Winter Holiday Thread

[pyewacket]

It's that time of year *again*. If the season irritates, brings joy, has special memories, or unique traditions for any of you, please feel free to post your sentiments here. Favorite song, movie, joke, poem, story, or if you find something that makes you smile or grind your gears- we want to know. 
Consider it holiday therapy. 

I'm going to start us off with something cute!


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kuRn2S7iPNU

[Mind Flayer Monk]

It's that time of year *again*. If the season irritates, brings joy, has special memories, or unique traditions for any of you, please feel free to post your sentiments here. Favorite song, movie, joke, poem, story, or if you find something that makes you smile or grind your gears- we want to know. 
Consider it holiday therapy. 

I put on Christmas music and wrap presents and get drunk. Its fun to watch my decreasing paper-folding skills as the night goes on.

[pyewacket]

I put on Christmas music and wrap presents and get drunk. Its fun to watch my decreasing paper-folding skills as the night goes on.

I've done that a couple of times- kept losing track of the tape dispenser.

Here's a tutorial for a super easy way to wrap and a more complicated but beautiful method to try before too much liquor. 


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7UI2ZW1MnG8   

[ItsOver]

Great idea, PW!  I was passing through the Dayton area yesterday, seeing family, before heading back down south.  One holiday tradition I greatly enjoy in the area is Angel Night, held in the historic Calvary Cemetery and Chapel.  It's a night of choruses and illuminated angel memorials throughout the hilly resting site.  Being an old site, there are a number of gorgeous, angel memorial tributes which are illuminated for the one night only, with respectful tours.  All the while, a number of local choral groups perform at a small, beautiful chapel.

It was a cold but absolutely gorgeous night that really was quite remarkable.  This year, down below Calvary hill, the Carillon Tower was lit up, symbolizing a Christmas tree.  Truly special.

[pyewacket]

Wow- now that is special, IO. Sounds absolutely beautiful. Love to hear about regional traditions. Thank you. 

[ItsOver]

You are very welcome!  Yes, it is really wonderful. 

[pyewacket]

Let's not forget Chanukah! This made me smile- never heard a Rammstein cover done this way before. 


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3C04TKCce8s

[pyewacket]

What I like the most about Christmas is that it has evolved into a multi faceted, inclusive celebration for anyone to enjoy in one form or another. It is Pagan and Christian- spiritual and secular- with an international medley of traditions and customs.

I lean more towards the pagan spirit, but still hold onto one or two old Catholic family traditions from the old country. We still use a form of the Oplatek- the Christmas Wafer- the head of the household breaks the wafer with his wife and they proceed to share with the rest of the family wishing each good health and prosperity. Even the pets get a share.

We still leave our tree up for the twelve days of Christmas- until the Feast of the Three Kings on January 6th.

Our Solstice observance involves sharing food and charitable contributions and forgiveness. A small gathering for good company, food, wine, and ale. An exchange of gifts in appreciation of one another. Candles are lit to celebrate the shortening nights and lengthening days.

A simple gathering and everyone goes home happy - and well fed. 
 

   

[pyewacket]

Learn The Fascinating And Complex History Of Christmas In America by Laura Caseley

http://www.littlethings.com/history-of-christmas-in-america/?utm_source=ISM&utm_medium=Facebook&utm_campaign=Christmas

[pyewacket]

Another Christmas tradition- guaranteed to produce strong reactions- and possibly a need for therapy in the future.

[Ciardelo]

Thanks for making this thread, I've been enjoying it! 

[pyewacket]

Thanks for making this thread, I've been enjoying it! 

I'm happy to hear that, Ciardelo! It's a special season with a long history. I've barely scratched the surface. Feel free to add to it. 

