Artifical Christmas Trees - Season Dreams Christmas

Christmas Tree Topper Ornaments

2008-01-19T06:46:00.001-08:00

From my childhood memories, pride of place on the top of Christmas tree always went to a fairy dressed in white. Or was it an angel? No, I'm sure it was the Christmas fairy; and she was usually last to go on the tree apart from the tinsel. One thing for sure, it was always after the other tree ornaments such as the hanging balls.

Life has become much more competitive since then, and the Christmas tree topping fairy has lots of competition now for the top spot, the Christmas-ornament-in-chief position.

So what competition does the classic Christmas tree fairy have, that will confine her to history as the star ornament. No, perhaps writing her off like that is premature; I should first mention that if you want a classic, antique Christmas tree fairy as your top tree ornament, then you can still find them; tracking them down online is not difficult.
Aside from the nostalgia, though, there really is a big choice of Christmas tree toppers Christmas tree toppers these days. The fairy has a close ally, an angel, competing for that top spot as a Christmas tree character, and even Santa Claus has been muscling in on this prime real estate, presumably tired of being stereotyped as a chimney person.

I'm not sure if Santa is aware of this, but his insubordinate reindeer are also seeking the limelight behind his back, and will no doubt be seen this Christmas atop many a Christmas tree. Also, the increased fame of snowmen has gone to their heads a bit, and they too may be seen smiling out from the top of lots of brightly decorated trees.

Pride of place on the Christmas tree may also just go to a shape. A star can claim some relevance to Christmas, but other shapes too may be found in the Christmas-ornament-in-chief role.

While the Christmas tree fairy was usually a doll, nowadays you get all sorts of designs and materials. Hand painted metal, for example, is now common. As always, though, it is down to budget and taste when it comes to buying your Christmas tree toppers. But at least, you can be grateful that you have a choice that is now quite varied. That used to be far from the case.

Your Christmas tree ornaments can, this year, bring a touch of uniqueness for your visitors to enjoy; and you of course!

This Christmas ornament article was written by Roy Thomsitt, owner author of the Xmas-Ornament website.

Relax, get in the Christmas spirit, and read Roy's new Christmas Story, for adults or children, about Santa Claus and a little girl living on the edge of a tropical rainforest.

Twelve Tips For Decorating a Christmas Tree

2008-01-10T06:45:00.000-08:00

Sometimes decorating a christmas tree can seem so complicated that you feel like singing "Uh oh christmas tree" rather than "Oh christmas tree. Whether you are decorating a natural evergreen or an
artificial tree here are some tips for making the entire experience a little less disorganized.

1. I know this article is supposed to be about decorating a christmas tree but let's start first with removing the decorations. Think back to last year. Did you just strip everything off the tree and throw it in a box? Are your christmas tree lights all gnarled up into a snarl? Are the limbs of your artificial prelit christmas trees actually stuffed inside your golf bag? This is how you end up with a bad case
of Uh oh christmas tree. I am sure you have heard of that old saying "as it begins, so it ends and so it begins again." This applies to decorating a christmas tree as well. This year, you are going to swear to pack up everything in an organized way so that you don't waste time sorting through damaged ornaments and piles of old tinsel.

2. Whether or not your tree looks really good might be dependent on what kind of tree you choose. Believe it or not there are some species of trees that are easier to decorate than others. Pine is the
type of evergreen tree that is voted most likely to lose its needles and turn into a version of the pathetic Charlie Brown Christmas tree. The best types of trees when it comes to holding ornaments are firs and spruces. This is because their branches are the sturdiest. Of course if you are decorating an artificial prelit tree than this tip is really not much use to you.

3. If you are decorating a christmas tree that is real make sure it is fresh. You can tell if a tree is fresh or not by bending the branches. If the branches bend a bit that means it is full of moisture and more likely to support a christmas decoration. If it snaps, don't buy it. It is too dry to support decorations and likely to spill its needles all over your floor too.

4. If you are buying a natural tree, remember to put the Christmas mat below it before you put it on the stand. Some christmas tree skirts and mats come with a slit in the center and buttons or Velcro
fastens others. Make sure you note what kind you have before you t the tree on the stand as you can't slip a christmas tree skirt over the tree's head like a person would a sweater.

5. When decorating a christmas tree make sure that you unsnarl the lights before you try to drape them around the tree. It is also safest to make sure all the bulbs are working before you try to do
this too. There is a tiny chance that if you try to change burned out christmas bulbs while they are on the tree that a spark could ignite the tree and turn it into a christmas candle.

6. You may have heard that decorating a christmas tree with electric lightbulbs is much safer than decorating them the old fashioned way with candles. This is true as long as you obey one cardinal rule: don't rest a bulb directly against the branches of the tree. Like the old fashioned candles, hot christmas bulbs can heat up needles and catch fire. This is especially true if you shopped for a christmas tree at the last minute and ended up with a dry tree. The absolutely safest trees to buy are prelit artificial christmas trees as some of them have automatic shut-down features if they get too hot.

7. If you have lots of pets and children running around during the holiday season an artificial prelit tree might be safer than a natural one with bulbs strung around it. There is less risk of tiny fingers pulling bulbs down or getting electrocuted. There is also less danger of pets and children swallowing the needles that are shed from natural trees.

8. Decorating christmas trees is ultimately all about proportion. When hanging decorations put the largest sized decorations at the bottom and the smallest one at the top. The effect is just more
pleasing to the eye.

9. When decorating a christmas tree it is best not to throw clumps of tinsel at the tree as if they were handfuls of spaghetti. The most attractive effect is achieved by hanging clumps of tinsel just at the
very edges of each branch. Think a bit about how real icicles look when they are hanging from real trees.

