What kind of celebration do you like the most ???????????????

[ElEaNa]

I like christmas. It the time to spend with all your family.  And appreciate all that you have.

[Johnsangel]

Christmas

[Silver Bells]

Christmas

same.

[~Tears Are Falling ~]

ALL of them.  i love em all. and did you know that hallween started over in erupe. yet every one thinks its an American holiday.

[Silver Bells]

ALL of them.  i love em all. and did you know that hallween started over in erupe. yet every one thinks its an American holiday.

Ok so you like all the holidays.

[Silver Bells]

Christmas Customs

Many Christmas customs are based on the birth of Christ. Such as giving presents because of the Wise Men, who brought presents to the baby Jesus. Christmas carols based on Christ's birth and scenes of the birth with figures of shepherds, the Wise Men, and animals surrounding the baby Jesus.

But some of the ways people celebrate Christmas have nothing to do with Christ's birthday. Many bits of older holidays have crept into Christmas!


It wasn't until about 200 years after Christ's death that Christians even thought about celebrating his birth. No one knows the exact date of his birth. It is believed that December the 25th was chosen to turn people away from celebrating other holidays in this time of the year.

Saturnalia, was the Romans holiday that they celebrated in December. It was a time of feasting and parties. Also, in northern Europe there was a holiday known as Yule. They celebrated this holiday by making great fires. They then would dance around the fires, yelling for the winter to end.

In time, Christmas took the place of these holidays. But people kept some of the old customs -- such as burning a Yule log and having feasts and parties. The word Yule is still used as a name for the Christmas season.

As time went on, new customs crept into Christmas. One was the Christmas tree, which was started in Germany. As the Germans settled in new lands they brought with them this tradition.

Last but not least is Saint Nick. A long time ago, a bishop named Nicholas lived in what is now the country of Turkey. No one knows much about him. There are stories that he often helped children in need. Many years after his death, Nicholas was made a saint. In time, he became the patron saint of children.

[Silver Bells]

Christmas Acrostic

C is for the Child born that night to be our light. (John 8:12)
H is for holy is His name. (Rev.4:
R is for rejoice with gladness & joy. (Luke 1:14)
I is for Immanuel, God with us. (Is.7:14,) John 1:14)
S is for the star that led the Wise men to Him. (Matt.2:2)
T is for the truth & grace that was sent our way. (John 1:14)
M is for Mother Mary laying Him in swaddling clothes in the manger. (Luke 2:7)
A is for angels singing songs of joy. (Luke 2:14)
S is for salvation.

- Johnnie DesRochers.

It's Christmas Time Again
(by Bob Lazzar-Atwood)

Put your problems on probation
Run your troubles off the track,
Throw your worries out the window
Get the monkeys off your back.
Silence all your inner critics
With your conscience make amends,
And allow yourself some happiness
It's Christmas time again!

Call a truce with those who bother you
Let all the fighting cease,
Give your differences a breather
And declare a time of peace,
Don't let angry feelings taint
The precious time you have to spend,
And allow yourself some happiness
It's Christmas time again!

Like some cool refreshing water
Or a gentle summer breeze,
Like a fresh bouquet of flowers
Or the smell of autumn leaves,
It's a banquet for the spirit
Filled with family, food and friends,
So allow yourself some happiness
It's Christmas time again!


Message From Santa Claus

If it were in my powers,
I would bring peace and love,
To this world of ours,
But I don't have magic enough,
I can cross the sky,
and pass by the stars,
But I can't seem to stop,
Any of hatred's wars,
I see children on the street,
With no hope left,
in the eyes.
So many homeless people
with no where to sleep.
And my heart cries.
I can't give the things they need,
Oh But God I would try.
I'm only a fantasy,
that once took wings to fly,
Some are deceived,
by the gifts that money can buy,
But those who truly believe,
see the gift with the heart,
not with the eye,
I sometime stop and go to my knees,
and pause,
and I too always pray,
That we will find a end to wars,
and live in peace one day.
For all those who believe in me,
I will continue my cause,
Across the stars,
over the wars,
On Christmas Eve,
For the hearts that still believe,
In Santa Claus

©Judy Arline Puckett



Merry Christmas Daddy
In loving memory of
Frederick Herman Tegtmeier(9/11/1928 – 12/28/2006)

The Christmas lights twinkle
and reflect in my tears,
as I suddenly realize
it's been almost a year.

