Make Your Holiday Reservations Now

May 28

Christmas is a great time for family gatherings, and so you may be tempted to schedule your wedding when everyone is available. But a Christmas wedding adds a few wrinkles to the already crowded holiday schedule. Here are a few things to consider: First, Christmas is already a fairly expensive time of year, and reception halls are usually booked far in advance. You may want to coordinate with the location regarding flower colors. As for the honeymoon, remember again it “’tis the season” for travelers; and airfares, hotels, etc., may be even more expensive.

The Nativity Chapel

May 27

Bethlehem is situated five miles south of Jerusalem at a very short distance from the high road from Jerusalem to Hebron. As is fitting for the story of the humble beginnings of Jesus, over the traditional spot of the Nativity in Bethlehem stands a church, St. Mary of the Nativity. It is surrounded on the northwest and southwest by the convents of the Latins (Franciscans), Greeks, and Armenians, respectively.

The building is, apart from additions and modifications made by Justinian (527-565), substantially the work of Constantine (about 330). Underneath that most ancient and venerable monument of Christianity, a favorite destination of pilgrims throughout the centuries, is the grotto of the Nativity.

The Nativity chapel, running in the same general direction as the church (east to west), is situated under the choir. At the eastern end is a silver star with the inscription: “Hic de Virgine Maria Jesus Christus natus est” (Here the Virgin Mary gave birth to Jesus Christ) near the Chapel of the Crib.

Giotto's Nativity

May 26

One of the most famous paintings of the Nativity is located in Scrovegni Chapel in Padua, Veneto, Italy. The artist Giotto shows Mary lying on a pallet after giving birth, receiving her newborn son from an unidentified woman. The artist gave the best view of the event to the ox and ass because as animals they carry no sin.

The image is one of the first depicting the nativity taking place inside a cave-stable hybrid, rather than just a cave or a standard stable, and it reflects the changing notions of its era. In Eastern Orthodoxy, the site was traditionally a cave, but in the Western Church, it was usually in a more traditional stable setting. In the 14th century, artists began depicting the scene is a sort of hybrid location, merging the stable with a cave.

Christmas "Gross Bahn"

May 25

Lots of people love to have a model train running beneath the tree, and perhaps the most prestigious name in G scale trains is LGB. LGB stands for "Lehmann Gross Bahn", which is German for "Lehmann's Big Railroad.” LGB trains are big and sturdy, and they withstand a great deal of abuse from kids and weather. LGB trains make ideal trains for outdoor displays.

Rockefeller Center Tree

May 24

The Christmas tree in Rockefeller Plaza, New York, is a much-loved tradition, achieving new heights (75-90 feet) annually. The tradition began during the Depression-era construction of Rockefeller Center, when workers decorated a small balsam fir tree with "strings of cranberries, garlands of paper, and even a few tin cans,” as recounted by Daniel Okrent in his history of Rockefeller Center.

The decorated tree remains lighted at Rockefeller Center until the week after New Year's Day, when it is removed and recycled for a variety of uses. In 2007, the tree went "green," employing LED lights.

Spode Decorates A Tree

May 23

In 1784, Josiah Spode perfected the process of blue underglaze printing on earthenware, which, as the history books record, was not only enough to ensure his reputation for posterity but was the essential catalyst for the phenomenal development of English tableware that was to follow.

In May of 1938, Spode designer Harold Holdway was first asked to draw a Christmas tree design for a series of china. He had to be rather inventive as he had never seen one. In his first sketch, all the presents were suspended from the tree. The design was changed when managers explained to him that in America people put presents under the tree and just hung shiny ornaments on the branches.

Harold also had no idea what they put at the top of the tree, which is why the Spode Christmas Tree has a Santa.