10. Do choose a theme for your tree. Choosing a theme and sticking with it gives you the most fashionable looking tree. You can choose a color theme - sticking to gold, silver and red or pink and gold only (which looks great on a white prelit artificial tree) or you can style the tree after traditions such as the German style tree (decorated mostly with food), the Victorian style tree (decorated with tiny detailed ornaments and lots of angels) or the Country style tree (decorated with glass balls, wooden ornaments and plenty of flocking to simulate snow.)

11. When decorating a christmas tree remember to make it uniquely yours by adding heirlooms that have been passed down from generation to generation. Another nice touch is Christmas cards or cookies and candies that you have made in your own kitchen. This gives your xmas tree a unique personal touch.

12. Whether you are decorating a natural or prelit artificial tree remember that less is always more. Otherwise the tree could look very cluttered is is not just the general rule of thumb of christmas tree
decorating. It is a golden rule that applies to all interior decorating.

For more information on Christmas trees, visit
http://www.o-christmas-tree.com - a year-round resource for all your christmas tree and decoration needs.

How to Decorate Your Christmas Tree

2008-01-01T06:43:00.000-08:00

Did you ever look in the windows of those grand department stores and wonder how they got their Christmas trees to look so perfect?

It's not nearly as difficult as it looks. And I'll share the secret here.

1. The tree - not that it matters a whole lot what the tree is, but my favorite tree is the fat rounded kind with branches that allow a bit of space between, but not so much that you can see through them. I love the smell of fresh pine. But in my particular case, with an allergy to pine, I find the most adorable fake tree I can find and make it look as much like a real tree as possible.

2. The lights - Whatever kind of lights you choose, get enough to cover the tree well, but if you are going to add ornaments, you need less lights and more sparkle. I like to bury the lights just a bit inside the branches, so I add the lights as I put up the branches a couple of rounds per layer, so there's some depth to the tree, a few glowing lights hidden inside the branches.

3. The garland - If you want garland of some kind on your tree, now is the time to add it. After the light are on, the tree is up, walk around the tree with the garland in your hand and drop generous swags of garland between the branches of the tree, allowing them to fall freely and gracefully. My favorite garlands are thin ribbon with a nice satin sheen to reflect the lights, beads, or for a natural look, some popcorn and dried berries strung on a thread.

4. The ornaments - A wide variety of ornaments depicting a specific theme work very well. My ornaments are mostly gold and white with some dark red or Christmas red and Navy blue thrown in for accent. I have angels, drummer boys, toy soldiers, glass orbs, stars, sleighs, a rocking horse or two, some crystal bells with carved ornaments inside, and some crystal ornaments with imprints of the nativity. When I look for ornaments, I look for things that say "Christmas" to me, and fit in the color scheme I've chosen for my tree.

Occasionally, my kids get the better of me and we use colored lights instead of white lights on the tree. Those years, anything goes on the tree branches, and we've done everything from stuffed animals and hot wheels cars hung in the tree to paper ornaments cut out of colored paper. Spirals, paper chains, and glued ornaments with glitter all go in our collection.

5. The topper - Whatever you want to put on top of your tree - make sure it's big enough to be seen. Our tree usually gets an angel or a star. I have a selection. My tree is 7 feet tall, and my star is well over a foot tall. My angel on the other hand is not so big, because she's always competing with the angels on the tree - so she can't be too huge.

If it's a color year, we make a new star out of colored paper or fabric and attach all kinds of shinys to it with glue. Last year, we had a bright yellow star with silver glitter and gold braid along the edges of a six pointed Star of David. It was awesome.

6. The tree skirt - Under it all you need something to hold the packages, and the finish it off. I have a white braid and ribbon skirt this year. It started out as a circle of cloth and I was just stitching some ribbon along the edge - I ended up with layers of ribbon spreading out around the base of my tree. The best part is, I don't have to put many presents under a tree that has a great skirt.

I've found a great adornment for my Christmas tree is a nativity that I can set under the edge of the branches, in plain sight. The star on top is a special touch - and the boughs of the evergreen protect it. Everyone notices the nativity under the tree, and I have a special place where children look and ask questions, so I can tell them the story of Jesus birth.

Of course, there's another nativity on an end table, another in my dining room, and another in each of the bedrooms, because I love nativities.

After all, what is Christmas all about?

Merry Christmas!

Share the season of giving! Enjoy the blessing that is yours for the taking, by giving to others.

At eBiz Blitz we care about your business. Let us help you make the most of your internet business with Dynamic Content for your website. http://www.freewebs.com/ebizblitz

Legends of the Christmas Tree

2007-12-01T06:42:00.000-08:00

The Christmas tree is a much loved symbol iinstantly calling up images of gifts and family jollity. There are many beautiful connections to ancient traditions. Egyptian and Roman customs, early Christian practices and Victorian nostalgia are all combined in our modern Christmas tree.

The Greek Fir is commonly used as a Christmas tree. Ancient Greeks called the tree "Pitys" and, together with the pine-tree, it was sacred to Pan. Legend tells us Pan was once in love with a nymph called Pity, as was the god of the North wind. Pity chose Pan and the wind god, insulted and humiliated, blew her over a gorge to her death. Pan found her lifeless body and turned her into his sacred Fir-tree. Ever since, whenever the North wind blows, you can Pity crying and her tears are the droplets of pitch that leak from the fir-cones every autumn.

Since ancient times, evergreen trees have been revered as a representation of sexual potency and fertility, and played an important role in Winter Celebrations. Perhaps the Christmas tree is a watered-down version of the Scandinavian Yggdrasil, the Great Tree of Life. In Northern Europe the evergreen was a reminder that the long dark nights of Winter would end and the green of Spring would return. For Saturnalia, Romans would decorate their trees with suns, candles and small pieces of metal and today we still carry trees into our homes and adorn them.

