Tag Archives: christmas

‘Christmas in Camelot’ Advent Calendar Idea

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After the end of Magic Tree House, Merlin Missions: Christmas in Camelot, there is a section for “Christmas Craftwork.” The publisher chose to describe making an Advent Calendar that you can reuse. As someone who loves Advent Calendars, I found this concept intriguing, especially since it is an easy way to practice being creative. (This website uses affiliate links. If a link takes you to Amazon and you buy something, we earn a commission, but it doesn’t cost you any extra.)

The Basics

You’ll need 24 Velcro squares, a large piece of poster board preferably green, and supplies, like paper, crayons, colored pencils or pens, to make the countdown decorations. Draw a tree on the poster board attach ½ of each of the 24 Velcro squares. Create your ornaments from the other supplies and attach the second half of the Velcro. Be sure to number your ornaments 1 to 24, so you know which day each represents. Of course, the instructions are more detailed and kid friendly in Christmas in Camelot.

Disappointing Advent Calendar

One year I got a cheap chocolate Advent Calendar. I knew what it was: a cheap chocolate, cheap Advent Calendar. You open the door and get a small square of not great chocolate with some Christmas item printed on it. The square could have an elf, Santa, stocking, tree, or anything else related to Christmas. I wasn’t expecting anything grand, just something fun that I could afford. What I really looked forward to was the double doors labeled 24. That would be the largest piece of chocolate.

It wasn’t. I opened the doors on the appointed date to find a piece of chocolate the same size as the rest of the chocolates. Why did it have double doors when a single one would’ve been just fine?

My Solution

I spent the next year making Advent Calendars for friends and family. I sewed them from discount cloth I found after that Christmas. These were three feet wide by five feet tall, and they had 24 pockets that could hide items large or small. I put names on them with fabric paint and put them on dowels with string so they could be hung up. I then went to the dollar store and filled the Advent Calendars and sent them out.

I don’t know how long people used them. I do know at least one sold at a garage sale for $5. I was there for the garage sale and thought about retrieving it, but I had given it to the person, so I just let it go.

Avoiding Disappointment

You don’t have to go through all the work I did to create a fun reusable Advent Calendar. Christmas in Camelot has one suggestion that is guaranteed not to disappoint. And if you do it with your spouse or children, you’ll create memories that will last far into Christmas future.

Join us on Patreon if you’d like to countdown Christmas with us.

The Holiday Fix Up Movie

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On the Holiday Fix Up (affiliate link), Sam is the host of her own renovation television show, but a new face at her studio is taking the limelight of the yearly Christmas show. Sam’s producer tells her she needs to show her more personal side, and she can do so this Christmas while she has time off from her normal hosting duties. Sam doesn’t know what she should do, but news from her hometown brings her back to where the show started and where her heart was broken before she left for the big time. The news? The Inn where Sam grew up had a tree fall on it, and it won’t be able to hold the Harbor Fest this year. Unless Sam saves the day… and works with her ex.

Sam arrives in town with 10 days to complete the renovation. She goes to her friend’s bakery. She alienates the only other person working on the renovation (her ex). They participate in a snowball fight and a pie judging contest. I was concerned and a little stressed. When are they going to get the renovations done. Then they had an argument about whether they should use the “okay” builder’s material or whether they should use better materials that would take more time.

I’m no builder. I have no idea how long a job like that should have taken, and then they added on an arbor and a special made mantel piece while also talking about their past relationship I very emotional, walk away terms. Seriously, the only way this renovation could’ve been finished was with some Christmas magic and maybe some elves who worked while the humans were off doing human things.

Of course, the movie has some of its own ideas about what makes Christmas great – the connections that people when they put down their phones, but this gets undermined when they also make connections through their phones. Still, in spite of the stress, it was a fine Christmas romance as far as those types of movies are concerned.

Now, you’ve probably already judged me, and that’s okay. I can watch whatever movies I feel like whenever I want. If I want to watch “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer on Easter, it’s well within my rights. But if it makes you feel better, Orthodox Christmas is on Jan. 7. We chose the Holiday Fix Up because it has Maria Menounos of Noovie fame, she plays the friend with the bakery.

More than a Merry Christmas Wish

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I want to write something for this Christmas that will make everything better. A fiction, a feel-good story, a joke, even… But I realize that there is nothing I can do or say to make anything better, not for the majority of people, anyway. My message would never reach them. Even if they were able to access it, find it through the mass of Internet mis/information, it wouldn’t penetrate their hardened hearts and wispy souls on the verge of being sucked out by the incoming tide.