Christmas Isands

May 22

Parrotheads, (fans of Jimmy Buffett) all know the song "Would You Like to Have Christmas On Christmas Island?" The song was written by Lyle Moraine in 1946 and was also recorded by the Andrews Sisters and Leon Redbone. Yes, there really is a Christmas Island, and actually there are two. One is in Micronesia in the Pacific Ocean, and one is administered by Australia in the Indian Ocean.

The Time They Cancelled Christmas

May 21

In 1643, the British Parliament officially abolished the celebration of Christmas. Oliver Cromwell banned the singing of carols and parties, thinking that Christmas should be a very solemn day. But it wasn't done without protest. Riots broke out in 1647, and the Mayor of Canterbury was mauled by a mob. The ban lasted for 17 years, ending a little more than a year after Cromwell's death.

May 20

Myths and legends of elves are very popular in Scandinavia, and many people make life accommodations in their everyday lives. They believe in "the hidden people," who live in nearby hills and rocky areas. Once, an official soccer game held in Reykjavik, Iceland, was called to a halt when the ball rolled off the field and stopped right next to a sign that marked the home of three elves living in the nearby rocks.

Carols Down Under

May 19

If you find yourself in Melbourne, Australia, on Christmas, you may feel a bit unseasonal since it is the middle of summer in Australia. Not to worry. Head on over to the Sidney Myer Music Bowl for the annual Carols by Candlelight concert. However, getting a ticket might be a bit of a challenge. 10,000 tickets go on sale the first week of November, and the event is always sold out. If you are unable to get one, then you can always watch the event on television on 3AW or Nine Network. Proceeds benefit Vision Australia's Children's Services.

Meredith Willson's Birthday

May 18

Meredith Willson, famous for his musical, "The Music Man," was a popular musician on radio long before Broadway success. One of his hit songs in 1951 was sung by Perry Como: "It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas." Willson later included the song in a Broadway musical, "Here's Love," a musical adaptation of the movie, "Miracle on 34th Street." He was born on May 18, 1902.

Is it Tradition or Racism?

May 17

In the Dutch version of St. Nicholas, he is accompanied by a small elf named Zwarte Pieten. As St. Nick needs help keeping track of naughty children, "Black Pete" is there to record names and whip any boy or girl who isn't up to Nick's exact behavioral standards. But Pete is gradually disappearing from the Netherlands. Not only is physical punishment abusive, but the name, "Zwarte Pete," is a reflection of Black Pete's skin color... and there are racial overtones to the character. People may argue, "But the character is a tradition." Then again, all too often, so is racism.

Save Money on Energy

May 16

Most of the environmental recommendations around the holidays are about reducing and reusing packaging and holiday wrap. However, the most holiday energy is consumed by Christmas lights and decorations, and the easiest way to conserve in your home during the holidays is to monitor your energy consumption.

Large "traditional" incandescent colored bulbs cost a bundle in energy use. Most C7 or C9 lights use 5 to 7 watts per bulb, some of the older strings use up to 10 watts per bulb!

With energy costs continually on the rise, a single home could be using thousands of extra kilowatts and costing more than $100 a month more on energy simply with the addition of Christmas lights. By using fewer lights and bulbs that are more energy efficient, you can cut your energy consumption by more than 80%.

Americana's Shore

May 15

Jim Shore's grandmother was a master quilter, who taught Jim an appreciation for the patience and skill required to bring intricate designs to life. Jim drew inspiration from these roots as he now creates his intricate folk art pieces. To Jim a Santa Claus isn’t just a Santa Claus; it’s a canvas to be painted. He supported his young family as an engineer, honing his skills as a sculptor and painter in his spare time. But his passion was always his art, and after several false starts he founded his own company, Designs Americana, to market his sculpture. In 2000, his success led to an agreement with Enesco, creating popular seasonal decorative pieces.

The Ultimate Christmas Tradeshow

May 14

One of the largest trade shows for holiday items occurs in Frankfurt, Germany, every winter. Christmasworld Internationale Frankfurter Messe includes over 1000 international exhibitors for all holiday celebrations. Fifty-seven percent of visitors come to Frankfurt from abroad. The exhibitors represent 739 foreign and 326 German companies, presenting new products for retail buyers.

