General Festivities and Entertainment at Christmas

Christmas is described as a festive season therefore we should all engage
in activities during the season that provide entertainment, merriment and which
give pleasure. Because Christmas is about celebration, many types of festivities
can be found to suit all preferences to make the season a joyful one.
A readily available option is watching Christmas movies. This can be done
from the comfort of home or by spending a few hours out at the theater. A
wonderful option now available for obtaining movies is to rent them via the
Internet. It's an option that allows you to get any movie you want to see -
whether traditional, popular or a remake of an original title. There's also
fairly easy access to obscure movie titles, as well as movies with holiday or
Christmas themes.

Although Christmas movies embody the spirit of the season, you can also
take time out during Christmas to enjoy new releases that may or may not have a
holiday theme. Christmas is a good time to catch notable new releases because
they are  timed to be shown in theaters before the end of the year to be
considered for prestigious Oscar nominations.
Performances of Christmas plays that depict the Nativity scene are also
another popular entertainment during Christmas. Although these performances are
done year after year, they never grow old because of creative difference in
interpreting the story, and also in how each role is acted by different actors
every year.
The dramatization of the Nativity demonstrates the meaning of Christmas and can
also simplify the meaning of Christmas for children. Participation in the
Nativity is also an important activity for children in drama groups at schools
and church groups.
Along with depicting the meaning of Christmas, the Nativity play also portrays
moral lessons that can serve as an inspiration for the way to become a more
spiritual person and to live a better life. Watching or taking part in the
Nativity play at Christmas time can therefore affect your attitude and outlook
on life.

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Musical entertainment at Christmas can come from pausing during shopping to
listen to a choral group at the mall or downtown. It can also be entertaining to
simply hum along to a Christmas carol or song being played on the radio. Carols
as a tradition at Christmas is said to originate in England and France in the
Middle Ages. At the time, carols were dances accompanied by singing. The
tradition that Anglo-Saxons preferred was to have small choirs gather on the
village green and sing carols and Christmas songs to passersby. Over time, the
meaning of the word changed to refer to only certain types of songs.
The tradition of carols is also believed to evolve from the angels, shepherds
and Wise Men who bowed down to sing praises and to worship Baby Jesus.
For those who are really lovers of the arts, professional groups like
Orchestras, Symphonies, Conservatories and Choirs also offer splendid concerts
during Christmas. They will also sing Christmas carols and songs. But the
harmony of their voices accompanied by a full compliment of instruments provides
a richer and more melodious rendition of the carols that is unlikely to be heard
anywhere else.
Probably the most popular festivities at Christmas are parties, which seem to
happen everywhere all the time at Christmas. There are parties at work, home,
with friends and class parties at school. Even social hubs such as bars may have
special nights with different food and lower-priced drinks during Christmas.
It seems there is no end to the festivities during Christmas. It's always
important however to have a good time, to remember the unfortunate and to reach
out to them and to have fun but in a responsible manner.

Christmas: The Season Of Compassion And Giving – Another Perspective

As the weather turns cold and daylight becomes shorter our feelings of compassion for our fellow man begins to glow as the Christmas season approaches. Many of us donate toys and money to organizations that provide gifts and holiday meals to the sick, poor and elderly and some of us volunteer precious time to these charitable institutions.

Our expression of compassion and giving during the holiday season can also be shown in other ways. Rather than purchasing mass produced decorations and gifts why not patronize a local artist or crafter or searching online for handcrafted items? While large companies generally turn a comfortable profit, many hard working moms and dads struggle to make a decent living as crafters and artists. Do a search on line for handmade tree ornaments, gifts or décor or go to a local craft fair, gallery or craft shop where you will find many beautiful and unique pieces of art and functional crafts.

Additionally, express your compassion for the environment by making or purchasing recycled and/or eco friendly Christmas tree ornaments. Eco-friendly hand carved tagua nut tree ornaments are a perfect example! These nuts are also known as vegetable ivory and are collected from the floor of the rainforest in South America. You can also create your own recycled ornaments! Here are a few ideas:

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• Take a large sheet of clean, previously used aluminum foil and color it with permanent markers in various colors. You can now crush the foil into bright colorful balls or roll them into spirals, stars or other shapes!

• Using metal or plastic jar lids as a base, cut out pictures from old Christmas cards or magazines and glue them onto the top of the lid. Decorate the edges around the lid with leftover thick yarn, fabric or lace.

• Glue gemstones and/or glitter onto used CDs. Tape or glue a ribbon or string hook on the back.

This Christmas experience the true warmth of the holiday spirit in the knowledge that you brought joy to your fellow man and harmony to the environment.

Christmas Plays/Performances

It's always a good thing when families can enjoy outings together.
Attending Christmas plays, performances and concerts offer wonderful holiday
entertainment for all members of the family. Attending Christmas performances
and concerts offers wonderful entertainment for the entire family and provides
another way to enjoy the festivities of the Christmas season.

     Families usually don't have to venture too far from their home to enjoy a
Christmas play or concert. That's because amateur actors, singers and budding
musicians in their neighborhood will usually take part in several Christmas
performances for local residents. These amateur but entertaining events can be
found at local schools, churches or at a community theater or performance
center.

    It's very popular for those groups to stage performances of the Nativity
story, or other Christmas related works such as 'A Christmas Carol.' churches
and school groups may even have a complete concert series that includes a full-
length production of a play along with choirs, soloists and the band singing
Christmas carols and other Christmas songs.
    What makes local Christmas performances special is that members of the
community and maybe even of your own household    can be among the entertainers.
It is therefore special to see familiar faces doing something interesting and
different. For those who are budget-conscious, the performances are usually
priced to be very affordable, therefore offering an economic incentive to go out
and have an enjoyable afternoon or evening.

    Those people who are lovers of the arts and who are more interested in
seeing a professional performance will likely also have a professional
theatrical company within reasonable proximity of their residence. Professional
groups may also perform Christmas classics such as 'A Christmas Carol' or they
may do another dramatic production from the works of other playwrights.

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    Music lovers also have a variety of performances to enjoy at Christmas
time. While one can always catch various groups singing carols in downtown areas
or at malls, there are other places to hear rich, melodious performances of
Christmas music. These include concerts by acclaimed or recognized
conservatories, orchestras, symphonies and renowned choir groups.
The beauty of hearing Christmas music by these groups is in the accompaniment of
instruments and the harmonious blending of voices, which all happens in a venue
that has acoustic features to optimize the auditory pleasure of the
performances. The different components that together make the whole performance
offers a richer quality to Christmas songs and carols that may be described as
'sounding heavenly.'

