Good day people! Today I bring you great tidings of joy, or some more celebrations, which ever works for you.

Here’s hoping your weekend turns out to be super! Done Christmas shopping yet? Got all those presents wrapped? Got your tree up? Yeah, I’m nosey. hahaha!

That special day is getting closer and closer! So tell me, what does Christmas mean to you? Let me know, I’m really interested.

 

 

So let’s get onto those celebrations for today shall we.

 

National Violin Day ~~ I couldn’t find the source of this holiday, but popular opinion is (I’m inclined to agree) that it was started because of all the music that is performed this time of year. Violins are usually a big part of Christmas music. The violin is the smallest yet the highest pitched instrument in the violin family. The violin family consists of the violin, viola, bass viola and cello. The violin can be played in a number of musical genres, classical, jazz, folk music and even rock and roll. It is also called a fiddle. So go ahead and listen to the violin, however you like it. Or if you play, even better! Play a tune for me today!

National Cocoa Day ~~ The history of this day is unknown, but who doesn’t love cocoa? Especially when it’s cold and blustery like it is here. A nice hot cup of cocoa would be great! What is the difference between Hot Chocolate and Hot Cocoa? Hot cocoa is made from a powdered mix of cocoa, sugar and is made with hot milk or water, and hot chocolate is made from chocolate bars melted into cream. While both are delicious, cocoa is the one being celebrated today. Some may celebrate baking with cocoa, while some want to mainline it in a good cup of cocoa. Either way, cocoa lovers, this day is for you!

Via Wikipedia; The cacao tree may have originated in the foothills of the Andes in the Amazon and Orinoco basins of South America where today, examples of wild cacao still can be found. However, it may have had a larger range in the past, evidence for which may be obscured because of its cultivation in these areas long before the Spanish arrived. It may have been introduced into Central America by the ancient Mayas, and cultivated in Mexico by the Toltecs and later by the Aztecs. It was a common currency throughout Mesoamerica and the Caribbean before the Spanish conquests.

Chocolate and cocoa contain a high level of flavonoids, specifically epicatechin, which may have beneficial cardiovascular effects on health. As with all things people, moderation is the key!

Pick a Pathologist Pal Day ~~ Some people think Pathologists and coroners are a happy lot. I wouldn’t know, as I don’t know any. But I’m thinking they have their own brand of humor. So find yourself a Pathologist today and become pals with them! I have no idea where this started, or why, but hey I’m all for making new friends!

 

That’s all I got for today folks, come back tomorrow for another edition!