12 months of Christmas? Holiday tips for money savings provide simple ways to celebrate without all of the holiday stress. Typically, Americans spend an excessive amount of money during the holidays. Most do not have the money to spend. Keep reading for 12 money saving ideas.

If you are like many people feeling the effects of the recession, Christmas is not what it should be this year. When you feel hopeless about Christmas; just have a little faith that everything will fall into place. The following Christmas holiday tips for money savings is designed to save anyone money for 12 months. You can have fun with some while others need more time and attention.

There are a few Christmas holiday tips that require time; beginning in January, you will have a year of money saving time.

Become an entrepreneur. Be creative; there are many ways you can begin a fundraiser for yourself. First, enroll in a training program that will teach you the how to find your niche market.

Open a Christmas savings account. If possible, have a few dollars direct deposited into an account each pay period or monthly. Make sure you do not use the money and the account is not apart of your overdraft protection.

Keep current Christmas lists. How many times have you heard your friends and family tell you what they wish they could have for Christmas? Make a note of it and purchase it on sale.

Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle to make x-mas decorations. Instead of putting the materials in the bins, keep them. Many wonderful crafts can be made by using recycled materials. You can give them away for Christmas presents to the "hard to shop for" people on your list. If you choose, you can use these to fulfill another tip on the list.

During the next four months, there are a four more easy ways to save money. By this time, you should have money from your growing business. You will also find yourself wanting to get out and spend some money. Shopping at second hand shops will save you money and you will find many designer clothes at a fraction of the price. Additionally, you will be helping charities, depending on which shop you chose to frequent. You may find items that can be used for creative homemade Christmas gifts. Although, there are times when specific items cannot be found at secondhand shops; in this case shop discount liquidations, clearance sales, and outlet stores. Do not forget, this is also the best time for the Christmas in July sales.

In the last months of the year, you can work on four more Christmas holiday tips that make everything more special. Start by redefining Christmas or better yet the holiday season. Remind the family of the real reason of the season; it is not about what they receive. With that in mind, adopt a family for the holiday; giving gifts to a family or just a child is always greatly appreciated and feels good too. Be sure to spend time with the family doing quality activities like baking cutout sugar cookies or building a gingerbread house. Lastly, arrange a potluck Christmas dinner party with a Secret Santa gift exchange. Inviting friends and family lessens the cooking responsibilities and food costs for all that attend.

Using money saving ideas is necessary during a recession and anytime there is a lack of money. If you are surprised that becoming an entrepreneur is a way to save money, well, it is a non-traditional way to make money. As an entrepreneur, you will have more money to spend wisely, since saving money is always the forethought during a recession. You will want to find a comprehensive training program so that you have the opportunity to earn money right away. Remember, you need to have faith that everything will fall into place, especially when you follow the 12 months of Christmas holiday tips for money savings.

The Author of this article Matthew Gruenke is a Success Coach & Top Internet Marketing Mentor and Leader in the Home Based Business Industry, who works with other Top Industry Leaders around the world to help others achieve success and wealth through Internet Marketing. I have a passion for helping others achieve their goals, dreams and freedom!

To Learn More About Matt Gruenke & his Team of Top Internet Marketers Matthew Gruenke dot com

If you have found this Article to be helpful & would like to learn more on how to make a multiple six figure residual income part-time from home Then Click Here.

~God Bless you and Your Family~

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Matthew_Gruenke

Tags: Money, Savings, Christmas, Holiday

There is always a dilemma in our household about whether to dress up or go casual on Christmas day, over the years we've witnessed a variety of styles and fashions, from the hideous xmas jumper trend, through to grunge. My sister-in-laws always go for a glamorous look whereas I've always opted for comfortable but chic. But 2009 is a year of change, with the rise and rise of big and bold necklaces, I've decide to glam it up at the dinner table.

I love the idea of still sneaking in a bit of casual though, so will be doing this with a pair of gorgeous (but stretchy) leggings, paired with a cute little pair of knee length boots (obviously these will be swapped for wellies when we go out for our obligatory forest walk).