     Another popular artistic performance that is popular during the Christmas season
is classical dance in the form of ballet, and particularly the performance of
the 'Nutcracker' ballet. With music written by Tchaikovsky,  the story is about
a young girl who has a dream on Christmas Eve of a Nutcracker Prince and a
fierce battle with a Mouse King that has seven heads. After a fierce battle
between the Nutcracker, who leads an army of toy soldiers, and the Mouse King
who leads an army of mice, the Nutcracker is captured. But the little girl
throws her slipper at the Mouse King, hits him in the head and kills him. In the
end, the Nutcracker turns into a Prince and takes the little girl to the magical
and enchanting Land of Snow with dancing snowflakes and the Land of Sweets with
the Sugar Plum Fairy.

     Attending Christmas plays, concerts or musical performances serves the basic
purpose of providing enjoyment, but it can also help young people, and even
adults, to develop an appreciation for the arts. Seeing different variations and
the creativity in performances of Christmas plays, as well as hearing different
renditions of Christmas songs, can be the first exposure that leads to a
lifelong love of the arts and maybe a dream to pursue a career in the arts.

Christmas Music

    Christmas music in the form of carols, songs stringed or instrumental
renditions, is constantly heard during the Christmas season. Music forms the
background against which everything else takes place to make the Christmas
season different from all others. Christmas music plays such a significant role
that during the entire season, other popular music temporarily disappears from
radio. That may be the reason for all the different types of Christmas music -
sacred, secular, popular and traditional - that have emerged throughout the
years.

     Popular and secular renditions of Christmas music has been developed by
musical artists and performers who 'make over' classic styles of Christmas music
with their own personal touch. One reason for popular make overs of Christmas
music may be because regular popular music is not heard during the holiday
season so pop musicians and artists do Christmas music to keep their voices
always in earshot of their fans and the general audience. It could also be that
they want to capitalize on the popularity of Christmas music.

    Whatever the reason, it has become a trend for popular musical artists to
release new Christmas or holiday music albums during the season. Since variety
is the spice of life, it means there are more variations of secular, sacred,
classical or traditional and popular renditions of Christmas music that can be
heard.

    Music at Christmas time is important to create the right mood. The
prevalence of Christmas music is what helps to create the special holiday type
of feeling or spirit that is present everywhere and among everyone. Everyone has
particular Christmas songs and carols that are favorites, maybe for the melody,
the lyrics or because they are reminders of special memories.

    The most popular Christmas song is said to be 'White Christmas,' which is
popular even in warm and tropical climates where people sing of 'dreaming of a
White Christmas,' which in reality they would not want. Other popular Christmas
songs and carols are: Away in a Manger, which tells the Nativity story in song;
O Holy Night, Silent Night, Joy to the World, Hark the Herald Angels and Angels
we have Heard on High.

     All of those songs are sacred and are all about the story of Jesus' birth. Of
note also is Handel's  majestic 'Hallelujah Chorus,'  which is a favorite that
choirs like to sing because of the splendor embodied in the music.
Nat King Cole's 'Chestnut Roasting On an Open Fire' is a classical favorite. It
defies categorization as it isn't sacred but is also not considered secular like
a song such as 'Sleigh Ride.' Among secular Christmas songs, there are also
funny ones such as 'I Saw Mummy Kissing Santa Claus Underneath the Mistletoe
Last Night' and Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. The availability of a wide
Christmas music selection makes it possible to choose ones for different
occasions, such as for general use at home, for a fun or informal party or for a
formal dinner. As an example, selections can be made to create the right mood at
the start of a party, followed by more lively music when the party is in full
swing, and then selections to slow down the pace when the party is nearing its
end.

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     It's also important to note that professional groups such as choirs, symphonies
and orchestras will also record performances of Christmas music on albums. For
the very serious and critical music aficionados, these albums will provide
wonderful listening pleasure and also make good Christmas presents. Listening to
music from those groups is also a way of enjoying their performances if doesn't
get the opportunity to attend a live concert by the professional group.
Whatever selections of Christmas music are made however, it's likely that it
will create a festive mood and spirit among all who hear or are listening to the
music.   

Christmas Movies

Movies related to Christmas help to create a fun atmosphere and can also
teach moral lessons related to Christmas. While everyone will have different
Christmas movies that are most enjoyable, there are some that remain favorites.

    'A Christmas Story' is told from the point of view of a little boy in the
days before Christmas and on Christmas Day. It shows him doing routine things
each day but against the backdrop of the Christmas season with the decorated
store windows, Santa Claus, the snow and frostiness, and of course his wish for
a Christmas toy. But his parents disapprove of the toy that he desired. The
movie is good in showing the innocence of the Christmas season.

    'A Christmas Carol,' written by noted author Charles Dickens, tells the
story of old Scrooge whose only purpose in life is to make money. Scrooge puts
making money above his family, friends and everyone who cares about him. His
response to Christmas is a grumpy, 'Bah Humbug.' He gets a different experience
however, when ghosts appear to him and try to point out the error of his ways.
The movie's lesson is about the importance of appreciating people in your life.

    'It's A Wonderful Life' is a story about hope and the worthiness of
everyone. It tells the story of a man experiencing despair and self-destruction
because he thinks he is of no worth to those around him, and they would be
better off if he didn't exist. An angel grants him his desire and he gets to see
what he contributes and what life would be like without him.
    Every Christmas, 'A Miracle on 34th Street' can be seen on television. It
asks and answers the question 'Is there really a Santa Claus?' The movie is
about a man who claims to be Kris Kringle, or Santa Claus, but is not believed
and so he has to prove his identity claim.

    'National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation' is about the Griswold family with
Mr. Griswold, played by Chevy Chase, who gets into silly accidents that provide
a lot of humor. The movie shows the lives of the family as they celebrate
Christmas and the difficulties that arise when their entire family comes to
visit for Christmas.

    'Home Alone' is about a large and chaotic family with lots of kids who are
going on Christmas vacation. Amid the chaos of leaving on the morning of the
trip, one child is left behind and must stay and fend for himself in a very
large house during the Christmas season. At first he was happy to be alone but
then two thieves break in and he has to fight them off. The movie shows the
importance of family and loved ones. A sequel, 'Home Alone 2: Lost in New York'
tells of the boy who was left alone going to an aunt and uncle's home and again
encountering the two thieves who are seeking revenge.

