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