Christians may celebrate the festival by singing Christmas carols in church. Carols may also be called noel, song or hymn. The lyrics are based on the theme of Christmas.

The tradition of Christmas carols hails back as far as the thirteenth century, although carols were originally communal songs sung during celebrations like harvest tide as well as Christmas. It was only later that carols were  sung in church, and were specifically associated with Christmas.

Today, carols are regularly sung at Christian religious services. Some compositions have words which are clearly not of a religious theme, but are often still referred to as “carols”. For example, the sixteenth century song “A Bone, God Wot!” appears to be a wassailing song, but is described in the British Museum’s Cottonian Collection as a Christmas carol.

It is often difficult to draw a distinction between a Christmas carol and a Christmas song. The Concise Oxford Dictionary is more generous, as it defines a carol as a “religious song associated with Christmas“.

Almost all the well-known carols were not sung in church until the second half of the 19th century. Hymns Ancient and Modern 1861–1874 included several carols. Isaac Watts, the “Father of English hymnody”, composed “Joy to the World” which has become a popular Christmas carol even though it is widely believed that Watts did not write it to be sung only at Christmas.

Charles Wesley wrote texts for at least three Christmas carols, of which the best known was originally entitled “Hark! How All the Welkin Rings”, later edited to “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing”. In 1840, Felix Mendelssohn wrote a tune in a cantata; William H. Cummings adapted this tune to fit Wesley’s words and this combination first appeared in “Hymns Ancient and Modern” in 1861.

“Silent Night” comes from Austria; the first English translation was in 1871 where it was published in a Methodist hymnal.

Christmas Gifts: Most of people celebrating Christmas exchange gifts on this occasion as a sign of love. We all want our gifts to be special. Cards, flowers, chocolates, unique show pieces, clothing, jewelry, toys, watches, etc. are examples of the gifts people choose to give to their loved ones. A bottle of wine is also a good option to be presented as a gift.

Christmas Tree: An artificial or a living Christmas tree is decorated and it is a popular tradition associated with the celebration of Christmas. Normally, an evergreen or a pine tree is brought into a home or used in the open.

A Christmas tree is decorated with Christmas lights and colorful ornaments during the days around Christmas. An angel or star is often placed at the top of the tree, representing the host of angels or the Star of Bethlehem from the Nativity story.

The earliest that a pine tree was ever used and decorated for Christmas was in 1521 in Germany. In some accounts, Martin Luther is credited with adding lights and decoration to fir branches traditionally hung from ceilings.

The United States’ National Christmas Tree is lit each year on the South Lawn of the White House. Today, the lighting of the National Christmas Tree is part of what has become a major holiday event at the White House. Many cities, towns and department stores put up public Christmas trees outdoors.

Merry Christmas!

Writing letters to Santa Claus is a longstanding tradition for children all over the world. With the possibility for them to receive free Santa letters in return, this opens up a whole new array of Christmas excitement and fond memories of childhood holidays to pass on to their own children in the future. Traditionally, a child will write a wish list or letter to Santa outlining the gifts they would like to receive and detailing how they have fulfilled their own duties as a “good” child this past year.

Now it is easy to order free Santa letters online, allowing the child to receive confirmation that their wishes have been received, and excitement can build about the wishes being granted in the future, giving a whole new reason to look forward to Christmas morning. There is nothing like seeing the look on a child’s face when they receive a letter from Santa! The true radiance of the holiday spirit illuminates them like a spotlight. Sending children letters from the mysterious and magical North Pole is one way to generate this excitement and sense of wonder.

With free Santa letters that are available for download, a parent can choose from a number of templates to find one that best suits their needs and the tastes of their particular child. There are a number of colors, prints, and patterns that can be chosen from available templates. In addition, the letter itself can be made to directly address the child and his or her accomplishments, adding realistic touches. The letter can be customized, addressing the child’s original letter to Santa directly and really helping continue the legend of Santa Claus himself. With so many options for customization and the fact that the letter is completely free, why not take this opportunity to make your child’s Christmas an extra special one?

Christmas is the most magical time of year for many families, a time that brings people together on Christmas morning to appreciate the wonder and delight of each others’ company. Free Santa letters bring a high sense of excitement to the holidays, and with so many options for personalization will really make the child feel special and appreciated. This is one of the first gifts a parent can give to his or her child, so easy, and so special. Light up a child’s face with an individualized letter from Santa himself this Christmas and bring about memories for years to come, of family and magic.

