Christmas Dinner who to invite?

Family gatherings are an important part of the season and the day. Every holiday season brings forth a magnificent display of culinary delights that graces our dinner tables. Our holiday feast has a variety of delicious foods. The smell of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves brings back happy memories of family gatherings.

For my wife and I, family gatherings hold a special place in our hearts during this festive season. However, we both come from different backgrounds, each bringing our own unique traditions to the table.

Let me share with you my own cherished traditions. Before I began my schooling, our family had the opportunity to live in six different communities across British Columbia and the Prairies. As a result, Christmas was a modest affair, celebrated solely within our immediate family. My dad’s side of the family resided in Alberta and Saskatchewan, while my mom’s side hailed from the East Kootenays and the Prairies. Meanwhile, we found ourselves living in various parts of beautiful British Columbia. However, once I started school, our living situation changed, and we settled in an Auto Court, which was essentially a precursor to modern motels. It was during this time that our small family Christmas expanded to include other families living in the Auto Court. When we left the Auto-court to move into our new home across town, the essence of our intimate family gathering remained intact. This continued until I embarked on my journey to university, where I met my future wife, and she became an integral part of our cherished small family dinners.

Now, let’s delve into my wife’s extraordinary traditions. Hailing from Newfoundland, her family lived on a vast plot of land in Queensborough. Christmas dinner in her household was a grand affair, a true spectacle to behold. Grandparents, great-grandparents, aunts, uncles, great-aunts, great-uncles, cousins, and friends all gathered together to partake in this festive meal. When I was first invited to spend Christmas with them, the magnitude baffled me and the significance they attached to sharing a meal did as well. However, my wife was also taken aback when she came to my humble abode for Christmas dinner, as the gathering was so small in comparison.

When my wife and I first tied the knot, like countless newlyweds, we faced the dilemma of where to spend Christmas day. So, like many young couples, we took the easy way out and divided Christmas dinner between our respective in-laws. This routine persisted for about eight years until we decided it was time to break free from that tradition. Our daughter was four years old and my son was just two when we made the bold decision to host our very own Christmas dinner. We scaled back the guest list, only inviting my wife’s brother and his family, my in-laws, her grandparents, and her aunt along with her children. Unfortunately, my family lived too far away to join us for Christmas dinner, but we visited them during the Christmas holiday. Thus, the tradition of heading to the Island on the 27th for a couple of days to spend time with my mom, brothers, and their families was born. This cherished tradition has endured for over four decades.

Although we still continue the tradition of inviting our in-laws for Christmas dinner, things have evolved. Sadly, our grandparents and my mom and dad and mother and father-in-law have passed away, my wife’s brother’s family has grown, and they now host their own Christmas dinner. My daughter and her family live in Australia. Every two years, we bring our families together for a grand Christmas feast. Our Christmas dinner has once again become intimate, consisting solely of my son and his partner. We had a delightful Christmas dinner with my son's partner's family last year. It was like the grand family meals my wife's family used to have.

Every family has its unique way of hosting a Christmas dinner, and as time goes by, we view it as the way we have always done it. However, if you look back over time, you see that today’s traditions have grown from past practices. The key is to stay flexible and enjoy whoever you have with you for your Christmas meal.

As the years go by, we realize that the true essence of Christmas lies not in the elaborate festivities, but in the love, warmth, and togetherness we share with our loved ones during this special season.

Tomorrow I will post about how Christmas Eve is changing while staying the same for us. I believe that Christmas Eve is the real start of the season for reconnecting, sharing stories, and strengthening bonds. 

Decorating the Christmas tree

Ah, Christmas memories. They hold a special place in our hearts, don't they? The holidays are a time when recollections of past celebrations come flooding back, accompanied by feelings of warmth and nostalgia. These memories are like little time capsules that transport us to a place where joy, love, and the magic of the season reign supreme. But what makes these memories so significant? Well, they remind us of cherished traditions, moments of togetherness, and the pure delight that comes from embracing the holiday spirit. Over December I will be posting thoughts on \some of my Christmas memories, in hopes that you will be able to bring some of your own memories back to the surface.

When I was about to enter fourth grade, my family moved to a beautiful five-acre property. It was an exhilarating time because it was the first year my brothers and I had the opportunity to find our very own Christmas tree on our own land. Exploring the untamed property was like stepping into a world of endless possibilities. This marked the beginning of our annual adventure to find the perfect tree for our parents. Of course, during our first attempt, we were too young to cut it down ourselves, but as we grew older, we eventually did. The search for the Christmas tree always felt like a magical experience.

Those early years of finding, chopping, bringing home, and decorating the tree created a deep bond between my brothers and me. Decorating the Christmas tree with my family holds a special place in my heart. In fact, I've turned it into a delightful tradition with my own children.

