New Year New You Gift

Have you ever met anyone who can honestly say that they hate music? From heavy metal through classical to laidback easy listening jazz, everyone has their favourite types of music, bands and artists so why can it be such a challenge to find musically themed Christmas Gifts?

Discounting the cheap teddy (oh-so-readily available) that blares out Jingle Bells when you squeeze its paw, and for some reason you can never find the replacement batteries for, when it’s worn out by the second of December, and rejecting the ‘Christmas Hits’ album, usually free with your Sunday newspaper (and to be honest that would be a present worthy of Scrooge anyway!), what sort of Christmas Gifts can you bestow upon the music fanatic, young or old?

Of course, there’s always the option of the traditional CD, where the good, the bad and the ugly (Bob the Builder anyone?) are whisked off the supermarket shelf in the inevitable scramble for Gifts and presented to wary recipients. But let’s face it, unless the CD is a perfect choice, it could end up in the jumble sale box of unwanted Christmas Gifts by New Year’s Day.

So what are the alternatives? Tired of traipsing round old record shops looking for musical Gifts amidst crowds of angry shoppers, and ready to give the next person who elbows you in the back a red nose to rival Rudolph’s, then it is possible to opt for more original Christmas Gifts. The humble mix tape, often forgotten and overlooked in today’s digital era, has been revived in the novel form of a USB stick hidden in a cassette shape (a USB Mix Tape); same old personal and sentimental value but modern and innovative. For the party animal who loves their music loud, maybe some ice cubes shaped like electric guitars and music notes, and some ear plugs for the neighbours?

The teenager that may scorn CDs as out-dated technology could appreciate the more fashionable Gifts such as the extensive range of iPod and mp3 player accessories that are now available.

Then there’s the option of Christmas Gifts that inspire musical creativity for the owner. An electric guitar, a keyboard, or a set of drums could be a dream (and rather expensive) present, but you can expect to kiss goodbye to your ‘Silent Nights’ and wake up with a headache resembling a killer hangover after the office party if the Christmas Gifts are well used. Perhaps the aspiring rock star may instead be grateful to receive a personalised music legend calendar where they can finally see their name in lights. For the chance to become a true star and top the charts, you could give someone a voucher for a session in a professional recording studio. Everyone’s got to start somewhere!

For those who already have a record collection to rival a large music store, maybe consider practical Christmas Gifts such as A-Z CD dividers, to organise their music and to enable them to find that dusty, forgotten album easily and quickly.

For Gifts that are thoughtful and personal, perhaps consider a shared experience, for example tickets to a gig or a concert. Following the recent TV trend of shows such as ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ and ‘Any Dream Will Do’ a dancing lesson or theatre break would make excellent and unforgettable Christmas Gifts. Alternatively, it is now possible to select any number one record and to set it in a personalised plaque that can be hung up on the wall as a unique and individual present.

However, it’s important to remember not to get too stressed by the frantic rush of buying last minute Gifts and to enjoy yourself and relax over the festive season. Maybe take some ‘me-time’ and treat yourself to a calming, chill-out CD and a glass of mulled wine as you put your feet up (or even as you wrap the Christmas Gifts). The perfect musical indulgence!

Music is such an essential part of Christmas; children chanting ‘Away in a Manger’ in the annual Nativity tableau, carol singers in the street and ‘Fairytale of New York’ on repeat in every shop in town. Musical Gifts make brilliant presents and with such an array of musical books, posters, CDs, DVDs, t-shirts, sheet music, gig tickets, theatre tickets, concert tickets and even musically themed cufflinks on the internet and on the High Street there are bound to be some Christmas Gifts to suit even the fussiest musical enthusiast this festive season.

The most endearing Mother’s Day gifts are those with a personal and sentimental touch. Here are 22 unusual and inexpensive ways to celebrate mom on her special day:

Achievement Charm Bracelet. Did she win the bowling championship or graduate from an art class? Look for charms specific to her accomplishments over the past year. Consider a traditional charm bracelet (with dangling charms) or an Italian style bracelet, in which the charms link together.

Sentimental Jewelry. Here are more ideas for creating a connection with jewelry: give her a locket with tiny photos of each of you or a mother’s ring or necklace with the birthstones of each of her children or grandchildren.

Flowers. This time of year, floral delivery services create gorgeous arrangements for moms. Select a bouquet in a beautiful food-safe pitcher or bowl that she can use again and again.

Classic Movies. Give her a set of her favorite digitally remastered nostalgic classic movies on DVD. Place them in a pretty porcelain bowl with some popcorn and a box of her favorite candy. Add a luxury throw blanket so she can cozy up under the covers to watch the show.

Chocolate and Books. Give her a few hardcovers by her favorite author and some quality chocolate.

Comedy Show. Take her to dinner and a local comedy show.

Donations. Make a donation in her name to her favorite charitable cause.

Spa Gift Certificates. Either choose the spa treatment for her, or allow her to choose her own indulgence Better yet, go with her and enjoy some pampering alongside her.

Hot Air Balloon Ride. Take an exhilarating adventure with her up in the air and get a bird’s eye view of your city or town.

A Lobster Dinner Boat Ride. If you live near the ocean or the great lakes, check areas near you that offer quaint, evening excursions complete with fresh seafood entrees.

Maid Service. Give her a break from housecleaning and hire a professional maid service for a day, week or month.

Monogrammed Leather Passport Carry Case. With the new passport travel requirements, this is one gift that is sure to come in handy.