Quote of the Day

May 13

"Christmas at my house is always at least six or seven times more pleasant than anywhere else. We start drinking early. And while everyone else is seeing only one Santa Claus, we'll be seeing six or seven."

-W. C. Fields

How to Make a Vision

May 12

"Sugarplums" are defined simply as any small, round, or oval piece of candy. Perhaps it is because such a shape can easily appear plumlike, but during the 16th century, a sweet was actually made that preserved plums in sugar. It is a sweet midwinter treat to have something so delicious made from the fruits of the previous summer.

For a modern version, take 4 oz each of slivered almonds, dried apricots, dried plums, dried figs and pulse them in a food processor with a quarter cup of powdered sugar, and a quarter teaspoon of anise seeds, fennel seeds, caraway seeds and ground cardamom. Add a pinch of salt and then add a little honey as you roll them into small balls. Then roll them in raw sugar and leave them to dry on on a rack. They will keep for about a week un-refrigerated, or about a month in the fridge.

Santa Claus Land, Indiana

May 11

If you are in Spencer County, IN, Santa Claus, the town, is located at the intersection of Highway 162 and 245. It has a post office, RV resort, Christmas Lake golf course, and, yes, a theme park. In fact, Louis J. Koch opened Santa Claus Land a full nine years before Disneyland, and it claims to be the first true theme park. Time Magazine once dubbed their roller coaster as the #1 coaster is the USA.

Reindeer Snow Shovel

May 10

Because they are native to tundra environments, it is natural that Santa Claus uses reindeer to pull his sleigh. A single reindeer can pull twice its weight for miles on end as used by the nomadic Saami people of northern Scandinavia. Reindeer are the only species of deer where both sexes have antlers, which are made up of fast-growing bone material. Males, however, grow a gender-specific "brow shovel", which they use to clear snow off of potential food grasses, at least until they lose them toward the early part of December.

No Pirate's Life for He

May 9

Today celebrates the "Translation of St. Nicholas' relics."

During the reign of Alexius I Comnenus, (reigned 1081–1118), ancient Myra was overtaken by the Islamic forces. During the conflict sailors from Italy seized the remains of the saint over the objections of the Orthodox monks. Returning home, they brought the remains with them and cared for them. The remains arrived on May 9, 1087.

In some versions those taking the relics are characterized as thieves or pirates; in others they are said to have taken them in response to a vision wherein Saint Nicholas himself appeared and commanded that his relics be moved in order to preserve them from the impending Muslim conquest.

Kenya Imagine That?

May 8

In Kenya, where Christmas falls in the middle of summer, Christmas dinner is often a barbecue with family members traveling from far away to be together again. In addition, neighbors drop in for a visit on Christmas day to sample the Christmas fare. A great deal of food is prepared, including “nyama choma,” roasted meat, usually goat or beef and sometimes chicken. In addition there will be “chapati,” a fresh-baked African flatbread. People living in the cities will also have a special Christmas cake, a treat that is not available in the villages.

He Played For Scale

May 7

Though he accepted the commission from Ivan Vsevolozhsky, Tchaikovsky did not particularly want to write the Nutcracker Suite. He wrote to a friend while composing the ballet: "I am daily becoming more and more attuned to my task.” While composing the music for the ballet, Tchaikovsky is said to have argued with a friend who wagered that the composer could not write a melody based on the notes of the octave in sequence. Tchaikovsky asked if it mattered whether the notes were in ascending or descending order and was assured it did not. This resulted in the grand adagio from the grand pas de deux of the second act.