I absolutely adore whimsical decorations and the joy of having my family gathered around to decorate the Christmas tree. While some people put up their trees early in December, our tradition revolves around waiting until closer to the 12 days of Christmas. When my wife and I first got married, we started a tradition of exchanging special ornaments as gifts. Over the years, this tradition has continued, and it was also a cherished practice in my wife's family. We still have those precious ornaments, some of which are over 80 years old. The act of adorning our home with decorations fills us with a sense of joy, togetherness, and nostalgia. The holiday season is a time for creating lasting memories with loved ones, and decorating the Christmas tree plays a vital role in that.

As the holiday season draws near, the anticipation and excitement within all of us begin to build up. I hope your family feels the same way. The moment we retrieve the Christmas decorations from their storage boxes in the garage, the air becomes electrified with anticipation and festive cheer. Opening those boxes reveals a treasure trove of love.

As we carefully hang each ornament, a rush of memories from the past comes surging back, transporting us to the moments when we first received or crafted them. The act of adorning the Christmas tree becomes a joyous celebration of both the present and the past, forging a beautiful connection between generations through the power of cherished memories.

The process of decorating the Christmas tree transforms into a lively activity that unites everyone in the room. Laughter fills the air as we take turns placing ornaments on the branches, sharing heartwarming stories and cracking jokes. I can vividly recall the days when my children were young, their eyes gleaming with excitement as they proudly hung their ornaments within their reach at the bottom of the tree. Our mischievous cat would playfully bat at these low-hanging treasures, much to the delight of my little ones.

Once the tree is fully adorned, we, like every family, step back in awe to marvel at our creation. The Christmas tree becomes a radiant reflection of the love, joy, and unity that permeates our household during this magical time of year. Its decorations serve as a gentle reminder that the holiday season is not solely about material gifts, but about treasuring precious moments spent with our loved ones.

Throughout the holiday season, the Christmas tree assumes the role of the heart of our home. It becomes the perfect backdrop for festive gatherings, where we exchange heartfelt gifts, savor delectable food, and create new memories that will be cherished for years to come. The mere presence of the tree infuses our house with a unique warmth and happiness that touches the hearts of all who cross its threshold.

As the years pass, the Christmas tree itself evolves into a symbol of tradition, love, and continuity. Each time we unpack and lovingly decorate it, it serves as a poignant reminder of the love and joy that have filled our home throughout the years.

The act of adorning the Christmas tree transcends the realm of a mere holiday ritual; it's a beautiful expression of family, love, and the shared experiences that bring us closer together. It's a tradition that I hope my children and my grandson will continue, as it carries with it the essence of what makes the holiday season so special – the celebration of love, togetherness, and the creation of cherished memories that last a lifetime.

The Quest for the perfect gift

 Every year the quest for the perfect present starts early for some and later for others. I am one of those who thinks about the gift early but usually ends up buying the gift at the last moment. Giving the correct present is important as it reflects thoughtfulness, consideration, and a deep understanding of the recipient. A well-chosen gift communicates a level of care that goes beyond the material item itself, creating a meaningful connection between the giver and the receiver.

When it comes to giving the right present, it involves knowing the recipient's tastes, interests, and preferences. Here are some aspects to consider:

1. A personalized gift, such as a custom piece of artwork, monogrammed item, or something tailored to the recipient's hobbies or life experiences, shows that you've invested time and effort into selecting something unique for them.
2. Paying attention to the recipient's likes and dislikes in everyday conversations can provide valuable clues about what they might appreciate as a gift. It could be something they've mentioned wanting or an item related to a passion of theirs.
3. While sentimental gifts are wonderful, sometimes practicality is key. A gift that aligns with the recipient's needs or enhances their daily life can be just as appreciated.
4. It's not always about the price tag but the thought and quality of the gift. A well-made, thoughtful item can have a more profound impact than something extravagant but impersonal.

Now, as for when to begin the search for the correct gift, the process ideally starts well in advance of the occasion. Starting the gift search early allows for thoughtful consideration and ensures that you have enough time to find or create something special. Pay attention to hints or comments made by the person throughout the year. They might mention something they've been wanting or needing. If you're considering a handmade or customized gift, these often require more lead time. Starting early ensures you have the time needed for creation and delivery.

The act of giving the correct present is a blend of thoughtfulness, attention to detail, and a genuine desire to make the recipient feel valued. Starting the gift search early and considering the recipient's preferences can significantly enhance the chances of finding that perfect, meaningful gift that will be cherished for years to come. So this year I am starting early.

What is Twixmas?

Twixmas is the term used to describe the days between Christmas and New Year (27th-30th December), when–work and family commitments depending–you can take some much-needed downtime in theory. Most of us lose our sense of what happens in this downtime. Holidays are magical times, but something conditioned us to follow certain routines and during this period between Christmas and New Year, changes to our norms can throw us out of whack. During the pandemic, many of us became used to working from home and now are adjusting to being back at work. We do not find any change easy.

For most of our lives, there are certain things in our lives and daily routine, like the normal working week, which mark the passage of time. We set our alarms each morning, and lunch breaks and finishing times define our work days–there are very clear divisions of how time is broken up.

