Christmas Joys

Find Me a Gift Face the Music For Noise Action Week by Sarah Hague

The 18th-22nd May 2009 marks Noise Action Week for the UK. Every year, Environmental Protection UK launch their National Noise Survey to find out the UK’s attitude to noise pollution. The results for the 2008 survey suggest that “One in six (17%) are bothered, annoyed or disturbed by noise from neighbours inside their home…” whilst one in ten are bothered by noise from pubs and clubs. This proves that every one of us can do our bit to ‘turn it down’. Don’t let this go in one ear and out the other. Lend Find Me A Gift your ear for some gadgets and gizmos to help you keep your noise down!

With MP3 players and mobiles bringing music to our ears everyday, it can sometimes be hard to find that golden silence! Nobody wants to live in a world where you can hear a pin drop. The idea behind Noise Action Week is to make us all aware of the noise we make wherever we are. Maybe you’re sat on the bus home from school, you’re bored so you start playing a game (with full sound effects) on your mobile. Or maybe you’ve just downloaded Green Day’s latest album and you swear you can only appreciate it at 110 decibels. It’s time to change our tune; not everyone wants to listen to our noise! Keep tuned in with Find Me A Gift’s range of cool (and considerate) earphones.

The Skull Earphones are sure to keep any Jolly Roger rocking! These headphones have little rubber skulls over each ear bud! The skulls measure approximately 2 cm x 1.5 cm x 1.5 cm and are made from soft silicone rubber. With a standard 3.5 mm jack, this novelty audio accessory will fit almost any music device. Plug it into your MP3 player, laptop or even a cassette Walkman for some retro rocking. Whether you’re a fan of pirates, skulls or anything alternative the Skull Earphones are suitable for all ages. They even come complete with 2 sets of silicone tips so both adults and children can wear them.

Perhaps you want to add some bling to your Beyonce? Then you’d be crazy not to love the Gem Earphones! These headphones have square diamante gems over each ear bud and also feature a 3.5mm jack for almost any music device. The ear buds are made from soft silicone rubber and there are also 2 sets of silicone tips. Adult or child, you can accessorise your audio with the Gem Earphones. Prove you’re not a rough diamond by wearing these earphones (but not your music) loud and proud!

If you prefer living life on the wild side, ‘quack’ open a set of Find Me A Gift’s Duck Earphones. These bright yellow duck-shaped earphones are sure to ruffle a few feathers…but in a good way! The 3.5mm jack fits almost any music device like a duck takes to water so you’ll never have to be without these musical mallards. Imagine the smiles you’ll get as you waddle your way down the high street singing along to The Beatle’s Yellow Submarine. Sorry, I forgot, we’re supposed to be keeping our noise down.

So whether you’re into acid house or alternative rock, sing your way over to Find Me A Gift! Being aware of your own noise pollution is music to everyone’s ears!

Jessie Jones joined in 2008 and has been writing fabulous articles ever since! Please visit Find Me A Gift to see our fantastic range of Gifts and gadgets, there are over 2500 gifts to choose from for men, women and children! Please visit Find Me A Gift to browse our range of Gadgets

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Need To Recapture The Magic Of Christmas? Try Inspirational Christmas Stories!By Bernadette Dimitrov

Everyone knows that life today is more hectic than ever before. Families are often very busy and family fun time is at a premium. This is never more apparent than at Christmas. Everyone wants Christmas to be magical and special, but many of us feel that it has become commercial and impersonal. The solution, though, is so simple that many families are surprised. Inspirational Christmas stories can help you recapture the magic of an old-fashioned Christmas, but with a modern twist. Just consider:

1) Inspirational Christmas stories for children and adults are quick to read and can be read together at any time. You won’t have to rearrange your entire schedule for this Christmas magic – all you need are a few stolen moments here and there.