    'How The Grinch Stole Christmas' was first made as an animation for
television but other versions have since been done as motion pictures. The
Grinch is a grouchy, green man who lives in the mountains above the small town
of Whoville where residents, called The Whos, celebrate Christmas
enthusiastically every year. The Grinch who doesn't like Christmas wants to
spoil it for Whoville and so he tries to steal all the toys, food and gifts that
The Whos have accumulated for Christmas. The movie provides a lesson on the true
meaning of Christmas.

    'A Charlie Brown Christmas is an animated television movie about the
popular Peanuts comic strip. The movie is about the comic strip's main
character, Charlie Brown, and tells of the experience with his friends for
Christmas. It also has Biblical references that relates to the true meaning of
Christmas.

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    'Frosty The Snowman' is an animated story about a snowman, named Frosty,
that comes to life and who must avoid a greedy musician who is trying to get the
magic that brought Frosty to life. The movie is very funny and has lots of
wonderful songs.

    'Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer' is also an animation about the reindeer
with a shiny nose that kisses a pretty girl and also helps out his friends.

Christmas in Central and South American Nations

      In Central and South American nations, which have a fairly large Christian
population, the Nativity or Manger Scene is the main decoration in homes at
Christmas time. In Mexico, a Christmas tree may also be set up in some homes
along with the  Nativity scene or Nacimiento. The Christmas tree is usually a
small artificial tree, called arbolito. It can also be as simple as a branch cut
from a special type of tree or a type of shrub that is then minimally decorated.
The primary Christmas celebration in Mexico is called La Posada. It is a
religious procession that dramatizes how Joseph and Mary tried to find a place
where Jesus could be born. During the procession, the participants carry images
of Mary and Joseph and go from house to house seeking a place to stay. During
Midnight Mass, which is called la misa del gallo or 'rooster's mass,' those in
attendance sing lullabies to Jesus. On Christmas Day children receive gifts as
well as candies that are stuffed into a piñata. This may be one or more
sculptures made of papier mache that are hung from the ceiling. Children are
blindfolded and take turns hitting the piñata until it breaks and scatters the
candies on the floor. All the children then scamper around as they try to get as
much candy as they can. Children also receive a gift on Jan. 6 from the Three
Wise Men, if they were good.

     People in Venezuela usually put out pesebres, which show the Nativity
scene, on Dec. 16. Early morning church services, called Misa de Aguinaldo, are
also common from Dec. 16 to Christmas Eve. After Mass on Christmas Eve, a grand
dinner is traditionally enjoyed.

      In Argentina, red and white garlands are used to decorate houses. After
attending Midnight Mass, Argentinians have a meal, toast each other, dance and
go out to see fireworks. The meal may be roasted pork or turkey, stuffed
tomatoes, mince pies, Christmas bread and puddings. Drinks such as cider and
juice made from different fruits are used for the toast. Christmas gifts are
opened on Christmas Eve just before the family retires to bed.

    In Chile, Santa Claus is Father Christmas and is known as 'Viejito
Pascuero.' He arrives in a similar but slightly different manner than Santa
Claus because his reindeer is pulled by a taxicab. Chileans use small figures
made from clay to place near the Christmas tree in a display called pesebre to
show the Nativity story. The traditional Christmas dinner includes chicken soup
with stuffed potatoes, onions and corn on the cob. Another favorite item is a
Christmas bread that is called pan de pasqua and which is made with candies and
fruits.

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       Christmas customs in Brazil originate from the many different ethnic groups who
make up the country. The Nativity scene is called the Presepio and can commonly
be found displayed in homes, churches and stores. Papai Noel, or Father Noel,
resides in Greenland and brings gifts at Christmas. He is said to wear silk
clothing because Christmas occurs during summer when it is very hot in Brazil.
Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve is called Missa do Gallo, because the coming day
is announced by the rooster and the Mass finishes at 1 am on the following day.
A traditional Christmas dinner, called Ceia de Natal, includes ham, turkey,
colored rice, a variety of vegetables and fruit dishes. Christmas Day Mass at
Catholic churches are mainly held in the late afternoon because people enjoy
sleeping late or going to the beach after having Christmas dinner. Christmas
festivities, which include folk dancing and singing, continue until January 6th,
which is called Three Kings Day.

Christmas Around the World

Christmas in the Birthplaces of Traditions -- Bethlehem, Germany and England

        Christmas as celebrated today is a culmination of centuries of  traditions that are religious and secular and which came from different  countries around the world. It is interesting therefore to look at some of the  general ways in which Christmas is celebrated in these countries. The traditions
examined for each country will be examples of some of the things that are unique  to that country and which are done today, or which were once done by people in  those countries.

       To begin, it is symbolic to look at the town of Bethlehem, which is  believed to be the birthplace of Jesus. The Church of the Nativity is located in  Bethlehem and at Christmas it is decorated with a lot of flags and other  Christmas decorations. A very large crowd usually gathers at The Church of the
Nativity on Christmas Eve to see a dramatic parade procession of horsemen, led  by police who are mounted on Arabian horses. Following the police in the  procession is a lone horseman who carries a cross, followed by churchmen and  government officials. Members of the procession solemnly enter the doors of The  Church of the Nativity and place an ancient effigy of Jesus in the church. A  silver star located deep in an underground cave-like section of the church marks  the site where Jesus was born. A star is also set atop a pole in the town's  square. In Bethlehem, homes of Christians usually have a cross over the door and  a manger scene is usually set up inside the house.   

