Monthly Archives: December 2023

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History and Sentiments of Old Lang Syne

It’s traditional to sing Auld Lang Syne to usher in the New Year on the stroke of midnight. The song has become an anthem of celebrants across the nation. It’s a farewell to the current year, while welcoming in the new, in countries around the globe. When singing your rendition of the popular song this year, give some thought to its history.

Humble Beginnings

The words are from a Scottish poem written in 1788 by Robert Burns. He based it on a song he happened to hear an old man singing. Its beginnings stretch even farther back to an old Scottish folk song. It wasn’t set to music until 1799 and became the tune that we sing on New Year’s Eve. The English translation of the title characterized as “long, long ago.”

Some of the phrases in Burns’s poem were collected rather than original. The poem by Burns has remarkable similarities to one written by poet, James Watson, in 1711

The Melody Evolved

The original music to which the poem was set was different than that of today. The melody associated with the modern of today was first used in 1799. Other versions with different words and music survive as Scottish folk songs.

Many Uses

In the U.S., Auld Lang Syne is a staple at midnight on New Year’s Eve. The dirge has also been played at funerals, graduation ceremonies, at the end of team building exercises, and similar gatherings to mark the end. It’s sometimes played in Japanese restaurants and stores as a friendly way of ushering customers out the door.

Emotion Filled

The song evokes a sense of nostalgia, sentimentality and melancholy, while sustaining hope for the coming year. The folk song contained a sense of longing, but it was the composition by Burns that transformed it into a popular song. It urges people to cherish the past, while looking forward to the future. Ultimately, Auld Lang Syne is a question and statement about how we treat our fellow man. A sentiment that’s as relevant today as it was 300 years ago.

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6 Considerations for Inflatable Rentals

If you’re planning on renting an inflatable for your party or event, you have a wealth of options from which to choose. There are bounce houses, obstacle course, life size board games, and waterslides, along with inflatables for dance parties and video game challenges. Before reserving your favorite inflatable, there are 5 things you need to consider.

Space Requirements

Some inflatables are quite large. You’ll need to measure the space where you intend to place the amusement to ensure it will fit in your yard. If the inflatable measures 15×15 ft., make sure you have a 20×20 space. Inflatables must be kept clear of homes, fences, outbuildings, sprinkler heads, overhead utility lines, and low hanging tree branches.

Power Connection

Inflatables need a constant supply of air and that requires a blower unit. You’ll need a nearby outdoor power outlet where the blower will be plugged in. If you don’t have an outlet, you’ll need to let the company know so you can rent a generator with the inflatable.

Utility Lines

Modern life requires equipment and lines for phone, internet, water, and electricity. Stakes will be used to anchor your inflatable to the ground for safety. Make sure none of those lines will be in the way of the stakes to prevent utility interruptions and for everyone’s safety. Stakes can range from 18 to 36 inches in length, depending on the inflatable to be secured.

Tall Rentals

Water slides can be 40 ft. tall. They can’t be set up near power lines or trees. Plenty of overhead clearance is required.

Park Party

If you host a party in the park, you’ll need to ascertain if the park rules allow you to do so. You may need a permit and there may be width and height requirements. The rental company should have liability insurance in the event of an accident or injury.

The Surface

Most inflatables are set up on gras or gravel. It enables easy tethering with stakes. It’s also possible to set them up on concrete, using sandbags to anchor the device. Any surface must be free of rocks, sticks and other debris that can puncture an inflatable. It’s imperative that you let the rental company know what the surface will be so they can bring the appropriate equipment to ensure minimal risk and the maximum amount of fun.

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Songs of the Season

Holiday songs play an integral role in Christmas festivities. Singer Brena Lee’s song Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree has supplanted Beyonce’s All I Want for Christmas is You on Billboard charts as the No. 1 favorite in 2023. It was recorded 65 yrs. ago when she was just 13 yrs. old.

The first song associated with Christmas dates back to the 4th century. It was a hymn entitled Jesus Refulsit Omnium (Jesus Light of all the Nations).

The following are just some of the favorite Christmas songs whether you’re caroling or just need a playlist. Bear in mind that many of these melodies have been recorded by various artists throughout the years. If you’re not fond of one artist’s rendition, there’s plenty of others from which to choose.