Even for my small circle, making things better is little more than a pipe dream. I tried to spread some joy at the beginning of the month but was then stifled by time and lack of financial resources.

Still, with much of my heart, because I recognize my own darkness, my own inability to overcome my human failings, and my own very real wishes for the people who make life harder for the rest of us (and it isn’t the homeless guy on the street, the undocumented, or the poor), I want to make life easier for all of us. I’ve specifically avoided writing things that were dystopian in nature. I’ve tried to keep things positive, and I’ve tried to dwell on my mixed blessings. When a seemingly good thing ends up being a sucker punch, it can be difficult maintaining the sense that the good win and we all get our just desserts, especially when viewing those who make the news.

So here I am, at the end of the Christmas holiday, a day I love for its secular glory and its myths of kindness, Santa, and the redemption of the truly deplorable Scrooge. And I’m writing my Christmas wish to you, for you, and for the everyone else. I hope that the holiday has been more about those around you than it has been about you. I hope that the ghost, past present and future, have nurtured their lessons in your heart, and I hope, beyond all common sense, that the next year will be extravagantly successful, beautifully joyous, and so full of prosperity that your over-flowing cup will allow you to share your good fortune and happiness without thought to the consequences of your own position.

In short, I wish you more than the best that you can conceive. I wish you the best life here on Earth that any being can conceive. With love and dread parceled out to keep life spicy, merry Christmas and happy new year.

Red One: Can the Rock and Captain America Save Christmas?

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In Red One, Santa Claus is kidnapped, and it’s up to Santa’s bodyguard, Callum Drift played by Dwayne Johnson, and the hacker who tracked Santa to the North Pole, Jack O’Malley played by Chris Evans, to save Santa and Christmas. The plot outline is cliché among Christmas films involving Santa. Santa gets kidnapped, thrown in jail, or lost, and someone from the North Pole must team with a non-believer to save him. Jack O’Malley is no Captain America, but Evans is charming and still gets to fight.

The power of this film lies in its message. Callum has lost his ability to see the child, and therefore the good, in adults. All he sees is their selfishness, anger, and pettiness. He hands in his resignation, effective after Christmas.

Santa says it isn’t about getting people to do right. It is instead about helping them to see that every decision, big or small, is an opportunity to do good. The choices people make become who they are.

Callum doesn’t see it anymore. He sees people being mean for no reason and feels like people may not need Santa anymore because nothing matters.

Santa says now, they need us more than ever.

Red One has action, quips, and fun. It also has something the world is missing – a positive message without any baggage.

With a stellar cast, including J.K. Simmons as an athletic Santa, Bonnie Hunt as Mrs. Claus, and Lucy Liu as Zoe, the head of MORA (Mythological Oversight and Restoration Authority), Red One provides an entertaining couple of hours. More importantly, it is the kind of movie we need right now.

Red One is an Amazon/MGM film in theaters. Check out this affiliate link for more information (when you purchase something from Amazon with this link, we receive a small finder’s fee.)

Advent Calendar 2024 What’s Inside (with Photo)

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I like surprises, but I realized that I don’t always get the item that’s a mystery. In fact, I usually only get a mystery item if I trust the business or person enough to believe I’m going to get value. Rarely, do I pick up a surprise because I want to be surprised; it usually involves my birthday or Christmas. Sometimes, it’s about value; can I risk the amount something costs? So, I decided to publish a sample list of items you might find in an Advent Calendar I put together.

Then, I realized that some people are visual and would much prefer a picture. So, that’s what I am putting here. A photo of a sample Advent Calendar. Please note: if you were to get an Advent Calendar from me, it will likely contain different items. The stock is constantly evolving and some items may not be available for a calendar.

If you want an Advent Calendar, leave me a message or a comment on my Patreon. Once I’ve worked out shipping, I’ll let you know the cost.

Holiday Shopping with a Personal Impact

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If you are going to be using Amazon for your holiday shopping, you can help our website out by using one of our Amazon links. When you shop through Penguinate.com, Amazon pays us a commission, The best part is that you don’t pay any more than you normally would for what you order.

