What

Christmas
Is For

$2.00
A Holiday Guide
from

The Daily Times

CHRISTMAS 2021 | 1
 Christmas Is For

Memories
The sights, sounds and smells of the holidays are unforgettable. Whether
you’re building new memories with loved ones or reminiscing about times
gone by, every December brings another Christmas to remember.

2 | CHRISTMAS 2021
 Origins of Popular Traditions
Christmas invites popular
traditions that are observed in
most American homes. From
caroling to hanging your stockings
with care, the origins behind the
celebrations are as important
as the action themselves. Learn
about the history that shaped the
holiday events we know today.
Hanging Stockings
According to the Smithsonian, the act of hanging
stockings over the fireplace mantel is traced to a poem
penned in 1823 by Clement Clark Moore. A line from the
classic literature, “Visit from St. Nicholas,” goes:
“And filled all the stockings; then turned with a jerk,
And laying his finger aside of his nose,
And giving a nod, up the chimney he rose.”
This famous snippet ultimately led children to hang
their stockings on Christmas Eve in hopes that St.
Nicholas would fill them with presents and candies.

Decorating the Christmas Tree

The History Channel says that the popularization of
decorating the Christmas tree occurred in 1846 when
Queen Victoria and Prince Albert posed with their family
tree for the London News. Before that, German Lutherans
were tied to the festivity since the 17th century and
Christmas trees were spotted in Pennsylvania as early as
1820. The evergreen tree is the traditional option as they
are considered lucky because they remain green even in
the winter months.

Kissing Under the Mistletoe

Dating back several thousand years ago, Celtic Druids
thought the mistletoe plant had sacred powers, healed
illnesses and sometimes predicted the future. It became a
Christmas time tradition as the plant was gathered during
the summer and displayed around the holidays.
The tradition of kissing under the mistletoe began in
ancient Greece. It was first noticed during the festival of
Saturnalia and eventually in wedding ceremonies.

Singing Carols
The heritage of singing religious carols within groups has
roots found in medieval times when citizens traveled from
house to house to wish people good health. According to
the Library of Congress, the tunes received a Christmas
theme around the 1800s in America. An engraving published in the 1840s of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert created a craze for
In the 1900s, cities like New York, Washington D.C., Christmas trees.
and Philadelphia saw a surge in caroling, leading to the
release of commercialized songbooks. The events were
used to raise money for children’s charities.
CHRISTMAS 2021 | 3
 Making Ornaments
Some of the best
holiday memories
are hands-on holiday
memories. Baking
cookies and cakes,
wrapping presents,
and, this year, making
your own ornaments.

Keep reading to find

out how to start this
fun holiday tradition for
your own family.

Mini Walnut Reindeer the most creative ornaments this degrees for about
Make your own fleet of tiny reindeer. Start year. an hour. Cool
with a walnut, in the shell, and drill a small before handling.
hole through the top. Glue on googly eyes, a Salt Dough
red pompom nose, and felt ears to finish it Ornaments Wooden
off. Run a piece of twine through the hole These are a Christmas Bead
in the walnut and you’ve got your own classic. Mix up a batch Snowmen
Rudolph. of salt dough — 4 These won’t
Use your imagination and make more cups flour, 1 cup salt, melt away, but
reindeer with bows, sparkly noses and ½ cups warm water you might from
more. The only limit is your local craft — then roll it out and the sweetness.
store’s inventory. get to cutting. Use Paint three wooden craft beads (any size will do,
Christmas themed it depends on how big you want your snowmen)
Decoupaged cookie cutters and with white craft paint and allow to dry. Thread
Tissue Ornaments don’t forget to find a piece of twine through the beads and knot it
Use clear glass or plastic balls and tiny some way to get those to hold them together. Attach black gem mini
bits of ripped up tissue paper. Affix the little thumbprints gems or beads for the buttons and eyes, then snip
tissue to the ornament using glossy Mod in there for the best orange felt and attach it for a carrot nose. Attach
Podge, then tie a ribbon through the cap. Use memories. Use a straw to two twigs for arms and, if you’d like, a felt hat.
different colors and layers for texture, or go all poke a hole through the top Feel free to personalize your snowmen and date
out and make a whole scene. See who can make for hanging, then bake at 300 each ornament.

4 | CHRISTMAS 2021
 Write a Christmas Story
A Christmas Eve tradition in
many American households
is reading holiday-themed
storybooks.

This year, create your own

tale with the children in
your life. With their input,
consider a plot, theme
and list of characters who
partake in an exciting
adventure.

Do you need the inspiration to draft an

engaging storyline? Check out these timeless
Christmas classics that are a staple in multiple
family traditions.
• “A Charlie Brown Christmas,” by Charles M.
Schulz and Vicki Scott.
• “A Christmas Carol,” by Jennifer Adams and
Alison Oliver.
• “Elf on the Shelf,” by Carol Aebersold and
Chanda Bell.
• “How the Grinch Stole Christmas,” by Dr.
Seuss.
• “The Night Before Christmas,” by Charles
Santore.
These stories are sure to get the creativity
flowing and can help inspire your family to
create a book that will make an appearance every
year. add personalization for your book, use the names Should You Publish?
of family members for the characters as well as If you think your custom book would be a
inside jokes that your household will recognize. family favorite for others, consider publishing
Brainstorm
You should begin your new story by thinking it and trying to sell it. Modern technology
of a concept. Find ideas by asking your children Produce allows even amateur authors to get their
for their favorite aspect of Christmas. Perhaps, Once the story is finished, you should begin creations to the public without backing them
it’s visiting Santa Claus with family, decorating illustrating the pages. Invest in high-quality from a publisher.
the tree or finding gifts for loved ones to enjoy. coloring materials and pages. If you feel that When self-publishing, be sure to market the
After getting a few ideas, write down a your images don’t do the content justice, content to your friends and loved ones on social
structure for the plot and a tentative ending. consider hiring a professional artist. Their media and by sharing a link to the story in public
With the primary points outlined, jot down an unique imagery can take your words to the next forums.
exciting outcome that ties the story together. To level.

CHRISTMAS 2021 | 5
 Christmas Is For

Flavors

Candy canes, cranberries, eggnog, fruitcake, pie and spices. These are
just a few of the tastes and smells that combine when we celebrate the
holidays every year. Families often have their own cherished recipes,
sometimes passed from generation to generation, that become a trea-
sured tradition over time. Make sure and write your recipes down so
you and your family can have a permanent copy.

