Author Topic: Christmas  (Read 13346 times)

0 Members and 1 Guest are viewing this topic.

Offline Chris_

  • Little Lebowski Urban Achiever
  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 46845
  • Reputation: +2028/-266
Re: Christmas
« Reply #50 on: December 09, 2012, 11:55:46 PM »
:yum: How do I get on your Christmas list?
If you want to worship an orange pile of garbage with a reckless disregard for everything, get on down to Arbys & try our loaded curly fries.

Offline Karin

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 17545
  • Reputation: +1630/-80
Re: Christmas
« Reply #51 on: December 10, 2012, 07:19:21 AM »
Beautiful tree, jty!  I love the ribbons. 

My kitten completely undressed one of the little trees.  Removed all ornaments to play with them.  Poor tree was all naked, shivering, and humiliated.  This is why I got cheap unbreakables from the Dollar store. 

Offline BEG

  • "Mile Marker"
  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 17277
  • Reputation: +1062/-301
Re: Christmas
« Reply #52 on: December 10, 2012, 08:06:38 AM »
Beautiful tree, jty!  I love the ribbons. 

My kitten completely undressed one of the little trees.  Removed all ornaments to play with them.  Poor tree was all naked, shivering, and humiliated.  This is why I got cheap unbreakables from the Dollar store. 

 :rotf:

Offline Chris_

  • Little Lebowski Urban Achiever
  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 46845
  • Reputation: +2028/-266
Re: Christmas
« Reply #53 on: December 10, 2012, 08:41:28 AM »
Beautiful tree, jty!  I love the ribbons. 

My kitten completely undressed one of the little trees.  Removed all ornaments to play with them.  Poor tree was all naked, shivering, and humiliated.  This is why I got cheap unbreakables from the Dollar store. 
[youtube=425,350]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DMRTkNZ3rC4[/youtube]
If you want to worship an orange pile of garbage with a reckless disregard for everything, get on down to Arbys & try our loaded curly fries.

Offline Jasonw560

  • Is a Juke Box
  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 2032
  • Reputation: +143/-42
  • PhD from Sarcastic State
Re: Christmas
« Reply #54 on: December 10, 2012, 10:53:57 AM »
Tree #1 (the blue tree):



Tree #2 (the gold tree):



Tree #3 (the Snowman tree): I call this the Jihad tree



My wife made the centerpiece in photo #3. If I can get this dang phone to upload, I'll post a close up.
Tree #4 (the Charlie Brown tree with Advent box beside it):



"It is the mark of an educated mind to be able to entertain a thought without accepting it."
-Aristotle

"Metaphors needn't be explained to educated people"-Ted
Nugent

"Life ain't fair. Get over it or wear a helmet" -diesel driver

Offline Karin

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 17545
  • Reputation: +1630/-80
Re: Christmas
« Reply #55 on: December 10, 2012, 11:35:48 AM »



Jason:  Gorgeous! A H5 to your wife!    (The jihad tree... :lmao:)

Offline jtyangel

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 9116
  • Reputation: +497/-110
Re: Christmas
« Reply #56 on: December 10, 2012, 11:44:06 AM »
Very cute. I love multiple trees! I want to get a 2nd for next year. I like to put colored lights on one and white lights on the other.

Offline Jasonw560

  • Is a Juke Box
  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 2032
  • Reputation: +143/-42
  • PhD from Sarcastic State
Re: Christmas
« Reply #57 on: December 10, 2012, 01:01:29 PM »
Very cute. I love multiple trees! I want to get a 2nd for next year. I like to put colored lights on one and white lights on the other.
I got three I'll give ya. :lmao:
"It is the mark of an educated mind to be able to entertain a thought without accepting it."
-Aristotle

"Metaphors needn't be explained to educated people"-Ted
Nugent

"Life ain't fair. Get over it or wear a helmet" -diesel driver

Offline BEG

  • "Mile Marker"
  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 17277
  • Reputation: +1062/-301
Re: Christmas
« Reply #58 on: December 10, 2012, 01:35:15 PM »
Jason I can't see them really well because I'm on my phone in my doctors office but man oh man they look beautiful.

Karin is that your ladder tree?  Totally cute.

Offline jtyangel

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 9116
  • Reputation: +497/-110
Re: Christmas
« Reply #59 on: December 10, 2012, 01:36:33 PM »
I got three I'll give ya. :lmao:

I see you don't share our sickness lol

Offline Karin

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 17545
  • Reputation: +1630/-80
Re: Christmas
« Reply #60 on: December 10, 2012, 02:17:04 PM »
Karin is that your ladder tree?  Totally cute.

No, it's from that "ThereIFixedIt" website, associated with the LOLcats.   :lmao:   

Offline debk

  • Topic Moderator
  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 12473
  • Reputation: +467/-58
Re: Christmas
« Reply #61 on: December 10, 2012, 03:08:40 PM »
I'm loving this thread!!!!

beautiful trees, Everybody!! :cheersmate:
Just hand over the chocolate...back away slowly...far away....and you won't get hurt....

