decked out for Christmas.  East Room | Green Room | Blue Room | Red Room | State Dining Room | Center & Cross Halls.   Christmas Shopping On-Line Vermont Country Store - Perveyors of the Practicle & Hard-to-Find Vermont Country Store was featured on Good Morning America.  Where to find the old-time favorites of Christmas' long ago, including such novel items as an aluminum Christmas Tree and electric color wheel.  From candy to home accessories, fashions, fragrances, toys, and so much more.  Definitely worth browsing. Vermont Country Store Online Store    Christmas gift suggestions: To your enemy, forgiveness. To an opponent, tolerance. To a friend, your heart. To a customer, service. To all, charity. To every child, a good example. To yourself, respect. ~ Oren Arnold American Made Christmas Candy Candy Canes Legend has it that in 1670, the choirmaster at the Cologne Cathedral in Germany handed out sugar sticks among his young singers to keep them quiet during the long Living Creche ceremony. In honor of the occasion, he had the candies bent into shepherds' crooks. In 1847, a German-Swedish immigrant named August Imgard of Wooster, Ohio, decorated a small blue spruce with paper ornaments and candy canes. It wasn't until the turn of the century that the red and white stripes and peppermint flavors became the norm. For 200 years, the candy cane came only in one color — white National Candy Cane Day is celebrated December 26th in the United States Each year 1.76 billion candy canes are made — enough to stretch from Santa Clause, IN to North Pole, AK and back again 32 times. Buy Hammond's candy canes online Ribbon Candy Ribbon Candy, a colorful “twisted Christmas candy”, was invented in Winsted in 1883, by Henry O. Atkins. Mr. Atkins opened his own shop in 1887, and named it “Atkins’ Kandy Kitchen”. It stayed in business in downtown Winsted, Connecticut until 1970. Hammond Candy in Colorado is a good source to buy ribbon candy  online. A Lump of Coal Everyone knows that Santa gives all the naughty girls and boys coal for Christmas, but if you’re afraid he might have overlooked someone, you can give a bag of coal yourself.  Hammond's in Colorado is a good buy a bag of coal candy Hammond's makes a large selection of traditional Christmas candy.  It's like turning the clock back to your childhood. All Natural Candy With the increasing number of allergies to some food-dyes, Hammond's has created a full line of handmade all natural candy containing natural colors and flavors including lollipops, ribbon candy, candy canes, sour balls, and hard candies.  Browse Hammond's All Natural Candy "Peace on earth will come to stay, When we live Christmas every day." ~ Helen Steiner Rice The pickle ornament on Christmas Trees A pickle used as an ornament on the Christmas tree seems odd at first, but this is an old German tradition. When decorating the Christmas tree, it was a practice to hang the pickle ornament last, hidden among the twigs.  The first child on Christmas Eve to find the Christmas pickle ornament would receive an extra gift from St. Nicholas. The first adult who finds the pickle traditionally gets good luck for the whole year.”  Buy an authentic pickle ornament made in Germany Fun Stuff Big kids and adlts can play this Christmas word search game online.  Visit the Wilstar Christmas site for games, puzzles and more. Here's an interactive puzzle with a special message just for you. Take a break and enjoy these little flash shows  Make paper snowflakes with these step-by-step instrucitons.  A good project while watching TV. Print a copy of this Christmas Tree for children to color and to use in craft projects. Or print and color this plain Christmas Tree Print out a three-dimensional Christmas Tree and folding instructions.  A fun project for young and not so young. Christmas Carols  - A site devoted to giving lyrics to classic Christmas carols. Enjoy this adorable interactive card from Dan Klimek and also from Barbara Jones.  And The Snowdog - animated e-card by Jacquie Lawson is adorable.  For the classiest cards on the net, see Jacquie Lawson's awesome creations. Preview Jacquie Lawson's cards  You can also sign up for your own membership, too. Remember our Veterans and those in active duty   Our Veterans' Tribute Send a Thank You note to those in active duty

"Be always at war with your vices, at peace with your neighbors, and let each new year find you a better man." ~ Benjamin Franklin New Year History The New Year is celebrated all around the world though not at a single time. This is because people in different parts of the world use different calendars. Some calendars are based on the movement of the moon; others are based on the position of the sun, while others are based on both the sun and the moon. All over the world, there are special beliefs about New Year. Wikipedia: New Year's Day History and Traditions Around the World New Year's Celebrations Around the San Francisco Bay Area It's that time of year again when many people resolve to improve their health. The problem is that most good intentions get derailed within a few weeks. Take the New Year's Quiz Top 10 New Year's Resolutions Popular New Year's Resolutions at the USA.gov site  Tips for Making Good New Year's Resolutions Make this year the year you make good on your New Year's resolutions. This New Year's guide, which features advice from University of Maryland Medical System experts, should help.  Tips on making effective New Year's Resolutions     It's time to hang the stockings with care ... Before you leave, a Christmas Card for you.  I hope you enjoyed our Christmas celebration.   May you and your family have a safe and Merry Christmas and a very Happy New Year!  Joanne and            For information on buying or selling east bay homes, please contact me at 510-429-4800 or send me a note on the Contact Joanne form.  To hear the music again, click refresh at the top of your screen to the right of your browser window. Joanne L. Gardiner, Broker, e-PRO Realtor Advantage Realty Advantage Mortgage Associates 3205 Whipple Road - Union City, California 94587 (510) 429-4800 San Francisco Bay Area  San Francisco East Bay Real Estate Our primary realty service areas in the San Francisco Bay Area: Hayward, Castro Valley, Fremont, Newark, Niles, San Leandro, San Lorenzo, San Ramon, Sunol, Oakland, Foster City, Burlingame, and San Mateo. The types of real estate in which we specialize are:  single family homes, detached homes, attached homes, duets, condominiums, townhomes, garden homes, PUDs, manufactured homes, mobile homes,  income property, investment property, tri-plexes, four-plexes, apartment property, and special use properties such as churches for sale.

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