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        In Germany, home of the Christmas tree tradition, the Christmas tree  is not seen until Christmas Eve. The tree is usually kept in a special room, or  elsewhere, and decorated in secret with lights, ornaments, tinsels, angels,  candies, nuts and cookies. It is then lighted, the presents placed underneath  and then shown to the delight of Children on Christmas Eve. In Germany, Dec. 6
is known as St. Nicholas Day when Santa visits the homes of boys and girls. On  the day before, Dec. 5, children leave a shoe or boot outside or by the  fireplace for Santa Claus. If they were good, he places gifts and candies inside  the shoe. But if they were naughty, children will find twigs or a rod in their  shoe. Dinner on Christmas Day includes roast goose, long loaves of bread filled  with raisins, nuts and dried fruits. Other sweet delicacies are also enjoyed. Many traditions in England are similar to those in the United States because  such traditions originated in England and were brought to the United States by  immigrants. The tradition of sending Christmas greeting cards started in England
and is still popular at Christmas, as well as the tradition of neighborhood  caroling on Christmas Eve. Children also hang stockings on Christmas Eve in  anticipation of Santa Claus filling them with Christmas gifts or treats. The  holly, ivy and mistletoe are also used a lot in Christmas decorations. In
England, the traditional Christmas Dinner is roast turkey, goose or chicken with  stuffing, vegetables and roast potatoes. Dessert consists of the British or  Christmas pudding with brandy sauce. A rich, fruit-filled Christmas cake may  also be enjoyed later in the day.  A tradition of pulling Christmas crackers  also goes with the serving of food on Christmas Day. A cracker is a paper tube  that contains a party hat, riddle, toy or trinket, and is brightly colored and  twisted at both ends. It gives out a crack as the contents pop out when it is  pulled at each end. Also on Christmas afternoon, the Queen broadcasts a  Christmas message to the nation, which is heard on radio and television. The day
after Christmas is also a holiday that is known as Boxing Day.

Best Christmas Songs Ever

From late Maria Augusta von Trappe's traditional Christmas songs to the contemporary peppy and chirpy Christmas songs, all have one goal, that is to invoke the celebratory spirit in every heart. Imagine your preparations without Christmas songs being played from the background. There are chances your Christmas cookies loose their heavenly flavor, the Christmas tree wouldn't have that extra charm and above all your Christmas holidays would certainly seem to be dull. Would you prefer to spend Christmas season this way? We are sure not. So, here we are with the best Christmas songs ever released in the music world. They would entertain you thereby letting you inculcate the spirit of goodness and happiness in yourself.

We Wish You A Merry Christmas By Al Martino- This all time favorite Christmas song is sung with great enthusiasm. As the initial words suggest, the entire song has congratulatory lyrics. Wish a special person Merry Christmas by presenting him or her with a CD or cassette of this song.
White Christmas By Dean Martin- This soft song will make you loose your mind and soul in the wintry beauty of Christmas. A song you can play while you enjoy some quite moments along with your family members.
Silent Night- The beautiful hymn describes the nativity scene in a musical way. Usually the song is a must to be included in their list by the chorus at Churches during Christmas season.
Walking In The Air By Aled Jones- A highly romantic song that expresses just what you are feeling. The song portrays the unlimited happiness we experience during Christmas.
 The Christmas Tree By Eve Bosewell- A song entirely dedicated to the Christmas tree, an integral part of Christmas celebrations. Best time to play it on records is when you are beautifying your Christmas tree.

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Include these Christmas songs into your celebrations and add a new charm to it. For more genres of best Christmas songs ever see christmasmusichub.com

Bass Fishing Christmas Cards: Tis The Season

For the majority people, Christmas time means shopping for gifts, cards and presents for their friends, family, co-workers and many others. Unfortunately, shopping for Christmas often times creates a lot of stress and burden for people due to the fact that they have to go out, fight the crowds and pay retail prices for the Christmas gifts they buy.

Now, you can get all of your Christmas gifts and supplies including ornaments, trees, cards, crafts and cookies at discount prices online and at the same time, same lots of time! Like the bass fishing Christmas card, they are also available online.

We all know that almost everybody in Florida is fascinated with bass fishing. They even consider bass fishing as their number one freshwater sport.

Most of these anglers have built bass fishing services because of them; bass fishing is already a hard habit to break.

Not only that, some of them would even make Christmas cards inspired from bass fishing. They do this as an effective business product especially on the holiday seasons or any other special occasions.

For children, Christmas cards are colorful and are usually printed with jokes, stickers, or games. There are also special Christmas cards that hold money or gift cards. For adults, Christmas cards are often either traditional or humorous. And most of the adults get their Christmas cards on the Internet.

Like Bass Fishing Christmas Cards which can be redeemed for online purchases, catalog orders, and purchases.

Most Bass Fishing Gift Cards are mailed separately to the shipping address of your choice. Such as:

• Bass Fishing Christmas Cards delivered in 3-6 business days.

• Catalog(s) or the gift cards are shipped separately.

• Free standard shipping to US zip codes

• Gift Card amounts are in US funds

Not only that, here’s your second choice...

Most Bass Fishing Greeting Cards businesses provide a great way to send a gift almost instantly to your favorite outdoor enthusiast. Simply provide them with the dollar amount and they will email a Gift Card that can be used immediately.

These are important reminders on how you can get the card that you order:

• Most Bass Fishing Christmas Gift Cards are delivered within four hours if ordered during normal business hours. Otherwise they may take 4 to 24 hours to be delivered.

• These gift cards are usually delivered without any problems. However, a full inbox, invalid email address, or a spam filter can prevent the greeting card from reaching the recipient's inbox. In order to be certain that a Gift Card has been received, please check with the recipient.

• Gift Cards are available for U.S. orders only and are in US funds.

• Catalogs will not be mailed, but current catalogs can be viewed online.

And here is your third choice, if you want your bass fishing Christmas card to be more memorable do it yourself. It’s the thought that counts, not the amount anyway!

An ordinary hand-made Christmas card is very special, how much more if it was motivated by bass fishing? Very peculiar is it not? And yet too easy!

Here’s what you will need:

a piece of card 17cm x 25cm

a piece of crepe paper or tissue paper slightly smaller than the card

several pieces of colored paper, recycled or interesting texture

metallic braid or cord, or colored ribbon inspire

ruler

glue

scissors

pinking shears

and of course do not forget your pictures with the bass fishes (have it scanned please)

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And here’s the easy way to do it:

1. Carefully fold the piece of card in half.

2. Use a very small amount of glue to fix the tissue paper inside the card as a lining.

3. Trim a piece of colored paper with pinking shears, so that it measures 13cm x 8cm. Glue it to the front of the card, leaving an equal margin on each side.

4. Cut a simple shape - a Christmas tree, a star, bells etc. - from an interesting paper of a toning or contrasting color. Glue the shape to the front of the card.

5. When you are done with that, edit the picture that you have just scanned. You can use Paint Shop Pro for it.

There you have it, just use your creativity and you’ll have a Bass fishing Christmas card to give to a bass fishing enthusiast.

Balance Your Holidays & Business

When you've been working long and hard at your home business for a while, you might feel like you've earned yourself a little break. There are home business owners out there who haven't taken a real holiday since they started their business -- including some who started their business as long as five years ago!

