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A blog of all section with no images
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Top Ten Survival Tips for a Vegetarian Christmas |
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Don’t panic! A vegetarian Christmas needn’t
be a headache.Our top tips will help your Christmas go off with a bang!
1. Go nuts!
Christmas is a great time to get your nuts out. There are
loads of tasty recipes using wholesome nuts and of course the vegetarian
classic - the nut roast. Nuts are highly nutritious and can provide you
with calcium, zinc and essential fatty acids.
2. Play with your veggies!
Experiment with some seasonal winter veg.
Parsnip, turnip, swede, sprouts, leeks, cabbage - slice them, roast ‘em,
boil ‘em, fry ‘em, steam ‘em, bake ‘em. Show
them who is boss. (Check out our Xmas Saints’n’Sinners Recipes
for suggestions).
3. Plonk!
Christmas is the time to stock your cupboards full of the juices
of the vine. Whatever your poison - red, white, or a drop of bubbly -
the festive period is the perfect occasion to indulge. Vegetarian wine
is free from finings such as gelatine and isinglass (the swim bladder
of tropical fish), frequently used to clarify wine. Look out for the
Vegetarian Society’s ‘V’ symbol, guaranteeing a product
is 100% vegetarian or ask in your supermarket or off-licence if they
have a list of vegetarian wines.
4. The morning after
You don’t need a bacon butty to sort your
hangover out, the best veggie hangover cure is a banana milkshake, made
from soya or dairy milk, honey and ground almonds and of course bananas.
Throw it in and whisk away. Don’t forget, you CAN get veggie bacon
if you wish!
5. Lardy-dah…
You can still eat mince pies at Christmas, just make
sure you get the vegetable suet variety. Traditional suet uses animal
fat. Thankfully more and more companies are switching to veggie suet.
Check the labels before buying. It tastes just the same and is loads
better for you!
6. Looking for the perfect vegetarian Christmas present?
What about a
vegetarian haggis (MacSweens, Edinburgh) or for your dog some Wafcol
vegetarian dog food. Feeling porky? Try a porkless pie (health food stores),
a vegetarian hamper, or better still, membership to the Vegetarian Society.
7. Misunderstandings
It’s a sad fact that lots of people still
don’t understand that a vegetarian diet not only provides you
with all the essential nutrients you get from eating meat but is also
much
healthier. Suggest they get the lo-down on why being veggie is so great
by going to www.vegsoc.org.
8.
Clichés
Wherever you go there will always be some joker who
thinks veggies are sandal-wearing hippies who live on nut cutlets
and scraps of old cabbage. If one of these bizarre individuals corners
you
over the yule log and starts to make turkey noises or asks pointless
questions about whether carrots feel pain - just laugh at them, they
are a lost cause!
9. Don’t let
friends
or family roast your vegetables next to the Christmas bird. Cooking
vegetarian dishes separately from the meat is
essential. The same goes for vegetarian stuffing, cook separately
and don’t allow it to go anywhere near the anatomy of a turkey.
10. Don’t cry over spilt gravy
vegetarian
gravy is great. If you are living in a mixed meat and veggie household,
offer
to make up the
gravy they won’t be disappointed. Vegetarian gravy
granules are readily available or pick up a decent vegetarian
recipe
book.
For more tips and info on the joys of being a veggie at Christmas
and all year through, go to www.vegsoc.org
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The Best Christmas Movies of All Time |
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The Best Christmas Movies Of All Time
Nov 04 '05
The Bottom Line Christmas is a time of year
for some great movie-making, and this is a brief list of some of the
best Christmas Movies and Specials of all time!
Sometimes there are seasonal movies that you just have to see every
time that a particular time of year roles around. For Christmas, there
are a lot of movies that people want to see around that time of year,
and they aren't limited to classics, nor cartoons, but rather run the
gammit of nearly every genre that you can think of. There are a lot of
these films that you will watch over and over again, and it doesn't
matter if you have seen them 500 different times, when you sit down to
celebrate Christmas, you find yourself turning on the same movie each
year. It is much like a child who can watch the same tape over and over
again, we as movie fans also have the guilty pleasures that we don't
mind watching everytime that Christmas comes around. Each of us has our
own list of favorites, but here is the list that I have:
National Lampoons Christmas Vacation (1989)
Chevy Chase stars in this vehicle about the continuing lives of the
Griswold family as they celebrate a Christmas with all of their
relatives coming to visit. When I first saw this movie, I found it to
be one of the funniest movies I had ever seen, and even today, I will
find myself laughing out loud to many of the scenes no matter how many
times I have seen them before. Also starring Beverly D'Angelo, Juliette
Lewis, and Randy Quaid Christmas Vacation will always be what I believe
to be the funniest Christmas movie of all time. The Griswolds have been
through two other funny vacation movies with Chase, that include Family
Vacation (across the U.S.) and European Vacation. But, I find this one
to be the funniest of the bunch, and definitely one that I will be
watching for many more years. How The Grinch Stole Christmas (1966)
Now the story has been redone a couple of times, even including a major
motion picture starring Jim Carrey. Despite that, I find that the short
made for television version of the story was the best one to date.
