Beautiful Christmas Flowers USA Paintings

Over the years, artists from around the world have tried to create the most beautiful paintings of flowers, but few have made assessments of Georgia O'Keeffe paintings. This article aims to pay tribute to the work of Georgia O'Keeffe, who created some of the finest paintings of flowers, of all time. To help you understand the inspiration behind the paintings of Georgia O'Keeffe, will be useful to have a brief biography of Georgia O'Keeffe and influences. Many talented artists have created beautiful paintings, but this article will focus on who has become best known through history for his christmas flowers usa . .




First, start with a brief biography of Georgia O'Keeffe, before taking a look at his remarkable paintings of flowers. O'Keeffe was born in 1887 in Wisconsin, United States, began taking art classes at an early age and continued his love of art beyond high school studying in Chicago and New York. Initially, he learned to paint in a realistic style which rejected, and then studied with Arthur Wesley Dow. The emphasis on the Dow expression of ideas and feelings in art, which inspired the later work of Georgia O'Keeffe.

When O'Keeffe began to create paintings of flowers in the 1920s, these works of art have become his most famous. In 1928, a series of six paintings by O'Keeffe Lily Way sold for $ 25,000 USD. This was because most are paid each time a group of paintings by an artist living in the United States. Some of his most famous paintings of flowers are as follows, with a basic description:

Lake (1924) - a more abstract work, which offers waves of blue, white and burgundy;
Mac (1927) - almost an orange poppy with a black center;
Black Iris III (1926) - a first end, which is representative of white petals with a dark center;
Thought (1926) - a think black and yellow flowers, small, blue;
Red Canna (1923) - a more abstract, with layers of purple and yellow petals.

Georgia O'Keeffe paintings of flowers were made so that they brought to the foreground, like a magnifying glass. This perspective reflects his fascination with photography and lenses.O'Keeffe painted mainly in oils, often used bright colors, bold, combined with feminine curves and lines. Although Georgia O'Keeffe died in 1986, his vision of life today in over 100 public collections of his work in the world. O'Keeffe is still one of the best known of American modernism, and is most famous for its beautiful paintings of flowers.

If you like Georgia O'Keeffe paintings, but can not afford an original price, you might want to review the work of the future of affordable Australian artist, Mary Weaver. Mary creates original 

flowers delivery usa , bright colors, dramatic, using oil on canvas.

Among the last works of Mary, that are currently available are: 'Purple Delight' - Iris Louisiana has a spectacular "Hippeastrum Fay" - a white Hippeastrum Mont-Blanc (also known as Amaryllis).

Click here to see a sample of christmas flowers usa blogs paintings of Mary Weaver.

If you have a favorite flower that you would like painted or a good idea for a photo, Mary Weaver is also available for commissions.As you can see in your online gallery (see link above), Mary Weaver, paintings, plus a variety of natural subjects, including birds, animals, landscapes and Australia. Requests are always welcome.

Tourneys offer sun, plant seeds - Christmas Flowers USA

Sunny skies and sandy beaches await Xavier’s men’s basketball team in this week’s Hawaiian Airlines Diamond Head Classic in Honolulu, but the destination is just the icing on the exempt tournament.

It’s primarily a business trip filled with resume-building opportunities on the hard court.

The No. 8 Musketeers play three games in four days, starting Thursday with Long Beach State and continuing Friday against Auburn or Hawaii. XU meets one of four possible foes – Clemson, Kansas State, the University of Texas at El Paso or Southern Illinois – on Sunday, christmas flowers usa blogs Day.

Xavier has played in regular-season tournaments seven times since 2002 and every year since 2006. That’s when an NCAA rules change allowed programs to compete annually in exempt tourneys as long as they didn’t play in the same event more than once in a four-year frame.

Tournaments have increased since the rule change, and the influx of participating teams has reaped the benefits. Not only can teams face opponents and styles they otherwise wouldn’t, but many brackets unfold entirely on neutral courts in vacation destinations.

The chance to prep for conference tournaments and the NCAA Tournament by playing games in short order is a bonus, and so is the way an exempt event counts on a team’s schedule.

Whether a team plays in a three- or four-game event, all its exempt tournament games count as one regular-season contest – which allows it to further diversify its schedule and present a larger body of work for postseason consideration.

From his perspective on the NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Committee, Xavier athletic director Mike Bobinski believes exempt events help in teams’ evaluations for Selection Sunday.

“The more evidence we have, the more comparison and evaluation opportunities that we have with different teams, the better job we can do when it comes to selection time,” Bobinski said.

“I think they add value to our process and I think they are good for the game. Having competition out of your traditional group and traditional regions is kind of a fun thing. It shakes the game up a little bit.”

XU might not otherwise have faced Long Beach State without the Diamond Head Classic. Distance, travel considerations, players’ school commitments and scheduling availability from Xavier’s perspective would have had to align with the West Coast program’s needs for a series to work.

Because exempt tournaments can only include one team per conference, XU is the lone Atlantic 10 member in the Diamond Head Classic. The rest of the field includes the Atlantic Coast Conference (Clemson), Big 12 (Kansas State), Big West (Long Beach State), Conference USA (UTEP), Missouri Valley Conference (Southern Illinois), Southeastern Conference (Auburn) and Western Athletic Conference (Hawaii).

While the different types of competition in such events have immense value, the financial incentives generally do not. Costs can be considerable despite the assistance of event sponsors.

ESPN senior director of event management Clint Overby said his company tries to offset teams’ expenses in their five exempt tournaments: the Old Spice Classic, Puerto Rico Tip-Off, Diamond Head Classic, 76 Classic and Charleston Classic.

“Teams get a stipend for airfare and we cover hotels on site for their specific travel party,” Overby said.

“The Hawaii stipend is more because of the distance and multiple legs (on planes), and we’re taking that into consideration.”

As a private institution, Xavier is not required to share its athletic finances. Bobinski said he appreciates the funds tournaments have given Xavier to defray costs, and he considers participation a worthy endeavor despite the financial obligations.

Food alone costs tens of thousands of dollars.

“It’s an investment on our part. From a competitive standpoint, it’s one that we feel has a return and has value to us,” Bobinski said.

Of course, XU isn’t required to play in exempt tournaments. It, like other Division I teams, could travel another NCAA-approved route by adding two more non-conference games to its schedule.

That’s not a likely scenario for Xavier as long as it’s offered good tournament opportunities. The program has already locked up its next three: the Puerto Rico Tip-Off in 2012, the Battle 4 Atlantis in the Bahamas in 2013, and the Old Spice Classic in Florida in 2014.