After all, how can you ever just desert your business and your customers and go bronze yourself on the beach? How can you avoid being on call 24/7 throughout your holiday? Well, everyone deserves some time to themselves at least once a year, if they want to keep being productive and avoid stress. Here's what to do.

Tell People When You're Going Away.

You can't just disappear when you're running a home business -- you need to let people know long in advance that you're not going to be available, and make sure that they have everything they need to manage without you while you're away. It's best to schedule your holiday not to interfere too much with the business.

However much you might want to have your holiday in the summer, it's important to remember that every business has its quiet months, and you should schedule your holiday in the period where they seem to be.

Change Your Answerphone Message.

A quick and simple way to let people know that you've gone away is to change your answerphone message. This allows you to still hear what people have to say when you get back, and stops them from wondering why you never seem to answer your phone.

A good format for the message is as follows: 'Hi, this is [your name] at [company name]. I'm sorry I'm not in the office right now, but I will be back on [give a date]. If you leave a message, I will be sure to get back to you'.

Set Up an Email Autoresponder.

Similar to an answerphone message, but less commonly used, is the email autoresponder. Again, you don't want people to wonder why their emails are going unanswered, so your best bet is to set up your email program to automatically reply to any email you get with a message saying that you've gone away.

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Example: 'Hello, and thank you for your email. This is an autoresponder, as I'm away on holiday until [date]. I have received your email, however, and will respond to it upon my return. I apologise for any inconvenience to you, and I am willing to make an offer of 10% off your next order to make it up to you.' The special offer for people who get the autoresponder is a nice touch -- it makes them feel lucky that they emailed you while you were away, instead of frustrated.

Don't Stay Away Too Long.

Of course, when you go on holiday, you're relying on people being willing to wait for you. That means you can't really take the kids to Disneyworld for two weeks, or spend a month staying with a friend abroad -- it's just too long to be away from your business for.

You should regard a weekend away as ideal (it avoids the whole problem for the most part), and a week as the maximum you can allow yourself. Don't let people make you feel bad about only taking one-week holidays: after all, you could always have more than one each year.

Alternatively: Get Someone to Look After the Business.

If you really want to get away for longer, or it's essential that your customers don't have any break in service, then you could consider getting someone to look after your business. This could be an existing member of staff that you make your 'deputy', to be in charge while you're away, or it could be someone who's related to you and has some experience running a business. You could even hand the business over to a competitor that you're friendly with and share the profits with them, if you think they're trustworthy and they could handle it.

Enjoy your holiday!

Asides - Interesting Facts/ Notes About Christmas

It is an accepted fact that the Christmas tree tradition is one that was  brought to the shores of America by German immigrants who continued a practice  that was popular in their former homeland. Today, a Christmas tree, even a  miniature one, is present in just about every home at Christmas. It is therefore  interesting to note some little-know facts about the Christmas Tree and other  traditions related to Christmas.

 The first interesting fact is the source of real Christmas Trees for some  Americans. These can be bought at a Christmas Tree Farm or at many local stores  and other places of business in just about every town and city across the  country around Christmas time. But according to the National Christmas Tree  Association, Americans buy about 330,000 Christmas trees that are real through
e-commerce or from a catalogue and have them shipped by mail-order.  The scent of real Christmas trees is the reason they are so popular. But as they  stand silently in their decorative wonder, they also are providing another  benefit. The Christmas Tree Association says the amount of oxygen produced on a  daily basis by one acre of Christmas tree is enough to provide enough oxygen for  18 people. And during the first week, a Christmas Tree at home will use up to  one quart of water each day to help retain its longevity for the many days of  Christmas.

      Since Christmas celebrations gained popularity in America, the Christmas Tree  has always been a big tradition. During the 1950s however, artificial Christmas  trees were not always green. It was very popular during those times to have  artificial trees with other colors such as silver, pink and aqua. The appeal in  having these colored Christmas trees may have been due to the fact that they
looked shiny and bright and appeared like tinsel instead of green foliage. An important ceremony related to the Christmas tree that gains national  attention during the Christmas season is the lighting of the National Christmas  Tree at the White House. This tradition can be credited to President Calvin
Coolidge who lit the first decorated Christmas tree outside at the White House  in 1923.
    
     The lighting of the National Christmas Tree has also been used to convey some  symbolic meaning not related to Christmas. It was not lighted until Dec. 22 in  1963 because of a national mourning period of 30 days for the assassination of  President Kennedy. And while Teddy Roosevelt was President he gave an order that  banned the Christmas tree from the White House, not for the assassination of  President McKinley in 1901, which caused him to become president, but for
reasons related to the environment.   Also of note is that when the National Christmas Tree was lighted on Dec. 13 in  1984, temperatures were in the 70s during an unusually warm December.
Christmas has been celebrated in the United States since the 1600s although it  wasn't always very popular. It took more than two centuries into the mid-late  1860s for Christmas to become a popular holiday season all across America. So  maybe the rest of the country owes the holiday of Christmas Day to the state of  Alabama, which in 1836 became the first state to declare Dec. 25 a legal
holiday.

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     It is interesting to note that on Christmas Day of 1789 Congress was in session.  And to show how far ahead of the game Alabama was, it wasn't until June 26, 1870  that the federal government declared Christmas as a federal holiday.  Although Christmas is based on the Christian religion, not all Christian groups  celebrate the season. Among the Christian groups who do not celebrate Christmas  and related traditions such as sending greeting cards are Jehovah Witnesses.  Jehovah Witnesses and other non-participating Christian groups say Christmas  isn't specifically mentioned in the Bible as a time or reason to celebrate and  since they strictly adhere to the word of the Bible, they refuse to celebrate  Christmas.

Ancient Celebrations Of The Christmas Holiday

Christmas may very well be the oldest holiday that is shared across the many cultures of the world; it is traditionally celebrated during the winter season (or even the warm summer season if you count Australia, where Christmas is celebrated as an official holiday).

Before Christmas was celebrated, people were finding time to celebrate in Europe during the winter holiday before the birth of Jesus Christ ever even occurred!


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The Winter Solstice has always been a time to celebrate and rejoice; it is celebrated on December 21 in the northern hemisphere and it was after the Winter Solstice that the worst part of the year was behind them. It was at that point during the year that the days began to get longer, giving the people more time to spend outside on their crops and tending to their animals.

