the 2009 New Year Ball

Few hours from now, 2009 is all set to welcome us. To give you an update to the bits and pieces of this grand welcome, here's an invitation to the Times Square with the all new 2009 New Year's ball.

Have a blessed New Year to All!!!

Happy New Year in Various Languages

The coming of New Year is being celebrated in several countries all over the world. Learn how to say “Happy New Year” in different major languages by checking the list below:

French - Bonne Annee
German - Prosit Neujahr
Spanish - Feliz Ano Nuevo
Greek - Kenourios Chronos
Hawaiian - Hauoli Makahiki Hou
Russian - S Novim Godom
Arabic - Antum Salimoun
Indonesian - Selamat Tahun Baru
Italian - Buon Capo d'Anno
Japanese - Akimashite Omedetto Gozaimasu
Philippines - Manigong Bagong Taon
Japanese - Akimashite Omedetto Gozaimasu
Danish - Godt Nytår
Chinese - Xin Nian Kuai Le
Hindi - Naye Varsha Ki Shubhkamanyen
Thai - Sawadee Pee Mai
Korea - Saehae Bock Mani ba deu sei yo
Portuguese - Feliz Ano Novo
Dutch - Gelukkig Nieuwjaar
Irish - Bliain nua fe mhaise dhuit
Vietnamese - Chuc Mung Tan Nien
Hebrew - L'Shannah Tovah
Lithuanian - Laimingu Naujuju Metu
Malay - Selamat Tahun Baru
Romanian - An nou fericit

Tips on Family New Year’s Party

After the Christmas celebration, families can be busy thinking and planning on how to celebrate the coming of New Year. Having family party at home is one popular way to spend the night during New Year’s Eve.

If you are one the many families who have children at home or you plan to have kids around, here are some practical tips in creating a party on New Year’s Eve.

1. Set the mood for children by giving them freedom to do things they want to do although, you must set some limitations.

2. To make the kids feel at home, preparing an initial activity upon their arrival is a wonderful idea.

3. Introduce the children to each other who are not familiar.

4. Let the young ones to make their own decision about joining the activity. Don’t push them on things they don’t want to do.

4. Keep the party simple. Children just want to have entertainment, fun and go at their pace.

5. Encourage all the kids to join the activity. Remember, the more participants in the game, the more exciting it is.

6. Start the party earlier (let’s say, after dinner). In this way, other children can still go home early.

Happy Holidays!!!

Merry Christmas everyone! and may the Good Lord bless us all

Great Christmas Songs

Christmas songs are part of the celebration to feel and create a true atmosphere of Christmas. These songs have been playing over the radio and stereos of many homes for years now. Without them, this season's celebration will be dull and boring because families especially the children like heartwarming, lively and cheerful music during holiday.

As a trivia, here's a list of some of the most popular Christmas songs that became favorites all around the world.

1. Jingle Bells
2. We Wish You a Merry Christmas
3. It’s Beginning to Feel a lot like Christmas
4. Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer
5. White Christmas
6. I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus
7. Jingle Bell Rock
8. The Christmas Song
9. Santa Claus Is Coming To Town
10. Home For The Holidays
11. Frosty the Snowman
12. Feliz Navidad
13. Give Love on Christmas Day
14. Winter Wonderland
15. The Most Wonderful Time of The Year

Tips on How to Play with Kids

Playing some activity games with your kids is a great idea for them to have some fun. Also, there are some activities that can help your children develop their skills in observing and classifying things as well as solving small problems.

But sometimes, you may find it a bit hard to encourage your kids to participate. So, here are some simple tips that will provide better understanding on how to play with your children especially if they are preschoolers:

1. Give a sufficient time for your kids to discover for themselves. Don’t force them because this will loose their interest.
2. Discontinue the activity or game if your kids don’t like it anymore.
3. If they want to change the rules, let them as long as it will not ruin the essence of the game.
4. Be patient. Your kids may not easily understand the rules and regulations of the activity.
5. Help your preschoolers feel good about themselves.
6. Support your children and tell them that they can do the things on their own.

Meaning of Christmas Tree

For most families, Christmas won’t be complete without having a Christmas tree. This tradition is being done every year to add more enjoyment for the whole family during the holiday season. This is also another way to get the kids involve in an activity that they will surely love. Allowing them to decorate the tree will provide them some good time together.

Teaching the kids about the true meaning of Christmas tree will help them appreciate the true spirit of Christmas. Below are some explanations behind the ornaments usually put on the Christmas tree.

The Fir Tree: Evergreen- the second color of Christmas that denotes everlasting light and life. The needles point up to heaven.

The Color Red: The first color of Christmas, representing that Savior's sacrifice for all.

The Bell: Rings out to guide lost sheep back to the fold, telling that all people are precious in His eyes.

The Wreath: A representation of the never ending eternal value of love.

The Star: A heavenly signs of prophecy fulfilled long, long ago- The shining hope of mankind.

The Candle: A symbol of starlight, symbolizing our thanks for the star of Bethlehem.

The Candy Cane: Symbolizes the shape of the shepherd's crook, used to bring lost lambs back
to the fold.

The Gift Bow: Tied as we should all be tied together in bonds of kindness and care forever.

Luxurious Yet Wise Holiday Gift Ideas

Christmas happens only once a year. It is also an occasion where people who are busy for an entire year will meet together to catch up for the recent happenings. More often than not, this thinking provides us the idea to give the people close to our hearts gifts they ought to have. Regardless of the price, we want them to have something that they can use at the same time, give them more excitement to have.

For individuals who have great budget for the holidays, here’s the top 3 luxurious yet wise gift ideas that you can give to your loved ones. Keep in mind that you always take advantage of the SALE and installment terms to buy these items.

1. Gadgets like cellular phones, notebooks, game consoles, new computer, MP3s, etc.
- If you will ask different people of different ages on what they want to receive this Christmas, 95% of them will give “gadgets” as their answer. Remember that most shops offer huge discounts and affordable terms during the holidays.

2. Dinner in fine-dine restaurants.
- It happens only once a year and a dinner in a well known restaurant in your town can give your loved ones great memories to live by. You must make a reservation ahead of time to avoid the rush.

3. Cruise or out of the country trips. It’s always nice to be out of the box.
- If your budget permits you, you and your family can spend the holidays in a cruise or out of the country trips. This will also require you advanced planning and reservations to take advantage of the low priced tickets.