CONGRESS INTRODUCES BILL THAT WOULD REINSTATE DOWNPAYMENT ASSISTANCE: NEHEMIAH RESPONDS
Bill Would Broaden Opportunities for Sustainable Homeownership Without Government or Taxpayer Dollars -Sacramento, CA, January 16, 2009 --
The following statement was issued today by Scott Syphax, president and CEO of the Nehemiah Corporation of America in response to H.R. 600, a bill introduced in Congress that would reinstate seller-funded downpayment assistance (DPA). Prior to the October 1, 2008 ban on DPA, Nehemiah was the oldest and largest provider of downpayment assistance.
"There is an overlooked solution to today's housing crisis and fortunately several members of Congress recognize the role DPA plays in getting us there. We commend Congressman Al Green [and additional members of Congress] for working tirelessly to support a bill (H.R. 600) that creates opportunities for sustainable homeownership, which serves as the cornerstone to strengthening a crumbling housing market and breathing life back into the economy. With foreclosures on the rise and banks maintaining their stranglehold on credit, DPA offers a simple solution without spending a single government or taxpayer dime according to the Congressional Budget Office. Further, it enables worthy families to take advantage of depressed home prices, therefore reducing the glut of homes on the market.
We urge Congress to reach across the aisle and prioritize broadening opportunities for responsible homeownership in America by reinstating DPA."
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
Whats In, Whats Out for Home Buyers in 2009
Mark Nash, author of four real estate books, has completed his annual survey of 839 real estate agents in all fifty states in the US and the eight provinces of Canada.
What's in, what's out with Homebuyers illuminates what's popular or what sours homebuyers in both the home purchase or sale transaction and home decor. Compiled annually from-the-trenches, it offers a spectrum of tips that cover reality of buying a home and design no-no's for home sellers and buyer must-haves.
What's In
Sidelined home buyers
Family or lifestyle additions or changes made in buyers households in the last three years are forcing those waiting out the market transition to finally get off the fence and say, it's time for our family to buy the new home that suits our new needs.
Home uplifts
Not a big renovation, but some new finishes that can visually holdover stay-put home sellers. Not a gut rehab to the studs new kitchen, but new flooring, countertops and appliances.
Collaborative home pricing
The old days of home sellers configuring a homes price are out. What's new is that the seller with their agent look at closed comparables, set a price, then the buyer and their agent agree or disagree, but in the end, a mortgage lender and their appraiser will set the price, as they are assuming the most risk in the transaction.
Balanced reporting by real estate and personal finance journalists
Consumers learned in 2008 that the 'doom and gloom' residential real estate market headlines don't apply to all markets. What's been lost in the foreclosure hype is that there are still stories of homes selling in short market times (in as little as 3 days), homes selling at full price and some selling with multiple contracts on the table. Existing home sales will be 5.02 million versus 5.652 million for 2007, a decrease of just over eleven percent, considerably less that the recent correction in the U.S. stock market, plus a realistic view that over five million people purchased a home despite the headlines in 2008.
Creative home seller financing
Exhausted home sellers are turning to self-financing to move properties. Installment sale contracts and lease to own are the most popular and effective ways for sellers to begin to receive income from a property that has languished on the market in 2008.
Property tax appeals
With home prices dropping, many savvy home owners are appealing their property taxes. This is especially attractive to those looking to sell their home in 2009. With a competitive marketplace, those with the most realistic taxes are more likely to offer buyers an overall lower expense in home ownership.
House therapists
Divided partners in a home are increasingly relying on an independent third party (house therapist or coach) to bring household relationships to common ground on such prickly issues such as to stay or move, how much to spend on remodeling or decorating, or spending nothing at all. Third parties can outline the benefits and pitfalls of over-spending on a new larger home or weighing in on a spouses desire to over-improve for the neighborhood. With less equity and with the financial stakes higher smart couples hire a home therapist to wrangle concessions and agreements out with their significant other instead of doing damage to their relationship by going head-to-head with them.
Architectural overhead garage doors
After years of bland vanilla garage doors, the architecture has permeated the door most people look at the most. Traditional styling has arrived with mullioned windows, faux wrought iron hinges and latches that provide the original non-overhead garage door look. Contemporary looks now include the adjacent siding applied over the door for a seamless look, much like the panels installed on refrigerator doors to complement cabinets in a kitchen.
Loveseats
A pair or trio is gaining acceptance as the functional way to rearrange a living or family room. Consumers appreciate the ease at which they can rearrange them, move an extra one to another room, or provide long-term furniture flexibility in future homes. Plus, they're tired of sitting miles away from others on over-sized sectional sofas.
The master bed as a throne
With consumer spending down and more nesting at home, home owners are focusing on making their bed like an at-home luxury hotel experience. Posh linens, pillows and mattresses create a getaway without leaving home.
