Holiday Gifts & Gift Baskets Blog

Archive for October, 2007

The Eleusinian Mysteries were open to all persons who spoke Greek and had not committed murder. The goddesses welcomed men and women, slave or free. The one requirement that may have prohibited participation was the fee of 15 drachmas, equivalent to about ten days' workman's wages by the fourth century B.C.E. The Greater Eleusinian Rites began in the last half of September and lasted about ten days.

• Day 1: Young men chosen for their physical dexterity and athleticism left Athens for the town of Eleusis to escort the sacred objects back to Athens on the following day.
• Day 3: Thousands of men and women gathered in the grand Agora of Athens to declare themselves participants and hear the high priest state the rules.
• Day 4: The initiates marched to the sea to purify themselves in the briny water.

Each initiate also washed a piglet that he or she would sacrifice later that day.

• Day 5: A sacrifice was offered to the two goddesses.
• Day 7: The initiates walked along the Sacred Way to Heusis, following behind the sacred objects. As they walked, they swung branches of myrtle tied with wool in rhythm to a beat and shouted the sacred name "lakchos." They carried torches, as the goddess Ceres did in her search. A ritual bath in the river ended the day's journey.

The initiates were welcomed into Eleusis and, at the sight of the first star, broke their two-day fast just as the goddess had done. Special round pottery dishes and tiny cups of grain, peas, and beans were displayed for all to see. That night, the women apparently danced suggestively and sang obscene songs, although celibacy was mandatory.

• Day 8: The final phase of initiation occurred in a building built solely for this purpose. The Telesterion was a large flat-roofed, windowless square hall capable of holding thousands of people on rows of seats lining the sides. In the center was the Anaktoron, a sacred stone construction, closed to view, containing the throne of the high priest. This must have been a very dark and mysterious place. The initiates drank the sacred drink, kykeon, and attended the mystery rites.
• Day 9: There was dancing, feasting, and singing after the rites were completed. As a closure ceremony, a libation was made with all participants facing the east, looking to the sky, and shouting "Rain," then turning to the west, facing down at the earth, and shouting "Conceive" (or "Hye." then "Kye" in Greek). The clothes the initiates wore were later used as swaddling baby clothes.

How can a story from thousands of years ago, a myth involving the gods and goddesses probably originating in the Neolithic times, hold any meaning for us today? We all experience loss of some degree, yet coming to terms with a separation or ending takes time and can be a very slow, painful, and personal process. At some point in our lives, a ritual for loss may be appropriate and bring comfort and healing.  If you have experienced a recent loss, then a sympathy gift from All About Gifts & Baskets may be appropriate.

The doldrums of winter are almost behind us, the days are growing longer and spring is in the air. Spring, a renewal and rebirth of life, is showing signs of being close at hand. It is such a lovely time of year! The days are growing longer, nature is in full bloom, and spring fever is in the air.

With spring arrives a special Holiday and a special friend, the Easter Bunny. Children everywhere are not only looking forward to spring vacation and a long-awaited break from school schedules, but to the arrival of the Easter Bunny and the treats that are left for them on Easter morning.

My daughter, who is 3, has grasped the concept of Santa Claus, however, she hasn't learned about the Easter Bunny yet. But it won't be long! My almost 2-year old son doesn't know either but I presume it will not be long for him either.

Looking back on my childhood, Easter was special and an occasion that stays in my heart and mind. And it is with these memories that I want my children to remember their holidays with love and happiness.

With less than three weeks away, it is time to plan traditions and fun activities for the children. So what can we as parents, teachers and guardians do to make Easter a memorable occasion for our children?

• 1) Take a visit to the Easter Bunny. Seeing the well-known icon of Easter is an exciting time for most young children.
• 2) Have your child write a letter to the Easter Bunny.
• 3) Build creativity and family time with Easter craft ideas, from printing coloring pages off of the internet to making Easter cards to dying eggs for Easter. Or making an Easter basket for their best friend. Children love to be creative and this will surely bring much joy.
• 4) Read the story of Easter to the children. This will introduce them to the true story of Easter and will help them learn about the meaning of this special holiday.
• 5) Plan a Easter party for the little ones.
• 6) Start a tradition and plan an Easter egg hunt. Children love surprises and will have so much fun, and I guarantee that they will always remember the Easter egg hunt.

Are you out of Easter ideas or need fresh new ideas? The internet is a wonderful place to search and there are hundreds of ideas, crafts, recipes and coloring pages all themed around Easter.

Looking for a gift to send to a loved one or family member? On the internet is a wonderful store called Holiday Gifts & Gift Baskets featuring gift baskets for any reason and season. Send Easter greetings across the miles!

Build fond Easter memories for your children and family and make the holiday one to remember. Happy Easter and Happy Spring!

The joy of brightening other lives, bearing each others' burdens, easing other's loads and supplanting empty hearts and lives with generous gifts becomes for us the magic of Christmas. -- W. C. Jones

It is fun, exciting and so incredibly magical! Christmas is approaching, Santa is coming to town and a New Year is upon us. What a wonderful time of year!

Like a child, I eagerly wait with excitement for the Holiday Season. My anticipation increases from the time the stores begin promoting Christmas gifts and decorations, houses and streets start glowing with festive lights, Santa arrives in the malls and the tree is decorated for the wonderful season ahead. The Holiday Season is my favorite time of year and the world is made more beautiful!

