Decorations Banned on Buses

 "And they're hanging their stockings!" He snarled with a sneer. "Tomorrow is Christmas. It's practically here!"

~ How the Grinch Stole Christmas

Most of you are probably aware of the decision of the Tri-Board Student Transportation Services to ban Christmas decorations inside or outside their buses. See article here. 

Belleville City Councillor Jodie Jenkins received a letter from a concerned citizen regarding the ban. He has kindly allowed me to repost it on the blog today. The author's name has been removed.

"Councillor Jenkins,

Christmas in Canada is now largely a cultural and not a religious celebration. It is true that it's origins are clearly religious in nature, but it has grown to encompass an enormous amount of cultural elements which have nothing to do with the religious origin of the holiday, but have become synonymous with Canadian culture. Christmas trees, turkey dinners, mistletoe, Frosty the Snowman, Santa Claus and stockings hung over the fireplace, are not religious in origin but have developed as part of our Canadian culture, and as such represent no threat to the religious beliefs and practices of the many divergent cultures that make up Canada. I can understand curtailing the practice of displaying religious symbols on public property over the holidays (I understand it, although I don't agree with it) but I believe that the move to curtail the display of cultural elements in public places is absurd and constitutes a further erosion of Canadian culture.

The cultural celebration of Christmas is as much a part of being Canadian, as BBQ's in the summer and hockey in the winter. It is in no way a threat to the faith of immigrants to Canada, it is simply part of the culture in the country to which they chose to immigrate, a part of culture for which we should not apologize, nor strive to curtail, for anyone. Christmas in Canada is enjoyed by the vast majority of its citizens, religious and non-religious alike, since statistics would seem to indicate that less than 5% of Canadians attend religious services through out the week, then it would seem that the majority of those celebrating Christmas do so as a Canadian cultural celebration and not a religious one.

If on the other hand the issue is one of bus driver visibility and displaying things on the inside or outside of the windows could compromise the safety of the passengers, then how is the driver dressing for the holidays or the attachment of a bow on the front of the bus compromise passenger safety? Obviously it does not.

Since this issue has not been raised over the display of the trappings surrounding Halloween or Canada day, two other cultural celebrations in Canada and since Halloween too has a religious origin dating back to the celebrations of the Druids, yet today for most Canadians is simply a time for children to play dress-up and collect candy, why is the celebration of Christmas for most in Canada any different? And whist being targeted?

Christmas is a religious holiday for many but for the majority of Canadians it is a beautiful cultural celebration of family, love, joy and peace and as such constitutes a threat to no one.

Let's not unnecessarily sacrifice another part of who we are as Canadians in an empty attempt not to offend anyone. Let's proudly continue to embrace the traditions of the majority of Canadians and stop apologizing for who we are."

5 Links for Santa

Here are 5 links to connect with the jolly old fellow himself...

1. Portable North Pole personalized video message from Santa.

2. Magic Santa personalized video message from Santa.

3. Late getting your letter to Santa? Email it!

4. Keep track of Santa as he travels the globe on Christmas Eve via the Norad Santa Tracker.

5. Games, recipes, crafts and other activities can be found at the North Pole.

Note to self: Buy Popsicle Sticks

Yay! Friday! My plans for this weekend include getting our Christmas tree, seeing the Puss in Boots Panto, attending a party/jewellery show and eating three four boxes of Fudgesicles in between, so my kids can make these cute crafts...

Nativity, Sled, Santa, Tree, Large Snowflake, Snow People, Snowflake, Snowman

An Introduction to Glass Tower Offices Corporation by Veronica Lockyer

Ahhhhhh! Christmas!!!  Visions of sparkling rooms filled with the fantasy of wonderment!  How a world filled with every variety of person, puts forth so much effort to ensure one day out of the year, every year is in it's own way magical!

Even those who do not celebrate Christmas carry respect for those who do.  In a world with so many everyday issues, this direct respect implements a spark of hope for renewed and re-energized efforts in mankind as a whole.