2) Inspirational Christmas stories for children and adults allow you to create special Christmas traditions for your family. Many cultures read the Christmas story aloud during the holidays. Reading favorite inspirational Christmas stories for children and adults together can be a great way to develop special holiday traditions for your own family.

3) Inspirational Christmas stories for children and adults are about sharing time – not about spending money. Getting together to read inspirational Christmas stories out loud is about sharing time together. It is not simply another impersonal way to spend money. In fact, inspirational Christmas stories are very economical, no matter what your holiday budget this Christmas season!

4) Inspirational Christmas stories for children and adults can help you teach your family what the season is all about. These stories have modern settings and twists and are exciting and fun. At the same time, they are about the miracles and togetherness that Christmas should represent. Without lecturing or moralizing, inspirational Christmas stories for children and adults capture and reveal exactly what this time of year is all about – and they do so in a way that everyone can understand!

5) Inspirational Christmas stories for children and adults can create cherished memories for your whole family. Stir up some cocoa and serve some cookies to your audience. Take turns reading inspirational Christmas stories out loud, and put on some quiet Christmas carols in the background. Inspirational Christmas stories for children and adults can be the perfect way to set the stage for a fabulous Christmas celebration.

The magic of reading and the wonder of Christmas combine together in inspirational Christmas stories for children and adults to create a wonderful way to celebrate this most exciting time of year! Why not get some inspirational Christmas stories today and create a tradition that your family will love and cherish for years to come?

About the Author: Visit www.HoHoHoChristmas.com and sign up for our F*R*E*E* NEWSLETTER FULL OF TIPS, TOOLS & RESOURCES for reviving the fun, joy, magic and real meaning of Christmas every day of the year.

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Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Future: How Christmas Has Changed Over the YearsBy John Smith

Contrary to what you might think when listening to older relatives recount stories of past Christmases - you know the ones, where they tell you about the good old days and explain that things are not quite like what they used to be - the festive season has indeed changed. Things are not the way they used to be, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing. After all, wouldn’t it be terrible if things always stayed the same?

With all the talk of oil prices and climate change, the most visible difference must surely be the weather. There once was a time when the British Isles actually had recognizably distinct seasons, where summer would bring long sunny days and the winter months would bring bracing cold weather. A time where you could virtually guarantee more than a smattering of snow. You could literally bet money - and be confident of winning - on Christmas Day being coated in a beautiful and sparkling frosting of snow.

And no doubt, that seasonal regularity definitely made it easier to choose Christmas Gifts. It was cold, so gloves, scarves, mittens and heavy coats were very much in demand, and you could pretty much guarantee that any friend or loved-one would be delighted by Christmas Gifts that, not only helped them stay warm, but also let them play around in the snow.

But, as we said, times have indeed changed. Your Gran was right. Just because it’s Christmas, it no longer means it’s going to be cold, or snowing. It could be raining - probably worth placing money on that - or it could be sunny. Whereas in the past, the person up in the sky who decided upon the weather used to plan well in advance, the trend nowadays really is to just see what takes his or her fancy on the day, and conjure up something accordingly.

And while all this is fine, it makes things a little less straightforward when choosing Christmas Gifts. It’s not necessarily going to be cold - so at least you’re probably safe from the almost iconic hand-knitted jumper, complete with a tactile reindeer motif - so you can’t be sure that the previous repertoire of Christmas Gifts is really going to cut the mustard.

So, in order to make sure that friends and family members really are chuffed when they unwrap their presents on the big day - which, depending upon the exact Christmas tradition you follow, could either be on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day - it’s good to plan strategically. Take mum, for example; you don’t want to resort to either a cliche, or the same kind of thing that you’ve bought in the past. Mums deserve a bit of thought, style, sophistication and above all, mums deserve Christmas Gifts that let them know how much you care.