During the winter solstice, Egyptians carried green palms into their homes to symbolise the triumph of life over over death. Living trees in large tubs were brought into homes during the old German feast of Yule. Prince Albert, husband and Consort of Queen Victoria, carried on this German tradition by adorning a tree with candles, candies, fruits and gingerbread. Although generally adverse to anything German in origin, the English public held great affection for their Queen and soon adopted the custom for themselves.

Some say the Christmas Tree has evolved from Paradise Plays. From the eleventh century, these popular religious plays were performed outdoors and in churches. It told the story of the creation of Adam and Eve, their sin, and their banishment from Paradise. The only prop on stage was the "Paradise tree," a fir tree adorned with apples. From this tree, at the appropriate time in the play, Eve would take the fruit, eat it, and give it to Adam.

One legend tells of St. Boniface who encountered some German pagans about to sacrifice a child at the base of an Oak tree. He cut down the Oak to prevent the sacrifice and a Fir tree grew in its place. St Boniface told the pagans that this was the Tree of Life and represented the Christ.

Another delightful legend is told of the time the Holy family was pursued by the soldiers of Herod, when many plants offered to provide them with shelter. One such plant was the Pine tree. With Mary too weary to travel any longer, the family stopped at the edge of a forest to rest and a gnarled old Pine grown hollow with the years invited them to rest within its trunk. Then, it closed its branches down, keeping the family safe until the soldiers had passed by. As they left, the Christ Child blessed the Pine and the imprint of his tiny hand was left forever in the tree's fruit...the Pine cone. If a cone is cut lengthwise, the hand may still be seen.

Martin Luther also features in the legends of the Christmas Tree. Late one night the founder of the Protestant religion was taking a stroll through the woods. The sky was clear and many stars were shining through the branches of the trees, giving the impression of twinkling lights. Luther was so captivated and inspired by the beautiful brilliance of the sight that he cut down a small evergreen and brought it home. He recreated the stars by placing candles upon the tree's branches to imitate their radiance and presented it to his children.

Whatever legend pleases you, make sure to pass on the story when you gather around your own Christmas tree.

Susanna Duffy is a Civil Celebrant, grief counsellor and mythologist. She creates ceremonies and Rites of Passage for individual and civic functions, and specialises in celebrations for women. http://celebrant.yarralink.com

7+ Top Types of Real Christmas Trees

2007-11-23T21:02:00.001-08:00

There are several types of real Christmas trees, all of which are a cheap choice over artificial. The most common types of Christmas trees are the six-foot Scotch pines, which fit nicely into the average home living room.

One type of Christmas tree is the deodora cedar, which has blue-green short needles with pendulous needle tips. Another cedar, the Eastern red, has shiny dark green leaves and gives off a great scent, though it's sticky to the touch and will only last 2-3 weeks. As this tree dries out quickly it is best used in a humid climate.

One of the most popular of Christmas trees in the southeast part of the U.S. is the Leland Cypress, with dark green or gray foliage. Its branches are feathery and its scent is pleasant but light. This tree is ideal in the home of allergen-troubled folks.

The Douglas fir is a popular type of Christmas tree, and easily flocked. It has a great fragrance and lives longer than a lot of other trees. Its leaves are either dark green or blue. Its sister fir, the Fraser, has needles that are flatter and dark green. It holds its needles well and gives off a pleasant aroma. For a more citrus aroma from your Christmas tree you should choose the grand fir, with dark green shiny needles. If you want a more durable tree that can hold your heavy ornaments the noble fir is a great choice. It lives longer and healthier as a Christmas tree and makes an attractive, strong and durable wreath as well.

Pine and spruce are too other commonly used types of Christmas trees. The pine has a great fragrance. The spruce however, dries quickly and its needles drop rapidly.

Nancy Fitzgerald makes it quick and easy to find the best Christmas trees Read expert information here.

Pine Artificial Christmas Tree Reviews

2007-11-22T06:25:00.000-08:00

GE 3' Monroe Pine Artificial Christmas Tree - Clear Lights Pre-Lit

Monroe Pine Artificial Christmas Tree
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3' Monroe Pine Pre-Lit Artificial Christmas Tree
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22" base diameter
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Traditional Christmas Tree Decor

2007-11-21T06:19:00.000-08:00

The two most traditional styles of christmas tree d้cor are Country and Victorian. The Victorian style of christmas tree d้cor is definitely more expensive than the Country style, which can be created from cheaper decorations, fabrics and materials. On the other hand the Victorian style is older and is very well suited to the corner christmas tree or the tall slim artificial christmas tree.

The country style of christmas tree d้cor is definitively American and actually didn't come into style until the 19th century. The look of this tree is rounder and fuller than the Victorian style. It incorporates the chubbier look of a natural pine. However any kind of fir tree is used as a Christmas tree in the United States.

If you like the look of the chubbier country style christmas tree but it is too big to fit into your space, then you can consider buying an artificial corner tree that looks like a pine. It is the fatter, squatter girth that you are looking for when you shop for this and christmas tree decorations online. However remember that for the tree to be truly rustic it should be a real one! You can get a real tree delivered to your door in time for xmas at www.hammacher.com.

The key to creating your own country style christmas tree d้cor is to think in terms of the traditional colors of red and green. For a truly authentic effect don't use tiny twinkling mini lights, rope lights or fiber optic lights to light up this tree. Nothing will do but the old fashioned, vintage style red, green, blue and yellow egg shaped lights. At the very least try to use red and green lights.

The christmas tree d้cor for a country style tree is quite rustic. The materials that are used to decorate this type of tree are usually made of wood, tin, stuffed toys, velvet, ribbon, glass and tinsel.