Save the Earth... it's the only planet with chocolate.

"My therapist told me the way to achieve true inner peace is to finish what I start. So far I've finished two bags of M&M's and a chocolate cake. I feel better already." – Dave Barry

A balanced diet is chocolate in both hands.

Offline jtyangel

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 9116
  • Reputation: +497/-110
Re: Christmas
« Reply #62 on: December 10, 2012, 09:47:32 PM »
Thanks all. We got some pics taken over the weekend too for our holiday pics. REally happy with them:-) The ex was nice enough to take them for us and I returned the favor to him since he really had no pics of him with the kids since we broke up a few years ago. He takes senior pics and weddings so he had the nice camera and all. I'm really pleased to have some really decent pics of the kids and I instead of the ones I take with my crappy little point and shoot :-)

Offline Zeus

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 3265
  • Reputation: +174/-112
Re: Christmas
« Reply #63 on: December 10, 2012, 11:36:50 PM »
Quote
What is the origin of the Christmas tree?

The Christmas tree today is a common custom to most of us. There are many interesting connections to ancient traditions such as Egyptian and Roman customs, early Christian practices, and Victorian nostalgia. However, most scholars point to Germany as being the origin of the Christmas tree.

One of the earliest stories relating back to Germany is about Saint Boniface. In 722, he encountered some pagans who were about to sacrifice a child at the base of a huge oak tree. He cut down the tree to prevent the sacrifice and a Fir tree grew up at the base of the oak. He then told everyone that this lovely evergreen, with its branches pointing to heaven, was a holy tree - the tree of the Christ child, and a symbol of His promise of eternal life.

Another story from Germany is about Queen Victoria. She often visited relatives in Germany and while she was there, she fell in love with Prince Albert. After they were married, they moved back to England to raise their family. Prince Albert decorated a tree and ever since that time, the English, because of their love for their Queen, copied her Christmas customs including the Christmas tree and ornaments. This story took place in the 19th century, around 1830.

Another story about the origin of the Christmas tree says that late in the Middle Ages, Germans and Scandinavians placed evergreen trees inside their homes or just outside their doors to show their hope that spring would soon come.

Another legend that has not been proved is that Martin Luther is responsible for the origin of the Christmas tree. This story says that one Christmas Eve, about the year 1500, he was walking through the snow-covered woods and was struck by the beauty of the snow glistened trees. Their branches, dusted with snow, shimmered in the moon light. When he got home, he set up a small fir tree and shared the story with his children. He decorated the Christmas tree with small candles, which he lighted in honor of Christ's birth.

Research into customs of various cultures shows that greenery was often brought into homes at the time of the winter solstice. It symbolized life in the midst of death in many cultures. The Romans were known to deck their homes with evergreens during of Kalends of January 15. Living trees were also brought into homes during the old Germany feast of Yule, which originally was a two month feast beginning in November. The Yule tree was planted in a tub and brought into the home. But there is no evidence that the Christmas tree is a direct descendent of the Yule tree. Evidence does point to the Paradise tree however. This story goes back to the 11th century religious plays. One of the most popular was the Paradise Play. The play depicted the story of the creation of Adam and Eve, their sin, and their banishment from Paradise. The only prop on the stage was the Paradise tree, a fir tree adorned with apples. The play would end with the promise of the coming Savior and His Incarnation. The people had grown so accustomed to the Paradise tree, that they began putting their own Paradise tree up in their homes on December 24.

Whatever legend you wish to pass on, remember that Christmas is the time to celebrate the birth of Jesus. The origin of the Christmas tree can't change that fact.
It is said that branches draw their life from the vine. Each is separate yet all are one as they share one life giving stem . The Bible tells us we are called to a similar union in life, our lives with the life of God. We are incorporated into him; made sharers in his life. Apart from this union we can do nothing.

Offline Karin

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 17545
  • Reputation: +1630/-80
Re: Christmas
« Reply #64 on: December 13, 2012, 01:56:13 PM »
I just love my kitten, he's adorable and so sweet, but kittens are kittens, so we had to make a decree of No Glass Ornaments this year.  A lot of ours are my husband's late mother's, and they are beyond sentimental value to him.  They were very poor, and she had to scrimp and save for every decoration in her collection.  So, those are staying in storage this year.  I put up my tree, and without glass ornaments, it's not very striking.  SO you can have a pic of last year's, which I thought turned out nice.   :-)



Offline BEG

  • "Mile Marker"
  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 17277
  • Reputation: +1062/-301
Re: Christmas
« Reply #65 on: December 16, 2012, 06:51:44 PM »
Karin your tree looks beautiful.


Stairs etc still aren't done. He is putting the railing on right now and not having fun.

I did this today, a little late but better late than never.



We ave the letters S A N T A stocking holders but the stockings wouldn't hang right with that garland so I'm putting one of each letter on the stairs to hang down on that wall. I'm going to wait until he has the railing up.