For mums who love their photographs, that message could be conveyed with a Number 1 Mum Frame. This beautiful silver frame not only spells out, in no uncertain terms, exactly how important your mum is, it also offers the perfect opportunity to put some precious and treasured memories on display, which is exactly where they should be. Another Christmas gift for Mums with similar sentiment is the I Love My Mummy Mug and Frame Set. Potentially ideal for younger gift givers, this choice gives mum the perfect opportunity to enjoy a favourite picture with a relaxing cuppa. Lovely stuff.

That perfect Gifts for dad should also be given extra special thought. Because times have changed, most dads will be looking for a little more excitement that one would usually find in a multi-pack of socks and a bottle of aftershave. When making the final decision, it’s good to think along the lines of excitement, passion and adventure - and then book your dad onto a Rally Rush Experience Day.

So long as your dad doesn’t have any heart problems and is below a specified weight limit, the Rally Rush Experience Day really is the perfect Christmas gift. Not only will dad get more than one car session of approximately eight to ten minutes each, he will also get to ride shotgun whilst a professional shows the car exactly who’s boss. It really is two hours of non-stop action and excitement that will give your dad a Christmas to remember - and I bet it’s not something your grandparents would have considered doing all those years ago. But then, after all, things have changed and cars are much faster these days.

About the Author: To explore our range of christmas gifts further, please visit our website at http://www.gettingpersonal.co.uk.

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The Great Films of Christmas
By Gianni Truvianni

There are many a Christmas film to entertain during this most special time of year and in spite of this tradition not going back as far as the music and stories that accompany this season; it has become just as much apart of Christmas as any other. Christmas films; now a days are just as eagerly awaited as perhaps the season itself by cinema goers all over the world with every season bringing on a new batch, most of which will probably be forgotten before the season returns the following year.

With regards to the history behind these films perhaps it can be said that the first films of this season limited themselves to subjects which portrayed the birth and life of Jesus Christ or at least the way it is said to have taken place in the “New Testament” of the bible. These films concentrating on showing three wise men being lead by a star to a place where the virgin Mary gave birth to the one whom Christians through out the world have called the messiah. Some films would include the events of Jesus’ life but for the most part these films of Christmas would limit themselves to the events that preceded his birth.

With time however Christmas films as did perhaps the season itself; moved away from only being focused on the birth of Christ and started including such themes as Santa Claus. This being the man who supposedly lives in the North Pole and gives presents to all those children, regardless of any condition other then weather or not they have been good through out the year.

Christmas eventually stretched beyond even these two themes and like Christmas itself which expanded so did the films concerning this time of year, to include the effect this season has on most people and their relationships to one another. As a strange coincidence or perhaps it was not the first film to go a way from these two themes was “A Christmas Carol”, based on the famous book written by Charles Dickens. As it might have been this story which was the first to concentrate on another matter concerning Christmas other then Jesus or Santa Claus.

With regards however to film versions of “A Christmas Carol”, the first of which was not even given this title but “Scrooge” (though sometimes also referred to as “Marley’s ghost”), it being released way back in 1901 as a short film. Many films however would follow based on the theme created by Dickens though perhaps the one that sticks out the most from all these versions of the same, at least as far as those which are in black and white is the one staring Reginald Owen in 1938 in the role of the Ebenezer Scrooge. The biter old man who needed to be reminded by three ghosts sent to him by his deceased business partner, Marley of the joy he once held for Christmas which had been replaced by his greed for money.

Where “A Christmas Carol” can be said to have been the first film to focus on other then religious subjects perhaps it is the film “It’s A Wonderful Life” which in a way goes back to them though again not concentrating on Jesus’ birth but on an angel coming down to earth to assist “George Bailey”. This being a man who on Christmas day decided that his path would be suicide to escape from a life he considered not to have been of use to any; only to be proven that in fact many around him would be far worse of if he had not been born.

