Best Prices For Christmas Decoration, Christmas Gifts, Hanukkah Gifts

Best Prices For Christmas Decorations, Christmas Gifts, Hanukkah Gifts




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THE TWELVE DAYS OF CATS-MAS

THE TWELVE DAYS OF "CATS"MAS

On the first day of Christmas my mistress gave to me
a pheasant under glass beneath the tree.

On the second day of Christmas my mistress gave to me
two chicken breasts and
a pheasant under glass beneath the tree.

On the third day of Christmas my mistress gave to me
three quarts milk
two chicken breasts and
a pheasant under glass beneath the tree.

On the fourth day of Christmas my mistress gave to me
four strutting birds
three quarts milk
two chicken breasts and
a pheasant under glass beneath the tree.

On the fifth day of Christmas my mistress gave to me
five litter pans
four strutting birds
three quarts milk
two chicken breasts and
a pheasant under glass beneath the tree.

On the sixth day of Christmas my mistress gave to me
six cans of sardines
five litter pans
four strutting birds
three quarts milk
two chicken breasts and
a pheasant under glass beneath the tree.

On the seventh day of Christmas my mistress gave to me
seven pounds of catnip
six cans of sardines
five litter pans
four strutting birds
three quarts milk
two chicken breasts and
a pheasant under glass beneath the tree.

On the eighth day of Christmas my mistress gave to me
eight dogs on leashes
seven pounds of catnip
six cans of sardines
five litter pans
four strutting birds
three quarts milk
two chicken breasts and
a pheasant under glass beneath the tree.
On the ninth day of Christmas my mistress gave to me
nine frogs aleaping
eight dogs on leashes
seven pounds of catnip
six cans of sardines
five litter pans
four strutting birds
three quarts milk
two chicken breasts and
a pheasant under glass beneath the tree.

On the tenth day of Christmas my mistress gave to me
balls of yarn all tangled
nine frogs aleaping
eight dogs on leashes
seven pounds of catnip
six cans of sardines
five litter pans
four strutting birds
three quarts milk
two chicken breasts and
a pheasant under glass beneath the tree.

On the eleventh day of Christmas my mistress gave to me
eleven mice a running
balls of yarn all tangled
nine frogs aleaping
eight dogs on leashes
seven pounds of catnip
six cans of sardines
five litter pans
four strutting birds
three quarts milk
two chicken breasts and
a pheasant under glass beneath the tree.

On the twelfth day of Christmas my mistress gave to me
twelve toys from Macys
eleven mice a running
balls of yarn all tangled
nine frogs aleaping
eight dogs on leashes
seven pounds of catnip
six cans of sardines
five litter pans
four strutting birds
three quarts milk
two chicken breasts and
a pheasant under glass beneath the tree.

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Twas The Night Before Christmas - A New Version

Twas The Night Before Christmas - A New Version

Twas the nocturnal segment of the diurnal period preceding the annual Yuletide celebration, and throughout our place of residence, kinetic activity was not in evidence among the possessors of this potential, including that species of domestic rodent known as Mus musculus. Hosiery was meticulously suspended from the forward edge of the wood burning caloric apparatus, pursuant to our anticipatory pleasure regarding an imminent visitation from an eccentric philanthropist among whose folkloric appellations is the honorific title of St. Nicholas.

The prepubescent siblings, comfortably ensconced in their respective accommodations of repose, were experiencing subconscious visual hallucinations of variegated fruit confections moving rhythmically through their cerebrums. My conjugal partner and I, attired in our nocturnal head coverings, were about to take slumberous advantage of the hibernal darkness when upon the avenaceous exterior portion of the grounds there ascended such a cacophony of dissonance that I felt compelled to arise with alacrity from my place of repose for the purpose of ascertaining the precise source thereof.

Hastening to the casement, I forthwith opened the barriers sealing this fenestration, noting thereupon that the lunar brilliance without, reflected as it was on the surface of a recent crystalline precipitation, might be said to rival that of the solar meridian itself - thus permitting my incredulous optical sensory organs to behold a miniature airborne runnered conveyance drawn by eight diminutive specimens of the genus Rangifer, piloted by a minuscule, aged chauffeur so ebullient and nimble that it became instantly apparent to me that he was indeed our anticipated caller. With his ungulate motive power travelling at what may possibly have been more vertiginous velocity than patriotic alar predators, he vociferated loudly, expelled breath musically through contracted labia, and addressed each of the octet by his or her respective cognomen - "Now Dasher, now Dancer..." et al. - guiding them to the uppermost exterior level of our abode, through which structure I could readily distinguish the concatenations of each of the 32 cloven pedal extremities.

As I retracted my cranium from its erstwhile location, and was performing a 180-degree pivot, our distinguished visitant achieved - with utmost celerity and via a downward leap - entry by way of the smoke passage. He was clad entirely in animal pelts soiled by the ebony residue from oxidations of carboniferous fuels which had accumulated on the walls thereof. His resemblance to a street vendor I attributed largely to the plethora of assorted playthings which he bore dorsally in a commodious cloth receptacle.

His orbs were scintillant with reflected luminosity, while his submaxillary dermal indentations gave every evidence of engaging amiability. The capillaries of his malar regions and nasal appurtenance were engorged with blood which suffused the subcutaneous layers, the former approximating the coloration of Albion's floral emblem, the latter that of the Prunus avium, or sweet cherry. His amusing sub- and supralabials resembled nothing so much as a common loop knot, and their ambient hirsute facial adornment appeared like small, tabular and columnar crystals of frozen water.