Hundreds of millions of people all around the world celebrate Christmas. Each country and individual has its own set of beliefs and traditions yet it is an occasion that unites people all across the world.

Christmas is one special day, one joyous event celebrated without selfishness and unkindness, bringing families and friends closer together and uniting the world as one. For one day out of the year problems, stress and work are put to the back of our minds, peace encompasses us and other important matters such as family and friends are celebrated and cherished.

For me, the Holiday Season is a time of reflection of the years gone by and the year that is so close to nearing an end. During the holidays I reflect on memories of Christmas past, of people who have come and gone throughout my life, of family I see less often who are near to my heart, and of those who have made a difference in my life. Without these special people I would not be who I am today.

It is the Season to be jolly and to be thankful for all that we have. It is a time when we appreciate the people who make up our lives.

People everywhere search for the perfect gifts for loved ones, friends and business associates that have become a part of their lives. Giving a special gift, sending a holiday gift basket or thank you gift basket is a way of conveying your appreciation to the special people who give meaning to your life.

Throughout the Holiday Season love, joy and goodwill come over us like magic and the spirit of giving is all around us. Oh, the sights and sounds of Christmas bring back feelings and memories that envelope the season in a wonderful kind of magic. If only it could be Christmas all year round!

Aristotle once said "Without friends no one would choose to live, though he had all other goods." August celebrates International Friendship Day, a day to appreciate your friends for their contribution to your life. Too often we forget to tell our friends how much they mean to us, so take advantage of International Friendships Day and let them know that you appreciate them. Having trouble thinking of ways to celebrate International Friendship Day? Have no fear; here are ten great ways to let your friends know just how much they mean to you.

1. Make a mix tape for your friend of all the songs that characterize your friendship. This is especially good for friends with many miles between them; songs are a great way to help bring wonderful memories flowing back.
2. Girls! When was the last time you had a sleepover? Can't remember? Start friendship day early and have a good old fashioned sleepover! Buy spa gift baskets or kits fullof supplies and go ahead give each other manicures, tell secrets and act like a kid again, you will be amazed at how good it feels.
3. Make a special friendship scrapbook, include photos, old concert tickets, quotes on friendship or anything that will make your friend feel special.
4. If you can plan on spending the whole day with your best friend, try doing something big like a theme park or hiking trip.
5. Make a point to call all of your friends and let them know that its International Friendship day and that you are thinking about them. You will make their day and you get to feel great about it. "Make new friends and keep the old, one is silver and the other gold"!
6. Make some new friends and perform some random acts of kindness. Pay for the strangers drink in front of you at Starbucks or buy a few toys for the children's hospital.
7. Fresh flowers are a great way to make someone feel special. Yellow flowers symbolize friendship, so send your buddy a bouquet of yellow roses.
8. Dedicate a song on the radio to a friend or to a few friends. Anytime You Need A Friend by Mariah Carey, Because You Loved Me by Celine Dion, Best Friend by Brandy, Ben by Michael Jackson, Count On Me by Whitney Houston and Cece Winans are all great friendship songs.
9. Grab a camera or visit a photo machine and take some photos of you and your friends enjoying yourselves!
10. Or you could for the old fashioned way and get to them through their stomachs, bake a cake or order up a big cookie bouquet to let them know how much you love and appreciate them.

However you decide to celebrate International Friendship Day you can be certain that your friends will be pleasantly surprised by your display of kindness. So have fun and remember what "Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labor. For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe to him that is alone when he falleth; for he hath not another to help him up." - Bible: Ecclesiastes

A swift journey into the world ahead

The first breath of life is taken, the first cry is heard.

Their eyes meet, the bonds of love are created,

And from that moment on, she is safe and sound in the arms of love.

As each day passes, the first steps of life are taken,

And the first words are spoken.

Each success and milestone, each trial and error

Her Mother stands beside her; she is safe and sound in the arms of love.

Along the path of life, a mother guides her child.

A teacher of right from wrong, a praiser of the successes,

A shoulder to cry on, a listener and most of all a best friend.

And always she knows that she is safe and sound in the arms of love.

A baby becomes a child, a child becomes a teenager

And in the blink of an eye, the teenager becomes an adult.

The years pass on and it is time to spread her wings and fly

But near or far, she will always be safe and sound in the arms of love.

Bright-eyed, she looks at the world before her

So full of hope and dreams, wonder and awe.

Deep in her heart and soul, her Mother still stands beside her.

She is safe and sound in the arms of love.

It is her secret promise, and one that will not be tainted.

She will make her proud, her dear sweet Mother,

Who took her by the hand and taught her about life and strength.

She is safe and sound in the arms of love.

One blessed day, a baby arrives into the world.

She has now become a Mother and for the first time

She feels the unconditional love that a Mother feels for a child.

Her baby is safe and sound in the arms of love.

She only hopes that she becomes the wise, beautiful and strong Mother

That she was so fortunate to have been blessed with.

She has many dreams for her child,

And she hopes her child will always feel safe and sound in the arms of love.

Nothing endures like a Mother's love.

A Mother's love is never forgotten and is always felt

Through the journey of life and each road taken.

Safe and sound in the arms of love.

Mother's Day is fast approaching and Holiday Gifts & Gift Baskets has elegant gift baskets to wish your special mom a wonderful day.  Send her love and hugs with a Mother's Day Gift  that will make a lasting impression.

Happy Mother's Day!