HolidaysDot

As the Holiday season approaches...

2011-11-29T10:44:00.001-05:00

The holidays are rushing toward us once again. No matter what you're celebrating, remember to take time for yourself. Put your feet up and enjoy a mug of tea. Breathe.

For some fun through this busy season, check out our activities pages. Don't forget the recipes sections, too!

http://www.holidaysdot.com/christmas.html

http://www.holidaysdot.com/christmas_movies_free_online.html

Cheers!

Thanksgiving Preparations

2011-11-11T22:40:00.001-05:00

Get Organized for Thanksgiving

It's almost time to get organized for Thanksgiving. Depending on your plans and how you celebrate the holiday, you may want to start getting organized for Thanksgiving no later than the first week of November. Here are a few tips to get organized for Thanksgiving.

Essential Thanksgiving Preparation & Entertaining Tips

Thanksgiving Decorations and Party Ideas

2 Delicious Dip Recipes for any Occasion

2011-07-16T09:30:00.000-04:00

Hot and Spicy Avocato Dip
Delectable Dill Dip

Enjoy!

http://holidaysdot.com/recipes/z_dips_for_anytime.html

Vernal / Spring Equinox - 20 March

2011-03-20T08:00:00.007-04:00

Spring has sprung
The grass has riz
I wonder where the flowers is
The birdie's on the wing
Ain't that asburd
I always thought the wing
was on the bird.

Will the egg stand on its end?

Refresh your equinox facts here and here

Vernal Equinox History and Traditions
Ten Ways to Celebrate Spring
Spring Customs Around The World

Happy Awkward Moments Day! - March 18th

2011-03-18T07:00:00.002-04:00

State your awkward moments today, friends. Loud and proud.
Today, March 18th is Awkard Moments Day. Really.

White South Africans voted in their national referendum to end Apartheid. Overwhelmingly in favor. 1992

Happy Birthday to Dane Cook, Queen Latifah and the Pillsbury Dough Boy

The world lost Natasha Richardson two years ago.

Raise a glass to the day.

The Vernal Equinox is just around the corner. Plan something nice to celebrate the beginning of Spring.

Happy Hanukkah!

2010-12-02T19:21:00.001-05:00

No matter how you spell it, Happy Hanukkah to all our Jewish friends.

Peace and light.

The Latke: High Fiber Recipes Even Your Bubba Would Love

Put on your yarmulke...here comes Hanukkah! No matter which holiday you celebrate, choose high fiber foods if you want to control overeating.

2011, Dogs in Dress-Up and Ghostly Tales

2010-10-27T10:28:00.001-04:00

The new calendar for holidays in 2011 is up. Bookmark Holidaysdot.com to check the articles, recipes, craft bits and other seasonal information!
http://www.holidaysdot.com/

Not all dogs get as big a kick out of being dressed up for Halloween as their owners. Dog costumes can be uncomfortable, ungainly and dangerous for our canine friends.
Safe Halloween Dog Costumes

Only five days until Halloween / Samhain / All Souls Night - get your costumes on and find some ghostly stories and legends at Ghost Haunts

Halloween - October treats, recipes, crafts and autumn fun!

2010-10-21T10:52:00.000-04:00

It's that time of year again, folks. Halloween sneaks up and Christmas sneaks up even faster. October 21st is a good day to get things in high gear for the 31st, when little witches and goblins walk the shadows. BOO!

Halloween Index

Halloween Crafts

New Halloween Recipe Links

Free Halloween Clip Art

2010-08-29T22:37:00.002-04:00

Grab free seasonal clip art at Holidaysdot.com!

http://www.holidaysdot.com/free_halloween_clip_art.html

Autumn Decorating Ideas - Jump Into Fall!

2010-08-21T10:15:00.001-04:00

Autumn is a wonderful season full of colors, smells and tastes that are well loved and well remembered. Its also a great theme for decorating your house because it encompasses a few different holidays such as Thanksgiving and Halloween. But what sort of ways are there to incorporate autumn and the surrounding holidays into your home?