  1. 12 Days of Christmas
  2. All I Want for Christmas is You by Mariah Carey
  3. Blue Christmas by Elvis Presley
  4. Christmas (Baby Please Come Home) by Darlene Love
  5. Deck the Halls by Nat King Cole
  6. Do You Hear What I Hear by Bing Crosby
  7. Feliz Navidad by Jose Feliciano
  8. Frosty the Snowman by Gene Autry
  9. Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer by Elmo and Patsy
  10. Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas by Judy Garland
  11. Holly Jolly Christmas by Burl Ives
  12. I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Clause by Jimmy Boyd
  13. It’s the Most Wonderful Time of Year by Andy Williams
  14. Jingle Bells by Bobby Rydell and Chubby Checker
  15. Jingle Bell Rock by Bobby Helms
  16. Let it Snow, Let it Snow, Let it Snow by Dean Martin
  17. Tanenbaum (O Christmas Tree) by Tony Bennett
  18. Vince Guaraldi Trio
  19. Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree by Brenda Lee
  20. Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer by Gene Autry
  21. Run Rudolph Run by Chuck Berry
  22. Samta Clause is Coming to Town by Bing Crosby
  23. Silent Night by The Carpenters
  24. Silver Bells by Bing Crosby
  25. Sleigh Ride by The Ronettes
  26. The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire) by Nat King Cole
  27. The Little Drummer Boy by Bing Crosby
  28. Underneath the Tree by Kelly Clarkson
  29. Up on the Housetop by George Strait
  30. We Wish You a Merry Christmas – take your pick of choirs and chorale groups
  31. White Christmas by Bing Crosby
  32. Winter Wonderland by Darlene Love
Event Planning

Celebrate a Family-Friendly New Year’s Eve

When children see their parents getting excited about their New Year’s Eve celebrations, they want to celebrate, too. You can easily plan a family-friendly New Year’s Eve celebration with inflatable rentals and a range of budget-friendly accessories.

Inflatable Selections

For youngsters age 6 to 12, a bounce house is an ideal solution. It’s fun and allows them to expend energy in a safe and healthy way. Depending on available space, you might also want to consider renting an inflatable obstacle course. There are options available for toddlers to adults, ensuring that an age-appropriate obstacle course that’s in line with your child’s age and interests. Life size board games are offered, along with sumo balls and a host of inflatable activities.

Fun Food

Youngsters are sure to work up an appetite with all the bouncing and playing. Fun food machines can also be rented. They encompass hotdog steamers and rollers, candy dispensers, and cotton candy, popcorn and snow cone makers.

Banners, Hats and Goodies

An extensive variety of New Year’s accessories and favors can be purchased inexpensively. You can take your pick of hats, eyeglasses, multiple types of noise makers, and glow-in-the-dark jewelry. You can decorate with banners, balloons, stars and streamers. Crowns and tiaras make an excellent memento of the event.

Celebrate Internationally

It can be fun to work in some New Year’s customs from other countries. Eating a grape for every chime of the clock during the countdown to the New Year is practiced in Spain, while those in Ireland sing as many courses of Auld Lang Syne as they can manage. Serving 12 round fruits in customary in the Philippines, gifting homemade tamales is practiced in Mexico, and those in Denmark and Norway celebrate with a cake of at least 18 layers.

Final Thoughts

It’s traditional to make a New Year’s Resolution and children can also perform the ritual. Keep resolutions light and fun. Don’t forget some fancy plastic wine glasses to give a celebratory toast to the New Year with grape juice.

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Films and Specials to Put You in the Holiday Spirit

The Christmas season is packed with holiday films and specials for kids that are worth watching the first time or every year. The lineup is sufficient for creating a movie night for every day in December leading up to the big day. The following are just some of the top picks. Some are recommended for certain ages, but let your child and their interests be your guide.

  1. The Polar Express
  2. The Christmas Dragon
  3. The Life and Adventures of Santa Claus
  4. A Garfield Christmas
  5. Home Alone
  6. The Santa Clause
  7. Jingle All the Way
  8. A Boy Called Christmas
  9. Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special
  10. Trolls Holiday Special
  11. Elf
  12. A Charlie Brown Christmas
  13. Frosty the Snowman
  14. Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer
  15. Dr. Seuess’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas
  16. Twas the Night Before Christmas
  17. Jingle All The Way
  18. The Star
  19. Thomas and Friends: The Christmas Engines
  20. Winnie the Pooh: The Seasons of Giving
  21. If You Give a Mouse a Christmas Cookie
  22. The Snowy Day
  23. Kung Fu Panda Holiday
  24. The Muppet Christmas Carol
  25. Santa Clause is Coming to Town
  26. Veggie Tales: The Little Drummer Boy
  27. Casper’s Haunted Christmas
  28. Klaus
  29. The Magic Snowflake
  30. Scrooge
  31. Minions Holiday Special
  32. Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey
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Favorite Outdoor Christmas Decorations

Some Christmas decorations are perennial favorites and seem to appear in everyone’s yard each year. Inflatables have become one of the most popular types of yard decorations on the market. They encompass everything from traditional Santas and snowmen to angels, elves and candy canes. Many are equipped with solar-powered batteries to power light up functions. They’re ideal for saving on power costs and reducing the potential for fire.

