Welcome to the December 24, 2007 edition of Carnival of Christmas! I want to thank everyone who participated this year - there are a lot of excellent posts covering a wonderfully large range of topics.
Even more importantly, I hope and pray that you have been blessed by all the wonderful entries at the Christmas Alliance, and that you take the entries in this edition of the Carnival to make your Christmas season more enjoyable for you and your family and friends.
May God richly bless you all... And now, on to the Carnival!
First, I'd like to give pride of place to two people who have always been an inspiration to me. They remind me of hope and joy in the midst of trials, and they are wonderful examples of courage and cheerful perseverance. First, my beloved blog-brother GM Roper offers a beautifully moving story about his grandfather, who really understood the true meaning of Christmas: Nat Melbert's Last Christmas. And then my blog-sis, Susan Kerry, writes about the Ripples that radiate out from events in your life. Hope and joy out of pain - truly, a wonderful lesson to learn in this blessed season. If there are only two posts you read from this round-up of excellent submissions, these are the ones to savor!
Oh, and don't forget to watch NORAD track Santa!!! 
[UPDATE] Ah, another post of note - Kender had to take time off from his vacation to get this to post for me, since Blogger was being snicky and didn't want to publish it when he told it to... But you should go read Christmas Without Mom, over at Kender's Musings.
Christmas Recipes
Karen Dowell presents Christmas just wouldn't be the same without Brussels Sprouts! posted at Wiggly Wigglers. Now, I'm not fond of Brussels sprouts, but pesto and garlic can make anything taste yummy!
Kathy Maister offrers three entries to the Carnival. First up is Holiday Cookies posted at Kathy Maister's startcooking.com. Kathy reminds us "You don't need fancy baking skills to make these beautiful, tasty, easy-bake Christmas cookies, and they're great for entertaining over the holidays." Kathy's second offering is How to Carve a Turkey or a Chicken "If you need help carving your bird for Christmas dinner, here's everything you need to know." Finally, she gives a wonderful recipe for Cranberry Relish, saying, "If you are lucky enough to get an invitation to a dinner that includes a turkey or a goose, offer to bring the cranberry relish. This recipe involves no cooking, but I guarantee your efforts will be appreciated!"
Christine has two recipes posted at her blog Me, My Kid and Life: An American Single Mom Living in France: first Hot Apples with Cinnamon and Honey which she says are "Delicious, all natural, healthy holiday dessert!" Then she adds Vin Chaud - Hot Wine saying, "Bring a little bit of France home for the holidays with this traditional French favorite, vin chaud (hot wine). Enjoy the holidays!" Very similar to mulled wine, but with a slightly different twist
Rebecca presents Gingerbread House Patterns and Inspiration posted at The Experimental Kitchen.
GP presents The 10 Commandments of Holiday Eating posted at Innside Montana-Your Home at the Range, saying, "The 10 commandments of holiday eating... thou shalt not skimp on holiday goodies.. Read on!" Oh, how true... 
Music
GrrlScientist presents White Christmas posted at Living the Scientific Life, saying, "One of my readers sent me this very cute rendition of the classic Christmas song, 'White Christmas', so of course, I had to share it with all of you! It includes the soundtrack along with a goofy cartoon." It's cute!
David at third world county is our music maestro and has many beautiful old hymns you need to experience: Who Is He in Yonder Stall? which is "...a brief excerpt of the song as performed by the Moody Bible Institute choir/band", then A Christmas Lullaby. Of course, even though Christmas is on a Tuesday not a Thursday this year, he also gives us a Thursday Thirteen post: T-13; 1.50: Fav Xmas Carols (Re-run :-)) And finally, a gorgeous hymn one rarely hears anymore: Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus. Thanks, David - it's good to be reminded of these real Christmas songs!
[UPDATE] *shakes head at self* I forgot that Alton - yep, another blog-brother - had sent in Wee Fish Ewe A Mare... Great job, Alton, and I apologize for the oversight!
[UPDATE] And another blog-brother sneaks in under the wire, LOL Jay over at Stop the ACLU has a beautiful video up!
