Hello people! Hope your weekend was a good one and everyone is now ready for that big day coming up fast! Christmas!
For this edition of ‘Silly Sunday’ it will be all about Christmas.
Hope you enjoy!
Tag: Santa Claus
Sharing a Bit of Me with You ~~ 2014 Week 28
Another week is here and half gone. And another edition of Share Your World, courtesy of Cee is here. Come join in! It’s a great way to get to know your fellow bloggers.
Have you ever been a participant in a parade? What did you do?
No, I’m not one to draw attention to myself. I haven’t even seen that many parades, except for on TV. My mom always had to watch the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade every year.
If you were handed free opera tickets, would you go or sell them? Why?
Oh, I would take them and go. Even though I don’t understand the languages usually, I love the singing, music and drama that goes with opera.
Why did you start your blog?
To write. That’s the short version. I love to write, always have. I had so many stories locked up inside and I needed to get them out. That first post was the scariest thing to do though. To hit that publish button and let it out into the world. I never really expected to get followers or people who liked what I wrote. But getting that first one, then another, then another. It was so exciting! I’ve ‘met’ so many wonderful, talented, big-hearted people on WP, that I just fell in love with the community. It’s been a wonderful ride so far, so I plan on doing this for a long time to come. (If my muse ever comes back from holiday LOL)
What is your favorite tradition? (family tradition, church tradition, whatever)
I pretty much broke away from any family traditions, many years ago. I don’t go to church so never had any of those. I have made some traditions of my own, so I guess they would be my personal traditions. My favorite one? Well, it used to be a tradition of mine to buy a new Santa decoration every year. It didn’t have to be much, a small ornament, a little nick knack, some years I even painted a new one for my collection. I’ve gotten away from it the past few years, but that was always my favorite. I love the ‘idea’ of Christmas and Santa. I love all the different renditions of Santa around the world. I think it’s fascinating that one fictional (as far as we know) character is beloved worldwide. Now if we could just spread some of that love throughout the year, it would make a much nicer world.
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It’s Boxing Day! ~~ Dec 26
Hello again people! Hope everyone’s Christmas was super fabulous!
My Christmas was quiet, but full of good food and good friends online. I made roast chicken, stuffing, mashed taters, gravy, fresh green beans and brussels sprouts with bacon. For desert was Ambrosia, yeah we ate good.
In between time I was online and over at C4C and we had a blast! Lots of good music and good chat. C4C was a total success once again this year! There were lots of friends and lots of good cheer to be had, we had almost 1600 comments made (last year I think was something like 360). I’m sure we’ll be doing it again next year! I know I’ll be there if they’ll have me.
Once again I want to toot my own horn a bit and mention that my short story “Grandpa and the TV” is published over at Canada Writes website, Facebook and twitter. It’s a true story about my grandfather and what he thought of his first TV.
Now on with the show!
Boxing Day ~~ (Via Wikipedia) This holiday is traditionally the day following Christmas Day, when servants and tradesmen would receive gifts, known as a “Christmas box”, from their bosses or employers. Today, Boxing Day is the bank holiday that generally takes place on 26 December. It is observed in the United Kingdom, Canada, Hong Kong, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Trinidad and Tobago and some other Commonwealth nations. In South Africa, Boxing Day was renamed Day of Goodwill in 1994. In Ireland and Italy, the day is known as St. Stephen’s Day (Irish: Lá Fhéile Stiofáin) or the Day of the Wren (Irish: Lá an Dreoilín). In many European countries, including Germany, Poland, the Netherlands and those in Scandinavia, 26 December is celebrated as the Second Christmas Day.
In Britain, Canada, and some states of Australia, Boxing Day is primarily known as a shopping holiday, much like Black Friday (the day after Thanksgiving) in the US. It is a time where shops have sales, often with dramatic price reductions. For many merchants, Boxing Day has become the day of the year with the greatest amount of returns. And that my friends is why I stay safely at home and laze around today. I hate shopping, but today is extra crazy out there.
Kwanzaa ~~ Kwanzaa is a weeklong celebration held in the United States and also celebrated in the Western African Diaspora in other nations of the Americas. The celebration honors African heritage in African-American culture, and is observed from December 26 to January 1, culminating in a feast and gift-giving. Kwanzaa has seven core principles (Nguzo Saba). It was created by Maulana Karenga, and was first celebrated in 1966–67.
(Via Wikipedia) Kwanzaa celebrates what its founder called the seven principles of Kwanzaa, or Nguzo Saba (originally Nguzu Saba—the seven principles of African Heritage), which Karenga said “is a communitarian African philosophy,” consisting of what Karenga called “the best of African thought and practice in constant exchange with the world.” These seven principles comprise *Kawaida, a Swahili term for tradition and reason. Each of the seven days of Kwanzaa is dedicated to one of the following principles, as follows:
- Umoja (Unity): To strive for and to maintain unity in the family, community, nation, and race.
- Kujichagulia (Self-Determination): To define ourselves, name ourselves, create for ourselves, and speak for ourselves.
- Ujima (Collective Work and Responsibility): To build and maintain our community together and make our brothers’ and sisters’ problems our problems, and to solve them together.
- Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics): To build and maintain our own stores, shops, and other businesses and to profit from them together.
- Nia (Purpose): To make our collective vocation the building and developing of our community in order to restore our people to their traditional greatness.
- Kuumba (Creativity): To do always as much as we can, in the way we can, in order to leave our community more beautiful and beneficial than we inherited it.