Wooden ornaments can include items such as miniature sleighs, replicas of food and carved figures of Santa and Elves. Shiny red painted wooden apples are especially associated with this country style. When shopping for Christmas decorations online or at the mall, remember the glass christmas balls that you choose should be red and green in color. They should also be shiny rather than frosted metal to accomplish the look.

Tinsel, both in the form of garlands and icicles are also very much part of the traditional American country style christmas tree d้cor. You can buy furry looking tinsel garlands in white, red or green and wrap them around the tree in a spiral. Silver tinsel icicles should be hung in clumps at the ends of the boughs.

Velvet red bows and plaid ribbon bows tied to the boughs also give an xmas tree that old country feel. Plush toys such as teddy bears or stuffed santas can also be hung from the tree by a thread as a decoration. You can find a lot of these types plush or rustic style wooden ornaments when shopping for christmas ornaments online.

This type of tree also incorporates homemade baked goods in its d้cor. Ginger bread men and teddy bears make a nice compliment to the color of the dark green branches of the xmas tree. Popcorn strung on a garland is also a very traditional country look.

Traditionally the topper for this type of tree is a Christmas star of some sort. The classic home-made version is a cut out star made out of cardboard and wrapped in tin foil. However you can find all kinds of different versions of the xmas star when you go shopping for christmas decorations online - everything from the blinking electronic contraptions to stars made of feathers and tinsel.

By contrast, the Victorian style of christmas tree d้cor looks best on the tallest tree that you can find. This English style of tree decorating originated with Queen Victoria at the turn of the last century. The taller and slimmer the christmas tree the better.

Certain types of christmas tree confiers definitely suit the Victorian style more accurately than others. The taller slimmer trees include the spruce and the balsam fur. Victorian style trees are not as spindly as the rounder American style trees and show very little white space through their branches. Also the color of Victorian trees tend to have a bit of a blue tint to their green branches. Keep this in mind if you are shopping for an artificial or corner christmas tree.

Victorian christmas tree d้cor tends to be very detailed. The main topical theme is angels, birds, animals, portraits and musical instruments. Decorations can be conical, spherical and globular. These types of decorations are commonly made of tin and glass. The idea here is quantity. A Victorian christmas tree is allowed to look more cluttered so the idea is to hang it with as many tinier decorations as you can.

The color scheme of Victorian xmas d้cor is also a little different from the American style tree. Although red and green can play a part colors such as gold and silver should be much more predominant. Pink, blue and lavender ornaments are also much more common on a Victorian styled tree than an American country style one.

Crystal drops, similar to the ones you see hanging on chandeliers, hung on evergreen branches are also part of traditional Victorian christmas tree d้cor. You can buy plastic versions of these in craft stores and attach them to the tree with wired gold ribbon.

Victorian trees, like the American country style, also tend to be generously draped in tinsel and bows. Ribbons in gold, silver, pink and lavender distinguish the tree as being more English, rather than American in style.

The lights that you hang on a Victorian style tree should look like miniature candles. There are many sites that specialize in novelty christmas lights that look like white wax candles in candle holders. One of these is www.hammacher.com.If you decide not to go with the candle holder lights as a theme, tiny blue and yellow lights simulate the glow of true candlelight when hung in this tree.

Another common component of the Victorian tree is fake snow. This stuff, called "flocking" comes in a spray can. It is used to frost the branches of the tree so it looks like it is covered in a sifting of freshly fallen snowflakes.

You don't have to be English or American to prefer one kind of style of christmas tree decor over another. What this all boils down to is a matter of personal and perhaps how high your ceiling is and whether or not you can squeeze a fatter tree in your space. However if you buy a corner christmas tree that is artificial, none of this will be an issue.

For more information on Christmas trees, visit http://www.o-christmas-tree.com/christmastrees.htm - a year-round resource for all your christmas tree and decoration needs.

Five Christmas Trees

2007-11-19T04:05:00.000-08:00

Things were sad at our house when our nineteen-year-old sister died in June of 1940. Her name was Alice. She contacted polio when she was a three-year-old.

Alice wore braces until she was in her teens. I spent more than one morning trying to repair the leather and iron contraptions so she could get to school.

Numerous surgical procedures by doctors at the Primary Children’s Hospital and at the Shiner’s Hospital in Salt Lake City eventually got her to the point where she could walk. A special shoe was made to compensate for the difference in the length of her legs.

Alice had that characteristic in common with my Welch grandfather whose leg was crushed while quarrying granite for the Salt Lake Temple. Two years were required for his recovery; but he did meet my grandmother. If that were not so, I wouldn’t be writing this story, would I?

After high school, Alice declined; finally spending all of her time in bed. She got out of bed only once during this period. That was to play the piano for the last time. She had been giving me lessons. That was the end of my musical career too.

I always talked to her after school about school and what was going on in the world. When she died, I didn’t care about school anymore.

Doctors came and went.

One day a young doctor came that looked smart and efficient. Our hopes increased for a day or too. Unfortunately, he could do nothing. Alice steadily declined to the day of her death.

I remember how sad that day was.

My curly-haired younger brother, Don, and I were building a fort on the kitchen floor when she died. We built our forts from kindling wood. The floor had new linoleum, a sign that we were coming out of the depression.

Dad was back at work and things were getting better, except for Alice. Finally, that evening, Dad told us she had died and took us in to see her.

He had placed quarters over her eyes held there by a cloth. He had tied her mouth shut with another cloth.

It was depressing.

When the morticians came, and in an apparent rough manner, rolled my sister from her bed sheets into theirs, my mother gave out a cry that sends shivers up my spine to this day.

The funeral was torture to me. My mother was crying and I was sad.