For those of us who have retired, we have learned to adjust to a new normal, but for those still working, Christmas and the festive period, all those usual markers that exist to give us a sense of security are removed. You can do what you want to do as there are no constraints or demands on your time.

So, the days between Christmas and New Year’s are a strange vortex where even time itself seems to operate at a different pace.

These days may seem to all meld into one, where no memory can survive of what exactly you did or when you did it. A lot of (lucky) people have these few days off, and with all that spare time in a house full of people, things get a little surreal. However, there are some things that always happen at this time of year that make it hauntingly familiar every time it rolls around.

You have over the year found time to binge-watch your favourite series on Netflix, Disney, or Apple. But at Christmas, you got a box set for Christmas, and now you think you have to find time to watch it. Throughout the rest of the year, you might squeeze one episode, maybe two in a night, but you’ve now been awake for 39 hours straight, and you can’t tell fiction from reality anymore.

Between Christmas and New Year's, the Christmas turkey is being used. For these next few days, it’s turkey for every meal, because there are 27bs of it still to use in the fridge, and we can’t have that going to waste. Who knew that you could make so many recipes out of turkey? Sandwiches, soup, pie, curry, fricassee, nachos, cereal, pancakes, bread... the list is seemingly endless, just like the supply of turkey.

As you pile in that fifth flake from the selection box, you think that you’re invincible and that 2022 was the year and you owned it. You decide that you’re going to make all those New Year’s resolutions that you’ll never be able to keep. Giving up sugar and alcohol for the entire year and going to the gym three times a day is ambitious, sure, but we’re confident we can pull it off. We won’t start today though, sure there’s no point...

In amongst your swag pile will be at least one voucher for either a shopping centre or an one4all card, and now the decision-making process begins. Should you get yourself that jacket that you’ve had your eye on, or is the voucher better spent on grocery shopping to ensure that you can eat for most of the days in January? Tough call...

While some sweet tins are better than others, there are always at least a few tins of Roses, Quality Street and probably a box of After Eights lying around somewhere after Christmas Day. However, the days have passed and there have been a ridiculous number of people in and out of the house getting cups of tea with a few chocolates on the side, and now as you reach in to grab yourself a sweet all that’s left are empty wrappers that were thrown back into the box and maybe one of those that have the Brazil nut in it.

It won’t be long before the sales actually start on Christmas Day itself, but all the shops have now cleared out their stockrooms of the stuff that they couldn’t shift for love or money during the year and the crap they had left over from 2019, and people have gone into a state of bizarre hysteria to get their hands on some of it.

All we know is that Christmas Day was two days ago, and New Year’s Day is taking place at some stage in the future. The days in between are of no consequence. Is today a Saturday? Really? We could have sworn it was Wednesday. The reality is that it is Tuesday. Who knew>

One week before Xmas

I have seen the outrage floating around Facebook that Christians feel hard done by because they claim they are not allowed to say Merry Christmas, and some of them rail on about the crushing of the Christmas Spirit as if it was the end of the world. While others counter with the fact there are many holidays that are special to many and to show respect you should wish someone a “Happy Holiday’ so as to not upset them.

I don’t care one way or the other. Christmas is taken from a pagan religious fest and changed to meet the current needs of the dominant religion. The month of December has more to offer than just holiday preparations. Special days and observances can be a way to explore a variety of subjects, including awareness of health conditions, safety issues, and ways to promote a healthy lifestyle. It's a bit on the lighter side when it comes to daily observances this month. That's because there are many official and unofficial special days to celebrate in December. Here are some days and holidays that Americans can celebrate in Dec. Enjoy the month!

December Daily Holidays and Observances

1. December 1: Rosa Parks Day, World AIDS Day, Eat a Red Apple Day, National Pie Day, Giving Tuesday* (Tuesday after Thanksgiving)

2. December 2: Special Education Day, National Mutt Day

3. December 3: Make a Gift Day, National Roof Over Your Head Day, Let's Hug Day, National Apple Pie Day

4. December 4: Santa's List Day, National Cookie Day, Wildlife Conservation Day

5. December 5: Repeal Day, International Volunteer Day, National Communicate With Your Kids Day

6. December 6: Mitten Tree Day, National Microwave Oven Day, Coats & Toys for Kids Day* (first Saturday), National Gazpacho Day

7. December 7: National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day, Letter Writing Day, International Civil Aviation Day, National Cotton Candy Day, Walt Disney Day* (first Monday)

8. December 8: Pretend to Be a Time Traveler Day, National Brownie Day, National Christmas Tree Day

9. December 9: Christmas Card Day, National Pastry Day

10. December 10: Human Rights Day, Nobel Prize Day, First Night of Hanukkah* (varies, sometimes in November), Dewey Decimal System Day, National Lager Day

11. December 11: First Day of Hanukkah* (varies, sometimes in November), National App Day

12. December 12: National Poinsettia Day, Gingerbread House Day, National Ding-a-Ling Day

13. December 13: National Violin Day, Ice Cream Day, International Children's Day* (second Sunday), National Horse Day, World Choral Day* (second Sunday), National Cocoa Day