Offline seahorse513

  • I don't take shit from anyone!!
  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 5260
  • Reputation: +491/-247
  • British by birth, American thru naturalization
Re: Christmas
« Reply #66 on: December 16, 2012, 06:54:41 PM »
That's very pretty Beg!!!
The sea is treacherous, but an even hand on the keel brings it safely to port.

Nothing is sexier than a man and his gun!!!

A man should prefer his own company to that of others, because no matter where he goes,he'll find himself there..

"The problem with socialism is that eventually you run out of other people's money".  Lady Maggie Thatcher

Offline Splashdown

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 6729
  • Reputation: +475/-100
  • Out of 9 lives, I spent 7
Re: Christmas
« Reply #67 on: December 16, 2012, 07:28:22 PM »
My wife makes candy.

Here's a small Christmas tray.

Let nothing trouble you,
Let nothing frighten you. 
All things are passing;
God never changes.
Patience attains all that it strives for.
He who has God lacks nothing:
God alone suffices.
--St. Theresa of Avila



"No crushed ice; no peas." -- Undies

Offline Chris_

  • Little Lebowski Urban Achiever
  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 46845
  • Reputation: +2028/-266
Re: Christmas
« Reply #68 on: December 16, 2012, 07:29:52 PM »
That looks tasty.

What's the one that looks like a hat on the right?
If you want to worship an orange pile of garbage with a reckless disregard for everything, get on down to Arbys & try our loaded curly fries.

Offline Splashdown

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 6729
  • Reputation: +475/-100
  • Out of 9 lives, I spent 7
Re: Christmas
« Reply #69 on: December 16, 2012, 07:33:06 PM »
Chocolate-covered mint Oreo.
Let nothing trouble you,
Let nothing frighten you. 
All things are passing;
God never changes.
Patience attains all that it strives for.
He who has God lacks nothing:
God alone suffices.
--St. Theresa of Avila



"No crushed ice; no peas." -- Undies

Offline Chris_

  • Little Lebowski Urban Achiever
  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 46845
  • Reputation: +2028/-266
Re: Christmas
« Reply #70 on: December 16, 2012, 07:37:12 PM »
I stole a recipe from a franchise restaurant that works pretty well.  Put some large marshmallow in a pan of milk and set them aside to soak (stir them so they don't dissolve).  While they're soaking, remove the filling from a batch of Oreo cookies, put the cookies into a blender, and mix until you have a fine crumble.  Toss the wet marshmallows in the cookie crumbs until they're covered and put them on a tray to set.

Good stuff, cheap and easy.
If you want to worship an orange pile of garbage with a reckless disregard for everything, get on down to Arbys & try our loaded curly fries.

Offline Splashdown

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 6729
  • Reputation: +475/-100
  • Out of 9 lives, I spent 7
Re: Christmas
« Reply #71 on: December 16, 2012, 07:48:29 PM »
Mrs. Splash does something like that, but she just uses cream cheese. Mix 6 oz of cream cheese with a package of thouroughly food-processed Oreos. Ball 'em up, dip them in chocolate (half in milk chocolate, half in vanilla), sprinkle some Oreo crumbs, and you're done.
Let nothing trouble you,
Let nothing frighten you. 
All things are passing;
God never changes.
Patience attains all that it strives for.
He who has God lacks nothing:
God alone suffices.
--St. Theresa of Avila



"No crushed ice; no peas." -- Undies

Offline Chris_

  • Little Lebowski Urban Achiever
  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 46845
  • Reputation: +2028/-266
Re: Christmas
« Reply #72 on: December 16, 2012, 07:49:43 PM »
I must be the only person in the world that buys Oreos for the cookies and not the filling.
If you want to worship an orange pile of garbage with a reckless disregard for everything, get on down to Arbys & try our loaded curly fries.

Offline DixieBelle

  • Administrator
  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 12143
  • Reputation: +512/-49
  • Still looking for my pony.....
Re: Christmas
« Reply #73 on: December 16, 2012, 08:45:56 PM »
I somehow missed this thread! Everyone's trees/decorations look fantastic and I needed the pick me up.

We're doing the staycation thing this year and our son is visiting family so it's just us and I went low key this year. I bought a cheap 25 dollar skinny to to avoid taking out the big tree.




I can see November 2 from my house!!!

Spread my work ethic, not my wealth.

Forget change, bring back common sense.
-------------------------------------------------

No, my friends, there’s only one really progressive idea. And that is the idea of legally limiting the power of the government. That one genuinely liberal, genuinely progressive idea — the Why in 1776, the How in 1787 — is what needs to be conserved. We need to conserve that fundamentally liberal idea. That is why we are conservatives. --Bill Whittle

Offline Chris_

  • Little Lebowski Urban Achiever
  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 46845
  • Reputation: +2028/-266
Re: Christmas
« Reply #74 on: December 16, 2012, 08:46:41 PM »
I've never seen a tree that skinny.  :-)
If you want to worship an orange pile of garbage with a reckless disregard for everything, get on down to Arbys & try our loaded curly fries.