Christmas Lesson

Christmas Lesson
By Jim L Phillips

Remember that one Christmas you had that stands out from all the rest? The one that gets talked about at every Christmas thereafter? Well, this year we had ours!

Christmas last year was perfect. Chad was eleven and so excited each day as Christmas got closer. On Christmas Eve, Paula and I let him stay up pretty late, and even allowed him to open one of his presents. It was the kind of present that you forget to mention the next day when you report everything to your best friend. It may have been a new flashlight, I don't remember, but it helped to curb the anxiety.

It was nearly midnight before he finally dozed off that Christmas Eve. We then finished putting all the last minute presents under the tree that had been cleverly hidden throughout the house, and went to bed. Chad ended up sleeping in until 8am Christmas morning. Paula and I had risen early, consumed our morning coffee, and were in position when he finally awoke and began the shredding and cheering ritual. That Christmas was a parent's prayer answered. Perfect. We even had all the batteries for all the toys.

Naturally we assumed this year would be every bit as perfect as last year was. This year Chad fell asleep about 10:30, and by 11pm we were in bed and anticipating a good 8 hours of sleep and a couple cups of coffee prior to repeating the shredding and cheering of this year's Christmas morning.

As always, we seem to be scheduled to appear at several different family locations around the holidays. One of our schedules this year was to leave early on Christmas day, and go to Aunt Deb and Uncle Jim's. It was to be a nice leisurely 3-hour drive through the desert and over the mountains. It was looking like a great relaxing Christmas schedule that would satisfy us all. No stress; Calm and relaxing. However; we had overlooked a big clue to the contrary that Chad presented to us just prior to his going to bed that Christmas Eve.

As parents, you learn to recognize these clues. As a child comes into this world, God anoints the parents with the ability to decipher these clues. But something went terribly wrong with that anointed gift when Chad asked his mom if midnight was AM or PM. Paula answered his question, but the clue didn't register. She never heard in her head the little voice that says, "Why would Chad want to know if midnight is AM or PM."? The clue slipped past her. And as a result, we now have a well-remembered Christmas Lesson.

After the age of fifty, you no longer hit the pillow and drop into a deep restful sleep. It's usually more like a procedure of getting all the aching areas to relax, and slowly drift from fully awake and uncomfortable, to drowsy and almost comfortable, to comfortable but can't stop thinking about everything that still needs to be done around the house, to finally, a series of 10 or 12 good half hour naps until the alarm clock goes off. I was just entering into the good nap stages when I heard Chad whispering to his mom next to me. "Merry Christmas mom! Come and look at all the presents under the tree." I let one eye open just enough to allow the digital display on my bedside clock to come into focus. It was blinking 12:05 AM.

Something went wrong today. Someone must have missed a clue. Chad had set his alarm clock for midnight so he could wake us up and wish us a Merry Christmas. He wants us to see all the presents under the tree. He's 12! He knows we already saw all the presents under the tree just an hour ago! I closed my slightly opened eye and made a conscious decision to let mom handle this one. Paula got up with Chad and he had the tree lighted and was thrilled. Paula gave her best loving and understanding responses as any mother would, and after diffusing the situation, returned to bed. Slitting open my eye one more time, my clock blinks at me 12:20AM. Now that I have regressed back to the comfortable but can't stop thinking stage, I asked Paula, "What's up"? I don't remember her exact words, but they added up to... we're up!

It just didn't make any sense to think Chad might go back to sleep, or that WE could if we wanted too. So there we are at 12:30AM getting into position for the shredding and cheering ritual. Chad is all giddy with excitement, and Paula and I are wondering how we could have avoided this. What went wrong? What do we do next? How is this early morning change in plans going to affect the overall scheme of things? Should we brew some coffee, or go back to bed after the shredding? Some point in the middle of all this pondering is when Chad lifted up the heavy package behind the tree. The one that required him to stand on his tip toes and twist around to the right, and lean in a little. While coming back out of that stance with extra weight at the end of his extended fingertips, a slight imbalance occurred and caused a total collapse of both Chad and the overly decorated Christmas tree.

As parents, we received the whole episode in slow motion. Slow motion is another parent anointed gift from God. It usually allows you the extra few seconds you need to respond. Everyone knows that kids are way faster than their old parents can react. Sometimes though, even God's slow-motion gift is just not enough. This was one of those times. Chad climbed out from under the bent and twisted metal and plastic of our old fake tree, and declared without hesitation, one of his favorite sayings. The same thing we hear each time he falls off a scooter, or trips and falls, or crashes into something, He climbs out and shouts," I'm OK"!, And raises his hand over his head as a sign of verification.