I use these words, "respect",  "renewed" and "re-energized" quite frequently when discussing Glass Tower Offices Corporation.  I am not describing a company but rather the women involved.  For the most part, while there are men involved and in support of the efforts of GTOC, mostly it is Women helping Women.  What ever the reason, we have all required renewal in our lives and it is exactly this renewal that has re-energized the focus to help more women find the same.

This time of year it is popular to say, "I represent a charity, please donate in the spirit of giving."  I understand why.  It is close to impossible to receive grants or funding without supplying a tax write off for the donator.  On this topic of GTOC not being a "charity", I have firmly held my ground against much opposition.  I will never label any hard working woman as a "charity".  I am/have been/continue to be, an Aspiring Woman.  There is dignity in the label of "Aspiring Woman"....it means I work hard, I am trying my best, and yes like everyone in this world, I may need help at times.....I am not a Charity....I am a part of a Community that helps it's own and I am Aspiring to help others in my community along the way.  Community stepped forward and didn't ask for a charity receipt, instead they renewed my faith in mankind, in us to step forward.

Essentially, this is the mission of Glass Tower Offices Corp.  We are a part of this community and we want to help many of our own become respected, renewed and re-energized through focused hard work and higher education.  In doing so together much will fall into place....including breaking the cycle of poverty one by one and permanently.

In 2012, I will be welcoming Women interested in GTOC into my home in the country while awaiting placement within a GTOC house.  We can call it a "breather" time, a bit of a retreat if you will.  A time to switch out of "the survival mode" we have carried for so long, into a focus on our futures, selecting opportunities, planning our goals.   Interested Women will be ready to move forward.   With GTOC you will work on renewing your life as well as the lives of the next woman.

For more information on GTOC you can view/join our updates and discussions on facebook, http://www.facebook.com/pages/Glass-Tower-Offices-Corporation/166659893370358
and you can view the draft presentation of GTOC on you tube:  

From Glass Tower Offices Corporation to all you hard working women looking for the opportunity to Aspire.....Merry Christmas!!!  We can't wait to hear from you and for you to pick your role in Women helping Women.

I can be contacted anytime by phone or by email.  Please contact me soon, I will have confirmed the women for 2012 by December 31st this year!! 
You are completely worth every effort you put forth!!

Veronica Lockyer, Spokesperson
Glass Tower Offices Corporation
c:  613-827-4730
e:  veronicaGTOC@gmail.com
For updates  & involvement in GTOC activities, click here!

"Providing all disadvantaged women of every race and age, a next level home & the tools for higher education...support to re-enter the workforce as viable, self-sustaining contributors to their communities."

Don't Bomb Choosing Your Tannenbaum

This is the week we choose our Christmas tree! We used to visit a tree farm and cut it down ourselves, but it proved to be a little more than we could handle, especially with a dull saw blade. This is my husband attempting to cut down the smallest tree we could find. It took three tries to trim it to fit in our house.

There was also the time we bought one off a lot and it was so dry by the 28th, we ended up shop-vac'ing every single needle off the entire tree before putting it on the curb. 

I would like to think that these experiences have taught us a few things about choosing Christmas trees, but every year I like to take a little refresher course. Today I'll share some tips I've found on how to find just the right tree, thanks to a few different sources and the Christmas Tree Farmers of Ontario website.

image source

Choosing your species

Blue Spruce

• Needles are generally dull bluish-gray to silvery blue.
• Excellent natural shape, requires little shearing and attractive blue foliage.
• Needle retention is among the best for the spruces.

White Spruce

• Strong slender twigs hold ornaments well.
• Dense foliage and good natural shape make it a very beautiful Christmas tree.
• Spruce needs lots of water and must be watered regularly to prevent it from losing its needles.
• Needle retention is better than some of other spruce species.

White Pine

• Branches from the White Pine are often used in garlands, wreaths, and centerpieces due to their long, feathery, soft needles.
• Branches can be a bit too flexible to support heavier decorations.
• Its lush fullness also makes it difficult to squeeze in ornaments.
• Needles last a long time when properly watered.

Scots Pine

• Thick, hardy tree that holds its needles well over the holidays, even if it’ss permitted to dry out.
• You may want to wear gloves when decorating a Scotch Pine, since its needles can be very sharp.
• There may be little space between branches for ornaments.