My daddy left us
and his earthly home.
He's off in the heavens
to eternally roam.

As luck would have it,
he left his best in me;
from his sarcastic wit
to his "evil eye" gene.

My sons' didn't know
much of my dad.
Still they cherish what little
time that they had.

But long before leaving
his home here on earth,
we all gained from his values
of pride and self-worth.

So my happy memories
Must dull the pain,
and soothe my soul
'til I'm with daddy again.

Contributed by Debbie Tegtmeier (dtegtmeier@comcast.net)



A Frozen Tear
By William Thomas

Winter in Kodiak, a time of little light.
The snow brightens the ground and the stars light up the night.
A cluster of Spruce sag deep, a drift in front of my car.
My heart weighs heavy. Thoughts of relatives afar.
A blustery wind blows, north then south.
A cold winter thirst, warm java for my mouth.
A homeless man sleeps, all bundled in clothes.
His heart deep with thoughts of past Christmas woes.
A handshake, a smile, a sip of my coffee.
A friend in waiting, I became to he.
Some food from the shelter, a warm place to rest.
His life for the moment, felt happy and blessed.
He told me the stories of days long ago.
My full attention, he required, to him I happily bestowed.
A veteran of the war, a father of four.
A long distance call seemed to matter no more.
The blanket of stars and the snow under his feet,
only brought back memories of a scar so deep.
A story from my life, I understood his loss.
To spend Christmas without family, there's no greater cost.
One more handshake. A “man-hug” goodbye.
His face looked of worry, wondered if I would be back tonight.
A job in Kodiak sometimes is so rare.
But I am happy to tell you, where I work is here.
A smile, a thought, the lending of an ear.
A thousand times more helpful than a frozen tear.


 
We Took A Dive Christmas '95

'Tis is not sad in that Dad works so hard for his money?
Spends two weeks pay --- toys for his boys
Mommy frugal and bright, plans so Christmas will be right
Preparing for that special day, keeping two little boys at bay.
Then late Christmas Eve --- there are thieves
To steal in the night everything in sight
When the deed was discovered it was too late to recover
All the stores shut up tight, Dad's wallet now very light!

When one opens one's gift it is thought the gift
Was bought with on self in mind.
Christmas a happy time --- when there is crime?
What preserves pleasures is felt by the pilfering person
as he rips packages and bags he has stolen.
When he stares.
Then did he chuckle or brag?

I think the kids had fun that holiday
Love, health, each other together
And as Carly Simon would say;
"With every situation anticipation is the best sensation"
The thief can't take that away!

 Christmas 2000

Hustle and bustle and hurry and run
looking for gifts that bring so much fun.
A visit to Santa we also must make
because of our children for all of our sakes.

The food preparations must get underway
like cookies and candies for our special day.
Gifts must be wrapped and bows must be ties
and trees must be trimmed and lights hung outside.

Cards must be bought and then must be signed
And addresses and mailed to reach friends on time.
The kids must be bathed and tucked into bed
where they will wait to hear Santa's sled.

But when morning comes midst all the squeals,
faces depicting what our children feel;
it makes all the hustle and hurry and run
so very worthwhile for these little ones.

Now let's remember the child in our lives
given to us when God's son arrived
to teach is to love each other and then
to die on the cross to save us from sin.
A Christmas Greeting

Sure hope you don't think this greeting is late
Cuz the Spirit of Christmas we celebrate
With joy in our hearts, as we ponder the love
Our God and Father was sent from above
Jesus is the reason we create such a fuss
our Emmanuel is born, yes, God is with us
This joy can't be contained in one day only
So Christmas has 12, that we might savor it slowly! The Christmas Gift

Born this night a world of sin,
The rince of Peace the Redeemer of Men.
This child of God, that was sent from on High.
To be born of Mary to suffer and die!

