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Safely tuck treasured wreaths or garlands into this sleek storage bag for season after season of unmarred beauty. Designed to accommodate up to 20 pounds, the unit’s heavy-duty zipper opens wide for convenient access and secures tightly to prevent dusty buildup and other damage. Even more, the bag features reinforced carrying handles that double as hanging hooks–perfect for suspending in a closet, crawl space, garage, or basement between holidays. Constructed of resilient, easy-to-clean material that locks out moisture and dirt to prevent musty smells and other damage, the hardy storage bag folds down for compact storage and measures approximately 30 by 30 by 6 inches.

The Rubbermaid Holiday Wreath Keeper holds a 27-inch wreath and features sturdy handles for carrying or hanging, a heavy duty zipper, the material cleans easily, it folds down for convenient storage,and the wreath keeper holds up to 20 pounds.

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This animated adaptation of Charles Dickens’s Christmas classic retains the essence of the timeless tale while introducing some fresh interpretations. A celebrity cast provides voices for the roles of Scrooge (Simon Callow), Marley (Nicolas Cage), and Belle (Kate Winslet), yet the beauty of the film flows from its artistic usage of CG technology, such as the “painted” scenery of Scrooge’s thoughts during his journey through Christmases Past, Present, and Future. The script honors the original story while proving that it is indeed possible to be moved to tears by a group of animated characters. Dickens purists may argue that few movie versions of A Christmas Carol can compete with Alastair Sim’s 1951 rendition, or George C. Scott’s 1984 remake, yet this film does not need to supplant, but rather complement, such predecessors. It is an especially good choice for young viewers who may find the black-and-white version too scary. (Ages 5 and older) –Lynn Gibson
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From the man who reinvented Thanksgiving comes–Christmas! This isn’t to say that Buddhists, Jews, and Muslims should read no further. We’re talking end-of-the-year feasting here. Gather up the family and clear the kitchen counters. Make room in the refrigerator. The old is about to give way to the new, and a great feast is the best gift of them all, be that a Christmas feast or whatever you may call it. Rick Rodgers shows the way with Christmas 101, identifying all possible pitfalls and minefields, encouraging mass preplanning so that you, the host or hostess, can also kick back at a certain point and become part of the festivities. There is more to life, after all, than polishing the silverware. This slim volume is loaded with recipes and information in chapters such as “Making a List and Checking It Twice”; “Appetizers, Snacks, and Beverages” (where you’ll find Old Fashioned Egg Nog); “Salads, Soups, and Other First Courses” (try Or (more…)

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A holiday favorite since its introduction in 1938, Spode’s Christmas Tree pattern is their most well known and widely collected holiday pattern. Evoking the holidays with a traditional evergreen, the pattern creates a warm, folksy Christmas feel that families will look forward to year after year and hold dearly in their memories for generations. The trademark tree, seemingly decorated by young hands and ringed with brightly wrapped presents underneath, stands cheerily in the center of every piece. Charming, crafty decorations encircle the tree and Santa himself–bag slung over his shoulder–stands at the top. For collecting fun, Spode adds new accessories to the pattern every year, allowing a cherished holiday tradition to grow with time. Match any piece to other items in the collection for seasonal dining merriment. Baking and serving a tasty casserole is a snap with this 8-inch square rim dish. White with the pattern’s calling-card Christmas tree d (more…)

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Talk about meeting cute: the perky star of All She Wants for Christmas, Noelle, meets hunky stranger Justin because the gigantic blow-up snowman balloon she accidentally loosened in the town square comes crashing down on Justin’s SUV. But no harm done, as this gently comic romance cues the viewer early on that there will be no heavy mental lifting in the film, which is a sweet valentine to the holidays, for the whole family. Noelle (played by Monica Keena, channeling a Dallas-era Charlene Tilton) is really named Judith, but her birthday’s in December, ergo the nickname. And her teeny home town, Forest City, is sort of like Santa’s workshop south of the North Pole–the biggest employer in the town is the local Christmas decoration company. So Christmas is never far from the minds of the locals. Noelle is trying to save the company, while making big plans to take her newly minted MBA to Wall Street. “While other girls were playing with dolls,” she winsomely te (more…)

