Christmas Greeting cards

The glory of God is manifested through the sacrifice Christ made, by giving his life for us. Christianity gives hope, peace and joy to share with one and all. Reach out to your friends/ family/ loved ones with these religious Christianity greeting cards and Bible quotes.

	On Ascension Day And Always ! An Ascension Day greeting with a beautiful quote for your friends/ loved ones. [ Flash ]		The Advent Of Jesus... Wish your near 'n' dear ones on Advent with this beautiful ecard. [ Animated ]
	'...For My Flesh Is Truly Food...' A warm wish for your loved one on his/ her holy Communion. [ Flash ]		"...Have The Faith Of God..." Add your own message to this beautiful ecard with an inspirational quote. [ Animated ]
	May The Mother Of Our Creator... Send this warm message across to your friends/ loved ones. [ Animated ]		Rejoicing With You On The Birth Of Christ... Send this beautiful ecard on the Nativity scene, to your loved ones. [ Flash ]
	'I Sign Thee With The Sign Of The Cross...' Send warm wishes to your dear one on his/ her Confirmation, with this ecard ! [ Flash ]		On The Holy Baptism... Send love and blessings for the newborn ! [ Animated ]

Labels: Christian Greeting Cards

You always see beautiful evergreen Christmas garland adorning homes, balconies, and stair railing during the holidays, but you almost never see instructions or how to hang evergreen and artificial Christmas garland. Whether you are using the real deal or the plastic stuff, these simple tips and step should help you hang your Christmas garland in almost any place you can think of.

Floral Wire

Floral wire is my personally favorite way to hang Christmas garland. Ii is simple to wrap the wire around the evergreen garland, easy to cut with scissors or wire snips, and super cheap to buy. You can buy it in a green color that makes it completely disappear from view. That is huge when hanging Christmas garland. The whole point is to make the garland look like it is magically draped over whatever surface you have it on.

To hang Christmas garland using floral wire simply cut off a bunch of 2 foot long pieces of floral wire. Use the floral wire to wrap around the garland and the railing of your steps, porch railing, or even posts. I like to wrap the floral wire around the Christmas garland and the point of contact a few times.

Cut off any extra floral wire and move onto the next spot where your Christmas garlands needs to be attached to hang properly.

Staple Gun

Ok, so I have resorted to using a staple gun to hang Christmas garland outside on wood surfaces. A staple gun is a great option for hanging garland on a wooden fence. When using a staple gun just is sure you will not be ruining a good wood surface. Other than that this is a great way to hang Christmas garland in hard top reach areas that offer nothing for the floral wire to wrap around.

In particular I find a staple gun perfect for hanging Christmas garland on awning and eaves that are made of wood.

Place the staple over one strand of the garland. You may find it impossible to staple though the main wire in the garland, but the little branches will be easy and hold the garland in place just fine. I try to aim for one of the small branches that will be the back of the Christmas garland.

Manufactured Christmas Garland Branches

Ok, so if you bought the fake Christmas garland so you don’t have to look at the real stuff dry up and whither away, then you are really in luck. Those small branches that stick out al over the garland are made if wire that is perfect for bending and wrapping around anything to held it where you want it. You can twist these tiny wire filled branches around porch railing, inside stair railings and even the back of chairs.

Push Pins
I find that the best way to hang Christmas garland on a doorframe is to use some well placed pushpins on top for the door frame and out of sight. Center your Christmas garland in the middle of the top of the door frame. Us e a push pin to hold it steady. Now, pull up the left side and firmly attach with the push pin. Now, repeat on the right side. Now, remove the center push pin and allow your Christmas garland to drape naturally. This is a great way to hang Christmas garland alone as well. You only have two hands after all!

Tip: Thin finishing nails and upholstery tacks can also be used in place of office supply store push pins

Once your Christmas garland is hug properly you can add your bows. They should give the appearance of actually holding the garland up, so you may find it best to put them at the points of contact you made with the floral wire, staple gun, and push pins.