How about our sense of sight? Trees in the fall are crowned with leaves in a variety of colors, so lets start there. Shades of red, yellow, orange, brown, green and everything in between. Try to find some ribbon, cloth, even paper (tissue, wrapping paper) in those vibrant hues. To find those items in inexpensive ways, try checking out dollar stores and thrift stores in your area. Lots of Wal-Marts sell cloth, ribbon, and other craft items for great prices. You can also use construction paper or old clothing (like pretty dresses that have been torn or don't fit anymore).

Candles, baskets, bowls or glasses can add some nice touches. You can also use ribbons to accent un-lit candles or baskets (but don't light candles with any cloth or ribbon on them). You can then take the candles and arrange them, maybe even cutting some of them to they sit at different lengths.

read the article

Ramadan

2010-08-20T09:28:00.000-04:00

Interested in learning more about this Islamic holiday?

History of Ramadan -

http://www.history.com/minisites/ramadan/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ramadan

For recipe links and more -

http://www.holidaysdot.com/ramadan.html

Enjoy!
Janet

Spiced Crescent Moon Cookies

2010-08-18T10:35:00.000-04:00

There is nothing like the smell of fall and winter spices to begin welcoming the new season.
Try this recipe. It's one of the best!

Spiced Crescent Moon Cookies

3/4 cup vegetable shortening at room temp
1 cup firmly packed light brown sugar
1 large egg, beaten
1/4 cup molasses
2 cups all purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
1/4 teaspoon salt
4 drops almond extract
confectioners sugar for sprinkling

Preheat oven to 375º F

In a bowl cream the shortening with the brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy and stir in the egg and the molasses. In another bowl stir together the flour, the baking soda, the cinnamon, the ginger, the cloves and the salt. Add the flour mixture in small amounts to the shortening mixture, and blend the dough well. Chill the dough for 1 hour.

Cut the dough into crescent moon shapes. Arrange on greased cookie sheet and sprinkle with the confectioners sugar. Bake for 8 to 10 min. Allow them to cool on paper. Makes approx. 38 cookies.

Holiday Travel - Already

2010-08-17T15:34:00.000-04:00

Now is the time to start thinking about making air travel arrangements for the holidays. Yes, it's the middle of August and summer is still in full swing. However, if you know that you are planning to travel for any of the holidays between Thanksgiving and New Years, book your flights soon.

Here's the temptation many people who are flying around the holidays may have. They take a look at the current airfares in August for their flight for Thanksgiving, Hanukah, Christmas or New Years. They're high. Airfares are generally higher right now than they have been in years, and airlines charge even more for the peak holiday flights. So people wait to book, hoping that the fares may come down.

read

Super Cheese Spread for Summer or Anytime

2010-08-16T11:17:00.000-04:00

Great Cheese Spread

2 cups cheddar or German butter cheese
1/8 cup sweet butter
1/2 tsp. paprika
1/2 tsp. dill
1 tsp. buttermilk
2 Tbsp. fresh basil, chopped
2 Tbsp. chives, chopped

Combine cheese and butter. Mix very well. Add to the mixture chives, paprika, caraway seeds and dill. Mix well again. Serve with hard breads, flat breads, fresh or staled pumpernickel. Salt surface if desired.

Enjoy!
Janet

http://www.holidaysdot.com/

Holiday Travel

2010-08-15T13:20:00.000-04:00

Hey there Holiday Travelers!

We have 2 great artcles for you today about travel during the holidays; how to make it easier, how to have a good time, where to go...

http://www.holidaysdot.com/z_holiday_travel.html
http://www.holidaysdot.com/z_tips_for_vacation_travel.html

Enjoy!

Janet
http://www.holidaysdot.com

Labor Day Approaches

2010-08-14T10:48:00.000-04:00

If you're looking for some interesting history about the Labor Day holiday (Labour Day for us in Canada) then you'll find it here with these links.

History of Labor Day -

http://www.dol.gov/opa/aboutdol/laborday.htm
http://www.pbs.org/newshour/bb/business/september96/labor_day_9-2.html
http://www.history.com/minisites/laborday
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Labor_day

Enjoy!