Gifts
Roger Carr reminds us of some simple Christmas Acts of Kindness at Everyday Giving Blog. I really like seeing posts like this, because they remind us that Christmas is not really about getting stuff, it's about giving!
Tip Diva presents Top Ten Tips - Last Minute Gifts, and there are many good ideas here (I particularly like the gift certificate to a favorite restaurant idea! 
)
Kim Ethridge presents 10+ Top Alternatives for Gifts in the Spirit of the Season posted at Cranberries on the Counter, saying, "Some alternative gifts in the true spirit of Christmas." Again, many good, alternative ideas for gifts which emphasize a generous and selfless outlook.
Gilly Marcelli presents Christmas Spirit posted at DiscoveryDiva, which is an excellent list of ways to give the gift of your time and effort one someone's behalf. This is gift-giving in the true Spirit of Christmas by helping others in a loving and generous way.
Joshua C. Karlin writes a very thoughtful post,How Should We Give? at Marketing & Fundraising Ideas. No, despite the title, it is NOT a splog! Joshua really has a grasp of the attitude behind our giving, and this is a wonderful essay we all ought to read. Here's a quote: "I give because it is the right thing to do. And Maimonides is trying to teach me that the act of giving is not about me, but about the recipient. I need to be concerned about the dignity of the recipient more than how I feel about giving."
GrrlScientist presents The Gift of Giving posted at Living the Scientific Life, saying, "Surprisingly, gift-giving often provides more benefits for the giver than the recipient." Ah, yes, there's that old saying "It is better to give than to receive!" How true...
Steve Faber presents - Holiday Gift Ideas to Save Money posted at DebtBlog. Yeah, I know, it looks like a splog, but the suggestions in the post are excellent - and who wants to splurge on Christmas and then get all those extravagant credit card bills?
Traditions
Leslie Carbone is one of my blog-siblings from Virginia, and is a brilliant and gracious lady. She's offering three submissions, all about Colonial times and how they celebrated Christmas, and accompanied them with beautiful pictures: Colonial Christmas Decorations, Colonial Christmastide at Night and More Colonial Christmas Decorations. Simply gorgeous!
pickel has been really digging around the 'net, and submitted several posts: Russian Holy Supper which is posted at A Child Chosen. Then pickel found Our Eve Tradition (which really sounds delightful!)posted at My Two Boys. Now I'm fortunate that my daughter never had issues with Santa, but pickel's final find, The Do's and Dont's of Visiting With Santa (found at Discussing Autism - which looks like a very worthy blog just for the topic!), gives many helpful guidelines so you don't have a terrified child on your hands.
The Random Yak tells us what the Random Family does on Christmas "E"ve. Family traditions like this are what really make memories!
Dana reminds me of Family Traditions posted at Principled Discovery. I remember having a program on TV on Christmas Day when I was growing up - it only had a warm fire crackling in the fireplace, with beautiful Christmas music playing. It was very simple, but so beautiful! Thanks for reminding me, Dana - and I like the horses in your banner!
Host Bee gives many tips on how to keep Believing in Santa at Busy Bee Lifestyle. I remember on Christmas in particular when Santa was very real to my Darling Munchkin, and that child-like delight and wonder she had is a cherished memory for me.
Christine pops up again with Marche de Noel | Christmas Market posted at Me, My Kid and Life: An American Single Mom Living in France, and says, "Happy holidays from Strasbourg!" I really like seeing traditions from other countries
Karen Dowell at Wiggly Wigglers makes another appearance, too, and discusses the The Twelve Days of Christmas with all sorts of factoids about this traditional song.
Parodies and Humor
Catnabbit presents Knotty Cat Got Vacuum for Christmas posted at Catnabbit!, saying, "Instead of a visit from Santa Claws, the knotty cats get a visit from the Unholy Vacuum Beast!" Oh, noes! The poor kitti-purrs must have been very naughty indeed!