I will be teaming all of this with a gorgeous black tunic jumper and then topping it with a big, silver ball cluster necklace, a bit like the one off the 'here come the girls Boots advert' and with an oh-so-on-trend large Murano glass cocktail ring - I think I'll feel glitzy but still in my comfort zone.

So with this in mind, I've also come up with some tips for styling over the Christmas holidays

Christmas eve drinks down the pub - a lovely black polar neck teamed with a silk shift dress with a sexy and modern patent leather belt, thick black tights, ever so high (almost can't walk in them - but good if you are staying put in one place) patent leather shoes. Classic very long silver necklace and a lovely pussy bow hairband.

Boxing day at the relatives - now obviously this will depend on whether you have an annual table tennis competition in your house, or whether general drinks and a catch up is the usual. So for the former (our families choice), a lovely soft long black sweater/tunic with embellished beads around the neckline for added and easy glitz (it also ensures no necklace detachment during a vigorous backhand!), flat and chunky knee high boots. All the rest of the glamour can come in the form of a set of beautiful silver bangles - great for making a distracting noise whilst playing table tennis.

Trip to Panto - a British classic, to take the children and usually a few elderly relatives to shout 'he's behind you' at oddly dressed men-folk in ladies frocks. But style is important wherever you go, so a lovely long military style coat, knee high boots (flat and chunky biker style) deep purple (this seasons hot colour) satin pussy bow shirt and black stretch skirt. A lovely very large amethyst cocktail ring, over-long silver charm necklace to drop at tummy-button level and a cute silver charm bracelet. Don't forget you will need an over-sized handbag to carry everything in so go for Purple patent too.

Pearl and Butler are an online retailer, stocking Murano glass jewellery and other costume jewellery.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jessica_O'Neal

Tags: Christmas, Wear, classic

Christmas is a day of celebration, gifts, lights, feasts and pleasant indulgence. The nativity caroling, sweet carols, scripture, reading rooms, concerts and million other things are the significance of this day. Every city dazzles with colored light and super shiny and snazzy decorations. Shops get packed with massive variety of gifts, chocolates, decorative pieces and much more. And all this provides enough reason for people to love almost everything about the Christmas Day.

In most parts of the world, Christmas Day is celebrated to rejoice the birth of Jesus Christ and his coming to this world. It is believed that Jesus Christ was born on the Christmas day, about two thousand years ago, in Bethlehem. Recognized as the son of God, Jesus Christ is considered as the Savior of the world. Hence, to celebrate his deeds and conducts, Christmas day is celebrated with numerous age-old traditions and customs. It is a day that reminds us the significance of humanity, love, care and emotions.

However, today, along with these conventional customs, new trends and ideas have also developed. Today, Christmas is celebrated in an amazing manner that has something special for everyone in the family. During Christmas, a thing that largely grabs attention is shopping and the heaviest range of discounts and offers. Starting from thanksgiving, the season of discounts and offers often attract a lot of shopping freaks. People especially wait for this season, to buy electronics, discount perfumes and other stuff as real lucrative deals are offered.

Interestingly, the craze for cheap fragrances is seems to top the list for two major reasons. First of all, since it is a festive season the passion for wearing designer perfumes in parties and events touches sky and second is of course, the discount offers available on these designer perfumes. The season is simply perfect to shop for these amazing, delicious fragrances that might cost you a fortune without these lucrative deals.

In addition to these, people also prefer to buy these cheap perfumes for the purpose of gifts and presents. As the season brings with it the special tradition of presenting your loved ones gifts and other precious things, people often choose to buy and gift beautiful, enticing perfumes. Cheap perfumes seems to be an interesting pick for most of people because there hardly be anyone who would not like to receive perfumes as gifts and secondly, as they are discounted perfumes, you, as a presenter, tend to save a lot on your pocket as well. So if you are also wondering to gift your friends and colleagues something special this Christmas, that easily fits your budget, try to shop around for discounted perfumes.