Clenched firmly between his incisors was a smoking piece whose grey fumes, forming a tenuous ellipse about his occiput, were suggestive of a decorative seasonal circlet of holly. His visage was wider than it was high, and when he waxed audibly mirthful, his corpulent abdominal region undulated in the manner of impectinated fruit syrup in a hemispherical container. He was, in short, neither more nor less than an obese, jocund, multigenarian gnome, the optical perception of whom rendered me visibly frolicsome despite every effort to refrain from so being. By rapidly lowering and then elevating one eyelid and rotating his head slightly to one side, he indicated that trepidation on my part was groundless.

Without utterance and with dispatch, he commenced filling the aforementioned appended hosiery with various of the aforementioned articles of merchandise extracted from his aforementioned previously dorsally transported cloth receptacle. Upon completion of this task, he executed an abrupt about- face, placed a single manual digit in lateral juxtaposition to his olfactory organ, inclined his cranium forward in a gesture of leave-taking, and forthwith effected his egress by renegotiating (in reverse) the smoke passage. He then propelled himself in a short vector onto his conveyance, directed a musical expulsion of air through his contracted oral sphincter to the antlered quadrupeds of burden, and proceeded to soar aloft in a movement hitherto observable chiefly among the seed-bearing portions of a common weed. But I overheard his parting exclamation, audible immediately prior to his vehiculation beyond the limits of visibility: "Ecstatic Yuletide to the planetary constituency, and to that self same assemblage, my sincerest wishes for a salubriously beneficial and gratifyingly pleasurable period between sunset and dawn."

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12 Days Of Christmas New Policy

12 Days Of Christmas New Policy

Effective immediately, the following economizing measures are being implemented in the "Twelve Days of Christmas" subsidiary:

1) The partridge will be retained, but the pear tree, which never produced the cash crop forecasted, will be replaced by a plastic hanging plant, providing considerable savings in maintenance;

2) Two turtle doves represent a redundancy that is simply not cost effective. In addition, their romance during working hours could not be condoned. The positions are, therefore, eliminated;

3) The three French hens will remain intact. After all, everyone loves the French;

4) The four calling birds will be replaced by an automated voice mail system, with a call waiting option. An analysis is underway to determine who the birds have been calling, how often and how long they talked;

5) The five golden rings have been put on hold by the Board of Directors. Maintaining a portfolio based on one commodity could have negative implications for institutional investors. Diversification into other precious metals, as well as a mix of T-Bills and high technology stocks, appear to be in order;

6) The six geese-a-laying constitutes a luxury which can no longer be afforded. It has long been felt that the production rate of one egg per goose per day was an example of the general decline in productivity. Three geese will be let go, and an upgrading in the selection procedure by personnel will assure management that, from now on, every goose it gets will be a good one;

7) The seven swans-a-swimming is obviously a number chosen in better times. The function is primarily decorative. Mechanical swans are on order. The current swans will be retrained to learn some new strokes, thereby enhancing their outplacement;

8) As you know, the eight maids-a-milking concept has been under heavy scrutiny by the EEOC. A male/female balance in the workforce is being sought. The more militant maids consider this a dead-end job with no upward mobility. Automation of the process may permit the maids to try a-mending, a-mentoring or a-mulching;

9) Nine ladies dancing has always been an odd number. This function will be phased out as these individuals grow older and can no longer do the steps;

10) Ten Lords-a-leaping is overkill. The high cost of Lords, plus the expense of international air travel, prompted the Compensation Committee to suggest replacing this group with ten out-of-work congressmen. While leaping ability may be somewhat sacrificed, the savings are significant as we expect an oversupply of unemployed congressmen this year;

11) Eleven pipers piping and twelve drummers drumming is a simple case of the band getting too big. A substitution with a string quartet, a cutback on new music, and no uniforms, will produce savings which will drop right to the bottom line;
Overall we can expect a substantial reduction in assorted people, fowl, animals and related expenses. Though incomplete, studies indicate that stretching deliveries over twelve days is inefficient. If we can drop ship in one day, service levels will be improved.

Regarding the lawsuit filed by the attorney's association seeking expansion to include the legal profession ("thirteen lawyers-a-suing"), a decision is pending.

Deeper cuts may be necessary in the future to remain competitive. Should that happen, the Board will request management to scrutinize the Snow White Division to see if seven dwarfs is the right number.

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The Week Before Christmas

The Week Before Christmas

'Twas the week before Christmas and all through the school
Not a pupil was silent, no matter what rule.
The children were busy with paper and paste;
The mess that they made with it couldn't be faced.

The teacher half frantic and almost in tears,
Had just settled down to work with her dears,
When out in the hall there arose such a clatter
up sprang the kids to see what was the matter!

Away to the door they all flew like a flash;
The one who was leading went down with a crash.
Then what to their wondering eyes did appear
But a green Christmas tree! (To decorate I fear!)

When the teacher saw this, she almost grew sick.
She knew in a moment it must be Old Nick!
She ran to the door (all her efforts were vain)
But she shouted, and stamped, and she called them by name;

"Now Tommy! Now Sandy, Now Judy and Harry!
Stop Billy! Stop Robert! Stop Donny and Sherry!
Now get to your places get away from the hall
Now get away! Get away! Get away all!

As leaves that before the wild hurricane fly
The pupils, pell mell, started scurrying by.
They ran to the blackboard and skipped down the aisle;
Their faces were shining and each had a smile.

First came a basket of popcorn to string
-Then came the Christmas tree (menacing thing).
As the tree was brought in there arose a great shout;
The pupils were merrily romping about.

The state they were in could lead to a riot;
The teacher was sure, if allowed, they would try it.
Her nerves how they jangled! Her temples were throbbing!
The rush of her breath sounded almost like sobbing!

The lines of her face were as fixed as a mask;
It was plain that she didn't feel up to her task.
The look in her eye would have tamed a wild steer,
But the children ignored it; they did every year.

A tear from her eye and a shake of her head
Soon led me to think that she wished she were dead.
She spoke not a word but went straight to her work,
Strung all the popcorn which broke with a jerk.