Xavier has become a part of ESPN’s rotation because of its basketball success, competitiveness and good amount of traveling fans, Overby said. Those are characteristics the company tends to look for in all its tournaments.

While ESPN events add another perk – televised games on its family of networks – a tournament’s RPI benefits can be even greater, regardless of host. XU has defeated teams like Memphis, Missouri, Villanova and Virginia Tech in exempt tourneys.

“We’ve built parts of our NCAA Tournament resume in these events,” Xavier director of basketball administration Mario Mercurio said.

“What I’ll say to event organizers is, ‘I want a great field.’ I want to count on Top 100 RPI games, teams that are going to be in the NCAA Tournament, Top 25 teams.”

For Xavier, accepting a Diamond Head Classic invitation was a slam dunk from a competition standpoint. The tournament’s timing was another story. Administrators had to mull the pros and cons of playing over christmas flowers usa for the first time.

“We understand for our team, for our staff and for our fans, to be on the road at that time of the year requires a sacrifice in some ways. We really wrestled with it,” Bobinski said.

But players will have chances to learn about the Hawaiian culture in a state they may not have visited on their own.

One reason coach Chris Mack said he likes exempt tournaments is because players are exposed to new places.

This tourney marks freshman Justin Martin’s first trip to Hawaii.

“Everybody wants to vacation in Hawaii,” Martin said.

“Even though it’s not a vacation, I do get to say I’ve been there. I’m definitely looking forward to it.”

Freshman Dez Wells and sophomore walk-on Landen Amos won’t make the trip because of the four-game suspensions they received from the Skyline Chili Crosstown Shootout fight, but Mark Lyons will. His two-game suspension ends after Long Beach State.

Trim Your Tree With Style - Christmas Flowers USA

A  christmas flowers usa tree is often the focal point of a home during the holiday season. But unless you decorate professionally, it's often not that easy to give your tree that designer look that you see in magazines or department stores.

We asked designers to offer their advice on how to create that perfect tree.

Pick a color scheme. Select a scheme that will coordinate with your home, says Rita Freling of Wisteria Flowers & Gifts in Rochester. Find a color palette that complements your existing decor, she says. It could be gold and bronze or silvery blues.

For her own tree, Freling selected a red theme, as it gives her neutral decor a pop of color. Plus, the color red makes her happy.

Lights and more lights. Don't skimp on the lights, advises Jennifer Ralph of Wisteria. Mini lights are cheap and you should generously disperse the strands of lights throughout the tree. Weave the strands in and out of the tree in a zigzag pattern to ensure the tree is well lit, she says.

Go with a theme. Try selecting a theme to make your tree decorations more uniform, says Rachel Clark of Shades of Ooh and Ah in Pittsford, N.Y. Do you have a lot of ornaments handed down from Grandma? Try a vintage theme. Do you like nature? Try a woodland theme. You can even create a tree just for your children's ornaments, Clark says

Go bold. Big, oversized ornaments add a dramatic look to a tree, Ralph says. What you want to do is place the large ornaments in the center of the tree closer to the tree trunk and layer the smaller ones outside.

Splurge on ribbons. Invest in rich ribbons or scarves, Freling says. Drape them throughout the tree for a dramatic look.

Try adding a touch of nature. The natural look is all the rage, and you can add some of the outdoors, such as red berries, to your indoor tree, Freling says.

Look for a big topper. After you dress your tree, it's time to focus on the top of your special designer tree. A big bow ribbon topper is very popular right now, Ralph says. It may also be difficult to create if you're not used to the art of bow-making, so it may be the one item that you outsource to a professional florist, Ralph suggests christmas flowers usa blogs.

MT. PLEASANT BUSINESS PUSHES MADE IN THE USA ITEMS - CHRISTMAS FLOWERS USA

While the christmas flowers usa  shopping season is coming to a head, one local merchant is giving people a reason to spend their money on goods made in the United States of America.

Jeff Gales, owner of the Old General Store with locations on Route 31 in Donegal and the Countryside Plaza in Mt. Pleasant, is holding its first Made in the USA Sale. Today, Saturday and Sunday customers can save 20 percent off select items Made in the USA at both locations.

"I am trying to promote locally-made products as well as items Made in the USA. I feel that any support we can give to American and local companies helps to support our economy," Gales said.

All items including toys, candles and gifts from Burts Bees of North Carolina, Village Candles of Maine, Swan Creek Candles and Gooseberry Patch Books of Ohio, Ann Clark Cookie Cutters of Vermont, Palmer Manufacturing of West Newton and Channel Craft Toys of Charleroi are on sale.

Dean Helfer, president and founder of Channel Craft Toys in Charleroi, said events like this one at the Old General Store help consumers focus on the value and the quality of what they are buying.

"It means that the customers are being made aware of the quality of products that he has there, of our products and of what is being made right here," Helfer said.

The Channel Craft Toys has been making authentic American toys, games and puzzles for over 28 years. The company was recently featured on ABC World News' "The Great Made In America Christmas" series, which reported that if every American purchased just $64 in American-made products this Christmas it would create 200,000 jobs in the United States.

"We have seen the affects of buying American and it is picking our economy right back up," Helfer said.

Kathy Willis, manager of the Old General Store's Mt. Pleasant location, said it is not uncommon for people to come in seeking products made in the USA.

"It's happening more and more often and not just American-made. They want to buy local so we mark them with signs that say Pennsylvania-made or locally-made," she said christmas flowers usa blogs .

Some of the other locally-made products the store carries that are not part of the sale include honey and maple syrup from Somerset, mustards from Ohiopyle, herbs from Irwin, Sand Hill Berry products from Mt. Pleasant, Old Linn Run coffee from Rector, just to name a few.

Sheep trade remains buoyant with supplies edging ahead of 2010 figure - Christmas Flowers USA

Thankfully, sheep prices are ensuring that farmers are having more success at raising money than the Irish Labour Party are enjoying in their attempts to fundraise in the USA.

Seemingly, the disciples of James Connolly netted a mere €100 over the past nine months from their efforts Stateside.

Lamb quotes in the main have remained firm with just one plant showing an increase from this day last week. Significant improvements in British lamb prices recently are helping the situation here, with very few lambs now being bought at less than €5/kg.

Moyvalley Meats retain top spot with their all-in quote of 500c/kg. The aforementioned increase brings the base quote from Kildare Chilling up to 484c/kg plus their 6c/kg and 5c/kg bonuses.