Tchaikovsky was born on May 7, 1840

Mele Kalikimaka Origins

May 6

When two cultures mix, the effects on language can be interesting -- for example, the Hawaiian language, which is an "Austronesian" language, which means it is a derivative of languages spoken uniquely in the islands of the Pacific and Southeast Asia (apart from Western traditions). When explorers arrived and Western languages came in contact, the Hawaiian language adjusted Spanish, French, and English words to its own unique set of rules. So, for example, the name "Robert" was difficult in that the Hawaiian language had no equivalent sound for R, B, or T. So, adapting, "Robert" became "Lopaka." "Mary" and "Merry" became "Mele," and, yes, you guessed it: "Christmas" became "Kalikimaka." Thus a holiday unrecognized in old Hawaiian culture becomes Hawaiian: "Mele Kalikimaka!"

Cocktail for Christmas: A Chihuahua

May 5

It is Cinco de Mayo, so you may be thinking about south-of-the-border spirits. We have no advice for today, but next Christmas you might want to make a Christmas Chihuahua at your next holiday cocktail party. Take three shots of tequila gold, 12 oz. cranberry or pomegranate juice, 2 oz. of grenadine, and a couple splashes of sour mix. Add a squeeze of lime and shake it all in a cocktail shaker. Pour the results in a salt-rimmed highball glass and garnish with three whole cranberries or a slice of lime. Feliz Navidad, and Cheers!

The Star Wars Holiday Special

May 4

It is fitting on "Star Wars Day," (May the 4th be with you) that we tell you about the seldom seen Star Wars fisco, The Star Wars Holiday Special. It was aired only once on November 17, 1978 on CBS, and actually introduced a character who later became pivotal in later films, Bobba Fett.

Chewbacca and Han Solo visit Kashyyyk, Chewbacca's home world, to celebrate Life Day. They are pursued by agents of the Galactic Empire, who are searching for members of the Rebel Alliance on the planet. We meet other Wookies; Attichitcuk, Chewie's Dad, Mallatobuck and Lumpawaroo, Chewbacca's wife and son, respectively. Yeah, Chewie is married and a Dad. Who knew?

Earthly stars also make an appearance; Art Carney, Bea Arthur, Harvey Korman, Diane Caroll, and even Jefferson Starship share the joy.

Of course, the Millennium Falcon does some planet hopping, including Tattooine and Panna, which has a red ocean of questionable, sticky viscosity. Luke, Leia and even Darth Vader appear, but of course you can bet R2-D2 and C-3PO aren't left behind either. Princess Leia even sings a song (set to the tune of the Star Wars theme).

If you think it sounds awful, you are probably not alone. The show was panned universally and rarely seen again. Anthony Daniels, the actor who plays C-3PO, called it "The horrible Holiday Special that nobody talks about."

Mrs. Kringle

May 3

Mrs. Kringle, or Mother Claus is a relatively new development in the Santa story. She lives at the North Pole with her husband and assists with the production of Santa's toys. She is often depicted as a mother figure to the childlike elves and apparently is very good at baking. It has been postulated by some that her maiden name was Mary Christmas, of course.

Seldom depicted as a powerful, modern woman, Mrs. Claus is usually a throwback to the 1950's domestic engineer, often scolding Santa about his weight, cooking, cleaning, or offering encouragement to her husband.

Crystal Clear

May 2

In 1764 King Louis XV of France allowed a glass factory to open in the town of Baccarat. It was founded by Prince Bishop Cardinal Louis-Joseph de Laval-Montmorency and has become one of the world’s great creators of crystal chandeliers, paperweights, and decanters. One of the strongest production areas is for crystal perfume bottles, where it produces over 4000 crystal bottles per day. Each year, Baccarat introduces a crystal Christmas ornament with a simple design that is popular among collectors and most recently, a colored glass butterfly.

Do What Thou Quilt

May 1

Are you good with a sewing machine? Consider kicking up your holiday decorating by making a Christmas quilt for your bedspread. Begin the project early in the year. Many holiday fabrics go on sale in January, which is a great opportunity to pick up some great bargains. There are numerous patterns available on the Internet.