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| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| Aged |
Posted - Dec 01 2017 : 10:30:07
Ok, so Advent doesn't start until Sunday, but Advent calendars usually start with December 1st.
Regardless, it's a time of miracles. |
| 20 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| Arcane |
Posted - Dec 25 2017 : 18:41:50
Thank you Aged. Once again you have proven what it means to have Christmas spirit. Merry Christmas my friend |
| Aged |
Posted - Dec 25 2017 : 03:20:26
Epilogue...
It’s been 15 years since I last talked with Santa, and of course, the circumstances today are quite different from then. I didn’t have anything to put together this time, instead I’d gone to bed early, without the frantic angst that had accompanied that Christmas 15 years earlier from trying to make things magical for the following morning and then still get some sleep. This time, nature had come calling (I have gotten a good bit older) and, out of curiosity, I crept downstairs to see how things looked, just to check if there might be some “magic” there that I’d missed from earlier.
To my surprise, there he was. He remembered me and our earlier chance meeting, of course. You could definitely say Santa’s a people person – he keeps track of things like that. He asked if I’d like to share a beer with him like I had before, but this time I suggested bourbon. I explained to him that I’m trying to lose weight and whiskey’s a better fit for my diet than beer – though I had some beer if he would like it. He just noted the change in my physique with a wink and said bourbon would be fine, so I grabbed a couple of glasses and poured us each a drink.
I didn’t know what to say to Santa because I’ve got so many things I could ask him and didn't know where to start. I sat pondering for a few moments and he broke the silence. He asked if I’d had any concerns about him being able to find my children over the years and I smiled, shook my head and said no. I thanked him for always finding them and making things special. I was about to mention my grandchildren, but he beat me to it. He told me he had special things picked out for them and would be delivering them later in his run when he made it to Las Vegas.
I told him that ever since my youngest daughter told me, “Dad, I know you’re Santa.” the pressure had been relieved somewhat, but it took some of the “magic” with it. On balance, that seemed like a good thing – especially since I have grandchildren to spoil. He said he knew all parents go through that transition, but he still tries to make the tree shine just a little bit brighter in case anyone notices. I nodded and told him I’d always wondered if he did something like that because Christmas mornings always seem to have some additional sparkle to them, even now that I’m an adult.
We finished the last sips of bourbon and he said good bye and was on his way. It amazes me that someone so busy and on such a tight schedule could still find the time to visit for a bit. I can’t imagine having that sort of patience, but, hey he’s Santa, right?
Perhaps, I’ll run into him again someday. I certainly hope so.
As I think back on all that has happened since that last encounter, I realize that I’ve enjoyed unimaginable blessings.
Merry Christmas.
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| Aged |
Posted - Dec 24 2017 : 02:43:41
So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.
And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”
Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,
“Glory to God in the highest heaven,
and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”
When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”
So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. Luke 2:4-18 (NIV)
Joy to the World
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| Aged |
Posted - Dec 23 2017 : 03:37:10
David Sedaris first read his essay SantaLand Diaries on NPR on December 23, 1992. It provided him with his first big break. A few years later, he added addition bits to it and it was also adapted for the stage.
SantaLand Diaries recounts Sedaris' time working as one of Santa's helpers at Macy's. It has become a holiday tradition and it has been played on NPR ever since - now into its 25th year.
And so, on the 25th anniversary of its first reading - SantaLand Diaries in its entirety (the full length 1996 version).
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| Aged |
Posted - Dec 22 2017 : 07:08:21
As I was listening to the radio on the way home from work, I heard a piece on a drink called coquito. It's nicknamed the eggnog of Puerto Rico (though as I've been researching this, I've seen lots of comments that real coquito contains no eggs ... if it has eggs in it, it's ponche).
Since I work with a couple of folks from Puerto Rico, I asked one about it. Her eyes lit up and of course she had plenty advice on making it - most importantly, use a good white rum.
We're hosting Christmas dinner this year and I may have to give making this a try.
This recipe uses ground spices and is made in the blender without any cooking. I've seen other recipes where the mixture is cooked, to thicken it, and whole spices are used to make a tea versus using ground spices.
Feliz Navidad!
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| Bypass-OMO |
Posted - Dec 21 2017 : 18:20:22
that was my first introduction to a Christmas carol also and the year it came out I was busy being born lol. |
| Aged |
Posted - Dec 21 2017 : 06:38:21
My first introduction to Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol came in the form of a cartoon.