In Scandinavia during the Winter Solstice, men and their sons used to go in to the woods to cut a tree down. After the tree had been felled, a nicely sized log was cut out of it, and the men would carry the log back to the home. This log was dubbed a Yule Log, and the Yule log was burned in the fireplace. The entire time the Yule log burned, the family would feast. Often times the Yule log might burn for a whole twelve days! Of course, as the Yule log burned it sent sparks out of the hearth and as the sparks flew out of the fire place, the family would count the sparks and each spark stood for a farm animal (a cow, a goat, a pig, etc) that would be born on their property that year. It is important to note that farm animals were signs of wealth back then.

Saturnalia is a celebration of the Winter Solstice that occurred in ancient pagan Rome. Saturnalia was celebrated in honor of the god of agriculture, who was named Saturn. During the time of Saturnalia, the entire Roman empire is in a state of social disarray. Servants and peasants spend time with and celebrate the holiday with people of higher classes, which was a rarity back then.

The Saturnalia festival in itself can last as long as an entire week in Rome. During that time, people rejoiced all over the country of Rome. The phrase ‘eat, drink, and be merry’ was played out to its fullest. Shops and businesses are closed during the Festival of Saturnalia. Following the first week of Saturnalia, the festival itself usually ends, but the Saturnalia period itself does not end.

In addition to Saturn, the Roman god of agriculture, the Romans also worshipped an infant type god named Methra, who was carved out of a rock. On Mithra’s birthday, people also rejoiced, just as they did during Saturnalia. The day of this rock god’s birthday was one of the most sacred days of the year for the Roman people. It was a time for celebration and togetherness, and for family.

Alone for the Holidays?

Being alone is a challenge for many people. This challenge may loom especially large during the holidays if you are single or newly divorced and without family around you. Holidays are a time to share love, and many people end up feeling depressed when they do not have people around with whom to share love. If you are in this situation, what can you do to make the holidays joyous rather than depressing?

The key phrase here is SHARE LOVE. Too often people think in terms of getting love rather than giving and sharing their love. They don’t realize that it is the act of giving their love that is so very fulfilling.

Gail had grown up very lonely in an emotionally distant family, with parents who did not freely give their love and relatives who were also cold and distant. She had married an emotionally distant man, and after 7 years of more loneliness, had decided to leave him. This was her first holiday season alone.

Gail decided that she was not going to be alone and lonely again this holiday season. She did some research on service agencies that needed volunteers and discovered a women’s shelter in her area for women and their children who were hiding from physically abusive husbands. The shelter was badly in need of funds for food, which Gail didn’t have. What she did have was the time to help gather food. Each day, after her job as a secretary, Gail went around to the markets in her area until she found some willing to donate Thanksgiving dinners for the mothers and their children. Then, on Thanksgiving Day, she spent her time at the shelter cooking, decorating, serving, and having Thanksgiving dinner with these brave women who had left their abusive husbands to save themselves and their children. It was the best Thanksgiving she ever had! By choosing to share her love with people who needed her, she felt filled with love.

Gail had such a fulfilling experience that she found a small part-time job in addition to her regular job so that she could afford to buy presents for the children at the shelter for Christmas. She had such fun buying presents for the children and watching their joyous little faces as they opened them on Christmas day! Gail felt anything but alone and lonely.

Gary was in a similar situation to Gail. He was single, had been an only child to parents who were no longer alive, and had no close relatives. His janitorial business did not give him much opportunity to make friends. Gary had spent many lonely holidays feeling isolated and depressed, and decided a few years ago to do something about it.

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Gary loved animals. As a child, his dog had been his main connection with love. After some research, Gary discovered that there was a wonderful animal shelter within a half-hour of his home – a shelter that loved and cared for animals and didn’t euthanize them. Gary started to volunteer one day a week on the weekends – cleaning, feeding, playing with puppies and kittens, helping to interview people who wanted to adopt a pet, and getting to know the other volunteers. He found that he really connected with the people who volunteered there. Many of them were loving people who were deeply devoted to caring for animals. As his friendships developed, he found he had a new sense of family centered around the shelter. Thanksgiving and Christmas were now sometimes spent with the other volunteers who did not have families, and sometimes with the families of some of the volunteers. Gary’s life had become full and fulfilling. The last I heard, he was dating a woman who also volunteered at the animal shelter.

No matter what your life situation is, you can always share your love with others. Instead of feeling alone and lonely this holiday season, open your heart to giving. There are many people and animals out there who would welcome your love.

Ancient Celebrations Of The Christmas Holiday

Christmas may very well be the oldest holiday that is shared across the many cultures of the world; it is traditionally celebrated during the winter season (or even the warm summer season if you count Australia, where Christmas is celebrated as an official holiday).

Before Christmas was celebrated, people were finding time to celebrate in Europe during the winter holiday before the birth of Jesus Christ ever even occurred!

The Winter Solstice has always been a time to celebrate and rejoice; it is celebrated on December 21 in the northern hemisphere and it was after the Winter Solstice that the worst part of the year was behind them. It was at that point during the year that the days began to get longer, giving the people more time to spend outside on their crops and tending to their animals.

In Scandinavia during the Winter Solstice, men and their sons used to go in to the woods to cut a tree down. After the tree had been felled, a nicely sized log was cut out of it, and the men would carry the log back to the home. This log was dubbed a Yule Log, and the Yule log was burned in the fireplace. The entire time the Yule log burned, the family would feast. Often times the Yule log might burn for a whole twelve days! Of course, as the Yule log burned it sent sparks out of the hearth and as the sparks flew out of the fire place, the family would count the sparks and each spark stood for a farm animal (a cow, a goat, a pig, etc) that would be born on their property that year. It is important to note that farm animals were signs of wealth back then.

Saturnalia is a celebration of the Winter Solstice that occurred in ancient pagan Rome. Saturnalia was celebrated in honor of the god of agriculture, who was named Saturn. During the time of Saturnalia, the entire Roman empire is in a state of social disarray. Servants and peasants spend time with and celebrate the holiday with people of higher classes, which was a rarity back then.

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The Saturnalia festival in itself can last as long as an entire week in Rome. During that time, people rejoiced all over the country of Rome. The phrase ‘eat, drink, and be merry’ was played out to its fullest. Shops and businesses are closed during the Festival of Saturnalia. Following the first week of Saturnalia, the festival itself usually ends, but the Saturnalia period itself does not end.

