Why Do We Eat Turkey On Christmas Day?

Ask most Westerners which meat they will be eating on Christmas Day and the vast majority will tell you that they will be choosing turkey. Ask them why and an equally large number will tell you that it’s because it is traditional. But is it?

Surprisingly Turkey has only really made it as the nations Christmas Day favorite since the fifties and sixties. In fact even then it was still considered by many to be a once-a-year treat for many families. Now of course with industrialized farming bringing down the cost of rearing the birds, turkey is much more affordable. Which probably accounts for why some Christmas’ there are around ten million birds consumed.

Introduced to Europe in the mid-sixteenth century turkeys have generally been regarded as being a luxury food for the wealthy and the nobility. They were so highly prized that each autumn the birds would be walked from East Anglia to London by drovers. This would take several weeks as the average progress would be around 1 mile per day. A speed which may have something to do with the drovers putting sacking boots around the birds feet to prevent them becoming lame.

Although Elizabeth I is recorded as eating turkey at Christmas it wasn’t until the 1850′s, when Queen Victoria choose it, that it became the dish of choice for the Royal family. At that point the middle classes began to adopt it as well. The most popular breeds were the Norfolk Black and the Cambridge Bronze both of which are still highly regarded today for their rich taste.

If you are joining in the modern “tradition” of eating turkey at Christmas this year here’s something to think about. The first meal eaten on the Moon by Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin was cold roast turkey complete with all the usual trimmings!

Zhu Zhu Pets Hamster Mr. Squiggles – Light Brown

• Mr. Squiggles is a modern-day Houdin
• Nurturing mode: hamsters coo and purr

Product Description
Each Zhu Zhu Hamter has its own unique personality & whimsical sounds. Loving Mode: Pet them, love them, hear them chatter Explore Mode: Let them scoot, scamper, across the floor. Provide them with their Hamster Habitat…. More >>

Zhu Zhu Pets Hamster Mr. Squiggles – Light Brown

Zhu Zhu Pets Hamster Pipsqueek – Yellow

• Each Go Go Hamster has its own unique personality & whimsical sounds
• Loving Mode: Pet them, love them, hear them chatter
• Explore Mode: Let them scoot, scamper, across the floor
• Provide them with their Hamster Habitat

Product Description
Super Smart, Realistic Hamster-rific Fun! I chatter, scatter, scoot n’ scutty like a real hamster!… More >>

Zhu Zhu Pets Hamster Pipsqueek – Yellow

Hottest Toy for Christmas ZHU ZHU Pets Hamster Mr. Squiggles

• ZHU ZHU PETS THE MOST POPULAR TOY FOR CHRISTMAS
• GREAT STOCKING STUFFER

Hottest Toy for Christmas ZHU ZHU Pets Hamster Mr. Squiggles

Zhu Zhu/Go Go Pets Hamster Funhouse

• Colorful hamster funhouse has kitchen and bedroom, studio-bathroom and room connector tunnel with easy access to your pets
• Funhouse includes entry/exits openings for connecting additional ZhuZhu Pets playsets and accessories; also has four outlet caps for customizing your hamster world
• Funhouse connector track section features special track bumps that allow your ZhuZhu Pets hamsters to use their artificial intelligence to make unique sounds or funny movements
• Funhouse features special track “bumps” that the ZhuZhu Pets read and react to when driven on – Playset is 30 inches long with colorful funhouse graphics and easy assembly
• Funhouse can be the start of building your own unique humongous hamster habitat

Product Description
Zhu Zhu/Go Go Pets hamsters love to scamper around and explore the Funhouse environment. This playset has lots of openings to allow connecting additional playsets and accessories. Zhu Zhu/Go Go Pets Hamsters sold separately. Item may ship in Zhu Zhu/Go Go packaging…. More >>

Zhu Zhu/Go Go Pets Hamster Funhouse

Lamaze Jacques the Peacock

• Plush toy keeps babies entertained
• Link for hanging from activity gym; connects easily to any Lamaze toy or play mat
• Peacock design with soft velour body and busy wings with multiple textures and crinkles
• Includes peek-a-boo mirror and squeaker
• Recommended for babies and young children of all ages

Product Description
This new Lamaze Play & Grow Peacock comes complete with multiple textures and sounds to keep baby entertained. Crinkly fabric, a peek-a-boo mirros, bold colorful patterns and soft fuzzy textures invite little ones to explore and learn. Jacques the Peacock comes complete with a Lamaze link, so you can snap it to a car seat, high chair, or anywhere else.Amazon.com Product Description
Designed for use from birth on up, the Lamaze Play and Grow Peacock has bri… More >>

Lamaze Jacques the Peacock

Soothe and Glow Seahorse

• The Ocean Wonders Soothe & Glow Seahorse is a wonderful nightime friend for baby
• When he is cuddled, his belly gently glows and he plays over 5 minutes of music and ocean sounds
• The music is comprised of 8 gentle lullabyes and classical selections, along with soothing sounds of the sea (2 ocean tracks)
• After 5 minutes, the sounds and lights will gently fade out so as not to disturb baby
• Perfectly sized for baby to hug, the Soothe & Glow seahorse is a soft & cuddly addtion to any crib Mom can choose low or high volume or turn off altogether