But at last it was finished and placed on the tree;
Then came the bell and the children were free.
Their shrill little voices soon faded away
And peace was restored at the end of the day.
As she looked at the Christmas tree glistening and tall,
She smiled as she whispered, Merry Christmas to all!

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Politically Correct Santa

Politically Correct Santa

'Twas the night before Christmas and Santa's a wreck...
How to live in a world that's politically correct?

His workers no longer would answer to "Elves,"
"Vertically Challenged" they were calling themselves.

And labor conditions at the north pole
Were alleged by the union to stifle the soul.

Four reindeer had vanished, without much propriety,
Released to the wilds by the Humane Society.

And equal employment had made it quite clear
That Santa had better not use just reindeer.

So Dancer and Donner, Comet and Cupid,
Were replaced with 4 pigs, and you know that looked stupid!

The runners had been removed from his sleigh;
The ruts were termed dangerous by the E.P.A.

And people had started to call for the cops
When they heard sled noises on their roof-tops.

Second-hand smoke from his pipe had his workers quite frightened.
His fur-trimmed red suit was called "Unenlightened."

And to show you the strangeness of life's ebbs and flows,
Rudolf was suing over unauthorized use of his nose

And had gone on Geraldo, in front of the nation,
Demanding millions in over-due compensation.

So, half of the reindeer were gone; and his wife,
Who suddenly said she'd enough of this life,

Joined a self-help group, packed, and left in a whiz,
Demanding from now on her title was Ms.

And as for the gifts, why, he'd ne'er had a notion
That making a choice could cause so much commotion.

Nothing of leather, nothing of fur,
Which meant nothing for him. And nothing for her.

Nothing that might be construed to pollute.
Nothing to aim. Nothing to shoot.

Nothing that clamored or made lots of noise.
Nothing for just girls. Or just for the boys.

Nothing that claimed to be gender specific.
Nothing that's war-like or non-pacific.

No candy or sweets...they were bad for the tooth.
Nothing that seemed to embellish a truth.

And fairy tales, while not yet forbidden,
Were like Ken and Barbie, better off hidden.

For they raised the hackles of those psychological
Who claimed the only good gift was one ecological.

No baseball, no football...someone could get hurt;
Besides, playing sports exposed kids to dirt.

Dolls were said to be sexist, and should be passe;
And Nintendo would rot your entire brain away.

So Santa just stood there, disheveled, perplexed;
He just could not figure out what to do next.

He tried to be merry, tried to be gay,
But you've got to be careful with that word today.

His sack was quite empty, limp to the ground;
Nothing fully acceptable was to be found.

Something special was needed, a gift that he might
Give to all without angering the left or the right.

A gift that would satisfy, with no indecision,
Each group of people, every religion;

Every ethnicity, every hue,
Everyone, everywhere...even you.

So here is that gift, its price beyond worth...
"May you and your loved ones enjoy peace on earth."

(c) Harvey Ehrlich, 1992

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Types Of Christmas Tress. Types Of Christmas Trees grown In The US

Types Of Christmas Tress. Types Of Christmas Trees grown In The US

The following Christmas Tree species or types are sold and grown in the United States.

Deodara Cedar – Cedrus deodara – short, bluish-green needles; branches become pendulous at the tips; native to Himalayas; Deodara wood in Asia was used to build temples. In ancient Egypt Dedodara wood was used to make coffins for mummies.

Eastern Red Cedar – Junirperus viginiana – leaves are a dark, shiny, green color; sticky to the touch; good scent; can dry out quickly; may last just 2-3 weeks; a southern Christmas tree.

Leland Cypress – Cupress ocyparis leylandii – foliage is dark green to gray color; has upright branches with a feathery appearance; has a light scent; good for people with allergies to other Christmas tree types. One of the most sought after Christmas trees in the Southeastern United States.
Close-up photo of tree: http://www.realchristmastrees.org/images/LeylandCypress.jpg
Photo credit to The National Christmas Tree Association

Balsam Fir – Abies balsamea – ¾” to 1 ½” short, flat, long lasting needles that are rounded at the tip; nice, dark green color with silvery cast and fragrant. Named for the balsam or resin found in blisters on bark. Resin is used to make microscope slides and was sold like chewing gum; used to treat wounds in Civil War.
Close-up photo of tree: http://oregonstate.edu/dept/ldplants/abba2.htm

Douglas Fir – Pseudotsuga menziesii – good fragrance; holds blue to dark green; 1” to 1 ½” needles; needles have one of the best aromas among Christmas trees when crushed. Named after David Douglas who studied the tree in the 1800’s; good conical shape; can live for a thousand years.
Close-up photo of tree: http://www.realchristmastrees.org/images/DouglasFir.jpg
Photo credit to The National Christmas Tree Association

Fraser Fir – Abies fraseri – dark green, flattened needles; ½ to 1 inch long; good needle retention; nice scent; pyramid-shaped strong branches which turn upward. Named for a botanist, John Fraser, who explored the southern Appalachians in the late 1700’s.

Grand Fir – Adies grandis – shiny, dark green needles about 1” – 1 1/2 “ long; the needles when crushed, give off a citrusy smell.

