Are you tired of spending hours untangling Christmas lights to decorate your windows each year? Do you hang your window lights with damaging tape and tacks, just to have them looking sloppy and uneven? With our unique product, holiday window decorating is easy!

Window Wonder® is a snap-together plastic frame that you size to your windows. Notches within the frame are designed to hold miniature Christmas lights. Most manufacturers and all lengths of miniature light strings will fit within Window Wonder®. (For indoor use only in Canada.)

The frame is secured between the window sill and top window jamb. With Window Wonder®, there are neither staples, tacks, nor tape to mar your woodwork. Lights become precisely spaced and parallel. The frame makes them neatly visible both indoors and outdoors. At the end of the season, this durable frame easily pops out for smart storage, and will conveniently go back into place next year.

BENEFITS:

Frames your window with miniature lights
Saves time and hassle
Lights appear neat and even
One-time assembly
Easy storage
Reusable year after year
Thousands of families and businesses have made their homes and stores more beautiful and fun with Window Wonder®. We hope that we can add to your holiday enjoyment too!

Christmas Central, a divison of Gordon Companies Inc, is the manufacturer of this great product. Buy it right from the source. When you are ready, visit www.christmascentral.com to view and buy this great product.

Pre-lit Foliage Tree Shaping

One of the questions we hear the most at www.christmascentral.com is: How do I shape my Artificial Christmas tree like the pros? When you take your artificial Christmas Tree out of the box it is all wraped up to save space. With a little work you can get your tree to look lush and full. Follow these simple steps and you will be decorating like the pros.  

1. Find the perfect Artificial Christmas Tree 
2. Carefully unpack tree from the protective packaging.
3. Select the desired location for the tree and place in the Christmas Tree stand. Insert the first section into the tree stand. Secure the first section of the tree to the stand by fastening the triangular wing nuts, without over tightening.
4. Plug the light cord lead into a UL approved extension cord, at least 6′ long. Insert the plug into an outlet and light the first section. The best look will be achieved by shaping the tree while lit.
5. Start from the bottom row of tree branches and randomly fan the bottom branches parallel to the floor. Separate the branch tips to form a V shape. Angle the tips slightly upward like they are reaching toward the sun.
6. Repeat this process for each row and section. Shape each section’s branch tips in an upward angle and more pronounced. The top tree branches should be evenly spaced and the branches pointing upward.

I just finished listing the Flocked Alaskan Collection.  I was really interested in this collection. About a year ago, I was visiting in Alaska. The collection reminded me of all the beautiful snow covered trees we saw there.

The Flocked Alaskan Collection contains some of our heaviest flocked trees, wreaths, and garland.  The flocking is rather pretty especially on the pre-lit items, the lights seem to reflect beautifully off the flocking, and it creates a truly romantic winter wonderland feel.

So if you are in the market for a flocked tree please check out our Flocked Alaskan Collection. I can guarantee that you will love your purchase.  If flocking is not your style, don’t worry we have a hundreds of other trees from traditional pine to hot pink to upside down trees…so shop away.

I’ll be the first to admit that I am a complete and total Simpsons dork.  I’ve memorized entire episodes that have taken up valuable space in my brain.  I could have learned a second language or perhaps rudimentary masonary with that brain power, but instead I choose to fill it with references to Cletus the Slack Jawed Yokel and Police Chief Wiggum.

For those who don’t know/remember, the first full-length Simpsons episode was a Christmas episode that aired in 1989.  The story involved how the family got their dog, Santa’s Little Helper, from the race track.  Hilarity ensued.  I remember as a 5 year old kid watching the show how AMAZED I was that the show actually continued the following week.  I could not wrap my young’un brain around the fact that tv shows made new episodes to air on a weekly basis. 

So 20 years later, The Simpsons amazingly continue to air new episodes.  We’ve lost some favorites over the years like Maude Flanders and Troy McClure, but we’ve replaced them with Duffman and Üter.  One of the greatest things about working here is I get to see all of the Simpsons-themed ornaments and other accessories we carry for the Christmas season.  I know my house would not be complete without a 12″ Plush doll of Bart dressed in a ballet leotard (which he initially wore because that was the only gym class left he could take).