At Christmas time, Dad asked it we wanted a Christmas tree. I was eight years old and my brother was five. We knew that he didn’t feel like Christmas and neither did we.

I told Dad that we were old enough to not have a tree.

It was our custom to put the tree up early. As the days passed to Christmas Eve, my brother and I became sadder by the minute.

A Christmas without a Christmas tree was not Christmas.

We had some sparse Christmases during the depression. I remember one or two Christmases that were saved by the members of our Church who brought food and gifts on Christmas Eve.

One person who saw that was done was Jesse Evans. Jesse was an operatic singer and was then singing with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. (She later married a gentleman that became the president of the Mormon Church and her name was changed to Jesse Evans Smith.)

During the depression, Dad got a job as an accountant with the WPA. The WPA hired people of many professions to give them work when there was no work.

Dad was auditing a bank in Logan Utah when he read in the paper that he had been appointed to the position of Deputy City Clerk. Jesse Evans had been elected to the office of City Clerk and hired dad. (He was never out of work after that, serving as a county commissioner and then serving for many years as the Auditor of Salt Lake City.)

But this Christmas was going to be dismal. We could have used Jesse with her loud voice and good cheer.

I felt sorry for my little brother, Don. He didn’t seem to know what was going on.

Christmas Eve was Doldrumsville.

I remember looking out the window. Snow had just started to fall. That’s when a dump truck pulled up in front of our house. It was full of Christmas trees. A man headed for our porch. I answered the door and the man stood there with a Christmas tree. He said that he would sell us one for fifty cents, saving us half the regular price. He had too many trees and too little time to sell them.

I thought just maybe.

I looked up at Dad. So did my little brother, Don. Dad dug into his purse and paid the man and told him Merry Christmas. The man repeated the words and was off to another house. (I learned later that we were not the only family in the neighborhood to buy a tree from that man at the last minute.)

Elated, I worked on the wooden stand for the tree. Somehow I always got that job. I had to do it myself with no help from anyone else.

Quicker-than-usual, we had the tree standing next to the wall in the parlor.

Out came the decorations.

We went to work.

Christmas returned to Dad. He got his excitement back and helped us to decorate the tree.

We were in full swing when my older sisters, and finally my older brother, came drifting home.

Each one had a snow-covered Christmas tree.

Everyone broke out laughing. That was the first time that had happened since Alice died.

Two or three of these unneeded trees were purchased at the local grocery and we were able to return them. This was quickly done.

Soon we were all decorating, not only the tree, but the whole house. Then our siblings put gifts under the tree.

There would be Christmas and it was here.

I’ve thought on that Christmas over the years.

It is exactly as Alice would have wanted it.

Would I be surprised if she actually planned it?

Not one minute! She is eternal.

Okay, so I'm crying.

John T. Jones, Ph.D. (tjbooks@hotmail.com, a retired VP of R&D for Lenox China, is author of detective & western novels, nonfiction (business, scientific, engineering, humor), poetry, etc. Former editor of Ceramic Industry Magazine, Jones is Executive Representative of International Wealth Success. He calls himself "Taylor Jones, the hack writer."

More info: http://www.tjbooks.com

Business web site: http://www.bookfindhelp.com (IWS wealth-success books and kits and business newsletters / TopFlight flagpoles)

Scotch Pine Artificial Christmas Tree

2007-11-17T22:19:00.000-08:00

7' Just Cut Scotch Pine Artificial Christmas Tree - Multi C3 LED Pre-Lit 03745

Scotch Pine Artificial Christmas Tree
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GE Decorator's Best 7' Just Cut Scotch Pine LED Pre-Lit Artificial Christmas Tree (PE/PVC) From Santa's Best

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LED light colors are: yellow, clear, red, blue, and green

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Amazon Sales Rank: #31550 in Kitchen & Housewares
Size: 7-to-8-feet
Brand: Santa's Best
Dimensions: 72.00 pounds

How To Decorate A Christmas Tree

2007-11-16T07:22:00.000-08:00

This article is a crash course in how to decorate a christmas tree. Your first step is to choose either a natural or artificial tree. Keep in mind that a natural evergreen tree only comes in one color - green. Artificial trees however are now sold in practically every color of the rainbow. Just remember, whatever color you choose will become your canvas for adding more color in the form of garlands, tinsel and decorations.

Your second step is deciding which color schemes go best with what color of tree. Green Christmas trees, both natural and artificial, look best with primary colors such as green, blue and red. White christmas trees look best with a red theme, pink theme, a gold theme or a silver theme or any combination of the above. Blue Christmas trees look best with gold or silver decorations. Red Christmas trees look great with green or pink decorations.

The third step in this course about how to decorate a christmas tree is about lighting. If you are going to buy a natural tree you will need to buy a strand of bulbs or diodes. Traditional strands of christmas bulbs come in a variety of decorative shapes and sizes including the vintage egg shape, tiny twinkling lights and rope lights. However if you buy an artificial tree you may be able to get one that is prelit. The prettiest prelit christmas trees boast fiber optic needles that give the tree a glow of its own. Especially gorgeous are the white christmas trees that boast fiber optics at their tips. These trees remind many people of angel feathers.

The fourth step is investigating the types of decorations that are available to you. The most basic is the garland. A garland is simply any kind of strand of objects that can be used to circle the tree. You can make a garland yourself out of cooked popcorn, holly berries or candy. You can also use a long length of ribbon and attach bows to it. Of course there are all types of garlands available commercially on the market. Most popular are the garlands made of furry bunches of white or gold tinsel. Red and green tinsel garlands can look especially nice on white christmas trees.

