Say It Isn't So!

I'm losing all faith in this guy!

Reindeer Performance

Wishing you PRE-Christmas fun with the

Sounds of Christmas Reindeer choir/orchestra

conducted by Old St. Nick.

Just click on "Sounds of Christmas" above,

and be sure to adjust your volume for listening.

Montgomery Ward Icon

Guess my mind is running wild this week on things that are a part of Christmas tradition (in a few days I will focus on the real reason for the season but still being a child at heart, please allow me the liberties to rant). I got to thinking of that little deer that heads Santa's "flying unit". Cute little guy who has never completely grown up (kinda like me).

I love Rudolph, the red-nosed reindeer. Many people probably aren't aware that "Rudy" only goes back to the early-to-mid 20th century. His character began as an attempt to promote a chain of department stores. In fact, he was born the same year that I was (oh no, just revealed my age! Come to think of it, he's just a baby, not old at all. lol). His birth year: 1939.

The large department store chain, Montgomery Ward, had been giving away coloring books every Christmas for years, and decided it was time to produce its promotional give-away inhouse. Robert L. May, who worked at Ward's as an advertising copywriter, was commissioned to write a story for young readers - the result: Rudolph. Robert May's character was a result of his own childhood experiences; the story of a picked-on kid who made good, prospering as a result of the very attribute the others made fun of.

Thus Rudolph the red-nosed reindeer became an icon among Christmas traditions. I LOVE RUDOLPH, don't you?

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
won't you guide my sleigh tonight?"

Then how the reindeer loved him
as they shouted out with glee
"Rudolph, the red-nosed reindeer
you'll go down in history."

Christmas Star

Poinsettias are such beautiful accessories for the holiday season. I always find myself filling my home with these beauties, which is most appropriate because poinsettias are called "Christmas Stars" by many.

These flowery shrubs (yes, they were originally known as shrubs) began association with Christmas in 16th century Mexico. Legend tells of a young girl who was too poor to provide a gift for the celebration of Jesus' birthday. An angel came to the child and encouraged her to gather weeds from the roadside, then place them in front of the church altar. Miraculously, crimson "blossoms" sprouted from the weeds, turning into beautiful poinsettias. 17th century Franciscan monks in Mexico started including the plants in their Christmas celebrations. Today, we just can't do without a few "Christmas stars" in our holiday decor. It's called Celebrating Jesus, just as it happened centuries ago.

Prayer

Lord, teach me to pray!

A Place to Unwind

Find a place where stress does not exist..
away from the crowds and pressures of life.
SERIOUSLY,
is excess worry and stress really worth
what you are feeling?
Give way to relaxation
in a setting of God's tranquility.

Beware! Elderly on the Loose

Blow Wind...Upon Us

Of all the forces of nature,
the wind contains the largest amount
of motivational power;
that is, power to move things.

...so dear Lord,
Move on us
that we may have the power
to make change.

Personally, I'd Prefer the PRAYER

"Thanks" Giving should never end after the
day set aside to celebrate it
but should continue in our hearts and in our lives
every day that the Lord gives us.

eliminate unwanted "THANKS" giving

Blessings to All!

Thanksgiving Blessings!
from our house to yours

That's Right...Wait Your Turn!

Thankful

Give Thanks in Everything!
A thankful heart will, in every hour
and in every circumstance,
find some blessing.