At the holidays we gather the family and sing “Oh Christmas tree, Oh Christmas Tree, thy leaves are so unchanging.” Whether your tree is unchanging because it’s artificial or freshly green from the forest, the tree is a centerpiece of Christmas holiday decorations.

Choosing the right Christmas tree is more than an impulse buy. You have to consider several factors such as:

Size – A huge tree in a small room is totally out of place. Measure the height of the room and the maximum diameter of the space where the tree will be located. Remember that the height given on the sticker of the live tree does not include the base. Your tree base may be another 6-10 inches from the floor. You also have to allow room for a topper on the tree. A tree that scraps the ceiling looks crowded and overwhelming in a room. For example:

Room height 8 feet minus 6” tree stand, minus 6” star top = 6 to 6.5 foot tree height

Check the tree diameter so that the tree fits well in to the room chosen. Don’t guess! Bring a tape measure with you when shopping for your perfect Christmas tree.

Type – Whether you like the branches of Douglas Fir, Scotch Pine or Blue Spruce, you can find this look in both live trees and artificial trees. A high quality artificial tree is a good value that’s used for years and read to decorate anytime you are. A live tree is an annual expense that’s discarded after a few weeks. If you dislike wasting the tree and the resources used to grow it, you can shop at a tree farm where the tree roots are wrapped. Keep it well watered and you can plant the tree later.

Shape – A live tree can be pruned after you get it home if you do so carefully. An artificial tree is not so easily changed. For people who live in smaller spaces or for the office, you can get a slim style artificial tree that is dense yet compact in diameter. Artificial trees are made with evenly distributed branches for decorating. Live trees are just as nature made them. If you prefer the natural tree look, then you can add extra decorations to the bare spot.

Coordinating with the room – Some types of trees fit better in a formal living room than a casual den. Consider how the shape and color of the tree will look in your room. You might want a rustic, not exactly perfect tree for the family room and a perfectly manicured tree for the living room.

Before you shop for any tree, particularly a large tree, plan how you will get it home. Even large artificial trees come in big boxes. A large live tree hanging out the trunk can easily be broken or damaged if not well supported. If you can’t find a pickup truck to carry a large live tree, bring a sturdy board to place in the truck and use to rest the tree on. Then secure the tree with strong twine and add a bright red bandana on the end to warn oncoming cars that the tree is closer than they think.

Cool New Christmas Tree Trend: Bubble Trees!

One of my favorite things is seeing rooftop outdoor Christmas decorations in the neighborhood because it shows the homeowner went the extra mile to put a smile on the faces of kids and adults who revel in this wonderful holiday!

At our home, we have lots of Christmas rooftop decorations. We have the regular lights, of course, but then we also have a Santa that comes out of a fake chimney and then goes back in. I LOVE this one!

Many people put a Star of Bethlehem, a Snowflake, or a holiday sign on their rooftop to enhance the décor of their other outdoor decorations. I like the holographic rooftop outdoor decorations. Here are some of my favorite ways to spruce up a roof for Christmas:

Does your son or daughter love robotic toys? Then this Christmas, do what I’m doing and get him or her a WowWee RC Robotic Flytech Dragonfly! Dragonflies are a unique type of toy - not your typical dinosaur or dog or other animated animal. The RC Dragonfly comes in blue and green and it flies like a real insect the way its wings flap around. You won’t have to worry about it if it crashes - it’s durable. Kids love the way they can make it fly in tight spaces.

Does your daughter want something a bit more “girlie?” Well WowWee Flytech makes something similar - just for girls - the FairyFly toy! Fairyflies come in pink, purple, yellow, and orange and they fly all around in a similar way to the Dragonfly. You can even get other forms - like butterflies or even Tinkerbell (which would be great with the new Tinkerbell movie that’s out now, too).

I plan to get both my 9-year old son a Dragonfly and my 4-year old daughter a Fairyfly. I think come Christmas morning, they’ll be flying all over the house and in the yard having great fun! Check them out below:

My son wants to donate 2,000 cans of food to the local food bank called the Tarrant Area Food Bank. They help many different people, including some of the Hurricane refugees who are still in our North Texas community.

If you would like to help, please either send a can or more to us or order one of the packages below (or any other package on Amazon of non-perishables) and ship it to us so we can take it to the food bank OR send a check made payable to TARRANT AREA FOOD BANK in whatever amount you can contribute.

Ship to: Tiffany Dow 1301 Peggy Lane - Kennedale, Texas 76060

Christmas traditions are many and varied throughout the world. When we think of the Christmas season we think of the 12 days of Christmas, holiday feasts, carolers, the Yule log, carnivals with floats, gift giving and stockings hanging by the chimney with care.