If you are traditionally minded you might want to consider decorating your tree with glass christmas balls. These are either hand blown or created in a factory. Many of them are painted and decorated with glitter. You can buy these as globes, flutes, tubes and also in the shape of musical instruments, angels and other Christmas themes. However if you have small children, you might want to opt for the plastic versions of these decorative balls as they don't shatter if they fall off the tree.

An important tip to remember when decorating trees with glass balls is to place the larger ornaments at the bottom of the tree and the smaller ones at the top. This helps keep the total effect of the tree in a pleasing proportion to the decorations.

Of course, christmas decorations don't have to be expensive. You can make your own out of paper that is cut into the shape of snowflakes and other xmas themes. Candies (especially the candy cane), apples, oranges and cookies (especially gingerbread cookies) can also be used as xmas decorations. Red christmas trees look especially good decorated with white shortbread cookies decorated with glitter. White christmas trees look great decorated with home made presents made from tiny boxes wrapped in shiny foil.

Another decoration to consider is tinsel. Strands of tinsel can be hung from the branches to simulate icicles. One tip when hanging tinsel is to hang it in clumps from the edges of the branches. Hanging single or just a couple of strands all over the tree makes it look messy.

The fifth step when it comes to decorating a christmas tree is to choose some kind of tree topper. Commercially you can buy tree-toppers in just about every Christmas motif imaginable including angels, snowmen, teddy bears and of course, the Christmas star. You can buy christmas tree toppers that glow with fiber optic diodes that twirl, play tinkly music and blink on and off. However it is not hard to make your own christmas tree topper. Perhaps the simplest version is a cardboard star that is wrapped in tin foil. Sometimes the home made decorations and tree toppers have more sentimental value than the store bought ones.

The sixth step in this crash course on how to decorate a christmas tree is to make sure you disguise the base of the tree with some kind of Christmas tree skirt. This is simply a mat that is draped around the base and on the floor. It can be made out of shiny or velvet fabric or you can buy commercially made ones that feature xmas motifs in stores and online. Some tree skirts can be quite ornate, decorated with sequins and embroidery. However their original function was to catch the candle drippings from candles on the tree and catch any dropping needles from natural christmas trees.

Another interesting addition, especially if you are a Christian is to place a small nativity scene beneath the Christmas tree on the mat. You can buy Christmas nativity scenes made of wood, metal or plastic. Also popular is a toy train set that runs in a circle around the Christmas tree.

A seventh and final consideration when it comes to how to decorate your christmas tree is a practice called flocking. Flocking is fluffy white stuff, kind of like silly string that is sprayed all over the tree to simulate snow. This gives just about any tree a real 50's or country style feel and it is very unique to tree decorating traditions in the United States and Canada. However it is not recommended for artificial white christmas trees as the effect would be a little bit of overkill.

For more information on Christmas trees, visit http://www.o-christmas-tree.com - a year-round resource for all your christmas tree and decoration needs.

Iridescent Artificial Christmas Tree

2007-11-14T14:15:00.000-08:00

3' Norway Pre-Lit White Iridescent Artificial Christmas Tree Clear Lights 170343

Iridescent Christmas Tree
Fine Artificial Christmas Trees
Prelt, Fiberoptic or Custom Colors
>> More Details...

Product Description

3' White Norway Artificial Christmas Tree from GKI/Bethlehem Lighting
Item number 170343
Features 100 Clear-Color Lights
Approximately 24" base

Product Details

Amazon Sales Rank: #2597 in Kitchen & Housewares
Size: 3-to-6-feet
Brand: GKI/Bethleham Lighting
Dimensions: 5.00 pounds

Top 10 Pre Lit Artificial Christmas Tree Safety Tips

2007-11-12T08:26:00.000-08:00

1. UL Listed Christmas Lights

UL Listed means that the lights are certified by Underwriter Laboratories, Inc. (UL). UL knows a thing or two about Christmas lights as they have certified Christmas lights since 1905. Make absolutely certain the lights installed on the Christmas tree are UL Listed. Each string of Christmas lights on a pre lit Christmas tree should have the “UL Listed” tag attached near the plug.

2. Non-Twist Light Sockets

The bulbs in cheap Christmas lights can easily twist in their sockets. Ensure the bulbs on the Christmas light strings have an anti-twist mechanism in the bulb and socket. This provides safety and reliability by preventing the bulb from twisting in the socket. Most inexpensive Christmas lights are easily twisted in the socket causing the light and string to go out. In the worst cases, a twisted light could create a fire hazard.

This is particularly important in homes with small children.

3. Single Pole versus Frame Tree

The majority of residential Christmas trees are “Single Pole” construction which means there is one pole in the center of the tree where all branches attach. This method of construction can be used for trees up to 12-14 feet high.

Above 12-14 feet, “Frame Tree” construction is the preferred method. Frame Tree construction means there is a steel frame resembling a cone-shaped jungle gym with branches attached to the frame. Frame Tree construction trees are a must for outdoor Christmas tree installations. The high quality frame trees are designed so the frame can be secured to the ground or a structure.

4. Steel versus Plastic Tree Stands

Many manufacturers use plastic for the base of their trees. Plastic bases should be avoided as the base of the tree must securely withstand the weight of the tree. Plastic tree stands may flex or break.

5. Rolling Christmas Tree Stand

A decorated Christmas tree may weight 30-60% more than an undecorated tree. For this reason, it is recommended that a Christmas tree stand with wheels attached is used if there is any chance you will need to move your tree. A fully decorated Christmas tree is too heavy to safely move without a rolling stand.

6. Weight Distribution

The weight distribution of a Christmas tree is critical. The weight of the branches should be distributed over the center pole or frame of the tree. Weight distribution is critical for homes with small children and for outdoor commercial Christmas trees.