Product Description
Sometimes baby needs a little help falling asleep. With a gentle squeeze, this cuddly friend glows and plays soft music, lullabies and soothing sounds of the ocean. After five minutes the music fades, lights dim and baby drifts to sleep. Includes eight lullabies and power/volume control for quiet play. Requires three “AA” batteries, included…. More >>

Soothe & Glow Seahorse

Vulli Sophie the Giraffe Teether, Brown/ White

• Phthalates and BPA free
• Facilitate baby development
• Numerous part to chew and play safely
• Made of 100% natural rubber and food paint

Product Description
Sophie the Giraffe, full of discoveries and activities to awaken baby’s senses. Sight: The dark and contrasting spots all over Sophie the Giraffe’s body provide visual stimulation and make her easily recognizable to baby. She soon becomes a familiar and reassuring objet. Hearing: Her squeaker keeps baby amused, stimulates his hearings, and helps him to understand the link between cause and effect. Taste: Sophie the Giraffe is very flexible and has lots of parts for … More >>

Vulli Sophie the Giraffe Teether, Brown/ White

Wii Sports Resort

• Includes one Wii MotionPlus accessory (one required for each controller to play)
• Compete against friends and family
• Play with 1 to 4 players
• New games include: Sword Play, Power Cruising, and Disc Dog
• Easy pick-up-and-play controls

Product Description
Wii Sports Resort(r) is an expansive active-play game that includes a dozen fun resort-themed activities. Wii Sports Resort whisks players away to a resort that’s full of action, while introducing an unprecedented experience in physical reality. It comes bundled with a Wii MotionPlus accessory to provide players the most realistic, immersive experience possible – the slightest tilt, turn and twist of the controller are recognized.Amazon.com
Set off on a jo… More >>

Wii Sports Resort

Tonka Toughest Mighty Truck

• Free rolling wheels
• Easy dump steel bed
• Rugged plastic body and tires safe for wet, muddy conditions
• Made with steel and rugged plastic
• Oversized dump truck measures 18 by 11-1/4 inches; 6-1/2-inch tires

Product Description
Young engineers are sure to have hours of fun with this authentic-looking dump truck. Giant wheels make even the most rugged sites accessible. Indoors or out, the Mighty Truck gets the job done. Crafted in theTonka trucks tradition, this dump truck is made with steel, rugged plastic and guaranteed for life.Editorial Review
While many classic toys are now mass-produced using cheaper materials (primarily plastic), this Tonka truck’s quality construction i… More >>

Tonka Toughest Mighty Truck

Disney Jonas

• Live out the rock star life of the JONAS band members and find out how everyday life collides with the pop star world in the new JONAS video game for Nintendo DS.  Inspired by the latest hit Disney Channel Original Series, JONAS allows fans to play as the Jonas brothers and band members,  Nick, Joe and Kevin in a non-stop, hilarious adventure.

Product Description
Live out the rock star life of the JONAS band members and find out how everyday life collides with the pop star world in the new JONAS video game for Nintendo DS.  Inspired by the latest hit Disney Channel Original Series, JONAS allows fans to play as the Jonas brothers and band members,  Nick, Joe and Kevin in a non-stop, hilarious adventure. Play as any one of the Jonas brothers and help them tear up the stage, juggle school and friends and stil… More >>

Disney Jonas

LeapFrog Scribble and Write

• Light the way to early writing with Scribble and Write
• Four learning modes can help your child progress from drawing simple shapes and pictures, to writing upper- and lowercase letters
• Features a child-sized stylus, single retraceable surface and stroke-by-stroke guidance; children simply trace over the lights with the stylus to form letters
• Parents can connect to the online LeapFrog Learning Path for customized learning ideas and insights from LeapFrog

Product Description
LeapFrog Scribble & Write Light the way to early writing with Scribble & Write! Children trace the lights to get practice drawing simple shapes and pictures, then graduate to learning upper- and lowercase letters with step-by-step guidance. Fun learning games help reinforce letter recognition and pencil control skills. Best of all, Scribble & Write uses a single retraceable surface for ease of use and portability. Parents can connect to the online LeapFrog@ Learning… More >>

LeapFrog Scribble and Write

Mario Kart Wii with Wii Wheel

• Wii Wheel must be used with a Wii Remote (Remote not included)

Product Description
Start your engines and race with Mario and his friends with their finely tuned racing machines in Mario Kart Wii. Use 3 different control styles with the Wii Wheel included in the box. The worldwide race is on with a whole new set of tricks, tracks, and ways to play. Mario Kart Wii draws on courses and battle arenas from every game in the series – not to mention tons of new ones. The true king of the Mushroom Kingdom racing circuits will finally be crowned. Experien… More >>