6 | CHRISTMAS 2021
 Pour Up Tasty Hot Drinks
Nothing’s better on a
freezing day than a nice,
warm mug of something
sweet. And even better
if it has a kick.

Here are a few toasty

recipes guaranteed to
bring the holiday cheer
to your party.

Hot Toddy
With Charred Oranges
1 1/2 cup bourbon
3/4 cup honey
1 cup fresh lemon juice
3 thyme sprigs
2 cinnamon sticks
3 star anise
4 small oranges, cut in half

Directions Boozy Chai Latte Mulled Wine

1. Combine the bourbon, honey, lemon juice, 2 cups water 750 milliliters merlot
spices and two cups of water in a medium 4 spiced chai black tea bags 2 cups pomegranate juice
saucepan. Cook over medium-low heat until just 2 strips orange peel 2 cups apple cider
warm, 10-15 minutes. 10 whole cloves 1/2 cup orange juice
2. Grill or broil orange halves until charred, 1-2 2 cinnamon sticks 2 cinnamon sticks
minutes. Serve the drinks and top with charred 10 whole black peppercorns 3 star anise
oranges. 1/2 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg 2 slices of orange
1 teaspoon ground ginger 10-12 whole cloves
1/2 teaspoon cardamom pods, smashed
Salted Caramel 3 tablespoons light brown sugar, packed Directions
Hot Chocolate 2 cups milk 1. In a large saucepan, pour in wine, juice, apple
2 cups milk chocolate chips 4 ounces spiced rum cider and orange juice. Add the cinnamon sticks
1/2 cup caramels, unwrapped 1 1/2 ounces Cointreau and star anise.
4 cups milk 2. Pull whole cloves through the slices of orange
2 cups heavy cream Directions and add to the pot. Bring to a boil and simmer
1 teaspoon vanilla 1. Combine the water, tea bags, orange peel, for 45 minutes. Serve warm.
1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt spices and brown sugar in a saucepan. Bring to
a rolling boil and turn off the heat. Allow the
Directions mixture to steep for 10 minutes.
1. Add all the ingredients except the sea salt to 2. Strain the mixture through a sieve, pressing
a slow cooker. Cook on low for two hours. Stir on the tea bags. Discard the solids.
until the ingredients melt completely. Add the 3. Add the milk and warm until simmering.
sea salt and stir, then serve. Add the rum and Cointreau and froth with an
immersion blender. Serve warm.
CHRISTMAS 2021 | 7
 I forgot to get some ...
We’ve all done it — forgotten
that one important ingredient,
and there is no time to go
to the store. Here are some
substitutions that may help you
in a pinch.
Allspice
For 1 teaspoon:
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon,
1 /4 teaspoon ginger, and
1/4 teaspoon cloves
Arrowroot starch
For 1 teaspoon:
1 tablespoon flour OR
1 teaspoon cornstarch
Baking mix
For 1 cup:
1 cup pancake mix
Baking powder
For 1 teaspoon:
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
plus 1/2 teaspoon cream
of tartar OR 1/4 teaspoon
baking soda plus 1/2 cup
buttermilk (decrease liquid
in recipe by 1/2 cup)
Baking soda
For 1 teaspoon:
4 teaspoons baking powder
OR 1 teaspoon potassium
bicarbonate and 1/3
teaspoon salt. NOTE: If the
recipe calls for an acidic
liquid such as sour cream,
yogurt, buttermilk, vinegar,
molasses, or citrus juice, you
should replace it with the
same amount of whole milk
Broth: beef or chicken
For 1 cup:
1 bouillon cube plus
1 cup boiling water OR
1 tablespoon soy sauce plus
enough water to make 1 cup
OR 1 cup vegetable broth
Butter (salted)
For 1 cup:
1 cup margarine OR 1 cup
shortening plus 1/2 tea-
spoon salt OR 7/8 cup
8 | CHRISTMAS 2021
vegetable oil plus 1/2 tea-
spoon salt OR 7/8 cup lard
plus 1/2 teaspoon salt
Butter (unsalted)
For 1 cup:
1 cup shortening OR
7/8 cup vegetable oil OR
7/8 cup lard
Buttermilk
For 1 cup:
1 cup yogurt OR
1 tablespoon lemon juice or
vinegar plus enough milk to
make 1 cup
Chicken base:
For 1 tablespoon:
1 cup canned or homemade
chicken broth or stock.
Reduce liquid in recipe by
1 cup
Chocolate
(semisweet)
For 1 ounce:
1 (1-ounce) square of un-
sweetened chocolate plus 4
teaspoons sugar OR 1 ounce
semisweet chocolate chips
plus 1 teaspoon shortening
Chocolate
(unsweetened)
For 1 ounce:
3 tablespoons unsweetened
cocoa plus 1 tablespoon
shortening or vegetable oil
Cocoa
For 1/4 cup:
1 (1-ounce) square unsweet-
ened chocolate
Corn syrup
For 1 cup:
1 1/4 cup white sugar plus
1/3 cup water OR 1 cup
honey OR 1 cup light treacle
syrup
Cottage cheese
For 1 cup:
1 cup farmer’s cheese OR
1 cup ricotta cheese
Cream
(half and half)
For 1 cup:
7/8 cup milk plus
1 tablespoon butter
Cream (heavy)
For 1 cup:
1 cup evaporated milk OR
3/4 cup milk plus 1/3 cup
butter
Cream (light)
For 1 cup:
1 cup evaporated milk
OR 3/4 cup milk plus
3 tablespoons butter
Cream of tartar
For 1 teaspoon:
2 teaspoons lemon juice or
vinegar
Crème fraiche
For 1 cup:
Combine 1 cup of heavy
cream and 1 tablespoon of
plain yogurt. Let stand for 6
hours at room temperature
Egg
For 1 whole (3 tablespoons):
2 1/2 tablespoons of pow-
dered egg substitute plus