“It’s A Wonderful Life” in my opinion and that of many (at least in the United States) others has in recent years replaced “A Christmas Carol” as far as being the most symbolic film of the Christmas season. As it perhaps even more so then “A Christmas Carol” captures that spirit so abundant during this season. That being the spirit of giving and sharing with our neighbors specially should they be in need or if they through out their lives have done as much as George Bailey did for those in his town of Bedford Falls. As for myself personally I would have to say that looking at this film even from a critical angle, that it is the one that I would recommend above all others when it comes to Christmas films. It combining sentimentalism but in a strange manner those who are portrayed as such are also shown as being practical. After all they in a way are simply showing their gratitude to the man who was responsible for them being able to buy the homes they live in. This sentiment being exclaimed in the line “I wouldn’t even have a roof over my head it if wasn’t for you George” used by one of the characters who contributes to solve George’s dilemma over the money which had been stolen from his savings and loan.

Perhaps one of the reasons why “It’s A Wonderful Life” has replaced “A Christmas Carol” as the standard Christmas film is because “It’s A Wonderful Life” contrary to “A Christmas Carol” has not had so many different versions made, which makes it that when people refer to it they naturally only think of the one made by Capra staring James Stewart. This being the case though a very forgettable version called “It happened One Christmas” was made in 1977 which given the fact that many were not familiar with the original version at the time become very popular. This till “It’s A Wonderful Life” was made popular on TV to the point of almost being shown at least once a day at Christmas time. All of which sending “It happened One Christmas” back to the obscurity from which it should have never left.

“A Christmas Carol” however has had many versions made of it, making it almost that there is no version which can be considered classic or even the original one. All of which making it hard for film viewers to focus on any one particular version or associating the main character “Ebenezer Scrooge” with any particular actor, given that many from George C. Scot to Henry Winkler (mostly known for his portrayal of the “Happy Days” character the “Fonz”) to Reginald Owen have played have played it. This not being the case for George Bailey; as this character has come to be associated exclusively with James Stewart.

“A Christmas Carol” perhaps because it was first known as a great piece of literature went on however to have its theme repeated not only in many a film but TV serials as well. For instance “The Odd Couple” did so when Oscar dreamed he was “Scrooge” being visited by the ghost of Felix; given that the ghost of Marley could not make it given that it was his busiest time of year. “The Six Million Dollar Man”, a TV show about a man turned part robot also took from this theme as did many a cartoon like “Mr. Magoo” and even Walt Disney cashed in on the idea using Donald Duck’s rich but often parsimonious Scottish uncle.

However, many are the films regarding Christmas that I would say deserve honorable mention such as “The Christmas That Almost Wasn’t”, which I might add I went to see with my class while a student at the parochial school I attended in my early years in New York City. “The Christmas That Almost Wasn’t” I would recommend as being nice though it perhaps lacks somewhat in originality as it takes a page from “It’s A Wonderful Life”. This coming in the form that it is the children who help Santa raise the money he needs to pay off his debt or the toys he has worked on all year will be taken instead.

However when mentioning Christmas films there are some which I would not take even the most rotten kids I know to see such as the one made with Dudley Moore called “Santa Claus” or “Miracle On 34th Street”. This last film being in extremely poor taste in my opinion; as it tries to show the hardships of a “poor little girl” who cries because she has to content herself with living in luxurious apartment on Westside of Central Park; given her mother does not own an equally posh house in the country. This “poor girl’s” tragedy is even augmented because she has no father, as if her more then loving mother were not enough. This making me think of how one could classify those orphaned children I saw living on the streets of South America, who had to do with much less then this spoilt American child; while not having anybody what so ever.

Of course there are other films which were made and can be purchased on DVD such as “The Bells Of Saint Marry” though this film I know very little about as I have neither seen it nor read its synopsis and what little I do know about it is that there is a Swedish actress by the name of Ingrid Bergman, who plays a nun. This being what I picked up from a scene in “The Godfather” in which Michael Corleone (played by Al Pacino) and his girlfriend, Kate (Played by Diane Keaton) walk out of Radio City (when they showed films there) after seeing it and comment on how perhaps Michael would prefer it if Kate were a nun or Ingrid Bergman. I having little in the way of knowledge about this film can not recommend it though I have heard from many that it is worth seeing but then again this was what I heard about that tactless film “Miracle On 34th Street”.