With the world having advanced so far in computer technology, many people may be left wondering if even Santa Claus is easier to reach through email vs. the tradition of snail mail. In fact, it is truly now possible to email Santa and arrange for emails from Santa to be sent to the recipient of your choice, usually in response to technology savvy children’s wish lists. This is a great way to keep on top of old family traditions using the latest advancements in technology.

Writing and receiving letters from Santa is a longstanding tradition amongst many families, with the letters serving as a real way for the parents and children to communicate with one another, while immersing themselves in the true holiday spirit. What better way to feel a real connection with him than to email Santa? This is the most effective mode of communication in the modern world and applies not only to business transactions but also on a personal level of staying in touch with loved ones. When Santa feels like part of the family, you can send him an email just like everyone else.

The look of excitement and wonder that lights up a child’s face when they think of Santa is well worth the time it takes to email Santa. With personalized ways of arranging for these emails from the alleged North Pole, it is possible to tailor an email from Santa to every child’s personal needs. Santa can address how good a child was over the year and point out specific accomplishments to really make them feel good about themselves. This is a wonderful way for everyone to benefit by rewarding good behavior and promoting the excitement of Christmas.

The Christmas spirit gets stronger and stronger during the buildup to the holiday season. Children get a certain gleam in their eye that is reflected by their parents. An email from Santa is a great way to get this spirit flowing even stronger and bring families together. This could be the start of a whole new family tradition, building sweet and cozy childhood memories that are passed down from generation to generation. To email Santa, all one has to do is browse online to find the best website that suits the needs of both the children and the family alike. This is Christmas for the 21st century, building upon old traditions while starting new ones.

One of the most simple yet easiest ways to really make your child’s day with a sweet surprise is to arrange for your little one to receive a genuine Christmas letter from Santa. Easy to order and even easier to have delivered to your mailbox or via emails, this is a small but thoughtful way of bringing a piece of the Christmas magic home early. This is a good yearly tradition to start that can help really tie the family together through the magic of the holidays. Sending separate but individual letters to each child in the family is a good means of eliminating rivalries and helping everyone feel special together.

Many children write their own letters to Santa that include not only their wish list of the gifts they hope to receive this Christmas, but also letting Santa know that they have been well behaved this year. Sending back a Christmas letter from Santa is a way of letting them know that the good behavior has been appreciated. This makes everyone feel good and is a way of ensuring that the good behavior continues in the future. In the letter, specific details of their good behavior can be pointed out to show that Santa has been watching and appreciates them.

There are a number of little extras that a parent can add to the Christmas letter from Santa to really make it unique and tailored to the individuality of the child. Different fonts, colors, and scripts can be used that best suit a child’s individuality. The letter can be sent either through regular mail and postmarked from the North Pole, or sent instantly via email. The postmarks available are real and are generated from Fairbanks, Alaska. The history of sending letters from Santa is a long one that has delighted generations of children throughout the ages and shows no signs of stopping anytime soon.

Too often these days it seems that Christmas has been associated more with materialism than with the original moral traditions that the holiday was originally founded on. Sending a Christmas letter from Santa is a cost-effective and thoughtful way to celebrate the holiday that focuses on spirit and tradition rather than on simply going out and buying toys as a means of instant gratification. The look of excitement as a child’s face lights up is the best gift that any parent can give to themselves, creating memories and traditions that can be passed down for generations to come.

Although the holidays are a time for all ages to come together in a celebration and appreciation of each other and holiday issues, Christmas for kids is really an extra special time. Many children write wish lists or long letters to Santa Claus in anticipation of finding their wishes having come true under the Christmas tree come Christmas morning. Receiving letters from Santa ensures that the children will achieve a high level of excitement. There is nothing like seeing a child’s face light up during the holiday season with a true sense of magic.

For parents trying to make Christmas for kids the best time of the year, there is not necessarily a great need to spend a lot of money. Receiving letters from Santa is an extremely cost-effective or even free way to make a child feel truly special and appreciated. Letters can be customized according to a variety of templates, colors, and specific information that references the child’s accomplishments throughout the year and hopes for good luck throughout the next year. In addition, this will serve as an affirmation from Santa that the child’s good efforts are noticed, leading to more good behavior down the road.

