Real Estate Information Archive

As you gather with family and friends to celebrate this year, take time to think about the origins of some of the traditions of Christmas.

• Santa Claus – his story begins in the 4^th century with St. Nicholas, the Bishop of Myra (an area in modern day Turkey). St. Nicholas was known to be a generous man especially devoted to children. Because he was so kind and benevolent, rumors began that he could perform miracles.  He became the patron saint of Russia and was known for his red cape and flowing, white beard. He has his own feast day that is celebrated on December 6…a day of gift giving and charity. The story of St. Nicholas was passed down through generations and his name transformed over time. The Dutch called him Sinterklaas. Dutch children would leave their wooden shoes by the fireplace and Sinterklaas would reward good children by placing treats in their shoes. This tradition traveled to America with Dutch colonists and here the Anglican name of Santa Claus emerged.
• Christmas Trees – the decorating of fir trees originated in 16^th century Germany where trees would be adorned with apples, roses, candies and colored paper.  The Christmas tree was brought to England by Queen Victoria’s husband, Prince Albert, from his native Germany.  The first Christmas trees in America were introduced by Pennsylvania Germans and became popular by the middle of the 19^th century.
• Mistletoe – mistletoe was used by Druid priests 200 years before the birth of Christ in their winter celebrations. They held the plant in high esteem because it had no roots, yet remained green throughout the winter season.  The ancient Celts thought that the plant had magical healing powers. It was also seen as a symbol of peace and it was said that when enemies met under mistletoe, they would lay down their weapons and embrace. Scandinavians associated the plant with Frigga, the goddess of love. This is perhaps where the custom of kissing under the mistletoe began.  It is thought that those who kiss under the mistletoe have the promise of happiness and good luck in the year to come.
• The Christmas Wreath – The Christmas wreath is another tradition that has been around for a long time.  The first wreaths were created from fresh evergreens. Because they are green year round they were the obvious choice for winter months.  The word “wreath” is derived from an English word meaning “to twist”, such as in a circle.  Some believe that initially wreathes were hung on doors in Ancient Rome to represent victory.  The circle shape with no beginning or end represents eternity or life never ending.

While celebrating with these ancient traditions and with your own family traditions this year, may you be surrounded by peace and joy. Merry Christmas! 

“But I am sure that I have always thought of Christmas time, when it has come ‘round…as a good time, a kind, forgiving, charitable, pleasant 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.”

Charles Dickens

The True Meaning of Christmas

Per Wikipedia, the "true meaning of Christmas" is a phrase with a long history in American pop culture. It first appears in the mid-19th century, and is often given vaguely religious overtones, suggesting that the "true meaning of Christmas" is the celebration of the Nativity of Christ. But in pop culture usage, overt religious references are mostly avoided, and the "true meaning" is taken to be a sort of introspective and benevolent attitude as opposed to the commercialization of Christmas which has been lamented since at least the 1850s. The poem A Visit From St. Nicholas (1822) helped popularize the tradition of exchanging gifts, and seasonal Christmas shopping began to assume economic importance. An early expression of this sentiment using the phrase of "the true meaning" is found in The American magazine, vol. 28 (1889):

"to give up one's very self — to think only of others — how to bring the greatest happiness to others — that is the true meaning of Christmas"^.

The phrase is especially associated with Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol (1843), in which an old miser is taught the true meaning of Christmas by three ghostly visitors who review his past and foretell his future.

The topic was taken up by satirists such as Stan Freberg and Tom Leher during the 1950s and eventually by the influential TV special A Charlie Brown Christmas, first aired in 1965 and repeated every year since. The phrase and the associated moral became used as a theme in numerous Christmas films since the 1960s.

As you gather with family and friends to celebrate this year, take time to think about the origins of some of the traditions of Christmas.