Enjoy all of the Simspons goodness this holiday season.

So did you know that the Upside Down Christmas tree may in fact be the more “traditional tree” after all??    Before working here I had never even heard of an upside down Christmas Tree.  Some legends say the first trees used in celebrating Christmas may in fact have been “Upside Down” Christmas trees.  Christmas trees were used as a symbol of religious devotion by Christian missionaries who used the evergreen to explain a basic religious tenet of the Trinity - God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. They were originally hung upside down to make sure anyone who saw a tree in the house knew it was not just a floral decoration.  Other people believe that the upside down tree is used to symbolize Jesus hanging from the cross.  I found that tidbit a bit interesting! 

And of course for “practical purposes” the upside down tree makes sense.  Think about how much more room there is to put presents and decorations under the tree!    So what do you think?  Would you ever consider an upside down tree?? Check out our collection at www.christmascentral.com

 Howdy Ho!  Christmas Central just got some super cool new lights in for this Christmas Season.For the first time ever we have solar powered lights, which I think is a really cool idea. Solar powered lights not only save on energy costs, but they are a great way to add some light in an outdoor area where there are no electric plugs available.  The lights are LED wide angle lights and they come with a solar panel and lawn stake.  They are smart lights to cause they automatically turn on at dusk. How convenient!

We also got a set of lights that plug into your automobile or boat cigarette lighter so you can add a festive touch to your vehicle.  I feel like Christmas lights are good all year round! 

I am going to be a STARs and tackle the hockey merchandise at LIGHTNING fast speed, I will THRASHers through it with ease, as Christmas is right around the corner.  This merchandise is hot as FLAMES, merchandise fit for a KINGs, or at least a SENATORs.   Whether you live on the ISLANDers, or even our CANADIENs friends the CANUCKS will find some WILD items that will FLYers off the shelves.   I am expecting some minor bumps in the road, ok, I may even have to face some natural disasters, like HURRICANES or AVALACHES…But I understand the task at hand. 

I will just put on my BLUE JACKETs and conquer the beasts of the hockey world.  It’s as if I were a RANGERs or a PREDATORs preparing for battle.  I will take my BLACKHAWKs to the battleground and fend off the ferocious beasts, like the BRUINS, SHARKS, COYOTES, and PANTHERS, and I will even use my SABREs if I have to.  Not even the DEVILs himself can keep me from the task at hand.  I will work like a well OILers machine.  And once again the birds, you know the PENGUINS and those DUCKS with the RED WINGS will again sing my praises!! 

I know I must hurry, as I need to get this merchandise done before Fall, and all of the MAPLE LEAFS start falling from the trees.  So don’t get the BLUES, in no time at all you’ll really find some CAPITALs merchandise!

Canada ehh?  Canada, how we love you, you have brought us the great game of hockey, the delicious meal of Poutine and the super hot Sheldon Souray.

How can we ever re-pay our Canadian buddies for being so good to us?  Well, we at Christmas Central are now going to ship orders to Canada!  How exciting!!!

Back in the day when Christmas Central was Merchant Overstock we shipped packages worldwide, everywhere you can think of.  However, due to the poor economy the shipping rates with our carrier UPS almost tripled, our international customers complained and we were losing sales.  So we decided to dis-continue international shipping all together.

Presently we are back to shipping to Canada, our fine neighbor to the north.  We also have plans to bring back worldwide international shipping very soon.  Due to our location in Buffalo NY with our close proximity to Canada I never really think of Canada as an “international” country.  It kinda seems like it’s just another state or maybe Buffalo is just Southern Canada?

UPS is not shipping our Canadian orders but we will continue to use UPS for our orders in the United States.  We are shipping our Canadian orders with Fed-Ex…our UPS rep was not happy to hear about that but that’s what happens when you drop the ball.

So start shopping our little Canadian buddies!  Christmas Central obviously has everything you would ever need for Christmas and more.  You might not realize this but Christmas Central has lots of NHL & NFL merchandise, Patio Décor, Home Décor and MORE!!!!