Older war-horse appliances
Collectable, working appliances form the 1940's through the late 1980's have found a new niche among homeowners who appreciate their rock-solid construction and durability. Harvest gold double ovens from the 1970's have been repainted a metallic red and go from boring to bold. Cold spot refrigerators from the 1950's refinished in sky blue perks up the butler's pantry in suburban home. And, the early 1960's dryer that looks like it's from a Jet son house painted pink to match punches up the in-unit laundry room in a condominium.
Dining chairs that don't match
With consumers watching their non-essential spending closely and electing to stay home to entertain friends, many have found a quick pick-me-up for their dining room suite, mismatched pairs or single chairs. Feedback from friends or family has been favorable to this easy and cost effective way to say welcome to my cutting edge table.
What's OUT
Fixer-upper homes
With larger down payments required by mortgage lenders and consumer credit cards mixed out, home buyers want a home in move-in condition. The DIY days are on the wane as buyers want to inherit new kitchens and bathrooms.
Foreclosure fluff
The foreclosure rate nationally in 2008 was just under 3 percent. In the Great Depression it was just over forty-percent.
Home buyers endless "circling" prospective short-list properties
Overly optimistic thinking by buyers to circle a preferred property indefinitely, often for months, waiting for further price reductions or to wear out long weary sellers. This practice has backfired for buyers who practice this style of pre-negotiating. They often loose their short-list dream home and frustrate savvy price-right sellers. Ditto the bottom-feeder buyers.
Home staging
A recently over-used low cost marketing band-aid for vacant or occupied homes with longer than normal market times. Buyers have said enough of the non-professional usage of assorted leftover props placed around a for-sale home to make it supposedly homey. Buyers say, market it as it is and clear out the tired silk flowers and stale potpourri.
Indoor-outdoor carpet
The staples of quick-fix home sellers for basements, balconies, screened porches and lanai's, buyers have said enough. Many have told agents that inexpensive indoor-outdoor carpet is visual pollution and often masks flaws in a home.
Track lighting
Thought of by homeowners to be a quick way to get an art gallery look, many prospective buyers usually take them out and discount their appeal. As one Gen-X home buyer said to me "Why do sellers install them up when they don't really have any interesting artwork or architectural features to spotlight? They bring undue attention to nothing."
Written by Mark Nash
What's in, what's out with Homebuyers illuminates what's popular or what sours homebuyers in both the home purchase or sale transaction and home decor. Compiled annually from-the-trenches, it offers a spectrum of tips that cover reality of buying a home and design no-no's for home sellers and buyer must-haves.
What's In
Sidelined home buyers
Family or lifestyle additions or changes made in buyers households in the last three years are forcing those waiting out the market transition to finally get off the fence and say, it's time for our family to buy the new home that suits our new needs.
Home uplifts
Not a big renovation, but some new finishes that can visually holdover stay-put home sellers. Not a gut rehab to the studs new kitchen, but new flooring, countertops and appliances.
Collaborative home pricing
The old days of home sellers configuring a homes price are out. What's new is that the seller with their agent look at closed comparables, set a price, then the buyer and their agent agree or disagree, but in the end, a mortgage lender and their appraiser will set the price, as they are assuming the most risk in the transaction.
Balanced reporting by real estate and personal finance journalists
Consumers learned in 2008 that the 'doom and gloom' residential real estate market headlines don't apply to all markets. What's been lost in the foreclosure hype is that there are still stories of homes selling in short market times (in as little as 3 days), homes selling at full price and some selling with multiple contracts on the table. Existing home sales will be 5.02 million versus 5.652 million for 2007, a decrease of just over eleven percent, considerably less that the recent correction in the U.S. stock market, plus a realistic view that over five million people purchased a home despite the headlines in 2008.
Creative home seller financing
Exhausted home sellers are turning to self-financing to move properties. Installment sale contracts and lease to own are the most popular and effective ways for sellers to begin to receive income from a property that has languished on the market in 2008.
Property tax appeals
With home prices dropping, many savvy home owners are appealing their property taxes. This is especially attractive to those looking to sell their home in 2009. With a competitive marketplace, those with the most realistic taxes are more likely to offer buyers an overall lower expense in home ownership.
House therapists
Divided partners in a home are increasingly relying on an independent third party (house therapist or coach) to bring household relationships to common ground on such prickly issues such as to stay or move, how much to spend on remodeling or decorating, or spending nothing at all. Third parties can outline the benefits and pitfalls of over-spending on a new larger home or weighing in on a spouses desire to over-improve for the neighborhood. With less equity and with the financial stakes higher smart couples hire a home therapist to wrangle concessions and agreements out with their significant other instead of doing damage to their relationship by going head-to-head with them.
Architectural overhead garage doors
After years of bland vanilla garage doors, the architecture has permeated the door most people look at the most. Traditional styling has arrived with mullioned windows, faux wrought iron hinges and latches that provide the original non-overhead garage door look. Contemporary looks now include the adjacent siding applied over the door for a seamless look, much like the panels installed on refrigerator doors to complement cabinets in a kitchen.