- Imani (Faith): To believe with all our hearts in our people, our parents, our teachers, our leaders, and the righteousness and victory of our struggle.
Kwanzaa symbols include a decorative mat (Mkeka) on which other symbols are placed, corn (Muhindi) and other crops, a candle holder Kinara with seven candles (Mishumaa Saba), a communal cup for pouring libation (Kikimbe cha Umoja), gifts (Zawadi), a poster of the seven principles, and a black, red, and green flag. The symbols were designed to convey the seven principles
National Candy Cane Day ~~ Now you know candy canes had to be celebrated at some point this month. So here it is! This day celebrates the sweet sugary treat that has become a traditional holiday candy. Candy Canes started as just all white sticks and it wasn’t until the turn of the century that the red stripe and the peppermint flavor was added. Many decorate their Christmas Trees with Candy Canes.
A recipe for straight peppermint candy sticks, white with colored stripes, was published in 1844. The candy cane has been mentioned in literature since 1866, was first mentioned in association with Christmas in 1874, And as early as 1882 was hung on Christmas trees. Chicago confectioners the Bunte Brothers filed the earliest patents for candy cane making machines in the early 1920s.
There are several stories about how the candy cane came about, most of them with a religious bent. Some (like Snopes.com) have some convincing arguments against these stories. As for me, I’m just glad they are around to decorate trees with and to eat. Whichever way they came about, enjoy a candy cane today!
National Whiners Day ~~ When I found this holiday I laughed out loud. So fitting don’t you think, to have Whiners day on the day after Christmas? Today is the day you can whine about the bad gifts you received, or the gifts you wanted but didn’t get! National Whiners Day was founded in 1986 and is dedicated to those who like to whine. Especially, those who are returning or exchanging Christmas gifts. Actually, this day is to encourage everyone to appreciate what they have.
Rev. Kevin Zaborney, in 1986, designated December 26 as National Whiner’s Day. Rev. Zaborney founded the holiday in hopes of encouraging people to be thankful for what they have, rather than unhappy about what they don’t have.
Suggestions for Celebrating National Whiner’s Day
*Visit a shopping mall or retail store and watch people “whine” as they return and exchange their holiday gifts (remember, it’s not only the customers who whine).
*Invite friends over, or plan a party, and call it a “Whine and Geeze” party! Serve non-alcoholic wine and cheese!
*Again, invite friends to a National Whiner’s Day party. In order to get in, your friends need to bring one unwanted gift, wrapped, for a white elephant exchange.
*Hold a whining contest at home or with friends, and invite a radio or television station to broadcast the event. Award the winner with a funny certificate or trophy. Make it more fun by scoring not only the whine quality, but on the whining itself. For example, “Ohhhhh, mooomm. Do I havvvvve to cleeeeean my roooomm?”
Either way you celebrate the day, have fun!
Well that’s it for today people, but there are still some days left in December, so I will be back tomorrow with more celebrations!
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Merry Christmas! ~~ Dec 25
Merry Christmas people! We finally made it to the big day. Hope your Christmas went great and you find peace and happiness.
A few things to announce before I get to the celebrations for today. If you haven’t seen the blogs or posts about C4C yet, well I’m here to inform you what it’s all about. C4C (Company for Christmas) is a wonderful thing that was started last year by rulesofstupid. Now this kind man knew that a lot of bloggers were alone on Christmas and he wanted to do something about it. So he started the blog C4C that just runs during the holidays. It’s a place run by volunteers for people to go to if they get lonely and want to chat.
I am one of those volunteers. I did it last year and I’m doing it again this year. The only thing different is now we have the wonderful and kind-hearted rara from rarasuar manning the helm. My sparkly friend and I and all the other volunteers would like you to know that you can come over anytime and find someone to talk to. It doesn’t have to be serious stuff, in fact it’s usually not. It’s loads of fun, filled with music and laughter. I’ll be there between 2 and 4 pm, but I’ll also be stopping by off and on throughout the day and night.
My room is called JackieP’s Joint. I hope you’ll pop over later this afternoon and say hi!
Second piece of news is more personal. Last month I sent in a short story, “Grandpa and his TV” (500 words) to Canada Writes for a contest called “Bloodlines”. I didn’t win the main prize unfortunately, but they did enjoy my story. So on December 26, they are publishing it on their website, Canada Writes, their twitter account and their Facebook page! That means my story, which is a true story by the way, will be plastered all over the internet tomorrow! Lots and lots of exposure! Yay me! For me that’s a win!
Now let’s get to those celebrations shall we?
Christmas ~~ Well I think we all know this one! Hope everyone’s Christmas was wonderful! The history of Christmas goes back at least 4000 years. Although a Christian holiday, many of the traditions associated with Christmas actually have pagan roots. Christians in the Middle East and Europe began to adapt many of these traditions as a way of reducing the impact pagans had on society.
In addition to “Christmas”, the holiday has been known by various other names throughout its history. The Anglo-Saxons referred to the feast as “midwinter”, Or, more rarely, as Nātiuiteð (from Latin nātīvitās below). “Nativity”, meaning “birth”, is from Latin nātīvitās. In Old English, Gēola (“Yule”) referred to the period corresponding to January and December, which was eventually equated with Christian Christmas. “Noel” (or “Nowell”) entered English in the late 14th century and is from the Old French noël or naël, itself ultimately from the Latin nātālis (diēs), “(day) of birth”.
National Pumpkin Pie Day ~~ Pumpkin Pie Day is honors this festive pie that is enjoyed in mass quantities from Thanksgiving Day until today. Today celebrate by eating an entire pie and mounds of whipped topping (yummy!). Get to baking and make plenty to go around, because you know there is always room for pie.