For today’s blog I decided to interview my lovely co-worker Renee and here is how it went…

Lorie:
What is your favorite Christmas decoration that you HAVE to have every year?

Renee:
Hmm. It would have to be my one Christmas ornament. It’s a little Christmas house with 2 children sliding down the banister. It’s the cutest thing ever and I plan on displaying it forever and ever.

Lorie:
Would you rather be visited by the Ghost of Christmas past, present or future?

Renee:
Def. the Christmas future.

Lorie:
Do you have a real Christmas Tree or an Artificial Tree at home?

Renee:
Artificial for shizzle. I HATE real trees. They leave needles everywhere and sometimes I can’t stand the smell. People please…Sorry Linda

Lorie:
Do you deck the halls with boughs of holly?

Renee:
i deck them all year!!!!!!!!!!

Lorie:
Do you display stockings at Christmas time?

Renee:
Sure do!! My grandma (GB her wee CS in heaven) made me mine when I was really young and I’ve been using the same one ever since. It’s red!!!!!

Lorie:
What do you think of the giant inflatable type Christmas decorations?

Renee:
i hate them. they should be banned and never brought back

Renee:
F*** INFLATABLE decorations

Lorie:
When do you put up your Christmas decorations at home?  Are they up all year like the trees you have surrounding your desk all year at work?

Renee:
Haha. No. We usually decorate in the beginning of December. I love them, but I couldn’t keep them out all year long. As for my Christmas trees at work, the place needs some kind of decor.. so yeah.

Lorie:
Do you have any Christmas tree ornaments that have sentimental value for you?

Renee:
Probably. I love my “Baby’s First Christmas” ornament. Don’t know WHO gave it to me, but I’d be heartbroken if something happened to it. Yay for 1987!!!!  Thank heaven for ‘87!

Lorie:
Do you like candy canes?

Renee:
damnnnnn bitch……NO.

Lorie:
What is the most annoying Christmas decoration?

Renee:
DAVID (my brothers) stocking

Lorie:
What is your favorite Christmas song?

Renee:
Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas by Frank Sinatra, and Frank Sinatra only

Lorie:
Here is a funny joke: What happens if you eat the Christmas decorations?

Renee:
what?

Lorie:
You get tinsel-itus!

Renee:
BAHAHAHHAHA

Renee:
that was good one!!

Lorie:
Do you like egg nog?

Renee:
HELLLLLL no. puke vomit throw up

Lorie:
ok, Renee thank you, that’s all I got…is there anything else you would like to add?

Renee:
Thanks for interviewing me Lorie. I feel honored. TGIF & Happy BBQ Day!~

Lorie:
You should feel honored

Renee:
Peace out yo

So we’ve got a lot of interesting things here at Christmas Central.  As a relatively new employee, I felt it my job…NAY…my duty…to dive right in and try to get a grasp of all of the festive merchandise that we carry.

Most of the items are pretty self-explanatory.  Christmas trees?  Check.  Thousands upon thousands of lights?  Abso-tively!  A really obscene amount of pepper spray for some reason?  Sure!

Every now and then however, I’ll stumble across something that will truly raise an eyebrow…something that will make the scholar in me rub his studly chin, take an inhale from his pipe and then wheeze uncontrollably when he remembers he doesn’t smoke. 

With this in mind, I present to you the “World of Santas” Collection.  The basic premise of these miniature statuettes is that different cultures have a different opinion of what Santa Claus looks like and accomplishes every 24^th night of December.  I like to consider myself a pretty “with it” and “hip” individual, but some of these Santas made me truly wonder what in the heck other countries were thinking. 

Take my hand on this journey and know me better man!

Now, upon first glance French Santa seems pretty normal.  Standard red & white outfit with his big ol’ bag of fun draped across his back.  But why is the jolly fat man sporting cross-country skis?  Is Santa trying out for the North Pole Olympics?  With his weight issues that might be a lawsuit dying to happen.  Dying…get it?  Oh I sleigh me.