14. December 14: Roast Chestnuts Day

15. December 15: Bill of Rights Day, National Cupcake Day, International Tea Day

16. December 16: Boston Tea Party Day, National Chocolate Covered Anything Day

17. December 17: Wright Brothers' First Flight Anniversary, National Maple Syrup Day

18. December 18: Bake Cookies Day, National Twin Day, National Ugly Christmas Sweater Day* (third Friday)

19. December 19: Look for an Evergreen Day, National Oatmeal Muffin Day, Holly Day

20. December 20: Go Caroling Day, Games Day, National Sangria Day, National Wreaths Across America Day* (third Saturday)

21. December 21: First Day of Winter/Winter Solstice* (date varies), Crossword Puzzle Day, Humbug Day, Look on the Bright Side Day, National Flashlight Day, National Hamburger Day, Forefathers' Day, Don't Make Your Bed Day* (first day of Winter), National Short Story Day* (first day of Winter)

22. December 22: National Date Nut Bread Day

23. December 23: Festivus, National Roots Day, National Pfeffernüsse Day

24. December 24: Christmas Eve, National Egg Nog Day, National Chocolate Candy Day

25. December 25: Christmas Day, National Pumpkin Pie Day

26. December 26: National Whiners Day, Boxing Day, National Candy Cane Day

27. December 27: National Fruitcake Day, Make Cut-Out Snowflakes Day

28. December 28: National Card Playing Day

29. December 29: Tick Tock Day

30. December 30: Bacon Day

31. December 31: New Year's Eve, Make Up Your Mind Day

December Weekly Holidays and Observances

1. Hanukkah* (changes yearly and lasts for 8 days)

Unique to the USA

a. National Handwashing Awareness Week (first week)

b. National Influenza Vaccination Week* (typically first week)

c. Tolerance Week (first full week)

d. Human Rights Week (second week)

e. Thank a Soldier Week (the week including Christmas)

2. Kwanzaa (December 26–January 1)

December Monthly Holidays and Observances

1. Art and Architecture Month

2. Egg Nog Month

3. Handwashing Awareness Month

4. Hi Neighbor Month

5. Learn a Foreign Language Month

6. Made in America Month

7. National Drunk and Drugged Driving (3D) Prevention Month

8. National Fruit Cake Month

9. National Identity Theft Prevention and Awareness Month

10. National Pear Month

11. Noodle Ring Month

12. Procrastination Awareness Month

13. Read a New Book Month

14. Root Vegetable Month

15. Safe Toys and Gifts Month

16. Sign Up for Summer Camp Month

17. Stress-Free Family Holidays Month

18. Tomato and Winter Squash Month

19. Tropical Fruits Month

20. Universal Human Rights Month

21. World AIDS Awareness Month

22. Write a Friend Month\

Merry Christmas

COVID changes the way we celebrate important dates so my hope is that as you celebrate this date that you can do so with family and friends, virtually or in person. Christmas is only of many Celebrations during December. So no matter what you believe or even if you are a non-believer take the time to celebrate those who love you and who you love. Here is a list of celebrations in December that millions around the world have or will be celebrating.

Dec. 6: Saint Nicholas Day — Christian

This holiday honours the birth of Saint Nicholas, the saint who serves as a role model for gift-giving and is commonly known as Santa Claus, according to Interfaith Calendar.

Dec. 2 to 10: Hanukkah — Judaism

This is the eight-day Jewish festival of lights, which celebrates the Maccabean revolt in Egypt. Eight candles are lit with a menorah to honour the holiday.

Dec. 8: Immaculate Conception — Catholic

In the lead-up to Jesus’ birthday celebration on Christmas, Catholics celebrate the day of Immaculate Conception to honour his mother Mary, who they say was preserved from original sin for her entire life.

Dec. 12: Feast Day of Our Lady of Guadalupe — Catholic

This is a primarily Catholic holiday celebrated by Mexicans and Americans of Mexican descent that honours the reported appearance of the Virgin Mary in Mexico City, according to Interfaith Calendar.

Dec. 17: Posadas Navidenas — Christian

This is a primarily Hispanic Christian holiday that commends Mary and Joseph’s journey to Bethlehem to give birth to Jesus, according to Interfaith Calendar.

Dec. 21: Solstice — Wicca/Pagan

Solstice is the point in the year "when the earth is most inclined away from the sun. It is the most southern or northern point depending on the hemisphere," according to Interfaith Calendar. Pagans and Wicca believers will celebrate that event through Yule, in which believers also honour “the winter-born king, symbolized by the rebirth of the sun,” Interfaith Calendar explained.

Dec. 25: Christmas — Christian

Christmas is a primarily Christian holiday that celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ. Many will attend church, have family parties and exchange gifts, according to Interfaith Calendar.

Dec. 26: Zarathosht Diso (Death of Prophet Zarathustra) — Zoroastrian

Unlike many of the other holidays in the month, Zoroastrians honour the death of their prophet, Zarathustra, who founded Zoroastrianism, one of the world’s oldest monotheistic religions.