As for animated films that have taken my interest during this time of year, I would have to say that “The Grinch Who Stole Christmas” ranks up there as one of the finest films I have seen connected to this time of year. This 30 minute animated film by “Doctor Zeus” showing how a little girl teaches the mean Grinch, that there is more to Christmas then toys and decorations; is a real Christmas classic which no child should ever miss. Those who see this film in English and are old enough might recognize the voice of Boris Karloff (real name William Pratt), also known for his portrayal of Frankenstein. Where I recommend this animated film I by no means do so the idiotic film version made in recent years with the same title by director Ron Howard (also known for his portrayal of the Happy Days character Ritchie Cunningham) staring Jim Carey. This because I have a hard time deciding if this film is even a bigger tragedy then some of the other Christmas disasters I have tried to watch on TV; most of which I will not even mention in this article.

TV shows have also contributed great stories for this time of year known as Christmas and it is with all my heart that I would like to recommend to those who should read this article, that this Christmas they turn on Youtube and watch the episode of the Twilight Zone; entitled “Night Of The Meek”. This being a truly igneous story of a man of good nature by the name of Henry Corwin; who through the magic that is Christmas is literally transformed in to Santa Claus but not before having been fired from his Job as the department store Santa Clause for drunkenness.

It is this story which I would say is my favorite as far as stories portraying the character who is also known as Saint Nick. As it portrays Henry Corwin as a generous man, who drinks because he is unable to help the poor and helpless one’s as he refers to them who are all around him. One of which contrary to the child in “Miracle On 34th Street” asks not for a house in the country but a job for his unemployed father. It is however when confronted by a bag of Christmas presents which seems to not only never run out of presents but have in it all that those around ask for; such as toys, sweaters and just about anything anybody could want that Henry Corwin gets what he always wanted. To become the biggest gift giver of all.

In conclusion I would say that Christmas is a wonderful time of year and perhaps in a way it is made more so by the films mentioned in this article; for they thanks to their stories show us how this time of year can truly bring people closer together in a way that nothing else can. As for a personal confession of mine, I must say that “It’s A Wonderful Life” along with “The Night Of Meek” never fail to bring tears to my eyes. This being the case regardless of weather I find myself watching or even describing their plots as I have done so in this piece of mine.

My name is Gianni Truvianni, I am an author who writes with the simple aim of sharing his ideas, thoughts and so much more of what I am with those who are interested in perhaps reading something new. As for the details regarding my life I would say that there is nothing that lifts them above the ordinary. I was born in New York City in 1967 on May 21st and am presently living in Warsaw, Poland where I wrote my first book “New York’s Opera Society” now Available on Amazon.

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The Christmas Card-To Send or Not To Send
By Philip McDonald

Strictly speaking, a Christmas card is a greeting card specifically oriented for the Christmas celebrations of December 25th. The Christmas card is a message to all the people here and gone that we will remember them every year when the weather gets a bit colder. More often than you might like to admit, a Christmas card is the only news your friends and family get from you over the year. A Christmas card is the way to bring our love and wishes of happiness and health to all people we know. The Christmas card is a charming addition to traditional seasonal pop music. In theory sending a Christmas card is a gesture of regard so straightforward that it borders on the banal. Most Christmas cards are printed on a premium paper and comes with matching envelopes.

The Christmas card is not a Danish invention, but came to the country from England where the first Christmas card was sent in 1842. The first Christmas card is thought to have been designed by British artist John Horsley in 1840, a Royal Academician. The Christmas card is a Victorian creation, which began as a kind of stationery. The founder of the American Christmas card is said to be Louis Prang of Boston who printed a wide variety of album cards and visiting cards. The corporate Christmas card is a later invention, that wonderfully heart felt standard issue message from one company to another company. In fact the corporate Christmas card is a relatively modern invention.