Both Kepaks remain on 485c/kg plus the bonus, while Dawn Ballyhaunis and the two ICM plants are quoting 480c/kg plus 6c/kg christmas flowers usa blogs .

The difference between this lower quote and the top price that I was hearing of yesterday morning was as much as 34c/kg, as factories were doing deals at between 510-520c/kg.

On a 23kg carcase this difference equates to €8/lamb. That could be what you are losing out by if you are a soft seller and accept whatever price is offered.

One or two plants are quoting for the lighter types at the same level as the base for the heavier lambs.

IFA's James Murphy said that prices have moved on with farmers successfully holding out for and getting up to 520c/kg.

He added that with less British lamb on the French market due to the very strong domestic trade there at the moment, Irish returns from France had risen to a range of 547-557c/kg including VAT, and there was still scope for further upward movement.

Kildare have upped their ewe quote by 5c/kg to move further ahead on 285c/kg. Kepak Hacketstown stay on 275c/kg, with 270c/kg being quoted by the ICM plants.

As with the lambs, the plants are freely paying well in excess of what they are quoting for the ewes, with 300-330c/kg frequently paid and an odd report suggesting even a little more at times.

An Bord Bia reported that the sheep trade had shown little change last week, with demand in domestic and export markets steady.

Quotes for lambs for much of the week averaged €4.85-4.90/kg. The cull ewe trade remained unchanged with quotes making up to €2.80/kg as good manufacturing demand helped to maintain trade. Sheep supplies to date are running marginally ahead of corresponding 2010 levels.

In Britain, trade continued to be driven by a lack of supply. By the weekend, live market prices across Britain were the equivalent of €5.48/kg for lambs.

In France, trade has picked up in advance of  christmas flowers usa  , with Irish grade 1 lamb reported to be making €5.47-5.57/kg including VAT by the end of the week.

Are your gifts Made in America? - Christmas Flowers USA

The Swainsboro-Emanuel County Chamber of Commerce is helping to promote local businesses and American-made goods this holiday season by promoting christmas flowers usa  gifts local retailers offer that are made in America.

   “ABC News reports that the average American will spend $704 on holiday gifts and goodies this year, totaling more than $465 billion, according to National Retail Federation estimates,” a Chamber representative stated. “If that money was spent entirely on US-made products, it would create 4.6 million jobs. However, it doesn’t have to be that big. If each of us spent just $64 on American-made goods during our holiday shopping, the result would be 200,000 new jobs.”

   The Chamber has compiled a list of “Emanuel christmas flowers usa blogs Gifts Made in the U.S.A.” encouraging  locals to purchase items from local stores that are made in America. The list is on the “Emanuel Christmas Gifts Made in the U.S.A.” page on the Chamber’s website at emanuelchamber.org.

   Why not give the gift of economic advancement this holiday season with a gift made in America and purchased locally?

What if Christmas is true? - Christmas Flowers USA

What if Christmas is true?

What if the story is real?

What then?

Not the story about Santa and his elves, but the christmas flowers usa  story, the one about the Baby being born in a manger in Bethlehem.

What if the birth of the Christ child is not merely a heartwarming tale, but the day in history upon which and by which all other history is measured?

What if God is not a debate but the Divine, not a fable or a philosophy, but fact?

What if God had indeed spoken the universe into existence?

What if, by specific design and intent, God had created Earth, and Man upon the Earth?

What if we honestly are God’s children, created in His image, just like the Bible says?

What if Lucifer’s war against God is actually ongoing, and like all cowardly terrorists, Lucifer is seeking to hurt his foe by waging a destructive and deceitful war against the ones God loves, His children?

What if God had chosen the names by which He is known so that they would not be mere slogans but powerful statements of purpose and comfort? Yahweh, the great I Am. Emmanuel, the God Who is with us. Jesus, the God Who saves.

What if, incredibly, God had expressly wanted to be with us here on Earth so that later we could be with Him in Heaven?

What if it God had strategically planned for Jesus to be born under a cloud of innuendo to a poor couple living in a occupied nation so that absolutely everyone who ever learned of Him would know that nothing about the circumstances of their birth would disqualify them in the eyes of God?

What if the reason the local shepherds and the wise men from afar were selected by God to celebrate Jesus’ birth was so that all people, in all strata of society, from all nations of the worlds would know that He wants them to join in His joy?

What if Isaiah’s prophecy is as true today as it was nearly eight hundred years before that Christmas birth in Bethlehem when Isaiah said: “For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace”?

What if the only reason that Jesus was born to us as a baby was so that He could die for us a man?

What if no amount of good works or religious activity can get you into Heaven?

What if the only worthy act you can do and the single godly work that you must do is the same one Jesus told to His disciples, “This is the work of God, that you believe in Him whom He sent.”

What if Jesus was giving a clear and accurate report when He said, “For this is the will of My Father, that everyone who beholds the Son and believes in Him will have eternal life, and I Myself will raise him up on the last day”?

All of that, combined, is the christmas flowers usa blogs story.

What if Christmas is true?

What then?

Sharman’s column runs every Thursday. He practices law in Culpeper.

When shopping for gift card deals, think high-end - Christmas Flowers USA

(Reuters) - There's a way to save money this holiday season, even before the after-christmas flowers usa  sales: Unused gift cards and merchandise credits for resale in secondary markets. Some of the best deals favour high-end retailers.

The expansion of the secondary marketplace for gift cards during the last two years is a natural outgrowth of ever-expanding gift card sales. TowerGroup is projecting 2011 gift card transactions to hit $100 billion and to grow by another 25 percent by 2014.

About 6 percent to 10 percent of cards sold go unused, so the idea of the secondary marketplace is to motivate card holders to get something rather than nothing for cards they have no intention of using. The middlemen - like Cardcash.com, PlasticJungle.com and Cardpool.com - buy the cards at a discount and keep a fraction (typically about 5 percent of the card value). By acquiring the cards and verifying them, the sites can guarantee you're getting what you're supposed to.

While several retailers contacted by Reuters declined to discuss the gift card reselling market, there is an upside for them: Unused cards are reported as liabilities. Getting those dormant cards used allows the retailers to record the sales.

Along with the gift cards, the resellers offer unused merchandise credits or gift cards with balances - putting some cards on the market with odd totals rather than the round numbers most folks are used to seeing. (Hint for gift-givers: You can still get a great deal on one of those cards, but don't buy one of those as a present for someone.)