No “L” Day ~~ Now this one is a tongue in cheek kind of holiday. It seems it was invented by a Bob Birch from the Puns Corp. Say, No “L” Day fast, what do you come up with? haha! A’phabet Day or No “L” Day is for anyone who wants to send written messages, but not Christmas cards via snail mail to their friends. The card should list all of the letters of the alphabet except the “L.” It’s silly yet fun. Have a go and see what you can do.
And once again I found a silly, funny poem for you to enjoy!
Up On the Desktop, Click, Click, Click!
I’m going to Google Santa Claus.
I’m going to Google him because
He does a lot of kinky stuff
that common sense forbids.
The hat, the sleigh, the biker beard
All strike me as a little weird.
I want to check him out before
I let him near the kids.
I’m going to Google Santa Claus.
His gay apparel gives me pause.
I’ll find out what he smokes
and if he used to be a dame.
I want to know what kind of guy
Goes mushing reindeer through the sky.
I want to know what Vixen did
to earn that kind of name!
And so I’ll Google old Saint Nick
And find out just what makes him tick.
I’ll search his background thoroughly
and learn his every vice.
Old Santa’s in the hot seat now.
He’s had it coming anyhow.
It’s time we knew for certain
If he’s naughty or he’s nice!
Copyright; Scott Emmons
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It’s Christmas Eve! ~~ Celebrate! ~~ Dec 24
Merry Christmas Eve, people! Hope you have loads of fun today! If you are still shopping for presents, I hope you find tons of sales! Either way have a wonderful day and evening!
We here in Canada will be having three days of merriment? Ok, maybe two, because the 26th is Boxing Day here and that means commercialism craziness! It’s our version of ‘Black Friday’. It means stores will be running big sales and there will be line ups and tents in front of stores. Me? You’ll find me safely ensconced at home with a nice cup of coffee and slippers on my feet doing what I do best, writing on the old computer.
I’ll be having a relatively quiet Christmas. And it’s not going to be white! Darn it! The one day I want snow it won’t. It’s actually warmed up enough the past two days to melt what snow we had. Then after Christmas and for New Years we’ll probably get a damn blizzard! Eh, it’s all good I don’t go anywhere for New Year’s either. Too many crazies out there.
So let’s get to it shall we? Celebrate!
Christmas Eve ~~ We all know it’s Christmas Eve. Some parts of the world it may even be Christmas Day all ready. Merry Christmas! Some families have Christmas dinner on Christmas Eve and some attend church services. Traditionally, the last white candle in the center of the Advent wreath is lit on Christmas Eve to symbolize the coming of Christ. Traditions are a big part of the holidays and Christmas Eve is no exception. Every country has their own customs that make this a special holiday.
Enhance a cozy atmosphere with Christmas music and light some candles to welcome your guests. If you have a Scrooge in your family, bribe him with some good food and shower him with love. He’ll be sure to lighten up. Whatever your traditions are, embrace them. They are part of your heritage!
Old family customs are nostalgic but sometimes not practical in this day and age. Try mixing some old traditions with new ones. If you want to be out and about on Christmas Eve, going out to see a holiday movie or a play will serve that purpose and add some holiday cheer. Check in with the personnel at a local nursing home to get an idea of what residents will not have family in town. Pay them a visit and give them a small, useful gift, all in the spirit of Christmas.
National Egg Nog Day ~~ Now you all knew this day had to happen at some point in December, as Egg Nog is the drink of the month. The traditional recipe for eggnog is milk, cream, sugar, beaten eggs, spices, and sometimes alcohol. The type of alcohol depends on the country where it is made. In Europe, eggnog is traditionally made with white wine. Americans drink it with bourbon or rum while Peruvians use pomace brandy and Germans use beer.
And because I’m the good egg (pun intended) that I am I went and found you a decadent egg nog recipe. It has chocolate in it people, white chocolate. Go here for the recipe and enjoy!
Today is another very short list, so I thought I would include this poem from Maxine (of Hallmark fame) in the way of ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas’. I thought it was funny, hope you do too.