The Christmas tree has been around since ancient times and has become one of the most beloved and well known symbols of Christmas traditions in almost all western world countries in one form or another. The evergreen Christmas tree was left outside in earlier times as a reminder that the desolation and cold of winter would soon end and the green life of spring would return. People decorated these outdoor trees with fruits and candles honoring the gods of harvests.

The Germans are thought to be the first to bring the tree inside and decorate them with candies, gingerbread, fruits and candles. Most Americans considered the tree an oddity in the 1830s and it wasn’t until the late 1800s that the idea caught on in America. Candles continued to be the light of choice on the tree until the invention of electricity and the light bulb in the early 20^th century.

Now, throughout the land, Christmas trees are in almost every home gloriously decorated with the unique and the traditional. Each year, people watch in awe as the President of the United States lights the national tree in Washington as a symbol of peace and unity.

Here are some great historical Christmas productions that I find interesting:

I like to harp on the fact that Christmas isn’t just a commercial holiday. Jesus is the reason for the season, isn’t it? We need to drive that message home, and there are ways you can spread these ideas - such as through the use of yard decorations.

Many homeowners have some sort of nativity scene in their yard, but there are specific outdoor yard decorations that say, “Jesus is the reason for the season.” This type of signage or decor makes people remember, as they’re driving by, why we’re all celebrating and enjoying the holidays with our own families.

Here are some great “Jesus is the reason for the season” and nativity decorations for your home - my absolute FAVORITE is the one in the middle. Santa holding baby Jesus! Awwww:

This isn’t all, either. If you click on this link you’ll see a whole host of ornaments, tabletop decorations, and more that celebrate the birthday of baby Jesus. There are even some with LED lights - they’re beautiful!

When children think of Christmas their minds and imagination usually conjure up an image of a jolly old white bearded man in a red suit who travels in a flying sleigh pulled by eight tiny reindeer. They believe he lands on rooftops everywhere, slides down chimneys carrying a huge bag of toys he gives to all children who’ve been nice and not naughty.

Santa is one of the most beloved of all Christmas symbols perhaps because he personifies the teachings of sharing and giving of gifts. But, it began with a man called Saint Nicholas who belonged to a wealthy family and was known for his charity and giving money to the poor.

When the Dutch came to America they brought the tradition with them. Their Sinterklaas, also known as Kris Kringle, rode on a white horse and wore a red costume. It eventually evolved into a jolly old elf who was plump and jovial.

It was Thomas Nast, a cartoonist who many credit with creating the image of Santa Claus as we think of him today. Nast drew pictures of the kindly old gentleman with a button nose in a red suit and a big wide belt. Santa is kind and generous with a wish that all would have a merry Christmas.

Here are some great Santa Clause products that would fit your Christmas holidays perfectly!

If you’re shopping for Christmas presents for someone you know who will be starting an exercise regimen come January first, then you might consider getting them an elliptical machine. Or maybe it’s something you want to ask Old Saint Nick to bring to YOU this year?

For those who want proper and healthful exercise equipment, there are many types to choose from. The newest machine that is making all the others take second seat is the elliptical machine and you can bet Santa will be delivering many of these because they’re hot sellers on Amazon, what with the FREE Shipping they come with!

But a very good question to ask before buying is “do elliptical machines work?” Before you lay out any sum of money, it will pay to do some homework ahead of time – and you’d better research fast because Christmas is right around the corner! Let’s look at elliptical machines and how they can help you:

To know if elliptical machines work, it helps to know just what kind of exercise they are meant to simulate. The whole point of exercise is to create some kind of physical challenge all the while not harming your body. The elliptical machine, or elliptical treadmill as it is sometimes called, is designed to simulate natural walking movement without the damaging jarring to your knees and hips.

This motion is accomplished by using an axle similar to a bicycle only the stride is longer and flatter, rather than circular. In this way the knees are protected from the unnatural pounding associated with jogging, running or even walking.

So you can expect to be able to work out for longer periods of time. In this sense you will find an elliptical machine works better for those whose knees and hips are already in bad shape. Another feature of the elliptical machine is that you can do interval training or whichever form of cardio training you are used to with upper body exercise, too, if the machine is so equipped.

Make sure you find out if the handle bars give you a workout, too, because some machines just allow the arms to swing to and fro with the foot action basically acting as a way to stabilize yourself while working out.

How do they differ from other gym equipment, you may be wondering? Although the elliptical trainer helps you with walking/running motion like a standard treadmill, the main benefit of the elliptical treadmill is that it “saves the knees.” So, which would you stay with longer: a machine that gives you a workout and eases joint discomfort or one that simply gives you a workout?

You already know you need to add exercise to your daily plans. It just makes sense to make that exercise as beneficial and healthful for the long term. The elliptical trainer does just that and now with models designed for the home user, you can gain the benefits of walking from the comfort of your own home.

