Santa Claus:

The story of Santa Claus originated in Europe during the fourth-century when a bishop named St. Nicholas of Myra spread goodwill and generosity throughout the land. He was known to go about on a white horse giving anonymous gifts by night. His traveling clothes were bishop red and he carried a staff. His unselfish acts of kindness spread throughout Europe and the children thought of him as a giver of all good things. When he died on December 6, his remains were taken to Italy and a church was erected in his honor. That day soon became a day of celebration, gift giving, and charity.

In the sixteenth century, the celebration of catholic saints was banned and St. Nicholas Day became merged with Christmas celebrations. Although the gift-giving Saint took on a non-religious form, the generous spirit still remained. Eventually, the image of the Saint became a sort of mystical being, known for rewarding the good and punishing the bad.

MistleToe:

There were many beliefs associated with the mistletoe. In ancient times, it was believed to be sacred, to have come from heaven, possessing mystic powers because it grew without roots and never touched the ground. It was also considered as a giver of life and protector against disease and poison. The plant was believed to encourage romance, to bring happiness and good luck, and to promote peace.

Despite all these positive beliefs, the English church banned the mistletoe around 1600 because of its pagan superstitions. Some Christians believed that the mistletoe was originally a tree whose wood was used to make the cross on which Christ was crucified. It then shrank from shame into a parasite bush. In the late eighteenth century, people in England began using the mistletoe in their home Christmas decorations. The pagan customs were forgotten and the plant was associated with happiness, peace, and good luck. It was hung in doorways where guests would walk under it providing an opportunity to kiss for no reason!

Holiday News:

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Broadway Box Office Opening of 'White Christmas' Offers Surprises to Unwrap
1.  Playbill via Yahoo! News - Oct 06 2:29 PM The Marquis Theatre box office for Irving Berlin's White Christmas opens 11 AM Oct. 6 with gifts for ticket buyers, a tree lighting, hot beverages and appearances by the costumed cast members of the coming Broadway production.

Rates could fall again before Christmas: economists
2.  The West Australian - Oct 06 10:03 PMThe Reserve Bank of Australia may cut interest rates again by Christmas, after deciding to lower the cash rate by 100 basis points for the first time in 16 years, economists said. The RBA board today

12 steps to a jolly Christmas budget
3.  Philippine Daily Inquirer - Oct 06 10:04 PMChristmas will be here soon! In the past years, I did all the preparations and gift shopping two weeks before Christmas, and I would always end up sick, tired and feeling broke afterwards. What can I do to make things better this year? Bea

Financial turmoil likely to put crimp into Christmas toy spending
4.  The Kansas City Star - Oct 06 8:27 PMW ill financial-market turmoil be the Grinch this Christmas? With parents already facing high food and gas costs and slumps in the job and housing markets, the turmoil in the financial sector could further spur them to cut their spending, focus on less-expensive toys and consider which toys will get the most use, experts say.

Christmas sales set to start early
Shoppers could see Christmas come early to the East Anglian high street as retailers start the sales early in a bid to boost trade.

Inmates helping with Christmas Corner
6.  The Longview News-Journal - Oct 06 10:06 PMGregg County commissioners are sending jail inmates to the Maude Cobb Convention and Activity Center this weekend to help set up and tear down the annual Christmas Corner event.

Old Vic to reopen after Christmas
7.  BBC News - Oct 06 5:06 AMThe Bristol Old Vic is to reopen at Christmas with a new children's play, it is announced.

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