Loveseats
A pair or trio is gaining acceptance as the functional way to rearrange a living or family room. Consumers appreciate the ease at which they can rearrange them, move an extra one to another room, or provide long-term furniture flexibility in future homes. Plus, they're tired of sitting miles away from others on over-sized sectional sofas.
The master bed as a throne
With consumer spending down and more nesting at home, home owners are focusing on making their bed like an at-home luxury hotel experience. Posh linens, pillows and mattresses create a getaway without leaving home.
Older war-horse appliances
Collectable, working appliances form the 1940's through the late 1980's have found a new niche among homeowners who appreciate their rock-solid construction and durability. Harvest gold double ovens from the 1970's have been repainted a metallic red and go from boring to bold. Cold spot refrigerators from the 1950's refinished in sky blue perks up the butler's pantry in suburban home. And, the early 1960's dryer that looks like it's from a Jet son house painted pink to match punches up the in-unit laundry room in a condominium.
Dining chairs that don't match
With consumers watching their non-essential spending closely and electing to stay home to entertain friends, many have found a quick pick-me-up for their dining room suite, mismatched pairs or single chairs. Feedback from friends or family has been favorable to this easy and cost effective way to say welcome to my cutting edge table.
What's OUT
Fixer-upper homes
With larger down payments required by mortgage lenders and consumer credit cards mixed out, home buyers want a home in move-in condition. The DIY days are on the wane as buyers want to inherit new kitchens and bathrooms.
Foreclosure fluff
The foreclosure rate nationally in 2008 was just under 3 percent. In the Great Depression it was just over forty-percent.
Home buyers endless "circling" prospective short-list properties
Overly optimistic thinking by buyers to circle a preferred property indefinitely, often for months, waiting for further price reductions or to wear out long weary sellers. This practice has backfired for buyers who practice this style of pre-negotiating. They often loose their short-list dream home and frustrate savvy price-right sellers. Ditto the bottom-feeder buyers.
Home staging
A recently over-used low cost marketing band-aid for vacant or occupied homes with longer than normal market times. Buyers have said enough of the non-professional usage of assorted leftover props placed around a for-sale home to make it supposedly homey. Buyers say, market it as it is and clear out the tired silk flowers and stale potpourri.
Indoor-outdoor carpet
The staples of quick-fix home sellers for basements, balconies, screened porches and lanai's, buyers have said enough. Many have told agents that inexpensive indoor-outdoor carpet is visual pollution and often masks flaws in a home.
Track lighting
Thought of by homeowners to be a quick way to get an art gallery look, many prospective buyers usually take them out and discount their appeal. As one Gen-X home buyer said to me "Why do sellers install them up when they don't really have any interesting artwork or architectural features to spotlight? They bring undue attention to nothing."
Written by Mark Nash
Friday, December 26, 2008
In Texas Things Are Different!
Thankfully, better
National media reports about real estate have been gloom-and-doom for many months now, painting a bleak picture for prospective homesellers and buyers alike.
Texas REALTOR® Michael Scudder thinks those reports should end in three words … “except in Texas.” Scudder, 2008 president of the New Braunfels/Canyon Lake Board of REALTORS®, says the mortgage and housing crises affecting other parts of the country have left Texas nearly unscathed.
“The market (here) is a lot better than many believe.” With low housing prices, low interest rates, high employment levels, and a strong economy, Texas real estate has weathered the national storm fairly well, confirms Brooke Hunt, 2009 chairman of the Texas Association of REALTORS®.
“The national news media likes to talk about what’s happening in New York, Washington D.C., Florida, and L.A. – and they’re probably pretty accurate about what’s going on there,” Scudder says. “But they don’t ever talk about Texas unless we have a hurricane or something. We’re doing pretty well.”
Source: New Braunfels Herald-Zeitung
National media reports about real estate have been gloom-and-doom for many months now, painting a bleak picture for prospective homesellers and buyers alike.
Texas REALTOR® Michael Scudder thinks those reports should end in three words … “except in Texas.” Scudder, 2008 president of the New Braunfels/Canyon Lake Board of REALTORS®, says the mortgage and housing crises affecting other parts of the country have left Texas nearly unscathed.
“The market (here) is a lot better than many believe.” With low housing prices, low interest rates, high employment levels, and a strong economy, Texas real estate has weathered the national storm fairly well, confirms Brooke Hunt, 2009 chairman of the Texas Association of REALTORS®.
“The national news media likes to talk about what’s happening in New York, Washington D.C., Florida, and L.A. – and they’re probably pretty accurate about what’s going on there,” Scudder says. “But they don’t ever talk about Texas unless we have a hurricane or something. We’re doing pretty well.”