2 1/2 tablespoons water
OR 1/4 cup liquid egg
substitute OR 1/4 cup
silken tofu pureed OR
3 tablespoons mayonnaise
OR half a banana mashed
with 1/2 teaspoon baking
powder OR 1 tablespoon
powdered flax seed soaked
in 3 tablespoons water
Evaporated milk
For 1 cup:
1 cup light cream
Flour: bread
For 1 cup:
1 cup all-purpose flour plus
1 teaspoon wheat gluten
Flour: cake
For 1 cup:
1 cup all-purpose flour
minus 2 tablespoons
Flour: self-rising
For 1 cup:
7/8 cup all-purpose flour
plus 1 1/2 teaspoons baking
powder and 1/2 teaspoon
of salt
Garlic
For 1 clove:
1/8 teaspoon garlic powder
OR 1/2 teaspoon granulated
garlic OR 1/2 teaspoon garlic
salt, reduce salt in recipe
Gelatin
For 1 tablespoon, granulated:
2 teaspoons agar agar
Hot pepper sauce
For 1 teaspoon:
3/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
plus 1 teaspoon vinegar
Lard
For 1 cup:
1 cup shortening OR
7/8 cup vegetable oil OR
1 cup butter
Lemon juice
For 1 teaspoon:
1/2 teaspoon vinegar OR
1 teaspoon white wine OR
1 teaspoon lime juice
Lemon zest
For 1 teaspoon:
1/2 teaspoon lemon extract
OR 2 tablespoons lemon
juice
Margarine
For 1 cup:
1 cup shortening plus
1/2 teaspoon salt OR 1 cup
butter OR 7/8 cup vegetable
oil plus 1/2 teaspoon salt
OR 7/8 cup lard plus
1/2 teaspoon salt
Mayonnaise
For 1 cup:
1 cup sour cream OR 1 cup
plain yogurt
Milk (whole)
For 1 cup:
1 cup soy milk OR 1 cup
rice milk OR 1 cup water or
juice OR 1/4 cup dry milk
powder plus 1 cup water
OR 2/3 cup evaporated milk
plus 1/3 cup water
Molasses
For 1 cup:
Mix 3/4 cup brown sugar
and 1 teaspoon cream of
tartar
Mustard: prepared
For 1 tablespoon:
Mix together 1 tablespoon
dried mustard, 1 teaspoon
water, 1 teaspoon vinegar
and 1 teaspoon sugar
Rice: white
For 1 cup, cooked:
1 cup cooked barley OR
1 cup cooked bulgur OR 1
cup cooked brown or wild rice
Ricotta
For 1 cup:
1 cup dry cottage cheese OR
1 cup silken tofu
Saffron
For 1/4 teaspoon:
1/4 teaspoon turmeric
Semisweet chocolate
chips
For 1 cup:
1 cup chocolate candies
OR 1 cup peanut butter or
other flavored chips OR
1 cup chopped nuts OR
1 cup chopped dried fruit
Shortening
For 1 cup:
1 cup butter OR 1 cup mar-
garine minus 1/2 teaspoon
salt from recipe
Sour cream
For 1 cup:
1 cup plain yogurt OR 1
tablespoon lemon juice or
vinegar plus enough cream
to make 1 cup OR 3/4 cup
buttermilk mixed with
1/3 cup butter
Sour milk
For 1 cup:
1 tablespoon vinegar or
lemon juice mixed with
enough milk to make 1 cup:
Let stand 5 minutes
to thicken
Soy sauce
For 1/2 cup:
1/4 cup Worcestershire
sauce mixed with 1 table-
spoon water
Sugar (brown)
For 1 cup, packed:
1 cup white sugar plus
1/4 cup molasses and
decrease the liquid in recipe
by 1/4 cup OR 1 cup white
sugar OR 1 1/4 cups
confectioners’ sugar
Sugar (white)
For 1 cup:
1 cup brown sugar OR
1 1/4 cups confectioners’
sugar OR 3/4 cup honey
OR 3/4 cup corn syrup
Sweetened
condensed milk
For 1 (14-ounce) can:
3/4 cup white sugar mixed
with 1/2 cup water and
1 1/8 cups dry powdered
milk: Bring to a boil and
cook, stirring frequently,
until thickened, about
20 minutes
Vegetable oil
( for baking)
For 1 cup:
1 cup applesauce OR 1 cup
fruit puree
Vegetable oil
( for frying)
For 1 cup:
1 cup lard OR 1 cup vegetable
shortening
Vinegar
For 1 teaspoon:
1 teaspoon lemon or lime
juice OR 2 teaspoons
white wine
Yogurt
For 1 cup:
1 cup sour cream OR
1 cup buttermilk OR
1 cup sour milk
Easy Christmas Morning Breakfast
Christmas morning is an exciting and joyous Spiced Yogurt Muffins
time for families. Children are anxious to rush
(Yield: 50 servings)
downstairs and see what Santa has left under
the tree, and parents are eager to see the looks
6 1⁄2 cups Dannon plain fat-free Greek yogurt
on youngsters’ happy faces.
4 cups water, room temperature
Having a fast and easy breakfast at the ready
1 box (5 lbs) Gold Medal® Muffin Mix,
on Christmas morning allows families to jump
Whole Grain Variety
right into the festivities rather than spending
3 tablespoons McCormick pumpkin pie spice
too much time in the kitchen.
2 tablespoons McCormick
This recipe for “Spiced Yogurt Muffins,”
Chipotle cinnamon
courtesy of the National Dairy Council,
Dannon and McCormick, can be made in
Directions:
advance and then enjoyed while peeking into
1. Combine yogurt and water in mixing bowl.
Christmas stockings or watching holiday
Whisk until blended. Set aside.
parades on television. This big-batch recipe
2. Add spices to dry muffin mix in a large bowl.
is ideal for feeding a houseful of overnight
Add yogurt and water mixture to the muffin
holiday guests. Or it can be prepared in
mixture. Mix until just blended. Don’t overmix.
advance and doled out as needed throughout
3. Using a scoop, portion into greased or lined
the week. Cut the recipe in half for smaller
muffin pans.
yields.
4. Bake at 350 F for 24 minutes, or 17 to 20 minutes
in a convection oven, until the tops are golden brown.