Dec. 30: Feast of the Holy Family — Catholic

Catholics use this day to honour Jesus, Mary and Joseph, according to Interfaith Calendar.

Dec. 28: Holy Innocents Day — Christian

Christians solemnly honour the deaths of children killed by King Herod, who was attempting to kill Jesus, according to the Interfaith Calendar.

Dec. 31: Watch Night — Christian

For Watch Night, Christians will thank God for the safety they received during the year, according to the Interfaith Calendar.

Merry Xmas

From my family to you and yours, may this day be filled with love and grace, family and friends.

December is a very interesting month, many multicultural events and celebrations happen in Dec.  I missed wishing those of the Jewish faith Happy Hanukkah, and my Japanese friends Happy Omisoka, my Swedish friends Happy St. Lucia Day and my African American friends Happy Kwanzaa and finally to my pagan friends Happy Saturnalia.

Below is a list of some of the celebrations held in December.

Saint Nicholas Day (Christian)
Fiesta of Our Lady of Guadalupe (Mexican)
St. Lucia Day (Swedish)
Hanukkah (Jewish)
Christmas Day (Christian)
Three Kings Day/Epiphany (Christian)
Boxing Day (Australian, Canadian, English, Irish)
Kwanzaa (African American)
Omisoka (Japanese)
Yule (Pagan)
Saturnalia (Pagan)

Get a handle on your finances

Only four more sleeps to Christmas day, if you are like many of us, you have completed your shopping to find the perfect gift for your loved ones. Or you could be one of the many men, like me, scrambling to find that last minute gift. If you are finished and you were able to get all of the gifts, let's hope you are under budget. Last year on average Canadians spent over $700 each on the holiday. For a family of four that is over $2000. 

At this time of the year, your financial literacy is having the knowledge, skills and confidence to make responsible financial decisions and to not go overboard.  By reviewing your finances now, you will be better able to:

Understand how to make day-to-day choices about how to pay off the Christmas bills before they arrive so you can stay on top of financial obligations;
Plan ahead about how to use your hard-earned dollars for savings for next years spending or when and how long it will take to pay off the current years spending. 

Stats Canada puts out some interesting Christmas stats, here are a few

Gifts of all kinds

Exchanging gifts is a big part of Christmas, not to mention Hanukkah and Eid. Some families might see some of these items in their Christmas stockings or left under the tree!

• $5.1 billion — The value of food and beverages purchased at large retailers in Canada in December 2016. This was up 16.92% from average monthly sales of $4.35 billion for this category in 2016 and up 16.8% from sales in November 2016.
• $459.9 million — The value of televisions and audio and video equipment purchased at large retailers in Canada in December 2016. This was up 121.3% from average monthly sales of $207.8 million for this category in 2016 and up 31.0% from sales in November 2016.
• $417.8 million — The value of toys, games and hobby supplies, including electronic games, purchased at large retailers in Canada in December 2016. This was up 203.7% from average monthly sales of $137.6 million for this category in 2016 and up 38.8% from sales in November 2016.
• $274.9 million — The value of computer hardware and software purchased at large retailers in Canada in December 2016. This was up 65.4% from average monthly sales of $166.3 million for this category in 2016 and up 11.9% from sales in November 2016.
• $263.4 million — The value of small electrical appliances purchased at large retailers in Canada in December 2016. This was up 91.5% from average monthly sales of $137.6 million for this category in 2016 and up 33.0% from sales in November 2016.
• $238.5 million — The value of tableware, kitchenware, cookware and bakeware purchased at large retailers in Canada in December 2016. This was up 82.1% from average monthly sales of $131.0 million for this category in 2016 and up 46.6% from sales in November 2016.

Do you know what will be under your tree?

MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY HOLIDAYS

FROM MY  FAMILY TO YOU AND YOURS ENJOY CHRISTMAS DAY AND THE HOLIDAY!

To my Extended Family in Australia

MERRY XMAS!

Xmas is coming the goose is getting fat

Christmas is meant to be a joyous time of year, but for many, it is a sad time. So if you are one of the lucky ones who is having a joyous time, take time to think and to help those who may be having a sad time. 

Some have no family or friends to share the season with as family may have moved away, friends may be off with their family or have moved away or for many seniors, friends have died. Some have no money to spend on gifts for their children and struggle to explain why Santa will not come again this year. Others may be suffering from illness and be forced to be in a hospital away from family and friends. Others may be facing the first year without a loved one who passed last year.

We are very good at saying we understand the spirit of Christmas, but I think it is very difficult for some to actually act on what the spirit of Christmas means. 

Christmas is a joyous time of year, take the time and energy to help all of your friends and neigbours celebrate the season in the best of spirits.