Noble Fir – Abies procera – one inch long, bluish-green needles with a silvery appearance; has short, stiff branches; great for heavier ornaments; keeps well; is used to make wreaths, door swags and garland.
Close-up photo of tree: http://www.realchristmastrees.org/images/NobleFir.jpg
Photo credit to The National Christmas Tree Association

Nordmann Fir - Abies nordmannia – dark green, flattened needles, shiny, silvery-blue below, ¾ to 11/2 inches long. Popular in the United Kingdom. Close-up photo of tree: http://oregonstate.edu/dept/ldplants/abno2.htm

White Fir or Concolor Fir – Abies concolor – blue-green needles are ½ to ½ inches long; nice shape and good aroma, a citrus scent; good needle retention. In nature can live to 350 years.
Close-up photo of tree: http://www.realchristmastrees.org/images/concolorfir.jpg
Photo credit to The National Christmas Tree Association

Afghan Pine – Pinus oldarica – soft, short needles with sturdy branches; open appearance; mild fragrance; keeps well; grown in Texas; native to Afghanistan, Russia & Paskistan

Austrian Pine – Pinus nigra – dark green needles, 4 to 6 inches long; retains needles well; moderate fragrance.
Close-up photo of tree: http://www.fairplains.com/pages/Austrian-Pine.htm

Red Pine – Pinus resinosa – dark green needles 4”-6” long; big and bushy.

Ponderosa Pine – Pinus ponderosa – needles lighter colored than Austrian Pine; good needle retention; needles 5” – 10” long.
Close-up photo of tree: http://oregonstate.edu/dept/ldplants/pipo7.htm

Scotch Pine – Pinus sylvestris – most common Christmas tree; stiff branches; stiff, dark green needles one inch long; holds needles for four weeks; needles will stay on even when dry; has open appearance and more room for ornaments; keeps aroma throughout the season; introduced into United States by European settlers.
Close-up photo of tree: http://oregonstate.edu/dept/ldplants/pisy4.htm

Virginia Pine – Pinus virginiana – dark green needles are 1 ½” – 3” long in twisted pairs; strong branches enabling it to hold heavy ornaments; strong aromatic pine scent; a popular southern Christmas tree.
Close up photo of tree: http://www.realchristmastrees.org/images/VirginiaPine.jpg
Photo credit to The National Christmas Tree Association

White Pine – Pinus strobus – soft, blue-green needles, 2 to 5 inches long in bundles of five; retains needles throughout the holiday season; very full appearance; little or no fragrance; less allergic reactions as compared to more fragrant trees. Largest pine in United States; state tree of Michigan & Maine; slender branches will support fewer and smaller decorations as compared to Scotch pine. It’s wood is used in cabinets, interior finish and carving. Native Americans used the inner bark as food. Early colonists used the inner bark to make cough medicine.
Close-up photo of tree: http://oregonstate.edu/dept/ldplants/pist4.htm

Carolina Sapphire - Cupressus arizonica var. glabra – ‘Carolina Sapphire’- steely, blue needles; dense, lacy foliage; yellow flowers and nice scent; smells like a cross between lemon and mint.

Black Hills Spruce - Pinus glauca var.densata – green to blue-green needles; 1/3” to ¼” long; stiff needles may be difficult to handle for small children.
Close-up photo of tree: http://oregonstate.edu/dept/ldplants/piglden2.htm

Blue Spruce – Picea pungens – dark green to powdery blue; very stiff needles, ¾” to 1 ½” long; good form; will drop needles in a warm room; symmetrical; but is best among species for needle retention; branches are stiff and will support many heavy decorations. State tree of Utah & Colorado. Can live in nature 600-800 years.
Close-up photo of tree: http://www.realchristmastrees.org/images/CBSpruce.jpg
Photo credit to The National Christmas Tree Association

Norway Spruce – Picea abies – needles ½” – 1” long and shiny, dark green. Needle retention is poor without proper care; strong fragrance; nice conical shape. Very popular in Europe.
Close-up photo of tree: http://oregonstate.edu/dept/ldplants/piab7.htm

White Spruce – Picea glauca – needles ½ to ¾ inch long; green to bluish-green, short, stiff needles; crushed needles have an unpleasant odor; good needle retention. State tree of South Dakota.
Close-up photo of tree: http://www.realchristmastrees.org/images/WhiteSpruce.jpg
Photo credit to The National Christmas Tree Association

Christmas Tree Traditions

Christmas Tree Traditions




The decorated Christmas tree can be traced back to the ancient Romans who during their winter festival decorated trees with small pieces of metal during Saturnalia, a winter festival in honor of Saturnus, the god of agriculture.

An evergreen, the Paradise tree, was decorated with apples as a symbol of the feast of Adam and Eve held on December 24th during the middle ages.

Christmas trees were sold in Alsace in 1531. Alsace was at that time a part of Germany. Today it is part of France. The trees were sold at local markets and set up in homes undecorated.

In the Ammerschweier in Alsace there was an ordinance that stated no person "shall have for Christmas more than one bush of more than eight shoe lengths."

Sixteenth century folklore credited Martin Luther as being the first to decorate an indoor tree. After a walk through a forest of evergreens with shining stars overhead, Luther tried to describe the experience to his family and showed them by bringing a tree into their home and decorating it with candles. Some historians state that the first evidence of a lighted tree appeared more than a century after Martin Luther's death in 1546.

The oldest record of a decorated Christmas tree came from a 1605 diary found in Strasburg, France (Germany in 1605). The tree was decorated with paper roses, apples and candies.

In Austria & Germany during the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, the tops of evergreens were cut and hung upside down in a living room corner. They were decorated with apples, nuts and strips of red paper.

The first record of Christmas trees in America was for children in the German Moravian Church's settlement in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, Christmas 1747. Actual trees were not decorated, but wooden pyramids covered with evergreen branches were decorated with candles.

The custom of the Christmas tree was introduced in the United States during the War of Independence by Hessian troops. An early account tells of a Christmas tree set up by American soldiers at Fort Dearborn, Illinois, the site of Chicago, in 1804. Most other early accounts in the United States were among the German settlers in eastern Pennsylvania.

In 1834, Queen Victoria's husband, Prince Albert, was credited with bringing the first Christmas tree to Windsor Castle for the Royal Family. Some historians state that in actuality Queen Charlotte, Victoria's grandmother, recalled that a Christmas tree was in the Queen's lodge at Windsor on Christmas Day in 1800.

