December 2017
1. International Day of Persons with Disabilities.
2. Safety Toys and Gift Month.
In recent years, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has created a robust toy safety system, by requiring testing by independent, third party testing laboratories around the world; enforcing stringent lead and phthalates limits for toys; imposing some of the most stringent toy standards in the world; and stopping violative and dangerous toys at the ports and in the marketplace before they reach children’s hands. These combined efforts continue to foster the confidence of American families as they prepare to shop for toys this holiday season.
3. Mary did you know.
Pearl Harbor Day. December 7, 1941, was a day that would live in infamy and thrust the United States of America into the second World War. Now 70 years later, Americans and people from all over the world gather to pay tribute to those who were here on that fateful day. The ceremony and parade are organized to provide the public an opportunity to express their appreciation for the service and sacrifice of our veterans and their families.
2. Bill of Rights Day.
Now, Therefore, I, Franklin D. Roosevelt, President of the United States of America, do hereby designate December 15, 1941, as Bill of Rights Day. And I call upon the officials of the Government, and upon the people of the United States, to observe the day by displaying the flag of the United States on public buildings and by meeting together for such prayers and such ceremonies as may seem to them appropriate.
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.
5. 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
6. 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 
