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

Christmas Flowers USA - Retailers offer freshly cut Christmas trees online

The family trek to the Christmas tree farm has a competitor that's getting special buzz this season: the Internet.

Some retailers' websites, including Target, Costco and, on board this week, Sears and Kmart, are hawking freshly cut  christmas flowers usa  trees delivered door to door anywhere in the 48 contiguous states.

No, the Norman Rockwellesque vision of the family piling into the car to go cut down a live tree from the Christmas tree farm — or even picking one out at the local lot — isn't fading away.

Online sales of cut trees are still a fraction of the 27 million-plus Christmas trees expected to be purchased this year, says the National  christmas flowers usa  Tree Association. Some 33% of folks still trek to the choose-and-cut farms, the group says.

But online tree sales — which at Sears costs as much as $189.99 for a 9-foot fraser fir tree from North Carolina— are becoming a lucrative business for some big chains. Some retailer sites cajole shoppers to purchase a tree even as folks sign on to just to purchase ornaments.

Not everyone is keen on this trend. "It's a sad reflection of where American society is going," says Lisa Mastny, a spokeswoman for the Center for a New American Dream, a non-profit group that encourages a less product-focused seasonal celebration.

DeVere Keen Gamble, a massage therapist in Durango, Colo., says she would never order a tree online. "If you're too busy to go out and get your Christmas tree, then you're too busy, period."

Not so, says Jennifer Dominiquini, marketing chief for seasonal and outdoor living at Sears. "We're trying to give every consumer the opportunity to shop how, when and where they want," she says. The time saved can mean extra family time to decorate a tree, she says.

Target began selling cut trees online last year. Costco is in its third season. Neither would divulge tree sales data.

Cut trees bought online are a "small, niche market," says Rick Dungey, a Christmas tree association spokesman. "But if you're a 24-year-old, and you're just starting a household, you've been buying things online a long time."

'Christmas in the Tropics,' a must-see celebration

ALTHOUGH it is an unconventional way to celebrate the holidays, a Christmas trip can be a great way to enjoy quality time with family. It's also a chance to bond while making memories on an adventure together.

All too often, the preparations and logistics of the occasion overtake the short event the preparations were made for. So many of us see this happens every holiday season. Celebrating Christmas with family in the traditional manner every year can be one of life's true joys. But if you're not careful, you'll miss the occasion while bogged down in the details.

Plan your Sinulog week ahead and find out what's in store for Sinulog 2012.

There is a way we could get more family bonding, and less hassle, work, and haste at Christmas. If unconventional is what it takes to actually have real quality time with the people you love for once, then a Christmas trip may be the ultimate option.

Consider Christmas holidays in Singapore, an exciting city, high-tech but less stress metropolis.

Singapore's highly anticipated ‘Christmas in the Tropics,’ which has become a tradition for locals and tourists from the Asian region, returns from November 19, 2011 to January 2, 2012.

According to Andrew Phua, director of Precinct Development of the Singapore Tourism Board (STB), “This year, the two major precincts ‘Orchard Road and Marina Bay’ have designed their Christmas experience to feature a special and distinct focus. We are pleased to welcome onboard the Sentosa Harbour Front precinct stakeholders as they join in to present even more fun and festivities to consumers and merry-makers this Christmas.”

STB, a leading economic development agency in tourism known for its partnership, innovation and excellence, champions tourism’s Singapore’s economic driver. Indeed, STB has successfully market Singapore as a must-visit destination offering enriching experiences through ‘YourSingapore’ brand.

A signature event of the ‘Christmas is the Tropics’ celebration is the Christmas Light-Up@Orchard which locals and tourists alike look forward to. Now on its 28th year, the iconic event is a brainchild of STB. On November 19, Singaporeans and tourists joined in the magical light-up ceremony graced by Singapore President Tony Tan Keng Yam.

This year’s theme ‘Christmas Blooms in Singapore’ transforms the 2.2-kilometer stretch of Orchard Road into a spellbinding garden of lights and glowing blue flowers making for a stylish enchanting addition to Singapore’s Christmas celebration that the whole family will be delighted in.

The brilliant display of Christmas lights has earned Orchard Road 3rd in Lonely Planet’s list of ‘Top 10 Christmas markets of the World’ and one of ‘Top 10 World’s Best Holiday Lights 2010.’

Tallest Christmas tree

Resorts World Sentosa sparkles Christmas with a S$2-million Christmas light-up. The 49-hectare resort will glitter from its waterfront to its 500-meter shopping-dining strip, FestiveWalk with lights, iconic arches, fairytale tableaus, roving characters, not to mention a 30-meter Christmas tree, the tallest so far in Southeast Asia.

“Singapore is already a Christmas destination for many regional markets. This year, the entire resort will be alit with 240,000 LED lights transforming into a magical fairytale land,” said Andrea Teo, vice president of entertainment at Resorts World Sentosa. Children and the young at heart will surely feel like they have walked into the fairytales and stories from their childhood.

The festivities continue at Universal Studios Singapore where elaborate decors, fairies line the Hollywood and New York Streets.

From December 12 to 31, visitors can enjoy fairytale-themed events.

World of Adventure at Marina

At Marina Bay Sands, visitors can look forward to The Chronicles of Narnia: The Exhibition from December 3 to January 31, 2012, an offering of a world of adventure for the whole family. Broadway’s Wicked will also fly to Singapore to cast its magic spell on audiences at the Grand Theater from December 6 to February 26

Michelle Koh, president of Martina Bay Business Association, said, “We look forward to seeing Marina Bay come alive with spectacular night displays and host of exciting fringe events from choral performances to land and sea cruises, and charity events.”

New shops

In line with the holiday season, new retail concept stores open on Orchard Road, Singapore’s shopping destination. Moms and Dads can dish out items from Scott’s Square, H&M, Abercrombie and Fitch and Knightsbridge. A variety of lifestyle events and entertainment are organized for the duration of the holiday season.

First Elephant Parade

For the first time, Singapore will be home to life-sized baby elephant statues in brightly colored designs as part of the Elephant Parade from November 11-January 11, 2012. The Elephant Parade is the largest open-air art exhibit worldwide that seeks to generate public awareness and support for the preservation of the Asian elephant.

Hundreds of brightly painted elephant statues are displayed on the streets of Singapore, painted by local and international artists.

Family traditions brighten the holidays and bring families and friends together year after year. Traditions and the memories they make are fun and special. True, there is nothing traditional about spending Christmas outside your home and probably won't be an option you'll want to take every year. But it will offer your family a very special experience together for this year, and it could provide you with far more time to catch up with your loved ones for a change.