Have a safe and wonderful Christmas holiday

71 Christmas and Holiday Quotes for this time of year

When I was young, I had a choice between getting a Christmas present or a birthday present. (My birthday is very close to Xmas.) When my children were young, Christmas became a special holiday for the family. Over the years Christmas, the magic of the season has become more important. So, this year I have put together a quote about the holiday for each year I have been lucky enough to be on this planet. I hope you find them interesting. As you read these you may notice a number of quotes by the same author. Charles Dickens is one of my favourite authors and I find his words about the holiday powerful. Enjoy

1. Steve Maraboli, “Want to keep Christ in Christmas? Feed the hungry, clothe the naked, forgive the guilty, welcome the unwanted, care for the ill, love your enemies, and do unto others as you would have done unto you.”
2. Dr. Seuss, “Christmas will always be as long as we stand heart to heart and hand in hand”
3. Theodor Seuss Geisel, “Maybe Christmas, he thought, doesn't come from a store. Maybe Christmas . . . perhaps . . .means a little bit more!"
4. Benjamin Franklin, “A good conscience is a continual Christmas.”
5. Benjamin Franklin, “How many observe Christ's birthday! How few, His precepts!”
6. Taylor Caldwell, “This is the message of Christmas: We are never alone.”
7. Taylor Caldwell, “I am not alone at all, I thought. I was never alone at all. And that, of course, is the message of Christmas. We are never alone. Not when the night is darkest, the wind coldest, the world seemingly most indifferent. For this is still the time God chooses.”
8. Calvin Coolidge, "Christmas is not a time nor a season, but a state of mind. To cherish peace and goodwill, to be plenteous in mercy, is to have the real spirit of Christmas."
9. Eric Sevareid, "Christmas is a necessity. There has to be at least one day of the year to remind us that we're here for something else besides ourselves."
10. Carrie Fisher, "I don't think Christmas is necessarily about things. It's about being good to one another, it's about the Christian ethic, it's about kindness."
11. Dale Evans, “Christmas, my child, is love in action. Every time we love, every time we give, it’s Christmas.”
12. Washington Irving, "Christmas is a season for kindling the fire for hospitality in the hall, the genial flame of charity in the heart."
13. Peg Bracken, "Gifts of time and love are surely the basic ingredients of a truly merry Christmas."
14. Winston Churchill, “Christmas is a season not only of rejoicing but of reflection”
15. Winston Churchill, “Let the children have their night of fun and laughter, let the gifts of Father Christmas delight their play. Let us grown-ups share to the full in their unstinted pleasures.”
16. Norman Vincent Peale, “Christmas waves a magic wand over this world, and behold, everything is softer and more beautiful.”
17. Norman Vincent Peale, “I truly believe that if we keep telling the Christmas story, singing the Christmas songs, and living the Christmas spirit, we can bring joy and happiness and peace to this world.”
18. Albert Einstein, “Nothing that I can do will change the structure of the universe. But maybe, by raising my voice I can help the greatest of all causes – goodwill among men and peace on earth.”  
19. Helen Keller, “The only real blind person at Christmas-time is he who has no Christmas in his heart.”
20. Kathleen M. Carroll, “This Christmas, celebrate the season as though it were your last. One day, you’ll be right.”
21. Charles Dickens “I will honor Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all the year.”
22. Charles Dickens, “Time was with most of us, when Christmas Day, encircling all our limited world like a magic ring, left nothing out for us to miss or seek; bound together all our home enjoyments, affections, and hopes; grouped everything and everyone round the Christ.”
23. Charles Dickens, “I have always thought of Christmas time, when it has come round, as a good time; a kind, forgiving, charitable time; the only time I know of, in the long calendar of the year, when men and women seem by one consent to open their shut-up hearts freely, and to think of people below them as if they really were fellow passengers to the grave, and not another race of creatures bound on other journeys.”
24. Charles Dickens, “Happy, happy Christmas, that can win us back to the delusions of our childish days; that can recall to the old man the pleasures of his youth; that can transport the sailor and the traveller, thousands of miles away, back to his own fire-side and his quiet home!”
25. Charles Dickens, “Christmas is a time in which, of all times in the year, the memory of every remediable sorrow, wrong, and trouble in the world around us, should be active with us, not less than our own experiences, for all good.”
26. Charles M. Schulz, “Christmas is doing a little something extra for someone.”
27. Edna Ferber, “Christmas isn't a season. It's a feeling.”
28. Brigham Young, "Love the giver more than the gift."
29. Bob Hope "My idea of Christmas, whether old-fashioned or modern, is very simple: loving others. Come to think of it, why do we have to wait for Christmas to do that?"
30. Bob Hope, “When we recall Christmas past, we usually find that the simplest things — not the great occasions — give off the greatest glow of happiness.”
31. Author unknown, “Through the years we all will be together, If the Fates allow, hang a shining star upon the highest bough, and have yourself a merry little Christmas now”
32. Author unknown, “Love is what’s in the room with you at Christmas if you stop opening presents & listen.”
33. Julie Heber, “Christmas is for everyone, adults and children alike. Allow this season fill your heart, and let go of the things you dislike.”
34. Malaika Arora Khan, “For me, the spirit of Christmas means being happy and giving freely. It's a tradition for all the kids in the family to help mom decorate the tree. Christmas is all about family, eating, drinking and making merry.”
35. Emily Matthews, “From home to home, and heart to heart, from one place to another. The warmth and joy of Christmas, brings us closer to each other.”
36. Emily Matthews, “Good friends have a way of bringing out the best in you by their caring and the interest that they take in all you do