Wenchypoo presents Post-Holiday Commentary posted at Wisdom From Wenchypoo's Mental Wastebasket. Well, I suppose you could say this is satire, but Wenchypoo does put her finger on some of the more insane things we do at Christmas. Don't forget, tomorrow is supposed to be joyful and fun!
Madeleine Begun Kane presents Ms. Legal Person Answers Your Holiday Questions posted at Mad Kane's Humor Blog. Cute!
Ron is another of my Virginia blog-sibs, and he found Chinese Food on Christmas posted at Isophorone.He sent it in with this comment, "Sorry, couldn't resist!" That's OK, Ron - my husband loved it so much, we had to pull it up and show it to the family! 
WhatWorksForUs presents No. Ornaments Are NOT Chew Toys. posted at What Works For Us. They're not?! Well, y'all are gonna have to get that poor puppy some good rawhide to gnaw on, then!
Pictures and Video
GrrlScientist chimes in again (gosh, I really like how several people found many things to send in!) Lincoln Center Christmas Tree 2007.It's gorgeous! I love nighttime shots of Christmas lights.
Ogre, who is a dear friend even though he DOES need a bath (Sorry - inside joke ), lets us know the progress of his Snowman Army over at Ogre's Politics and Views. You know, Ogre, I'm still not sure you AREN'T the re-incarnation of Calvin...
chaosgone presents Christmas Time All Over the World posted at Chaosgone, saying, "Videos of Christmas all over the world." How fun! As I said before, I really like seeing how other countries celebrate.
Hilltown Families presents DIY: Christmas Spider Holiday Cards posted at Hilltown Families. This is a cute little video (but... "Christmas spider"?! LOL)
cookingfor5 presents Christmas Cookies posted at Cookie Creations, saying, "For my family, Christmas is simply not Christmas without Cut-out Cookies." It's a lovely picture... But where's the recipe?
Always On Watch, yet another blogger who has honored me with friendship, posts Christmas 2007 at Always On Watch. AOW loves the hymn "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing" and found a beautiful video to match it.
Stories
Suldog presents Pointy The Poinsettia posted at Suldog-O-Rama, saying, "The story of Pointy The Poinsettia!" Well, this could have gone in "humor," too, but I wanted to put it here... And I'm glad that Pointy has a good home!
Santa's Elf asks you to post your Christmas memories & stories at Love Santa, saying, "Our whole blog is a collection of Christmas stories & memories."
"If the troops in Iraq can't be home for Christmas, then we're going to make sure that a little bit of home goes to Iraq," said one volunteer at the Carroll County Agriculture Center on Saturday, December 1." And thus begins Kevin E. Dayhoff's report,20071201 Operation Christmas Tree. What a wonderful thing to do, to show love and support for our troops!
Leticia Velasquez presents THE JESSE TREE posted at cause of our joy.
The Random Yak sends in Surprise! It's a Christmas Tree! posted at The Random Yak. It's a perfect retelling of the glorious and you-must-do-it-at-least-ONCE experience of finding the Perfect Christmas Tree(TM)!
The Spirit of Christmas
Adam Graham sent in Christmas and the People We Ought to Be posted at Adam's Blog. Adam is, of course, the originator of the Carnival of Christmas, and it's a delight to read his post. Here's a sample: "It's a remarkable thing. Amidst all the commercialism, the birth of Christ lays out the standard for goodness and love to our fellow man. Sometimes, we think goodness is only for Christmas, but it's not. Real needs live on long after Christmas is gone." Indeed!
Julie Heath posts about Teaching Kids The Meaning of Christmas at More4kids. This one is from last year, but I think it was submitted after last year's deadline, so it rolled over to this year. It's very worthwhile reading!
The Career Counselor presents Holiday Season: Simple Ways to Increase Morale and Happiness at Your Office posted at ask the CareerCounselor, saying, "Between business deadlines, social events, and family affairs it's often hard to find the time to celebrate with your colleagues. To life spirits at your office, here are a few quick and easy ideas that offer a lot of smiles for very little time or expense." Again, this is from last year, but there are a lot of good suggestions for the workplace.