Oil Change and Tune Up. Surprise her with a complete vehicle maintenance gift certificate. If possible, find a location that will rotate the tires as well. Include wash and wax for an added bonus.

Monthly Gift Clubs. Let mom know you are thinking of her the whole year through with a thoughtful monthly gift club. Typically, you can subscribe for 3, 6, 9, or 12 months, and a new gift is sent at the same time each month. There are monthly gift clubs for scrapbookers, gardeners, chocaholics, you name it.

Gardening Goodies. Mother’s Day heralds a new year of working in the garden. Fill a brightly colored watering can or metal bucket with treasures for her time in the garden, from seed packets to new suede monogrammed gardening gloves.

Picnic on the Beach. It may be too cool for swimming and sun-bathing but everyone enjoys an old-fashioned picnic lunch in the beautiful outdoors complete with red checkered table cloth.

Recipe Books. If Mom loves to cook, look for unique and creative recipe books to add to her collection.

Satin Robe and Slipper Set. The nights are getting warmer. Give her the luxurious feel of satin.

Security System Keychain. Look for a keychain with features she’ll use, such as those that turn on and off her lights and arm and disarm her home security system.

Website or Blog. Set up a website or blog for her to keep family members updated and to share digital photos.

Photo Keepsakes. Lots of photo processing websites offer a variety of items that you can add simple photos to: everything from purses to keychains and coasters to jewelry boxes.

Photo Books. You don’t have to be a scrapbooking expert to create beautiful photo books. Scrapbooking has become so popular that many of the leading online photo websites have templates that allow you to plug your photos and sentiments directly into beautifully pre-arranged backgrounds. Then you can order a print copy of the photo book for the recipient. The best thing about this type of scrapbook: you can order a duplicate copy for yourself, and even more for grandparents and friends. These are surprisingly affordable and easy to create, and they make a memento mom will treasure for years to come.

Diwali, or Deepavali, is the Hindu festival of lights. It is celebrated in a big way in India and Nepal, where it is called Tihar. The term Deepavali is of Sanskrit origin, which means an array of lamps. The word ‘deep’ means clay lamp and ‘avali’ means an array. The celebration of the festival signifies the victory of good over evil within oneself. The word Diwali is actually a corruption of the Sanskrit term Deepavali. Today it is celebrated by Sikhs, Jains, Hindus, and even some Buddhists all around the globe.

The festival has a deep significance since ancient times. According to the Vedic culture, the message of Diwali is to eradicate the world from darkness and lead it towards the self-illuminated light within. Here, each individual is likened to a brightly lit clay lamp. The message is to collectively participate in the endeavour, as it is not just the effort of one individual. The differences between the high and low are forgotten, as the aim is to usher in equanimity and equality in society.

Traditionally, the celebration of Deepavali is associated with a number of mythological events. In Northern India, Deepavali is celebrated to celebrate the return of King Rama to his Kingdom Ayodhaya after from a 14 year exile and victory over the demon king Ravana. The people of Ayodhaya lit an array of clay lamps to celebrate his return.

In Southern India, another legend describes the victory of Lord Krishna over the demon Narakasura. In western India, it is celebrated in the honour of the King Bali who went to rule the nether world by the order of Lord Vishnu.

The festival has varied significance all over India. In West Bengal, it is celebrated in honour of Goddess Durga. Particularly, in the north of India, Hindu merchants open their new books and pray to Goddess Laxmi for a joyful and prosperous new year. In most parts of India, people get up early before dawn on Diwali and pray to the Lord for their spiritual advancement.

Additionally, Diwali is celebrated over a period of five days in many parts of India. These days include Dhanteras, Naraka Chadurdashi, Lakshmi Puja, Govardhana Puja, and Bhai Duj. On Dhanteras, which actually means the thirteenth day of the lunar month, people purchase utensils and gold as it is considered an auspicious occasion. On Naraka Chaturdashi, people commemorate the slaying of the demon Narakasura as it was the 14th day on which the demon was killed.

On Laxmi Puja, people worship Goddess Laxmi, which is considered the Goddess of wealth and prosperity. Govardhan Puja is the worship of Lord Krishna, which is celebrated as the day on which Lord Krishna obtained victory over Lord Indra. In Gujarat, this day is also celebrated as the New Year, and the first day of the new Vikram Samavat. On Bhai Dooj, sisters meet brothers and vice versa and exchange presents and sweets to express their fondness and affection for each other.

Every one in the family gets up early in the morning and puts on new clothes. Especially on this day, children and parents alike burst crackers, make use of a variety of fireworks at night and light lamps to celebrate the occasion. It’s a great joy to see crackers bursting and joyful people all around celebrating this festival with a lot of happiness and gaiety. On many occasions, even people of other faiths join together in celebrating this occasion as one.

On this occasion, people exchange a lot of gifts between each other. Families and friends alike give and accept gifts like sweets, puja thalis, dry fruits, homemade chocolates, diyas, candles, wall hangings, decor items, gift hampers, jewellery, apparel, flowers, bhai dooj gifts and so on.

The business community celebrates the festival by exchanging gifts like corporate gift hampers, gift baskets, designer gift boxes, pen sets, diaries, watches, perfumes, mobiles, and the like.

Nowadays, many Indians have settled abroad in countries like the United Sates, United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, and other countries. Therefore, this festival is being celebrated by a lot of expatriates in the same graceful manner as it is celebrated on the home front.