Fraser Fir

• The combination of shape, needle retention, dark blue-green color and pleasant scent has led to Fraser fir being a most popular Christmas tree species.
• Generally a narrow tree making it ideal where space is at a premium.
• Often has a wonderful perfume.

Balsam Fir

• Trees hold their needles well and are a good choice if the decorated tree is to be left standing for a long period of time.
• It is a beautiful dark-green color with airy, flexible branches that may not be able to hold heavy ornaments.
• It has an attractive shape and gives off a pleasant fragrance for your home.

How To Select A Christmas Tree

A few simple procedures can make the selection of a fresh, real Christmas tree easier:

1. Determine where in your home you will display your tree. With this in mind, you will be able to tell how tall a tree you will need and whether all four sides must be suitable for display.

2. Freshness is an important key when selecting your tree. The needles should be resilient. Take hold of a branch about six inches from the tip, between thumb and forefinger. Pull your hand toward you allowing the branch to slip through your fingers. Needles should adhere to the branch and not fall off in your hand.

3. Bend a needle between your forefinger and thumb. The needle should form a "U" without breaking unless the tree is frozen.

4. Lift the tree a couple of inches off the ground, then bring it down abruptly on the stump end. Older outside needles should not fall in substantial numbers. (Inside needles shed naturally every year).

5. The tree should have a fragrance and a good green colour.

6. A fresh tree will retain its moisture content and thereby keep its fragrance and needles if kept in a stand that has good water-holding capacity.

Some people keep the memory of their Christmas alive by buying trees that come with their roots wrapped in a ball of soil and burlap. After the festive season is over, live trees can be planted outside where they will remain beautiful for years to come. There are some drawbacks to choosing a live tree however. They cost much more and are difficult to handle because the ball of soil is very heavy, weighing as much as 68 kilograms. Most importantly, live Christmas trees must receive special care over the holiday season or they will die.

How To Care For Your Christmas Tree

Remember, a Christmas tree is a living thing, look after it as carefully as you would a cut flower. Once you select a Christmas tree, follow these suggestions to keep it fresh and safe:

1. If you buy your tree several days before you plan to set it up, store the tree outdoors or on a cool porch or patio until you are ready to decorate. An area that provides protection from the wind and sun will help the tree retain its moisture.

2. If you plan to store the tree for several days, make a straight cut across the butt end of the tree about one inch from the end. This opens the tree stem so it can take up water. Store the tree upright and place the butt end in a container of water.

3. When you bring the tree into the house for decorating, make another fresh cut across the trunk about an inch from the original cut. Use a tree stand that holds plenty of water.

4. Trees are thirsty. They may drink up to four litres of water per day, so be sure to check daily and supply fresh water as needed. A stand which holds at least four litres of water is recommended. If you allow the water level to drop below the bottom of the tree, a seal will form just as it does on a cut flower, and a new cut will be necessary.

5. Place your tree away from fireplaces, radiators, television sets and other sources of heat. Turn off the tree lights when you leave and before you retire at night.

6. Avoid the use of combustible decorations. Check all electric lights and connections. Do not use lights with worn or frayed cords and N-E-V-E-R use lighted candles on a Christmas tree.

Following these care and precaution measures should ensure an attractive tree that stays fresh indoors for two to three weeks.

Visit the Christmas Tree Farmers of Ontario website for more information and children's activities.

Happy, Jolly Souls!

It's difficult to feel very festive when you wake to dark, dreary rain and on a Monday, no less. so I rounded up a variety of snowmen people projects, hoping to cheer us up. Click on the links below to see the tutorials.

Snowman ornament, cake pops, powdered doughnut snowmen, salt dough ornament, magnetic snowman, milkmen, melted snowman cookie

November Highlights

My current playlist on the iPod consists of Burl Ives, Andy Williams, Johnny Mathis and The Carpenters. So either I'm in my 70s or it's Christmas. 

This has been a great month on the blog. I appreciate any comments you leave, facebook "likes" and "shares". Please feel free to give me any feedback or suggestions! Today, I'm revisiting the most popular posts from the last month. 