'Twas the night before Christmas And all through the house... Not a creature was stirring since the cat ate the mouse. My support hose were hung By the chimney with care. (I hung them last Christmas And just left them there.) My dog, Floyd, was nestled All snug in his bed, After watching the cat rip The presents to shreds. And I in my long johns And ratty night cap Had just settled my butt For a long winter's nap. When out on the lawn There arose such a clatter, I swore at the window, "What the (blank) is the matter?" I tore open the window, Not a second to tarry, All ready to throw The noisemaker a berry. A bright moon was lighting The new-fallen snow... And I had a moon of my own Set to show. Floyd was beside me, Paw pointing the way Toward eight tiny reindeer Hitched up to a sleigh... And a little old driver So cheery and quick, I thought for a moment That I would be sick. Like a bat out of...you know, His reindeer they came, And I whistled and shouted And called them some names-- "Hey, Hornhead! Hey, Furface! Hey, Weiner and Turkey! Yo, Klutzy and Mangy And Venison Jerky! Stay off of my porch! Get away from my wall! Now hit the road, hit the road, Hit the road, all! But as pedestrians before My old Buick , they fly And head for high ground With great fear in their eyes, So up to my rooftop The fleabags they flew, With a sleigh full of toys And old Fruitcake - Breath too. And then, in a twinkling, I heard on the roof Holes in my new shingles Made by each tiny hoof. As I reached for my slingshot And a marble as well, Down the chimney St. Nicholas Tumbled and fell. He had a huge sack of Cheap junk on his back And I whispered to Floyd, "Be prepared to attack." His eyes they were squinting, His toy bag was draggin', And I felt for a moment Like I'd soon be gaggin'. He was dressed all in red. With a bell on his hat. And a belt of black leather To hold back the fat. A billowing pipe He clenched tight in his smile, And the smell was like something Had been dead for awhile. He had a broad face And a little round belly That shook when I nailed him With a handful of jelly. He was chubby and plump, Well, actually porky, And I laughed when I tripped him (He looked pretty dorky). He was like a beached whale Unable to budge. And he tasted good , too, If the dog was a judge. I spoke not a word But went straight to my work-- A noogie, a wedgie, A cry of "You jerk!" Until laying a finger Aside of his nose, With a loud cry of "Uncle!" Up the chimney he rose. He sprang to the sleigh And dragged in the toys, Then he cried to the reindeer, "Get me out of here, Boys!" And I had to exclaim As a slushball I tossed, "Happy Christmas to all, And to all a Get Lost!" But then, as I turned, I saw 'neath the tree Two gaily wrapped presents-- One for Floyd, one for me. A big bag of jerky Turned Floyd mighty chipper, While for me was a pair Of brand-new bunny slippers. I looked out the window, And hovering there, Old Santa was winking From his sleigh in midair... "Merry Christmas, Maxine!" He cried, full of cheer, "Same to you, Pal!" I answered, ("I'll get you next year!") THE END
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Merry, Happy, Oh Hell, Have a Great Festivus Day!
Hello there people! Merry Eve before Christmas Eve.
I received my second new tree decoration today in the mail! My blogging friend Marlene over at insearchofitall sent me a Christmas card with a beautiful white lace ornament! Thank you so much Marlene, now maybe next year I’ll have a tree to put it on. I also received cards from my great friends Maddie and tiny! Thank you all ladies you made my Christmas so much brighter.
Here we are just going to have a fairly quiet Christmas. Christmas eve, we have no plans. I’ll be here on the internet, in-between making Ambrosia salad and prepping the huge chicken for Christmas dinner on Christmas day.
No turkey for us, but we got this big ole chicken from a farm outside of the city. It’s fat and I just know it’s going to taste great. I’ll stuff it and have all the sides with it too. We have a good friend coming over with his little family. So Christmas day spent with a two-year old who likes to steal. Ah the joys of Christmas. hahaha! I will have to write about my little kleptomaniac friend someday.
Until then on with the celebrations!
Festivus ~~ (Via Wikipedia) A well-celebrated parody, has become a secular holiday celebrated on December 23 which serves as an alternative to participating in the pressures and commercialism of the Christmas holiday season. Originally a family tradition of scriptwriter Dan O’Keefe, who worked on the American sitcom Seinfeld, the holiday entered popular culture after it was made the focus of a 1997 episode of the program. The holiday celebration, as it was shown on Seinfeld, includes a Festivus dinner, an unadorned aluminum Festivus pole, practices such as the “Airing of Grievances” and “Feats of Strength,” and the labeling of easily explainable events as “Festivus miracles. The episode refers to it as “a Festivus for the rest of us”, referencing its non-commercial aspect. It has also been described as a “parody holiday festival” and as a form of playful consumer resistance. Some atheists advocate Festivus because of its lack of religious significance, and have joined other celebrants in erecting Festivus poles alongside public displays of the crèche of Christmas and the menorah of Hanukkah.
Why Festivus has become popular, no one really knows. Some suggest because it is a fun celebration, free from the boundaries of religion and commercialization, especially appealing to those of faith groups who do not have a celebration in December. To others, it is just a fun, quirky, nonsensical reason to party with friends and family. In recent years, Festivus has taken on a life of its own. Some families have adopted December 23 as the date for their annual family reunion, when family and friends gather together for a feast and celebration, just for the fun of it.
Roots Day ~~ Celebrate your genealogy, as today is Roots Day. It’s a great day to celebrate your heritage. Many of us are returning to our roots today, as we head home for Christmas. Returning to our roots is a warm, cozy and comfortable feeling, a sense of belonging to most people. I know there are some that would rather not go home to their roots. For those of you that feel that way I say make your own roots. That way you will be happy with your roots and so will your children. Nothing wrong with that.
Again we have a very short list. So I thought I would leave you with this poem. No I didn’t write it, but I sure wish I did! Enjoy!
Twas The Month After Christmas
Twas the month after Christmas and all through the house
Nothing would fit me, not even a blouse.
The cookies I’d nibbled, the eggnog I’d taste.
All the holiday parties had gone to my waist.
When I got on the scales there arose such a number!
When I walked to the store (less a walk than a lumber).
I’d remember the marvelous meals I’d prepared;
The gravies and sauces and beef nicely rared,
The wine and the rum balls, the bread and the cheese
And the way I’d never said, “No thank you, please.”
As I dressed myself in my husband’s old shirt
And prepared once again to do battle with dirt —
I said to myself, as I only can
“You can’t spend a winter disguised as a man!”
So–away with the last of the sour cream dip,
Get rid of the fruitcake, every cracker and chip
Every last bit of food that I like must be banished
Till all the additional ounces have vanished.
I won’t have a cookie–not even a lick.
I’ll want only to chew on a long celery stick.
I won’t have hot biscuits, or corn bread, or pie,
I’ll munch on a carrot and quietly cry.