Autumn Equinox and Late Summer Clip Art

2010-08-12T12:59:00.008-04:00

http://holidaysdot.com/images/cafoodcorn.jpg

Autumnal Equinox

Autumn Decorating Ideas - Jump Into Fall!

Autumn is a wonderful season full of colors, smells and tastes that are well loved and well remembered. Its also a great theme for decorating your house because it encompasses a few different holidays such as Thanksgiving and Halloween. But what sort of ways are there to incorporate autumn and the surrounding holidays into your home?

http://www.holidaysdot.com/z_autumn_decorating_ideas.html

Big Fat Fried Green Tomatoes

2010-08-08T13:57:00.001-04:00

A Healthier Fried Green Tomato
Best time of the year for them!

Slice green tomatoes in thick slices.
Dry with toweling.

In one dish use egg, milk and a splash of soy sauce.

In another, use flour, salt and pepper to taste, dill

Dip the slices in first the wet and then dry mixtures

Repeat twice on each slice for a thicker coating.

Using a light layer of olive oil and a very hot pan, fast fry the tomato slices, turning only once. This discourages absorption of the oil.

Cool them on an open drain surface, screening, rack
Serve warm or cool.

Celebrate the Spring / Vernal Equinox

2010-03-18T16:14:00.000-04:00

Get spring backgrounds and easter clip art over at Holidaysdot.com

You'll find the history of the Vernal Equinox and the customs of spring, as well as ways to celebrate and recipes for new foods.

Spring Customs Around the World

As spring reaches those of us in the Northern hemisphere, the world is beginning anew. The spring rains are bringing forth new growth all around us, and the temperature is finally creeping warmer virtually every day. It's no wonder, then, that Spring is considered to be a prime time for celebration throughout the world.

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

2010-03-17T09:55:00.000-04:00

May the road rise up to meet you, May the wind be at your back, May good friends be there to greet you And your table never lack. May your life be filled with laughter, and your heart be filled with song. May the gods shine their light upon you, As you live your whole life long.

Today wear green and celebrate all things Irish. Be fair in your dealings and know that luck abounds!

"Whether you're Irish or simply love Irish traditions and holidays, St. Patrick's Day brings Irish cheer to many people around the world. St. Patrick's Day is a celebration of all things Irish, commemorated on March 17 when many families gather and serve cabbage, corned beef, and delightful mint chocolate pies." read the rest

The Four-Leaf Clover

Ah, the four-leaf clover, that cheery Irish symbol of good luck and fortune,

Because of the four leaves, the four-leaf clover has come to represent the four seasons, four points of the compass, faith/hope/love/luck in life, the four elements and the equinox/solstices. Basically a four-leaf clover is a 1 in 10,000 unique clover, while the others have three. (although the number of leaves has gone as high as in the teens) If you find this lucky clover, seal it in wax paper with an iron, as the plant tends to dry really crisp and will crumble. A craft sealant is another good way. Flower press, yet another. Whatever way you choose to preserve your lucky clover, the best place to keep it is by your mirror or in a place you can see it first thing in the morning. If you're going for an interview or need extra "luck", pocket your leafy prize and know that the luck of the Irish is with you.

Columbus Day

2009-10-10T22:16:00.000-04:00

Many countries in the New World and elsewhere celebrate the anniversary of Christopher Columbus's arrival in the Americas, which occurred on October 12, 1492 in the Julian calendar and October 21, 1492 in the modern Gregorian calendar, as an official holiday.

The day is celebrated as Columbus Day in the United States, as Día de la Raza (Day of the Race) in many countries in Latin America, as Día de las Culturas (Day of the Cultures) in Costa Rica, as Discovery Day in The Bahamas, as Día de la Hispanidad and Fiesta Nacional in Spain, as Día de las Américas (Day of the Americas) in Uruguay and as Día de la Resistencia Indígena (Day of Indigenous Resistance) in Venezuela. These holidays have been celebrated unofficially since the late 18th century, and officially in various countries since the early 20th century.