Demand is so high for cards from mass market merchants like Target (TGT.N) and Wal-mart (WMT.N) that buyers are likely only to save around 3 percent - but even that small a discount will move inventory.

That's not the case for cards that can be used at pricier retailers, says Cardcash CEO Elliot Klier: "In order for us to be able to turn around the higher end retailers, we can only do that with a bigger discount," says.

There are typically dozens of different brands for sale at any time at varying discounts and the inventory is constantly changing. Want golf clubs? You can buy $500 worth of Callaway gift cards for $400 on Cardcash, one of the leading gift card exchanges. Here are some other recent examples: $196.84 to use at Lucky Jeans for $151.57 (23 percent off), $419.35 to use at Gymboree stores for $343.87 (18 percent off) and $25 at CVS for $24.25 (3 percent savings) christmas flowers usa blogs .

If you're on the selling end of the equation, it works the same way in reverse. The more popular the card, the more likely you are to get close to the dollar value.

Cheryl Davidov, a New York City speech pathologist, says she was given a $200 gift card to Sunglass Hut, but knew she wasn't going to use it. So, she sold it.

"Even though I didn't get the full value of the card, instead of not using it all, I sold it for $150," she says.

But Davidov says most of her experience has been as a buyer. She had her eye on a $598 bag at Coach and was already holding a $50 card that had been given to her as a gift. You can't really buy much buy at Coach for $50, she thought, so she signed up to be alerted when Coach gift cards became available on Cardcash. When they were, she bought four cards with a total value of $535.74. The cost of those cards: $375.02, 30 percent discount.

Klier says the average returning customer (first-time users tend to be more timid), spends $200-$300 on cards per transaction.

Davidov says once she realized how easy it was to get a big discount, particularly at some of the better stores, she started buying.

"Once you get started you can get hooked," she says. "It's really addicting."

---

The author is a Reuters contributor. The opinions expressed are his own. (Editing by Jilian Mincer and Beth Gladstone)

Culture worthy of your calendar - Christmas Flowers USA

Tis the season to go nuts!

There are lots of ways to tell (and dance) the Nutcracker story — all around Central Florida. Here’s my guide to “going Nuts” this season …

"A Nutty Nutcracker"

Orlando Repertory Theatre

The Orlando Repertory Theatre turns the “Nutcracker” into a musical in this kids-fun production for the family. Rockin’ songs by family music artist Ralph Covert (of Ralph’s World) set the tone as Fritz, a video game-obsessed boy, and a heroic Nutcracker chase down the dastardly Mouse King to save  christmas flowers usa ! Show times are Saturdays at noon and 4 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. through Sunday, Dec. 18. Call 407-896-7365 or visit orlandorep.com

Universal Child Care

Celebrating diversity while encouraging the talent of young people, Universal Child Care Performing Arts will present the “Chocolate Nutcracker” with more than 300 young people on stage and in the orchestra. This adaptation of Tchaikovsky’s classic will be performed on Friday, Dec. 2, at 10 a.m. (children’s version) and Saturday, Dec. 3, at 7 p.m. at the Bob Carr Performing Arts Centre in Orlando. This modern-day version is set in Harlem and incorporates dance styles including jazz, tap, hip-hop and ballet. Call 407-403-5519 or visit ChocolateNutcrackerOrlando.org

Central Florida Ballet

Central Florida Ballet’s always-entertaining “Nutcracker” has been named “one of five outstanding productions in the entire nation” by CNN and “the pyrotechnic Nutcracker” by USA Today. CFB’s production will feature guest artists of Ballet Sibiu (of Romania) on Saturday, Dec. 10, at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 11, at 2 p.m. at the Linda Chapin Theatre in the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando. Call 407-849-9948 or visit centralfloridaballet.com

Orlando Ballet

The professional Orlando Ballet presents the area’s classic production and invites the award-winning students from the Orlando Ballet School to join them in the children’s roles. Artistic director Robert Hill stays true to the classic while breathing new life into the production with his own choreography. It’s Dec. 15-17 at 7:30 p.m. and Dec. 18 at 2 p.m. with a children’s shortened version on Dec. 17 at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. and Dec. 18 at 11 a.m. at the Bob Carr Performing Arts Centre. Call 407-426-1739 or visit orlandoballet.org

Galmont Ballet christmas flowers usa blogs

The Galmont Ballet presents Frank Galvez's “American Nutcracker” set in the United States in the 19th century. With a Victorian Christmas tree decorated in red, white and blue, party boys dressed as cowboys, and impressive special effects, this American Nutcracker continues the celebration of family, tradition and love of the original. It’s Dec. 17-18 at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. at the Historic Cocoa Village Playhouse in Cocoa. 321-636-5050 or Galmontballet.com

Russian Ballet

A free Nutcracker is offered in Orlando at the Disney Amphitheater by Lake Eola in Downtown Orlando. The Russian Ballet of Orlando presents a gift to the community with a free “Nutcracker Under the Stars” (outdoors) on Dec. 17 at 7:30 p.m. The performance is choreographed by Vadim Fedotov and features both professional dancers and Academy students. 407-797-1281 or RussianBalletofOrlando.org

Happily Toxic

The award-winning — and wildly entertaining — Toxic Audio sings their entire performance without instrumental accompaniment, but you won’t believe that as these super-talented singers show us the range of what the human voice can do. Toxic Audio is at the Wayne Densch Performing Arts Center in Sanford on Dec. 30. www.wdpac.com or 407-321-8111.

And in January …

Virtuosity takes the stage

Virtuoso pianist William Wolfram joins the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra to perform Brahms’ powerful 1st Piano Concerto on Jan. 14 at the Bob Carr PAC in Orlando. Savaged by critics at its first performance, the concerto has since joined the ranks of the finest of classical music creations. Reflecting Brahms’ decision to combine the piano with the orchestra as equal partners, award-winning pianist William Wolfram is the perfect pianist to fulfill the composer’s intent. Contact 407-770-0071 or orlandophil.org

25 years of Les Mis

The epic Broadway musical “Les Miserables” celebrates its 25th anniversary as the most successful musical of all time with a brand new production, including new staging and re-imagined scenery inspired by the paintings of Victor Hugo. The New York Times calls the new version “an unquestionably spectacular production from start to finish,” and NY1-TV says “this new production actually exceeds the original. The storytelling is clearer, the perspective grittier and the motivations more honest. ‘Les Mis’ is born again.” Les Mis will inspire audiences once again Jan. 17-22 at the Bob Carr PAC. Tickets are available at OrlandoBroadway.com and at the Orlando box office at 100 South Eola Drive, Suite 101. To charge by phone, call 1-800-982-2787.