37. Ronald Reagan, “Christmas is a holiday that we celebrate not as individuals nor as a nation, but as a human family.”
38. Alexander Smith, “Christmas is the day that holds all time together.”
39. Thomas S. Monson, “The spirit of Christmas is the spirit of love and of generosity and of goodness. It illuminates the picture window of the soul, and we look out upon the world's busy life and become more interested in people than in things.”
40. Louisa May Alcott, “Very gay they were with snow and sleigh-bells, holly-boughs, and garlands, below, and Christmas sunshine in the winter sky above. All faces shone, all voices had a cheery ring, and everybody stepped briskly on errands of good-will.”
41. Carol Nelson, “Christmas is a time when you get homesick — even when you're home.”
42. Roy L. Smith, “He who has not Christmas in his heart will never find it under a tree.”
43.  W.J. Cameron, “Christmas is the gentlest, loveliest festival of the revolving year — and yet, for all that, when it speaks, its voice has strong authority.”
44. Burton Hillis, “The best of all gifts around any Christmas tree: the presence of a happy family all wrapped up in each other.”
45. Andy Rooney, “One of the most glorious messes in the world is the mess created in the living room on Christmas day. Don't clean it up too quickly.”
46. Andy Rooney, “The best Christmas trees come very close to exceeding nature.”
47. Francis C. Farley, “Instead of being a time of unusual behavior, Christmas is perhaps the only time in the year when people can obey their natural impulses and express their true sentiments without feeling self-conscious and, perhaps, foolish. Christmas, in short, is about the only chance a man has to be himself.”
48. W.T. Ellis, “It is Christmas in the heart that puts Christmas in the air.”
49. W.J. Ronald Tucker, “For centuries men have kept an appointment with Christmas. Christmas means fellowship, feasting, giving and receiving, a time of good cheer, home.”
50. Joan Winmill Brown, Christmas! The very word brings joy to our hearts. No matter how we may dread the rush, the long Christmas lists for gifts and cards to be bought and given — when Christmas Day comes there is still the same warm feeling we had as children, the same warmth that enfolds our hearts and our homes.”
51. Ada V. Hendricks, “May you have the gladness of Christmas which is hope; The spirit of Christmas which is peace; The heart of Christmas which is love.”
52. Agnes M. Pahro, “What is Christmas? It is tenderness for the past, courage for the present, hope for the future. It is a fervent wish that every cup may overflow with blessings rich and eternal, and that every path may lead to peace.”
53. Donald Westlak, “As we struggle with shopping lists and invitations, compounded by December’s bad weather, it is good to be reminded that there are people in our lives who are worth this aggravation, and people to whom we are worth the same.”
54. Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, “I heard the bells on Christmas Day; their old familiar carols play, and wild and sweet the word repeat of peace on earth, good-will to men!'
55. Ruth Carter Stapleton, “Christmas is most truly Christmas when we celebrate it by giving the light of love to those who need it most.”
56. Edward Rowland Sill, “I send my thoughts afar, and let them paint your Christmas Day at home”
57. J.K. Rowling, “One can never have enough socks," said Dumbledore. "Another Christmas has come and gone and I didn't get a single pair. People will insist on giving me books.”
58. Dave Barry, “In the old days, it was not called the Holiday Season; the Christians called it 'Christmas' and went to church; the Jews called it 'Hanukkah' and went to synagogue; the atheists went to parties and drank. People passing each other on the street would say 'Merry Christmas!' or 'Happy Hanukkah!' or (to the atheists) 'Look out for the wall!”
59. Ernest Hemingway, “If my Valentine you won't be, I'll hang myself on your Christmas tree.”
60. Philip Yancey, “Yet as I read the birth stories about Jesus I cannot help but conclude that though the world may be tilted toward the rich and powerful, God is tilted toward the underdog.”
61. Robert Lynd, “Were I a philosopher, I should write a philosophy of toys, showing that nothing else in life need to be taken seriously, and that Christmas Day in the company of children is one of the few occasions on which men become entirely alive.”
62. G.K. Chesterton, “Christmas is built upon a beautiful and intentional paradox; that the birth of the homeless should be celebrated in every home.”
63. Richard Paul Evans, “The universe is a trillion, trillion threads moving in seemingly unrelated directions. Yet when you look at them together, they create a remarkable tapestry.”
64. Kiersten White, “Christmas Eve is my favorite... I think the anticipation is more fun than anything else. I kind of lost that. The idea that something - food, traditions, an arbitrary date on the calendar - can be special because we decide it should be. We make it special. Not just for ourselves, but for others.”
65. Barbara Kingsolver, “Like kids who only ever get socks for Christmas, but still believe with all their hearts in Santa.”
66. Frederick Buechner , “And now brothers, I will ask you a terrible question, and God knows I ask it also of myself. Is the truth beyond all truths, beyond the stars, just this: that to live without him is the real death, that to die with him the only life
67. Bess Streeter Aldrich, “Christmas Eve was a night of song that wrapped itself about you like a shawl. But it warmed more than your body. It warmed your heart... filled it, too, with a melody that would last forever. Even though you grew up and found you could never quite bring back the magic feeling of this night, the melody would stay in your heart always - a song for all the years.” 
68. Bess Streeter Aldrich, “A person may encircle the globe with mind open only to bodily comfort. Another may live his life on a sixty-foot lot and listen to the voices of the universe.”
69. Gladys Taber, “Christmas is a bridge. We need bridges as the river of time flows past. Today's Christmas should mean creating happy hours for tomorrow and reliving those of yesterday.” 
70. Joan Mills, “Christmas is the keeping-place for memories of our innocence.”
71. Thomas Tusser, “At Christmas play and make good cheer, For Christmas comes but once a year.” 