• Santa Claus – his story begins in the 4^th century with St. Nicholas, the Bishop of Myra (an area in modern day Turkey). St. Nicholas was known to be a generous man especially devoted to children. Because he was so kind and benevolent, rumors began that he could perform miracles.  He became the patron saint of Russia and was known for his red cape and flowing, white beard. He has his own feast day that is celebrated on December 6…a day of gift giving and charity. The story of St. Nicholas was passed down through generations and his name transformed over time. The Dutch called him Sinterklaas. Dutch children would leave their wooden shoes by the fireplace and Sinterklaas would reward good children by placing treats in their shoes. This tradition traveled to America with Dutch colonists and here the Anglican name of Santa Claus emerged.
• Christmas Trees – the decorating of fir trees originated in 16^th century Germany where trees would be adorned with apples, roses, candies and colored paper.  The Christmas tree was brought to England by Queen Victoria’s husband, Prince Albert, from his native Germany.  The first Christmas trees in America were introduced by Pennsylvania Germans and became popular by the middle of the 19^th century.
• Mistletoe – mistletoe was used by Druid priests 200 years before the birth of Christ in their winter celebrations. They held the plant in high esteem because it had no roots, yet remained green throughout the winter season.  The ancient Celts thought that the plant had magical healing powers. It was also seen as a symbol of peace and it was said that when enemies met under mistletoe, they would lay down their weapons and embrace. Scandinavians associated the plant with Frigga, the goddess of love. This is perhaps where the custom of kissing under the mistletoe began.  It is thought that those who kiss under the mistletoe have the promise of happiness and good luck in the year to come.
• The Christmas Wreath – The Christmas wreath is another tradition that has been around for a long time.  The first wreaths were created from fresh evergreens. Because they are green year round they were the obvious choice for winter months.  The word “wreath” is derived from an English word meaning “to twist”, such as in a circle.  Some believe that initially wreathes were hung on doors in Ancient Rome to represent victory.  The circle shape with no beginning or end represents eternity or life never ending.

While celebrating with these ancient traditions and with your own family traditions this year, may you be surrounded by peace and joy. 

Courtesy of Montgomery AL Real Estate Expert Sandra Nickel.   

Yes, it’s that delightful time of year again, the time of shopping, decorating, baking, counting down the days, carols, entertaining, and making merry with friends and family. It’s a time of hustle and bustle--with so much to do in so little time! And so…it must also be time for some Christmas tips and time-savers to help you enjoy the holiday just a bit more--and to give you an excuse to sit down for a minute or two while you read this message! In an attempt to make life a little easier, I’ve organized my hints and suggestions into general categories. Unfortunately, this is the only thing I seem to be able to organize, as my own house is strewn with unwrapped gifts, un-hung decorations, and recipes for unbaked goodies! Maybe tomorrow…

SHOPPING AND GIFTS:                                                   

Little known trivia:  7/10 of all dogs in Britain receive gifts from their owners.

Who doesn’t like to save money? Sites for valuable coupons, codes, deals, and rebates for hundreds of stores.

Out of ideas? Need something unique like a ‘I Love You’ stones, a wine chiller, a deluxe valet or birthstone ornaments? RedEnvelope.com will surprise you with its offerings. Prefer something whimsical, geeky, or spiritual? Then go to Gifts.com.

There are ideas for those who are budget conscious and those with champagne taste. Many online shopping sites offer free shipping, and some will even gift-wrap for you!

Remember, you can rarely go wrong with a book and Amazon.com is a great source of seasonal favorites, new releases, or the perfect book for just about anyone, young or old.

Little known trivia: There are two Christmas Islands in the world--one in the Pacific and one in the Indian Ocean.

DECORATIONS:

Little known trivia:  The first tree tinsel was real silver cut into thin strips.

Looking for new ideas to freshen up the holiday decorations in your Montgomery home? Think about displaying seasonally dressed teddy bears, hanging small ornaments on house plants, using cookie cutter or foil-wrapped walnuts as tree ornaments, and tying ribbons and bows to the stems of wine glasses and around the handles of cutlery . These ideas and 95 more can be found at http://www.allthingschristmas.com.

Get suggestions for suggestions on both indoor and outdoor decorating, making wreaths, and creating themed trees. The site also includes some unusual centerpieces, such as a child’s pop-up book, an arrangement of green apples, cinnamon, and greenery, and colorful balls made from Christmas light bulbs. Ever thought about a sugar plum tree?

Little known trivia: 77 million Christmas trees are planted each year.

And speaking of trees, did you know that 5 miles of lights are used to light up Rockefeller Center?

You can also have a virtual visit to the White House tree in the Blue Room. And you just can’t miss the singing tree!

Singing! How could I omit the MUSIC category?

MUSIC:

Christmas Eve was a night of song that wrapped itself around you like a shawl. - Bess Street Aldrich

The sounds of this holiday are like no other with pealing bells, children’s shrieks of delight and excitement, rustling gift wrap, whispered secrets and wonderings, and ever the Christmas songs inviting us to sing along in joy and celebration. In addition to the singing tree, you can join in, listen to, or hum with seasonal tunes. Think to about joining or forming a group to go out caroling some evening.

Perhaps it’s time for a lighthearted Christmas poem before we continue on our holiday journey.

