By Henry J. Pratt Young children to adults in their golden years know all about that legendary HO-HO-HO bringer of Christmas gifts—Santa Claus. Though he’s almost totally an American creation, Santa’s roots come from many countries and go back far in time. Santa is now a universal character, loved by men, women and children the world over. His name is […]
By Bobbie Sweeney It is hard to imagine not having a tree decorated in our homes at Christmastime. Most everyone today remembers their childhood and the pleasures of trimming the tree. When my children were young, our friends and relatives had a good laugh when they walked in our house and saw our work of art. I felt this was […]
By Dianne L. Beetler The poinsettia, a popular Christmas gift and decoration, was unknown in the United States until almost two hundred years ago. It is believed that Joel Poinsett introduced the plant to the U.S. from Mexico. In 1825, Poinsett accepted appointment as the first U.S. minister to Mexico. During four turbulent years in that country, he spent […]
Let’s also remember that Hanukkah, known as the Festival of Lights, runs until December 6th this year. The Hanukkah celebration revolves around the kindling of a nine-branched menorah, known in Hebrew as the hanukiah. On each of the holiday’s eight nights, another candle is added to the menorah after sundown; the ninth candle, called the shamash (“helper”), is used to […]
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