Christmas characters and food, Christmas-linked holidays and music, Santa Claus and traditions. Related to Annunciation, Incarnation; Crucifixion; Advent, the four weeks preceding Christmas; and the period between the day after Thanksgiving and the Sunday after New Year”s Day, the American holiday season. Christmas or Christmas Day is a holiday celebrating the birth of Jesus, the central figure of Christianity. Aspects of celebration may include gift-giving, Christmas trees, display of Nativity sets, church attendance, the Father Christmas/Santa Claus myth, and family gatherings. Users of the Gregorian calendar observe the holiday on December 25. Some Eastern Orthodox Churches celebrate on December 25 by the Julian calendar, which currently corresponds to January 7 on the Gregorian calendar. These dates are merely traditional; the great majority of scholars agree that the actual birthdate of Jesus is unknown. In Western culture, the holiday is characterized by the exchange of gifts among friends and family members, some of the gifts being attributed to Santa Claus (also known as Father Christmas, Saint Nicholas, Saint Basil and Father Frost). However, various local and regional Christmas traditions are still practiced, despite the widespread influence of American, British and Australian Christmas motifs disseminated by film, popular literature, television, and other media.

Did You Know… Included in the original roll call of Santa’s reindeer were Dunder and Blixem? The concept of the nativity scene can be traced back to Saint Francis of Assisi in 1223? There are only ten US cities that have better than a 90% chance of having a white Christmas each year? These and 98 other fascinating insights await in this celebration of the customs, entertainment, food, and festivities associated with Christmas. Learn the origins of some of the most popular Yuletide traditions and dispel some of the biggest myths and misconceptions surrounding the season. After reading these incredible facts, you will come away with some interesting trivia to share at your next holiday party and far more important, gain a greater appreciation for God and the true meaning of Christmas.

This handbook is a compilation of tested ideas and resources from pastors to help new and veteran pastors benefit from fresh ideas. Includes difficult situations like the death of a child and second marriages.

These short stories dwell on some of the basic themes of society. These include the daily life profiles of teenagers in family settings, honesty, justice, and the perseverance of romantic love against many odds. These stories are not only interesting alone, but they also produce a plethora of ideas applicable to other lives, producing authentic life lessons. The poems display an exciting array of the various stages of the human struggle to understand and be understood by society. Perhaps they are ultimately the writer's effort toward the true expression of her soul. Welcome to some good reading.

Voices from a Silent Heart is an anthology of poems. Every poem has a learning tool that would strengthen us to grow in certain circumstances. This work explores diverse themes, such as relationships, the longing for love, the wisdom of dreams, goals, aspirations, spiritual, hope, courage, and family. The poems are touching and instructive to empower a believer in oneself as an individual and to build a relationship with God. Voices from a Silent Heart promotes the development of anyone who is ready for deep change. Voices from a Silent Heart reflects on life, the emotions that define us, and helps our mind to gain new ideas in ways of giving the world a new aspect of light. This work gives a sense of empathy; it focuses intensely on understanding the world and the people around us better. Voices from a Silent Heart will enhance empathy, compassion, and the feelings and emotions of others. Voices from a Silent Heart will infuse life with beauty, culture, and important thoughts, feelings and experiences and convey optimism to others. Voices from a Silent Heart will strengthen ones resolve and inspire us to a positive path in our everyday lives. Indeed, this book will help with the struggles that we all encounter in life. Put simply, it is a journey in search of the hero within oneself.

Jerome Klapka Jerome was an English writer and humourist. Idle Thoughts of an Idle Fellow is a collection of humorous and entertaining essays. These are amusing thoughts on all aspects of life, from love to poverty, vanity to ambition, babies to cats and dogs.