By Rebecca
Published November 15, 2006
Click to contact me

Labels: christmas Flowers, how to Hang Your Christmas Garland

wish Your Friends , Buddies family and relatives a Great Christmas Season ahead bu sending then these cute Christmas Santa Flash cards . All Santa cards are free to send and receive

	Merry Christmas And Happy Holidays ! A cute and adorable Christmas wish for your friends/ family/ near and dear ones. [ Flash ]		Saint Nick Is Flying To Town ! Send showers of good wishes to your friends/ family/ dear ones on Christmas with this cute ecard. [ Flash ]
	Time To Rock And Roll ! Bring on the Christmas smiles for your friends/ loved ones with this cute and funny ecard. [ Flash ]		Bagful Of Wishes... Surprise your friends/ family/ loved ones on Christmas with this warm and wonderful ecard. [ Flash ]
	Santa Coming Your Way... Click on this cute ecard to send a warm Christmas wish to your friends/ family/ loved ones with Santa. [ Flash ]		Merry Christmas To You ! Wish one and all a merry time on Christmas with this warm ecard. [ Animated ]
	May Your Wishes Come True... A beautiful Christmas wish for all your near and dear ones. [ Animated ]		Saint Nick Is Dashing Your Way... A cute and adorable ecard to share the joys of Christmas with one and all. [ Flash ]

Labels: Christmas Santa Claus Flash Ecards

The American version of St. Nicholas, or Santa Claus originally came from the Dutch version called Sint Klaas. The Dutch settlers in New Amsterdam (New York) brought this fun and lively tradition (some even say cult) to America.

This version of Santa has given the current myth its visual form and these most curious traditions:

A merry old man with red and white clothes

Eight flying reindeer, later joined by Rudolph the red nosed reindeer.

A home located on or near the North Pole

The habit of filling socks or stockings with presents on the night of December 24th.

Also the habit of entering houses through the chimney.

The most important single source for our modern day version of Santa Claus comes from the Christmas poem A Visit From St. Nicholas by Clement C. Moore. Written for his children in 1823, the family poem was later published for the general public and included what became the now famous picture of Santa Claus by Thomas Nast ( see below right ).

Actually the old "cult" of Santa Claus incorporates many traditions: Christian and Pagan, Old Catholic, Scandinavian, Dutch, German and English.

Santa brings us all together! Kids all over the world know who Santa is... And although he may be a little commercial, who can help, but love the jolly old elf?


In Greek, St. Nicholas is known as Hagios Nikolaos, Bishop of Myra (in the present day Turkey),

St Nicholas reportedly died about 350 AD.

Today, this mythical character is still alive and well and is known all over the world as: Nicholas of Myra, Santa Claus or "Santa" in America.

His fame spread rapidly during the Middle Ages and thousands of churches are dedicated to him.

He has been the patron saint of Russia, Moscow, Greece, children, sailors, prisoners, bakers, pawnbrokers, shopkeepers and wolves.

His gift-giving role in Christmas rites probably follows from his fame as the friend of children. The story also tells that he used to give anonymous donations of gold coins to persons in need. His cult spread in Europe and Christmas presents were distributed on December 6th when the celebration of St. Nicholas took place.

In many countries this day is still the day of Christmas gift-giving, although there is a mounting pressure everywhere to conform to the custom of 24th/25th December. The relics of St.Nicholas are in the basilica of St. Nicola, in Bari, Italy (they were stolen from Myra in 1087 AD). For this reason he is sometimes known as St.Nicholas of Bari.

Multicultural Santa

In the United States and Canada, his name is Santa Claus.

In China, he is called Shengdan Laoren.

In England, his name is Father Christmas , where he has a longer coat and a longer beard.

In France, he's known as Pere Noel.

In Germany, children get presents from Christindl, the Christ Child.

Joy!

Customs of the Christmas Season in Spanish speaking countries have many similarities, and many variations. All of Latin America and Spain are predominantly Catholic. For many of these countries Baby Jesus, el Ni�o Jesus, brings gifts for children.

In Costa Rica, Colombia, and parts of Mexico, the gift bearer is el Ni�o Jesus, "the infant Jesus." In Brazil and Peru, he's called Papa Noel.

In Puerto Rico, children receive gifts from the Three Kings on January 6th, also called the celebration of Epiphany, the 3 Kings' Day. Each child puts grass under their bed for the camels. In the morning the grass is replaced with gifts. Also, Puerto Rico, being part of the United States, does its major gift giving on December 25, with the Christmas Tree and Santa Claus - in this sense, Puerto Rico is totally Americanized.