Tips for Baking Better Christmas Cookies

Cookies and other baked treats are
everywhere come the holiday season.
It’s not uncommon to give cookies as
gifts or arrive at holiday gatherings
with cakes and other decadent
desserts.
Cookies are a classic holiday treat,
and some families even build entire
traditions around baking Christmas
cookies.
Novice bakers making cookies
for the first time may be a little
overwhelmed when perusing recipes.
Baking is a science, and sometimes it
takes practice to get the results just
right. However, there are some tips
that can help yield better, buttery
bounties.
Handle butter with care
Butter can make or break a cookie
recipe, as butter is often the glue that
holds the cookie together. Therefore,
it is key to follow the directions
carefully regarding how to handle
butter. Smithsonian.com says to
leave butter at room temperature for
30 to 60 minutes to properly soften
it. This takes patience, but fiddling
with butter too much can damage its
delectable integrity. While purists
may say butter is best, margarine
may be acceptable if it has a high
fat content; otherwise, cookies may
spread out and flatten.
When it comes time to cream the
butter with sugar, be sure to do so
thoroughly to incorporate air into
the butter and remove the grainy
texture of the sugar.
Measure flour properly
Measuring flour the right way can
ensure cookies come out right. The
Cooking Channel says to spoon the
flour lightly into a dry measuring
cup, then level it off with a knife. Do
not dip the measuring cup into the
flour or tap the knife against the cup.
This will pack too much flour into
the measuring cup and result in dry,
tough cookies.
Slow down the eggs Mastering cookies takes a little
Add eggs one at a time to make patience and some trial and error.
sure each will emulsify properly with Once bakers get their feet wet,
the fat in the butter. Adding eggs en Christmas-cookie-baking becomes
masse may cause the emulsification even more special.
to fail.
Chill out
Follow recipes that call for chilling
cookie dough carefully. This process
is important for making sliced and
shaped cookies. By chilling, the
dough becomes more malleable for
rolling and even slicing.
Use a bottom rack
Too much heat may compromise
cookie integrity. The food experts
at Delish say to try moving cookies
onto a lower rack in the oven if they
aren’t retaining their shape when
baked. Put an empty cookie sheet
on the top rack. That will block the
cookies from the most intense heat
that rises to the top of the oven.

CHRISTMAS 2021 | 9
 Christmas Is For

Singing
What would the holidays be without music? From family
sing-alongs to carols on the radio and sacred hymns to mark
the season, music is a joyful way to celebrate.

10 | CHRISTMAS 2021
 A History of Caroling
A Hymnal History and the singers would perform in public spaces for
You may not have As it turns out, carols have been around almost as long as passers-by, who would reward them with food and drink
Christmas itself. The first recorded carol dates to around for a job well done. This tradition, eventually known as
gone a-wassailing, the year 100 with the “Angels Hymn.” It was around then, wassailing (now you know where that came from), evolved
but you’ve almost ClassicFM says, that Christian hymns started to take over
for traditional pagan songs sung at the winter solstice.
into the groups going door to door to sing carols. As the
groups would go around, they would demand free drink
certainly heard Over time, more Nativity-themed songs emerged, and the and food from residents, and eventually the caroling would
Middle Ages brought us “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen” devolve into sort of a drunken shouting match.
some sleigh bells and other songs. Many of the songs we know today and the
jing-jing-jingling, practice of singing them in public places comes from the But Why do They All sound Kind of the Same?
19th century. It’s not your imagination. Christmas carols are almost
either in real universally recognizable as Christmas carols, no matter
life or sang ad Carols We Have Heard Forever, Or At what subject they tackle or what language they are sung in.
Least Since the 1800s That’s because many of our carols are based on medieval
nauseum (almost) The 19th century is when Christmas started to look chord patterns that give them a unique sound, J.W. Pepper
says.
— and sound — more familiar to modern eyes and ears.
during the holiday Mendelssohn wrote “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing” in Minor chords or diminished chords are sprinkled
throughout most Christmas songs in a way that give
season. 1840, not too long after Frank Xavier Gruber and Joseph
Mohr composed “Silent Night.” them a distinct feel and immediately identifies them as
During this time, a group of carolers was called a wait, Christmassy, music experts say.

CHRISTMAS 2021 | 11
 12 Days of Christmas
One of the most instantly recognizable holiday songs also boasts
one of the most unique histories of any Christmas carol. The exact
origins and author of “The 12 Days of Christmas” are unknown, but
according to the Catholic News Agency, the song was written for
Catholic children in England sometime after 1558. Between 1558 and
1829, Catholics in England were forbidden to practice their faith
openly. The song “The 12 Days of Christmas” was used to teach
Catholic children living under such restrictions about their faith.
As a result, the song is filled with hidden meaning, even if modern
celebrants largely sing it to express their festive moods and not
necessarily their respective faiths.

Lyrics courtesy of Genius.com.

On the first day of Christmas On the sixth day of Christmas

my true love sent to me
A partridge in a pear tree
On the second day of Christmas
my true love sent to me
Two turtle doves, and
A partridge in a pear tree
On the third day of Christmas
my true love sent to me
Three french hens
Two turtle doves, and
A partridge in a pear tree
On the fourth day of Christmas
my true love sent to me
Four calling birds
Three french hens
Two turtle doves, and
A partridge in a pear tree
On the fifth day of Christmas
my true love sent to me
Five golden rings
Four calling birds
Three french hens
Two turtle doves, and
A partridge in a pear tree
my true love sent to me On the ninth day of Christmas On the 11th day of Christmas
Six geese a-laying my true love sent to me my true love sent to me
Five golden rings Nine ladies dancing 11 pipers piping
Four calling birds Eight maids a-milking 10 lords a-leaping
Three french hens Seven swans a-swimming Nine ladies dancing
Two turtle doves, and Six geese a-laying Eight maids a-milking
A partridge in a pear tree Five golden rings Seven swans a-swimming
Four calling birds Six geese a-laying
On the seventh day of Christmas Three french hens Five golden rings
my true love sent to me Two turtle doves, and Four calling birds
Seven swans a-swimming A partridge in a pear tree Three french hens
Six geese a-laying Two turtle doves, and
Five golden rings On the 10th day of Christmas A partridge in a pear tree
Four calling birds my true love sent to me
Three french hens 10 lords a-leaping On the 12th day of Christmas
Two turtle doves, and Nine ladies dancing my true love sent to me
A partridge in a pear tree Eight maids a-milking 12 drummers drumming
Seven swans a-swimming 11 pipers piping
On the eighth day of Christmas Six geese a-laying 10 lords a-leaping
my true love sent to me Five golden rings Nine ladies dancing
Eight maids a-milking Four calling birds Eight maids a-milking
Seven swans a-swimming Three french hens Seven swans a-swimming
Six geese a-laying Two turtle doves, and Six geese a-laying
Five golden rings A partridge in a pear tree Five golden rings
Four calling birds Four calling birds
Three french hens Three french hens
Two turtle doves, and Two turtle doves, and
A partridge in a pear tree A partridge in a pear tree

12 | CHRISTMAS 2021
The Christmas Song
“The Christmas Song,” perhaps better known as