[pyewacket]

If you've never visited "Cake Wrecks", you're missing out. Here is a feature called "Sunday Sweets" where they present the best of the decorators.

http://www.cakewrecks.com/home/2013/12/15/sunday-sweets-christmas-cheer.html


Unfortunately, the custom cakes can be a budget buster, but you can find some nice cakes at the grocery store if you don't have the time to bake your own. Although it looks like some of the bakers might need more practice.

http://www.cakewrecks.com/home/2010/12/16/the-12-wrecks-of-christmas.html

They also pay special attention to detail for their Hanukkah cakes.

http://www.cakewrecks.com/home/2015/12/7/i-dont-think-this-baker-really-gets-hanukkah.html

[Lt.Uhura]

[pyewacket]

 

We could use some Christmas music.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PmycgoBECgk

[pyewacket]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RTtc2pM1boE

[pyewacket]

Remember the Motown Merry Christmas Medley? 


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ysOpKK4bwUU

[pyewacket]

Buddhists across Russia are celebrating Zula Khural, or the Candle Festival, dedicated to the passing into nirvana of the founder of the Gelugpa school, Bogdo Tsongkhapa.

It is believed that the philosopher went into meditation and reached nirvana on the 25th day of the first winter month in the lunar calendar.

During the meditation, numerous rays were seen emanating from his body.

A thousand candles will be traditionally lit to symbolize the light of the Buddhist teachings.

For three days Buddhist temples will be holding divine services and Buddhist believers will be bringing their offerings to the Teacher.
Read more: http://sputniknews.com/voiceofrussia/2012_12_07/Buddhist-fest-in-Russia/

picture source: http://rbth.com/multimedia/photo_of_the_day/2015/12/09/1000-buddhist-candles-in-st-petersburg_549297

[Ciardelo]

I found this on the cake wrecks site. I just want to say "Merry Christmas, Hanukkah peeps!"

[Rix Gins]

Has anybody seen the Paul Winter solstice concert in New York?  I think it must be simply grand.



http://paulwinter.com/winter_solstice/

[pyewacket]

Holidays can be tough on the kitties, too. "Help them forgive and forget"


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wMH4xmOeKxc

[pyewacket]

Sometimes they have the upper hand- Merry Catmus!


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QMSN9zcscME

[ponyboysunset]

Great idea, PW!  I was passing through the Dayton area yesterday, seeing family, before heading back down south.  One holiday tradition I greatly enjoy in the area is Angel Night, held in the historic Calvary Cemetery and Chapel.  It's a night of choruses and illuminated angel memorials throughout the hilly resting site.  Being an old site, there are a number of gorgeous, angel memorial tributes which are illuminated for the one night only, with respectful tours.  All the while, a number of local choral groups perform at a small, beautiful chapel.

It was a cold but absolutely gorgeous night that really was quite remarkable.  This year, down below Calvary hill, the Carillon Tower was lit up, symbolizing a Christmas tree.  Truly special.

That place is really cool. I have close friends in Dayton and it's just an amazing view too!

[aldousburbank]

My favorite holiday album- Christmas with Chet Atkins

http://youtu.be/icmEsOaibzY

[ziznak]

Be careful "It's Over" and make sure you check to make sure "Angel Night" doesn't take a turn for the worst down the road...



I have this vision of you suffering cardiac arrest someday when you show up to find it's now called "Angel Night with George Noory."

[ItsOver]

That place is really cool. I have close friends in Dayton and it's just an amazing view too!

It really is a special place and time.  You're right, PBS, the view of the Miami Valley is really cool from the site, especially when the Carillon Tower is lit like a Christmas tree.

[ItsOver]

Be careful "It's Over" and make sure you check to make sure "Angel Night" doesn't take a turn for the worst down the road...



I have this vision of you suffering cardiac arrest someday when you show up to find it's now called "Angel Night with George Noory."

Ha! I was waiting for somebody to pick-up on the Angel/Noory connection.  When they set-up a Carnivora stand and start selling turmeric, I'll know Norry has fouled something special again.

[pyewacket]

My favorite holiday album- Christmas with Chet Atkins

Thanks aldous- that brings back memories. 

Remember the Andy William's Christmas Specials?


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=73UqDX_quk0

[pyewacket]

In case some of you younger members are wondering what's wrong with some of us older members- this is what we grew up with. (Don't miss MV's favorite avatar's cameo appearance)


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8oe7l1H442k

[pyewacket]

Things haven't improved much....


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wofsgfQ2VSc