Happy Thanksgiving, Canada!

2009-10-09T22:31:00.001-04:00

From Wikipedia-

The history of Thanksgiving in Canada goes back to an explorer, Martin Frobisher, who had been trying to find a northern passage to the Pacific Ocean. Frobisher's Thanksgiving was not for harvest but homecoming. He had safely returned from a search for the Northwest Passage, avoiding the later fate of Henry Hudson and Sir John Franklin. In the year 1578, he held a formal ceremony, in what is now the province of Newfoundland and Labrador, to give thanks for surviving the long journey. The feast was one of the first Thanksgiving celebrations by Europeans in North America. Frobisher was later knighted and had an inlet of the Atlantic Ocean in northern Canada named after him — Frobisher Bay.
At the same time, French settlers, having crossed the ocean and arrived in Canada with explorer Samuel de Champlain, in 1604 onwards also held huge feasts of thanks. They even formed 'The Order of Good Cheer' and gladly shared their food with their First Nations neighbours.
After the Seven Years' War ended in 1763 handing over of New France to the British, the citizens of Halifax held a special day of Thanksgiving. Thanksgiving days were observed beginning in 1799 but did not occur every year. After the American Revolution, American refugees who remained loyal to Great Britain moved from the newly independent United States and came to Canada. They brought the customs and practices of the American Thanksgiving to Canada. The first Thanksgiving Day after Canadian Confederation was observed as a civic holiday on April 5, 1872 to celebrate the recovery of the Prince of Wales (later King Edward VII) from a serious illness.
Starting in 1879 Thanksgiving Day was observed every year, but the date was proclaimed annually and changed year to year. The theme of the Thanksgiving holiday also changed each year to reflect an important event to be thankful for. In its early years it was for an abundant harvest and occasionally for a special anniversary.

Samhain's Coming

2009-10-04T14:57:00.001-04:00

Samhain, the most mystical and magical time of year for Wiccans, Witches and Pagans of many paths. The celebration of the New Year and Feast of the Dead, mark the basis for the festival. The modern Hallowe'en has grown from this pagan holiday. Pumpkins carved and lit to scare evil away, light the path home for loved ones who have passed to the world beyond this one.

Read the rest

Celebrate the Autumn Equinox

2009-09-15T16:59:00.001-04:00

The word "equinox" was derived from Latin term "æquinoctium" which, in turn, came from "æquus" (equal), and "nox" (night). It refers to the time that occurs twice a year when the nighttime is equal to the daytime -- each being 12 hours in duration.

A multi-faith celebration:
"Religious followers from around the world observe many seasonal days of celebration during late September. Most are religious holy days, and are linked in some way to the fall or autumn equinox. Common themes found worldwide are balance, harvesting, hunting, and remembrance of the dead.

http://www.holidaysdot.com/otherholidays/z_autumn_decorating_ideas.html
http://www.holidaysdot.com/otherholidays/z_fall_squash_recipes.html

National Grandparents Day

2009-09-08T12:36:00.000-04:00

Don't forget to honor grandparents this Sunday and celebrate National Grandparents Day

read

History of Labor Day

2009-09-05T17:46:00.001-04:00

Be sure to check out the Wikipedia pages about this weekend's holiday beginnings.

And have a great time!

Labor Day Recipes

2009-09-04T00:24:00.000-04:00

Try some of these labor day recipes for gatherings and dinner guests, bbq or backyard picnics.

http://homecooking.about.com/library/weekly/topicsublabor.htm

http://www.foodnetwork.com/food/et_hd_labor_day/0,2677,FOOD_23256,00.html

http://allrecipes.com/HowTo/Labor-Day/Detail.aspx

Free Holiday Backgrounds

2009-08-28T22:38:00.000-04:00

All Free - great holiday tiled backgrounds, for Christmas, Halloween and more!

Click Here

Great Free Holiday Clip Art

2009-08-23T22:30:00.000-04:00

Make sure to check out the great holiday clipart we have. Lots of choices and all free.

Click Here