Brazilian Santa should have waaaaaaay more going on!  This is the country that gave us outrageous soccer celebrations, samba and Carnaval!  Santa should at the very least be heavily bronzed, wearing trendy sunglasses and sipping a mai tai.  That’s the Father Noel I’d like to party with.  And what’s with the birdhouse?  I really don’t think Santa’s elves can squeeze in recreational birdhouse building in between making all of those unused wooden train sets I’ve always seen them working on in Coke commercials.

Behold, Santalf The White!  Now this is one busy Santa.  He’s got his magic wizard cane ready at the helm and his Superman cape ready to fly.  What’s most amusing to me however are the black gloves that Santa is rocking.  Either someone is about to pick a fight with some bad Dutch boys & girls or Santa’s about ready to do some light gardening.  The sash also confuses me since it seemingly professes Santa’s love of the drink or other less than reputable activities.  Cheers!

This is a Santa that I fully support.  He’s got his stylish red & black cloak and comes bearing gifts.  Look kids, it’s a…pointy…multi-color…thing…for all of your pointy, multi-color needs!  The caption claims that it is some sort of piñata, but I’d like to think it’s the North Pole’s version of a throwing star.  Hey, if a Ninja Turtle used it in the 1990s, you’d all know what it was!  I also like Santa’s green thumb as his potted poinsettia is portrayed particularly pretty.  Again with the wizard cane though, this better not be a magical trend amongst worldly Santas.  I don’t like Kris Kringle practicing the dark arts, that’s the first step towards delinquency.

*awkward silence* …pass…

I’ve got to admit, I’m a bit put off by Spanish Santa’s combative stance.  He looks like a man who was just roused out of a good night’s sleep and is now ready to chase some hoodlum’s off his front lawn.  “Do you punks have ANY idea what time it is!?  I do!  Just check out my stylish yet strangely out-of-place pocket watch!  Don’t make me wallop you upside the head with this bell/wine goblet!  You darn kids with your Yu-Gi-Oh cards and combustible engines!”  By the way, in my mind all of that was screamed in Clint Eastwood’s voice.

Again with the wizard cane, sheesh.  I’m very pleased to see that this Santa, having spent many years traveling throughout the globe, has become a man-about-town and is unafraid to be seen in public wearing his man-purse.  Good for you, Santa!  Stereotypes be damned!  I’m also assuming that Ukrainian Santa passes out bakery goodies to each child while they sleep, hence the reason for his unusually large wheat supply he carries with him.  Perhaps Santa got a loan from Panera Bread. 

GAAAHHH!  Send this Santa back under!  Come on Australia, you can do so much better than this.  When the rest of the countries were at the meeting to design their Santas, were you in the bathroom stealing sips of fermented wine from Luxemburg?  We told you those Luxies were bad news!  Seriously though, this Santa just looks incredibly seedy and probably owns several tinted and non-descript vans.  I’m not even going to begin to hypothesize over Santa’s koala-stealing addiction either.  Even Freud’s mind would shudder.

Forget Canadian Santa’s Phantom of The Opera-esque mask or his “I left my Santa cloak in with the whites” bleached outfit, the real story going on with this statuette is that apparently Santa is thousands of feet tall.  Those other worldly Santas must have used their wizard powers to make him a giant.  WATCH as he picks your house up with the slightest bit of effort!  AMAZE as he callously pockets Canadian wildlife!  I’d love to see this Santa climb up on the CN Tower in Toronto and fight off biplanes.

USA!  USA!  USA!  Now this is the Santa I know and love.  Look at him, so ready to commit a breaking an entry felony.  The flag patch is a wee bit unsettling though, I’m not sure Santa should be professing his love for America in patch form.  What if the other countries find out about this bold allegiance?  France will demand he imprint the fleur-de-lis on his Santa bag, England will want him to start wearing a Union Jack belt buckle…you know what this leads to? 

Corporate sponsorship. 

Soon we’ll have FEDEX Presents “Santa Claus”, brought to you by Krispy Kreme. 

That will make Rudolph cry.