Winter Wonderland
“Chestnuts Roasting On An Open Fire,” is a beloved tune
co-written in 1945 by Mel Tormé and Robert Wells. The
song was reportedly penned on a hot July day and the
writers had to think cool thoughts to evoke a feeling of the
holiday season. This Christmas classic became one of the
defining performances of Nat King Cole’s career, as he is
one of the most popular artists to perform the song and
“Winter Wonderland,” with its vivid cold weather imagery, seems
recorded it on at least three separate occasions.
like it was tailor-made to sing around Christmastime. But much
like “Jingle Bells,” the song wasn’t actually written for the holiday
Written by Robert Wells & Mel Tormé
Lyrics courtesy of Lyricsforchristmas.com season. The lyrics were penned in the 1930s by Richard Bernhard
Smith, who was suffering from tuberculosis at the time and holed
up indoors. Smith stared out his window observing kids playing
Chestnuts roasting on an open fire,
Jack Frost nipping at your nose. innocently in the snow and wrote a poem evoking feelings of the
Yuletide carols being sung by a choir, carefree days he once knew. Smith’s friend and musician Felix
and folks dressed up like Eskimos. Bernard took the lyrics and composed a melody to go with them.
Even though the song never specifically mentions Christmas, it
Everybody knows a turkey and some mistletoe quickly became a holiday standard.
help to make the season bright.
Tiny tots with their eyes all aglow
will find it hard to sleep tonight.
Lyrics by
Sleigh bells ring, are you listening, Richard Bernhard
They know that Santa’s on his way. In the lane, snow is glistening, Smith,
He’s loaded lots of toys and goodies on his sleigh. A beautiful sight, we’re happy tonight, Melody by
And every mother’s child is gonna spy Walking in a winter wonderland. Felix Bernard
to see if reindeer really know how to fly. Lyrics courtesy of
Gone away is the bluebird, Christmassongs.net

And so I’m offering this simple phrase Here to stay is a new bird,
to kids from one to ninety-two. He sings a love song, as we go along,
Although it’s been said many times many ways: Walking in a winter wonderland.
Merry Christmas to you!
In the meadow we can build a snowman,
Then pretend that he is Parson Brown,
He’ll say: Are you married? We’ll say: No man,
But you can do the job while you’re in town.

Later on, we’ll conspire,

As we dream by the fire,
To face unafraid, the plans that we’ve made,
Walking in a winter wonderland.

In the meadow we can build a snowman,

And pretend that he’s a circus clown
We’ll have lots of fun with mister snowman,
Until the other kids knock him down.

When it snows, ain’t it thrilling,

Though your nose gets a chilling
We’ll frolic and play, the Eskimo way,
Walking in a winter wonderland.
Walking in a winter wonderland,
Walking in a winter wonderland.

CHRISTMAS 2021 | 13
 Jingle Bell Rock
Written by Joseph Carleton Beal and James Ross Boothe
Lyrics courtesy of Lyrics.com
Many Christmas songs are traditional religious hymns or slow-paced popular
standards. “Jingle Bell Rock” is anything but, with a rock-n-roll hook and upbeat tempo.
This popular rockabilly Christmas song was first released in 1957 by Bobby Helms and it
fit in perfectly with other songs of the era. It remains a fan favorite today.
Frosty the Snowman
Musicians Jack Rollins and Steve Nelson co-wrote the song in 1950, when it quickly caught on as
a catchy and memorable tune. The “Frosty” song led to a children’s book soon after, and later was
brought to the television screen in 1969 for a holiday special.
Frosty the snowman was a jolly happy soul,
With a corncob pipe and a button nose
And two eyes made out of coal.
Frosty the snowman is a fairy tale, they say,
He was made of snow but the children
Know how he came to life one day.
There must have been some magic in that
Old silk hat they found.
For when they placed it on his head
He began to dance around.
O, Frosty the snowman
Was alive as he could be,
And the children say he could laugh
And play just the same as you and me.
(Chorus)
Thumpetty thump thump,
Thumpetty thump thump,
Look at Frosty go.
Thumpetty thump thump,
Thumpetty thump thump,
Over the hills of snow.
14 | CHRISTMAS 2021
Jingle bell, jingle bell, jingle bell rock
Jingle bell swing and jingle bells ring
Snowin’ and blowin’ up bushels of fun
Now the jingle hop has begun.
Jingle bell, jingle bell, jingle bell rock
Jingle bells chime in jingle bell time
Dancin’ and prancin’ in Jingle Bell Square
In the frosty air.
What a bright time, it’s the right time
To rock the night away
Jingle bell time is a swell time
To go glidin’ in a one-horse sleigh.
Giddy-up jingle horse, pick up your feet
Jingle around the clock
Mix and a-mingle in the jinglin’ feet
That’s the jingle bell rock.
Jingle bell, jingle bell, jingle bell rock
Jingle bells chime in jingle bell time
Dancin’ and prancin’ in Jingle Bell Square
In the frosty air.
What a bright time, it’s the right time
To rock the night away
Jingle bell time is a swell time
To go glidin’ in a one-horse sleigh.
Giddy-up jingle horse, pick up your feet
Jingle around the clock
Mix and a-mingle in the jinglin’ feet
That’s the jingle bell
That’s the jingle bell
That’s the jingle bell rock.
Frosty the snowman knew
The sun was hot that day,
So he said, “Let’s run and
We’ll have some fun
Now before I melt away.”
Down to the village,
With a broomstick in his hand,
Running here and there all
Around the square saying,
Catch me if you can.
He led them down the streets of town
Right to the traffic cop.
And he only paused a moment when
He heard him holler “Stop!”
For Frosty the snow man
Had to hurry on his way,
But he waved goodbye saying,
“Don’t you cry,
I’ll be back again some day.”
(Chorus)
Up on the Housetop Rudolph, the
Red-Nosed Reindeer
You know Dasher and Dancer and Prancer and Vixen
Comet and Cupid and Donner and Blitzen
But do you recall
The most famous reindeer of all?