Harry Johnson is a cosmetics specialist that regularly reviews about perfumes just like Gianni Versace Perfume, Hugo Boss Perfume and Coty Perfume. Also get knowledge about Discount Perfume and Cologne.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Harry_Jonson

Tags: Christmas, Perfumes, Discounted

You want to have the perfect holiday season. There are many pitfalls that you might have encountered before. Rather than waiting till it happens, here is a list of the common mistakes that people have made in the past.

• Using one cord for all Christmas lights - Lights can either be your friend or enemy. If you only use one strand, you'll run the chance of burning out a fuse. Think ahead and hook many Christmas lights to a power strip.
• Running out of Christmas gift wrap - It might seem silly to purchase a ton of gift wrapping, but when the time comes, you'll be glad you have enough Christmas wrapping paper to cover all your gifts. It helps to plan in advance, even if it means buying leftover gift-wrap after the holiday season is over. You'll be well prepared for next year.
• Broken Christmas ornaments - One of the most costly mistakes is having broken memories in a box. Preserve your holiday trinkets in tissues and newspaper. If you have an extra dollar or have already opened Christmas gifts, grab some padded packaging material.
• Awkward family get-togethers - When the time comes to meet the other half of the family you normally don't see the rest of the year, you might feel awkward speaking with them. Ask them about their experiences during the year or tell them funny stories. Don't solely rely on alcohol to escape the social barrier. Once you get some common ground started, you'll be able to transition stories into other stories, observations, and hopefully fond memories. Be enthusiastic when you receive gifts, no matter what. Also, don't forget to hug when you greet each other so everyone feels welcome. You want to keep the experience joyful. Also remember to turn your cell phone off, or at the very least keep the conversation to a minimum. It's your opportunity to spend time with relatives.

If you want to get more ideas on how to experience the perfect magical holiday season, I highly recommend HolidayGiftBook. There are many Christmas ideas and holiday gifts that you can find to make the perfect holiday season happen in your home.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jenny_Berk

Tags: Holiday, Christmas, Mistakes

If you are like 90% of the population, you feel the pinch of stress during the holidays. Let's face it we are under a certain amount of pressure (some of us more than others) to accomplish a substantial number of tasks before that 12-25 deadline. Having to make so many people happy is truly the biggest challenge many of us face each year. If this sounds familiar, then this site was designed and dedicated to help you face those challenges with less anxiety and a little more optimism. Hence, the information we provide here will hopefully result in a more positive, less drained energy for when that big day arrives.

You will be happy to know that there are at least 10 steps to success that you may follow in order to lower the "stress barometer". The holidays are exceptionally stressful. Making arrangements with family members, shopping for gifts, struggling through the crowds at local department stores, and planning meals are just a few of the situations that may result in stress. In this guide, you will provide you with 10 easy steps that can be followed that will assist in your overcoming stress that may be encountered this Christmas.

1. Shopping Stress - What do I Buy? One of the most stressful events when it comes to the Christmas holiday season is purchasing gifts for those that you know. Your gift giving list may include your relatives, friends, coworkers, neighbors, and many others. Pushing yourself to discover the "perfect" gift for each person on your list may prove to be exceptionally challenging. In order to take some of the heat off of buying gifts, elect to give gift cards. Not only is this type of gift inexpensive and easy to pick out, it is typically highly appreciated by the person that receives it. However, if you are more inclined to find that unique, Christmas gift idea for that special person you may want to check out the most exciting new products and gifts on our list of Hottest Sellers of 2009.

And, if you are REALLY looking for the ultimate gift maybe that special person is s collector or a fan of vintage movie posters, sports memorabilia or historical figures and events a great site with such incredible treasures is Conway's Vintage Treasures (0r just Google it).

2. MORE Shopping Stress - Yikes the Malls are Pure Insanity! You know what I'm talking about. The traffic into the shopping malls, then no parking, then hostile crowds to deal with, then long lines and out of stock items I came to the mall for in the first place. It's shopping hell! The solution?, Shop Online. No traffic, no parking lot aggression, no hostile Stressed-Out crowds to deal with and NO Out-of-Stock surprises. In the comfort of your own home, in your pajamas, find exactly what you are looking for and have it delivered to your doorstep. And, we have gone a step further to make your online shopping even LESS stressful. We have put together a list of the Hottest Selling Products in a number of categories. These gifts were determined to be the Most Popular products according to Amazon, with the Best Buyer Reviews and Ratings and most have FREE shipping. We've done all the work for you, so you don't have to. AND, the best part is these are not just gift buying ideas for Christmas but ANY holiday or special occasion.