Mozart’s Bad Boy

The original bad boy of opera, “Don Giovanni” is the story of Don Juan, history’s most famous lover (and seducer). Since Mozart conducted the first performance, audiences have found the roguish romancer so intriguing that they root for him even as his dark side takes over. Mozart’s “Don Giovanni” comes to the Peabody Auditorium in Daytona Beach on Jan. 27 in a full-scale production by the Mozart Festival Opera Company with orchestra, sets, costumes and singers drawn from Europe’s great opera houses. Call 386-253-2901 or peabodyauditorium.org

Handpicked by Billy Joel

The “New Voice of the American Rock & Roll Songbook,” Michael Cavanaugh was handpicked by Billy Joel to star in his Broadway musical “Movin’ Out.” Evoking a voice and talent to rival the Piano Man himself, Cavanaugh is joined by the entire Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra at the Bob Carr PAC in Orlando on Saturday, Jan. 28 at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. Call 407-770-0071 or visit orlandophil.org

Christmas tree controversy takes root in RI - Christmas Flowers USA

Chafee insisted his word choice was inclusive and in keeping with Rhode Island's founding as a sanctuary for religious diversity. But his seasonal semantics incensed some lawmakers, the Roman Catholic Church and thousands of people who called his office to complain that the independent governor was trying to secularize Christmas.
"He's trying to put our religion down," said Ken Schiano of Cranston, who came to the tree lighting after hearing about the controversy. "It's a  christmas flowers usa  tree. It always has been and it always will be, no matter what that buffoon says it is."
Chafee did not address the several hundred people who filled the Statehouse to watch the tree lighting. Afterward, he said he was surprised by the heated reaction to his word choice. Chafee argues that he is simply honoring Rhode Island's origins as a sanctuary for religious diversity. Religious dissident Roger Williams founded Rhode Island in 1636 as a haven for tolerance, where government and religion would forever be kept separate. Chafee's immediate predecessor also referred to Statehouse trees as "holiday" trees.
"If it's in my house it's a Christmas tree, but when I'm representing all of Rhode Island I have to be respectful of everyone," Chafee said after the tree lighting. "Now we can get back to next year's budget … with pleasure."
After Chafee lit the "holiday" tree, a few dozen carolers interrupted a performance by a children's chorus to sing "O Christmas Tree." The dispute also prompted the Providence diocese to schedule a competing Christmas tree lighting a block from the Statehouse. A Republican state lawmaker erected a tree in a Statehouse hallway to give Rhode Island residents an alternative to the official state "holiday" tree.
After the flap made national news, Chafee's office received 3,500 calls of protest, with all but 700 coming from out of state. According to a tally by Chafee's spokeswoman, his office received only 92 calls supporting his choice of words.
Rhode Island has one of the largest percentages of Catholic residents in the country. Timothy Reilly, chancellor of the Providence diocese, said Chafee's desire to be inclusive is laudable, though he chose the wrong way to do it. He said he hopes the controversy will prompt Christians to contemplate the holiday's true meaning, which he said far outweighs any spat over what to call a tree.
"He probably had the best of intentions but somewhere, somehow we lost hold of the true meaning of the season," Reilly said. "It's all about the baby Jesus. We tend to almost forget this."
But by citing Roger Williams, Chafee is upholding Rhode Island's legacy as one of the first secular governments in the modern world, according to Barry Lynn, executive director of Americans United for the Separation of Church and State.

"Rhode Island is Roger Williams country," said Lynn, who is also a United Church of Christ minister. "He was one of the great champions of religious freedom and diversity in our history. There is no war against Christianity. We have a dizzying level of religious freedom in America."
The state House of Representatives in January passed a symbolic resolution declaring that the tree traditionally erected in the Statehouse be referred to "as a 'Christmas tree' and not as a 'holiday tree' or other non-traditional terms."
Republican Rep. Doreen Costa of North Kingstown, the resolution's sponsor, hosted her own tree lighting Tuesday outside her Statehouse office. She said the uproar boosted attendance, which she called a silver lining to the controversy.
Squabbles over nativity scenes and trees have become a regular occurrence, though the first shots in the so-called War on Christmas were fired long ago. The controversy highlights a very old tension between the holiday's Christian roots, its links to pre-Christian celebrations and the many now-familiar traditions that are relatively new, according to Stephen Nissenbaum, a professor emeritus of history at the University of Massachusetts-Amherst and the author of "The Battle for Christmas."
Nissenbaum said early Christians wouldn't recognize the modern holiday, with its reindeer, Santa Claus, 'round-the-clock shopping and poinsettias.
The tradition of Christmas trees was brought to America in the 1830s by German immigrants who were continuing a centuries-old practice from their homeland, Nissenbaum said, though the use of evergreens and candles or bonfires in winter holidays dates back to pre-Christian Europe, Nissenbaum said.
The Puritan leaders of 17th century Massachusetts actually outlawed the celebration of Christmas for several years because they didn't like the boisterous celebration of what they saw as a minor holiday.
"I don't think christmas flowers usa blogs has ever been a settled tradition," Nissenbaum said. "We always look back to the days when Christmas was pure and simple and it never was."
Aside from the uproar over the tree, Tuesday's lighting ceremony was traditional. A giant gingerbread house was on display, along with a "heroes" tree decorated by the families of fallen service members. Choirs and a military band performed standards including "White Christmas" and "Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree." State employees served cookies.
Some attendees said both sides of the tree spat need to focus more on the spirit of the season and not a label given to a blue spruce.
"Why are they making such a big deal about this?" asked Deborah McNerney of Pawtucket, who came to the Statehouse to see her son perform with a children's chorus. "It's Christmas, after all."
Copyright 2011 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Behind the scenes in Martha Stewart's kitchen - Christmas Flowers usa

There is a strict no-shoes policy in effect, and as a reminder, a discreet sticker of a high heel with a line striking through it is affixed to the kitchen door.

It's a small price to pay to be a guest in Stewart's home, called Cantitoe Corners, which is at once elegant, homey, traditional, modern and always efficient. And there's Stewart herself, formidable yet friendly, presiding over the whole affair. "It's an exciting day, don't you think?" says Stewart, 70, who was up "very early" to film a holiday craft segment for The Martha Stewart Show on Hallmark. "You might as well see the action."