Mister Magoo's Christmas Carol first aired in December 1962. It was the first animated Christmas special produced specifically for television. The introductory titles say it's "freely adapted" from the book; however, it's fairly faithful - with the only significant differences being omissions from the book primarily to fit a 1 hour time slot. It's still considered a holiday classic with many people naming Mister Magoo as their favorite Ebeneezer Scrooge.
Mister Magoo was voiced by Jim Backus (aka Thurston Howell III). Backus was often cast as an upper crust millionaire, perhaps playing off of his upbringing in a wealthy village in the Cleveland area. He attended the Kentucky Military Academy for a while, but was expelled for riding a horse through the mess hall. Later in life, he suffered from Parkinson's disease which limited his appearances to cameo's.
So, without further ado ...
Mister Magoo's Christmas Carol
I know I posted about A Christmas Carol last year, but this show was a favorite memory.
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| Aged |
Posted - Dec 20 2017 : 06:47:36
The words to What Child is This? were written by William Chatterton Dix, an English writer of hymns. He was working as an insurance agent at the time of its writing and was struck with a near fatal illness. He was confined to his bed for months and sunk into depression; however, it was during this time he experienced a spiritual awakening and most of his hymns were written.
The lyrics are adapted from three stanza of Dix's poem The Manger Throne and pose the question, "What sort of a king would be born in a manger?". Dix is said to have written the poem after reading about the shepherds and the magi visit to the nativity and it attempts to describe what they must've been thinking when they arrived.
These lyrics were later set to the tune of Greensleeves by Henry Ramsden Bramley and John Stainer and published in a book of carols, Christmas Carols Old and New.
Here is Christina Grimmie singing the carol with her brother accompanying her on guitar. Sadly, Christina was killed while signing autographs outside an Orlando, FL theater following a performance in 2016.
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| Nosehair-OMO |
Posted - Dec 19 2017 : 15:12:47
listening to the song on Alexa now (per 8 yr old daughters request)
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| Aged |
Posted - Dec 19 2017 : 07:52:01
I've talked to a lot of folks that love the Little Drummer Boy special from the 60's, and nobody seemed to have it or know where to get it. (It's not available in Amazon.)
Fortunately, somebody did a rip and posted it to YouTube. |
| Aged |
Posted - Dec 18 2017 : 03:50:28
For some actors, playing Santa is a bit of a stretch.
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| Aged |
Posted - Dec 17 2017 : 06:06:16
When my children stopped believing in Santa Claus, I have to admit it was a bittersweet moment. On one hand, the "magic" took a major hit, but on the other, security precautions could be slackened.
But perhaps, some people always believe.
(Either that, or some folks maybe have Quentin Tarrantino plan their Christmas party.) |
| Aged |
Posted - Dec 16 2017 : 16:08:54
Bob Newhart was famous for his deadpan humor and often relied on subtly for laughs.
So, it should come as no surprise when Christmas time rolled around during the first season of Newhart, it was a clever, subtle gem.
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| Aged |
Posted - Dec 15 2017 : 07:35:22
"Good King Wenceslas" is a popular Christmas carol that tells a story of a Bohemian king going on a journey and braving harsh winter weather to give alms to a poor peasant on the Feast of Stephen (December 26, the Second Day of Christmas). During the journey, his page is about to give up the struggle against the cold weather, but is enabled to continue by following the king's footprints, step for step, through the deep snow. The legend is based on the life of the historical Saint Wenceslaus I, Duke of Bohemia or Svatý Václav in Czech (907–935). (from Wikipedia)
The story of the real King Wenceslas is a bit more complicated than that of the Christmas carol.
First of, as you can see from above, he wasn't a King. He was a Duke. He only became a king posthumously when the Holy Roman Emperor Otto I conferred the title of king to him. Duke Wenceslaus (not different spelling) came to power in 921 upon the death of his father. However, given his age (13), his grandmother served as regent. This infuriated his mother and she had his grandmother killed. His mother then assumed the role of regent. When Wenceslaus reached 18, he assumed the role of regent and had his mother exiled.
During her reign, Wenceslaus's mother initiated a number of actions against the Christians of Bohemia. Wenceslaus reversed these policies and introduced Latin rites to the church there - made necessary by the lack of Slavic priests due to his mother's policies. He also divided the country between himself and his brother in an attempt to fend off disputes.
However, his brother, with the help of a group of nobles plotted his assassination. They invited him to a feast and stabbed him and his companions. It's said his brother ran a lance through Wenceslaus as his lay dying.
Almost immediately, Wenceslaus was deemed a martyr and a saint. Biographies circulated after his death continued the theme and gave rise the the concept of the righteous monarch - a ruler whose power stems from their piety.