Charles Minnegrode introduced the custom of decorating trees in Williamsburg, Virginia in 1842.

By 1850, the Christmas tree had become fashionable in the eastern states. Until this time, it had been considered a quaint foreign custom.

Mark Carr brought trees from the Catskills to the streets of New York in 1851, and opened the first retail Christmas tree lot in the United States.

Franklin Pierce was the first president to introduce the Christmas tree to the White House in 1856 for a group of Washington Sunday School children. The first national Christmas Tree was lighted in the year 1923 on the White House lawn by President Calvin Coolidge.

Christmas Trees at the White House
A tree from the National Christmas Tree Association has been displayed in the Blue Room of the White House since 1966.

Christmas Tree Traditions Around the World
Learn about Christmas tree traditions outside the United States.

An American Christmas Decade by Decade
Follow the story of how we came to celebrate Christmas as a National Holiday.

Legends of Christmas
Stories of how caroling, candy canes, gift giving, poinsettias and other customs became part of Christmas traditions.

Origins of Other Christmas Traditions
Check out the origins of other Christmas traditions.

The Chronological History of the Christmas Tree
Follow the history of the Christmas tree through the centuries.

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How To Select A Christmas Tree. How To Care For A Christmas Tree

How To Select A Christmas Tree. How To Care For A Christmas Tree

To some, Christmas just isn't Christmas without a real Christmas tree. The following are a few hints to help you select that perfect tree whether you purchase it from a neighborhood lot or a Christmas tree farm.

*Decide on where you will place the tree. Will it be seen from all sides or will some of it be up against a wall? Be sure to choose a spot away from heat sources, such as TVs, fireplaces, radiators and air ducts. Place the tree clear of doors.

*Measure the height and width of the space you have available in the room where the tree will be placed. There is nothing worse than bringing a tree indoors only to find it's too tall. Take a tape measure with you to measure your chosen tree and bring a cord to tie your tree to the car.

*Remember that trees sold on retail lots in urban areas may have come from out of state and may have been exposed to drying winds in transit. They may have been cut weeks earlier.Buy trees early before the best trees have been sold and where trees are shaded.Ask the retailer whether his trees are delivered once at the beginning of the season or are they delivered at different times during the selling season.

*Choose a fresh tree. A fresh tree will have a healthy green appearance with few browning needles. Needles should be flexible and not fall off if you run a branch through your hand. Raise the tree a few inches off the ground and drop it on the butt end. Very few green needles should drop off the tree.. It is normal for a few inner brown needles to drop off.

*Remember to choose a tree that fits where it is to be displayed. For example if the tree is displayed in front of a large window, then all four sides should look as good as possible. If the tree is displayed against a wall, then a tree with three good sides would be okay. A tree with two good sides would work well in a corner. The more perfect a tree, the more expensive it is.

*Make sure the handle or base of the tree is straight and 6-8 inches long so it will fit easily into the stand.

* Do a little research on different Christmas tree types. Some Christmas tree varieties will hold needles longer than others.

Some tips for your family's visit to a local choose and cut farm.

*Most tree farms keep their fields very well groomed, but there are some things that are beyond the farmer's control. Be careful of fire-ant mounds, tree stumps, an occasional blackberry vine, uneven ground and sharp saws.

*Go to the farm prepared for a day in the country. Wear comfortable shoes and old clothes. Bring rain gear if the weather is threatening. The "cutter downers" and the "loader uppers" should also have gloves. Don't forget the camera. It's best to leave "Rover" at home (many farms will prohibit pets). But, if a pet is allowed and must come along, keep him on a leash at all times. Please don't let him "mark" other people's trees.

*Saws are usually provided by the farm operator.

*Some farms measure and price their trees individually, others sell them by the foot. Ask about the pricing policy before heading out in the field.

*Head into the field and select the tree that fits your predetermined needs. Check the trunk to be sure that it is sufficiently straight. Keep in mind that pines will usually have, at least, some crook in their trunks. Also check that the tree has a sufficiently long handle to accommodate your stand.

*In the fall of the year all pines drop, or shed, a certain portion of their oldest needles. This is a normal part of the life cycle of the tree. This phenomena occurs because the tree is preparing itself for winter. Most farms provide shaking or blowing services so that you will depart with a perfectly clean pine.

*Cutting the tree is easiest as a two person project. The "cutter downer" usually lies on the ground while the helper holds the bottom limbs up. While the cut is being made, the helper should tug on the tree lightly to ensure that the saw kerf remains open so that the saw does not bind. The tugging force should be applied to the side of the tree opposite the cut. A back cut should be made first with the final cut coming from the opposite side.

*Bring the tree to the processing area where it will be cleaned and netted. Netting makes transporting and handling the tree substantially easier.

*When you are checking out, remember to pick up a tree removal bag if available. It can be used as a tree skirt and then pulled up around the tree to help keep the floors clean when the tree is being taken down.

Source: National Christmas Tree Association

* Now that you and your family have chosen that perfect tree it's time to bring it home. Cover your tree with a tarp or plastic for the trip home to keep it from drying out.

The following are a few tips on how to keep your tree fresh throughout the holiday season.

*If you are not putting the tree up right away store it in an unheated garage or some other area out of the wind and cold (freezing) temperatures. Make a fresh one inch cut on the butt end and place the tree in a bucket of warm water.

*When you decide to bring the tree indoors, make another fresh one inch cut and place the tree in a sturdy stand that holds at least one gallon of water, or a rule of thumb is one quart of water for every inch of diameter of the trunk.

*Be sure to keep the water level about the base of the tree. If the base dries out resin will form over the cut end and the tree will not be able to absorb water and will dry out quickly. Commercially prepared mixes; aspirin; sugar and other additives added to the water are not necessary. Research has shown that plain water will keep a tree fresh.

