The Yule Log

Yule Log
The word yule meant “infant” in the language of the Chaldeans, who lived in the Middle East. The Germanic tribes of Northern Europe, including the Anglo Saxons, celebrated “Yule-day” or “Child's Day.”
The custom of the Yule log has been noted in France and Italy as far back as the 1200s. It later spread throughout Europe. On Christmas Eve an enormous log would be cut and placed in the hearth. The log would be sprinkled with salt, oil, and mulled wine, and prayers said to protect the house from the Devil and lightning.
In some regions, the daughters of the family lit the log with splinters of the previous year's log. In other regions, the lady of the house had the honor of lighting the log.
As iron stoves replaced giant hearths in the 1800s, Yule logs became decorative, often being used as Christmas centerpieces and decorated with evergreens and candles. Cooks began creating pastry Yule logs, rolled cakes covered in chocolate or coffee and decorated with sugared holly and roses

A Story from the Internet

So I have had to look for stories for these 25 blogs on the internet. Hey, I didn't have to until day 10. This is kind of cute. Merry Christmas...2 weeks left.

The Tale of the Traditional Christmas Pudding
Martha decided to move with the times and try the delights of microwave cooking. Whereupon, her devoted husband Archie went out and bought her a brand new top-of-the range Sharp Microwave oven.
Christmas approached and Martha got out her Christmas pudding recipe and assembled the ingredients. She proceeded along traditional lines and even got the each member of the family to stir the mixture 'for luck'. When Martha consulted the microwave's manual for the cooking time, she could not believe that ten minutes would be enough for a traditional Christmas pudding. Consequently she decided to substitute her normal cooking time of 50 minutes.
As Martha was in the lounge watching her favourite T.V. programme she did not see the pudding spitting in the microwave oven, nor did she hear the mini-explosions. When she finally extracted the pudding from the microwave after nearly an hour of cooking on 'High', it smelt of burnt sugar and looked like a ball of tar. Naturally, the Christmas pudding was a disaster, so much so, that Martha could not even prod it with a fork. In fact the black ball stuck to the bottom of the bowl and Archie had to get a screwdriver to prize it from its base.
In a fit of pique, Martha threw the shrivelled Christmas pudding to Togo her St Bernard puppy. After a few days she could see the funny side, and Togo loved his new indestructible toy, which amused him until the next Christmas.

WISHLIST

Ok, so I didn't know what to do for tonights 25 Blogs of Christmas post. I am running out of stuff. So a few people have said that they have put up WISHLISTS. Not what you think. Not gifts that I want. Hopefully you are able to get what it is supposed to be (if I am doing it right).

My WISHLIST:

That I can give to someone truly in need this Holiday Season

That I can spend time with those I love...and remember my brother who can not be with us because he is serving our country and fighting for others to have the same freedoms as us this Christmas

That I can learn to love deeper

That BSU will play a GREAT game against TCU at the Poinsettia Bowl and win....TAKE THAT MOUNTAIN WEST CONFERENCE!

That those who are far from me will know they are in my thoughts, prayers and in my heart this Holiday Season

That everyone will have shelter and food this winter

That I will be able to really suprise Mike with his Christmas gift...I don't think I will ever top 2 years ago though

That we will all remember the reason for the season...CHRIST

That I will be able to share the Gospel with those around me and not be so timid about it...hey I am getting better

That I will be a good example to those around me

That I can continue to grow and strengthen my testimony

That my entire family will be able to gather together again this coming year

So I know...kind of a boring blog but 25 blogs is a lot to come up with and it is pretty late. Merry Christmas everyone! May your own wishlist come true.

Poinsettia

Another history and legend for my

25 blogs of Christmas.

