Christmas decorations have evolved from various cultures. No matter where you live, the mention of holly, mistletoe, or ivy conjures up visions of Christmas Sugar Plums, flying reindeer, and fat little elves in red suits. These winter treasures fill up the dark days of winter with light and wonder.

But you probably wonder where these traditions come from?

Mistletoe -

Hanging the Mistletoe over the doorway invites lovers and passersby to stop for a kiss, spawning many a romance. How could one resist a moment of bliss under the mistletoe? This tradition comes from the Norse Myths. Frigga, one of the gods, gave her son Balder mistletoe to protect him from the elements. Mistletoe, grown only on trees, held the power to harm him. Another god struck Balder down with an arrow made of Mistletoe. Balder’s mother cried tears of white berries and brought her son back to life. She vowed to kiss anyone resting beneath the Mistletoe, a parasite plant the grows in trees and ultimately kills the tree. The Mistletoe kissing tradition was thus begun.

Holly -

Believed to have magical powers that drove away demons was considered good luck by the Germans against the hostile forces of nature. Wreaths and garlands of ivy and holly were left up through the winter season to protect the home from illness, bad fortune, and other dilemmas that may have struck during the dark days of winter.

Foods -

Also popular for decorating, foods such as cookies, candies and sugared fruits adorn kitchens, doorways, and other public rooms of homes in the early centuries. Many decorations came from the fields, implying abundance and wealth to those who used them for holiday decorations. As far back as the 1500’s the custom of decorating households, churches, and communities with holly, ivy, bays and affordable seasonal greens was popular. When city light poles became standard, decorations began to extend outside.

Beads & Ribbon -

Knotted ribbons and beads became popular. Homemade ornaments followed quickly with nuts, seeds, berries, and popcorn being strung late in the 1800’s. Christmas decorations of glass and silver tinsel became popular in the early 1900’s when German Christmas Ornaments began being shipped to the United States. Paper decorator items and homemade decorations have always been a popular addition to American Folklore.

Decking the halls can be an extremely comforting part of home and family traditions.

You may be thinking of making or printing Christmas Decorations. There are many locations you can find decorations online, or some may be available to you as gifts. Please Click on this link http://billclarkedbaplus.com/santa.htm for a FREE subscription to the 12 Days of Christmas, and accept our gifts of decorations, cards, and other delightful printables, online.

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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3LfVzb1rdyY&hl=en

Who doesn’t like homemade Christmas cookies?

When I was a little girl my favorite holiday treat was no-bake cookies. I remember the sweet aroma throughout the house and the delightful gems lined up across the kitchen counter on waxed paper.

Mom made them perfect. She always made them around Christmas time. She made other kinds of cookies, but the no-bake ones stick in my mind.

Are you pressed for time or energy this holiday season and you just don’t have the time to make a big variety of homemade cookies? I have a really fun solution for you!

Host a Christmas cookie recipe exchange party. This is an excellent way to gather a nice assortment of Christmas cookies. The key to this event is “how many show up”…the more guests you invite, the more recipes and cookies you will end up with.

This event can even involve a holiday meal before hand as well to make it more festive. This is really up to you. But, the number one rule is…each guest that attends has to bring so many dozens of only one type of homemade cookie along with their recipe. (the exact amount of cookies are decided upon by the hostess).

Important Tips For Your Cookie Exchange Event

1. It’s best to print the recipes on index cards. Each guest will need to bring multiple copies of their recipe. Make sure your guests include their names on top of each recipe copy. It would be a good idea for you to have extra index cards on hand just in case there is not enough to go around to each guest that attends.

2. Have your guests call you to let you know what recipe they will be preparing and bringing to the event. (just to make sure none of them are bringing the same recipe) Of course, you want them all to be unique to provide a good variety.

3. Have some festive throw away containers or trays available for each of your guests to gather their cookies in.

4. If you decide on a meal…to make it easy on yourself, finger foods work really well for this type of event. Make it a buffet style. A good idea for a beverage would be some hot cider.

5. Have fun with this event and set a festive table display!

A cookie exchange party is a really fun way to visit with family and friends and end up with some special holiday treats and recipes all at the same time…not to mention, it’s saves YOU time and energy when it comes to baking.

Below is my Mother’s recipe for no-bake cookies:

No Bake Cookies

Ingredients

2 c. sugar

1/2 c. milk

1/4 c. cocoa (unsweetened)

1 stick margarine

1/2 c. smooth peanut butter

1 tsp. vanilla

2 1/2 c. quick oats

Directions

Combine sugar, milk, cocoa in small saucepan. Bring to boil for 1 minute.

Remove from heat, add remaining ingredients. Mix well.

Drop by tsp. onto waxed paper. (May need to refrigerate)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jj9A0bSaxLI&hl=en