"I heard the bells on Christmas Day
Their old, familiar carols play,
And wild and sweet
The words repeat
Of peace on earth, good-will to men! "
– Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
"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! "
– Dave Barry
Thanks for the reminder, Aussie, and the poem; so familiar. Hugs back. Happy Advent and a very merry Christmas to everyone!!!
Prayers for those in CA due to the fire. Some have lost so much.
trynfindit
Dec 8, 2017
Love the Dave Barry quote aussie.
aussiesapphire
Dec 8, 2017
:) trynfindit and jmbps - Hugs.
theclingens
Dec 9, 2017
This puzzle took me a while longer than normal, but very enjoyable. Funny I didn't even notice the deer atlers till read another post! LOL. I never heard of the atheists greeting for Christmas, That is way funny. But will use it when I met one. Loving the Christmas season this year as I have scales back to simple recovering from my knee replacement which is coming along very well. I love to decorate and have so many things but have come to grips that doesn't make Christmas. It is the simple things the home made cookies with grandkids and the great ones listening to the giggles. And looking at the glee in their eyes about all the magic of the season. A naivety set is under my tree. A tradition I have always had. No presents allowed till Christmas morning cause I wanted the focus to be on Jesus the reason for the season. So when we are eating cooking I always talk to the kids about what He did for us to make this time special! Wishing all a very Merry Christmas and a very Blessed New year! May God's Blessing be abundant to each and every one!
Taffi
Dec 10, 2017
We don't put up a tree. My husband is an atheist. So Christmas is not so special in our house. Yes, there is gifts. Then we go to a friend's house for Christmas and get the Christmas tree there. At least I get one for Christmas! Sending everyone a special Advent hug. Remember that it's Jesus' birthday and that is why we celebrate. Bah humbug on this happy holidays stuff! OK, if that is how you believe, then hugs and hope that the holidays are good to you.
aussiesapphire
Dec 10, 2017
And to theclingens as well. Christmas hugs.
aussiesapphire
Dec 10, 2017
Hi taffi, so sad to hear that your husband is not a believer, but remember that God believes in him and we just have to continue in prayer for those we love and let the Holy Spirit do his work. I agree with you about the "happy holidays" bunkum and just continue to say Happy Christmas to anyone. Have a lovely Christmas - I am meeting my best friend this morning, she lives quite a distance from me and we get together once a year. It is always lots of fun and morning tea goes into lunch and we part for another year. Keep in touch most days by phone though. Loving Hugs.
When I was growing up we always had a village around the base of the Christmas tree. It was raised about 10" off the floor with some kind of skirt covering the gap. The storage boxes for ornaments, houses, mini-trees, mirror for a lake ---- were stowed under the platform --- close and convenient but out of sight. What fun we had setting the village up ---- and we added a feature each year. Good memories.
I set up a village on my bookcase every year. Not all of the pieces are 'to scale' - actually, none of them are - but they're all of the figures have nice memories. The center of the village is a church with "stained glass windows" and it lights up inside. The little church was under our Christmas trees growing up and Mom and Dad had had it for a little while so that little church is over 70 years old. Merry Christmas!
"I heard the bells on Christmas Day
Their old, familiar carols play,
And wild and sweet
The words repeat
Of peace on earth, good-will to men! "
– Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
"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! "
– Dave Barry
Take care and God bless. Hugs.
Prayers for those in CA due to the fire. Some have lost so much.