Needless to say, we are wide-awake now. Paula brews some coffee while Chad and I take a brief intermission and upright the bent and twisted tree, and rehang the scattered ornaments. After completing the gift exchanges, and cleaning up the remnants, we figured as long as we are up, we may as well pack up the motor home and head out to Aunt Deb's and Uncle Jim's. We originally planned to watch the sun come up in the desert as we approached the mountains. The sun and shadows would be beautiful. Instead, our leisurely 3-hour drive through the desert was in complete darkness. We had crossed the desert and entered into the mountains, and the sky was still black. Luckily Uncle Jim was awake when we arrived at his house. It was only 6am and the sun was just rising somewhere behind the scattered grey clouds. Shortly thereafter, Aunt Deb and the kids were delighted to see us as our arrival woke them on that special Christmas morning. Everyone enjoyed a good laugh that morning as we told about our "Christmas Lesson" story for the first time.

To this day, our Christmas treetop "Dove of Peace" ornament still perches precariously from the crooked treetop as a reminder of that special Christmas; The Christmas that we learned our valuable lesson. If a twelve year old asks you if midnight is am or pm, it may be wise to ask why he wants to know.

If I ever have a Ground Hog Day event, I hope it's like this Christmas was. I could re-live this weekend over and over for years.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jim_L_Phillips
http://EzineArticles.com/?Christmas-Lesson&id=8442985

Party Rentals For Easter Holiday

Party Rentals For Easter Holiday
By Kevin Headley I

Obstacle Courses

If you are planning to have party rentals for Easter, then you definitely need to have obstacle courses in your event. The obstacle courses will add tons of fun to your event as kids and adults will get to enjoy themselves and play. The course is a two person racing obstacle course that ends with a slide. It is great for building healthy competition among kids so that kids can learn that rivalry does not always have to be bitter.

Moonwalks

Kids love moonwalks and they are a must have for those who will need party rentals For Easter. They come in different shapes and sizes and this makes the selection process very exciting. You can even take your young kids so that they can help you choose the moonwalk that they like best. Since the moonwalks vary greatly in color and design, your kids, whether girls or boys, will not be disappointed. They will get something that they will really connect with and like. Some of the popular moonwalks include: Sport Bounce, Pink And Blue, Multi Colored and Deluxe Sport Bounce.

Snow Cones and Cotton Candy

It is that time of year again where kids get to eat as much candy and ice cream as they can. The weather at this time is perfect for that sort of thing, and kids and adults alike will surely enjoy eating candy. You can share the cotton candy with your better half or kids and that creates a picture of togetherness. It may even be the reason why the two of you will bond over the holidays. If kids are not able to have their snow cones and cotton candy, there is a high chance that they will be really disappointed. You can also receive extra supplies of snow cone or cotton candy in case you run out of them.

Water Slides

If you have a swimming pool or a backyard where you have access to water then you should surely think about having water slides as party rentals for Easter. They will be the center of attention and some kids may even have to be literally dragged away from them so that they can join in the other festivities. They are a good way of feeling alive and feeling the blood in your veins. The water slides can be used by more than one person at once meaning that more people will be using it at any one time. You are certain that there will be screams of joy and laughter from the people on the water slides.

Tables, Chairs and Generators

If you are planning an Easter party in your backyard there are items that you may need to make the day a success. You can rent tables and chairs that are comfortable and very portable. This will make arranging chairs very easy and smooth. You may lack a source of power for the party rentals that you have chosen, but you should not be worried since you can also rent generators. If you have a generator you can hold the party anywhere without having to worry about the source of power.

About the Author

If you are looking for inflatables Richmond, then check out Mighty Bounce Moonwalks at http://www.mightybouncehouston.com/.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kevin_Headley_I
http://EzineArticles.com/?Party-Rentals-For-Easter-Holiday&id=8443279

Things to Do in Snowdonia During The Easter School Holidays

Things to Do in Snowdonia During The Easter School Holidays
By Steve J

What to do with the kids during the Easter school holidays is a question that has perplexed many parents over the years. If you're planning a visit to Snowdonia with your children during the holidays, you may wonder how to keep them entertained. But with so many things to see and do in Snowdonia that are just perfect for families, you'll be spoiled for choice - here are just a few suggestions.

Meet some Easter bunnies...