Source of Quotes:

http://www.townandcountrymag.com/

http://christmas.fundootimes.com

http://merrychristmas-happynewyear2017.org

www.girlfriendology.com

https://www.goodreads.com/quotes/tag/christmas  Brainy Quotes

http://www.goodhousekeeping.com/

http://www.quotegarden.com/christmas.html

Merry Xmas

MERRY XMAS TO EVERYONE FROM MY FAMILY TO YOUR FAMILY. 

The Night before Xmas

Clement Clarke Moore (1779 - 1863) wrote the poem Twas the night before Christmas also called “A Visit from St. Nicholas" in 1822. It is now the tradition in many families to read the poem every Christmas Eve.

Twas the Night before Christmas Poem

Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house

Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse.

The stockings were hung by the chimney with care,

In hopes that St Nicholas soon would be there.

The children were nestled all snug in their beds,

While visions of sugar-plums danced in their heads.

And mamma in her ‘kerchief, and I in my cap,

Had just settled our brains for a long winter’s nap.

When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter,

I sprang from the bed to see what was the matter.

Away to the window I flew like a flash,

Tore open the shutters and threw up the sash.

The moon on the breast of the new-fallen snow

Gave the lustre of mid-day to objects below.

When, what to my wondering eyes should appear,

But a miniature sleigh, and eight tinny reindeer.

With a little old driver, so lively and quick,

I knew in a moment it must be St Nick.

More rapid than eagles his coursers they came,

And he whistled, and shouted, and called them by name!

"Now Dasher! now, Dancer! now, Prancer and Vixen!

On, Comet! On, Cupid! on, on Donner and Blitzen!

To the top of the porch! to the top of the wall!

Now dash away! Dash away! Dash away all!"

As dry leaves that before the wild hurricane fly,

When they meet with an obstacle, mount to the sky.

So up to the house-top the coursers they flew,

With the sleigh full of Toys, and St Nicholas too.

And then, in a twinkling, I heard on the roof

The prancing and pawing of each little hoof.

As I drew in my head, and was turning around,

Down the chimney St Nicholas came with a bound.

He was dressed all in fur, from his head to his foot,

And his clothes were all tarnished with ashes and soot.

A bundle of Toys he had flung on his back,

And he looked like a peddler, just opening his pack.

His eyes-how they twinkled! his dimples how merry!

His cheeks were like roses, his nose like a cherry!

His droll little mouth was drawn up like a bow,

And the beard of his chin was as white as the snow.

The stump of a pipe he held tight in his teeth,

And the smoke it encircled his head like a wreath.

He had a broad face and a little round belly,

That shook when he laughed, like a bowlful of jelly!

He was chubby and plump, a right jolly old elf,

And I laughed when I saw him, in spite of myself!

A wink of his eye and a twist of his head,

Soon gave me to know I had nothing to dread.

He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work,

And filled all the stockings, then turned with a jerk.

And laying his finger aside of his nose,

And giving a nod, up the chimney he rose!

He sprang to his sleigh, to his team gave a whistle,

And away they all flew like the down of a thistle.

But I heard him exclaim, ‘ere he drove out of sight,

"Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good-night!"

The poem 'Twas the night before Christmas' has redefined our image of Christmas and Santa Claus. Prior to the creation of the story of 'Twas the night before Christmas' St. Nicholas, the patron saint of children, had never been associated with a sleigh or reindeers!

Clement Moore, the author of the poem Twas the night before Christmas, was a reticent man and it is believed that a family friend, Miss H. Butler, sent a copy of the poem to the New York Sentinel who published the poem. The condition of publication was that the author of Twas the night before Christmas was to remain anonymous. 

The first publication date was 23rd December 1823 and it was an immediate success. It was not until 1844 that Clement Clarke Moore claimed ownership when the work was included in a book of his poetry.