Wenceslaus is considered a nation hero in the Czech Republic and the legend goes that when the Motherland is in danger or in its darkest times and close to ruin, the equestrian statue of King Wenceslaus in Wenceslaus Square will come to life.
Ok, enough history ... Good King Wenceslas
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| Aged |
Posted - Dec 14 2017 : 07:17:45
One thing we must all keep in mind during the holiday season ... Safety First!
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| Aged |
Posted - Dec 13 2017 : 07:45:24
45 years ago today, Gene Cernan stepped into lunar module Challenger and became the last person to walk on the moon. Before entering the LM, he said,
"I'm on the surface; and, as I take man's last step from the surface, back home for some time to come - but we believe not too long into the future - I'd like to just [say] what I believe history will record. That America's challenge of today has forged man's destiny of tomorrow. And, as we leave the Moon at Taurus-Littrow, we leave as we came and, God willing, as we shall return, with peace and hope for all mankind. Godspeed the crew of Apollo 17."
The picture below shows the EVAs conducted during the mission, which included use of the 3rd lunar rover (or "moon buggy"). Anyone else remember this musical exchange between Cernan and Schmitt?
On the following day, the LM lifted off, marking the last extraterrestrial excursion by humans.
(Yeah, I know, it's not really much of a Christmas themed story, but since it happened on this date and much of this thread is about nostalgia, I thought I'd include it.)
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| Aged |
Posted - Dec 12 2017 : 08:52:11
Olive is a Jack Russell terrier that learns the Christmas is endanger of cancellation because Blintzen has been injured in a practice flight and can't fly. Santa has announced that he hopes he can make his run with "all of the other reindeer", which Olive mishears and thinks Santa's talking about her.
Meanwhile a postman, that's tired of hauling all the catelogs, cards and gifts for Christmas decides this is his chance to ease his seasonal burden once and for all.
The show follows Olive's attempts to make it to the North Pole and help Santa and the postman's attempts to keep her from ruining his plan.
My daughters loved the show and we used to have the dvd, but once when we were clearing out our dvd library my youngest said it could go. Of course, she now disavows ever saying that because she loved the show and wishes we still had it ... to which I tell her that's why I asked if she was sure it could go multiple times before putting it in the pile for the public library.
Fortunately, somebody uploaded it to YouTube.
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| Aged |
Posted - Dec 11 2017 : 08:46:26
12 Days of (Canadian) Christmas
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| Aged |
Posted - Dec 10 2017 : 06:46:19
The Gift of the Magi is a short story by O. Henry and was first published in the New York Sunday World on December 10, 1905. I can remember reading it in high school or middle school (I can't remember which) and not thinking much of it at the time. I can remember thinking that Della could just regrow her hair. As I've matured (my wife would probably take issue with that or at least say I haven't gone very far in that regard ...), my appreciation of the story has changed - especially since I have a greater appreciation for what goes into getting "the perfect gift" for someone you love.
Wikipedia summary:
Mr. James Dillingham Young ("Jim") and his wife, Della, are a couple living in a modest apartment.
On Christmas Eve, with only $1.87 in hand, and desperate to find a gift for Jim, Della sells her hair for $20 to a nearby hairdresser named Madame Sofronie, and eventually finds a platinum pocket watch fob chain for Jim's watch for $21. Satisfied with the perfect gift for Jim, Della runs home and begins to prepare pork chops for dinner.
At 7 o'clock, Della sits at a table near the door, waiting for Jim to come home. Unusually late, Jim walks in and immediately stops short at the sight of Della, who had previously prayed that she was still pretty to Jim. Della then admits to Jim that she sold her hair to buy him his present. Jim gives Della her present – an assortment of combs, useless now that her hair is short. Della then shows Jim the chain she bought for him, to which Jim says he sold his watch to get the money to buy her combs. Although Jim and Della are now left with gifts that neither one can use, they realize how far they are willing to go to show their love for each other, and how priceless their love really is.
The story ends with the narrator comparing the pair's mutually sacrificial gifts of love with those of the Biblical Magi.
If you'd like to read the story in its entirety, here it is.
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| Aged |
Posted - Dec 09 2017 : 05:28:59
I've always felt that being a parent of young children at Christmas was a treat. None of my kids are young now, but I still remember trying to bring the magic. It was hectic Christmas Eve, trying to get them to bed, and then making sure things were put together, loaded with batteries and set out to look special. I remember that magical feeling as a kid myself, seeing the presents under the tree first thing Christmas morning.
But, apparently there are parents don't get the memo on that... |
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