Fall of the Snowman by Paul Curtis

Here is a thought of little worth
Snowmen start their fall to earth
From Heaven above unassembled
And like the snow globe it resembled
But if a snowman were then desired
Some assembly would be required.

Okay, back to the subject at hand. Now for…

FOOD:

Little known trivia:  Many parts of Christmas trees (pine, spruce, and fir) are both edible and nutritious!!

The traditional Christmas dinner in 17^th century England was a boar’s head served with mustard.

Ah, breathe in deeply and savor the smells and tastes of the holidays! In addition to gingerbread men, sugar cookies, and baked ham or turkey, what about trying eggnog bread or Christmas soup?

Whatever is served at a traditional Christmas dinner, meat is probably the main attraction, and what good is that to the vegetarians.  Here are some ideas to mix and match for a vegetarian Christmas menu.

Decorating cookies, making colorful Rice Krispy treats, and enjoying a holiday meal together are all great family activities--and all are delicious!

Feeling challenged in the baking department? These how-to videos will make you a pro!!

Christmas good luck superstitions around the world include: finding a pickle or spider web ornament on the tree, kissing under a sprig of mistletoe, and eating an apple or sprinkling bird seed outside your door on Christmas Eve.

And yet another poem--

THE SANTA CLAUSE by Paul Curtis

When I was a child
I believed in Santa Claus
When I got older
I didn’t believe in Santa Claus
When I became a parent
I was Santa Claus
Now I have grandchildren
I look like Santa Claus

What a perfect segue to the next category!

FOR THE CHILDREN:

The web is overflowing with activities, crafts, games, puzzles, stories, coloring pages, and the like for the younger set, all designed to entertain the kiddies and help them wait for Santa to arrive.

To that end they can keep an up-to -the-second countdown, check the ‘naughty and nice’ list, read Santa’s blog, send your pet’s email to Santa.

The little ones will also enjoy playing Rudolph’s Christmas Quiz Game, getting Santa’s autograph, coloring Christmas pages, watching the Rudolph cam, and playing ‘YuleSearch’.

And don’t forget to track Santa’s Christmas Eve journey!!!!

As long as we know in our hearts what Christmas ought to be, Christmas is. Eric Sevareid

Christmas is the time to let your heart do the thinking. Patricia Clafford

Yes, this is indeed the time for…

REACHING OUT TO OTHERS:

No time to write out Christmas cards? To send holiday e-card greetings to friends and family

And speaking of greetings--and gratitude--Xerox has a web site that lets you send a message of thanks to soldiers currently serving in Iraq. This is a FREE service and only takes a minute to choose a design (3 of which are Christmas themed) to send. What a great way to spread the spirit of the season!

Look to your community to extend the spirit of giving. Donations of money, food, clothing, and time will always be welcomed by the Salvation Army, local charities and relief groups, and church outreach programs. Modeling generosity, commitment, and caring is one of the greatest gifts you can ever give your children, and your own Christmas will be enhanced by doing so.

And with that thought, dear readers, I will close with warm wishes for peace and good will to all--for I, too, still have gifts to wrap, decorations to hang, and goodies to bake.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!

       "The best of all gifts around any Christmas tree: the presence of a happy family all wrapped up in each other."
                                                                      ~ Burton Hillis

Christmas is one of the most widely celebrated festivals globally and is no longer viewed as a purely religious holy day. It is now a time enjoyed by people of many countries and faiths, and there are numerous universally recognized icons which we associate with the yuletide. In fact, these symbols have become so commonly associated with the celebration of Christmas that when we see Santa riding on a reindeer, a mantle hung with stockings, coniferous green trees decorated with tinsel and ornaments, or houses festooned with evergreen wreaths and mistletoe, we know that the magic spirit of the season is upon us.   

The tradition of the Christmas stocking dates back to approximately 250B.C. in Asia Minor. There Nicholas, rich man who became a very generous Christian priest and a saint, is said to have secretly filled the stockings of three poor sisters with gold, thus giving them a dowry and allowing them to marry. Legend has it that after that "miracle," neighbors of the fortunate women followed suit with their stockings, and the tradition slowly spread across the globe. Children throughout the world now hang stockings--or even put out shoes--to be filled with small gifts and food by Santa (Saint) Claus (Nicholas). Many people create their own stockings, personalizing them for themselves or for others and often providing a family activity that is fun for all. Find instructions for making your own Christmas fireplace stockings.

Along with the Christmas holly, laurel, rosemary, yews, boxwood bushes, and, of course the Christmas tree, mistletoe is an evergreen displayed during the Christmas season and symbolic of the eventual rebirth of vegetation that will occur in spring. But perhaps more than any other of the Christmas evergreens, it is a plant of which we are conscious only during the holidays. One day we're kissing under the mistletoe, and next day we've forgotten all about it (the plant, that is, not the kisses).