I’m hungry, I’m lonesome, and life is a bore —
But isn’t that what January is for?
Unable to giggle, no longer a riot.
Happy New Year to all and to all a good diet!
– Anonymous
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More December Celebration Days ~~ Dec 22
Hello once again people! I couldn’t find much for today. Maybe it’s gearing up for Christmas. After all that’s the BIG day to celebrate this month.
But, I did find a few reasons to celebrate the day.
So, do you open your presents on Christmas Day? Or Christmas Eve? My family always opened them Christmas Eve night, after supper. When we were really small it was Christmas morning after Santa came the night before. My parents would also hang Christmas stockings at the end of our beds, so that’s the first thing we saw when we woke up. Later, as we grew older things changed and we opened our gifts on Christmas eve.
We never got a lot, but we were happy with what we did receive. When I was young, my siblings and I would each get one toy, the rest would be clothes or shoes, or most times it was a new winter coat with mittens. We weren’t rich by any means and so the coats were much appreciated. I think that our toys were much more appreciated because we got so few of them.
Ah, why is it that Christmas time is always a time of reflection? That can be good or bad, depending on your thoughts and memories. Hope they are all good for you!
Now to today’s celebrations!
National Date-Nut Bread Day ~~ Today is the day for Date-Nut Bread. Enjoy a tasty bread for the holidays. It’s the perfect bread for the season. It contains nuts and sugar, but is not heavy on the sugar. Date nut bread is quite popular. You can make it yourself, or buy some at the bakery. It’s really good toasted with butter, or if you want more of a sweet treat, you can drizzle it with frosting or chocolate and eat it that way. Either way it’s a nice way to celebrate the day!
Don’t be a Scrooge Day ~~ My findings were some celebrated this day on the 21st, and some on the 22. I choose it for today because I didn’t have much for this day! I’m writing this post so I can do that. Ha-ha! Today is the day you put on that smile that you are so famous for and celebrate the season! Here are a few ways that can help in that if you’re feeling it’s a bit much to do.
Relive Childhood traditions,
Remember what the holidays are really about,
Make some new traditions, after all they have to start somewhere, so why not with you!
Since today was a bit lean on celebrations, I thought I would bring you some more unusual facts that are pertinent for the month of December. ~~
The first president to decorate the white house Christmas tree in the United States was Franklin Pierce.
Germany made the first artificial Christmas trees. They were made of goose feathers and dyed green.
“It’s a Wonderful Life” appears on TV more often than any other holiday movie.
Rudolph” was actually created by Montgomery Ward in the late 1930’s for a holiday promotion. The rest is history.
Jingle Bells” was first written for Thanksgiving and then became one of the most popular Christmas songs.
Clearing up a common misconception, in Greek, X means Christ. That is where the word “Xmas” comes from. Not because someone took the “Christ” out of Christmas.
More diamonds are sold around Christmas than any other time of the year.
In Mexico, wearing red underwear on New Year’s Eve is said to bring new love in the upcoming year.
So that does it for today. I’ll be here tomorrow with more celebrations! Until then go and give someone you don’t even know a present, smile at them!
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Dec 20 ~~ Go Caroling Day!
Hello people! I sincerely hope you are all enjoying this countdown of December holidays as much as I enjoy gathering the information. It has been such fun!
Some of the silly things people celebrate sometimes has me laughing out loud. And that is what I want these posts to be. A fun way to count down the month. We all know about Christmas and some of the other ones, but why not a whole month of celebrations! So on that let’s get going to todays.
Go Caroling Day ~~Christmas caroling is believed to have originated from the church by St. Francis of Assisi in 1223. Most traditional carols are those based on religion, the songs that feature modern symbols for the holidays like snowmen, and Santa are considered Christmas songs. Caroling is especially popular during the holiday season in the country of Puerto Rico, where bands of carolers, known as “parranderos”, travel from house to house. A more popular activity in decades past, Christmas caroling is a wonderful way to share the spirit of the holiday season. Caroling may require planning, but your efforts will provide joy to the participants and listeners alike. Go caroling to make the holidays extra special.
Mudd Day ~~ Dec 20, 1833. A day to remember Dr. Samuel A. Mudd (born near Bryantown, MD, Dec 20, 1833), sentenced to life imprisonment for giving medical aid to a disguised John Wilkes Booth, fleeing assassin of Abraham Lincoln. Imprisoned four years before being pardoned by President Andrew Johnson. Died on Jan 10, 1883. Although calling someone “mud” or “a stupid twaddling fellow” was used before Mudd’s grave error in judgment, according to The Phrase Finder, his actions gave the phrase “Your name is mud” a whole new lowly meaning.
Sangria Day ~~ Derived from the Spanish word “sangre”, which means blood, sangria is a delicious chilled beverage containing a variety of ingredients including all sorts of fruit, honey, red or white wine, brandy and/or liqueur. Sangria is a popular drink at bars, pubs, and restaurants in Portugal, Spain, and Mexico, as well as at tapas restaurants in the United States. So why not mix a batch of Sangria tonight (it is Friday after all) and enjoy a nice relaxing night. I’ll even include a recipe I found here, there is actually two recipes, one for a Christmas red and a Christmas white Sangria. Enjoy!
International Human Solidarity Day ~~ (according to the UN website)
- A day to celebrate our unity in diversity; a day to remind governments to respect their commitments to international agreements; a day to raise public awareness of the importance of solidarity; a day to encourage debate on the ways to promote solidarity for the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals including poverty eradication; a day of action to encourage new initiatives for poverty eradication.