Labels: Fun TitBits About Santa Claus

Hallelujah ! It's Christmas ! Rejoice in the glories of Christ's birth and celebrate all the blessings of the Holy Spirit with your friends/ family/ acquaintances/ near and dear ones. Reach out to them on this joyous occasion with our warm and beautiful Christmas Religious Blessings ecards and wish them a blessed and joyous Christmas.

	Silent Night, Holy Night... Wish your loved ones heavenly bliss with this beautiful ecard. [ Flash ]		Peace, Happiness And Joy ! Express your warm wishes to one and all on Christmas with this beautiful ecard. [ Flash ]
	Joy And Good Tidings ! Reach out to your friends/ family/ acquaintances on Christmas with wishes for joy and good tidings. [ Flash ]		Rejoice In His Blessings ! Reach out to your dear ones on Christmas with wishes for the Lord's blessings. [ Flash ]
	Come Let Us Adore Him... Reach to your near and dear ones on Christmas with this elegant ecard. [ Animated ]		Christmas Blessed With Joy ! A beautiful ecard to wish to your friends/ family/ dear ones a blessed Christmas. [ Flash ]
	May His Love Protect You... A warm and inspiring ecard to wish your dear ones the blessings of the Lord. [ Flash ]		Rejoice In His Light ! A warm and inspiring Christmas wish for your friends/ family/ loved ones. [ Flash ]

	Peace Unto You... A warm and bright Christmas wish for your friends/ family/ loved ones. [ Flash ]		Rejoice In His Glory ! Send the blessings of our Lord to one and all for Christmas and forever. [ Flash ]
	Guide Us To Thy Perfect Light ! Spread the joys of Christmas among your friends/ family/ acquaintances with this inspiring wish. [ Flash ]		Miracle Of The Holy Night... Reach out to your friends/ family/ acquaintances with wishes for a joyful Christmas. [ Flash ]
	Lord's Blessings Be With You... Wish everyone one you know a blessed Christmas with this beautiful ecard. [ Animated ]		O Holy Night... Express your warmest wishes on Christmas with this elegant ecard. [ Flash ]
	Joy To The World ! Send this beautiful ecard to wish everyone good tidings on Christmas and always. [ Flash ]		Christmas Blessed By Lord... Send this inspiring wish to light up your loved ones' Christmas with joy and blessings. [ Animated ]

Labels: Religious Christmas Greeting Cards

How to Celebrate a Strictly Religious Christmas

tired of celebrating a consumer Christmas, Want to celebrate in a way that reflects your religious beliefs?
Steps

1. Consider not putting up a Christmas tree. The origins of a the modern-day Christmas tree derive from pagan rituals occurring during the winter months. Cross-polination of beliefs has led to the celebration of Christmas including traditionally pagan concepts.

2. Try to keep your decorations centered around the birth of Christ. Avoid things such as candy canes, reindeer, Santa Claus, and similar items. Keep your household decorations more "spiritual" and relevant to the holiday. Good ideas include a nativity scene, depiction of angels, and stars.

3. In order to instill good values of gift-giving and sharing, only buy a gift for Christ. This is figurative: Instead of purchasing gifts for family and friends, consider spending the money on gifts or donations to charitable organizations for those less fortunate. Many families also choose to donate their time, as well as money, by volunteering in soup kitches and homeless shelters.

4. Try to keep your entertainment relevant to the origins of the holiday. Avoid music and television programs that center on the more commercialized aspects of Christmas (again, such as reindeer, Santa Claus, et al). Unfortunately, this may prove more and more difficult as time passes. Consider purchasing your own music and movies for your personal collection.

5. Inform your family and friends early on in the year that you plan on changing your Christmas celebrations. Let them know what and why you have chosen to change your pattern.


Warnings

* Some people may not agree with your beliefs, but you can choose how to celebrate the holidays.
* If you have celebrated a more conventional Christmas in the past, with presents and Santa and all the rest, the switch to a strictly religious Christmas could be very upsetting to your family, especially if you have young children.
* Be respectful of other people's traditions. People have their own way of celebrating Christmas, and many people do not celebrate Christmas at all. As much as you want to celebrate Christmas in your way, they want to celebrate it in theirs. Be understanding and respectful of how others celebrate, and enjoy that you can celebrate the way that you wish.

Labels: How to Celebrate a Strictly Religious Christmas