THE HOLIDAYS ARE HERE! THE HOLIDAYS ARE HERE! 

And ’tis the season to decide what presents to give, to buy the presents, to wrap the presents, to mail and/or deliver the presents.  Whew!--time-consuming and somewhat exhausting unless you’ve discovered online shopping. Here are just a few ideas: EasyXmas.com, Gifts.com, Overstock.com, Amazon.com, Fragrance.net. There are hundreds of other sites just waiting to display their wares and ship them for you. Some even offer free holiday shipping or will do the gift wrapping for you.   

Want something a little different? Check out the top ten present picks for 2009.                                                   

             “May Peace be your gift at Christmas and your blessing all year through!" 
                                                                              -- Unknown

Another time-saving tip: rather than hand writing cards to send holiday greetings online to friends and family and have someone else do the work for you. Great selections--warm, funny, cute, animated, talking, photo, traditional, romantic--and no waiting time!

And speaking of greetings—show support for our troops. Xerox still has a web site that lets you send a message of thanks to soldiers currently serving in Iraq. This is a FREE service and only takes a minute to do.   What a great way to spread the spirit of the season! Visit www.LetsSayThanks.com today.

Yes, you’re busy, busy, busy, but what about the children?

Need to keep the kids happy and involved? Here are creative and original holiday stories. Chat with Santa’s elves. Have fun with educational activities. Make pom-pom snowmen, a snowman garland, or a Rudolph handprint. Deck your halls and walls with candy-colored crafts. 

There is lots of online fun for the kids:

• Visit Santa’s Secret Village
• Track Santa’s trip around the world.  
• Dress up a snowman.
• Decorate a Christmas tree.
• Play fun Christmas games.
• Count the days til Christmas.

Other good sites for craft creations --ornaments, cards, trees, etc.--to make the days leading up to Christmas happy ones are Parents.com, Christmascrafts.net, SchoolFamilyFun.com, FamilyFun.com, FamilyCrafts.com, and Kaboose.com. 

Interested in how Christmas is celebrated around the world? Check out information on the traditions and customs of over forty locations. For instance, general Christmas traditions in Bethlehem are similar to the European and North American customs observed during the festival. From a few days before December 25th, the town is decorated with flags and other items of adornment. Streets are strung with Christmas lights. A Christmas market comes up and Christmas plays are performed. A cross is painted on the door of every Christian home, and Nativity scenes are displayed in every household.  

Learn how to express Christmas greetings in many languages.  Try it and surprise everyone with you linguistic ability. 

"Blessed is the season which engages the whole world in a conspiracy of love."
                                                     ~ Hamilton Wright Mabi 

Now let’s move from goodwill to men to good food at Christmas time… eggnog, sugar cookies, Christmas punch, glazed ham, brunch biscuits and eggs--and so much more. You can even view vidoes to help with baking. Decorating cookies, making colorful Rice Krispy treats, and creating gingerbread cookies are all great family activities--and the results are delicious!

Another traditional activity for family members of all ages is caroling--indoors or outside. Rusty on the lyrics...not a problem.

Still hungering for more family time and/or seasonal spirit? It is said that the tradition of making Christmas movies is as old as making movies itself and Christmas has long been a favorite subject of moviemakers. In fact, so many movies have been made on the theme of Christmas that the list would be too long to print here, but you might want to try The Miracle on 34^th Street (1947 version or the newer one), A Christmas Carol, A Christmas Story, It’s a Wonderful Life, and White Christmas.  

Christmas facts few people know:

*  In the Ukraine, if you find a spider web in the house on Christmas morning, it is a harbinger of good luck. 

*  In ancient Scandinavia, mistletoe was associated with peace and friendship. That may account for the custom of "kissing beneath the mistletoe. 

*  The "Urn of Fate" is part of the Christmas celebrations in many Italian households. TheUrn of Fate is brought out on Christmas Eve. It holds a wrapped present for everyone. 

*  In Sweden a common Christmas decoration is the Julbukk, a small figurine of a goat.  It is usually made of straw.

Alas, dear readers, having presents to buy and wrap, cookies to make, movies to watch, ecards to send, songs to sing, pages to color, eggnog to drink, stories to read, a tree to trim, stockings to fill, thanks to express to our troops, caroling and mistletoe kissing to do, this writer must stop, but not before sending warmest wishes to you for a wonderful and 

MERRY CHRISTMAS!