Rejested by men from the day of His birth;
To suffer and die on Calvary's tree.
For the sins of the world to set me free.
From Bethlehem to Golgotha, he never complained
Laughed at! Spit on! Mocked in shame!

He was born of a women, but He knew no sin,
This babe in the Manger the Saviour of Men!
 
You can see more of these poems at http://www.theholidayspot.com/christmas/poems/poetry_page_1.htm#time

[Silver Bells]

Christmas Acrostic

C is for the Child born that night to be our light. (John 8:12)
H is for holy is His name. (Rev.4:
R is for rejoice with gladness & joy. (Luke 1:14)
I is for Immanuel, God with us. (Is.7:14,) John 1:14)
S is for the star that led the Wise men to Him. (Matt.2:2)
T is for the truth & grace that was sent our way. (John 1:14)
M is for Mother Mary laying Him in swaddling clothes in the manger. (Luke 2:7)
A is for angels singing songs of joy. (Luke 2:14)
S is for salvation.

- Johnnie DesRochers.

It's Christmas Time Again
(by Bob Lazzar-Atwood)

Put your problems on probation
Run your troubles off the track,
Throw your worries out the window
Get the monkeys off your back.
Silence all your inner critics
With your conscience make amends,
And allow yourself some happiness
It's Christmas time again!

Call a truce with those who bother you
Let all the fighting cease,
Give your differences a breather
And declare a time of peace,
Don't let angry feelings taint
The precious time you have to spend,
And allow yourself some happiness
It's Christmas time again!

Like some cool refreshing water
Or a gentle summer breeze,
Like a fresh bouquet of flowers
Or the smell of autumn leaves,
It's a banquet for the spirit
Filled with family, food and friends,
So allow yourself some happiness
It's Christmas time again!


Message From Santa Claus

If it were in my powers,
I would bring peace and love,
To this world of ours,
But I don't have magic enough,
I can cross the sky,
and pass by the stars,
But I can't seem to stop,
Any of hatred's wars,
I see children on the street,
With no hope left,
in the eyes.
So many homeless people
with no where to sleep.
And my heart cries.
I can't give the things they need,
Oh But God I would try.
I'm only a fantasy,
that once took wings to fly,
Some are deceived,
by the gifts that money can buy,
But those who truly believe,
see the gift with the heart,
not with the eye,
I sometime stop and go to my knees,
and pause,
and I too always pray,
That we will find a end to wars,
and live in peace one day.
For all those who believe in me,
I will continue my cause,
Across the stars,
over the wars,
On Christmas Eve,
For the hearts that still believe,
In Santa Claus

©Judy Arline Puckett



Merry Christmas Daddy
In loving memory of
Frederick Herman Tegtmeier(9/11/1928 – 12/28/2006)

The Christmas lights twinkle
and reflect in my tears,
as I suddenly realize
it's been almost a year.

My daddy left us
and his earthly home.
He's off in the heavens
to eternally roam.

As luck would have it,
he left his best in me;
from his sarcastic wit
to his "evil eye" gene.

My sons' didn't know
much of my dad.
Still they cherish what little
time that they had.

But long before leaving
his home here on earth,
we all gained from his values
of pride and self-worth.

So my happy memories
Must dull the pain,
and soothe my soul
'til I'm with daddy again.

Contributed by Debbie Tegtmeier (dtegtmeier@comcast.net)