PHOTOS: Around the house with Martha Stewart

MORE: Martha's recipe for Chewy Chocolate Gingerbread Cookies

Ann Curry, Matt Lauer, Natalie Morales and Al Roker are filming a holiday-themed segment for the morning show, with the "dining" scene a showcase for recipes from Stewart's latest book, Martha's Entertaining: A Year of Celebrations (Clarkson Potter, $75).

Even the seen-it-all, done-it-all Today hosts appear bewildered. "I can't believe I'm seeing this," Curry says. Dining at Stewart's house "just feels like something that one can only be supremely lucky to be able to do."

The table is brimming with roast turkey with cornbread stuffing, stuffed pumpkin, baby Brussels sprouts with wild rice and pecans, and more, and once the scene has been shot, chef Pierre Schaedelin — Stewart's friend and former full-time chef who is featured in the book — begins to bring the dishes back into the kitchen to feed the many mouths on hand. Stewart may have her house rules in place, but no one's leaving hungry. "Let's set it up buffet-style, since there are so many people," Stewart says as dozens of people shuffle in and out of her kitchen.

It is a dreamy space with state-of-the-art stainless-steel appliances, assorted stand mixers, blenders and food processors, an industrial-sized espresso machine, tins upon tins of spices and herbs, a glass-faced refrigerator, and pots and pans galore suspended above a center island.

There's also a built-in desk, with phone numbers and reminders scrawled on sticky notes, a greeting card sent from a friend, photos of her dogs and Friesian horses, and, most prominently, an array of photos of Stewart's 8-month-old granddaughter, Jude. The baby, along with her mother, Stewart's only child, Alexis, 46, is featured on the book's dedication page: "May they continue the family traditions in their own unique way," Stewart writes.

Beautiful table, cats, book

Good entertaining, Stewart says, has just as much to do with being in good company as it does making sure the cloth napkins are folded to precision. Even so, it's all about that extra touch, that extra effort put forth to dazzle guests.

"That's why you are entertaining, to be a little bit extra for your friends, your family, your colleagues," says Stewart, seated at the head of the table in her smaller dining room, which features a giant bird cage full of bright orange canaries.

She's perfectly poised, pleasant and businesslike, but she's still gracious and welcoming to those in her home. "If you are not being extra, it would be like an office meeting, which isn't necessarily anything extra special. So that's really what it's all about."

One of her Himalayan cats, Verdi, jumps into Stewart's lap. "Ohhhh, he's the most beautiful," Stewart purrs. It's a word she uses repeatedly. And it's no wonder: Her dining room table is beautiful. Her home is beautiful. Yes, her cats are beautiful. And the 432-page, 6-pound coffee-table book that is Martha's Entertaining is almost too beautiful to succumb to the flour-flying, sauce-dripping, buttery-fingered hazards of the kitchen. Not Martha's kitchen, anyway — it's sparkling, even with all the chaos of the morning.

Stewart is, after all, the reigning queen of domestic perfection, and this month, as the holidays unfold, thousands of hopeful Marthas will be turning to her for inspiration and guidance.

Stewart's latest book revisits a topic she first tackled in 1982 with her debut book, Entertaining.

A lot has changed in 30 years, Stewart says.

"We know more about food. We know more about its preparation, we know more about how to find it, good food, unusual food, ethnic foods. I think people are more knowledgeable because of great books and great television — there are so many food programs. And now celebrity programs, which people are addicted to. They want to see people mess up; they want to see people cook unusual things."

Much has changed in Stewart's world, too. She has built an empire. Want your kitchen to be Martha-approved? You can special-order cabinetry, hardware, and countertops by Martha Stewart Living. Like the gray color of Stewart's Bedford, N.Y.-area home? It's called Bedford Gray, and you can buy that very same shade through her Martha Stewart Living paint line at Home Depot.

When asked if people have misconceptions about her, Stewart pauses.

"People seem to know pretty much the kind of person I am," she says. "I get lots of great feedback via social media. Maybe people don't know how much I love movies, maybe they don't know how much I really like to garden — I mean, I say I do, but I don't know if they really know I do. I don't know if they really know I do all of the things I talk about, but I do."

As far as personal changes go, Jude's arrival in March marked a new role for Stewart: grandmother. "I've already started to teach her things," says Stewart. "She has a library that's quite impressive for an 8-month-old. She loves books already, she loves music already, and she loves animals."

She also "loves the kitchen," Stewart says. "She has her own set of spoons and measuring cups." (Imagine, a mini Martha!)

And this holiday season, Stewart looks forward to Jude joining in on the family festivities. "This year, in honor of the new baby, we're having a brown bear (themed) christmas flowers usa  ," Stewart says. "I found glass ornaments in the shape of mama bears and baby bears. The baby loves bears, and she has a big collection of stuffed bears, so the whole thing is bears.

"It's always tradition with a twist. The decorations are always different. … I have a big greenhouse where I grow ornamental plants. So I try to bring the plants in that are blooming or looking especially great." She even grows her own cedar trees to decorate at christmas flowers usa blogs .

A party problem? 'I fix it'

When it comes to entertaining, some things never change. "Really good recipes," Stewart says. "They can be simple, they can be complicated. They can contain expensive ingredients, or they can contain ordinarily available ingredients. But well-made food that is well-seasoned and delicious is the essential ingredient for a good party."

Then, of course, "good friends, a nice mix of people that are compatible — you don't want big arguments ensuing," she says with a laugh.

"And pretty. Everything should be pretty."

Good food. Good friends. It's so simple when you hear Martha say it. She has the answers, it seems, to every entertaining quandary.

Got a last-minute invitation to a party? "First, ask the hostess, 'What can I bring?' The hostess usually knows by that time what she needs. I'll often make dessert, or you can bring a tray of fantastic cheeses. Or wine."

Need a holiday centerpiece but have no time to run to the store? "I would collect five little miniature trees and put little ornaments on them running down the center of the table. Or one little tree with ornaments. That's simple, but it makes such a pretty centerpiece."

And if something goes wrong at a party? "I fix it."

Of course she does. Stewart says she has "never, ever, ever" just phoned it in and ordered a pizza.

Nevertheless, Stewart is open to the idea of — gasp! — entertaining shortcuts. "I think people in this busy world need to have the opportunity to supplement what they're making with things that they can buy. … Ordering the whole dinner from a reputable place is also a possibility — it's more expensive, by the way, and it's usually not as good as homemade. But many people do that. I know they do."

Stewart does not do that, but there you go, she says it's OK.

Even Curry knows there's no way to outshine Martha, but it's nice to have someone to look up to.