Etsy Penguinate

If Amazon isn’t your thing, consider checking out our Etsy shop for plushies. Jenya has knit a bear with a sweater. The bear is super cute. We also have a selection of penguins available, including our popular Roly-Poly penguins.

Books Available

If plushies aren’t your thing (and I’m not sure that’s a possibility), I have written several books. All of them are available on Amazon in one form or another. I also have a few hard copies available that I could autograph and send.

If you’re looking for an archery book or something from an independent author, I still have several authors available, including Drue M. Scott, Darren Lamb, and Shannen Crane Camp. I’m going to read Sugar-Coated again, so I can see how the trilogy ends. Also, I have the Colorworld series.

Advent Calendar

If you would like an Advent Calendar, I am creating some. They will have stickers, projects, and other goodies. I’ll be posting on Patreon for the month of December. You could also get the 2023 Advent Calendar, which is electronic and already published.

Holiday Shopping for Impact

Of course, if none of this excites you, I urge you to find an artist, writer, non-profit, or small business to support this year. Don’t let the big businesses consolidate more cash into useless, leaden “wealth.”

Thank you for visiting our website through out the year. We appreciate you being here whether holiday shopping or not.

Lindsay Lohan’s Latest Trailer Has Netflix and Fans Falling for Christmas

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Netflix’s new release Falling for Christmas features Lindsay Lohan as a Paris Hilton-like hotel heiress, who ends up with memory loss after a marriage proposal gone wrong. A Good Samaritan, played by Glee’s Chord Overstreet, finds her at the bottom of a hill, takes her to the hospital and offers to put her up at his small-town lodge.

Fans have reacted with joy to the Hallmark-style holiday movie’s trailer and Lohan’s return to acting. One surprising trend can be found on the official trailer on YouTube, Facebook, and Twitter: Comments have been overwhelmingly positive.

“I’m actually in tears. This is such a warm welcome back to a Lindsay that I thought we’d never see again. I’m so happy for her and I’m so happy for us x,” wrote S A on YouTube.

“Yesssss Lindsay was my childhood! I’m so ready for her! Let’s pick up where we left off Lindsay, glad to see you back in action 🙂,” wrote fan Colethia Sosa on Facebook.

Even Starbucks got into the act tweeting: “The limit to our excitement does not exist! 💚”

Lohan gifted her supporters the Falling for Christmas trailer on Mean Girls Day (Oct. 3). Many pointed out that the singer actress was performing Jingle Bell Rock in the trailer as a throwback to her seminal film.

“This looks fantastic. As everyone is saying it looks like Lindsey is healthy and happy and back on track to doing the movies that we loved seeing her in. I also love the homage to Mean Girls by using Jingle Bell Rock as the theme!” wrote YouTube user mikeswayiscool.

A few fans noticed the plot resembled that of the classic Overboard, starring Goldie Hawn and Kurt Russell. Still, they will be watching Lohan as she makes her comeback to feature films.

Aside from Mean Girls, Lohan is best known for the Disney comedies The Parent Trap, Freaky Friday, and Herbie: Fully Loaded. She went through a period of legal trouble starting in 2007, which included a reckless driving charge and multiple stints in rehab. While she has been active in TV series and shorts, this is her first movie since 2019’s Among the Shadows, a werewolf murder mystery.

A romantic comedy, Falling for Christmas is set to be released on Netflix on Nov. 10, 2022. It is a part of a two-movie deal Lohan signed with the streaming giant. The next film in her contract is called Irish Wish. Lohan plays Maddie, who is asked to be a bridesmaid at her best friend’s wedding; her best friend is marrying the love of Maddie’s life.

This article uses affiliate links. If you buy something through an affiliate link, a small portion of what you pay goes to our website. The best part is it doesn’t cost you anything extra.

I wrote this as part of a job application. I didn’t get the job. It probably didn’t help that I spelled “Lindsay” wrong. (I corrected it so it is “Lindsay.”) Maybe next time.

Time to Get Your Penguin Holiday Gifts Ordered

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Jenya has put many of her stuffed penguins on Etsy. Because each of these penguins is one of a kind, it’s important that you adopt your favorite quickly. Jenya puts so much time and love into these penguins; they are hand-crafted with hand-embroidered eyes. The fabric is soft and huggable, and every penguin has its own personality. For every penguin adopted, we make a donation to the Royal Albatross Centre in New Zealand for their work with little penguins and other birds.