A Frozen Tear
By William Thomas

Winter in Kodiak, a time of little light.
The snow brightens the ground and the stars light up the night.
A cluster of Spruce sag deep, a drift in front of my car.
My heart weighs heavy. Thoughts of relatives afar.
A blustery wind blows, north then south.
A cold winter thirst, warm java for my mouth.
A homeless man sleeps, all bundled in clothes.
His heart deep with thoughts of past Christmas woes.
A handshake, a smile, a sip of my coffee.
A friend in waiting, I became to he.
Some food from the shelter, a warm place to rest.
His life for the moment, felt happy and blessed.
He told me the stories of days long ago.
My full attention, he required, to him I happily bestowed.
A veteran of the war, a father of four.
A long distance call seemed to matter no more.
The blanket of stars and the snow under his feet,
only brought back memories of a scar so deep.
A story from my life, I understood his loss.
To spend Christmas without family, there's no greater cost.
One more handshake. A “man-hug” goodbye.
His face looked of worry, wondered if I would be back tonight.
A job in Kodiak sometimes is so rare.
But I am happy to tell you, where I work is here.
A smile, a thought, the lending of an ear.
A thousand times more helpful than a frozen tear.


 
We Took A Dive Christmas '95

'Tis is not sad in that Dad works so hard for his money?
Spends two weeks pay --- toys for his boys
Mommy frugal and bright, plans so Christmas will be right
Preparing for that special day, keeping two little boys at bay.
Then late Christmas Eve --- there are thieves
To steal in the night everything in sight
When the deed was discovered it was too late to recover
All the stores shut up tight, Dad's wallet now very light!

When one opens one's gift it is thought the gift
Was bought with on self in mind.
Christmas a happy time --- when there is crime?
What preserves pleasures is felt by the pilfering person
as he rips packages and bags he has stolen.
When he stares.
Then did he chuckle or brag?

I think the kids had fun that holiday
Love, health, each other together
And as Carly Simon would say;
"With every situation anticipation is the best sensation"
The thief can't take that away!

 Christmas 2000

Hustle and bustle and hurry and run
looking for gifts that bring so much fun.
A visit to Santa we also must make
because of our children for all of our sakes.

The food preparations must get underway
like cookies and candies for our special day.
Gifts must be wrapped and bows must be ties
and trees must be trimmed and lights hung outside.

Cards must be bought and then must be signed
And addresses and mailed to reach friends on time.
The kids must be bathed and tucked into bed
where they will wait to hear Santa's sled.

But when morning comes midst all the squeals,
faces depicting what our children feel;
it makes all the hustle and hurry and run
so very worthwhile for these little ones.

Now let's remember the child in our lives
given to us when God's son arrived
to teach is to love each other and then
to die on the cross to save us from sin.
A Christmas Greeting

Sure hope you don't think this greeting is late
Cuz the Spirit of Christmas we celebrate
With joy in our hearts, as we ponder the love
Our God and Father was sent from above
Jesus is the reason we create such a fuss
our Emmanuel is born, yes, God is with us
This joy can't be contained in one day only
So Christmas has 12, that we might savor it slowly! The Christmas Gift

Born this night a world of sin,
The rince of Peace the Redeemer of Men.
This child of God, that was sent from on High.
To be born of Mary to suffer and die!

Rejested by men from the day of His birth;
To suffer and die on Calvary's tree.
For the sins of the world to set me free.
From Bethlehem to Golgotha, he never complained
Laughed at! Spit on! Mocked in shame!

He was born of a women, but He knew no sin,
This babe in the Manger the Saviour of Men!
 
You can see more of these poems at http://www.theholidayspot.com/christmas/poems/poetry_page_1.htm#time

Nice poem.

[djdfect]

I like my birthday! but Halloween is the shizz too

[Silver Bells]

i love xmas.

[Silver Bells]

The History of Christmas


The history of Christmas dates back over 4000 years. Many of our Christmas traditions were celebrated centuries before the Christ child was born. The 12 days of Christmas, the bright fires, the yule log, the giving of gifts, carnivals(parades) with floats, carolers who sing while going from house to house, the holiday feasts, and the church processions can all be traced back to the early Mesopotamians.



Many of these traditions began with the Mesopotamian celebration of New Years. The Mesopotamians believed in many gods, and as their chief god - Marduk. Each year as winter arrived it was believed that Marduk would do battle with the monsters of chaos. To assist Marduk in his struggle the Mesopotamians held a festival for the New Year. This was Zagmuk, the New Year's festival that lasted for 12 days.



The Mesopotamian king would return to the temple of Marduk and swear his faithfulness to the god. The traditions called for the king to die at the end of the year and to return with Marduk to battle at his side.