The UN General Assembly, convinced that the promotion of the culture of solidarity and the spirit of sharing is important for combating poverty, proclaimed 20 of December as International Human Solidarity Day.
Now some fun facts about December:
December is the last month in the Gregorian calendar. Its name is based on the Latin term for ten. In the Roman calendar, December was the tenth month until the addition of January and February at the beginning of the year. In the Northern Hemisphere December has the shortest daylight hours and marks the beginning of winter. December provides the longest days in the Southern Hemisphere, as it is the beginning of summer. December is a month home to many religious holidays.
On December 4, 1791, The Observer newspaper (the first Sunday newspaper) was first published in Britain.
On December 20, 1803, the Louisiana Purchase was completed
On December 1, 1953 the first Playboy Magazine was published – Marilyn Monroe was on the cover.
December 28 is considered the most unlucky day of the year. (More about this on the 28th!)
The term Yuletide (’yule monath’) comes from a Norse tradition of cutting and burning a huge tree on December 21st. It was supposed to symbolize the winter solstice, bring good luck and burn throughout the 12 day winter festival, known later as the 12 days of Christmas.
Many people believe wearing new shoes on Christmas day will bring a person bad luck
Join me tomorrow for another edition in our month-long holiday special!
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Let’s Fly! ~ Wright Brothers Day ~~ Dec 17
Good day people! Hope this day finds you full of love and light.
I also realize the holidays can be a trigger for depression. It used to be for me also, for many years. If anyone out there needs a safe place to talk or just to vent, email me, I’m always available. (jlroeder at mail dot com). I’ve been there so I do understand. I’m a good reader/listener.
Also, I will be online on Christmas Eve/Christmas Day, so if you get lonely or sad or just want someone to talk to, get hold of me, I’ll be around. No reason for anyone to feel left out, if I can help I will.
Now let’s get going on those celebrations for today.
Wright Brothers Day ~~ Wright Brothers Day commemorates the date (in 1903) that the Wright Brothers first successful flight occurred near Kitty Hawk, NC. Orville and Wilbur Wright were self-taught and self-financed. True American entrepreneurs. North Carolina license plates say “First in Flight” to commemorate their accomplishment. I love to fly in planes, so thank you Wright brothers!
National Maple Syrup Day ~~ The national maple syrup day gives us an opportunity to enjoy this delicious American/Canadian treat throughout the day. Do you know maple syrup is only made in North America? True it seems. And did you know Native Americans were the first ones to make maple syrup? True again! It is actually not easy to make. The timing is everything as the sap only “runs” for a 2 to 3 week period and once the maple tree buds the sap isn’t good anymore. It also takes a lot of sap to make maple syrup so enjoy every sweet sticky bite.
My grandfather used to make his own maple syrup. He lived in upper Wisconsin and had his own maple trees. I remember me and my siblings helping him ‘tap’ the trees. I also remember he used the old metal sap buckets to catch the sap. Then he would heat the sap and add sugar and make the syrup. There is nothing like ‘real’ maple syrup on a stack of homemade pancakes.
So go ahead and incorporate some real maple syrup into one of your meals today! Then invite me over. ahaha!
Underdog Day ~~ Today is the day to cheer for the underdog! An underdog is a person or group who is expected to lose. However, sometimes they pull off the unexpected.
The original meaning of the word “underdog” originated from sawsmen who built ships. Planks of wood called “dogs” were placed over the top of a pit, and two men would have to supervise the placing of these planks. One man would stand on top of the planks, and one man would stand underneath the planks in the dark pit, where he would be covered in sawdust. This poor man was known as the underdog.
So today lets salute all of the underdogs and unsung heroes—the Number Two people who contribute so much to the Number One people we read about. (Sherlock Holmes’s Dr. Watson and Robinson Crusoe’s Friday are examples.) This holiday was founded in 1976 by the late Peter Moeller, THE Chief Underdog.
Now how about something a little different. Some facts about December itself:
December 17th was known for centuries, as the beginning of the Roman/Pagan Saturnalia Festival, held in honor of the God of Agriculture.
The Mason-Dixon Line was established in December of 1782.
The Charles Dickens classic story ‘A Christmas Carol’ was 1st published in December 6, 1843.
Alabama was the first state to recognize Christmas as an official holiday, and the tradition began in 1836.
Electric Christmas lights were first used in 1854.
The first department store to feature a visit with Santa was the J. W. Parkinson’s store in Philadelphia in 1841.
The most popular Christmas song of all time is Bing Crosby’s version of “White Christmas.” And “Silent Night”-arguably the most recognizable Christmas hymn-was written in 1818, by an Austrian pastor, Joseph Mohr. As Christmas Eve came, that year, the organ in his church was broken, so together with his friend, Franz Gruber, he wrote this new tune for the service that night, and played it on his guitar for his congregation.
There is an ancient legend that all animals of the forest can speak in human language on Christmas Eve.
According to an almanac prediction snow on Christmas means Easter will be warm and green.
The term Yuletide comes from a Norse tradition of cutting and burning a huge tree on December 21st.
People always mistake Santa’s reindeer ‘Donder’ and call him ‘Donner’. Editor Edmund Clarence Stedman reprinted Moore’s version of the poem, and included the German spelling of Donder and Blitzen rather than the Dutch version of Dunder and Blixem. Both translate into English as Thunder and Lightning. The German word for thunder is Donner. Technically, they’re both correct, although Dunder is evidently the true original spelling.
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A Chocolate Holiday ~~ Dec 16
Hello once again people! I bet you all are thinking, Wow, Jackie has posted every day so far this month! I know, I know! Wonders never cease.