Created in 1966, this was an animated feature based on the book by Dr.
Suess. It covered the exploits of "The Grinch", who had lost is spirit
for Christmas over the years. His only goal in life now, is to rid the
world of Christmas joy. In order to do this, he will attempt to remove
all of the gifts and spirit from the small town of Whoville. The story
is really well done, and appeals to a younger audience, but it is still
one that I will watch if I ever come across it during the season. The
animation was really pretty basic, but I still enjoy the story, and I
still enjoy thinking back to the first time I saw it. It clocks it at
only 26 minutes, but it still is able to pack a great little story into
that time.
A Charlie Brown Christmas (1965)
Charles Schulz brought his comic strip to life, by writing a
mad-for-television version of his Peanuts. A Charlie Brown Christmas
was about his main character Charlie Brown, and what he and his friends
go through one Christmas. This is another animated holiday special, but
this one broke a lot of new ground when it was shown. The most
important part, was that they used childrens voices in an industry that
had been overwhelmed by adult actors playing the roles of the kids. In
addition to that, there were biblical references in the story that
helped talk about the real meaning of Christmas. Charlie Brown has been
around for years, and will be around for many more years, but this was
our first glimpse of him and his gang around the holidays. This is one
that I own, and I think that it is one of the great stories that shows
how children see and react to the true meaning of Christmas.
A Christmas Carol (1938)
Another one of the Christmas stories that has been redone a
thousand times, I like the original version the best. Some people like
the newer Patrick Stewart version, and some even like Scrooged (with
Bill Murray) as a great one in the remade versions. I however, really
like the original, simply because it seems like it should be in black
and white, and the story seems better placed in the past. A Christmas
Carol was written by Charles Dickens, and tells the story of an old
"scrooge" who wants nothing out of life but to make more money. He
sacrifices his family and friends, and everyone that has ever loved
him, in the pursuit of becoming richer. He is then visited by ghosts in
his old age, attempting to show him the error of his ways, and hoping
that he can go down a different path for his remaining days on Earth.
It is another great story depicting the importance of being their for
your fellow man on Christmas, and it does a great job of giving a scare
while telling a deep story. Charles Dickens "A Christmas Carol" will
always remain one of the most famous, and most well loved of Christmas
stories.
A Christmas Story (1983)
In a break from the traditional holiday movies, A Christmas Story
is a movie told almost entirely from the mind of a young boy during the
1940's. His voice is the narrator of the movie, as we see him go
through the days leading up to Christmas, and ultimately Christmas day
itself. The story is from the point of view of this kid, as he goes
through his daily routine, hanging out with friends, running from
bullies, and meeting Santa at the big mall. It is depicted as an
average American family in the middle of an Indiana Winter, and really
does a great job of showing the excitement of the season. From wanting
a Red Rider BB gun, to standing in front of the toy store windows, to
even having to eat Christmas Dinner out, this movie does a great job of
putting a thousand little things into one movie. Being from a child's
point of view, the film shows the true innocence of the season, and is
one that I watch every year on TNT or TBS. It's A Wonderful Life (1946)
The essential film when it comes to Christmas, It's A Wonderful Life is
a story about a man going through some hard times, and makes the wish
that he had never been born. Feeling that the world would be better off
without him, he wants to remove the pain of everyone around him, by
removing himself. For a short time, and angel grants him his wish, and
the chance to see what life would be like if he really had never been
born. Frank Capra directs, and Jimmy Stewart stars as George Bailey, a
family man, who has come across some tough times. The movie is really
about hope, and the thought that everyone has something to offer, no
matter how small we may feel we are in the scheme of things. The film
attempts to show just how much one man can change the lives of everyone
around him, and gives us the feeling that even the smallest of deeds
can turn into the biggest of deals for someone else. It's A Wonderful
Life if a classic Christmas film that has made some lists as one of the
best movies ever made.
Miracle on 34th Street (1947)
Is there really a Santa Clause? You bet there is, and this is the
film that proves it! Another one of the classic films about Christmas,
A Miracle on 34th Street surrounds a man who claims to be none other
than Kris Kringle himself. Of course nobody believes him, and it is up
to a lawyer and a little girl who must set aside their logical thinking
just long enough to have faith that this man could really be THE Santa
Clause. Edmund Gwenn as Kringle exemplifies everything we have ever
associated with what Santa Clause would look like. He fits the part,
and from the start of the movie, you want to believe that it is really
him, but you have no proof to go along with your assumptions. It is one
mans word, and we are taken through legal proceedings where he must
prove who he is, or be deemed insane by the state. It is really a great
story about the opinions that people have, and whether or not we are
willing to believe something we can't see or prove for ourselves.
