Poor Robin's Almanack

August 2

Poor Robin was an English 17th and 18th-century satirical almanac series, appearing as Poor Robin's Almanack from 1663.Authorship is generally attributed to William Winstanley, with new editions coming out periodically for the next two decades both in England and in the colonies.

"Now trees their leafy hats do bare,
To reverence Winter's silver hair;
A handsome hostess, merry host,
A pot of ale now and a toast,
Tobacco and a good coal fire,
Are things this season doth require."

-- From "Poor Robin's Almanack," 1684.

The Polar Opposite Express

July 14

It is not uncommon to celebrate Christmas in July if you live in New Zealand. Since it is in the Southern hemisphere, December is the beginning of summer, and the weather is far from the white Christmas that many of the relocated residents are accustomed. So on July 25, when days are chilly and nights are colder, a second Christmas is celebrated. This allows for more traditional holiday meals to be served at hotels and restaurants that are too heavy to serve in summer months.