... and puppies, llamas, donkeys and other furry friends. With farming playing such an important role in Snowdonia's economy, no wonder so many of Snowdonia's attractions involve our furry and feathered friends! Gypsy Wood, Children's Farm Park and Dwyfor Ranch Rabbit Farm are all great attractions for children wanting to pet baby animals. Black Rock Llamas offer the opportunity to take llamas for a walk around the beautiful countryside surrounding Porthmadog. Or if you're more interested in feathered friends than furry ones, pop in at the Dyfi Osprey Project, just on the outskirts of the Snowdonia Mountains and Coast region - their new 360 degree observatory is a great place to study Monty, Glesni and the other ospreys that have just come back from their winter migration.

Educational fun

Combining play and education is the holy grail of keeping kids entertained during the school holidays. Luckily, in Snowdonia there are plenty of opportunities to do just that! Penrhyn Castle is usually a good bet; there are plenty of kids' activities organised for school holidays, Easter included. The Lloyd George Museum is a great place to learn about Victorian life by dressing up in period costume, while there's more to learn about the Victorian age at the National Slate Museum in Llanberis (children of a gory disposition will be fascinated by the quarry hospital). Snowdonia's castles often have special events during school holidays - particularly Caernarfon Castle, Harlech Castle and Conwy Castle - while the Centre for Alternative Technology is a great place to learn about the science of sustainable living in a really fun way.

Full steam ahead

There are often special Easter events organised by Snowdonia's steam railways - but even without specific Easter events, a trip on a steam train is a real treat for all the family. The Ffestinog and Welsh Highland Railways travel between Blaenau Ffestiniog and Caernarfon, while in Porthmadog there's the Welsh Highland Heritage Railway. In the southern end of the region there's the Fairbourne Railway and the Talyllyn Railway, and for shorter rides there's the Bala Lake Railway and the Llanberis Lake Railway. There's even a train to the top of Snowdon - one of the most popular in the region, for obvious reasons!

Underground excitement

Of course, the weather will influence your choice of activity during the Easter holidays. If it's wet, don't despair - there's plenty of fun to be had below ground, where it doesn't matter what the weather's like. Corris Mine Explorers, Go Below, Llanfair Slate Caverns and Sygun Copper Mine are all lots of fun. At Llechwedd Slate Caverns you'll take an underground train ride; at Electric Mountain an underground bus ride; and at King Arthur's Labyrinth an underground boat ride - so if the kids are tired out from previous activities, they can take things a little easier at these attractions!

The coast with the most

Snowdonia's 200 miles of coastline offer plenty of fun, even in spring when the weather's that bit cooler. Swap swimsuits for wetsuits (or jumpers and wellies, as the case may be) and let the little ones poke around in rock pools, build sandcastles or just run around and tire themselves out - there's plenty of space for that! Snowdonia's beaches come in all shapes and sizes, but some of the beaches that families seem to enjoy most include Barmouth (where there's also a small funfair); Pwllheli (likewise); Black Rock Sands (absolutely enormous sandy beach) and Dinas Dinlle (children's playground and great ice cream shop). Shell Island is also very popular with families; it's a great place to collect shells - there are hundreds of different varieties there, and Easter is one of the best times of year to find them.

Active activities

Snowdonia is the UK's top activities centre, and children are very much included in many of the region's more active activities. Use the climbing walls at Beacon Climbing Centre, or zip through the trees at Tree Top Adventure. Try your hand at archery, bowling or go-karting at Glasfryn, or try out the giant slides and ball pools at The Fun Centre. Build dens at GreenWood Forest Park, or try paintballing with Dragon Raiders. Ride a horse or ride a bike... or try a RIB ride on the Menai Strait. If it's an active break you're after - no matter how young your family - Snowdonia's the place to be!

Steven Jones is Senior Tourism Services Officer at Cyngor Gwynedd Council, a Welsh local authority whose Visit Snowdonia website is the official tourism website for the Snowdonia region. Visit Snowdonia provides visitors with helpful information about the region, including Snowdonia activities and Snowdonia attractions.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Steve_J
http://EzineArticles.com/?Things-to-Do-in-Snowdonia-During-The-Easter-School-Holidays&id=8453572

The Curious Tale of the Easter Bunny and The Goddess of the Dawn

The Curious Tale of the Easter Bunny and The Goddess of the Dawn
By Sharon Turnbull

Ostara, the Goddess of Dawn, was also named Eostre (the Eastern Star) since she brought the dawn from the East. She was the ultimate 'luscious lady'-so much so that estrogen, the juiciest of female hormones, was named after her.

Ostara was the goddess who was responsible for bringing spring to the earth each year. But one year she was feeling very guilty indeed; she realized she had arrived much too late. To make matters worse, the first thing she saw when she stepped onto the earth was a colorful little bird near death, his wings bent and frozen in the snow.