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer

Had a very shiny nose
And if you ever saw it
You would even say it glows

All of the other reindeer

Used to laugh and call him names
They never let poor Rudolph
Join in any reindeer games

Then one foggy Christmas Eve

Santa came to say
“Rudolph, with your nose so bright
Hollywood legend Gene Autry’s mid-20th century Won’t you guide my sleigh tonight?”
version of “Up on the Housetop” might be the most widely
recognized version of the song, but the tune actually dates Then how the reindeer loved him
back to 1864, making it the second oldest secular Christmas As they shouted out with glee
“Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer
song (“Jingle Bells” was written in 1857). You’ll go down in history”

Up on the housetop reindeer pause, out jumps good old Santa Claus
Down through the chimney with lots of toys “Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer”
All for the little ones, Christmas joys was written in 1939 by songwriter
Ho, ho ho! Who wouldn’t go? Ho,ho ho! Who wouldn’t go? Johnny Marks. Marks’ brother-in-law,
Up on the housetop, click, click, click Robert L. May, had created the
Down through the chimney with old Saint Nick character Rudolph as an assignment
for Montgomery Ward Company, and
First comes the stocking of little Nell
Marks decided to adapt the story of
Oh, dear Santa fill it well
Give her a dolly that laughs and cries Rudolph into a song.
One that can open and shut her eyes
Ho, ho, ho! Who wouldn’t go? Ho, ho, ho! Who wouldn’t go?

Up on the housetop, click, click, click

Down through the chimney with good Saint Nick

Look in the stocking of little Bill

Oh, just see what a glorious fill
Here’s a hammer and lots of tacks
Whistling ball and a whip that cracks

Ho, ho ho! Who wouldn’t go? Ho, ho, ho! Who wouldn’t go?

Up on the housetop, click, click, click

Down through the chimney with good Saint Nick

Lyrics written by Benjamin Hanby

Lyrics courtesy of Lyrics.com
CHRISTMAS 2021 | 15

Silent Night
In 2018, the popular Christmas carol “Silent Night” celebrated
the 200th anniversary of its first performance. The lyrics to “Silent
Night” were written by Austrian Roman Catholic priest Joseph
Mohr in 1816. Over the years, the melody has been credited to
the likes of legendary composers such as Mozart and Beethoven.
However, a manuscript handwritten by Mohr and discovered in
1995 revealed that the Austrian composer Franz Xaver Gruber
composed the music to this beloved song.
Lyrics written by Silent night! Holy night!
Joseph Mohr All is calm, all is bright
Lyrics courtesy of
Lyricsforchristmas.com
Round yon Virgin Mother and Child,
Holy infant so tender and mild,
Sleep in Heavenly peace!
Sleep in Heavenly peace!
Silent night! Holy night!
Shepherds quake at the sight;
Glories stream from Heaven afar,
Heavenly hosts sing Alleluia,
Christ, the Saviour, is born!
Christ, the Saviour, is born!
Silent night! Holy night!
Son of God, Love’s pure light
Radiant beams from Thy Holy face,
With the dawn of redeeming grace,
Jesus, Lord at Thy birth,
Jesus, Lord at Thy birth.
16 | CHRISTMAS 2021
The Little
Drummer Boy
Originally titled “Carol of the Drum,” the
song eventually known as “The
Little Drummer Boy” was
written in 1941 by Katherine
Kennicott Davis, who was a
classical music composer and
teacher. It first was recorded
by the Trapp Family Singers
and tells the story of a poor
boy who had no gift to offer
the Baby Jesus. Mary agrees
to let him play his drum as a
gift. One of the more notable
recordings of the song was a collaboration
by David Bowie and Bing Crosby for a 1977 Written by
Katherine K.
television special, which interwove “The Little Davis
Drummer Boy” with “Peace on Earth.” Lyrics courtesy of
Christmassongs.net
Come they told me, pa rum pum pum pum,
A newborn King to see, pa rum pum pum pum.
Our finest gifts we bring, pa rum pum pum pum,
To lay before the King,
pa rum pum pum pum, rum pum pum pum,
rum pum pum pum.
So to honor Him, pa rum pum pum pum,
When we come.
Little Baby, pa rum pum pum pum,
I am a poor boy, too, pa rum pum pum pum.
I have no gift to bring, pa rum pum pum pum,
That’s fit to give our King,
pa rum pum pum pum, rum pum pum pum,
rum pum pum pum.
Shall I play for you, pa rum pum pum,
On my drum.
Mary nodded, pa rum pum pum pum,
The ox and lamb kept time, pa rum pum pum pum.
I played my best for Him,
pa rum pum pum pum, rum pum pum pum,
rum pum pum pum.
Then He smiled at me, pa rum pum pum pum,
Me and my drum.
 Christmas Is For

Worship
For believers, Christmas is
a time to celebrate one of
the most important
moments in history:
the birth of Jesus Christ.
The story of Jesus’
miraculous birth has
captivated generations of
Christians and forms the
foundation for America’s
most beloved holiday
every year.

The
Christmas Story
CHRISTMAS 2021 | 17
 A nd it came to pass in those days, that there
went out a decree from Caesar Augustus,
that all the world should be taxed.
And Joseph also went up to be taxed with Mary his
espoused wife, being great with child.

18 | CHRISTMAS 2021
A nd so it was, that, while they were there,
the days were accomplished that she
should be delivered.
And she brought forth her firstborn son, and
wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him
in a manger; because there was no room for
them in the inn.
CHRISTMAS 2021 | 19
 A nd there were in the same country shepherds
abiding in the field, keeping watch over their
flock by night.
And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and
the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and
they were sore afraid.
20 | CHRISTMAS 2021
A nd the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold,
I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be
to all people.
For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior,
which is Christ the Lord.
And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe
wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.

CHRISTMAS 2021 | 21
 A nd suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of
the heavenly host praising God, and saying,
Glory to God in the highest, and on Earth peace, good will
toward men.

22 | CHRISTMAS 2021
N ow when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in
the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise
men from the east to Jerusalem, saying, “Where is he that
is born King of the Jews? For we have seen his star in the
east, and are come to worship him.”
When they had heard the king, they departed; and, lo, the
star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it
came and stood over where the young child was.

CHRISTMAS 2021 | 23
 W hen they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy.
And when they were come into the house, they saw the young
child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshiped him: and
when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him
gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh.
24 | CHRISTMAS 2021
 Christmas Is For

Fun
Christmas brings families together to celebrate
the season. Folks travel from near and far to
spend time as a family and reconnect over food,
fun and traditions. It’s a time for fun, laughter
and holiday spirit. Here are some fun games
and puzzles to enjoy.

Connect the dots.

CHRISTMAS 2021 | 25
 The Ornament Maze Complete the Tree
Using the grid on the left as a guide, complete
Start on the left and wind your way through the ornaments to the picture on the right side of the grid.
come out at the finish line.

Start Finish

Christmas Crossword
Using the numbered pictures as clues, finish the
crossword puzzle below.