Christmas for kids is one of those times that generate memories well into adulthood. While they are still children, this is the time to establish traditions and ensure that the memories will be good ones, and that these traditions will be passed on for future generations to come. Receiving letters from Santa is a wonderful tradition to start with, which leaves all parties feeling good and helps build excitement about the holidays. Testimonials from satisfied parents attest to the way that a letter from Santa can really make children feel special and tie the family together over the holiday season.

There are a great many ways to make Christmas for kids a stand-out, wonderful time. The season lends itself to warm feelings for the whole family, but sending letters from Santa is a simple yet effective way to show a child that you love him or her. This is also a great way to revive a real belief in Santa if children have heard rumors on the playground that maybe Santa is fictional… there is no better way to prove his existence for just a little while longer than for a child to receive a personalized letter. Why not retain childhood innocence for just a few more years?

Dressing Your Little Rock Star

By Brie Gatchalian

Your daughter may be in grade school, but that doesn’t mean she can’t dress like a rock star. She loves Hannah Montana’s style, so why not dress like her idol? Not sure how to turn your little sweetie into a star? Follow these steps for her Hannah Montana wardrobe makeover:

Step 1: You’ll need bling.

Bling is synonymous with rock stars these days. Don’t worry – you won’t have to spend much to give your sweetie some dazzling accessories. She’ll look like a hundred bucks with this Belle Bow Headwrap ($2.80 at www.forever21.com) and 3-Row Necklace ($8 at www.wetseal.com).

Step 2: Wear fun colors.

Sporting bright colors is nothing new for your little girl, but this time around, consider a hot trend like skinny pants. These Isa Skinny Jeans ($27.80 at www.forever21.com) are not only super-funky, but who ever pulls them off is a guaranteed star-in-the-making.

Step 3: Layer

Now here’s a Hannah Montana trick you’re familiar with: layering. Accomplishing the fun-color step 2, layer this Short Puff Sleeve Jacket ($22.50 at www.wetseal.com) with something not-so-colorful like this Collared Denim Vest ($28 at www.mandee.com).

Step 4: When in doubt, belt it.

For Hannah Montana, belts are not for belt loops. For real rocker style, your daughter must wear the belt over her shirts. Consider this Michael Kors Braided Metallic Snake Embossed Belt ($44 at www.nordstrom.com). Or, she can use a sash or scarf – just make sure it’s a different color than her top.

Step 5: Wear fabulous yet comfortable shoes.

Although your daughter won’t be dancing around on stage, she’ll be strutting her stuff at school. Give her the gift of comfort with these Gabriella Rocha Studio Cyra wedges ($99 at www.zappos.com). Not only will these shoes turn heads in the classroom (they’re so fabulous!), your daughter won’t come home with blisters.

Be prepared for anything (and we mean anything!) with these must-have on-the-go baby gear picks.On-the-Go Baby Gear! Perfect parent products in a pinch.

by Vicki Salemi

We know your type: You’re hip. You’re happening. (And let’s say it together now…) You’re super busy.  On the go 24/7, you do what any smart parent would do – you check out cool baby products geared toward helping out parents in a pinch.

Fold Away Potty Seats

Unlike those nasty Port-a-Johns (the outdoor make-shift green little outhouses we’ll use in case of emergency and we do mean an emergency), these mini portable potties for your little one are almost worthy of being called Port-a-Janes; that is, they’re that sweet. For instance, the On the Go Potty by Kalencom is for your little tyke 18 months old and up. With three disposable liners and a plastic carrying case with drawstring, this lightweight potty is geared for your road trip pit stops and fits right on top of normal toilets.

$10 at  Kalencom.com

Dad-Focused Diaper Vests

How much do we love these, let us count the pockets… The folks at DadGear have the hottest invention in parenting gear. Think style. Think purpose. Think manly mangear.  This innovative twist in which the traditional diaper bag meets fisherman’s vest lets fathers grab diapers in strategically placed compartments.  Two large pockets on the interior can be used for diapers or other baby gear, two pockets on the side of the vest may be used for bottles, and as for the right chest zippered pocket? Quick access to baby wipes for spit-up emergencies, of course.