"I think in our fast-paced world, many of us, including me, are guilty of rushing through and getting it done, mostly because we have no choice," Curry says.

"And while it's impossible to match the level of Martha intensity and Martha creativity, it's good to have a standard to which to aspire. … My pie will not be as pretty, my turkey will not look as crisp and shiny, my sides might be overdone, but I will aspire to create that moment that we enjoyed today."

And that, as Martha would say, is a good thing.

Christmas Flowers USA - It's Christmas time on television

Here's your guide to this year's seasonal programming, including Christmas specials like "Frosty the Snowman" and "How the Grinch Stole Christmas," movies like "National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation" and "A  christmas flowers usa Story," along with other holiday offerings.

Monday

5 p.m. “The Santa Clause,” (1994) Tim Allen, Judge Reinhold. After inadvertently causing St. Nick a fatal accident, a divorced dad dons the Jolly Old Elf’s suit and begins transforming into Santa. PG. HALLMARK

Tuesday

1 p.m. “All I Want for Christmas,” (1991, Comedy) Ethan Randall, Thora Birch. The children of divorced parents create a madcap scheme to get rid of their mom’s new fiance and reunite the parents for Christmas. G. (HD) AMC

Wednesday

6:30 p.m. “Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas.” A mean-hearted hermit descends into an unsuspecting town to steal all of the presents from the children, but he ends up learning the true meaning of Christmas. TV G. CARTOON

7 p.m. “Tom and Jerry: A Nutcracker Tale.” A mouse attempts to organize and carry out a holiday-themed party, but a persistent cat tries everything to stop it from happening; the pair annoy each other. TV G. CARTOON

8 p.m. “National Lampoon’s  christmas flowers usa  Vacation.”  When the ever-optimistic family man Clark Griswold (Chevy Chase) hosts a gathering of his kinfolk, anything that could go wrong does. ABC Family.

Dec. 8

8 p.m. “Elf,” (2003) Will Ferrell, James Caan. A man raised by the elves at the North Pole is sent to New York City to find his father, who is on Santa’s naughty list for being a heartless jerk. PG. SYFY

11 p.m. “Mickey’s Christmas Carol,” (1983, Animated) On Christmas Eve in 1843, a miserly old man is visited by his deceased partner and the three spirits of Christmas past, present and future. NR.

FAMILY

11:30 p.m. “Winnie the Pooh and Christmas, Too.” Pooh and all his friends take it upon themselves to deliver a special Christmas wish list to Santa Claus before the delivery deadline approaches. TV G. FAMILY

Dec. 9

5 p.m. “Elf,” (2003) Will Ferrell, James Caan. PG. SYFY

7 p.m. “Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas,” (2000) Jim Carrey, Taylor Momsen. A shunned, spiteful and revenge-seeking Grinch and his dog plot to destroy the joyous Christmas celebration of the citizens of Whoville. PG. (HD) FAMILY

7 p.m. “Frosty the Snowman.” A group of kids are thrilled when their snowman magically comes to life, but they must travel north with him to prevent him from melting. TV G. (HD) CBS

7:30 p.m. “Frosty Returns.” Frosty the Snowman asks for help from the children of the small town of Beansboro to stop the inventor of a spray chemical that instantly gets rid of snow. TV G. (HD) CBS

8 p.m. “Yes, Virginia.” A young girl begins to doubt the existence of Santa Claus after an encounter with a bully; unsure, she writes to the local newspaper for answers. TV G. CBS

8:30 p.m. “The Elf on the Shelf: An Elf’s Story.” A scout elf for Santa Claus who puts children on the naughty and nice lists is assigned to help out a boy who struggles to believe in the magic of Christmas. TV G. (HD) CBS

9:30 p.m. “Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas” (2000) Jim Carrey, Taylor Momsen. PG. (HD) FAMILY

Dec. 10

12 p.m. “Elf,” (2003) Will Ferrell, James Caan. PG. USA

7 p.m. “Fred Claus,” (2007, Comedy) Vince Vaughn, Paul Giamatti. Santa’s brother ends up in jail, so Santa gets him to work at the North Pole to help pay off his debt, but his bad attitude begins to try Santa’s patience. PG. TNT

8 p.m. “The Flight Before Christmas.” After an attack on his family’s herd, a young reindeer who yearns to join Santa’s team sets off on a journey to fulfill his lifelong dream. TV G. (HD) CBS

9:30 p.m. “Fred Claus,” (2007, Comedy) Vince Vaughn, Paul Giamatti. PG. USA

Dec. 11

3 p.m. “CMA Country Christmas,” Brad Paisley, Darius Rucker, Reba, Little Big Town, Rascal Flatts and others are joined by family members to celebrate the holiday season. TVPG. (HD) ABC

3:35 p.m. “Fred Claus,” (2007, Comedy) Vince Vaughn, Paul Giamatti. PG. TNT

Dec. 12

7 p.m. “White Christmas,” (1954) Bing Crosby, Danny Kaye. After getting romantically involved with a duo of singing sisters, two former Army buddies decide to take their song and dance routine on the road. NR. (HD) AMC

9:45 p.m. “White Christmas,” (1954) Bing Crosby, Danny Kaye. NR. (HD) AMC

10:05 p.m. “Elf,” (2003) Will Ferrell, James Caan. PG. USA

Dec. 13

7 p.m. “White Christmas,” (1954) Bing Crosby, Danny Kaye. NR. (HD) AMC

8 p.m. “L.A. Holiday Celebration 2010.” The top dance and music performances from the 50th annual Los Angeles Holiday Celebration at the Performance Arts Center are highlighted in this showcase. TV G. (HD) PBS

9:45 p.m. “White Christmas,” (1954) Bing Crosby, Danny Kaye. NR. (HD) AMC

Dec. 14

7 p.m. “White Christmas,” (1954) Bing Crosby, Danny Kaye. NR. (HD) AMC

9:45 p.m. “White Christmas,” (1954) Bing Crosby, Danny Kaye. NR. (HD) AMC

Dec. 15

2:15 p.m. “All I Want for Christmas,” (1991, Comedy) Ethan Randall, Thora Birch. G. (HD) AMC

4:15 p.m. “White Christmas,” (1954) Bing Crosby, Danny Kaye. NR. (HD) AMC

11 p.m. “Mickey’s Christmas Carol,” (1983, Animated). NR. FAMILY

11:30 p.m. “Holiday Inn,” (1942, Musical) Bing Crosby, Fred Astaire. A brokenhearted song-and-dance man decides to leave the big city, and opens a New England inn which only takes in guests during the holidays. NR. (HD) AMC