Mario Kart Wii with Wii Wheel

VTech Preschool Learning Tote ‘n Go Laptop

• Colorful laptop with 30 engaging activities
• Detachable mouse with mouse pad for left-handed or right-handed users
• LCD screen displays fun animations
• Plus, the Tote & Go Laptop features 30 engaging activities
• Ages 3+

Product Description
Program your preschooler for early learning with the Tote and Go Laptop Plus. This realistic looking computer features big style for little learners. Complete with a colorful keyboard and detachable mouse that’s designed for both left- and right-handed users, the Tote and Go Laptop Plus features 30 engaging activities that teach language, math, games and music. Comes with a nifty handle for easy fold-up-and-go learning. Requires 3 “AA” batteries, included. Measures … More >>

VTech Preschool Learning Tote ‘n Go Laptop

Fisher-Price Rock-A-Stack

• Stimulating the senses
• Developing motor skills
• Encouraging cognitive abilities
• Comes with brightly coloured, shiny reflections and swirling beads
• Rainbow of five rings fits over a cone with rocking base

Product Description
Some things never go out of style. A rainbow of five rings fits over a cone with rocking base. Stacking toys help baby develop fine motor skills while encouraging cognitive abilities. Made of teethable material.Editorial Review
For generations babies have delighted in this classic stacking toy. Consisting of five bright candy-colored rings in graduated sizes looped over an 8-inch-tall plastic post, the Rock-A-Stack helps babies develop coordination as they… More >>

Fisher-Price Rock-A-Stack

Mario Kart DS

• Race and battle with up to 4 karts at once — or enjoy 8-player multiplayer action through your Wi-Fi Connection
• Tour courses from classic Mario Kart games — as well as brand-new tracks and arenas
• All the crazy items and frantic speed players have come to expect
• Five different game modes allows for endless ways to play.

Amazon.com Product Description
The ultimate Mario Kart race is on…and online via your Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection in Mario Kart DS. Drawing on more than 30 courses and battle arenas from every game in the Mario Kart series – not to mention tons of new ones, Mario Kart DS allows you to play as Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach, Wario, Yoshi, Donkey Kong, Toad, Bowser and Shy Guy as you put the pedal to the go-kart metal, grab coins to max out your speed and blast rivals with t… More >>

Mario Kart DS

Green Toys Tea Set

• Includes tea pot, creamer, sugar bowl, four cups, four saucers and four spoons
• Made from curbside collected milk containers
• Safe and no phthalates or BPA
• Recycled plastic saves energy and reduces greenhouse gasses
• For 3 years and above

Product Description
Teach your daughters to care for Mother Earth with this “green” make-believe tea set with four place settings. Includes 17 pieces: one pink teapot with purple lid, one purple sugar bowl and lid, one blue creamer, four blue teacups, four green saucers, and four yellow teaspoons. Made in the USA from recycled milk jugs.Amazon.com Review
By using the Green Toys Tea Set, your preschooler can help save the planet – a cup of tea at a time. Designed for childre… More >>

Green Toys Tea Set

Munchkin Mozart Magic Cube

• Toy cube provides musical foundation for little ones
• Interactive cube teaches how sounds combine to create 8 Mozart masterpieces
• Made with soft, rounded corners
• Includes harp, French horn, piano, flute, and violin instrument sounds
• Recommended for budding young composers of all ages

Product Description
The Mozart Magic Cube is a true breakthrough in music education. This exciting learning toy teaches how sounds combine to form true polyphonic music, and is appropriate for all ages. Just press one of the musical sides and hear the instrument play on. Your child can compose and arrange millions of musical masterpieces. Measures approximately 6″ x 6″ x 6″. Requires 3 “AA” alkaline batteries (not included). Awards:2000 National Parenting Center Seal of Approval… More >>

Munchkin Mozart Magic Cube

Four Christmases Movie

• FOUR CHRISTMASES (DVD MOVIE)

Amazon.com
When your significant other tells you you both need an exit “safe word” before you enter his dad’s Christmas gathering, you know you’re not in Bedford Falls. But while Vince Vaughn and Reese Witherspoon may not be It’s a Wonderful Life’s George and Mary Bailey, Four Christmases is a modern holiday classic in its own right. For one thing, every family neurosis and dysfunction have taken root in the four families of Vaughn and Witherspoon’s characters, Brad and Kate–and the s… More >>

Four Christmases

International Playthings My First Purse in Purple

• Let’s play pretend
• Cute purple bag with big bright pink flower
• Includes play cell phone, keyys and wallet
• Also includes pretend lipstick, unbreakable mirror and debit card
• Perfect for toddlers and preschoolers

Product Description
International Playthings is pleased to carry a collection of brightly colored fun toddler and preschool toys. Each toy is safe and durable with excellent play value – sure to provide children with years of play and tons of fun! The adorable soft, My First Purse includes chunky play lipstick, soft mirror, set of keys, wallet, debit card and portable play phone…. More >>

International Playthings My First Purse in Purple

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