$82 at www.DadGear.com

Portable Snack Trays

Courtesy of the folks at Fisher Price, we’re particularly gaga over their car seat snack tray. Where else could you have a make-shift tray that attaches to most car seats and strollers? There are two clamps for a better fit and get this – it hsold sippy cups, juice boxes, and bottles. The three different sections are fab for snacks on the go like chopped apples or little PB&J triangles.

$11 at www.FisherPrice.com

Travel High Chairs

Picture it: a high chair that’s lightweight, safe, sturdy, and goes everywhere you do! This high chair clamps onto most tables and voila (snap fingers here!) it creates an instant high chair whenever you need it.  The travel high chair from Phil & Ted’s weighs only two pounds and collapses to one inch of thickness. The nylon seat makes it easy to clean and the frame and clamps provide a secure grip.

$49.95 at www.PippinMcgee.com

Take Along Toys

They’re portable. They’re adorable. Better yet, we’re wondering if they’ll make them for adults!  For instance, the Manhattan Toy Company’s dog take along toy is designed to stimulate and strengthen your baby’s new skills. It rattles, squeaks, and rotates as your little one can honk the paws, pull the legs and arms, and wiggle-jiggle the entire body.  As for the best part? The fabric loop allows you to attach it to strollers, carriers, and car seats.  Road trip, anyone?

$12 at www.ManahttanToy.com

Portion Snack Cups

If you sometimes feel like a walking kitchen, you’re not alone. In your right pocket perhaps you’ll find a baggie of Cheerios. In your backpack or purse, perhaps a banana. As for the left-hand coat pocket? A bottle of water. In any event, The First Year’s take & toss portion snack cups allow you to carry customized portion-controlled snacks in a no-spill container that’s sectioned off so your raisins don’t intermingle with your Goldfish. Now that’s what we call smart snacking.

$2.99 at www.ToysRus.com

Throughout your pregnancy, you do everything you can to give your baby all the advantages you can to come into the world a strong, healthy newborn. Now that your little bundle of joy has joined the outside world, you are doing every possible thing to keep him healthy, right?

You may be surprised to learn that the things your baby comes in contact with every day are filled with harmful chemicals that can affect his growth and development, as well as harm to the environment. But, before you go online and order that pure air bubble you want to raise him in, take a peek at some of these natural alternatives that will have even Halle Berry making room for you on the go-green buggy, er, bandwagon.

Nursery

If you’re like actress Laura Dern, her environmentally friendly philosophy is “less is more.” But for the things you can’t live without, here are some green options for your pink or blue nursery:

Crib - Furniture made of pressed wood products can contain formaldehyde, which has been linked to cancer. Try PacificRimWoodworking.com for solid maple cribs and furniture that is finished with natural oils and formaldehyde-free.

Bedding – From the flame-retardant chemicals in the mattress to the pesticides in the sheets and pillows, a good night’s sleep may do more harm than good. Rule of thumb: Always choose organic, untreated materials such as wool or natural cotton.

Flooring – If you have to go carpet, sink your toes into 100 percent biodegradable carpet with wool fibers and no toxic adhesives like Nature’s Carpet by Colin Campbell’s Studio Line. Otherwise, opt for cork, wood, linoleum, or natural material throw rugs. You may find it’s a cleaner way to go for the entire house!

Paint – Older homes may have been painted with lead paint, which is harmful to babies and adults alike. Try using paints with natural pigments, such as clay. Check out GreenPlanetPaints.com for a variety of these earth- and baby-friendly pigments.

Clothing

Dress your tot to the nines like celebs Courtney Cox and Kelly Preston by choosing organic cotton garments, like the ones found at UnderTheNile.com. Or, products made from natural hemp fibers or organic cotton and hemp blend fabric can be found in baby wear and cloth diaper solutions.

Laundry Detergent

Method® (MethodHome.com) makes environmentally friendly products like their HE Compatible Laundry Detergent – Baby, which is free of harsh chemicals and dyes to reduce irritation to your tiny tot’s skin. Or, ALL® makes a Free & Clear product in a Small and Mighty® size which uses a concentrated formula in a smaller bottle, using 50 percent less material for their packaging than their 100-ounce bottle.

Health Care Products

Keep your baby’s sensitive skin soft and protected by Mother Earth by going organic with baby’s health care products. BurtsBees.com offers an entire line of ecologically friendly products called Baby Bee, while Arbonne.com offers a baby/kids line that includes sunscreen, lotion, and body/hair wash that is all natural as well.