*Check all Christmas tree lights for worn electrical cords. Use UL approved electrical decorations and cords. Unplug tree lights at night.

*Miniature lights produce less heat and reduce the drying effect on the tree.

*It's a nuisance to water a Christmas tree once it's decorated with a tree skirt and surrounded by presents. Here's an easy solution, supplied by Gene and Marian Anderson of Guse Hardware in Minneapolis: Buy a funnel and a 3 to 4 foot length of vinyl tubing to slip over the funnel outlet.Fasten the funnel/tube with a twist-tie or twine in an out-of-the-way but reachable part of the tree. Extend the tubing down the tree trunk and into the tree stand reservoir. Now you can water the tree through the funnel without bending over or disturbing the tree skirt or its ornaments.

Source: Minneapolis Star Tribune

*Take down the tree before it dries out. Many fresh cut trees if properly cared for will last at least five weeks before drying out.

*Recycle your tree after Christmas. Many communities will pick up trees and turn them into chips. You might put the tree in your back yard and place bread and suet among the branches for the birds.

* To "uglify" live evergreens in your yard to protect from theft or vandalism, try the following: Mix 20 ounces of hydrated lime and 4 ounces of WiltPruf into a paste. Add 20 gallons of warm water and 2 bottles of food coloring to the paste. Apply to evergreens with a garden hand sprayer or with a broom and bucket. Treatment should last through the holiday season.

Source: Mike Bolin, Extension Forester, UIUC

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Christmas Tree Facts. Christmas Tree History

Christmas Tree Facts. Christmas Tree History

# Christmas trees have been sold commercially in the United States since about 1850.

# Until fairly recently, all Christmas trees came from the forest.

# In 2002, Oregon, North Carolina, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, Washington, New York, and Virginia were the top Christmas tree producing states. Oregon was the leading producer of Christmas trees – 6.5 million in 2002.

# The best selling trees are Scotch pine, Douglas fir, Noble fir, Fraser fir, Virginia pine, Balsam fir and white pine.

# More than 2,000 trees are usually planted per acre. On an average 1,000-1,500 of these trees will survive. In the North, maybe, 750 trees will remain. Almost all trees require shearing to attain the Christmas tree shape. At six to seven feet, trees are ready for harvest. It takes six to ten years of fighting heavy rain, wind, hail and drought to get a mature tree.

# In the United States, there are more than 21, 000 Christmas tree growers.

# In the United States, there are more than 12,000 cut-your-own farms.

# In 1979, the National Christmas Tree was not lighted except for the top ornament. This was done in honor of the American hostages in Iran.

# From 1887-1933 a fishing schooner called the "Christmas Ship" would tie up at the Clark Street Bridge in Chicago and sell spruce trees from Michigan to Chicagoans.

# The tradition of an official Chicago Christmas tree was initiated in 1913 when one was first lit by Mayor Carter H. Harrison in Grant Park.

# Since 1966, the National Christmas Tree Association has given a Christmas tree to the President and first family.

# The first decorated Christmas tree was in Riga, Latvia in 1510.

# Growing Christmas trees provides a habitat for wildlife.

# Recycled trees have been used to make sand and soil erosion barriers and been placed in ponds for fish shelter.

# The first Christmas tree retail lot in the United States was started in 1851 in New York by Mark Carr.

# Christmas trees take an average of 7-10 years to mature.

# Christmas trees remove dust and pollen from the air.

# Since 1971, the Province of Nova Scotia has presented the Boston Christmas Tree tree to the people of Boston in gratitude for the relief supplies received from the citizens of Boston after a ship exploded in 1917 following a collision in the Halifax, Nova Scotia Harbor. Part of the city was leveled killing injuring thousands.

# The use of evergreen trees to celebrate the winter season occurred before the birth of Christ.

# Christmas trees are grown in all 50 states including Hawaii and Alaska.

# 100,000 people are employed in the Christmas tree industry.

# 98 percent of all Christmas trees are grown on farms.

# In 1856 Franklin Pierce, the 14th President of the United States, was the first President to place a Christmas tree in the White House.

# President Coolidge started the National Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony on the White House lawn in 1923.

# In 2002, 21% of United States households had a real tree, 48% had an artificial tree and 32% had not tree.

# 73 million new Christmas trees will be planted this year.

# In 2002, 32 percent of Christmas trees displayed in United States were real trees; 49% were fake trees.

# On average, over 2,000 Christmas trees are planted per acre.

# You should not burn your Christmas tree in the fireplace; it can contribute to creosote buildup.

# Other types of trees such as cherry and hawthorns were used as Christmas trees in the past.

# Artificial trees will last for six years in your home, but for centuries in a landfill.

# There are over 500 Christmas tree growers in Illinois.

# In 2002, over 144,000 real trees were harvested in Illinois.

# Using small candles to light a Christmas tree dates back to the middle of the 17th century.

# Nineteenth century Americans cut their trees in nearby forests.

# Thomas Edison’s assistant, Edward Johnson, came up with the idea of electric lights for Christmas trees in 1882.

# Christmas tree lights were first mass produced in 1890.

# In 1963, the National Christmas Tree was not lighted until December 22nd because of a national 30-day period of mourning following the assassination of President Kennedy.

# Teddy Roosevelt banned the Christmas tree from the White House for environmental reasons.

# In the first week, a tree in your home will consume as much as a quart of water per day.

# Michigan ranks third (2.4 million trees in 2002) among all states in the production of real Christmas trees, but grows a larger variety (13) of Christmas trees than any other state.

# A Christmas tree decoration was banned by the government. Tinsel contained lead at one time, now it’s made of plastic.

# Real Christmas trees are involved in less than one-tenth of one percent of residential fires and only when ignited by some external ignition sources.

# In 1998 more than 32 million Real Christmas Trees were used in the U.S. Of these, only 0.00093% were ignited in home fires.