History and Legend of the Poinsettia
Poinsettias were first introduced to the United States in 1825 by Joel Robert Poinsett, amateur botanist and first ambassador to Mexico. He introduced the plant to the United States when he brought some cuttings to his plantation in Greenwood, South Carolina.
December 12 is National Poinsettia Day, an official day set aside to enjoy this symbol of holiday cheer. It was established upon the death of Mr. Poinsett to honor him and the plant he made famous. He died in 1851.
Poinsettias are native to Mexico, where they grow wild. The enchanting legend of the poinsettia dates back several centuries, to a Christmas Eve in Mexico when a little girl named Pepita had no gift to present to the Christ child. Her cousin Pedro urged her to give a humble gift. So, on her way to church she gathered some weeds she found along the road. As she approached the altar, a miracle happened: The weeds blossomed into brilliant flowers. Then they were called Flores de Noche Buena - Flowers of the Holy Night. Now they are called poinsettias.
History and Legend of the Poinsettia

Poinsettia Bowl

Ok, so it's not a BCS game but it will be a great match-up and will see how we match up to the teams that are supposedly "bigger and better". Playing TCU will be a good match up. It is expected to be the 5th ranked bowl game this season. Hopefully this will show some of the bigger conferences that BSU can take them on. Everyone cheer on the Broncos on December 23rd on ESPN.

The Christmas Envelope

I found this story on the internet and was really touched by it. I hope everyone can have/start a tradition that reminds us all of the true Spirit of the Season.

The Christmas Envelope

From Sowing Seeds Ministry
It's just a small, white envelope stuck among the branches of our Christmas tree. No name, no identification, no inscription. It has peeked through the branches of our tree for the past 10 years or so. It all began because my husband Mike hated Christmas---oh, not the true meaning of Christmas, but the commercial aspects of it-overspending...the frantic running around at the last minute to get a tie for Uncle Harry and the dusting powder for Grandma -- the gifts given in desperation because you couldn't think of anything else. Knowing he felt this way, I decided one year to bypass the usual shirts, sweaters, ties and so forth. I reached for something special just for Mike. The inspiration came in an unusual way. Our son Kevin, who was 12 that year, was wrestling at the junior level at the school he attended; and shortly before Christmas, there was a non-league match against a team sponsored by an inner-city church, mostly black. These youngsters, dressed in sneakers so ragged that shoestrings seemed to be the only thing holding them together, presented a sharp contrast to our boys in their spiffy blue and gold uniforms and sparkling new wrestling shoes. As the match began, I was alarmed to see that the other team was wrestling without headgear, a kind of light helmet designed to protect a wrestler's ears. It was a luxury the ragtag team obviously could not afford. Well, we ended up walloping them. We took every weight class. And as each of their boys got up from the mat, he swaggered around in his tatters with false bravado, a kind of street pride that couldn't acknowledge defeat. Mike, seated beside me, shook his head sadly, "I wish just one of them could have won," he said. "They have a lot of potential, but losing like this could take the heart right out of them." Mike loved kids-all kids-and he knew them, having coached little league football, baseball and lacrosse. That's when the idea for his present came. That afternoon, I went to a local sporting goods store and bought an assortment of wrestling headgear and shoes and sent them anonymously to the inner-city church. On Christmas Eve, I placed the envelope on the tree, the note inside telling Mike what I had done and that this was his gift from me. His smile was the brightest thing about Christmas that year and in succeeding years. For each Christmas, I followed the tradition---one year sending a group of mentally handicapped youngsters to a hockey game, another year a check to a pair of elderly brothers whose home had burned to the ground the week before Christmas, and on and on. The envelope became the highlight of our Christmas. It was always the last thing opened on Christmas morning and our children, ignoring their new toys, would stand with wide-eyed anticipation as their dad lifted the envelope from the tree to reveal its contents. As the children grew, the toys gave way to more practical presents, but the envelope never lost its allure. The story doesn't end there. You see, we lost Mike last year due to dreaded cancer. When Christmas rolled around, I was still so wrapped in grief that I barely got the tree up. But Christmas Eve found me placing an envelope on the tree, and in the morning, it was joined by three more. Each of our children, unbeknownst to the others, had placed an envelope on the tree for their dad. The tradition has grown and someday will expand even further with our grandchildren standing around the tree with wide-eyed anticipation watching as their fathers take down the envelope. Mike's spirit, like the Christmas spirit, will always be with us. May we all remember Christ, who is the reason for the season, and the true Christmas spirit this year and always.