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Deck the halls with tons of ideas and projects that help make the season bright Whether you incorporate handmade items as part of your decor, celebrations, or gift giving, adding a personal touch to Christmas makes the holiday season even more special. Christmas Ideas is packed with easy and inspirational ways to help beautify and personalize your holiday season. You’ll get ideas for festive decorating schemes, stunning themed trees, quick-to-make ornaments and cards, appealing gifts, and easy crafts. So before you adorn your home or begin penning your Christmas cards, turn to this gorgeous book for Projects that bring a handmade touch to holiday d¿cor, gifts, and celebrations Step-by-step instructions for craft projects Ideas for holiday entertaining including kitchen-tested recipes Gorgeous color photos that offer inspiration and guidance Christmas Ideas is a treasure-trove of holiday merri (more…)

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The classic Dickens’ tale A Christmas Carol gets a Barbie makeover in this animated holiday program about the evils of selfishness. As Barbie and Kelly are preparing for a Christmas Eve charity fundraiser, Kelly complains that the new event is interfering with the family’s Christmas Eve traditions. Barbie takes the opportunity to tell her sister an important Christmas story set in Victorian England. The story is in essence the classic story of Ebenezer Scrooge, but with Eden Starling (Barbie) standing in for Scrooge, Catherine for Bob Cratchit, and young orphan Tammy for Tiny Tim. Eden is a self-centered star whose new stage show is about to open and who lives her life by the decree that “In a selfish world, the selfish succeed.” Completely lacking in Christmas spirit, Eden insists that her best friend and costume designer Catherine, as well as her other co-stars, cancel their holiday plans to work on Christmas day. Eden’s peaceful Christmas Eve s (more…)

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Spode’s Christmas Tree pattern has delighted families and collectors world-wide since its introduction in 1938. The collection has grown considerably to anticipate every holiday need, from entertaining to gift-giving. Introduced in 2006, this 96-ounce clear glass pitcher decorated with the classic Spode tree comes in handy for a multitude of uses: mixing cocktails, serving milk with homemade cookies, and displaying flowers, to name a few. The pitcher is formed with a pleasingly round belly and pulled handle for a graceful yet sturdy look. An excellent gift for a friend or family member, the glass pitcher comes packaged in Spode’s signature red holiday box and complements a full range of Christmas Tree dinnerware and accessories. After use, the pitcher can be safely cleaned in the dishwasher. –Ann Bieri

Glassware has continually been a popular component of the Christmas Tree assortment. One of the new items for 2006 include a Pitche (more…)

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The Bannister family’s new addition, Zeus (voiced by Mario Lopez)  a former K-9 police hero, appears to be less than the dependable guard dog the family needs.  However, when two burglars (led by Dean Cain) set out to break into the Bannister’s home while they’re away for Christmas, Zeus seizes the chance to be a hero, proving every dog – even this one – has his day. Stills from The Dog Who Saved Christmas (Click for larger image)

The Bannister family’s new addition, Zeus (voiced by Mario Lopez)  a former K-9 police hero, appears to be less than the dependable guard dog the family needs.  However, when two burglars (led by Dean Cain) set out to break into the Bannister’s home while they’re away for Christmas, Zeus seizes the chance to be a hero, proving every dog – even this one – has his day.

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This 1938 MGM version of the Dickens classic is not the most rewarding of the various adaptations (that honor goes to Biran Desmond Hurst’s 1951 film, starring Alistair Sim), but it has a strong if narrow performance by Reginald Owen as the miser Ebenezer Scrooge. Directed by Edward L. Marin, the movie is stiffer and less imaginative than it ought to be, but there are some compensations in the supporting cast, including Leo G. Carroll, and the film debut of little June Lockhart. –Tom Keogh

A classic that’s as integral a part of Christmas as lighted trees and mistletoe. Reginald Owen and Gene Lockhart star in this rewarding holiday treat.

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