# 93% of real Christmas tree consumers recycle their tree in community recycling programs, their garden or backyard.

# In 2003, 21% of Christmas trees sold were from chain stores, 15% by non-profit groups. 13% from retail lots and 35% from choose and cut farms.

# An estimated 175,000 Real Christmas Trees are sold via e-commerce or catalogue and shipped mail-order.

# In 2005 the retail market value of the 32.8 million trees purchased at the average purchase price of $41.90 was $1,374 million.

# 32.8 million Christmas trees were purchased in 2005.

# Christmas trees are baled to protect the branches from damage during shipping.

# 34-36 million Christmas trees were harvested in the United States in 2001.

# Helicopters help to lift harvested Christmas trees from farms.

# An acre of Christmas trees provides for the daily oxygen requirements of 18 people.

# In 1984, the National Christmas was lit on December 13th with temperatures in the 70's, making it one of the warmest tree lightings in history.

# In 1900, large stores started to erect big illuminated Christmas trees.

# Every year since 1947, the people of Oslo, Norway have given a Christmas tree to the city of Westminster, England. The gift is an expression of good will and gratitude for Britain's help to Norway during World War II.

# The first printed reference to Christmas trees appeared in Germany in 1531.

# Oregon produces the most real Christmas trees. In 2002, 6.4 million trees were harvested in Oregon.

# Oregon led the nation in 2002 with 67,804 acres in Christmas tree production


Get Personalized Letters From Santa Claus and More!!
Visit The Santa Claus House

Santa Letter & Magic Snow $29.99

Santa Letter & Magic Snow $29.99

The Santa Letter Classic - is included PLUS:


Make sure it's a white Christmas with Santa's Letter and Magic Snow

Santa's Magic Snow is a beautiful souvenir tin and playset containing a sachet of Santa's Magic Snow Powder.

Using top secret techniques and magic formulas, the snow that actually fell from Santa's roof just last week (apparently) is magically converted to a fine powder that just needs water adding to transform it back into white fluffy snow – and as if by magic the snow grows before your very eyes up to an amazing 40 times its original size!

How much does it cost? The cost of a Santa Letters is just $7.95 to $39.95 (depending on which you choose) including shipping & handling and a FREE gift (a Christmas Eve Bedroom Door-hanger).


OTHER FEATURES
Flexible Mailing Date - you can ask Santa to mail on any date and make changes up to midnight the day before the scheduled mailing
Different Letter Styles- so siblings receive different letters.
Did Santa write last year? – Then tick the box and Santa will refer to“....the letter I wrote to you last year".

FREE access to an online cartoon depicting how Santa's Magic Snow is made. (Suitable for ages 6+). Buy with a letter for just $29.95 inc shiping and magic!. (Value sold separately = $29.95).

Make sure it's a white Christmas with Santa's Letter and Magic Snow

What is a Santa Letter
A Santa Letter is a unique memento that encapsulates the magic of Christmas. Printed on Santa's luxury stationery, and addressed exclusively to the individual child, the highly personal letter will ensure that believing in Santa will last at least another year. Includes afree gift: This will be a colorful Christmas Eve door hanger and free discretionary option to have Santa provide a password and login to his secret website.

How much does it cost?
The cost of a Santa Letters is just $7.95 to $39.95 (depending on which you choose) including shipping & handling and a FREE gift (a Christmas Eve Bedroom Door-hanger).

How personal can it be and what does the letter say?
The Santa Letter contains a lot of uniquely personal information that only Santa (parent or guardian) can know. Such as hobbies and interests, pets & best friends name, most desired Christmas gift and color of front door. Santa tells the child how old they are and that he is thrilled to see their name on his "nice list". You also have the option to have Santa include a password to his secret website. You can even add your own P.S. message!

What is the target age group?
The target age group really depends on each individual child. Generally the level of comprehension required is suitable for all children aged from 0 up to 11. Santa has recently written letters to Children as old as 102! He's even written to a 54 year old CEO of a company too.

What will it look like?
Simply magical! Using Santa's special handwriting effect font, his words look beautifully composed on his very own luxury stationery. Complete with matching color envelope (with Mailed From the North Pole in big red letters). The stationery has Santa poised at his writing desk and features Rudolph too.

Can I preview the Letter before it is sent?
Yes you can. A quick preview is presented to you automatically, which you are required to accept before the entering the next stage. Before you confirm your details you have the option of viewing a "larger" preview. Although this preview can take up to a minute to download, it contains all the personalization you have selected in Santa's own handwriting and an approximation of Santa's letterhead too.

How will it be mailed and can I choose the mailing date?
The Santa Letter is mailed AIR MAIL first class from the UK and may take between 10-16 days. The letter is printed and mailed on the day you select at the time of booking. The last posting date, guaranteeing delivery in time, for Christmas will also be displayed. (The North Pole Postmark is an overprint and not a genuine postmark - but a pretty dam good forgery!). Santa posts them whilst surveying his route in November and December.

Privacy Policy
In accordance with good Internet practice and current data protection legislation Santa-Claus.com safeguards the information you provide. This information is only used to enhance the personal experience of the Santa Letters for the child as is NEVER rented or sold to third parties.

How does a Santa Letter help Children's charities?
Each Santa Letter booked means that Santa-Claus.com will pay a 25% to a charity or organisation you you choose. It is a cute irony that the better off children will be helping the less fortunate by receiving a Santa Letter.

What if I have more than one child at the same address?
Santa has this covered too. He knows if you are trying to send another letter to the same address and he will automatically change the way he writes it. Siblings can compare each others letters and see that they really were written just for them. Thus ensuring the magic lives on! top
Can I change my Santa Letter once booked?
Yes siree. Simply log into your account (we create one for you as you go through the checkout process) and you can make edits to the Santa letters right up to midnight the day before mailing.