Mistletoe

Here is a little tidbit on mistletoe. Mistletoe is such a time honored tradition at Christmas, but that is not where it started. Part of my 25 blogs of Christmas.

Mistletoe
Most people have heard of mistletoe, particularly at Christmas time. It is a plant which often grows on other trees and shrubs. The white berries are full of a sticky juice.
There are lots of legends and traditions surrounding mistletoe, the most well known and popular being the kissing one. It was believed that kissing under the mistletoe would lead to marriage.
In ancient times the Druids believed that mistletoe would bring good luck and health. Although it has been used to treat some ailments, the berries are in fact poisonous and should not be touched by children. Mistletoe has also been associated with fertility, a good crop being a sign that the following season's harvest would be a good one.

And a little more:

Mistletoe was often hung over the entrances to homes of the pagans in Scandinavian countries to keep out evil spirits. An old Scandinavian myth tells of the seemingly invulnerable god, Balder, who was struck down by a dart made from mistletoe. The tears of this mother, Frigga, became the white berries of the mistletoe, and it was decreed that the plant must never again be used as a weapon. Frigga, who was the goddess of love, henceforth gave a kiss to anyone who passed under the mistletoe. It may be that our present custom of kissing under the mistletoe derives from this old legend. Legend holds that the Druids, who were members of a pagan religious order in ancient Gaul, Briton and Ireland, held the mistletoe in such reverence that if enemies met under it in the forest, a truce was declared for the day. It was their belief that only happiness would enter a home when mistletoe hung overt the door. When the Yule season approached, the mistletoe was cut down from the sacred oaks by the Prince of the Druids who used a golden sickle. The mistletoe was distributed to the people who believed it possessed powers of the protection against sickness and evil. Later among Christians it came to symbolize the healing powers of Christ.

Yes, Virgina There is a Santa Claus

Many of you have seen the commercial with all the stars reading part of this true story for Macy's. Here is the story as it happened, brought to you by my 25 blogs of Christmas.


Yes, Virginia, There is a Santa Claus
A famous letter from Virgina O'Hanlon to the editorial of The New York Sun, first printed in 1897.

We take pleasure in answering thus prominently the communication below, expressing at the same time our great gratification that its faithful author is numbered among the friends of The Sun:

Dear Editor

I am 8 years old. Some of my little friends say there is no Santa Claus. Papa says, "If you see it in The Sun, it's so." Please tell me the truth, is there a Santa Claus?

Virginia O'Hanlon




Virginia, your little friends are wrong. They have been affected by the skepticism of a skeptical age. They do not believe except they see. They think that nothing can be which is not comprehensible by their little minds. All minds, Virginia, whether they be men's or children's, are little. In this great universe of ours, man is a mere insect, an ant, in his intellect as compared with the boundless world about him, as measured by the intelligence capable of grasping the whole of truth and knowledge.

Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus. He exists as certainly as love and generosity and devotion exist, and you know that they abound and give to your life its highest beauty and joy. Alas! how dreary would be the world if there were no Santa Claus! It would be as dreary as if there were no Virginias. There would be no childlike faith then, no poetry, no romance to make tolerable this existence. We should have no enjoyment, except in sense and sight. The external light with which childhood fills the world would be extinguished.

Not believe in Santa Claus! You might as well not believe in fairies. You might get your papa to hire men to watch in all the chimneys on Christmas eve to catch Santa Claus, but even if you did not see Santa Claus coming down, what would that prove? Nobody sees Santa Claus, but that is no sign that there is no Santa Claus. The most real things in the world are those that neither children nor men can see. Did you ever see fairies dancing on the lawn? Of course not, but that's no proof that they are not there. Nobody can conceive or imagine all the wonders there are unseen and unseeable in the world.

You tear apart the baby's rattle and see what makes the noise inside, but there is a veil covering the unseen world which not the strongest man, nor even the united strength of all the strongest men that ever lived could tear apart. Only faith, poetry, love, romance, can push aside that curtain and view and picture the supernal beauty and glory beyond. Is it all real? Ah, Virginia, in all this world there is nothing else real and abiding. No Santa Claus! Thank God! he lives and lives forever. A thousand years from now, Virginia, nay 10 times 10,000 years from now, he will continue to make glad the heart of childhood.