Also, December events (and there are A LOT of them!!) will be posted later today on the directory.

#1. Book Nooks 

#2. Raising Charitable Children

#3. 24 Advent Calendars!

#4. Babysitter Basics

#5. Organizing Kids Rooms

Holiday Eye Candy!

I love candy and I love eye-candy. So when I began to see candy buffets and stylized dessert tables trending, well, you can imagine my excitement. I felt like a kid at in a candy shop...at Christmas...which is today's theme...

To create a beautiful and interesting dessert table, you need to display items at different heights. Prop plates up on pedestals or gift wrapped boxes. Experiment with different serving containers. A festive backdrop ensures that your table is a focal point, whether it be garlands, a mirror or  piece of foam-core painted or wrapped in paper or fabric. Fill in spaces with loose ornaments, pinecones or sparkly confetti. Small tags or signs to indicate what each treat is, is cute and helpful. Co-ordinating colours or themes pulls it together. Here are some gorgeous examples...

Be Merry

Fa La La La

Peace & Joy

Classic Christmas

Peppermint Stripes & Snowflakes

Nutcracker Suite

Holiday Shopping with Children: Are You Insane?!

Do you see the people in the photo below? NO ONE EVER looks like that when they are holiday shopping with their children. EVER.  

BUT, if you check out some of today's helpful tips, you may just accomplish your shopping without going off the deep end.

Tip #1 Leave your children at home. Well, that's too obvious! If you can't then...

Tip #2 Do your homework first. Make a list, then read flyers, check online sources and even phone the stores for prices and availability. You can order most items online and get them shipped to the store for pick-up or directly to your home.

Tip #3 Explain the ground rules. Tell them what the shopping trip is for, where you’re going and what you’re planning to buy. Remind them about not talking to strangers, not straying away out of your sight, not touching stuff on display, etc. nag, nag, nag…

Tip #4 It goes without saying that malls and department stores are INSANE during the holidays so have a plan in case your children get separated. Make sure they have your cell phone number. Dress your children in bright colours that will be easy to spot. Designate a meeting spot that is easy to find.

Tip #5 Go early to avoid traffic, parking issues, crowds and line-ups which are all magnified by a trillion when you are dragging hot, tired and cranky kids around. Small independent retailers don't usually have the chaos that bigger stores and centres have. Support local business!

Tip #6 Bring along small toys, books and snacks for distractions. A chewing mouth is a quiet mouth.

Tip #7 Take breaks. Have a cold drink in a quiet spot . Praise your kids for good behaviour, remind them of the ground rules, revisit your list and share a happy holiday memory.

Tip #8 Know your and your children’s limits. It’s better to make short, frequent trips than one grueling marathon shopping trip.

And don't forget the obligatory photo with Santa...

...ah, that's more like it...

Another Crazy Weekend of Holiday Events!

Another weekend with no shortage of activities for the family. Get your holiday spirit on! In case you missed last Friday's post on Parade tips click here and scroll down.

Friday, Nov. 25th 

Bloomfield Santa Claus Parade & Festival of Lights 6:00 pm

Main St. & Stanley St.

Saturday, Nov. 26th

Foxboro Christmas Parade 12:30 pm

Main St. (ends at Foodland parking lot)

Frankford Chrismas Parade 2:00 pm

Trenton Frankford Rd

Frankford's "Christmas Fantasy of Lights" in Tourist Park. 

Public Skating Trenton Arena 8:00pm to 9:00pm
 

Public Skating Quinte Sports Centre, Rink B

8:00pm to 10:00pm

Sunday, Nov. 27th

The Omni Holiday Gift Show 11:00-4:00pm

An event to benefit Omni Learning Centre. Over 25 vendors, on-site child-minding while you shop, face painting, photos with Santa and a bake sale.

350 Dundas St.W., Belleville (Sir James Whitney campus - look for signs)

Public Skating Trenton Arena 12:00 to 1:30

Public Skating Frankford Arena
2:00 to 3:30

Trenton Santa Claus Parade 4:30 pm

Parade leaves Centennial Park and heads downtown.