Steps 1 and 2 are some ideas to combat what is probably the pinnacle of the holiday anxiety and stress factor, Shopping. Hopefully, some of these suggestions will, in the least, guide you into a stress-reduction direction

3. Letting go of tradition. Believe it or not, tradition may result in high levels of stress during the Christmas holidays. Many individuals make every attempt to stick to the traditions that they have always known, or traditions that are important to their loved ones. Examples of tradition includes visiting neighborhoods to observe Christmas decorations, ensuring that you visit all of your close loved ones on Christmas, and even hosting a Christmas party. If you find that the traditions that you attempt to uphold are resulting in high levels of anxiety, avoid them and make the holidays simple.

4. Money Worries. A close cousin of "shopping worries" money problems cause varying degrees of anxiety during the Christmas holidays. This can easily be avoided by creating a budget specifically designed to address the expenses associated with the holiday. Go through your basic day to day budget and evaluate your savings. Then, determine an amount of money that can be dedicated to gift buying. Once you have a budget allotted for your Christmas spending, it is important to make a list of the individuals that you elect to purchase gifts for. You should then designate an amount of money for each person on that list. Many who are experiencing financial challenges discover that they can easily allow themselves to spend anywhere from $10.00 to $25.00 per person on their Christmas list. By doing this, you will discover that shopping becomes a bit more enjoyable and a whole lot less stressful!

5. What to do with the Children? If you are planning for Christmas and have children, you may find that succeeding in your preparations is challenging. You should do one of two things. The first thing that you may do to keep children occupied while you prepare for the holidays is to give them their own "jobs" to do to help you. This may include creating homemade ornaments for the Christmas tree, allowing them to create homemade cards and/or gifts, and other activities. If this is not successful, the second option is seeking out a babysitter.

6. Be ready for a large group. If you are planning to have a social gathering or a party for the holidays, it is important to ensure that you do as much as you possibly can in the area of preparation ahead of time. You may choose to cook and bake ahead of time, set up the tables early, and organize the events of the night ahead of time. If you are having a large group maybe a good idea to ask guests to confirm on the morning if they are attending Christmas celebration. Also, make additional creative plans to keep children entertained. By doing this, you are reducing the amount of Christmas stress that you experience.

7. What do I cook worries. If you are planning a Christmas dinner, you will find that it is often difficult and stressful to ensure that you prepare enough food for everyone. In order to reduce your stress, request that everyone that will be attending the event bring a covered dish and other items that may assist in providing enough for everyone that attends. That will also help resolve the worries of "what if they don't like what I cook".

8. Gift wrapping woes. Gift wrapping is a tedious task that takes up a lot of time. The holidays are exceptionally busy and you will need as much of your time free as possible. It is not considered appropriate to just hand over a gift that is not presented in some type of wrapping, though. What do you do then? Instead of wrapping each gift that you give, purchase or make your own gift bags. This makes the gift just as appealing, and in less time!

9. Relax.. When the holidays roll around, it can be challenging to rest appropriately. However, your body needs to be well rested so that you have the energy required to fulfill the obligations that you have around Christmas. Be certain that you get at least eight to ten hours of sound sleep daily. By doing so, your body will not be inclined to succumb to stress. Also, think about the benefits of meditation.

10. Stay Healthy. Lastly, if you want to experience a stress free Christmas, be certain to take care of yourself. Be certain that your diet consists of healthy foods, lots of fluids, and that you exercise on a regular basis. You should also ensure that you avoid items that may be considered unhealthy such as alcohol. Also, I find meditation can have a dramatic positive impact on my daily energy. There are several books and free online resources for successful meditation. You may also be amazed at how this advice can lead to a stronger immune system against illness many experience after the holidays as a result of all the stress.