The Candy Cane

Okay, So I had to share another legend/history before I could feel like I really did the actual entry for my 25 Blogs of Christmas. Ever wonder about the candy cane?







Did you ever wonder about the origin of the candy cane?
The symbol of the shepherds’ crook is an ancient one, representing the humble shepherds who were the first to worship the newborn Christ. Its counterpart is our candy cane – so old as a symbol that we have nearly forgotten its humble origin.
Legend has it that in 1670, the choirmaster at the Cologne Cathedral handed out sugar sticks among his young singers to keep them quiet during the long Living Creche ceremony. In honor of the occasion, he had the candies bent into shepherds’ crooks. In 1847, a German-Swedish immigrant named August Imgard of Wooster, Ohio, decorated a small blue spruce with paper ornaments and candy canes.
It wasn’t until the turn of the century that the red and white stripes and peppermint flavors became the norm. The body of the cane is white, representing the life that is pure. The broad red stripe is symbolic of the Lord’s sacrifice for man.
In the 1920s, Bob McCormack began making candy canes as special Christmas treats for his children, friends and local shopkeepers in Albany, Georgia. It was a laborious process – pulling, twisting, cutting and bending the candy by hand. It could only be done on a local scale.
In the 1950s, Bob’s brother-in-law, Gregory Keller, a Catholic priest, invented a machine to automate candy cane production. Packaging innovations by the younger McCormacks made it possible to transport the delicate canes on a scale that transformed Bobs Candies, Inc. into the largest producer of candy canes in the world.
Although modern technology has made candy canes accessible and plentiful, they’ve not lost their purity and simplicity as a traditional holiday food and symbol of the humble roots of Christianity.

Food For the Holidays

As part of my 25 blogs of Christmas, I just wanted to share this inspirational tidbit from Boise.

Mix 106, my favorite radio station to listen to, decided to stick Kate, one of the morning show co-hosts, on top of a semi where she would live until those of us here in Boise and surrounding areas could raise enough money and food to stuff the semi. The amount of food needed was about 44, 000 pounds (if I remember correctly) Here is the more inspirational part. The people of the treasure valley, even with all the lay-offs from the two biggest employers, stores closing left and right and the economy going down hill fast, raised the pounds of food to fill the semi in about 48 hours. Kate could get off the semi, go to her nice warm home, shower, see her dog, etc. Even more inspiring is that when the radio stationed announced that a listner extended a challenge, Kate agreed to stay up there until a 2nd semi was filled. With the night temps dropping below freezing, no shower, only a port-a-potty and a tent as shelter and comfort, this was very inspiring. Then another listener challenged them to go until Friday at 5:00 and try and get 106, 000 pounds of food. They excepted. And even more inspiring (I know hard to believe) is that if the estimates are right, the people of the Treasure Valley have surpassed that goal. And yes, Kate is still up there. So I just wanted to say that I am so grateful to live in such a wonderful area. This has really awakened the Christmas Spirit in the community. I hope everyone, no matter where they live can remember those who are less fortunate or going through a hard time. May we give more than we receive.
Idaho is the 13th hungriest state in the nation...what is yours?
In Idaho tens of thousands of kids go to bed without food every night...we do not have a huge population....do you know how many kids go hungry in your state? Do what you can to help.
The need to feed doesnt end Friday at 5:00....please give all year round.

Merry Christmas!