Monday Nov. 28th Canadian Pacific Holiday Train
Belleville 1:20pm

South Church St. railway crossing, south of Dundas St East

Trenton 2:35pm

RCAF Road/County Road 21, south side of railway crossing

Brighton 3:45pm

East of railway crossing at Mile 112.29, Prince Edward St 

Beyond the Fridge Door

My favourite section of the National Gallery of Canada in Ottawa is a tucked away hallway, where dozens and dozens of children's drawings are hung. The Gallery often has art-making sessions for children and many are proudly taped up on the wall along with the bragging rights of "My child's artwork is hung in the National Gallery". Long before my husband and I had our own children we would wander up and down the hall admiring the artists' amusing views of the world. Sometimes we wouldn't make it into the rest of the gallery!

Today, I've rounded up some interesting ways to display and immortalize your children's artwork. Many ideas will make great gifts for the upcoming holidays. Sites like Vista Print and Zazzle can easily apply your child's artwork to mugs, mousepads, t-shirts, buttons, calendars and the list goes on. Have you done anything special with your kid's artwork?

Frame It

artwork collage

poster collage

artwork collage, cards, magnets and ornaments

Wear It

Custom sterling silver pendant

Custom sterling key chain

Use It

Amazing duvet cover made by tracing pictures with fabric markers!

custom stuffie made from drawings

Haute Chocolate!

Snow! And snow means hot chocolate and hot chocolate means awesome. 

image source

The Mayans were believed to have created first chocolate beverage around 2,000 years ago and today, hot chocolate is consumed throughout the world. Many people use the terms "hot chocolate" and "hot cocoa" interchangeably, but apparently the difference is that "hot cocoa" is made from powder that has had most of the rich cocoa butter from the ground cacao beans removed and "hot chocolate"is made directly from bar chocolate, which already contains cocoa, sugar and cocoa butter. Fascinating stuff. Let's get to the good part...

Toppings & Garnishes!

• Whipped cream
• Marshmallows or Fluff
• Crushed oreos, peppermint, malted milk balls, toffee bits, etc.
• Chocolate shavings
• Coloured sprinkles, small candies, mini chocolate chips
• Raw sugar
• Fudge or caramel sauce, raspberry coulis, maple syrup
• Candy canes
• Pirouette rolled wafer cookies
• Cookies

Secret Ingredients!

• Pinch of cayenne pepper
• Ginger & cinnamon
• Instant coffee
• Flavour syrups; vanilla, hazelnut, maple, etc.
• Liqueurs (big people only!)

And now, I've saved the best for last. Check out this adorable garnish!

Instructions here!

Pine Cone Critters & Creatures

I love collecting pine cones. I always feel compelled to fill my pockets with as many as I can drag home, much to the dismay of my husband. "Why do we have to have ALL these pine cones?" After today's post, I can answer him. "Why, so that the children and I can tart them up with pom poms and glitter for the holidays, dear". So there.

pom pom pine cones, skier trio, angels, reindeer, bird, mouse, snowman skier

Holiday Kick-Off!

The holiday season offficially kicks off this weekend with the Festival of Trees and the Belleville Santa Claus parade! 

photo by Jonathon McIntosh

The Festival Of Trees 

Mouse King's Breakfast

November 20 - 9:00 am to 12:00 pm

Memorial Arena, Market Square, Belleville

Get a hot pancake breakfast with all the trimmings and arts and crafts provided by Family Space beginning at 10 am. Kids will also be entertained by balloon artist, Christopher the Twistopher, followed by Andy Forgie, and the Jan-Bo Puppets show and workshop.

Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for children. Children under age 5 are free.

The Toymaker's Castle 

November 20 - 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm

Memorial Arena, Market Square, Belleville 

Arts and crafts for children will be offered by Family Space, and entertainment will be provided by Canadian Children’s Performer of the Year and Juno Award winner, Andrew Queen and the Croccodadies.

Artisans Village at Memorial Arena features a very special guest right before the Santa Claus Parade.

