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Tag: Christmas

Christmas Island – Galapagos of the Indian Ocean

Christmas Island – Galapagos of the Indian Ocean

Travel
Christmas Island, home of the migrating Red Crabs and endangered Abbott Booby birds, is a place of natural wonder and contradictions. Christmas Island has long been known as the "Galapagos of the Indian Ocean", but it is a place full of contradictions. Today this remote, rugged outpost of Australia is as likely to grab the headlines for its controversial phosphate mining and immigration centre as it is for the island's extraordinary fauna and flora. Christmas Island is so called because it was discovered on 25th December 1643 by Captain William Mynors aboard the ship Royal Mary. But it wasn't settled until 1888 when it was declared a British Colony. Tropical rainforest It is an isolated territory 2600km north of Perth and on the fringes of Asia. It's tropical rainforest ...
Proven ways to reduce holiday stress

Proven ways to reduce holiday stress

Lifestyle
Another holiday season -- will this year be any different? With so much to do and no more time than usual, the following time-saving tips will make this year’s activities more manageable, more enjoyable, and less stressful. Reduce, Rethink, Replace Think about all the things you do over the holidays. By the time the holidays actually arrive, are you exhausted and unable to enjoy the season? Can you scale things back? Simplify? Can you celebrate in more enjoyable ways? Are you spending time with people you don’t really enjoy, or spending money for things you can’t afford? Think about it -- there's no law saying you have to keep doing what you've been doing if it causes you stress and misery. Take back your holidays by simplifying them. If you’re not enjoying something that has bec...
Musical kids Christmas gifts

Musical kids Christmas gifts

Music
Harmonicas, colorful ukuleles, percussion instruments shaped like fruit, a fun keyboard instrument - there are infinite possibilities for great Christmas presents waiting at the music counter. Christmas Gifts for Toddlers Toddlers are not going to have the coordination to really be able to play an instrument but they will love to make a noise on any kind of percussion instrument and there is a wide range of fun shapes to be found, especially in the shaker and small drum department. Remo makes a colorful set of bongo drums that even the 2-year-olds and under will be attracted to. This will cost in the region of $30 US. Remo also makes a range of fruit shakers but these are perhaps a little too realistic for the under-fives - they might spend more time chewing them than shaking...
Holiday gifts and Christmas presents tips for babies

Holiday gifts and Christmas presents tips for babies

Lifestyle
Depending on their age during their first holiday season, many infants may not have an understanding of what is going on. Therefore, giving a Christmas present that will help the baby's parents to care for him or her is a great idea. These holiday gift ideas help parents to entertain their baby, keep the baby clothed or can be keepsakes to preserve memories of infancy and childhood. One thing to remember is to avoid basic infant care items, except for clothes, unless the parent has expressly asked for them. It is likely that most parents received strollers, high chairs, baby carriers and other newborn items for gifts before or right after the baby was born. Christmas Presents for Babies that Entertain Parents need toys for their baby that will keep them happy and keep their at...
Top 10 modern Christmas traditions

Top 10 modern Christmas traditions

Lifestyle
During the Holidays, families are usually more than just slightly busy. With the activities of Black Friday's bustling, fast-paced shoppers comes the realization that Christmas is just around the corner and, naturally, people are going to rush to get ready. These are also the perfect times to get together with family and share warm memories of love and generosity. This list of top ten modern Christmas traditions is as follows: 10. Sending Christmas Cards It might seem like Christmas cards are becoming a thing of the past due to the sudden internet boom, but it's still very delightful to receive a few once in a while. Plus, it will make friends and family feel like the sender cares enough about them to go out of their way to wish them Happy Holidays by doing it the old-fa...
Christmas party planning ideas for teens

Christmas party planning ideas for teens

Lifestyle
Teens love any reason for a party or dance. Everyone has been to a Christmas party with a decorated tree in the corner and holiday instrumentals playing. This type of party is nice, but may be boring for teenagers. Teens want something more interesting than plain ornaments and traditional holiday tunes. They want something unique and a place to hang out with friends, chat, take pictures, and dance. The following ideas are a bit different for planning a teen holiday dance or party. Theme Ideas for a Teen Christmas Party or Dance Changing up traditions can give a gathering a sparkle and a feeling of winter magic. Consider some of these themes, or brainstorm some of your own. A party in an elegant hall can be very special. Is there a charming place that can be borrowed or rent...