In addition to Saturn, the Roman god of agriculture, the Romans also worshipped an infant type god named Methra, who was carved out of a rock. On Mithra’s birthday, people also rejoiced, just as they did during Saturnalia. The day of this rock god’s birthday was one of the most sacred days of the year for the Roman people. It was a time for celebration and togetherness, and for family.

Alone for the Holidays?

Being alone is a challenge for many people. This challenge may loom especially large during the holidays if you are single or newly divorced and without family around you. Holidays are a time to share love, and many people end up feeling depressed when they do not have people around with whom to share love. If you are in this situation, what can you do to make the holidays joyous rather than depressing?

The key phrase here is SHARE LOVE. Too often people think in terms of getting love rather than giving and sharing their love. They don’t realize that it is the act of giving their love that is so very fulfilling.

Gail had grown up very lonely in an emotionally distant family, with parents who did not freely give their love and relatives who were also cold and distant. She had married an emotionally distant man, and after 7 years of more loneliness, had decided to leave him. This was her first holiday season alone.

Gail decided that she was not going to be alone and lonely again this holiday season. She did some research on service agencies that needed volunteers and discovered a women’s shelter in her area for women and their children who were hiding from physically abusive husbands. The shelter was badly in need of funds for food, which Gail didn’t have. What she did have was the time to help gather food. Each day, after her job as a secretary, Gail went around to the markets in her area until she found some willing to donate Thanksgiving dinners for the mothers and their children. Then, on Thanksgiving Day, she spent her time at the shelter cooking, decorating, serving, and having Thanksgiving dinner with these brave women who had left their abusive husbands to save themselves and their children. It was the best Thanksgiving she ever had! By choosing to share her love with people who needed her, she felt filled with love.

Gail had such a fulfilling experience that she found a small part-time job in addition to her regular job so that she could afford to buy presents for the children at the shelter for Christmas. She had such fun buying presents for the children and watching their joyous little faces as they opened them on Christmas day! Gail felt anything but alone and lonely.

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Gary was in a similar situation to Gail. He was single, had been an only child to parents who were no longer alive, and had no close relatives. His janitorial business did not give him much opportunity to make friends. Gary had spent many lonely holidays feeling isolated and depressed, and decided a few years ago to do something about it.

Gary loved animals. As a child, his dog had been his main connection with love. After some research, Gary discovered that there was a wonderful animal shelter within a half-hour of his home – a shelter that loved and cared for animals and didn’t euthanize them. Gary started to volunteer one day a week on the weekends – cleaning, feeding, playing with puppies and kittens, helping to interview people who wanted to adopt a pet, and getting to know the other volunteers. He found that he really connected with the people who volunteered there. Many of them were loving people who were deeply devoted to caring for animals. As his friendships developed, he found he had a new sense of family centered around the shelter. Thanksgiving and Christmas were now sometimes spent with the other volunteers who did not have families, and sometimes with the families of some of the volunteers. Gary’s life had become full and fulfilling. The last I heard, he was dating a woman who also volunteered at the animal shelter.

No matter what your life situation is, you can always share your love with others. Instead of feeling alone and lonely this holiday season, open your heart to giving. There are many people and animals out there who would welcome your love.

All I Want For Christmas ... Is Time To Myself

Get the turkey; check the Black Friday ads; make the Christmas card list; start shopping; put up the decorations; attend school concerts; make cookies; make fudge; make school party goody bags; get a gift to pass; send out the cards; pick out the tree; replace the bulbs; hang the outside lights; go to the office party; more shopping; assemble presents; wrap presents ….

Busy moms far and wide will tell you it's the same each year. Every year you decide that next year won't be as hectic – yet somehow it always is. This year vow to find some time for yourself during the busy and stressful holiday season.

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We've all heard it before: if you keep doing what you've been doing, you will keep getting what you have been getting. You can look to find that time all month long. However you will not find some time for yourself unless you make some time for yourself.

Make is an action verb meaning to cause to happen to or be experienced by someone. If you are just going about the necessities of the holiday season aimlessly hoping for a few spare moments of solitude, you will not find that time.

Right now, before the weeks close in on the blessed event, turn a new leaf. You have to consciously decide upon and then commit to following your action plan. Start with your calendar. If you're a mom, you have a calendar of some form. Decide now if you want 15 minutes daily of nothing or one whole afternoon weekly of nothing.


It's not a new idea to schedule some time to yourself. What may be new is that you are actually going to write – in pen – the word "Nothing" each week (or day) on your calendar. You must agree to treat that time as if it was an orthodontist appointment. You will not schedule anything else in that time frame.

Mom's taxi service generally puts on a few miles. Vow to turn off your cell phone while you are traveling in the car. If you don't feel comfortable doing that, in case the children need to reach you then vow not to answer it. And that means do not make phone calls either.

"But… but… I'm so busy. I have to make those calls!" Did you know that studies have been conducted by zoologists regarding animals and downtime? If the animals are left out in the public eye for more than six days they become agitated. Each week, zookeepers pull the animals inside for a day of rest and relaxation.

If the lions, tigers and bears need some downtime without stimulation, doesn't it stand to reason that Homo sapiens do too? Do you find yourself getting a little agitated if you are left out in the public eye too long to deal with all the demands placed on a busy mom?

Your body was created to need downtime. Still not convinced? Consider the workplace production studies. Some employees are pushing for four 10-hour days instead of five eight hour days. However the studies show that productivity declines significantly after eight hours of working. They may be present for ten hours but only fully productive for eight. All your madness isn't really giving you productivity.

Perhaps you're hoping for some magical tips on how to find more time for yourself. You want someone to tell you that if you follow steps 1, 2 and 3 this holiday season will be so much more relaxed than you were last year.

All you really need is step one – make a conscious effort that you will make time and that you will not allow outside influences to interfere with your very much needed time to yourself.

You are only as busy and harried as you allow yourself to be. It is within your span of control to enjoy the busy weeks of the holiday season.

Dr. Paul Pearsall said it best in his book, Toxic Success: How to Stop Striving and Start Thriving, "The work will wait while you watch the rainbow. The rainbow won't wait while you work.”

Advent Calendar Ideas

During the weeks leading up to Christmas many families celebrate the anticipation of the holiday with an Advent Calendar. There are many ways to make your own Advent Calendar and it is a fun family project designing and putting it together. Here are some simple calendar ideas to get your started.

The word advent means "arrival" and the calendar is a good way for families to count down the days until the big celebration day arrives. There are many ways to make an advent calendar each having its own special way of rewarding little ones for their patience.