7. Flame-Retardant Materials

The materials used to manufacture the Christmas tree should be flame retardant to ensure the tree does not become a fire accelerator. The most common materials used on a flame-retardant Christmas tree are polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and polyethylene.

8. Christmas Light Maintenance

Many miniature light strings manufactured today stay lit if one or two bulbs burn out. It is important to look once or twice a week for burned out bulbs. Consequently, if a bulb burns out, the other lights take on more power. For example, if 5 lights burn out on a 25-light string of lights, each remaining light takes on 25% more electricity. This causes all remaining lights to burn out very rapidly and ruin the sockets as well.

9. Wash your hands

It does not matter if you have an artificial Christmas tree or a real/fresh cut Christmas tree, you should wash your hands after you decorate the tree. Both artificial and fresh cut trees are not something you want to put in your mouth.

10. Use a surge protector

A pre lit Christmas tree is not as important as the home computer but at least plug the tree into a surge protector. This protects your investment in the tree from power surges. Most importantly, the switch on the surge protector makes it easy to not forget the most important point of pre lit Christmas tree safety -- Shut off the lights before leaving the house or going to bed!!!

Have a safe and happy holiday season.

Bill Quinn is the Christmas tree expert at ChristmasTreeForMe.com To learn more from Bill, please review our Christmas Tree Buyer's Guide.

Fiber Optic Christmas Tree

2007-11-11T04:17:00.000-08:00

Tiny John Deere tractors hanging from branches of a yellow tree, a glistening silver tree with large, brightly colored balls or a tree that spreads outward as it goes up.

One of Wall Street's not-ready-for-subprime players is a likely candidate for this year's worst-performing stock in the PG/Bloomberg index of local stocks. ...

17 TREE-LIGHTING SHOW: The Tree of Wonder light show features dazzling lights moving to a medley of Christmas tunes. 5 p.m., Woodburn Company Stores, take Interstate 5 to exit 271; free. 22 CHEVRON WINTER WONDERLAND: Billed as the "largest holiday light show west of the Mississippi," this drive-through display features more than 250 colorful displays, 40 fully animated scenes and the Tunnel of ...

Watching the little LED fiber optic lights illuminate in a variety of colors can cause sudden feelings of happiness to those lucky enough to own an LED fiber optic artificial Christmas tree.

A regular meeting of the Rochester Board of Selectmen was called to order on Monday, November 5 at 7:00 pm by Chairman pro tem Richard Nunes. Also present were Selectman Dan A. McGaffey, Town Administrator Richard LaCamera, and Administrative Assistant Veronica Lafreniere. Chairman Bradford N. Morse was not present for the meeting. After approving the minutes of the October 15 meeting, the board ...

Christmas Tree Care

2007-11-09T23:36:00.001-08:00

Garden City Volunteer Fire-fighters, under the direction of Chief John P. Casey, are co-sponsoring Operation Wounded Warrior once again this year with area volunteer fire depart-ments. Operation Wounded Warrior will form a "Red Line" of fire vehicles that will travel to deliver Christmas & Holiday Care Package Items to soldiers wounded in combat operations in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Home Instead Senior Care wants you to "Be a Santa to a Senior." It's a program for needy and lonely seniors who may not receive any gifts for Christmas.

Each Christmas we are given a promise from heaven. And each year on earth we make promises to each other. This is a story about how a promise from one person to another shows us the true meaning of faith, remembrance, and love.

A HUGE Christmas tree decorated with lights in memory of cancer victims is going up in Cardiff.

Christmas Tree Decorating - 4 Steps to the Perfect Christmas Tree

2007-11-08T23:31:00.000-08:00

You have your Christmas tree in place, be it real or artificial, and now you need to decorate it. Follow the four steps below and achieve a beautifully decorated Christmas tree this year.

Step One: Lights.

Place the lights on the Christmas tree first. Wind and secure the strands of lights to the branches in the centre of the tree coming out no further than mid way along the branches. The exception to this rule is when the lights are novelty lights such as lanterns or candles, which need to be displayed at the ends of the branches for best effect. Be generous with your lights as they give the tree an opulent effect and give it impact when viewed at night. I often use 2 to 3 strands of lights on a 6-foot Christmas tree.

Step two: Garlands.

Next come the garlands. Drape them over the branches in a horizontal, looping fashion towards the centre of the tree. Placing garlands midway along the branches can make the tree appear fuller, while leaving space for hanging ornaments.

Step Three: Ornaments.

Place the ornaments on the branches, both on the ends and towards midway to fill any gaps. Graduate the size of ornaments from small at the top to larger at the base. Working with one style of ornament at a time (eg gold balls), distribute them evenly over the tree. Follow with the next style of ornament such as bells and distribute them evenly. By working with one style at a time the ornaments are evenly mixed over the entire tree. Continue until the tree looks adequately “dressed”. Stand back and view the tree from different viewpoints, identifying gaps and filling with additional ornaments. For an elegant tree keep the decorations simple. Limit the number of styles of ornament to two or three; or work with a particular color scheme to suit your d้cor.

Step Four: Final touches.

A tree decorated to step three will look well decorated. However sometimes a final touch can make a difference and provide that extra “pizzazz”. Finish the tree with final touches by attaching bows, candles (artificial for safety reasons) or flowers to the very ends of branches. What makes them a final touch? They are significantly different from the other ornaments to stand out and as such you do not need many but ensure they are distributed evenly over the tree. Another touch could be the draping of tinsel from each branch (individual strands not bunches) to imitate the effect of icicles. This can be tedious but worth the effort. Of course we cannot forget the Christmas tree topper in what ever shape or form – star, angel, etc.

All that is now required is to place the gifts beneath the branches, breakout the eggnog, sit back and enjoy the festive season. Merry Christmas everyone. May this year’s Christmas tree be the best one ever.