I’m enjoying finding all these reasons to celebrate this month. I love research so it’s no hardship for me. I do hope you are enjoying yourselves also.
Today for some reason I’m starting to get the Christmas spirit. I have no idea why as nothing has changed. I haven’t even watched any Christmas specials. No Christmas music, nothing. But the sun is shining bright and it makes me feel good and cheerful. I’m going to just enjoy the feeling while it lasts and spread some joy.
So let’s go and celebrate!
Chocolate Covered Anything Day ~~ Wow, my kind of day. If I could eat chocolate that is. Being a diabetic at this time of the year sucks big time. I will have to admit I do cheat a bit, but I make sure my blood sugars stay down in other ways. I mean, how can I not cheat just a bit with all these goodies floating around?? Ack, enough about me. Today is the day for us all to eat us some chocolatey goodness. Any way you can!
Barney and Barbie Backlash Day ~~ Now even I found this to be a bit much. But I’m adding it because, well in a way it’s funny. According to the creators of this ‘holiday’ (Wellcats.com) This is the day you (if you’re a parent of little ones) as a parent are supposed to tell your kids that Barney and Barbie are not real. Do you need a special day to do this?? Just wondering. I mean let them be kids as long as possible is my thinking. Yeah, I think Barney is a big purple annoying blob, but I don’t have kids. And yes, Barbie is a not something a little girl should aspire to. But kids will eventually outgrow them and really how relevent is Barney nowadays?
Boston Tea Party ~~ This isn’t really a holiday, but I was running short and thought, what the hell, I’ll add it. Hey, I’m writing this post, I can do that. haha! (Via Wikipedia) The Boston Tea Party (initially referred to by John Adams as “the Destruction of the Tea in Boston”) was a nonviolent political protest by the Sons of Liberty in Boston, on December 16, 1773. Disguised as American Indians, the demonstrators destroyed the entire supply of tea sent by the East India Company in defiance of the American boycott of tea carrying a tax the Americans had not authorized. They boarded the ships and threw the chests of tea into Boston Harbor, ruining the tea. The British government responded harshly and the episode escalated into the American Revolution. The Tea Party became an iconic event of American history, and other political protests often refer to it.
Los Posadas ~~ This is a wonderful Mexican celebration that starts today. las posadas literally translates in English as “the inns” or “the lodgings” and symbolizes the Biblical journey of Mary and Joseph as they searched for shelter in Bethlehem before the birth of Jesus. (Via Wikipedia) The procedure has been a tradition in Mexico for 400 years.
The head of the procession will have a candle inside a paper lampshade. At each house, the resident responds by singing a song and Mary and Joseph are finally recognized and allowed to enter. Once the “innkeepers” let them in, the group of guests come into the home and kneel around the Nativity scene to pray (typically, the Rosary). Latin American countries have continued to celebrate this holiday to this day, with very few changes to the tradition. In some places, the final location may be a church instead of a home.
Individuals may actually play the various parts of Mary (María) and Joseph with the expectant mother riding a real donkey (burro), with attendants such as angels and shepherds acquired along the way, or the pilgrims may carry images of the holy personages instead. Children may carry poinsettias. The procession will be followed by musicians, with the entire procession singing posadas such as pedir posada. At the end of each night’s journey, there will be Christmas carols (villancicos), children will break open star-shaped piñatas to obtain candy and fruit hidden inside, and there will be a feast. Piñatas are traditionally made out of clay. It is expected to meet all the invitees in a previous procession.
Doesn’t that sound like a fun thing to do and watch?
That’s about all I could find for today people. See you tomorrow! Celebrate!
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Have a Wonderful St. Nicholas Day! ~~ December 6
Hello people! Hope you are having a wonderful day or night. It’s been a cold day today -28c (-18f) but the sun has been shining and snow is glistening and all is beautiful. As long as I’m in the warm house that is.
So our first week of December is winding to a close. Christmas is ever closer and the year it is getting older by the minute.
Winter by Robert Southey
A wrinkled crabbed man they picture thee,
Old Winter, with a rugged beard as grey
As the long moss upon the apple-tree;
Blue-lipt, an icedrop at thy sharp blue nose,
Close muffled up, and on thy dreary way
Plodding alone through sleet and drifting snows.
They should have drawn thee by the high-heapt hearth,
Old Winter! seated in thy great armed chair,
Watching the children at their Christmas mirth;
Or circled by them as thy lips declare
Some merry jest, or tale of murder dire,
Or troubled spirit that disturbs the night,
Pausing at times to rouse the mouldering fire,
Or taste the old October brown and bright.
Let’s see what kind of celebrations are slated for today:
St. Nicolas Day ~~ St. Nickolas Day celebration originated in Europe. (via Wikipedia) The tradition of Saint Nicholas Day, on 6 December (19 December in most Orthodox countries), is a festival for children in many countries in Europe related to surviving legends of Saint Nicholas, and particularly his reputation as a bringer of gifts. The American Santa Claus, as well as the British Father Christmas, derives from these legends. “Santa Claus” is itself derived in part from the Dutch Sinterklaas.
Mitten Tree Day ~~ There seems to be a bit of controversy of where this came from, but the most popular (and most reasonable) answer is it came from a book. The Mitten Tree by Candace Christiansen. In the book, a lady knits mittens for children who have none. She hangs the mittens on an evergreen tree for any child who needs them. Unfortunately she runs out of yarn. But one morning a basket full of yarn appears on her doorstep. So she happily continues to knit mittens for all the children. Seems like a really nice holiday to celebrate. Go give some mittens to needy children!