Source: New Braunfels Herald-Zeitung
Thursday, December 11, 2008
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
Christmas in Bedford and Around The World
How to Celebrate Christmas
Christmas is a time of giving, and holiday celebrations during Christmas usually reflect that notion. In many cultures around the world, gifts are exchanged. However, there are a variety of traditions that you can incorporate into your own Christmas celebration to make your family’s celebration both unique and memorable.
In many cultures around the world
gifts are exchanged. However, there are a variety of traditions that you can incorporate into your own Christmas celebration to make your family’s celebration both unique and memorable. In this article, you’ll learn about Western celebrations and traditions, as well as celebrations and traditions from other areas of the world.
Christmas Trees
The Christmas Tree has long been a dominant symbol of the Christmas season.
In New York City at Rockefeller Center, a large Christmas tree is magnificently decorated. In other areas of the world, Christmas trees are also decorated. Concerning Christmas trees, there are two basic options:
Artificial Christmas Trees
Many people who own pets, particularly cats, have allergies, or young children, choose to have an artificial Christmas tree because it is cleaner and environmentally friendly. In today’s eco-friendly world, fake Christmas trees can be used every year, and do not diminish a natural entity. These trees usually are in local stores, and can be easily placed together by following a set of given instructions. Additionally, many artificial Christmas trees now come fully decorated with lights, relieving many from untangling a string of holiday lights each season.
Real Christmas Trees
Many others prefer to buy a real Christmas tree. Often, local towns, cities, and communities have Christmas tree lots that begin sales immediately following Thanksgiving. However, real Christmas trees require a bit more work. They must be watered, and their leaves shed. If cleaning up pine needles and watering a plant are something you and your family do not have the time for, or will not do, a real Christmas tree is probably not for you. However, real Christmas trees add a sense of authenticity to holiday decorations.
Decorating the Tree
is often a family tradition. Many families decorate the tree in the weeks before Christmas, while others do it on Christmas Eve. Christmas tree decorations often include a set of lights, tinsel, garland, ornaments, and/or a popcorn string. Christmas ornaments can be found at local retailers, can be homemade, or can be passed down from generation to generation. Many families receive a new Christmas ornament every year, adding to their collection as the years continue.
Religious Observations
Depending on your religious beliefs, Christmas can also be a religious-oriented holiday. Many families go to mass during the Advent season, which is the forty days leading up to Christmas. During this time, the Christian church explains the stories leading up to the Birth of Jesus. Additionally, Advent Calendars usually count down the days until Christmas, bearing a tiny piece of chocolate and/or candy for each day.
Midnight mass
is another tradition for many families. Often, local churches will hold midnight ceremonies, celebrating the birth of Jesus. In some churches, the mass is said in its original Latin form, while, in others, the music is the highlight. Often, professional string quartets and/or band ensembles are hired to perform. Choruses and musicians also sing and/or play a variety of Christmas songs, such as The First Noel, Silent Night, and O Come All Ye Faithful.
Gifts
Although Christmas is not entirely about gifts, it is the time of year when gifts are both given and received. When shopping for gifts, there are many things to keep in mine, especially if you’re buying for someone who has eclectic tastes. Gifts do not have to be expensive. Often, the best gifts are homemade because they have sentimental value attached to them. If you’re struggling for gift ideas this holiday season, or if you’re wondering how you can create some gift-giving traditions in your family, the following section is for you.
Letters to Santa
If you have children who still believe in Santa Claus, making a list to mail to Santa is a great bonding activity. Encourage them to be creative and color and/or decorate their list in anyway that they want. For a more personalized list, have your children write down one or two reasons why they deserve a gift this year.
Visits with Santa
whether he be in a mall, shopping center, etc. Usually, children can sit on Santa’s lap, tell him what they want for Christmas, and get their pictures taken. Many parents make duplicates and use these pictures for the cover of their Christmas cards.
Christmas Cards
are another great way to send Holiday cheer to friends and family that cannot meet for the holidays. can be bought, signed, decorated, homemade, etc. Many families incorporate a family newsletter in which they explain how their year went for each family member. Others, take a family picture and sign their names at the bottom. Many make a family project out of homemade cards. However, some families more have traditions that are more secretive in nature.
Secret Santas
A Secret Santa can be a great idea for larger families. In a Secret Santa, everyone picks another person’s name out of a hat, with whoever they receive remaining a secret. The individual then buys or makes a gift for the person they chose. Come Christmas, the person and the gift is revealed. This can be a fun game with older children, but younger ones may have issues with keeping a secret.
