DECK THE HOLIDAY'S

    Christmas means cold weather fun for many parts of the world, but in Brazil, Santa turns in his fur-lined coat, hat, and warm boots for warm-weather silks!  That's just the beginning.  Christmas in Brazil is a diverse celebration of many cultures and heritages that mirrors our own in some ways, but is vastly different in others.    Brazil started out as a colony of the Portuguese, which is the official language of Brazil.  Because of this, the most common Christmas tradition, the presepio , will likely be an enduring one.  Presepio refers to the bed of straw that Jesus was laid upon at birth, and thus, the nativity scene is central to most who celebrate Christmas.    Catholics attend a Midnight Mass (Missa de Galo) on Christmas Eve night, and then on Christmas Day.  Late afternoon masses are held so that people sleeping late after midnight mass can rest, or go to the beach, as it is summer time during Christmas in Brazil....

    We have all heard the silliness of the Twelve days of Christmas and the litany of gifts bestowed by the true love.  Have you ever wondered what that song is really about?  Whether you believe it or not, there is a much deeper message to the song that has spiritual roots. During the Protestant rule of England the teachings of Catholic church were forbidden and the church as a whole was outlawed.  It was during this time that the church went into hiding and sought ways to teach their doctrine in secret.  One of the ways that the doctrine spread was through the Twelve days of Christmas.    Before we launch into the meaning of the song, we need to remember that there were twelve days to Christmas.  These twelve days began on Christmas day and went through the celebration of Epiphany twelve days later.  The song begins on a specific day of Christmas and my true love gave to me.  The true love in the song is God the Father and...

   In the cobwebs and dust of old farmhouse loft in Denmark, it is reported that there lives a mischievous elf named Julenisse , or Nisse.   He is said to wear gray wool clothing, a red bonnet, red stockings, and white clogs upon his feet.  Though he is usually kind and helpful around the farm towards good children, he does love to play jokes.    During the weeks leading up to Christmas, the Danish celebrate Advent.  Each Sunday in Advent, family and friends gather to light candles in the Advent crown.  Refreshments of sweet fruit juices are served to the children, while adults drink a cocktail of red wine, raisins, and spices.  Little fire-baked cakes sprinkled with sugar provide a tasty snack.     On December 13th, Lucia processions are held at many hospitals, schools, and rest homes.  Children's choirs perform a parade in honor of Lucia, "the saint of lights".  The children dress in white, car...