There are many different ways to reduce Christmas stress. Here, you have been introduced to 10 steps that will assist in your overall success. By following these steps you will experience less stress, free up a large amount of your time, and will be able to allow yourself to enjoy the excitement associated with the Christmas Season.

The author has built several web sites to help consumers have a better, stress free shopping experience. His latest site specializes in Christmas Home Decor and Unique Christmas Gift Ideas

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kevin_Conway

Tags: Stress, Holiday, Christmas

Sparkling lights, jingling bells, crowded markets, busy parents and excited children are the signs of coming Christmas. Parents seem to be the the most busy category on the eve because they have to keep their kids busy in order to make all arrangements for the Christmas. This article will provide you with the tips to keep kids involved in healthy activities.

The simplest way to keep them busy is to get them involved in an activity of their interest. What could be the most interesting activity for the kids? I think kids get excited while playing games. But taking them to some amusement park or play ground can cost you lot of time. What if you make your drawing room a play ground for them? Here is the list of the activities that can change your drawing room to a play ground to make your kids busy. Following are three best ways to keep them busy:

1. Playing word puzzle games can prove to be very constructive and brain storming activity. These games can keep them busy for the hours. Printable worksheets of puzzle games can easily be made available from the market.

2. Writing wish letters to Santa is another desirable and fun activity for the kids. There are many enjoyable ways which can keep kids engaged in writing these letters for the hours. You can provide colorful and fun templates to the kids for sending invitations of Christmas parties, writing stories and food recipes about Christmas.

3. Christmas math worksheets can improve math skills of the kids. This activity during Christmas holidays provide knowledge along with fun.

Above are the few activities if given to kids will solve the problem of keeping them busy. If you want more information on the subject, you can visit the site mentioned below.

There are thousands of activities to keep kids busy. If you want more interesting ideas you can visit Christmas 4 every 1.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Zubair_Mughari_Ahmed

Tags: Christmas, Holidays, Games

I love the Christmas holidays and put up the Christmas tree early in the season. My philosophy is this - Christmas only comes once a year, so I want to enjoy the sights, sounds and smells as much as possible. We're usually pretty well decorated for the Christmas holiday by the time Thanksgiving weekend rolls around, then enjoy the holiday decor through year end.

No matter when you decide it's time to do the holiday decorating, the Christmas tree is the centerpiece of traditional Christmas decor. There isn't really a 'right' or 'wrong' way to put up a Christmas tree, but there are some holiday tree decorating ideas that will make the task a little easier and result in a beautiful Christmas tree.

First,decide what kind of tree you will use, real or artificial, and what size will work the best in your space. I'm always an advocate of artificial trees. You can get just about any size, shape, style and price point desired - it just makes sense. Best of all, the needles don't fall off! If you enjoy a Christmas tree in your home for more than a week or so, an artificial tree is your best bet.

As for the size of your Christmas tree, make sure you are taking into consideration:1) the size room it is going into, 2)ceiling height and 3) the space allocated for the tree. These are the three things that will determine the size of the tree.

Try to get the most tree out of the space you have. For example, if you have a 20' x 18' Great Room with 12' wall heights, a 7' slim Christmas tree tucked into the corner might look a little lost in the room.

So now you have the Christmas tree. Our next decorating idea is about the process of putting the tree together (we'll assume you have an artificial tree for this section).

Whether your tree goes together branch-by-branch or in two to three main sections, here is a very important piece of advice: make sure that you fully open and 'fluff' each branch before putting it into the trunk of the Christmas tree.

When I put our tree up, I literally take each branch and pull every piece of greenery out, rotating some greenery above the branch and some below. You want the branch to look as real as possible, so a random number of greenery above, below and extending out is a good way to approach the task. This is a rather tedious process, but take your time and the result will be well worth it!

When you have all of the branches fully opened and on the tree, step back and look at your work from all angles to see if you've left any 'holes', or branches that need adjusting.

Your next tree decorating idea is a fool proof method for putting the lights on the tree. It doesn't matter what style of light or color you select; follow these steps and it will be absolutely beautiful.