Yankee Swaps
Often, extended families will gather to and hold a Yankee Swap. Yankee Swaps are usually best conducted in large families. In a Yankee Swap, each family brings a gift. Sometimes, there are themed swamps. For example, a re-gift swap or a homemade gift swap. Once together, each person picks a number out of a hat. Once all the numbers are dolled out to each person who’s participating, number one goes first and chooses a gift. Once he/she is done, number two goes, and so on. However, if the individual does not like the gift he/she chose, he/she can then take someone else’s gift, leaving the person with theirs. The best numbers to receive are numbers one or the last number because these lucky individuals can choose from any gift that they want. While this game can be fun, young children may be upset if a gift is taken away from them in exchange for a less desirous gift, therefore, older children are better participants.
Charity Events
One of the best gift-giving activities to do is to donate a gift to one of the many toy drives for those who are less fortunate. Every year, the Marine Corp holds their Toys for Tots program. In most cases, the toys can be donated at local malls, shopping centers, community centers, stores, etc. Also, the salvation army also asks for holiday donations in the form of spare change. Individuals usually stand outside of stores during the Christmas season. If you want to encourage your children to donate to charity, take them shopping and make it a family project to pick out a toy to donate. If your children are young, have them place the change in the Salvation Army bin so they can feel as though they’re participating too.
Many communities also hold food drives.
Make a day of collecting imperishable foods around your house and donating them. These types of drives are usually done through schools, community centers, grocery stores, and, in smaller communities, door-to-door collections. Giving to others is a great teaching tool for families, especially families with young children.
Outdoor Activities
For families who live in cold climates, winter and Christmas also come with snow. Many families choose to go skiing, ice skating, snowboarding, etc. In today’s society, even playing in snow or making snowmen is a great way to burn off those holiday treats. Usually, local golf courses and parks make great sledding hills. Additionally, hot chocolate is a warm winter treat after you and your family have returned from your outdoor adventures. If you don’t live in an area with snow, you can still partake in outdoor winter activities. One of the most popular is caroling. Families can join with neighbors, friends, and other family members to go door to door singing Christmas songs. Often, others enjoy the holiday cheer. When this is over, you can share a meal with everyone at a local restaurant and/or at someone’s home.
Food
After you’ve worked up an appetite playing in the snow, giving/buying gifts, and caroling, what’s better than to sit down and enjoy a meal with your family? Many families eat the same meal every year on Christmas. In America, many families eat a ham dinner because turkey was eaten the month before. However, many others eat foods pertaining to their particular ethnic backgrounds. Often, the food preparation can be made into a family tradition as well.Christmas cookies are one of the easiest traditions to begin. Because of the wide variety of brands, you and your family can make a various assortment of shapes, flavors, and cookie types. If you have young children, pre-made, packaged dough is the easiest, as it is efficient and less messy. If you want to teach your children more about cooking and measuring, cookies are fun to make from scratch. Recipes can be found through friends and family, cookbooks, the internet, etc.
Holiday parties.
These parties usually occur in the weeks leading up to Christmas. Often, family and friends meet to eat, mingle, talk, and celebrate the holiday season. If you’ve decided to partake in a Secret Santa or Yankee Swap, these holiday parties are often the best places to conduct them in. Additionally, another tradition that can be fun, especially for small children, is a dance party, using a collection of Christmas music. Other families conclude the evening with reading “The Night Before Christmas.” When enjoying the company of friends and family at a holiday party, is fun, remember to be careful.
Alcoholic beverages
When drinking, driving can be dangerous. Remember, drink responsibly, and if someone is too intoxicated to drive, let him/her stay the night.
Traditions Around the World
Because almost every Western, and some Eastern, cultures have Christmas celebrations, Christmas can be a great time to incorporate cultural traditions into your family’s celebrations.
In the following section, you’ll learn a brief overview of Christmas celebrations in Belgium, Mexico, and The Netherlands.
Belgium
The Belgium people celebrate Christmas on December 6th, on a day called Sinterklaas, or Saint Nicholas. Children receive small present under their tree, as well as in their stockings. For Christmas breakfast, families eat a sweet bread called “Cougnou.” Traditionally, this bread is shaped like the baby Jesus, as to commemorate his birth. A larger, family-oriented meal, is had later on in the day.
Mexico
Christmas in Mexico is a two-week long party! Mexicans called Christmas Las Posadas. Often, children reenact how Mary and Joseph looked for rooms in Bethlehem, finally choosing to settle in a barn, where Jesus was born. In the time following this performance, the group moves to a local church, where a piñata party is held. However, because Mexico has separate regions, each region celebrates differently. In some communities, this reenactment carries a more spiritual connotation, while in other communities, more emphasis is given to the Epiphany- or the arrival of the three Kings.
The Netherlands
In the Netherlands as with in Belgium, Santa Claus is referred to as Sinterklaas or Saint Nicholas. One December 6th, families gather for celebration. Children are told that Santa Claus travels from Spain to The Netherlands on December 5th. Dutch children place their shoes outside, filling them with hay and sugar in the same way Santa Claus’s reindeer are left carrots. In the morning, these things are replaced with candies and nuts. Christmas Day is also celebrated on December 25th, and December 26th is considered New Year’s Day. Additionally, Kings Day is celebrated on January 6th.