Miracle on 34th Street is one that should not be missed if you haven't
seen it yet.
The Santa Clause (1994)
When something happens to Santa Clause, Tim Allen's character must
step in and take over the role in order to make sure that Christmas can
continue. Not really accepting the role, and not looking anything like
Santa Clause, leaves the man with a lot of doubt about his beliefs or
anything he associates with the holiday. But slowly, he starts growing
the beard and the belly, and soon enough he looks just like Santa
Clause! Though the reason he takes over is a little dark for a movie
like this, The Santa Clause does a great job of bringing a lot of humor
to the topic of Christmas and everything it entails. The job of
delivering presents to all of the children of the world over one night
is not as easy as it seems, and for one man, that task has become his
sole responsibility. This film is hilarious at times, and was done well
enough to have a sequel 8 years later. The Santa Clause is another one
of those Christmas movies that should not be missed. When it isn't
funny, it is heartfelt and sincere, and truly is one of the better
family movies of recent years. Home Alone (1990)
When it hit theaters in 1990, nobody thought that Home Alone would turn
out to be one of the most successful movies of all time. Home Alone is
about a huge family that is going on a Christmas vacation with a truck
load of kids. Unfortunately, on the morning of the trip, everyone wakes
up late and ends up rushing around to try and make it to the airport on
time. One of the kids (Kevin) is left behind, and when he awakes, he
finds that he has a mansion size house all to himself. He had been mad
at his whole family, and found himself happy to be left alone. Now he
must run an entire house, and defend it against thieves who are
attempting to rob his family. Through it all, he comes to realize how
important his family really is to him, and he learns some valuable
lessons about life and the love for the people he holds most dear. Home
Alone is another one of those great family movies that puts a lot of
humor into everyday events. I found it to be a great film back then,
and even though I have aged a little since its release, I still find
myself watching it when it comes on now. Frosty The Snowman (1969)
Another of the great holiday animations, Frosty The Snowman tells the
tale of a magical top-hat, that when applied to the head of a snowman,
brings him to life. Named Frosty, this man made of snow shows the
children of a small town everything great that the Christmas season has
to offer. Though it comes it at less than half an hour, this Christmas
Special really does a good job of presenting many different emotions in
that short amount of time. You find yourself laughing out loud as he
marches through town, and even sad at the thought that someone could
keep Frosty from having his snowy fun. It is a far-fetched story if we
are going to look at it honestly, but it is fun to watch, and it is
endearing in everything that it presents. The best part though, is the
theme song of Frosty, which is something I always end up singing during
the Christmas season. Frosty The Snowman is one of the great animations
that came out of the 60's around Christmas time, and still has a place
in my home movie collection.
Source: http://www.epinions.com/content_4563705988
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Tree Types in the United States |
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The following Christmas Tree species or types are sold and grown
in the United States.
Deodara
Cedar – Cedrus deodara – short,
bluish-green needles; branches become pendulous at the tips; native
to Himalayas; Deodara wood in Asia was used to build temples.
In ancient Egypt Dedodara wood was used to make coffins for mummies.
Eastern
Red Cedar – Junirperus viginiana –
leaves are a dark, shiny, green color; sticky to the touch; good
scent; can dry out quickly; may last just 2-3 weeks; a southern
Christmas tree.
Leland
Cypress – Cupress ocyparis leylandii
– foliage is dark green to gray color; has upright branches
with a feathery appearance; has a light scent; good for people
with allergies to other Christmas tree types. One of the most
sought after Christmas trees in the Southeastern United States.
Close-up photo of tree: http://www.realchristmastrees.org/images/LeylandCypress.jpg
Photo credit to The National Christmas Tree Association
Balsam
Fir – Abies balsamea – ¾”
to 1 ½” short, flat, long lasting needles that are
rounded at the tip; nice, dark green color with silvery cast and
fragrant. Named for the balsam or resin found in blisters on bark.
Resin is used to make microscope slides and was sold like chewing
gum; used to treat wounds in Civil War.
Close-up photo of tree: http://oregonstate.edu/dept/ldplants/abba2.htm
Douglas
Fir – Pseudotsuga menziesii –
good fragrance; holds blue to dark green; 1” to 1 ½”
needles; needles have one of the best aromas among Christmas trees
when crushed. Named after David Douglas who studied the tree in
the 1800’s; good conical shape; can live for a thousand
years.
Close-up photo of tree: http://www.realchristmastrees.org/images/DouglasFir.jpg
Fraser
Fir – Abies fraseri – dark green,
flattened needles; ½ to 1 inch long; good needle retention;
nice scent; pyramid-shaped strong branches which turn upward.