Aurora Lights

Since 1882, lights have played an integral part in holiday celebrations. Now, you can put away the traditional holiday lights for your outdoor tree and decorate with aurora lights. They’re also called meteor lights, snow shower lights or raindrop lights, depending on the manufacturer. They’re offered in single colors and simulate shooting stars tumbling to Earth.

Inflatables

Giant inflatable ornaments are offered in multiple colors. Some are emblazoned with sentiments of the season. You can also select from giant lighted snow globes or giant versions of Frosty the Snowman or the abominable snowman.

Lighted Gifts

Designed to look like wrapped presents, they glow with an inner light. They’re available in multiple colors. Combine them with an outdoor lighted tree for an especially festive appearance.

Fun Inflatables

Those with a quirky sense of humor that are fans of Rockin’ Santa figurines with a guitar will be happy to know there’s a large inflatable version. You can also choose Santa riding a dinosaur, Snoopy on his doghouse, or a gingerbread train. Don’t forget the gingerbread man who is being sampled by his dog.

Fireworks and Icicles

Firework lights are offered in bright white or multi-colored versions. The unique design emulates the appearance of a fireworks burst, sometimes called a bouquet. Icicle lights can be used to decorate homes and fences.

Reindeer

There’s something about reindeer as decorations that appeal to children and adults. They’re available in light up inflatables that primarily depict Rudolph and the more popular fully lit version that’s offered as a 2-piece doe and fawn set.

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Choose Easy and Convenient Inflatables for Your Holiday Event

It’s time for planning Christmas festivities. You can make your home gathering, office party or corporate evet stand a memorable one with a variety of inflatables and accessories that can be rented. You can create a winter wonderland and provide unique photo opportunities.

Rentable inflatables are an easy and convenient solution. The company will deliver to your location and perform all the set up and take down tasks. Be sure and book your desired inflatable early to ensure availability.

Human Snow Globe

Imagine your guests surprise when confronted with a 15 ft. snow globe. Let guests get inside the snow globe and have their photo taken for an extraordinary memento.

iGo Photo Booth

For the digitally minded, the photo kiosk provides guests with a strip of photos and prints in just 16 seconds. The booth can be customized, produce images in color, black and white, or funny frames with wigs and hats.

Bounce House

Events where children will be present shouldn’t be without a bounce house. The inflatables are available as a giant snowman, giant elf or gingerbread house.

Snow Machines

Snow is a rarity in the South Florida climate so make your own with a high output snow machine. Create a gentle snow or blizzard like conditions. The professional snow machines have multiple effects. You can also choose from a snow/foam cannon, complete with lights and an attendant to operate it so you don’t miss any of the festivities.

Team Building

Business owners and organizations that want to take the holidays as an opportunity for team building exercises have a wealth of options from which to choose. You can choose from obstacle courses to giant lawn games

Fun Food

Catered cuisine is a great idea for adults, but it’s lost on the vast majority of children. To feed everyone at an informal event, fundraiser or children’s event, consider renting fun food machines. Select from a hot dog steamer, popcorn maker, cotton candy or snow cone machine, or candy dispenser to make your holiday event easy, convenient and fun.

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Satisfy the Reader in Any Family

Video games and electronic devices are uppermost in the minds of many youngsters for Christmas. If you’re among those that have an avid reader in the family, there are any number of books that will be a well-appreciated gift. There are books to please any age level or reading ability. Many combine the holiday season with mystery, fantasy or a heaping helping of humor. The following are just a few choices to consider.

Adventure of the Blue Carbuncle by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle

When the gem is stolen, it’s up to Sherlock Holmes and Watson to recover it and solve the holiday-based mystery. For ages 7 to 9.

Christmas Mystery by Jostein Gaarder

In this Norwegian novel, the girl Elisabet hasn’t been seen for years. Jochim must solve the mystery of the advent calendar and locate Elisabet. For ages 9 to 12.

Hogfather by Terry Prachet

Bureaucrats hire an assassin to dispatch the Hogfathe who brings children toys and sausages. It’s up to Death to save the day by dressing up as the merry old man. For age 11 to adults.

Holidays on Ice by David Sedaris

It’s a hilarious account of working as a department store elf during the holidays. For teens to adults.

Kwanzaa by Dr. Artika R. Tyner

Children learn about the traditions and celebration of Kwanzaa. For ages 5 to 8.

The Box of Delights by John Masefield

In this children’s fantasy novel, a boy finds a magic box on a train, only to discover he and the box are in danger from an evil magician. He travels through time and space to save himself and Christmas. For ages 9 to 12.

The Legend of the Poinsettia by Tomie dePaola

There’s more to the humble flower than meets the eye. It tells the sweet story of what the “Flower of Christmas Eve” means to Hispanic families. For ages 5 to 9.