The Christmas Tree

An Ancient Symbol
Thousands or years ago, there were people who believed that evergreen trees were magical. Even in winter, when all the other trees and greenery were brown and bare, the evergreen stayed strong and green. People saw the evergreen as a symbol of life and as a sure sign that sunshine and spring would soon return. Candles, or the electric lights we use to decorate our trees today, are also an ancient symbol. They represent the light of spring triumphing over the darkness of winter.
In ancient Rome, people decorated their homes and their temples with greenery during a special December feast. It was a happy time. No battles could be fought, the schools were closed, and people everywhere joined in the carnival-like atmosphere and gave each other presents.
The Modern Tree
So when did the Christmas tree go indoors? Legend has it that the tradition was begun by Martin Luther in Germany. He was a monk and church reformer who lived from 1483 to 1546. According to the legend, Luther was returning home one wintry night when he saw the stars twinkling in the sky through the tree branches. Luther was amazed by the sight, and when he arrived home, he was eager to tell his family about it. To help them understand, he went to the woods and cut down a small fir tree. Luther brought it indoors and decorated it with candles, which represented the stars he had seen.
The custom spread in Germany, and from there all over the world. In England, the Christmas tree first appeared when Queen Victoria married Prince Albert, who was German. In 1841, Albert set up a Christmas tree at Windsor Castle near London to remind him of his homeland. The Christmas tree custom was brought to the United States by people from England as well as by many German immigrants who came in the 1800's. Whatever its origin, the Christmas tree is a beautiful symbol for everyone who celebrates Christmas.
The Legend of the First Christmas Tree
The night of the Saviour's birth, all the living creatures, both flora and fauna, came to Bethlehem with gifts. The olive tree brought its fruit and the palm its dates. But the little fir tree had no gift and was so tired it couldn't resist when the big trees pushed it into the background and hid it from view. But then a nearby angel took pity and commanded a cluster of stars to come and rest on its delicate boughs. When the Baby Jesus beheld this lovely lighted tree, He smiled and blessed it, declaring henceforth that fir trees should always be filled with lights at Christmastime to please little children.

The Camera Remote

So I got a new toy for my camera. A remote. I know, I am becoming a camera toy freak. But, too many people have told me I spend too much time taking the photos and not enough time being in them. This is my remedy to that. So after we put up our Christmas tree (which actually looks small in these photos but it takes up most the dining area) we tried it out. Since we were mostly just goofing off there aren't any great ones but some that are decent enough. It was fun and I

can't wait to use it at Christmas with the fam.

The Legend of The Christmas Stocking

As part of my 25 Blogs of Christmas I wanted to share this. When we were stuck in Lewiston I saw a book on Mike's Aunt's shelf that was Everything Christmas. We had just watched the Jeff Dunham Christmas DVD the night before and he makes a joke about why do we hang stockings for Santa to fill. It had me wondering. So I looked in the book and it had the legend there. So I looked on the internet and found it to share with you. ENJOY and MERRY CHRISTMAS!

According to legend, the custom of hanging up stockings during Christmas began all the way back in the 4th century with St. Nicholas. The story told is about a nobleman who was once rich and powerful, but then came into hard times. Whether rich or poor, he was always kindly and generous to his fellow man.
His wife had passed away and he was left with a daughter who he loved very much, but could not provide her with a dowry. Without the dowry, she could not marry, which made them both very sad.
Nicholas heard of the troubles of the nobleman and one night, during the Christmas season, Nicholas threw a bag of gold through the man's window. The bag of gold landed in one of the girl's stockings that had been hung up to dry. The gold was just enough to be used as her dowry.
Since then, Children have hung their stockings up each Christmas Eve in the hope of finding treasure in them in the morning...
Another variation of the origin of this custom is related to Santa Claus. One Christmas Night, after visiting a house he was going back up the chimney when several gold coins fell out of his pocket and landed inside the children's stockings which been placed by the fire to dry.

THE 25 BLOGS OF CHRISTMAS

So I am going to try and do THE 25 DAYS of CHRISTMAS...My sister Joyce once gave us all books for Christmas with a story or thought or song for each day. It was really neat to have something each day to help us focus on the Christmas Season. Last year it took me a while to get into the Christmas Spirit (I am normally ready Thanksgiving Day) and this year I don't feel ready at all....probably because I don't have any kids to share it with...I am not even in primary any more. So I thought about that book and how it always helped put everyone in the Christmas mood when we would sit and read that days item or sing the song. So I am going to do the 25 blogs of Christmas....or at least try. Things may get to hectic and I may forget sometimes.

My friend Steph had this posted on her blog. It is one of those email lists that you fill in your answers and then forward it. I really liked it and had her send it to me. I thought it would be a good one to start this little adventure with. ENJOY!