First, make sure you test all of your lights before putting any of them on the tree. It's not a 100% guarantee that you won't have any issues down the road, but at least you'll know they work.

You should have a strand of 100 lights for every vertical foot of the tree. So if your Christmas tree is 7 feet in height you should have a minimum of 700 lights. I use more than that on my trees - my 8' tree has about 1,200 lights on it because I put them very close together and enjoy that look.

Here is a Christmas tree decorating idea that I find very helpful: to put the lights on your tree,start with the lowest branches and place the lights on each branch. Have the tree lights turned on while you place them.

Make sure you take the lights all the way to the innermost part of the branch, then work your way back out on the next branch, repeating this process until you have literally circled your way around that layer of the tree. You are using a zig-zag process, if you will.

Now for the next Christmas tree decorating idea - the garlands or roping for the tree. Of course, this is optional depending on the style of tree you are creating.

There are many different types of garland available, and it's a point where your creativity comes into play. You can fashion the garland out of just about anything that suits the style of your tree.

• Traditional Christmas tree roping found in the 'tree trimming' section of your favorite holiday store is always an option.
• There are many types of beautiful, wide ribbon that has wire inserted into it, so you can shape it as you rope it around the tree.
• Beads, fabric, silk floral roping, faux berry/natural element roping, etc.
• Use your imagination!

If you try one method and are not satisfied with the results, try something a little different. Get the result you want before going any further with your Christmas tree decorating.

We are finally to the most fun part of the holiday tree decorating ideas - the ornaments. Gather all your tree ornaments and separate them by size, style, etc. so you know what you have to work with. It takes a few minutes to do this but is well worth the time.

Hang your larger ornaments first, using the lower part of the tree for the majority of those. Save the smallest ornaments for the upper portion of the tree.

If you have both matte finish and shiny finish ornaments, be sure to vary them around the tree.

Hang the ornaments on the inside of the tree as well as the outside, just like the lights (although the majority of ornaments will be near the outside of the tree).

Step back and look at your handiwork as you progress, to keep things evenly distributed.

I always like to use fillers on my trees to cover the inevitable gaps that occur between layers of branches. I use a variety of silk flowers and greenery, birds nests, etc. You can literally use any type of 'filler' that you want, depending on the theme of your Christmas tree.

Use your imagination with these Christmas tree decorating ideas and have fun!

Candi Randolph is a Design Consultant and author of 'Ten Simple Steps to Design Success'. For more great home decorating ideas please visit http://www.great-home-decorating.com.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Candi_Randolph

Tags: Holiday, Home, Decorating, Ideas

Australia comes alive during the Christmas and New Year summer holidays.

It is that time of the year when Australians enjoy the beaches, barbeques by the pool and a wide range of sporting and cultural activities.

Australia is also the most popular destination for those from Great Britain, Europe and North America, escaping the bitter cold of winter. Here are 5 suggestions to help you with your planning for a summer holiday in Australia.

1. Check the best airfare deals.

Both Qantas and V Australia may offer cheap airfares at this time of the year and you may be able to negotiate a deal. Check also the Australian website bestflights.com.au.

2. Travel Light.

Remember it's summer in Australia and you don't need heavy clothing. I recently met a girl at a Youth Hostel in Darwin who was carrying a backpack that would have given an Everest Sherpa Guide back pains.
When I enquired about the size of her load, she replied, "I may need it."

Let's get real here. There's some stuff you just don't need. For starters get rid of your winter pyjamas, towels and heavy jackets. They're bulky and heavy. If you go to the beach you can use your hire towels from your accommodation. Also you don't have to wash them!

3. Enjoy the beaches with caution.

Australia has the best and safest beaches in the world and few holidays can beat the fun of a swim followed by sunbathing on a clean white sandy beach.

But there are traps for the unwary.

If your skin is lily white, limit your sun exposure and build up your suntan slowly by going to the beach before 10am or after 3pm. The middle of the day is when the UV rays are strongest.

You should also use cream to prevent sunburn and drink plenty of water.