Whether you and your family adapt any cultural traditions, or create one of your own, Christmas is a holiday that can be as rewarding as it is stressful. Remember that the holiday is centered on giving, especially to those who are less fortunate. There is no right or wrong way to celebrate. Most importantly, enjoy the company of loved ones this Christmas season.
window.google_render_ad();
Christmas is a time of giving, and holiday celebrations during Christmas usually reflect that notion. In many cultures around the world, gifts are exchanged. However, there are a variety of traditions that you can incorporate into your own Christmas celebration to make your family’s celebration both unique and memorable.
In many cultures around the world
gifts are exchanged. However, there are a variety of traditions that you can incorporate into your own Christmas celebration to make your family’s celebration both unique and memorable. In this article, you’ll learn about Western celebrations and traditions, as well as celebrations and traditions from other areas of the world.
Christmas Trees
The Christmas Tree has long been a dominant symbol of the Christmas season.
In New York City at Rockefeller Center, a large Christmas tree is magnificently decorated. In other areas of the world, Christmas trees are also decorated. Concerning Christmas trees, there are two basic options:
Artificial Christmas Trees
Many people who own pets, particularly cats, have allergies, or young children, choose to have an artificial Christmas tree because it is cleaner and environmentally friendly. In today’s eco-friendly world, fake Christmas trees can be used every year, and do not diminish a natural entity. These trees usually are in local stores, and can be easily placed together by following a set of given instructions. Additionally, many artificial Christmas trees now come fully decorated with lights, relieving many from untangling a string of holiday lights each season.
Real Christmas Trees
Many others prefer to buy a real Christmas tree. Often, local towns, cities, and communities have Christmas tree lots that begin sales immediately following Thanksgiving. However, real Christmas trees require a bit more work. They must be watered, and their leaves shed. If cleaning up pine needles and watering a plant are something you and your family do not have the time for, or will not do, a real Christmas tree is probably not for you. However, real Christmas trees add a sense of authenticity to holiday decorations.
Decorating the Tree
is often a family tradition. Many families decorate the tree in the weeks before Christmas, while others do it on Christmas Eve. Christmas tree decorations often include a set of lights, tinsel, garland, ornaments, and/or a popcorn string. Christmas ornaments can be found at local retailers, can be homemade, or can be passed down from generation to generation. Many families receive a new Christmas ornament every year, adding to their collection as the years continue.
Religious Observations
Depending on your religious beliefs, Christmas can also be a religious-oriented holiday. Many families go to mass during the Advent season, which is the forty days leading up to Christmas. During this time, the Christian church explains the stories leading up to the Birth of Jesus. Additionally, Advent Calendars usually count down the days until Christmas, bearing a tiny piece of chocolate and/or candy for each day.
Midnight mass
is another tradition for many families. Often, local churches will hold midnight ceremonies, celebrating the birth of Jesus. In some churches, the mass is said in its original Latin form, while, in others, the music is the highlight. Often, professional string quartets and/or band ensembles are hired to perform. Choruses and musicians also sing and/or play a variety of Christmas songs, such as The First Noel, Silent Night, and O Come All Ye Faithful.
Gifts
Although Christmas is not entirely about gifts, it is the time of year when gifts are both given and received. When shopping for gifts, there are many things to keep in mine, especially if you’re buying for someone who has eclectic tastes. Gifts do not have to be expensive. Often, the best gifts are homemade because they have sentimental value attached to them. If you’re struggling for gift ideas this holiday season, or if you’re wondering how you can create some gift-giving traditions in your family, the following section is for you.
Letters to Santa
If you have children who still believe in Santa Claus, making a list to mail to Santa is a great bonding activity. Encourage them to be creative and color and/or decorate their list in anyway that they want. For a more personalized list, have your children write down one or two reasons why they deserve a gift this year.
Visits with Santa
whether he be in a mall, shopping center, etc. Usually, children can sit on Santa’s lap, tell him what they want for Christmas, and get their pictures taken. Many parents make duplicates and use these pictures for the cover of their Christmas cards.
Christmas Cards
are another great way to send Holiday cheer to friends and family that cannot meet for the holidays. can be bought, signed, decorated, homemade, etc. Many families incorporate a family newsletter in which they explain how their year went for each family member. Others, take a family picture and sign their names at the bottom. Many make a family project out of homemade cards. However, some families more have traditions that are more secretive in nature.
Secret Santas
A Secret Santa can be a great idea for larger families. In a Secret Santa, everyone picks another person’s name out of a hat, with whoever they receive remaining a secret. The individual then buys or makes a gift for the person they chose. Come Christmas, the person and the gift is revealed. This can be a fun game with older children, but younger ones may have issues with keeping a secret.
