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Factors to Consider When Choosing a Bounce House Rental Service
Types of Bounce Houses Perfect for Your Event
Tips for Safe Bounce House Usage
Benefits of Renting a Bounce House for Your Event
History and Sentiments of Old Lang Syne
It’s traditional to sing Auld Lang Syne to usher in the New Year on the stroke of midnight. The song has become an anthem of celebrants across the nation. It’s a farewell to the current year, while welcoming in the new, in countries around the globe. When singing your rendition of the popular song this year, give some thought to its history.
Humble Beginnings
The words are from a Scottish poem written in 1788 by Robert Burns. He based it on a song he happened to hear an old man singing. Its beginnings stretch even farther back to an old Scottish folk song. It wasn’t set to music until 1799 and became the tune that we sing on New Year’s Eve. The English translation of the title characterized as “long, long ago.”
Some of the phrases in Burns’s poem were collected rather than original. The poem by Burns has remarkable similarities to one written by poet, James Watson, in 1711
The Melody Evolved
The original music to which the poem was set was different than that of today. The melody associated with the modern of today was first used in 1799. Other versions with different words and music survive as Scottish folk songs.
Many Uses
In the U.S., Auld Lang Syne is a staple at midnight on New Year’s Eve. The dirge has also been played at funerals, graduation ceremonies, at the end of team building exercises, and similar gatherings to mark the end. It’s sometimes played in Japanese restaurants and stores as a friendly way of ushering customers out the door.
Emotion Filled
The song evokes a sense of nostalgia, sentimentality and melancholy, while sustaining hope for the coming year. The folk song contained a sense of longing, but it was the composition by Burns that transformed it into a popular song. It urges people to cherish the past, while looking forward to the future. Ultimately, Auld Lang Syne is a question and statement about how we treat our fellow man. A sentiment that’s as relevant today as it was 300 years ago.
6 Considerations for Inflatable Rentals
If you’re planning on renting an inflatable for your party or event, you have a wealth of options from which to choose. There are bounce houses, obstacle course, life size board games, and waterslides, along with inflatables for dance parties and video game challenges. Before reserving your favorite inflatable, there are 5 things you need to consider.
Space Requirements
Some inflatables are quite large. You’ll need to measure the space where you intend to place the amusement to ensure it will fit in your yard. If the inflatable measures 15×15 ft., make sure you have a 20×20 space. Inflatables must be kept clear of homes, fences, outbuildings, sprinkler heads, overhead utility lines, and low hanging tree branches.
Power Connection
Inflatables need a constant supply of air and that requires a blower unit. You’ll need a nearby outdoor power outlet where the blower will be plugged in. If you don’t have an outlet, you’ll need to let the company know so you can rent a generator with the inflatable.
Utility Lines
Modern life requires equipment and lines for phone, internet, water, and electricity. Stakes will be used to anchor your inflatable to the ground for safety. Make sure none of those lines will be in the way of the stakes to prevent utility interruptions and for everyone’s safety. Stakes can range from 18 to 36 inches in length, depending on the inflatable to be secured.
Tall Rentals
Water slides can be 40 ft. tall. They can’t be set up near power lines or trees. Plenty of overhead clearance is required.
Park Party
If you host a party in the park, you’ll need to ascertain if the park rules allow you to do so. You may need a permit and there may be width and height requirements. The rental company should have liability insurance in the event of an accident or injury.
The Surface
Most inflatables are set up on gras or gravel. It enables easy tethering with stakes. It’s also possible to set them up on concrete, using sandbags to anchor the device. Any surface must be free of rocks, sticks and other debris that can puncture an inflatable. It’s imperative that you let the rental company know what the surface will be so they can bring the appropriate equipment to ensure minimal risk and the maximum amount of fun.
Songs of the Season
Holiday songs play an integral role in Christmas festivities. Singer Brena Lee’s song Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree has supplanted Beyonce’s All I Want for Christmas is You on Billboard charts as the No. 1 favorite in 2023. It was recorded 65 yrs. ago when she was just 13 yrs. old.
The first song associated with Christmas dates back to the 4th century. It was a hymn entitled Jesus Refulsit Omnium (Jesus Light of all the Nations).
The following are just some of the favorite Christmas songs whether you’re caroling or just need a playlist. Bear in mind that many of these melodies have been recorded by various artists throughout the years. If you’re not fond of one artist’s rendition, there’s plenty of others from which to choose.