Oh, and remember to swim between the flags. They're there for a reason and that is to protect you from rips that can drag you out to sea.

4. Go to cultural and sporting events.

If you arrive in Sydney or Melbourne prior to Christmas, try to attend the Christmas Carols concert at the Domain in Sydney or the Myer Music Bowl in Melbourne. Both events are free and enjoying an outdoor concert on a balmy summer's evening is an event not to be missed.

Sydney celebrates the new year with an amazing fireworks display on the Harbour bridge.

In January, Melbourne is host to the Australian Open Tennis Championships, the first event in the world grand slam.

The Perth International Arts Festival commences in February and attracts film, dance and music performers from all over the world.

5. Be aware of the weather.

Australia is a large country with a diverse range of climates.

At this time of the year, the southern cities of Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Perth and Hobart tend to be more pleasant to visit than Brisbane and Darwin.

Sydney summers are warm to hot and can be quite wet. Melbourne, Adelaide and Perth, tend to have dry summers. Perth in particular experiences very little rain in summer.

Darwin and Brisbane receive most of their rain in the summer. Darwin is very wet and humid in the summer and the heat can be oppressive. The best time to visit these northern cities is in the dry season from April to September.

For more valuable tips and suggestions on how to get the best from your Australian holiday, check out Australian travel expert Graeme Lanham's new book at http://www.traveltipsaustralia.com The e-book will be on your screen within minutes and is available for just $19.97. As a special bonus, claim your 3 FREE reports. They provide vital information to help you with planning for your trip to Australia.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Graeme_Lanham

Tags: Christmas, Holiday, Australia

Most of us are familiar with the song, The 12 Days of Christmas, even though many folks might have a bit of trouble keeping the lines of the song straight after about the sixth day! This song has been sung for generations, and is a traditional part of the holiday season. There have even been many versions of the song that have come out, since the structure lends itself well to variation and even humor. But did you ever stop to think what this seemingly nonsensical song really is about? While there is some disagreement over the actual purpose for The 12 Days of Christmas among historians, the theories regarding this fun and lively song are quite intriguing.

What exactly are the 12 Days of Christmas?

It may surprise you to know that the song actually takes place after Christmas day itself. Celebrated among many cultures they represent the Epiphany, which begins on December 26th and continues through January 6th. In the western church this is seen as the time it took the magi as they journeyed to see the baby Christ. This is a popular gift giving holiday, and is why January 6th is often referred to as Three Kings Day in many cultures around the globe. The symbolism is significant as it marks the gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh brought by the three kings. Some cultures do not wait until a single day to gift gifts, but instead give a gift every day for 12 days. Going back even further the 12 days are often celebrated as a Pagan holiday meant to symbolize the coming of the new year and the banishing of evil spirits during this period.

There is a popular theory among historians that the gifts represented in The 12 Days of Christmas are actually symbols created by the Catholic Church to help children learn the catechism. Dating back to the 16th century during a time of religious wars in England the gifts are meant to represent a specific fundamental aspect of the Catholic faith. An example of this would be the gift of true love that is presented to me. This is said to represent the baptism every believer receives. More examples of gifts representing different aspects of the catechism are a partridge in a pear tree which is said to be Jesus, two turtle doves which is said to represent the Old and New Testaments, and three French hens which is interpreted to represent the three virtues of hope, faith and love.

Each gift continues to symbolize a different aspect of Catholic faith until we reach twelve drummers drumming which is said to represent the twelve points of the Apostles Creed. I think it's fascinating that such a deeply symbolic message for the Catholic Church is carried on in the children's song The 12 Days of Christmas. It only makes sense, as believers all over the globe celebrate Christmas to remember the birth of Jesus Christ.

To discover more helpful information about the Traditions of Christmas then visit this great resource now! Traditions of Christmas.