Welcome to the Christmas edition of getting to know your friends.Okay,here's what you're supposed to do, and try not to be a SCROOGE! Just copy, not forward, this entire email and paste it into a new email that you can send. Change all theanswers so that they apply to you. Then send to awhole bunch of people you know INCLUDING the personwho sent it to you..Tis the season to be NICE!

1. Wrapping paper or gift bags? Both- but mostly wrapping paper.
2. Real tree or artificial? Artificial. (love real ones but the fire hazard and care needed...)
3. When do you put up the tree? The weekend after Turkey Day
4. When do you take the tree down? Just after New Years Day
5. Do you like Eggnog? Gag me.
6. Favorite gift received as a child? Not really sure. I always loved when I got a stuffed animal my mom made...like her hand made Care Bears or Pound Puppies
7. Hardest person to buy for? persons....all of my sisters are nightmares to buy for.
8. Easiest person to buy for? Mike...I always know what to get him. I love trying to surprise him.
9. Do you have a nativity scene? Several, I began collecting them a few years back. In fact, in our new place I didn't have enough room to put them all out.
10. Mail or email Christmas cards? Mostly mail. Although one year since I was sending them late I did email them to people who lived far away and let them know they would get one next year.
11. Worst Christmas gift you ever received? I have always appreciated the gifts I receive
12. Favorite Christmas movie? Not Sure. I like a lot of them.
13. When do you start shopping for Christmas? In November I start for Mike's family (so can take them up our last visit of the year in late Nov.), after Thanksgiving for those I have to ship and beginning of December to mid December for all others.
14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present? No. I am not a regifter.
15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas? I don't have a favorite. I love to do the baking but usually give all the treats away.
16. Lights on the tree? Yes. We have the colored motion ones where you can pick how fast, and so on.
17. Favorite Christmas song? That is a hard one. I love so many. But I really love Josh Groban's I'll Be Home for Christmas with the military messages home. Maybe because my brother has spent so many Christmas's in Iraq. I also love O Holy Night. That song, especially acappella is one of my favorites.
18. Travel at Christmas or stay home? I love to stay home. But sometimes I do want to get away.
19. Can you name all Santa's reindeer? Of course I can. After all those years of hearing the introduction to Rudolph... Dasher, Dancer, Prancer and Vixen, Comet and Cupid and Donner and Blitzen and.....the most famous of all.....Rudolph
20. Angel on the tree top or Star? Star...Steph, don't worry, ours is a pain to get straight as well.
21. Open presents Christmas Eve or morning? Our family tradition on my side is one present Christmas Eve and then the rest on Christmas morning. Mike hates that since his family always opened them all on Christmas Eve (They said so the kids wouldn't wake them up early on Christmas Day). We compromised and made it one with my family on Christmas Eve and one with each other. The rest on Christmas Day.
22. Most annoying thing about this time of year? TRAFFIC (and the stores if you go on the weekend)
23. Favorite ornament? So far, still the mickey and minnie just married one that we bought on our honeymoon.
24. Favorite Christmas dinner? Ham, potatoes, and a bunch of entrees that you can snack on all night long Christmas Eve and all day Christmas Day.
25. Favorite Christmas cocktail? I am a hot cocoa freak....But only my mom's homemade recipe....which I need to get her to refresh me on
26. What do you want for Christmas this year? Good question...a new foot spa, and that is really about it. Probably why everyone says I am so hard to shop for.
27. What don't you want for Christmas this year? A video game that is really for someone else.
28. What is something you have never done that youwant to do for Christmas? Have my entire family rent a cabin or home somewhere (like Hawaii or Aspen, where we all want to go) and just deck it out and spend Christmas together there.
29. Who is the most likely to respond to this? Not sure since I am doing this as a blog post. Hopefully Sarah and Terrie with both do it. Maybe Monae....hint hint you guys
30. Who is least likely to respond? Knowing my luck...Terrie, Sarah and Monae..I never guess who will respond right so if I put their names in both then I have to be right somewhere.

It's CHRISTMAS time EVERYONE should fill this out!!