ON THE BRIGHT SIDE
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 6TH, 2014
Sunrise: 7:39 am
Sunset: 4:58 pm
Life is a Special Occasion!
Hallmark
St. Nicholas Day is today. Yes, there really was a christian Saint Nicholas. He lived just a couple hundred years after the birth of Christ. This day is in honor of Saint Nicholas and his life.
Saint Nicholas became a priest, and later, a Bishop of the early Church. True to the christian concept of giving up belongings and following Christ, St. Nicholas gave up all of his belongings. He was well known for giving to needy people, especially children. There are may stories and tales of him helping out children in need.
The practice of hanging up stockings originated with Saint Nicholas. As the ancient legend goes, Saint Nicholas was known to throw small bags of gold coins into the open windows of poor homes. After one bag of gold fell into the stocking of a child, news got around. Children soon began hanging their stocking by their chimneys in hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there.
By his example of generosity to those in need, especially children, St. Nicholas continues to be a model for the compassionate life.
If you can't see the Bright Side, polish the dull side
THOUGHT FOR TODAY
Jolly Old Saint Nicholas,
Lean your ear this way;
Don't you tell a single soul
What I'm going to say,
Christmas Eve is coming soon;
Now my dear old man,
Whisper what you'll bring to me;
Tell me if you can.
A simple St. Nicholas Day celebration adds a bit of welcome festivity in the early days of Advent. It provides an opportunity to tell the story of St. Nicholas, a man of faith whose goodness and generosity grew out of his love for God. I remember well how my children sat out their shoes by the fireplace on the eve of St. Nicholas Day, then in the morning there shoes would be filled with sweet treats and little gifts. It doesn’t matter if you celebrate on the Eve of St. Nicholas or the actual day.
I think we’ve all had those chocolate drop candies with sprinkles on them called Nonpareils and I found out that they are a special treat for St. Nicholas Day. One of my favorite cookie recipes calls for a Nonpareil candy in the middle so I thought I’d share the recipe today.
Bright Eyed Susan’s
3/4 cup butter or margarine
1/2 cup sugar
1 egg
1 tsp. vanilla
1/4 tsp. salt
1 and 3/4 cup flour
1 7oz package chocolate nonpareils
Cream together butter sugar, egg, salt and vanilla. Stir in flour and refrigerate for one hour. Using about 2 tsps. of dough shape into one inch balls. Place 2 inches apart on ungreased cookie sheet. Flatten each ball by pressing a nonpareil in the center. Bake at 400 degrees for 8 to 10 minutes. Remove immediately from pan to cooling rack. Makes approximately 3 1/2 dozen cookies
I’m pretty sure that St. Nick didn’t have anything to do with it, but we have a special treat in store as December 6th is also December’s full moon. December's Full Moon is called the Full Cold Moon. It is the month when the winter cold fastens its grip and the nights become long and dark. This full Moon is also called the Long Night. We probably won’t be seeing it here as it is calling for rain.
The pictures today are from our visit to the Christmas store a few weeks ago.
Happy St. Nicholas Day. I hope you all have a super Saturday !
I will honor Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all the year.
Charles Dickens
19 DAYS UNTIL CHRISTMAS
Candy canes are a beautiful and delicious holiday staple with plenty of purpose. They are said to resemble St. Nicholas’ staff. These traditional Christmas treats make great gifts, fast decorations and delicious holiday treats. Red, white and beautiful candy canes are perfect to present as presents and as last minute decorating solutions. Theme your entire holiday style around peppermint canes and you will have a fun and festive home worthy of St. Nick.
Need a little hostess gift or a pretty party treat. Candy canes are the perfect way to present yuletide cheer. Simply place a cluster of candy canes in a basket or vase and you’ll bring a smile to those who receive. Place floral foam in the bottom of a basket, top with a bundle of curled ribbon and wedge the ends of the canes down into the foam to be held firmly into position. This makes a joyful and fun table decoration, a great way to let guest grab a peppermint stick as they leave, or a holiday gift filled with flavor!
Transform your typical dessert by turning it into peppermint stick perfection. Dip canes into chocolate for a yummy after dinner treat, add a mini candy cane to the top of any homemade or store bought cup cake, place a cane right into hot cocoa, and crush peppermint sticks and sprinkle the top of your cake. Candy canes kick up any treat elevating it into a delightful holiday themed presentation.
COUNTING MY GIFTS
Let your heart lead the way.
I have counted at least 3 things every day that I'm thankful for 2 years and have now reached over 2000 gifts. On my way now to 3000. I'm not stopping, but will continue on counting. There is always, always something to be thankful for.
2285. for special treats that remind us to be generous to others
2286. for chocolate, mmmm good
2287. for St. Nicholas, a good example to us all
Enter into His courts with thanksgiving — and in His presence is fullness of Joy!
PRAYER FOR OUR TROOPS
Please pray for God's protection of
our troops and HIS wisdom for their
commanders.
Lord, hold our troops in
your loving hands.
Protect them as they protect us.
Bless them and their families for the
selfless acts they perform for us
in our time of need. I ask this in the
name of Jesus, our Lord and Savior.
AND bless our Police Officers, Firefighters
and Paramedics and EMT's
GOD BLESS YOU ALL !
ADVICE FOR TODAY
The giver of every good and perfect gift has called upon us to mimic Gods giving, by grace, through faith, and this is not of ourselves.
St. Nicholas of Myra
A little smile, a word of cheer,
A bit of love from someone dear…
Love,
ma
1 comment:
Great pictures from your trip, Ma! I saw the full moon today; it was really pretty! I do remember celebrating St. Nicholas' day growing up with treats in socks we left out that my mom would fill :)
betty
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