Lee-Ann Raddatz comes from a family that has always celebrated Christmas in a big way. She now continues the tradition with her young family. Decorating the Christmas tree has been elevated to an artform in the family and is a source of greatly enjoyed, family rivalry. Visit her site http://simply-christmas-trees.com/ and http://mychristmas-crafts.com/ for more Christmas ideas.

Christmas Tree Cutting

2007-11-07T23:30:00.000-08:00

A fresh cut Christmas Tree formed the centerpiece of celebrations for generations of New Mexican families. tree permits for $5 each, one per household.

WILLOWS - Personal use Christmas tree cutting permits for the Mendocino National Forest will go on sale at the district offices and the headquarters office in Willows, beginning Monday, Nov. 19, through Dec. 14.

Beginning Nov. 16, permits will be available at several locations for cutting a Christmas tree from Gifford Pinchot National Forest.

Oh Christmas Tree

2007-11-06T23:29:00.000-08:00

Veterans Day: Veterans Day is Nov. 12. There will be no pickup of trash, bulk or recyclables. Parking meters, however, do need to be fed and all parking restrictions (including residential permit parking) need to be observed. Oh, and make sure you fly the flag in honor of all veterans. Christmas Festival: The Salvation Army holds.

When the film producers asked her if they could shoot a scene in her antiquated downtown Louisville shop, they didnt tell Kitran Geise much about Lovely Still.

Not only does he get a kick out of watching his nephew and nieces tear through their precious booty on Christmas morning, but he also had a good time playing the disgruntled brother to Santa in Fred Claus, a family-friendly film that hits theaters on Friday.

Post Home staff editors Annie Groer and Jura Koncius are here to answer your decorating-related questions.

Fresh Christmas Tree

2007-11-05T23:28:00.000-08:00

A fresh cut Christmas Tree formed the centerpiece of celebrations for generations of New Mexican families. tree permits for $5 each, one per household.

Oregon tree growers want Californians to dream of a green Christmas. Oregon leads the nation in Christmas tree production. About half of those trees are sold each to year in California.

OREGON Oregon growers tout real Christmas trees in California PORTLAND (AP) Oregon tree growers want Californians to dream of a green Christmas.

PORTLAND - Oregon tree growers are making a marketing pitch to Californians: forget the fake tree and buy a real one from Oregon. Oregon leads the nation in Christmas tree production. And about half of those trees are sold each to year in California.

Upside Down Christmas Tree

2007-11-02T23:16:00.000-07:00

Jim Babjak of Manalapan has been busy these days touring with his band The Smithereens, recording the group's new album of original songs and recording the band's first collection of Christmas songs, "Christmas with The Smithereens.

Ever catch a glimpse of that saccharine-sweet Thanksgiving-themed illustration Norman Rockwell inked for the Saturday Evening Post way back when? You know the one joyous family gathered around a table, watching the great bird getting carved.

ST ANDREW'S Day became the new battleground yesterday in the debate over Scotland's identity, as the First Minister unveiled how the event was to be marked for the first time under an SNP government.

For years, Harvey Gross nurtured the blue spruce in his front yard, trimming and shaping the tree. Now it towers in front of the northwest-side home of John and Janell Gross, cousins to Harvey.

The History of the Christmas Tree

2007-11-01T23:01:00.000-07:00

Your child's just reached the age where Christmas really matters. All the preparations, all the planning and decorating, everything about the holidays is an exciting experience for him. Along with the excitement comes the curiosity-about the colors, the songs, the traditions each family observes.

As adults, we're used to our own family's way of celebrating. We hang the lights a certain way, bake specific cakes and cookies, we even watch certain holiday TV shows, year after year-because, well, that's just the way we do it.

For those families who celebrate Christmas, one tradition almost universal is the Christmas tree. It's perhaps the most recognized symbol of Christmas in any home, and it's so pervasive in our culture that we rarely ask ourselves: Who first decided to bring a tree inside, as a way of marking the holiday? Chances are, your child will ask at some point.

Like most of our holiday traditions, the origin of the Christmas tree isn't exactly clear, but it's probably rooted in ancient times, and probably connected to religious rituals. Many ancient cultures revered evergreen trees, which stayed green in the winter while other trees were bare. The evergreens served as a reminder that winter would pass, and the land would once again be fruitful.

As far back as ancient Rome, evergreens were used as a part of the Saturnalia festival-the New Year celebration. Romans exchanged branches and twigs of evergreens as a good-luck blessing.

Many historians believe that pagans of Scandinavia were the first people to bring actual trees indoors-a mid-winter symbol of the promise of the coming warmth of spring.

The German Saxons may have been the first to light their trees with candles, and to adorn them with decorations-trinkets of good fortune. The tradition of the indoor evergreen was so strong in Germany, it's believed that the first use of Christmas trees by Christians developed there, with some experts placing its origin as far back as the eighth century.

The first recorded Christmas tree in England was in 1841, when Queen Victoria's husband, German-born Prince Albert, set up a tree in Windsor Castle. In America, German immigrants were using Christmas trees as far back as the 1830's. The custom took several decades to catch on in the U.S., as most people correctly assumed its pagan origins, but by the 1890's the indoor decorated Christmas tree was a staple in most American homes.

Today we tend to decorate our trees with ornaments which have significant meaning to our lives. Early ornaments, particularly in Europe, included even food-delicacies intended to satisfy the spirits of good luck.

As far as your child is concerned, of course, your Christmas tree has a completely different purpose. It's a landmark-if you had no tree, where would Santa leave all his gifts?

Brought to you by Imaginary Greetings, a regular contributor of valuable family oriented content. Find out how to truly light up your child's eyes this holiday season like never before with a personalized phone call from Santa.