A more recent invention is the photo Christmas card which is not likely to make it to the rubbish bin but more likely to be kept and either framed or placed into a photo album. A personalized Christmas card is a wonderful way to connect with friends and family during the holiday season. A handmade Christmas card is a great present to give. Even Prime Ministers send Christmas cards, Mr. Tony Blair’s Christmas card is illustrated by a picture of him and his young family on the steps of No 10 Downing Street. When you want to surprise someone with a unique gift for Christmas, a personalized Christmas card is the best option for guaranteed originality. If the photo Christmas card is high quality, it will surely be displayed on friends’ and family’s mantels long after Christmas is over. A hand-made Christmas card is always a treasure to keep. Receiving a handmade Christmas card is somehow more special. Of course, making your own photo Christmas card is becoming easier than ever, with the introduction of the low cost color printer and the many services on the internet which specialize in making personalized Christmas cards.

The most apparent of what you’re looking for in a Christmas card is the look. Think the Christmas card is the least important part of the Christmas present? Sending a business Christmas card is more than just a nice touch; business Christmas cards let you build a relationship with your clients and prospects. Creating a company Christmas card is an opportunity to send festive greetings to clients and customers. You may think a humorous Christmas card is hilarious, but this is not the time to test to see if your clients have a good sense of humor. Make certain that the type face used on your business Christmas card is large and clear enough for all your clients to read easily.

A Charity Christmas Card is a simple and effective way of giving to someone less fortunate than yourself. Of course, in the age of email, a Christmas card is a rare opportunity to send a message (such as a key fingerprint) by a pretty secure channel. The most important consideration for choosing a Christmas card is the picture. A lighthouse Christmas card is one of the most sought after cards during the festive season. It has to be said that the life of a conventional Christmas card is extremely short, particularly those sent business-to-business, you can increase the length of its life by making it stand out.

In order for a photo Christmas card to be aesthetically pleasing, great care should be given to the photo that will be used. So when Christmas is here celebrate with family and friends the gift of a photo Christmas card. There are many photo Christmas card companies on the internet that are offering unique, original, personalized designs. In spite of all the difficulties, there are few things more valuable or worthwhile than enclosing a family photo within a Christmas card. With your family’s photo and the wording of your choice you will have the perfect Christmas card to spread the Christmas joy this season. Surprise loved ones with updated family photos on your personalized photo Christmas Card.

We truly believe that Christmas just isn’t the same without a personalized Christmas card on your mantle, above the stockings, and we’re here to help. Nothing personalizes this holiday season more than a photo Christmas card. Remember that a well thought out and personalized Christmas card can help build and cement relationships. Personalized Christmas greeting cards, what better way to stay in touch with close friends and family members than to send them a Christmas card. Surprise your child this Christmas with a personalized Christmas card from Santa Claus and the North Pole.

Should you include a business card with your business Christmas card? Should you send business Christmas cards to clients and customers? Business cards are Powerful ways to promote your Business. This allows you to feature your company logo, business related photographs or personal photographs as part of the finished Christmas card design. Get just the right business Christmas card or corporate holiday card for your profession or occupation. Will you be sending a business Christmas card to your clients this holiday season. Just let me say, forgetting to send a card to an important client is considered the ultimate snub in certain business circles. Business Christmas, Holiday and Thanksgiving cards can be personalized with your company name or logo. Most business professionals believe that it is not tactful to include your business card in with a Christmas card, but I will leave that extra step up to your judgment.

Clearly the Christmas card is a must at this festive time of year if you want to show your how important friends, family and business associates are to you. The question is not, should you send a Christmas card but, what form should that card take. With the many options available to you from the e-mail card, to the photo card to the traditional Christmas card there is no reason not to show your appreciation to your friends and business associates.

Philip McDonald maintains christmas-alert.blogspot.com This content is provided by Philip McDonald. It may be used only in its entirety with all links included.

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