You will not regret visiting the site to learn more about the traditions of Christmas

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jon_Griffin

Tags: Christmas, Cherished, Tradition

Christmas time is by far one of the stressful and hectic times of the year. Whether last minute Christmas gifts need to be acquired, or a dinner menu to be planned for the not-so-traditional families, Christmas involves a lot of rushing, planning and most of all spending. For men, this is a waste of time, effort and perhaps even money. Despite Christmas only occurring once a year, trying to find the 'perfect Christmas gift' is not necessarily the most fascinating activity. Most of all, men and women do not necessarily think alike and may find it more difficult to find Christmas gifts for the other.

Because men prefer practical gifts which they can use on a regular basis, they may be unable to decide on what to give to their friends and loved ones. In the end they may pick any old gift that can easily be wrapped and shoved under the Christmas tree at the very last minute. However with the range of different Christmas Gifts available these days, Christmas shopping may turn out to be anything but a boring ordeal, particularly with the convenience of online shopping. With websites that provide a variety of Christmas gifts and ideas in separate titled sections, Christmas shopping is made easier and less stressful. Not only are there no queues at the till, but one can leisurely explore the available options without rushing. This is particularly useful for the more impatient man who feels he is not only wasting his money at that point but also his precious time!

Personalised Christmas gifts such as mugs, calendars and even door mats often prove popular due to their humorous nature! They are also unique and appeal to people who do not want to have what everyone else gets for Christmas. Besides humorous Christmas gifts, one could obtain something of a more unusual nature such as grow-it-yourself gardens and plants for the more craft-minded individual. Considering that some males have a short attention span, an unusual gift reflects the notion that great effort was put into choosing it. Therefore it is less likely that they bought it last minute without putting thought into it. Receiving something different and unique allows the person to feel special.

For example, engraved ornaments with a loving message or the recipients name is both personal and yet practical at the same time. Such a gift can be given to both men and women which makes it very versatile. Cause some fun and games with a flying monkey toy for some laughs on Christmas day to relieve the pressure of giving the 'perfect Christmas gift'.

However for the more serious minded, a romantic Name a Rose Gift Box allows the recipient to grow their own species of Rose named after themselves! Similarly a Name a Star kit gives you the opportunity to actually name a star after a friend or loved one. Giving someone a relaxing day at the Spa is a good way to say thank you for working so hard this Christmas' and pampering them silly.

Perhaps somewhat more extravagant but no less enticing is Wine Tasting at a Vineyard for Two. Spend the day with a special person and benefit from this gift too. This is another example of something that does not necessarily need to be unwrapped and placed on a shelf. It is both useful and enjoyable resulting in an unforgettable day and perfect Christmas gift!

Of course, some men do not only buy Christmas gifts for their loved ones but perhaps their friends too. Some great gifts to give to male friends include DIY kits such as 'Build your own model Porsche or Lamborghini'. For a family member such as a brother or father an experience day of Flying Lessons may be suitable.

These Christmas gifts avoid considering complicated problems such as 'is this his/her size?', 'what if this isn't their taste?' and so on. If you, as a man, still feel pressured and uneasy about acquiring Christmas gifts, consider this. Browse online and gather some ideas. It won't take up much of your time and you never know, you may stumble upon the perfect gift!

Christmas time and gift-giving brings a lot of pressure with it. Fear that a present is not liked permeates each and every Christmas day when it is time to unwrap gifts. Similarly this may worry men when they shop for Christmas Gifts and often feel like giving up when they cannot find anything suitable. The above ideas may have piqued your interest in terms of the myriad of gifts available which are unique, special and interesting. These types of presents may reduce the likelihood of fake appreciative smiles and the likes!

Above all, looking at humorous and unusual gifts makes Christmas shopping fun and entertaining. Dear men, giving gifts should not be a duty or an arduous test. It should be enjoyable, particularly the few moments you will experience when the recipient unwraps it. So! No more excuses allowed when it comes to Christmas gift shopping!

Written by John Smith co-founder of GettingPersonal.co.uk

GettingPersonal.co.uk are one of the UK's leading on-line retailers of Gifts, personalised gifts and Christmas Gifts Their website is packed with over 1,500 gifts for any special occasion.

For more go to [http://www.gettingpersonal.co.uk]

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jonathan_A_Smith

Tags: Christmas, Shopping, Excuse