What if my Santa Letter does not arrive?
Although extremely unlikely, occasionally a Santa Letter can indeed get "lost in the post". Unfortunately, Santa-Claus.com is unable to offer refunds in such circumstances as these occurrences are out of our control. We will, however, issue replacements or if after Christmas a new style letter with appropriate wording FREE of charge. You can choose to have a replacement send free of charge the following Christmas.

FREE option to Santa's Secret Website
FREE discretionary extra to extend the magic of a Santa Letter! Santa will issue your child with a unique password to access his secret website. This website is child-friendly, safe and secure and contains no chat rooms, external links, advertising, selling or references to the source of these Santa Letters. Santa will once again mention their name. He has an exclusive narrated Movie-Book of the Nativity, games, quizzes and Christmas Trivia. Truly magical. Oh to be young again! Do you want a sneaky preview?

Santa Letter Special or Santa Letter Classic or Santa Letter Snow + Santa Letter Deluxe
All grades are just as magical with equal personalisation options, but as it says on the tin, the special is, well special really. Arriving with the Santa Letter, the Special comprises a luxury Teddy Bear dressed in a Christmas suit and carrying a basket containing an assortment of Milk Chocolates (may contain nut trace). In addition the Special comes with an "I believe in Santa Sticker" - so kids can tell the world that they really so believe. Wonderfully special. The Snow - comeas with a tin of magic snow and the Deluxe is a combo of all 3 versions. Terific.

Make sure it's a white Christmas with Santa's Letter and Magic Snow

Order A Gift Sent From Santa Claus. Xmas Gifts Under $20

Order A Gift Sent From Santa Claus. Xmas Gifts Under $20

Santa Claus House offers an amazing assortment of Christmas decor and ornaments, apparel, collectibles, made in Alaska items, as well as a selection of unique toys. Enjoy an espresso from Santa's Coffee Cache while you browse. Many unique photo opportunities are available, including a life-size nativity scene, a 6-foot plush moose and polar bear, and many themed Christmas trees. Outside, take your picture in Santa's sleigh, which is nestled in front of our original 40-foot two dimensional Santa. Marvel at our 42-foot three dimensional fiberglass Santa and meet real members of Santa's reindeer team.

Letters from Santa
North Pole Apparel
North Pole Gifts
Everything Christmas
SCH Custom Ornaments
For Kids from Santa
You Classic Collectibles
The Alaska Shop
Taste Sensations
Made in Alaska
Mill Creek Collection
Santaland RV Gifts
New Arrivals
Web Specials
Gift Certificates



Read what others are saying about our Original Letters from Santa

"Once again this year I find myself looking forward to my children receiving a letter from Santa Claus House. They are now 12 and 14 and are just as excited as me. Last year I sent them to my niece and nephews and never let on to their parents. You can only imagine the joy and surprise on the whole families faces." -Jenni, Australia

"My son has this morning received his letter from Santa, I just had to write and say how wonderful & authentic they are. It was my first year of ordering and certainly won't be the last, what a fantastic service I only wished I found you sooner!!" -J.H., England

My wife has just received her "Letter from Santa" (wink, wink) today. She phoned me at work to say she spent the first ten minutes laughing to herself, before realising she was on Santa`s Naughty List. I would like to send Santa a huge Thank You, as my wife is going all-out to get on Santa's Good List and earn her badge. She says she already has a Lump of a Husband and doesn`t want the Lump of Coal too. The best few dollars I've ever spent!! -Paul, UK

"I've just got to write and let you know, I've been sending the Santa letters and book to each new batch of grandchildren...for probably 14 years - and each time, the children have been so surprised and delighted to hear from Santa...the "excitement," when my little grandchildren bring their letters to me to see, gives me great pleasure." - Marion, USA

"Dear Santa, Thank you for all the stuff you have given me, especially the DEED to One Square Inch of North Pole, Alaska. I am so proud of me beening near the top of the good list. Are my sisters on the good list too?" - Kayla, recipient of Santa letter and deed

"...in hopes that someday I would send for a letter from Santa for my own children. Well, that day has arrived, and I can't tell you how thrilled I am to have the distinct privilege and opportunity to share the magic with my own children. Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!!!" - Denise, USA

"Just a line to let you know - very pleased customer here! I ordered 45 North Pole property deeds... I was very, very happy. Everyone... loved it, thought it was a unique gift...my only complaint: how do I top this next year? Keep up the good work." - Nancy, USA

"Dear Santa, Thank you for the letter, Santa, and I wrelly like your picter that you gave me and I like you wife and your Rudolph." - Yuri, recipient of letter

"Just a note to say thank you very much. Customer service such as you have displayed is rare these days and is very refreshing to see. Again, thank you." - Lyn, USA

"I have been ordering your letters for about 20 years. I have not only sent them to my children, but I have sent them to friends and my parents and co-workers. Just about everyone I know has gotten a letter from Santaland....My children are older now and they are starting to send them to friends. I just want to say thank you to each and everyone of you in Santaland...and that you don't only bring smiles to children, but to us big children also." - Nancy, USA

"Dear Santa, Thank you for the latter from last year. I will always believe in you." - Gabe, recipient of Santa letter

"I have depended on Santa Claus House for so many years now. My oldest granddaughter is twelve now and has always had a letter from Santa, stamped Santa Claus House. Thank you very much for being so reliable. I recommend you to any parent or grandparent wishing to add some holiday cheer to any child in their life. You add so much to our holidays. Thank you again."
- Sherley, USA

"Thank you very much for the stiker. I hanged it up on my dresser. Merry Cristmas." - Emily, recipient of Santa letter

"Thank you for doing this service for our children. This is my 8th year of ordering letters and I am as excited as the children are when the letters arrive. God bless you." - Phyllis, USA