With great kindness in her sorrowful heart, Ostara scooped up the shivering creature and cradled him to her breast. The warmth of her saved his life.

Knowing he would never be able to fly because of his frost-damaged wings, the goddess was filled with compassion and turned him into a rabbit, a snow hare. She also gave him the gift of running with astonishing speed so he could easily evade any hunter. She named him Lepus.

To honor his previous life as a bird, Ostara also gave him the ability to lay eggs... in all the colors of the rainbow, no less. But he was only allowed to lay eggs on one day of each year.

Legend has it that she then made him her pet. In the racier versions of her myths, he became her lover. Eventually the rabbit managed to anger the goddess by being unfaithful to her.

The infuriated goddess hurled him into the skies where he remains to this day, known to us as the constellation Lepus (the Hare). His punishment was that he would be positioned forever under the feet of the constellation Orion (the Hunter).

But the soft-hearted Ostara soon took pity on him and allowed him to return to earth on the festival day held in her honor each spring. But she stipulated that he must give away all his eggs to the children in attendance.

And that's how the tradition of the Easter Bunny began!

In the holiday of Easter, Christian and pagan traditions are artfully interwoven, reminding us of the cycle of rebirth and the need for personal renewal in our own lives.

Easter eggs, the Easter Bunny, the dawn that brings the resurrection of life and the celebration of spring are cherished Easter traditions arising from the goddess myths of antiquity.

Sharon Turnbull, PhD, is the founder, muse and web-weaver of www.GoddessGift.com. Author of the bestselling Goddess Gift: Discover Your Personal Goddess Type, she is also the creator of the popular Goddess Quiz online--a personality assessment designed to help women recognize and use their natural strengths to create less stressful, more joyful lives.

Sharon believes in the power of storytelling and crafts stories from the ancient myths that entertain, illuminate and transform our contemporary lives. She's particularly fond of tracing the pagan roots of our holiday traditions.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sharon_Turnbull
http://EzineArticles.com/?The-Curious-Tale-of-the-Easter-Bunny-and-The-Goddess-of-the-Dawn&id=8453818

10 Steps Towards a Harmonious Holiday Dinner for All

10 Steps Towards a Harmonious Holiday Dinner for All
By Rhonda Rabow

For many, however, holiday dinners can be a very stressful time. On the one hand we are out of our regular routines, and can feel rushed and overwhelmed by family obligations. On the other hand, If your family members have addictions, or other impulse control behaviours, spending holidays with them can fill you with dread rather than adding to your list of loving memories.

Since you may feel obliged to attend your family dinner over this Easter or Passover holiday, here are some tips that may help things go smoother.

1. Be clear on your expectations. This year's list of dysfunctional people will likely be the same as last year. The only difference this year is that you can go with a strategy that will help you feel more empowered and less manipulated by their moods and behaviours.

2. Don't give away your power. Those members who know how to trigger you cannot do it without your permission. Remove yourself from toxic people. Don't argue, blame or discuss. Just leave the room, go for a walk, drink a glass of water or take several deep breaths.

3. Sit closest to the relatives you have a better time with and ignore the others.

4. Have an exit strategy. Plan a time to leave and agree on a signal you can give your partner when you have had enough.

5. Keep busy; help in the kitchen, entertain the kids or pass around the food.

6. Use laughter and humour to break the ice and ease the tension in the room.

7. Focus on why you are here and remember it is time limited. The reason behind these family get-togethes is a time to re-connect with relatives and friends who you care about and want to keep in close contact. You can fulfill this purpose with just one member of your family and focus on that relationhship and the happiness it brings to you and your children. If you are successful with that, then you have had a successful family dinner.

8. If you are stuck sitting next to a toxic relative, don't get into any heavy discussions. Keep it light; discuss the weather, vacations, or how much you enjoy the meal prepared here tonight.

9. Make an effort to avoid sitting next to difficult people when possible. Contact your host several days in advance and request where you would prefer to be seated.

10. Prepare mentally and physically for this dinner. Make sure you have a good night's sleep, don't drink too much before or during the dinner. Plan your schedule well, so you do not feel rushed or overwhelmed. Make sure the kids are not hungry and had a nap before leaving your home. Do some deep breathing exercises or listen to some relaxing music before you enter their home. When your body and mind feel more relaxed and prepared, you will also feel more confidant, more tolerant, more able to deflect unpleasant conversations leading to a more successful dinner for all.

Happy holidays,

Have a great week.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Rhonda_Rabow
http://EzineArticles.com/?10-Steps-Towards-a-Harmonious-Holiday-Dinner-for-All&id=8460241