For more information call 613-962-1232 or visit www.bellevillefestivaloftrees.ca

Light Exchange

The City of Belleville Green Task Force will also be holding their 3rd Annual Holiday Lights Exchange beginning at 3:00pm on parade day in front of Century Place at the corner of Front St & Bridge St E. Bring your old incandescent lights and receive a new set of LED’s free. Maximum 2 sets per household, while supplies last.  www.city.belleville.on.ca 

Belleville Santa Claus Parade

The parade will begin at the corner of King George Square and North Front Street, travel south over the Pinnacle Street bridge, south onto Front Street and disband on Dundas Street East.

What to bring

A non-perishable food item to donate to The Gleaners Food Bank.

A cash or new toy donation for the Firefighters Toy Drive.

Letter to Santa! Canada Post employees will be collecting them along the route and sending them to the North Pole! Address your letter to Santa Claus, North Pole, HOH OHO.

A plan in case you and your children get separated. Pick out a visible meeting spot. Write your name and cell phone number on a piece of paper and stick it in their pocket.

A cozy blanket or two and/or chairs.

Tissues for runny noses!

A thermos of hot chocolate or coffee. Bring a reusable mug for purchasing hot drinks as this will help cut down on street litter.

Sidewalk chalk to keep little ones busy while they wait for the parade to start.

Holiday spirit! You don't have to be IN the parade to participate. It's actually amazing how much more fun the parade can be when you're shouting holiday greetings at every clown, tuba player and Shriner who passes along.

 

Kabobs that KA-POW!

How is that for a snappy title? I'm always trying to make the children's meal more interesting and what can be more interesting than food stuffed onto a stick - a stick with a very sharp end. It's amazing what that element of danger does to improve a child's appetite. Here are some nifty kabobs...

cheese and fruit shapes kabobs

french toast kabobs

sandwich kabobs

pasta and meatballs kabobs

banana sprinkles kabobs

International Day of Tolerance

Today is the International Day of Tolerance! Let's make everyday a day of tolerance, not just November 16th.

image source Yes Ok Whatever

Lead children by example. Demonstrate tolerance and compassion. Avoid making negative statements about any racial, religious or special needs groups, etc. Reach out to your neighbors and community members who might feel at risk because of their ethnicity, religion or other traits.

   

Provide useful information. Accurate information about people, events, reactions, and feelings is empowering. Use language that is appropriate for children. Make sure that all information is factually true. This is especially important when news reports have negative statements about any specific group.

   

Avoid stereotyping people or countries. Children can easily generalize negative statements that can lead to prejudice, anger, and mistrust for innocent groups of people. 

   

Stop any type of harassment or bullying immediately.  Make it clear that such behavior is unacceptable.  Talk to the children involved about the reasons for their behavior.  Offer alternative methods of expressing their anger, confusion, or insecurity.

   

Emphasize positive, familiar images of diverse groups.  Identify people of diverse ethnicities, religions and/or lifestyles that children know and who have a positive place in their lives. These could be neighbors, friends, school personnel, health care professionals, members of their faith community, or local merchants.  Discuss the many characteristics, values, and experiences the children have in common with these people.

   

Volunteering with people from diverse backgrounds, helps children to feel that they are making a positive contribution, it also reinforces their sense of commonality with diverse people.

   

Learn about the diverse communities and faiths represented in your area.  Knowledge debunks myths about other people and can humanize other cultures. Children can ask their classmates about their family or culture to reinforce the notion that all people have special beliefs and customs.

   

Read books with your children that address prejudice, tolerance, and hate.  There are many books and stories available for different age groups that can help children think about their feelings regarding these issues.  The school or local librarian can make recommendations. 

24 Advent Calendars!

The countdown to Christmas has already started and I'm a sucker for creative advent calendars. Today, I've gathered up 24 different and inspiring ones. And while the kids would probably be just as happy with the 99¢ calendar full of waxy chocolate, I still hope that perhaps a pretty and creative advent calendar full of surprises will hold a special place in their hearts when they're older. 

snowmen, bags, pouches, wreath

jars, boxes, scrapbook

matchboxes, popsicle stick tree, buckets, shoe organizer

scrappy calendar, buttons, snowing presents, ornaments

birds, cones, sacks

pyramids, clothespins, mittens

felt calendar, cans, baby socks

Do you have a favourite?