- 12 Days of Christmas
- All I Want for Christmas is You by Mariah Carey
- Blue Christmas by Elvis Presley
- Christmas (Baby Please Come Home) by Darlene Love
- Deck the Halls by Nat King Cole
- Do You Hear What I Hear by Bing Crosby
- Feliz Navidad by Jose Feliciano
- Frosty the Snowman by Gene Autry
- Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer by Elmo and Patsy
- Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas by Judy Garland
- Holly Jolly Christmas by Burl Ives
- I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Clause by Jimmy Boyd
- It’s the Most Wonderful Time of Year by Andy Williams
- Jingle Bells by Bobby Rydell and Chubby Checker
- Jingle Bell Rock by Bobby Helms
- Let it Snow, Let it Snow, Let it Snow by Dean Martin
- Tanenbaum (O Christmas Tree) by Tony Bennett
- Vince Guaraldi Trio
- Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree by Brenda Lee
- Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer by Gene Autry
- Run Rudolph Run by Chuck Berry
- Samta Clause is Coming to Town by Bing Crosby
- Silent Night by The Carpenters
- Silver Bells by Bing Crosby
- Sleigh Ride by The Ronettes
- The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire) by Nat King Cole
- The Little Drummer Boy by Bing Crosby
- Underneath the Tree by Kelly Clarkson
- Up on the Housetop by George Strait
- We Wish You a Merry Christmas – take your pick of choirs and chorale groups
- White Christmas by Bing Crosby
- Winter Wonderland by Darlene Love
Films and Specials to Put You in the Holiday Spirit
The Christmas season is packed with holiday films and specials for kids that are worth watching the first time or every year. The lineup is sufficient for creating a movie night for every day in December leading up to the big day. The following are just some of the top picks. Some are recommended for certain ages, but let your child and their interests be your guide.
- The Polar Express
- The Christmas Dragon
- The Life and Adventures of Santa Claus
- A Garfield Christmas
- Home Alone
- The Santa Clause
- Jingle All the Way
- A Boy Called Christmas
- Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special
- Trolls Holiday Special
- Elf
- A Charlie Brown Christmas
- Frosty the Snowman
- Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer
- Dr. Seuess’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas
- Twas the Night Before Christmas
- Jingle All The Way
- The Star
- Thomas and Friends: The Christmas Engines
- Winnie the Pooh: The Seasons of Giving
- If You Give a Mouse a Christmas Cookie
- The Snowy Day
- Kung Fu Panda Holiday
- The Muppet Christmas Carol
- Santa Clause is Coming to Town
- Veggie Tales: The Little Drummer Boy
- Casper’s Haunted Christmas
- Klaus
- The Magic Snowflake
- Scrooge
- Minions Holiday Special
- Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey
Favorite Outdoor Christmas Decorations
Some Christmas decorations are perennial favorites and seem to appear in everyone’s yard each year. Inflatables have become one of the most popular types of yard decorations on the market. They encompass everything from traditional Santas and snowmen to angels, elves and candy canes. Many are equipped with solar-powered batteries to power light up functions. They’re ideal for saving on power costs and reducing the potential for fire.
Aurora Lights
Since 1882, lights have played an integral part in holiday celebrations. Now, you can put away the traditional holiday lights for your outdoor tree and decorate with aurora lights. They’re also called meteor lights, snow shower lights or raindrop lights, depending on the manufacturer. They’re offered in single colors and simulate shooting stars tumbling to Earth.
Inflatables
Giant inflatable ornaments are offered in multiple colors. Some are emblazoned with sentiments of the season. You can also select from giant lighted snow globes or giant versions of Frosty the Snowman or the abominable snowman.
Lighted Gifts
Designed to look like wrapped presents, they glow with an inner light. They’re available in multiple colors. Combine them with an outdoor lighted tree for an especially festive appearance.
Fun Inflatables
Those with a quirky sense of humor that are fans of Rockin’ Santa figurines with a guitar will be happy to know there’s a large inflatable version. You can also choose Santa riding a dinosaur, Snoopy on his doghouse, or a gingerbread train. Don’t forget the gingerbread man who is being sampled by his dog.
Fireworks and Icicles
Firework lights are offered in bright white or multi-colored versions. The unique design emulates the appearance of a fireworks burst, sometimes called a bouquet. Icicle lights can be used to decorate homes and fences.
Reindeer
There’s something about reindeer as decorations that appeal to children and adults. They’re available in light up inflatables that primarily depict Rudolph and the more popular fully lit version that’s offered as a 2-piece doe and fawn set.