Here are the top five elliptical trainers selling online – and if you buy from Amazon, you pay ZERO for shipping (can’t beat that!). Get it in time for Christmas and come New Year, you’ll be losing weight and toning up – working off all those yummy Christmas cookies you downed that were left out for Santa.

Christmas is celebrated in America and in many other parts of the world as a season of gift giving, holiday feasts and a time of good cheer. But, Christians believe the real reason for the season is the birth of the Christ Child, Jesus.

To study the history of Christmas we have to go back more than 4.000 years, centuries before Jesus was born. But, traditions say that Christmas as we know it, has been celebrated since the year 98 AD. It wasn’t until 350 AD that December 25th was chosen as the official observance of Christmas but the exact day of Jesus’ birth has never been determined.

The Bible says Mary and Joseph lived in Nazareth when Mary was visited by an angel who told her she was to give birth to a child who was the Son of God and was to be named Jesus.

To escape a tax being levied by the emperor, Mary and Joseph fled to Bethlehem on a donkey. When they arrived, Mary was great with child but they could not find lodging except in a stable where the virgin birth was given.

A great star appeared in the heavens with angels declaring “Fear not, a Savior has been born who is Christ the Lord. His birthday is still celebrated today.”

Don’t forget to teach your children the real reason for Christmas. And if you don’t have little ones at home anymore, make sure you take the time to remember His birthday, too. Here are some ways I help make it fun for my kids to connection the dots between “Christmas” and “Christ:”

Christmas is just around the corner and kids everywhere are getting excited to see what will be under the tree this year. One gift genre that shouldn’t be overlooked is games. Kids love games, whether they’re board games, games of skill or electronic and video games. Games are a great way for a whole family to come together for an afternoon or evening and have fun. So, what are the top games for Christmas, 2008? Let’s look at the top 12.

Bowling Bunnies

A fun game for preschoolers and even older kids, Bowling Bunnies was created after the German lawn game Skittles. The bunnies sit on a wood base and players bowl them over with soft, kid safe “cabbage” beanbag bowling balls.

Wild Planet Animal Scramble

This award winning preschool game teaches kids to think on the fly with a tag styled game that develops the skills of listening, thinking, sharing and cooperating. Kids can play by themselves or with friends.

Monopoly

Kids young and old still love this oldie but goodie classic board game. Monopoly is a great way to spend some time having fun and building empires. Players learn to strategize and think ahead. Money handling skills are also part of the fun.

Hullabaloo

Full of fun and surprises, Hullabaloo keeps players moving with a game that is reminiscent of Twister, but with a twist. Players listen to the game console, which instructs them to jump here and slide there. Movement is constant until the console says, “Freeze”. The game is fun and funny for kids of all ages.

Scene It

There are several different versions of the Scene It game, but they all revolve around the same theme – your favorite movies. Watch the scenes from the movies, answer questions and race your friends to get to the Winner’s Circle.

Here’s the First Five, but scroll down to see the rest!

Cranium

The first version of Cranium is as popular as ever. Players complete artistic, language, performance and trivia activities in teams. The result is usually lots of laughter, a bit of mayhem and even some drama!

Mario Kart: Double Dash

With a cast of twenty characters to choose from, players can be anyone they like in Mario Kart: Double Dash. The video game is different from other Mario Kart games because it uses not one player in a kart, but two. The game also features multi-player battle codes. Double Dash has been out for a while, but it’s still a favorite.

Guitar Hero III

The third in the Guitar Hero series of video games, players win by hitting the correct notes on their “guitar” as the notes scroll to the bottom of the screen. Staying in time with the music requires a fair amount of skill, but kids (and parents) get a kick out of playing it.

Buzz! Junior Jungle Party

This award winning video game actually contains several mini-games, many of which are quite easy and suitable for young children. The quiz games can be played and enjoyed by older kids and even adults. Up to four people can play at a time, but the game can also be played solo.

SpongeBob Square Pants: Creature from the Krusty Krab

Sponge Bob is fun no matter what, so this video game has to be fun, too. Players can be Sponge Bob Square Pants, Patrick Star or Sheldon J. Plankton and must find their way through nine levels of play in a Krusty Krab dream world. If you and your kids love Sponge Bob, this is a must-have.

Here’s the second batch of five, but scroll down to see the last two!

Lego Star Wars II: The Original Trilogy

This video game was created with Lego fans in mind. Most of the games settings and pieces are made from Lego bricks. Creating new Lego Star Wars character is one feature of the game, and players must fend off attacks from blasters and other evils.

Wii Fit

When did fitness become so much fun? Family fitness is now a video game called the Wii Fit. You can do Yoga, strength training, aerobics and balance games with the Wii Fit. It’s hard to tell whether this is really a game or a fitness tool.

This is a mix of board games, active participation games (where you have to do something other than sit or interact with the TV or computer) and video games. Some can be enjoyed alone, and all of them can be enjoyed by two or more players. The whole point is to have fun.