Dec. 16

5 p.m. “Deck the Halls,” (2006) Danny DeVito, Matthew Broderick. Two neighbors get into a Christmas lights war when one of them decides to have so many lights they are visible from space turning the neighborhood upside down. PG. (HD) FX

7 p.m. “Christmas with the Kranks,” (2004, Comedy) Tim Allen, Jamie Lee Curtis. Deciding to skip Christmas since their daughter is away, a couple rushes to make last-minute arrangements to celebrate the holiday when she comes home. PG. (HD) FX

7 p.m. “Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas,” (2000) Jim Carrey, Taylor Momsen. PG. (HD) FAMILY

8 p.m. “Elf,” (2003) Will Ferrell, James Caan. PG. USA

8 p.m. “Fred Claus,” (2007, Comedy) Vince Vaughn, Paul Giamatti. PG. TNT

9 p.m. “Christmas with the Kranks,” (2004, Comedy) Tim Allen, Jamie Lee Curtis. PG. (HD) FX

9 p.m. “Christmas in Connecticut,” (1945, Comedy) Barbara Stanwyck, Dennis Morgan. A chic magazine writer who is supposed to be an expert homemaker must entertain her boss and a war veteran for the holidays. NR. TCM

9:30 p.m. “Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas,” (2000) Jim Carrey, Taylor Momsen. PG. (HD) FAMILY

11 p.m. “Deck the Halls,” (2006) Danny DeVito, Matthew Broderick. PG. (HD) FX

Dec. 18

12 p.m. “Most Christmasy Places in America.” A cross-country Christmas tour reveals the nation’s most glorious yuletide celebrations, from sleigh rides to nativity scenes. TV G. TRAVEL

1 p.m. “Crazy for Christmas.” A look at a colorful Poinsettia farm, a wrapping paper factory, Christmas tree decorating styles and a visit to Santa School. TV G. TRAVEL

2 p.m. “Christmas to the Extreme.” A look at Christmas festivities features several individuals who celebrate the holiday season in the most elaborate ways possible. TV G. TRAVEL

11 p.m. “The Family Stone,” (2005, Comedy) Claire Danes, Diane Keaton. A free-spirited family’s Christmas gathering becomes the scene of conflict when a son brings his very uptight girlfriend home to propose to her. PG-13. (HD) FX

Dec. 19

7 p.m. “Christmas with the Kranks,” (2004, Comedy) Tim Allen, Jamie Lee Curtis. PG. (HD) FX

2:45 p.m. “All I Want for Christmas,” (1991, Comedy) Ethan Randall, Thora

Birch. G. (HD) AMC

7 p.m. “Deck the Halls,” (2006) Danny DeVito, Matthew Broderick. PG. (HD) FX

9 p.m. “Christmas with the Kranks,” (2004, Comedy) Tim Allen, Jamie Lee

Curtis. PG. (HD) FX

Dec. 21

12 p.m. “Christmas with the Kranks,” (2004, Comedy) Tim Allen, Jamie Lee Curtis. PG. (HD) FX

12:15 p.m. “All I Want for Christmas,” (1991, Comedy) Ethan Randall, Thora Birch. G. (HD) AMC

8 p.m. “Elf,” (2003) Will Ferrell, James Caan. PG. USA

Dec. 22

1:45 p.m. “White Christmas,” (1954) Bing Crosby, Danny Kaye. NR. (HD) AMC

11 p.m. “Mickey’s Christmas Carol,” (1983, Animated). NR. FAMILY

Dec. 23

1 p.m. “Bad Santa,” (2003, Comedy) Billy Bob Thornton, Tony Cox. A drunken con man and his little partner-in-crime pose as a department store Santa and elf in order to steal from the vault, but their plan is threatened. R. (HD) COMEDY

7 p.m. “Shrek the Halls.” Shrek’s plans for a peaceful Christmas holiday with his family get sidetracked when Donkey, Puss-in-Boots and the rest decide to crash the festivities. TVPG. (HD)

ABC

7 p.m. “Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas,” (2000) Jim Carrey, Taylor Momsen. PG. (HD) FAMILY

8:30 p.m. “Kung Fu Panda Holiday Special.” Po learns that as Dragon Warrior, it is his duty to host the formal celebration of Winter Feast, and he is caught between formality and family tradition. TVPG. ABC

Dec. 24

4 p.m. “Dazzling Holiday Lights.” A look at holiday lights reveals how individuals and businesses use these sparkling illuminations to show their spirit for the season. TV G. TRAVEL

7 p.m. “Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas.” TV G. (HD) ABC

7 p.m. “A Christmas Story,” (1983) Peter Billingsley, Darren McGavin. A 9-year-old boy growing up in 1940s Indiana tries to convince his parents to get him a Red Ryder BB gun for Christmas, but his mother only sees the danger. PG. TBS

8 p.m. “Christmas to the Extreme.” TV G. TRAVEL

9 p.m. “A Christmas Story,” (1983) Peter Billingsley, Darren McGavin. PG. TBS

10 p.m. “Crazy for Christmas.” TV G. TRAVEL

11 p.m. “Christmas to the Extreme.” TV G. TRAVEL

Dec. 25

1 p.m. “A Christmas Story,” (1983) Peter Billingsley, Darren McGavin. PG. TBS

5 p.m. “Bad Santa,” (2003, Comedy) Billy Bob Thornton, Tony Cox. R. (HD) COMEDY

7 p.m. “Elf,” (2003) Will Ferrell, James Caan. PG. USA

Dec. 26

7 p.m. “The Polar Express,” (2004). A boy who has doubts about Santa Claus’ existence is invited to take a journey by train to the North Pole for an experience of a lifetime. G. (HD) AMC

Dec. 27

7 p.m. “The Polar Express,” (2004). G. (HD) AMC

Dec. 28

7 p.m. “The Polar Express,” (2004). G. (HD) AMC

9 p.m. “The Polar Express,” (2004). G. (HD) AMC

Dec. 29

7 p.m. “The Polar Express,” (2004). G. (HD) AMC

11 p.m. “Mickey’s Christmas Carol,” (1983, Animated). NR. FAMILY

11:30 p.m. “Winnie the Pooh and Christmas, Too.” TV G. FAMILY

Dec. 30

7 p.m. “Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas,” (2000) Jim Carrey, Taylor Momsen. PG.(HD) FAMILY

Dec. 31

5 p.m. “The Santa Clause,” (1994). PG. HALLMARK