Named for a botanist, John Fraser, who explored the southern Appalachians
in the late 1700’s.
Grand
Fir – Adies grandis – shiny,
dark green needles about 1” – 1 1/2 “ long;
the needles when crushed, give off a citrusy smell.
Noble
Fir – Abies procera – one inch
long, bluish-green needles with a silvery appearance; has short,
stiff branches; great for heavier ornaments; keeps well; is used
to make wreaths, door swags and garland.
Close-up photo of tree: http://www.realchristmastrees.org/images/NobleFir.jpg
Photo credit to The National Christmas Tree Association
Nordmann
Fir - Abies nordmannia – dark green,
flattened needles, shiny, silvery-blue below, ¾ to 11/2
inches long. Popular in the United Kingdom.
Close-up photo of tree:
http://oregonstate.edu/dept/ldplants/abno2.htm
White
Fir or Concolor Fir – Abies concolor
– blue-green needles are ½ to ½ inches long;
nice shape and good aroma, a citrus scent; good needle retention.
In nature can live to 350 years.
Close-up photo of tree: http://www.realchristmastrees.org/images/concolorfir.jpg
Photo credit to The National Christmas Tree Association
Afghan
Pine – Pinus oldarica – soft,
short needles with sturdy branches; open appearance; mild fragrance;
keeps well; grown in Texas; native to Afghanistan, Russia &
Paskistan
Austrian
Pine – Pinus nigra – dark green
needles, 4 to 6 inches long; retains needles well; moderate fragrance.
Close-up photo of tree: http://www.fairplains.com/pages/Austrian-Pine.htm
Red
Pine – Pinus resinosa – dark
green needles 4”-6” long; big and bushy.
Ponderosa
Pine – Pinus ponderosa – needles
lighter colored than Austrian Pine; good needle retention; needles
5” – 10” long.
Close-up photo of tree: http://oregonstate.edu/dept/ldplants/pipo7.htm
Scotch
Pine – Pinus sylvestris – most
common Christmas tree; stiff branches; stiff, dark green needles
one inch long; holds needles for four weeks; needles will stay
on even when dry; has open appearance and more room for ornaments;
keeps aroma throughout the season; introduced into United States
by European settlers.
Close-up photo of tree: http://oregonstate.edu/dept/ldplants/pisy4.htm
Virginia
Pine – Pinus virginiana – dark
green needles are 1 ½” – 3” long in twisted
pairs; strong branches enabling it to hold heavy ornaments; strong
aromatic pine scent; a popular southern Christmas tree.
Close up photo of tree: http://www.realchristmastrees.org/images/VirginiaPine.jpg
Photo credit to The National Christmas Tree Association
White
Pine – Pinus strobus – soft,
blue-green needles, 2 to 5 inches long in bundles of five; retains
needles throughout the holiday season; very full appearance; little
or no fragrance; less allergic reactions as compared to more fragrant
trees. Largest pine in United States; state tree of Michigan &
Maine; slender branches will support fewer and smaller decorations
as compared to Scotch pine. It’s wood is used in cabinets,
interior finish and carving. Native Americans used the inner bark
as food. Early colonists used the inner bark to make cough medicine.
Close-up photo of tree: http://oregonstate.edu/dept/ldplants/pist4.htm
Carolina
Sapphire - Cupressus arizonica var. glabra
– ‘Carolina Sapphire’- steely, blue needles;
dense, lacy foliage; yellow flowers and nice scent; smells like
a cross between lemon and mint.
Black
Hills Spruce - Pinus glauca var.densata
– green to blue-green needles; 1/3” to ¼”
long; stiff needles may be difficult to handle for small children.
Close-up photo of tree: http://oregonstate.edu/dept/ldplants/piglden2.htm
Blue
Spruce – Picea pungens – dark
green to powdery blue; very stiff needles, ¾” to
1 ½” long; good form; will drop needles in a warm
room; symmetrical; but is best among species for needle retention;
branches are stiff and will support many heavy decorations. State
tree of Utah & Colorado. Can live in nature 600-800 years.
Close-up photo of tree: http://www.realchristmastrees.org/images/CBSpruce.jpg
Photo credit to The National Christmas Tree Association
Norway
Spruce – Picea abies – needles
½” – 1” long and shiny, dark green. Needle
retention is poor without proper care; strong fragrance; nice
conical shape. Very popular in Europe.
Close-up photo of tree: http://oregonstate.edu/dept/ldplants/piab7.htm
White
Spruce – Picea glauca – needles ½
to ¾ inch long; green to bluish-green, short, stiff needles;
crushed needles have an unpleasant odor; good needle retention.
State tree of South Dakota.
Close-up photo of tree: http://www.realchristmastrees.org/images/WhiteSpruce.jpg
Photo credit to The National Christmas Tree Association http://www.urbanext.uiuc.edu/trees/
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