26 | CHRISTMAS 2021
Snowman Race Find the 10 differences between the two pictures.

CHRISTMAS 2021 | 27
 Hidden Birds Find and color the five hidden birds.

28 | CHRISTMAS 2021
CHRISTMAS 2021 | 29
Answers to puzzles on pages 26, 27, 28 & 29
Maze Tree Crossword Snowman Race Hidden Birds Secret Santa
1. Deer
2. Wreath
3. Mistletoe
4. Cracker
5. Ball
6. Candle
7. Bell
the bell.
Claus without
Find the Santa
Secret Santa
Coloring Pages

30 | CHRISTMAS 2021
CHRISTMAS 2021 | 31
32 | CHRISTMAS 2021
CHRISTMAS 2021 | 33
 Christmas Is For

Everyone

Countries and cultures throughout the world have

a variety of traditions that celebrate different
days of the season or highlight activities unique to
their region. Learn more about holidays that other
people and cultures enjoy!

34 | CHRISTMAS 2021
 Christmas Around
the World
Want to add a little international flair to your holidays this year? Green
Global Travel shares a variety of traditions; look for one to incorporate
in your family fun this year.
Hiding a Christmas pickle in the tree has long been thought to be a
German tradition. On Christmas morning, whoever finds the pickle-
shaped ornament gets an extra present. There’s a legend about a Civil
War soldier from Bavaria who begged for a last pickle before he died,
which helped him survive, and another story about St. Nick rescuing two
boys from a pickle barrel. But historians believe it likely started with the
sale of pickle-shaped ornaments imported from Germany.
In Iceland, people exchange books on Christmas Eve, then spend the
evening eating chocolate and reading them. It’s part of a season known
as the Christmas Book Flood, or Jolabokaflod; because of this tradition,
Iceland publishes more books per capita than any other country in the
world, with most of those sold in September and November.
In Peru, Christmas Eve is La Noche Buena and is the main celebration.
After Christmas Mass, families have a big meal, open gifts and toast
each other at midnight. Houses are decorated with nativity scenes that
are intricately carved from stone or wood, and gifts are spread around
the manger. The person chosen to put the figurine of baby Jesus in the
manger is supposed to have good luck.
The Syrian tradition holds that children receive gifts from one of the
wise men’s camels, which according to legend was the youngest and
smallest in the caravan and collapsed from exhaustion at the end of the
journey to Bethlehem.
In Spain, families eat Roscon de Reyes, a sweet bread ring similar to
king cake, on Jan. 6 during the celebration of Dia de Reyes, or Kings’ Day.
This celebrates the arrival of the three wise men. The bread is topped
with crushed almonds, candied fruit and powdered sugar and has a baby
Jesus doll (or dried fava bean) inside the cake.
In Poland, people often decorate Christmas trees with spider webs
because a Polish legend holds that a spider wove a blanket for Jesus,
and many Polish people consider spiders to symbolize goodness and
prosperity.
CHRISTMAS 2021 | 35
 Kwanzaa: ‘First Fruits’
Kwanzaa, which
is from Dec. 26
to Jan. 1, has
its origins in
the first harvest
celebration of
Africa.

The name is derived from the

Swahili phrase for “first fruits” and
was developed in 1966 by Maulana
Ron Karenga, an author and scholar
who wanted to preserve, revitalize
and promote African-American
culture.
According to History.com,
Kwanzaa is not connected with
any specific religion but instead is
practiced by Africans and people
with African ancestry. Traditional
celebrations include songs and
dances, poetry, storytelling and a
meal.
Each night of Kwanzaa celebrates
a different symbol of the holiday,
though traditionally each night the
family gathers and a child lights a
candle on the candleholder, known
as the kinara, and the day’s principle
and symbol are discussed. On Dec.
31, the karamu, or African feast, is
held.
Mazao, or crops, symbolizes work
and the holiday’s basis of gathering
as a family. People place nuts, fruits
and vegetables, which represent power and provide light. There are remembrance and celebration is an oldest person in the room pours the
work, on the mkeka, or a decorative three red, three green and one black important part of Kwanzaa as well. libation in the direction of the four
mat used during Kwanzaa. candle, each of which represent a The kikombe cha umoja, or the wind to honor ancestors, then pours
The vibunzi, or ear of corn, different principle; one is lit each unity cup, is used to perform the it on the ground.
represents fertility. One ear is placed night. libation ritual during the feast on On the seventh day of Kwanzaa,
on the mkeka for each child in the The candleholder, or kinara, the sixth day of Kwanzaa. Many celebrants give zawadi, or gifts, to
family; if there are no children, two represents the ancestors and can societies pour libations for the dead family members to encourage or
ears are still placed to represent the be a variety of shapes, as long as all whose souls stayed on their farms reward accomplishments. Often
idea that a village raises a child. the candles have a distinct place. or leave the last drink for the dead. these are handmade and intended to
Mishumaa Saba, or seven candles, The place of the ancestors is an During the feast, the cup is passed to encourage social relationships and
symbolically recreate the sun’s important part of African festivals, so everyone present to drink, then the connections.

36 | CHRISTMAS 2021
 Celebrating Hanukkah
Hanukkah is an
eight-day Jewish
festival of lights
that takes place
in late November
or December.
It commemorates the rededica-
tion of the temple in Jerusalem,
which was desecrated after the
Maccabean Revolt, thus celebrating
the miracle of the Jewish people
triumphing against large odds.
According to Time Magazine, the
most well-known part of the story
is how the people only had enough
oil to light a lamp for one night, but
it miraculously lasted eight days.
Time shared the history of some
of the most well-known Hanukkah
traditions.

The Menorah and Eight

Candles
Hanukkah celebrants have a
menorah with eight candles, one of
which is lit each night. This tradition
actually started in Eastern Europe
in the 1700s; candles were a cheaper
and cleaner source of light than
lamps lit by olive oil, which would
have been traditional in the Middle
East centuries earlier. The menorah
tradition started with Germans more
recently, then synagogues started
using them.

