December 2016
2. The Twelve Days of Christmas
3. This day is also called the Epiphany or to many Three Kings Day.
Three Kings came riding from far away,
Melchior and Gaspar and Baltasar;
Three Wise Men out of the East were they,
And they travelled by night and they slept by day,
For their guide was a beautiful, wonderful star.
4. Pearl Harbor Day – remember and honor the 2,403 victims who were killed in the Japanese surprise attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941.
Rosa Parks Day is an American holiday celebrated on February 4 or December 1 in honor of the civil rights leader Rosa Parks.
On December 1, 1955, after a long day of work Rosa Parks boarded a bus in Montgomery, Alabama. She took her seat in the ‘colored’ section, but as she rode the Cleveland Avenue bus home, the bus began to fill.
The Montgomery city ordinance allowed bus drivers to assign seating. However, it did not permit them to demand a passenger give up their seat. Despite this, bus drivers had customarily required black passengers to give up their seats to white passengers when the public transportation became full.
When Rosa Parks was asked to give up her seat, she refused. She was arrested and what followed is Civil Rights history. She was found guilty on December 5, 1955, of violating the city ordinance and fined $10 plus a court fee.
African American leaders, including E.D. Nixon and Martin Luther King, Jr., organized the Montgomery Bus Boycott for the day of Rosa Park’s trial. The boycott was a success and lasted several months, devastating the transportation system in Montgomery.
6. Sobering Statistics: December is National Impaired Driving Awareness Month
Every day, 28 people in the United States die in motor vehicle crashes involving an alcohol-impaired driver, or roughly one death every 53 minutes. In 2014, nearly 10,000 people were killed, accounting for one-third of all traffic-related deaths. The annual cost of alcohol-related crashes totals more than $44 billion.
7. Consider a Different Type of Holiday Gift: Blood Donation
The holiday season is a time when we reflect on what makes us grateful: perhaps family, friends, or good health. Donating blood is a great way to pass on the gift of health to someone in need.
Blood donation is an excellent way to reduce the amount of iron that accumulates in your body. While iron is a necessary mineral, excess iron can damage body tissues and oxidize cholesterol, which is harmful for the arteries. Studies have shown regular blood donation can also improve circulation and reduce the risk of heart disease. When you give blood, you’ll also lower blood cholesterol and may even shed a few extra calories.
About 40% of U.S. adults are physically able to donate blood, but only 10% do. Every time you donate blood, you could save as many as three lives. And the benefits go beyond helping save the lives of others. When you donate, that voluntary act of kindness can actually support your own well-being!
Health Screening
Donors are asked to share a brief health history and are screened for basic physical health before donation. You’ll learn your blood pressure, body temperature, cholesterol, and hemoglobin levels.
If you are interested in becoming a blood donor, it is important to first check with your doctor to ensure you are healthy enough and are not at high risk for dizziness, nausea, or fainting.
To find out where you can donate blood in your area, visit the American Red Cross.
8. Human Rights Day
It commemorates the day on which, in 1948, the United Nations General Assembly adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. In 1950, the Assembly passed resolution 423 (V), inviting all States and interested organizations to observe 10 December of each year as Human Rights Day.
The 12th month of the year brings us Christmas, Chanukah, and New Years Eve.
December is the last month in the Gregorian calendar. Its name is based on the Latin term for ten. In the Roman calendar, December was the tenth month until the addition of January and February at the beginning of the year. In the Northern Hemisphere December has the shortest daylight hours and marks the beginning of winter. December provides the longest days in Southern Hemisphere, as it is the beginning of summer. December is a month home to many religious holidays.
Below are some fun facts about December:
1. The birthstone of December is turquoise.
2. Zodiac signs for December are Sagittarius (November 22 – December 21) and Capricorn (December 22 – January 19).
3. The birth flower of December is the narcissus.
4. World’s AIDS Day is celebrated on December 1st.
5. December 3 – International Day of the Disabled Person
6. Universal Human Rights Month
7. National Read a New Book Month
8. In December, Nobel Prizes are awarded.
9. On December 4, 1791, The Observer newspaper (the first Sunday newspaper) was first published in Britain.
10. Christmas Day is celebrated on December 25th.
11. On December 7, 1941, The United States Naval Base at Pearl Harbor was attacked by Japanese planes which killed more than 2,300 Americans.
12. On December 20, 1803, the Louisiana Purchase was completed.
13. Kwanzaa is celebrated on December 26 – January 1 every year.
14. National Stress Free Family Holiday Month
15. December 27th is National Chocolate Day
16. On December 29, 1862, the bowling bowl was invented.
17. Poinsettia Day is on December 12th.
18. On December 3, 1967, the first heart transplant was completed.
19. On December 17, 1903, the Wright Brothers made their first flight.
20. On December 14, 1791, the Bill of Rights was passed.
It’s that time of year again. December has come and with it all the joys of Christmas. But what is the real meaning of Christmas?
Many may not agree with me but this is what I believe.
Is it the gifts under the tree, the lights in the windows, the cards in the mail, turkey dinners with family and friends, snow in the yard, stockings hanging in the living room, and shouts of “Merry Christmas” to those who pass us in the streets? Is this really Christmas?
For many people, Christmas is a time of sorrow. They don’t have the extra money to buy presents for their children, family, and friends. Many are saddened at Christmastime when they think of their loved ones who will not be able to celebrate because they have passed or for others who can not come home for various reasons. Turkey dinners may be only a wish and not a reality for some.
4. Five Ways to Fight Holiday Stress
A classic holiday tune tells us this is the most wonderful time of the year. But with parties to attend, food to prepare, and gifts to buy and wrap, it can feel overwhelming. Five Ways to Fight Holiday Stress
5. Glenn is one of the best known American astronauts in U.S. history. RIP AND GOD SPEED!
Yet, Christmas can be a season of great joy. It is a time of God showing His great love for us. It can be a time of healing and renewed strength. You see, Christmas is when we celebrate the birth of the Christ child. God sent His Son, Jesus, into the world to be born. His birth brought great joy to the world. Shepherds, wise men, and angels all shared in the excitement of knowing about this great event. They knew this was no ordinary baby. The prophets had told of His coming hundreds of years before. The star stopped over Bethlehem just to mark the way for those who were looking for this special child.
So I wish everyone a Very Merry Christmas.
the crafty lady in combat boots 