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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Christmas rose (Helleborus niger) puts on a show
It is hard to imagine flowers blooming outdoors in February, but the Christmas rose (Helleborus niger) delights gardeners with its charming pure white blooms that emerge from the plant even when frost and snow lie on the ground.Pittsburgh Post-Gazette - Feb 03 09:44pm

Christmas was Mother's Day for Chivas defender
Jorge Flores changed his name to Jorge Villafana to honor the person who raised him. And he still has a dream: to make the U.S. Olympic team. For 22 years Jorge Flores carried his father's name but not his memory.Los Angeles Times - Feb 04 02:52pm

Christmas, Auto Racing, Lights, and a Baby
When you think of Christmas, auto racing might not come to mind. But the New Hampshire Motor Speedway in Loudon has turned a mile long race course into a Christmas display featuring more than a million LED lights. NHPR’s Brady Carlson took his family to see the show and has this report. I’m not really a light kind of guy – in fact, the first thing I do when I host All Things Considered is turn ...New Hampshire Public Radio - Feb 03 03:27am

Christmas - News Images


Operation Christmas Card touches servicemanâs heart
Cathy Perfect/Kern Valley Sun The project – belatedly dubbed Operation Christmas Card – took planning. It took time. And, in the end, some finger-crossing.Kern Valley Sun - Feb 05 12:36am

Christmas deer
Jaylee Fornea, nine-year-old daughter of Jason and Tara Fornea, shot a five-point buck hunting with her dad during the Christmas holidays.The Daily News - - North Platte Telegraph

For Christmas emergencies
- North Platte Telegraph

'TIS THE SEASON: Jacksonville Christmas parade winners ...
- Jacksonville Patriot

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