Fried Foods
Eating latkes, or fried potato
pancakes, and jelly donuts are
traditional during Hanukkah; frying
foods in oil is a symbol of the oil
used to light the lamps. Hanukkah
donuts, or sufganiyot, date back to
the Israeli labor group Histradut in
the 1920s; these bakery-produced
items provided labor for workers,
as opposed to homemade latkes.
Latkes became part of Hanukkah
traditions in the mid-1800s when
potatoes became a staple of the
Eastern European diet. The Middle
Ages version of latkes were made of
cheese.
Chocolate Coins
Chocolate gelt, or foil-wrapped
chocolate coins, are part of a
traditional Hanukkah celebration,
though where the tradition came
from is unknown. In the early days
in Yemen, Jewish mothers gave
their children a coin on each day of
Hanukkah to buy sugar and red food
coloring to make Hanukkah wine.
Another possibility is from 19th
century Eastern Europe, when rabbis
went from town to town to give
Hebrew lessons and were paid with
food like whiskey, grain or honey.
Dreidel
The spinning top game may come
from a game from the 1500s that was
played in Ireland and then moved to
Germany. The four letters on each
side of the top are now thought to
symbolize the Hebrew words in “a
great miracle happened there.” It
evolved to represent different wording
related to game instructions.
“Dreidel” is a Yiddish word but the
top also had other names, including
“varfl,” which means “something
thrown.”
CHRISTMAS 2021 | 37
 Christmas Is For

Giving

Above all else, Christmas is

about being generous. From
unwrapping gifts and giving
away delicious treats to
building traditions that
bond generations of families
together, the Christmas
holiday is all about giving.
And it started with a
beautiful story, as Christians
believe, of God’s greatest gift
coming into the world.

38 | CHRISTMAS 2021
Reverse Advent Calendar
Most people
are familiar
with
celebrating
the holiday
season with
an Advent
calendar.
Adults and children
count down the days with
a creative calendar and are
typically rewarded with
a sweet snack or fun toy
each morning. Have you
considered reversing this
action and celebrating each
day after Christmas by giving
rather than receiving?
The purpose of a reverse
Advent calendar is to donate
an item every day for a
month and ultimately give
them to someone in need.
Things like food, household
essentials and books are all
great ideas. What a great
way to downsize.
Clean out that overstuffed
closet, get rid of the clothes
that no longer fit. This
holiday tradition will bring
families together while
supporting others who are
less fortunate.
Finding Goods in
Your Home
If you have a pantry that is
overdue for a cleanup, you
probably have numerous
food options that can
be included with your
donations. Look for non-per-
ishable goods like canned
fruits and vegetables
or noodles that are far from
the expiration date.
Create a safe place
to collect the products
throughout the month to
make organization easier.
Inspire your children to get
involved by asking them to
go through their bedrooms
to find unused toys or books
that they can part with.
Reading material can be
donated to libraries or group
homes where kids have few
forms of entertainment.
Shopping for a Cause
While you plan your weekly
shopping list, consider
picking up extra necessities
like soaps, deodorant,
feminine products, toothpaste
and hair-care products. Take
the time to clip coupons
and check sale’s ads from
your local grocers to find
money-saving ways to give.
You may even find BOGO
options for items you use
so one can go toward your
donation box.
Challenge Your
Friends
According to the organiza-
tion Feed the Children, one
in seven kids in the United
States does not know where
their next meal will come
from. This holiday, motivate
your friends and family to
take on the reverse Advent
calendar challenge with you.
With enough people behind
the movement, struggling
families in your community
can benefit with donations
from multiple sources.
CHRISTMAS 2021 | 39
And A Happy New Year Too!
Auld Lang Syne
Though they might not realize it, New Year’s Eve
celebrants are honoring a world-renowned Scottish
poet and lyricist each time they sing along to
“Auld Lang Syne” as the clock strikes 12 midnight
and the calendar turns from one year to the next.
Robert Burns wrote “Auld Lang Syne” in 1788 and
translations regarding what the phrase means vary.
Burns wrote the poem in the Scots language, which
is a little known language spoken in Scotland and
parts of Ulster in Ireland.

Should old acquaintance be forgot,

And never brought to mind?
Should old acquaintance be forgot,
And old lang syne?

Losing weight, getting your finances in order or quitting smoking are
about the most traditional of the most quintessential of New Year’s
traditions: making New Year’s resolutions.
There’s good reason for this
tradition — a new year is the
perfect time for a new you,
so the commercials go. But
New Year’s Eve isn’t the time
for resolutions. Green Global
Travel offers background on
other traditions to ring in the
new year.
Black-Eyed Peas
Did you know that
black-eyed peas are supposed
to deliver health and wealth?
Many people eat Cajun-style
black-eyed peas and cabbage
on New Year’s Day to have
good luck for the next year.
Singing “Auld Lang Syne”
Singing this song at
midnight is done throughout
the English-speaking world;
this Scottish folk song was
transcribed by poet Robert
Burns, and the title means
“days gone by.” It’s a common
song of celebration popular-
ized for New Years Eve by
Guy Lombardo and the Royal
Canadians.
New Year’s Resolutions
This tradition, which is
shared worldwide, started
as part of a 12-day festival
originally celebrated in March
in Babylonia and then in Rome;
in the 18th century, churches
adopted resolutions as a way
to encourage members to
renew their commitments to
God. Traditionally, almost
90 percent of resolutions are
abandoned within a month or
two.
Fireworks
Fireworks, which originated
in ancient China and migrated
to Europe, have always been
used to scare away enemies
and evil spirits. This made
them a natural part of New
Years celebrations, which
focus on starting the year fresh
and setting up a positive start
to the new year. Fireworks
shows are common throughout
the world.
Kissing at Midnight
This well-known practice
wasn’t invented by Hollywood
for romantic comedies, though
it’s certainly been appropri-
ated in dozens of movies.
Although it’s now a
well-known practice, it
started thousands of years ago
with the Roman festival or
Saturnalia. In ancient Rome,
it was an act of debauchery; it
evolved in European folklore,
which said the first person you
met in the new year set the
tone for the rest of the year.
Attendees at European
masquerades kissed as an act
of purification after taking off
their masks.
(Chorus)
For auld lang syne, my dear,
For auld lang syne,
We’ll take a cup of kindness yet,
For auld lang syne.
And surely you’ll buy your pint cup!
And surely I’ll buy mine!
And we’ll take a cup o’ kindness yet,
For auld lang syne.
(Chorus)
We two have run about the slopes,
And picked the daisies fine;
But we’ve wandered many a weary foot,
Since auld lang syne.
(Chorus)
We two have paddled in the stream,
From morning sun till dine;
But seas between us broad have roared
Since auld lang syne.
(Chorus)
And there’s a hand my trusty friend!
And give me a hand o’ thine!
And we’ll take a right good-will draught,
For auld lang syne.
(Chorus)
Lyrics by Robert Burns
Lyrics courtesy of Britannica.com