Organic Food

What goes into your baby can be Earth-friendly as well as good for your baby. Many products on the market like Gerber Organic’s Tender Harvest® are preservative-free and made with food that is pesticide-free. Stars like Gwyneth Paltrow prefer to use a food mill to control what goes into her kiddies, but if you’re not the from-scratch type, check out stores such as Trader Joe’s Markets (TraderJoes.com) and Henry’s Market (HenrysMarkets.com) for organic food options. Or, browse the local farmer’s market for more home-grown favorites, but make sure you ask if they meet the USDA’s organic standards.

One-stop Shop to Save Planet Earth

Actress Soleil Moon Frye co-founded a store and Web site that gives you everything you need to go all-natural with your tot. TheLittleSeed.com features clothing, bedding, toys, and furniture to “help make our planet a little greener, and our children’s lives a little healthier.” Just be prepared to break out the greenbacks (products range from $4 for smaller toys to $795+ for furniture).

Whether you completely refurbish your abode or change some simple habits, you’ll not only be giving your precious babe a healthier environment, you’ll be saving the environment, too.

Your lives are crazy. Married with kids has a ton of advantages, but even more work. The clock never stops, but sometimes you both just want to say “Enough!” and lie back while your butler makes it all go away. Not likely? You might be surprised.

When you’re Brad Pitt or Angelina Jolie, deciding to “make some time for mom and dad” isn’t too hard. You just let the live-in nannies know you’ll be gone for a few days, hop on your private jet, and wing it to Italy where your good friend George has generously offered the use of his palatial palazzo (the key is under the mat). It’s nice to be rich and famous.

Why can’t I be famous just once?

But what if you’re merely average? A simple Jane or Joe who lives in a world of tanking stock markets, shrinking savings, and gas prices rocketing directly to the moon. Even if you had the cash you don’t have the time. Gramps and Gran can’t handle the kids for more than a day so your freedom is limited. You could throw up your hands, admit your life sucks, and hit the video store.

Or you could try something else.

A top-line vacation to Hawaii would set you back several thousand dollars and take a week or more of time but, if you can afford to spend up to $500 for a super-fantabulous indulgence for just the two of you, there’s no reason you can’t share an experience that will redefine the word “memorable.” All you need is a little planning, a sense of adventure, and a desire to have some fun.

5 Super-cool Mom & Dad Splurges

1. A picnic, with a twist – With a simple phone call, you can arrange an event the Great Gatsby would be proud to attend. Hiring a private chef is easy these days and most are more than ready to set up, and host, a fantastic picnic for two. Pick your location, arrive on time, and enjoy the pampering. When you’re done you walk away knowing everything is taken care of. A perfect picnic.
2. Drive-in movies, first class – Most cities still have at least one drive-in movie theatre within a couple hours drive. Hire a limo to drive you to the movie, snack on wine and appetizers while you ride, and arrange for the driver to set up chairs in the field so you can enjoy an open-air movie under the stars. When your eyes start to droop, retire to the comforts of your upholstered chariot and snuggle together in back while your driver returns you home safe and sound.
3. Visit a new restaurant, by airplane – There was a time that air travel was considered upper class and fancy. The indignities we endure these days are a modern-day crime, however, if you book last minute flights to any city less than an hour’s flight away you can probably get affordable round trip tickets for two that leave and return the very same day. You won’t need luggage, making security a breeze, and if you fly out that afternoon you can have dinner at a groovin’ restaurant and be back in your own bed that night. An unforgettable experience and a heck of a great story to tell.
4. After-hours anything – Going to the museum is one thing but calling ahead and arranging to come in after-hours makes you feel like a superstar. Most places are more than willing to open up for a private visit if you’re willing to pay a fee. You could hit a winery, maybe an antique store, or even an art gallery. VIP treatment and you don’t have to be freaky like Michael Jackson to get it.
5. Best hotel room ever – When you have a budget of $500 to blow on lodging for one night, you can get yourself a pretty amazing room. By staying in your own town you can skip the luggage and arrive unencumbered, ready to experience the exhausted-parent luxury of spending the night in a room you don’t have to clean the next day. It’s as close to heaven as some of us may ever be.

Going big on a budget is easier than you think. If you plan ahead and get creative you might even be able to pull it off a few times a year without breaking the bank or even abandoning the kids for too long (no matter how much they might deserve it).