 To spare their king, the Mesopotamians used the idea of a "mock" king. A criminal was chosen and dressed in royal clothes. He was given all the respect and privileges of a real king. At the end of the celebration the "mock" king was stripped of the royal clothes and slain, sparing the life of the real king.



The Persians and the Babylonians celebrated a similar festival called the Sacaea. Part of that celebration included the exchanging of places, the slaves would become the masters and the masters were to obey.



Early Europeans believed in evil spirits, witches, ghosts and trolls. As the Winter Solstice approached, with its long cold nights and short days, many people feared the sun would not return. Special rituals and celebrations were held to welcome back the sun.



In Scandinavia during the winter months the sun would disappear for many days. After thirty-five days scouts would be sent to the mountain tops to look for the return of the sun. When the first light was seen the scouts would return with the good news. A great festival would be held, called the Yuletide, and a special feast would be served around a fire burning with the Yule log. Great bonfires would also be lit to celebrate the return of the sun. In some areas people would tie apples to branches of trees to remind themselves that spring and summer would return.



The ancient Greeks held a festival similar to that of the Zagmuk/Sacaea festivals to assist their god Kronos who would battle the god Zeus and his Titans.



The Roman's celebrated their god Saturn. Their festival was called Saturnalia which began the middle of December and ended January 1st. With cries of "Jo Saturnalia!" the celebration would include masquerades in the streets, big festive meals, visiting friends, and the exchange of good-luck gifts called Strenae (lucky fruits).



The Romans decked their halls with garlands of laurel and green trees lit with candles. Again the masters and slaves would exchange places



"Jo Saturnalia!" was a fun and festive time for the Romans, but the Christians though it an abomination to honor the pagan god. The early Christians wanted to keep the birthday of their Christ child a solemn and religious holiday, not one of cheer and merriment as was the pagan Saturnalia.



But as Christianity spread they were alarmed by the continuing celebration of pagan customs and Saturnalia among their converts. At first the Church forbid this kind of celebration. But it was to no avail. Eventually it was decided that the celebration would be tamed and made into a celebration fit for the Christian Son of God.



Some legends claim that the Christian "Christmas" celebration was invented to compete against the pagan celebrations of December. The 25th was not only sacred to the Romans but also the Persians whose religion Mithraism was one of Christianity's main rivals at that time. The Church eventually was successful in taking the merriment, lights, and gifts from the Saturanilia festival and bringing them to the celebration of Christmas.



The exact day of the Christ child's birth has never been pinpointed. Traditions say that it has been celebrated since the year 98 AD. In 137 AD the Bishop of Rome ordered the birthday of the Christ Child celebrated as a solemn feast. In 350 AD another Bishop of Rome, Julius I, choose December 25th as the observance of Christmas.

[Silver Bells]

Silver Bells
Christmas makes you feel emotional
It may bring parties or thoughts devotional
Whatever happens or what may be,
Here is what Christmas time means to me.

City sidewalk, busy sidewalks
dressed in holiday style.
In the air there's
a feeling of Christmas.

Children laughing, people passing,
meeting smile after smile,
And on every street corner you'll hear:

Silver bells, silver bells,
It's Christmas time in the city.
Ring-a-ling, hear them ring,
soon it will be Christmas day.

City street lights,
even stop lights,
blink a bright red and green,
As the shoppers rush home
with their treasures.

Hear the snow crunch,
see the kids bunch,
This is Santa's big scene,
And above all this bustle you'll hear:

Silver bells, silver bells,
It's Christmas time in the city.
Ring-a-ling, hear them ring,
soon it will be Christmas day.

[Britneysucks]

STOP SPAMMING!!!

[Silver Bells]

STOP SPAMMING!!!

SHEESH. Then do not come back to post these topics. GOOD BYE FOR GOOD. I thought you are a good friend of mine but you are not. I AM NOT A MEAN GIRL. MERRY CHRISTMAS............

[Britneysucks]

Can you just not spam? That was all I asked.