There are many printable templates that you can find online to guide you in your calendar design. You can make an advent wreath made with handprints, or make an advent jar or tree.

Advent Wreath – Good Deed handprints

Supplies you will need:

Construction Paper
Glue
Markers, crayons or paint
Paper Plate

Pencil

What to do:

Step #1 - Make a wreath out of the paper plate by cutting out the center of the plate.

Step #2 - Have your child put a hand on a green piece of construction paper and trace his entire hand and fingers with a pencil.

Step #3 - Cut out the hand and then use it to trace 23 more on green construction paper so you have 24 hands alltogether.

Step #4 - Now with a dark colored marker write a good deed on each handprint. (if young children will be participating make sure the deeds are within their ability to complete).

Step #5 - Starting on December 1st., pick one cut-out hand for the entire family to do that day. Example: the good deed is to say something nice about someone else. Each family member needs to do this at least once that day.

At the end of the day a family member will glue the handprint onto the wreath

When all 24 handprints are on the wreath you will have something to be proud of and a beautiful decoration for your home.

Advent Jar - (Special Blessings)

Supplies you will need:

Large Jar (glass or plastic)

Christmas themed stickers or other decorations

Construction Paper

Markers or Crayons

Use 24 themed stickers or other holiday small decorations, or you can have your little ones make some of their own decorations. You can do a combination of these suggestions too. Just make sure that you end up with 24 all together.

What to do:

Step #1 - Take a black marker and write a one-word blessing on each decoration. You an go round-robin with family members (the ones old enough) for blessing suggestions. You can also add one person's name on each decoration.

Step #2 - Place all 24 decoration inside of the jar.

Step #3 - On December 1st a lucky family member gets to draw a decoration out of the jar and glue it to the outside of the jar. What ever one word blessing is written on the paper is what family members will be giving thanks for that day. If you chose to write a person's name on the decoration, than each family member should think good thoughts about that person all day.

Step #4 - On Christmas eve the jar will be empty but the outside will be decorated with blessings and family members will be rewarded for their good thoughts when someone fills the empty jar with yummy holiday treats.

Advent Christmas Tree

Supplies you will need:

Felt - green

Felt - Assortment of brightly colored

Tracing Paper

Self-adhesive Velcro Circles

What you need to do:

Step #1 - Draw a Christmas Tree on thin tracing paper or use a pattern from the internet or a book you might find on Christmas crafts.

Step #2 - Pin the tracing paper onto the felt (green), and cut out the shape of the tree.

Step #3 - Cut out ornament shapes out of the brightly colored felt (freehand or use a pattern from the internet or a Christmas craft book). You will need 24 ornaments.

Step #4 - Stick the prickly half of the Velcro circles all over the tree where you will be placing the ornaments.

Step #5 - Now, stick the other half of each Velcro circle on each of the ornaments.

Step #6 - Starting with December 1, you "hang" an ornament on your advent tree by sticking an ornament onto the tree where you placed the prickly parts of the Velcro circles. Hang one ornament each day. They will all be hung by Christmas Eve and you will have a beautifully decorated felt advent tree.

If you do not have the needed supplies you can use construction paper for the tree and ornaments and attach the ornaments to the tree with glue or tape.

5 Things To Protect Your Credit Score This Holiday Season

1. Avoid Department Store Offers for Instant Credit and Don't Open Up New Lines of Credit

"Would you like to save 10% today on your purchase today?". We have all been asked that question when paying for our purchases. Every store under the sun would like to offer you their own credit card. This is not good for your score. The damage to your score you'll incur by opening up a new line of credit is just not worth the few dollars you might save. Department score credit is poor quality credit and the credit scoring system frowns on it. Just don't apply for the card. You may want or need to apply for a new car loan, a new home loan, a re-finance a home loan. By applying for store credit to save a couple of dollars, you could be hurting your chance of getting an important loan at a good rate until the middle of next year.

2. Avoid Overspending

Spending affects credit. 30% of your credit score is made up of how you manage your debt, and when your credit card balances exceed 30% of their available limit, the credit scoring system red flags you and your score goes down instantly. The logic behind this is that if you suddenly max out your credit cards, it looks to the system as though you are in financial trouble. Only charge if you can pay the balance in full before the next statement date. Plus, overspending and overcharging will also cause you to carry larger balances longer. It is best to keep your balances low at all times.

3. Pay Your Bills On Time

Payment history is 35% of your credit score. One 30-day late can cost you 50 points or more. December is traditionally the busiest time of the year. Active calendars filled with work and social commitments for family and friends and the frenzy of the season can preoccupy you and cause you to be late in paying your bills. Make staying on top of your bills a priority. Put all of your bills in a file and make sure you pay them on time. In doing so, you will save points on your credit score and ridiculous late charges as much as $39 or more. Additionally, when you are late in paying your bills, you nullify any preferential finance rate and your account will default to a dramatically higher interest rate. A ding to your credit score, a high late fee, and a huge increase in interest rates are all big incentives to make sure you are on time with your bills. I recently got a call from a customer who had been late, but not 30 days late and the rate jumped on his card to over 30% annually!

4. Take the Time to Plan and Prepare Your Gift Giving

We all do it. We walk into a store ready to buy a specific item and end up getting lured into a spending vortex. Panic spending because the store does not have the item you went in to buy; deciding that if you buy this item for this person, then you have to buy this item for another person; succumbing to the temptation of the latest must-have gadget. You can prevent this well-woven retailer trap by doing your research online. By preparing before you even darken the automatic doorstep of the alluring retail establishment, you can determine where you can purchase specific items and for what price. In doing so, you can avoid the retail traps and retain control of your spending (and your sanity). Online shopping sites have grown tremendously in popularity. Traffic to those sites is up more than 30% from just last year. There is a wealth of information on the web. In fact, www.pricegrabber.com lists all of the hottest holiday items and tells you who sells them and for how much. Remember, if you pay your credit card bill prior to the statement date, it will help your scores. www.froogle.com is another great site to find the item for less.

5. Manage Your Credit Wisely

Keep track of your credit card balances and keep them as low as possible. Studies show that as consumers increase their credit card balances, they become increasingly apathetic about their balances and even about adding new debt. By tracking balances, you will maintain a sense of control over your credit score and your finances. Write out a chart of who you owe, how much you owe, and what the minimum payment is. It will help you to get a handle on your bills, and help start planning how to pay them off.