If you want something for stress relief, Jenya’s Roly Poly Penguins are just the thing. Hand-knit from the softest yarns, these penguins are cute, and happy for you to squeeze them. The tactile experience will help you feel calmer.

All of these penguins come with their own names, likes and dislikes spelled out on a penguin passport. There are limited number available for the holidays. Adopt one today.

Penguin Books

Looking for something different to read, Shad has written two books about penguins: “There Are No Penguins in Alaska” and “Polly Penguin Wants to Fly.”

There are no penguins in Alaska
There are no penguins in Alaska

“There Are No Penguins in Alaska” is a coloring book that includes several animals that are in Alaska. The ending will leave you with a chuckle. It is available on eReader, though we do not recommend coloring on your eReader. Shad also has a very limited number of IRL coloring books (around 30 are left from the first printing).

Polly Penguin Wants to Fly
Polly Penguin Wants to Fly

Shad wrote “Polly Penguin Wants to Fly” as a book his mother could read to her grandchildren. Newly hatched Polly Penguin is amazed at the birds she sees flying overhead. She wants to fly. But penguins can’t fly, can they? This book is available on eReader, in paperback on Amazon, and directly from Shad (if you want an autograph). One dollar from each copy sold, regardless of format goes to Tiritiri Matangi Island for their work with little penguins and other New Zealand wildlife.

Penguin Flat Friends

Part of the meal on the train
Part of the meal on the train (flat friend: penguin not included)

Only three flat friends are available for adoption. These felt penguins are about two inches tall and two dimensional. They were hand-crafted by Jenya out of felt. They make great ornaments, bookmarks, and decorations. Get them before they are gone.

December 1 Archery Challenge Advent Calendar: Shooting on One Leg

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When you come shoot a regular session at Lincoln City Archery, shooting on one leg is one of the first challenges you’ll face after learning how to shoot a bow and arrow traditionally. For many people, it’s a matter of five to 10 minutes before they are ready to try this. However, others need to shoot on one leg to more firmly grasp the concepts of traditional archery.

Standing at the line, put your arrow on the bow, raise your back leg, and tuck that foot behind your knee. Point at the target, draw the bow, and release when you have your balance.

A lot of people pull the bow and anchor in before they raise their leg. This changes their shot and not in a good way. By raising the leg before pointing at the target, your bow and body will find the proper position for hitting the target.

What does shooting on one leg do? It depends on the archer. For some, it’s just a fun thing to try. For others, it helps keep them from leaning back when they pull the bow. Still others have to concentrate on keeping their balance, so their thoughts can’t interfere with the actual shot.

Practice your balance and see what shooting on one leg does for you. When you’re done, you can shoot on one leg, two legs, or no legs. (That last one I like to call sitting.) Happy Holidays! (Be on the lookout for my new book, “How to Shoot a Bow and Arrow,” coming out soon!) All our videos are on YouTube, so hit the thumbs up, subscribe and hit that bell icon!

Tomorrow: Archery Challenge Advent Calendar!

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December is almost upon us, and I wanted to make sure you knew about the Archery Challenge Advent Calendar. For each day until the 24th of December 2021, I will be releasing a new video offering you an easy archery challenge. This series is meant for people who are relatively knew to traditional archery, though more experienced archers may find some of the challenges fun, too.

There are some things that you’ll need for the event, including:

  • An inexpensive bow
  • Three arrows
  • A rubber duck
  • A stick, paper towel roll tube, pool noodle
  • A washer, the metal circle with a circle cut out of it. (Not the kind you clean clothes with.)
  • An apple
  • A bell or jingle bells
  • A picture of Santa Claus
  • A Tic Tac Toe or Nick, Nock, No! target
  • Ace of spades
  • Three candles
  • A Santa hat
  • A picture of an undecorated Christmas tree

We’ve made it easier for some of these things by creating downloadable, printable targets that simulate many of these items.

Many of the videos are already loaded to YouTube and awaiting their premiere. Be sure to subscribe to Lincoln City Archery, click the thumbs up and hit that bell icon (with your mouse arrow not a real one). We hope you enjoy these small challenges.

If you can’t find an in person instructor for your archery skills, check out the right-handed shooting, left-handed shooting, and practice 15 minutes a day videos. If you need a bow and arrows for Archery Challenge Advent Calendar, come to Lincoln City Archery at the Lincoln City Outlets in Lincoln City, Oregon. We look forward to getting you on target for the holiday season.