Microwave Oven Day ~~ Well by now you know I have to add-on the strange ones. So here you go! I’m not sure where the beginnings of this holiday started, but since about 90% of households have one, might as well add it in. Microwave Oven Day’s history is vague. However, the history of what lead to the invention of the microwave, is more straightforward. In 1945, Percy Spencer passed by a microwave tube. The candy bar he had in his pocket melted from the heat. Spencer, a Raytheon engineer, then decided to research the ability of microwaves to cook food faster than conventional methods. The first microwave, named Radarange was huge, weighing in at 670 lbs. Due to its large size, it was not practical for household use. The first household sized microwave was not available until 1955, and it didn’t become mainstream until the 1970s. So go ahead and hug your microwave today. hehehe
National Gazpacho Day ~~ Now why a cold soup is celebrated in December is any one’s guess. But hey, I just write them as I find them. Gazpacho is a tomato-based soup that is made from raw vegetables and served cold. It is said to have been a favorite lunch of field hands throughout Europe after they had worked all morning in the hot sun. The main ingredients of gazpacho are tomatoes, green peppers, onions, cucumbers, garlic and olive oil. So if you love Gazpacho and only thought it was for summer, go make some, go eat some and enjoy!
National Minors Day ~~ Today is the day we honor each minor, past, present and future. Today is the day to recognize “the materials procured with the sweat and blood of miners.” To honor the hundreds of miners killed in the Dec. 6, 1907, mining tragedy at Monongah, W.Va. Also to recognize miners’ contributions to make the U.S., economy.
National Pawnbrokers Day ~~ This day coincides with St. Nicholas Day as he is the saint for pawnbrokers. This holiday pays tribute to the profession that provides a valuable service to both for those in need of cash as well as those looking for a reasonable deal. It is believed that the practice of pawnbroking existed some 3,000 years ago in ancient China. I’ve used pawnbrokers when I was young and broke and needed gas money. I’ve also shopped in them as they are great places to get things cheap. Just make sure they are a reputable shop.
Put on Your Own Shoes Day ~~ Yes, it’s really a holiday out there. I couldn’t find where it originated. It also could mean two things. Either it’s a day for kids to learn to put on their own shoes, or for people to be reminded to walk their own path in life.
International Sweater Vestival ~~ Yes you read it right, I wasn’t making a spelling error. The second Friday after Thanksgiving every year is the International Sweater Vestival, they even have their own website (just click on the name and it will take you there). As it explains on the website and I’m quoting here “The sweater vestival is a day of sweater vests. We accept wool, mohair, cashmere, acrylic, rayon, Orlon, cotton, and other sweater-like materials.” It seems to be a serious yet jokingly real holiday. A much-needed opportunity to inject some levity into our workplaces/schools/world. So go ahead and dig out that old Christmas sweater vest old Aunt Ethel sent you five years ago and put it on with pride!
That’s it for today folks, so glad you joined me once more. I’ll be back tomorrow with more!
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Happy 4th Day of December!
How was every one’s day today? Great I hope.
Every day is another day to celebrate. You can celebrate life or you can bemoan it. Now I will have to admit there are some days I would rather crawl back into bed, pull the covers over my head and forget about it all.
Then I think to myself, well hell I will just have to face it tomorrow, so might as well get outta bed and face it today. Whatever problems I’m having and believe me I have a few, I try to celebrate the day.
After all, if I wasn’t alive the alternative is worse. Unless I can come back and haunt people. Anyway, that’s for another time. 😉
Let’s just see what kind of day today is for celebrations!
Cookie Day ~~ Is a minor holiday, celebrating cookies in all their sugary glory. It occurs on December 4th of every year, but is not widely observed. A number of retailers and shops around the country are commemorating this momentous occasion by handing out free cookies. To find out which retailers are giving out free cookies, click on the link and see if any are near you!
Santa’s List Day ~~ Now I’m not really sure which list they mean here. It could be Santa’s list of naughty and nice children. Or it could mean Santa’s list of gifts. Either way you want to celebrate is fine with me! Just make a list and check it twice.
National Dice Day ~~ Today is the day everyone should play a nice game of dice.
International Hug Day ~~ Now this a day I can get my arms around! (Yeah I know , terrible pun). Go celebrate and give out some hugs! Now it might be a good idea to ask permission from people first. You know it’s just the polite thing to do. Plus I wouldn’t want anyone getting punched on my account.
Wear Brown Shoes Day ~~ As I said before folks, I can’t make this stuff up. They are for real. I have no idea where this one started but hey if you’re tired of those black shoes, try being radical and wear brown!
Extraordinary Work Team Recognition Day ~~ This is the day that celebrates work teams who cooperate and achieve. So gather around the coffee pot or water machine and celebrate working together!
National Fruit Cake Month ~~Now what would December be without the fruitcake? Well I for one can not stand them but that doesn’t mean I will begrudge you yours. Ah the much maligned fruit cake! We’ve all heard the many jokes every year. It is a great time to honor the fruitcake in all its alcohol drenched, fruit dense, nutty, chewy glory.
People in ancient times would soak their fruit cakes in alcohol for flavor as well as preservation. Hunters and others who would need to be away from home for long periods of time often took fruit cake with them because it kept longer than most bread.
Therefore why not create your own heirloom, alcohol soaked fruit cake and see how long it lasts?
That’s it for today folks. Go out and celebrate the day!
Life, Love & Strength 