While not a national holiday, it is a day of great interest and is widely followed by school children and adults alike. With origins dating back to pagan Western Europe, Groundhog Day has a rich and varied history. Its arrival in the United States is closely linked to the arrival of the Pennsylvania Dutch in the 18th century. In Europe, the badger was the animal to watch; in America it became the Groundhog, also known as the Woodchuck.

February 2 is one of the four annual cross quarters - in this case the midpoint between Winter Solstice and the Spring Equinox. Traditionally if February 2nd, Candalmas, was sunny it indicated that more cold and snowy weather was on the way and if it rained or snowed spring was just around the corner. Therefore if the Groundhog sees his shadow, then the day is sunny and there will be more winter weather.

Groundhogs, as many forest mammals, like bears, badgers, and hedgehogs hibernate or sleep during the winter - the feeling amount medieval Europeans, was these animals had an internal alarm clock, which told them when to awaken as Spring approached. In 21st centenary America, the most famous Groundhog - Punxsutawney Phil, actually will be awoken the morning of February 2nd by his handlers and dressed in his tux for the occasion and he will whisper his prediction in his handlers anxiously awaiting ears.

In truth, his forecasting ability is not really important - his keepers will have consulted the forecast and will have his prediction ready. The awakening of Punxsutawney Phil is ceremonial and makes for a great pre-dawn celebration.

With its complex origins and largely ceremonial nature now - Groundhog Day is still a great reminder that we are half way through winter and that spring is just around the corner.

Labels: groundhog day

Blog Home Previous Page Home

Friday, January 18, 2008

1, 2, 3 Get Organized!

Many people will make a New Year's resolution to get organized this year. It can be a huge task. It may mean getting rid of clutter, cleaning out closets, redoing the pantry and many other tasks - which seem to take forever. For others it may mean investing in some new computer software to help track special occasions, finances, everyone's busy schedule and much more.

Gift giving and remembering those special occasions should be part of that process. It is all about making it seamless and nearly effortless. Everyone special in your world will be touched by your thoughtfulness and you will - with a little bit of prep work have everything you need at your fingertips.

Start by creating a list of everyone's birthdays, anniversaries and other special occasions. This list can be kept in a simple pocket calendar or there are a number of high tech solutions - some will require the purchase of software and others are web based - it is important to pick what works best for you. This list can include the recipients address or not - just depends on personal preferences.

Once you have your list - go shopping for all the cards you will need for the year. One stop shopping. Many stores now offer greeting card samplers, card box organizers, and packages of cards; there is something for everyone. If you decided to go and purchase individual greeting cards - make sure you invest in a card storage box to keep them in. It is also a good idea to buy some "extra" cards; so that you will be ready when someone has a baby in your office or if your child gets invited to a birthday party during the year. This extra step now will save you time in the long run. Many people also find it helpful to have get well cards or symphony cards tucked into their box - so that they are ready with a very timely card.

For the people on your list, you can either address the cards at the time of purchase or set up a tickler system to remind you each month to address and mail the cards. As part of your greeting card box- it is a good idea to buy a few packages of stamps to have handy and to store your return address labels there as well. The idea is to have everything together for fast and easy access.

In addition, as you establish your tickler system - your reminders should include gift ideas you might have and your allotted time frame should allow for shopping and if you intend to shop online it should allow for enough time to accommodate shipping.

The investment of a few hours now - should alleviate stress through out the year and keep you organized and ready with greetings and good cheer.

Labels: celebrations, gift giving, organizal tips

Blog Home Previous Page Home

Wednesday, January 16, 2008

Children Gifts

Sometimes finding the perfect gift for a child is a real challenge. Perhaps it is a niece or nephew who lives far away, or you have been invited to a birthday party and do not know the child very well or cannot attend.

Sadly sometimes childhood is full of struggles. For the child who has worked really hard to achieve a goal or overcome an obstacle, a special gift is a wonderful way to say, 'I am so proud of you.'

Finding the right gift can be time consuming and confusing. A great way to really surprise them is with a themed gift basket. Mygiftbasketideas.com has a number of baskets for the special little girl or boy you are trying to surprise. There is limited guesswork and they will ship it directly.

For some children, they have experienced serious illness or injury, which has caused them to spend an extended time in the hospital or at home recovering. A Get Well gift basket, loaded with keep you busy activities is a great gift, to help them focus on play and being a kid even while coping with a serious illness.

Another great idea is the next time you head out on a trip to have a basket sent ahead, waiting on your arrival at your destination. It is less for you to carry and something great to surprise and occupy the kids on the inevitable vacation down time that seems to throw little ones for a loop.

Another great idea for kids gift baskets is as a party centerpiece for birthday parties. It will lend an attractive edge to the gathering and the kids can enjoy the goodies.

Labels: birthday, gifts for children, kids, kids gift baskets

Blog Home Previous Page Home

Friday, January 11, 2008

Madri Gras

Many of us have with a bit of sadness put away all the Christmas finery and in many parts of the country the weather is more cloudy than sunny. The time between the bright lights of Christmas and the fun that is spring can a be a long few months. Are you looking for a way to extend the festive times of late December?

Around the world, people are doing just that. From Epiphany, which is January 6, until Mardi Gras (also called Shrove Tuesday or Fat Tuesday) the day before Ash Wednesday people are celebrating with parties, costumes, parades, floats, and special food. Many of the most famous Carnival or Mardi Gras celebrations are in Brazil, New Orleans, Venice, and the Caribbean. Traditionally Madri Gras is the last big party before the time of fasting, which takes place during Lent.

Hosting your own Mardi Gras celebration is a snap. Many retailers have the party ware and other favor items including beads and trinkets - which are often thrown from floats to the crowds as they pass by. The traditional colors of Mardi Gras are green, purple, and gold.

A staple at Mardi Gras parties are King's cakes. Traditionally a King's cake is made with braided strands of dough topped with icing and green, purple and gold colored sugar. The shape symbolizes the unity of religions. Inside the cake is a figure of the baby Jesus - or King's crown. Whoever gets the the figure in their slice of cake is responsible for bringing the cake to the next party.

Mardi Gras parties are a time to enjoy food, family and fun. The menu is versatile and it is a great way to get kids involved. A trip to your local library is all it will take to find a few books, music CDs and DVDs, which will not only be inspirational for the fun but also a great way to learn more about the international flavor of a very festive time of of year.

Labels: celebrations, holidays, kids, Madri Gras, party ideas

Blog Home Previous Page Home