Yankee Swaps
Often, extended families will gather to and hold a Yankee Swap. Yankee Swaps are usually best conducted in large families. In a Yankee Swap, each family brings a gift. Sometimes, there are themed swamps. For example, a re-gift swap or a homemade gift swap. Once together, each person picks a number out of a hat. Once all the numbers are dolled out to each person who’s participating, number one goes first and chooses a gift. Once he/she is done, number two goes, and so on. However, if the individual does not like the gift he/she chose, he/she can then take someone else’s gift, leaving the person with theirs. The best numbers to receive are numbers one or the last number because these lucky individuals can choose from any gift that they want. While this game can be fun, young children may be upset if a gift is taken away from them in exchange for a less desirous gift, therefore, older children are better participants.
Charity Events
One of the best gift-giving activities to do is to donate a gift to one of the many toy drives for those who are less fortunate. Every year, the Marine Corp holds their Toys for Tots program. In most cases, the toys can be donated at local malls, shopping centers, community centers, stores, etc. Also, the salvation army also asks for holiday donations in the form of spare change. Individuals usually stand outside of stores during the Christmas season. If you want to encourage your children to donate to charity, take them shopping and make it a family project to pick out a toy to donate. If your children are young, have them place the change in the Salvation Army bin so they can feel as though they’re participating too.
Many communities also hold food drives.
Make a day of collecting imperishable foods around your house and donating them. These types of drives are usually done through schools, community centers, grocery stores, and, in smaller communities, door-to-door collections. Giving to others is a great teaching tool for families, especially families with young children.
Outdoor Activities
For families who live in cold climates, winter and Christmas also come with snow. Many families choose to go skiing, ice skating, snowboarding, etc. In today’s society, even playing in snow or making snowmen is a great way to burn off those holiday treats. Usually, local golf courses and parks make great sledding hills. Additionally, hot chocolate is a warm winter treat after you and your family have returned from your outdoor adventures. If you don’t live in an area with snow, you can still partake in outdoor winter activities. One of the most popular is caroling. Families can join with neighbors, friends, and other family members to go door to door singing Christmas songs. Often, others enjoy the holiday cheer. When this is over, you can share a meal with everyone at a local restaurant and/or at someone’s home.
Food
After you’ve worked up an appetite playing in the snow, giving/buying gifts, and caroling, what’s better than to sit down and enjoy a meal with your family? Many families eat the same meal every year on Christmas. In America, many families eat a ham dinner because turkey was eaten the month before. However, many others eat foods pertaining to their particular ethnic backgrounds. Often, the food preparation can be made into a family tradition as well.Christmas cookies are one of the easiest traditions to begin. Because of the wide variety of brands, you and your family can make a various assortment of shapes, flavors, and cookie types. If you have young children, pre-made, packaged dough is the easiest, as it is efficient and less messy. If you want to teach your children more about cooking and measuring, cookies are fun to make from scratch. Recipes can be found through friends and family, cookbooks, the internet, etc.
Holiday parties.
These parties usually occur in the weeks leading up to Christmas. Often, family and friends meet to eat, mingle, talk, and celebrate the holiday season. If you’ve decided to partake in a Secret Santa or Yankee Swap, these holiday parties are often the best places to conduct them in. Additionally, another tradition that can be fun, especially for small children, is a dance party, using a collection of Christmas music. Other families conclude the evening with reading “The Night Before Christmas.” When enjoying the company of friends and family at a holiday party, is fun, remember to be careful.
Alcoholic beverages
When drinking, driving can be dangerous. Remember, drink responsibly, and if someone is too intoxicated to drive, let him/her stay the night.
Traditions Around the World
Because almost every Western, and some Eastern, cultures have Christmas celebrations, Christmas can be a great time to incorporate cultural traditions into your family’s celebrations.
In the following section, you’ll learn a brief overview of Christmas celebrations in Belgium, Mexico, and The Netherlands.
Belgium
The Belgium people celebrate Christmas on December 6th, on a day called Sinterklaas, or Saint Nicholas. Children receive small present under their tree, as well as in their stockings. For Christmas breakfast, families eat a sweet bread called “Cougnou.” Traditionally, this bread is shaped like the baby Jesus, as to commemorate his birth. A larger, family-oriented meal, is had later on in the day.
Mexico
Christmas in Mexico is a two-week long party! Mexicans called Christmas Las Posadas. Often, children reenact how Mary and Joseph looked for rooms in Bethlehem, finally choosing to settle in a barn, where Jesus was born. In the time following this performance, the group moves to a local church, where a piñata party is held. However, because Mexico has separate regions, each region celebrates differently. In some communities, this reenactment carries a more spiritual connotation, while in other communities, more emphasis is given to the Epiphany- or the arrival of the three Kings.