Erika Wilson asks What's So Special About Christmas? at Royally Redeemed, saying, "For Christians, Christmas is a time for great rejoicing. For this is the day we celebrate the birth of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Read about why Christmas is so very special and browse my favorite Christmas things."
Yet another of my Virginia blog-family sent an entry in! Scott White asks Where has CHRISTmas gone? at Scott's Thoughts. "First of all, Christmas should be personal. It is best celebrated they way you and your family want to celebrate it. It's a time of joy, thanksgiving, friendship. family, love, blessings, gifts. A time of celebration. It's the time we, as Christians, celebrate the birth of our Lord Jesus." Amen, Scott... Thanks!
GP presents The Best Things in Life Cant be Found at the Mall posted at Innside Montana-Your Home at the Range, saying, "There is so much to do in this now-extended holiday season that it all seems to fly by before we even have time to just sit quietly and enjoy a cozy winter's evening waiting patiently for Christmas to arrive. Seven ideas we have come to value as we embrace the notion that, The Best Things in Life Aren't Things." You said it!
Rena Williams talks aboutChristmas Meaning posted at Balanced Success, and discusses how the meaning can change throughout life.
Big Dog, another blog-buddy of mine, reminds us of The Reason for the Season posted at Big Dogs Weblog. "Christmas is a time of renewed hope. A time where people can reflect and realize that while we are born as sinners, our sins were forgiven because of the selfless act of Jesus Christ. While we mark this as his birth, we also realize that his birth was the beginning of a journey that ended in suffering and pain, all out of the love God has for mankind." Make sure you read the whole thing!
Cathy presents CHRISTMAS! WHERE THE HEART IS! posted at Joy Thru Generosity, saying, "Many years ago I found myself far from home as Christmas approached. I was in a country that spoke a different language and I hardly knew anyone I was with. There was no escaping the fact it was December 24th and the next day was sure to come."
Podcasts
Adam Graham presents The Big Little Jesus posted at The Old Time Dragnet Show, saying, "In these 1952 classic Dragnet radio episode, A statue of the Baby Jesus has been stolen and Joe Friday and his partner Frank Smith must track it down before Christmas morning."
Poems
Xyba gives us A Different Christmas Poem at Once More Into the Breach. I've read this one before, and it always brings a grateful tear to my eyes.
Elizabeth Wrobel presents Poem: Christmas Time posted at Little Cottage in the Northwoods (A Writer's Paradise). I like it!
Other/Misc.
Debora Silkotch presents O Christmas Tree posted at Ramblings, saying, "Plant a living tree!" It's a great idea! When we moved to Virginia many years ago, we had a live tree, and it was still growing happily in the front yard when we sold that house a while ago. I think that next year we'll do it again.
kelly at {the ringpop bride} gives 11 tips for a holly jolly christmas party..., and they are excellent ideas for really making the holidays sparkle for your guests!
Susan presents Holiday Romance in a Sea of Consumerism posted at The Innovative Traveler.
Tip Diva returns with Top Ten Tips - O Christmas Tree, offering several helpful hints for a successful and beautiful tree.
And I'm going to finish up with our music maestro, David of Third World County, whose final entry is a Fifteenth Century Christmas Sermon: "For this is the most holy night on which the Redeemer of the world, Jesus Christ, chose to be born of the glorious Virgin Mary. Arise, therefore, all, and watch. Prepare your hearts and pray. The Lord has come. Come and adore. Seek Jesus, and you will find him. Knock at the door and it will be opened to you. Enter the house and you will see. Our King has arrived. Christ has been born to us."
Thank you so much for participating in the Carnival of Christmas. I pray that tomorrow is full of joy and laughter for you and yours, and that this roundup has made you smile, made you think, and made you remember why we celebrate! Don't forget to go over to the Christmas Alliance for a whole bunch of goodies which weren't submitted to the Carnival.
May you have a blessed New Year, and I hope you enjoyed it! Oh... My Christmas posts can all be found here, if you'd care to look at them
Submit your blog article to the next edition of Carnival of Christmas using our carnival submission form. Past posts and future hosts can be found on our blog carnival index page.
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