The Netherlands
In the Netherlands as with in Belgium, Santa Claus is referred to as Sinterklaas or Saint Nicholas. One December 6th, families gather for celebration. Children are told that Santa Claus travels from Spain to The Netherlands on December 5th. Dutch children place their shoes outside, filling them with hay and sugar in the same way Santa Claus’s reindeer are left carrots. In the morning, these things are replaced with candies and nuts. Christmas Day is also celebrated on December 25th, and December 26th is considered New Year’s Day. Additionally, Kings Day is celebrated on January 6th.
Whether you and your family adapt any cultural traditions, or create one of your own, Christmas is a holiday that can be as rewarding as it is stressful. Remember that the holiday is centered on giving, especially to those who are less fortunate. There is no right or wrong way to celebrate. Most importantly, enjoy the company of loved ones this Christmas season.
window.google_render_ad();
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
One Of My Favorite Receipts For Thanksgiving Dinner
Spiced Waldorf Salad
A spiced version of a popular Waldorf salad, made with apples and walnuts.
Ingredients:
2 cups coarsely chopped apples, about 2 medium apples
1 1/4 cups chopped celery
1/2 cup coarsely chopped walnuts
1/3 cup mayonnaise(or yogart)
2 teaspoons sugar
dash allspice
1 teaspoon lemon juice
Preparation:
To make Waldorf salad, place chopped apple, celery and walnuts in a bowl.
Combine mayonnaise, sugar, allspice and lemon juice. Toss mayonnaise mixture with apple mixture.
Serve waldorf salad over salad greens if desired.
Waldorf salad serves 4 to 6.
A spiced version of a popular Waldorf salad, made with apples and walnuts.
Ingredients:
2 cups coarsely chopped apples, about 2 medium apples
1 1/4 cups chopped celery
1/2 cup coarsely chopped walnuts
1/3 cup mayonnaise(or yogart)
2 teaspoons sugar
dash allspice
1 teaspoon lemon juice
Preparation:
To make Waldorf salad, place chopped apple, celery and walnuts in a bowl.
Combine mayonnaise, sugar, allspice and lemon juice. Toss mayonnaise mixture with apple mixture.
Serve waldorf salad over salad greens if desired.
Waldorf salad serves 4 to 6.
Thursday, November 6, 2008
Don't Miss The Texas Gaylords Ice Exibit
Begining November 14
The truly spectacular 14,000-square-foot "ICE!" exhibit, presented by Coca-Cola and sponsored by Nissan, Reliant Energy, and Sylvania, will feature a variety of magical holiday scenes and sculptures hand-carved by 40 visiting artisans from Harbin, China.
Visitors will feel as though they have been transported to the North Pole as they bundle up in warm parkas and enter this winter wonderland created with TWO MILLION pounds of ice and kept at a wintry 9 degrees.
This year, "ICE!" will showcase several new additions including Old Man Winter blowing snow, dazzling colored ornaments, a winter forest with an ice skating pond, a life-size Santa's lap to sit on, a candy land full of tempting treats, and an entertaining animal band. Returning favorites will include the thrilling ice slides, 25-foot angel, icicle canopy, and breathtaking Nativity.
The exhibit is open 10:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m. on Sunday - Thursday and 10:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. While there, visitors can also shop in the "ICE!" retail shop offering holiday gifts for children and adults. On Monday - Thursday, ticket prices are $20 for adults, $10 for children 4 - 12, $18 for seniors 55 and up, and free for children 3 and under. On Friday - Sunday, tickets prices are $23 for adults, $12 for children 4 - 12, $20 for seniors 55 and up, and complimentary for children 3 and under. Complimentary self-parking is included in the ticket price.
Order your tickets today...
The truly spectacular 14,000-square-foot "ICE!" exhibit, presented by Coca-Cola and sponsored by Nissan, Reliant Energy, and Sylvania, will feature a variety of magical holiday scenes and sculptures hand-carved by 40 visiting artisans from Harbin, China.
Visitors will feel as though they have been transported to the North Pole as they bundle up in warm parkas and enter this winter wonderland created with TWO MILLION pounds of ice and kept at a wintry 9 degrees.
This year, "ICE!" will showcase several new additions including Old Man Winter blowing snow, dazzling colored ornaments, a winter forest with an ice skating pond, a life-size Santa's lap to sit on, a candy land full of tempting treats, and an entertaining animal band. Returning favorites will include the thrilling ice slides, 25-foot angel, icicle canopy, and breathtaking Nativity.
The exhibit is open 10:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m. on Sunday - Thursday and 10:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. While there, visitors can also shop in the "ICE!" retail shop offering holiday gifts for children and adults. On Monday - Thursday, ticket prices are $20 for adults, $10 for children 4 - 12, $18 for seniors 55 and up, and free for children 3 and under. On Friday - Sunday, tickets prices are $23 for adults, $12 for children 4 - 12, $20 for seniors 55 and up, and complimentary for children 3 and under. Complimentary self-parking is included in the ticket price.
Order your tickets today...
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
